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Heys' involvement in league and county cup competition came to an end at early pacesetters Atherton Town on Saturday, writes Norman Dearden.

After their dismal performance at Wigan a week ago, Heys regained some self respect, and but for a lack of self-discipline, could well have achieved a result as they dominated the game for long spells, despite being 2-0 down after ten minutes.

They gave Rod McDonald a debut in goal and he could not have had a more disastrous start as after four minutes, he lost possession attempting to clear his lines to leave Danny Christie an easy chance.

His head didn't drop however, and he had a fine game for the remainder of the match.

On eight minutes, Jon Garrick made an intelligent break in midfield and was well into the penalty area when his heels were clipped from behind, but Heys' strong claims for a penalty were ignored.

To add insult to a poor decision by the referee, Atherton broke clear and Lewis took control of a fine cross-field pass to finish well, giving McDonald no chance.

At 2-0 down after ten minutes, Heys had to make a positive effort and this they did with Alex Ritchie pulling a shot wide before Lee Smart got a goal back on 22 minutes, beating two defenders and the 'keeper to score an excellent goal.

Heys had fought back well and were controlling the game, Garrick being denied by a good save from Osbourne, but in 39 minutes, Scott Dowds got possession forty yards out, and with no apparent danger imminent, he let fly with a right foot screamer that flew into the top corner of the net.

So Heys were 3-1 down at the break, but were still the stronger of the two well matched sides.

Three minutes into the second half, Smart again showed his immense footballing talent by taking on defenders before unleashing a thunderous shot into the top corner of the net.

Heys were pushing hard for an equaliser, but the final touch was elusive.

The referee, who apart from his refusal of a penalty had had a good game, then infuriated both sides by handing out three cautions for offences that were unwarranted, taking into account the competitive nature of the game.

These had an adverse affect on Heys, and it culminated in the dismissal of Smart, who should have controlled himself rather than have an argument with the referee's assistant. Manager Joe Murty remonstrated with the referee, but he would not listen to his protests and despatched him from the touchline.

Right on time, Karl Kavanagh had a free-kick well saved and Atherton held on to progress to the next round. Heys have now had a player sent off in the last three games, two for dissent, and they should remember that even if
they think the referee is wrong, it is he who is eventually right.

Heys Line-up : McDonald, Massey, Brierley, Peters, Moran, Harrison, Kavanagh (K), Ritchie, Smart, Garrick, Thompson. Subs : Kavanagh (J)