Three goals in eight minutes, midway through the first half, propelled Prestwich Heys into the Bolton Hospital Cup Final as they defeated Pennington in Monday night’s semi-final at Daisy Hill, write Stephen Howard and Rick Barrett.

Lee O’Brien and James Hampson’s side were ultimately comfortable winners but by no means had it their own way against their Manchester League opponents. Indeed, Pennington were the sharper side in the opening stages, pressing a high line and creating a couple of half chances, as they showed just why they are challenging for the Manchester League Premier Division title.

Steadily, however, Heys began to assert a measure of control and in the 19th minute they took the lead. Good link up play between Tyler James and Dylan Fitzgerald ended up with the latter slotting home from eight yards out.

The goal gave Heys added impetus and they went close to a second goal two minutes later when Fitzgerald found space before seeing his shot come off the crossbar.

It was to prove only a temporary respite for Pennington however as Heys increased their lead two minutes later. Heys were creating real problems down the left and it was another ball in from that side that picked out Brad Sixsmith who broke into the box before steering home from eight yards out.

Pennington looked to respond and had appeals for a penalty waived aside and they were left facing an uphill task in the 27th minute when Heys struck again. After a scramble in the box, a ball over from the right found Nathan Emery who made the most of a free header to score his side’s third goal from close range.

Heys were now threatening to run riot as Jacob Ngoy, on the right, knocked a peach of a cross in to find the head of James but his header was just wide. Then in the 35th minute. Kyle Jacobs let fly from 20 yards out only to see his shot smash against the crossbar.

Just before half time, Ngoy went close with a long-range effort as Heys went in for the break in a commanding position.

Indeed, the latter was one of several changes as the second half opened with Heys utilising all five of their substitutes in the opening twenty minutes. Jordan Hadlow, who had replaced Russell Saunders in net, pushed a shot away for a corner as Pennington came out in determined fashion.

The changes disrupted much of Heys first half rhythm but one sensed that it was a case of closing down the game down on their part. Pennington remained busy, enjoying the bulk of possession but apart from a couple of shots the Heys defence looked comfortable.

Any hopes their opponents had of a comeback were well and truly extinguished nine minutes from time by a fourth Heys goal. A ball through to Akim Samms saw him brush past his marker before steering home from inside the box.

Pennington had one final chance to gain some reward for their endeavour with a shot that whistled over the bar from 30 yards, but the night belonged to Heys who will now face Atherton LRin the final at Radcliffe on Friday night, 7.45 pm.

Russell Saunders, Jacob Ngoy, Nathan Emery, Regan Brown, Rudy Misambo, Arron Chalmers (Capt.), Brad Sixsmith, Vincent Howell. Dylan Fitzgerald, Kyle Jacobs, Tyler James Subs; Jimmy Crowley, Jordan Hadlow, Saidkhon Khamidov, Akim Samms, Joe Simister (all used)