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A first half hat-trick from Brandon Jolly inspired a return to winning ways for Prestwich Heys as they defeated Willows 3-1 on an eventful afternoon at Sandgate Road, writes Steve Howard.

After four successive defeats in league and cup this was a much needed win for Heys that keeps them amongst the early season pacesetters. It was also a welcome return to form for Jolly who had hitherto struggled to recapture the dazzling performances he produced last season when he was amongst the leagues leading goalscorers.

However his, and Heys, enjoyment of the win was somewhat soured by some unprecedented and ugly scenes in the final minutes of the game when tempers became frayed following a bizarre series of events.

With the clock ticking down and Heys leading 3-1 the game took a controversial turn when a Willows player, after appearing to be leaving the pitch, and having removed his shirt, suddenly re-appeared, still minus his top, and played a super pass into his team mate Alan Haughton.

The prolific Willows striker, whilst all around stood wondering what was happening, bore down on goal only to be brought down by Heys 'keeper Damien Rooney. The referee was unsighted, having been telling the Willows player to put his shirt back on, and after consulting a linesman, gave a penalty, much to everyone's amazement as it was expected that he would bring play back to where the unshirted player had played the ball.

Thankfully the referee did not compound his error by dismissing Rooney, which technically he should have done, and the Heys' keeper made a top class save to deny Haughton from the spot.

However, tempers had been raised and shortly after Willows' Charlie Smith received his marching orders for a disgraceful lunge at Gerry Harrison and then became involved in a touchline altercation with the Heys' bench which threatened to get out of hand before sense prevailed.

After a lengthy stoppage while the officials sorted things out play resumed, and Heys went onto to complete victory thanks to an impressive first half showing.

Despite the attraction of the England game on TV, the Heys faithful again turned out in numbers to get behind their side and they were treated to some dazzling football in the first 45 minutes.

From the off, Heys looked lively and Paul Thomson singularly weaved his way through the Willows defence before shooting over in the 1st minute.

Heys pace and movement in attack, sadly lacking in recent weeks, was causing the visitors rearguard no end of problems in the 8th minute the first goal of the afternoon came Heys way.

Jon Garrick, who was at the hub of Heys' best movements, played Jolly into space and the Heys frontman went onto to brush-off two challenges before steering the ball past Darnton.

As Heys laid siege to the Willows goal, Jolly and Lee Smart both went close to adding to the lead before Willows hit back to apply some pressure themselves and Heys were indebted to Rooney, who produced two top class saves at point blank range to deny Haughton and Smith.

Heys soon returned to the attack however and went two goals up in the 25th minute when Smart was upended in the box giving Jolly the chance to add his second from the spot.

The confidence which characterised Heys early season performances was re-emerging as they played some fine one touch football and this was typified in Jolly who looked reborn after his recent struggles. His new found spirit was to the fore in the 35th minute when he forced a mistake in the Willows defence to go through and complete his hat-trick with an assured finish past Darnton to put his side firmly in the driving seat.

Willows, still adapting having lost their long serving manager Gary Fellowes and the bulk of their side in the summer, came out for the second half looking to restore pride, and should have had a penalty in the first minute when a Heys defender clearly appeared to handle on the goalline.

The Salford side were calling the tune and it took some good defence to keep them at arms length with Tim Stokes on his return to the side making some timely interceptions.

Heys had lost some of their fluency of the first half but in flashes produced some tidy football and Jolly, Thomson and Alex Ritchie all came close to adding to Heys lead.

However, Willows were rewarded for their second half endeavour when Haughton continued his fine run of goalscoring form by reducing the arrears to give his side hope but their was to be no way back as their chances faded way in those crazy closing minutes.

Heys Line-up : Rooney, Massey, Brierley, Harrison, Stokes, Moran, Leacock, Garrick, Thomson, Jolly, Smart. Subs: Ritchie, Kavanagh (J), Lomas.