PRESTWICH Heys returned to action on Saturday playing two pre-season friendlies in one day, writes Stephen Howard.

In the morning they travelled to Manchester Gregorians and came away with a 7-0 victory before an afternoon trip to Stockport Town brought a 2-1 defeat.

After two weeks of training and with a large group of players from which to choose, managers Lee O’Brien and James Hampson mixed and matched their teams to give game time to as many players as possible.

At the Belle Vue Sports Village, Heys made all the running against their old Manchester League rivals Gregorians. After missing a penalty, they took the lead through a Rio Clegg strike before adding a second through a trialist. Jack Coop then marked his return by adding a third shortly before the interval.

Heys cut loose in the second half and Bailey Dawes made a welcome return from a year long injury to find the net for Heys fourth and fifth goals. Clegg was to then wrap up a comfortable win for Heys with two further strikes to complete his hat-trick.

Two hours later, Heys took to the field at Stockport Sports Village with a different starting eleven. A tight first half ended goal less with both sides missing chances.

It was the hosts who came out stronger after the break, scoring two goals in as many minutes just after the hour.

Heys rallied thereafter, with Greg Daniels making a welcome return after a long absence. It was Tyler James who pulled Heys back into the game in the 70th minute to reduce the arrears but they were unable to level matters as the home side held out for victory.

There is another double header on Saturday as Heys return to Adie Moran Park to host another rival from their Manchester League days in Hindsford at midday. At 3pm they then host First Division North Atherton LR.

Nelson are Heys next pre-season opponents on Tuesday night (11th July) with The First Division North side visiting Adie Moran Park for a 7.45pm kick off.

Meanwhile, Heys will start the new North West Counties League Premier Division season on Saturday, July 29 at home to Burscough.

Heys remain at Adie Moran Park four days later when they welcome newly promoted Pilkington. The St. Helens based side were First Division North Champions last season and will be looking to hit the ground running with the traditional bounce which promoted sides enjoy.

After a break for the opening round of the FA Cup, the draw for which will be announced tomorrow, Heys first away trip takes them to Charnock Richard on Tuesday, August 8.

* The first batch of fixtures released by the NWCL are: Sat, July 29: Burscough Home (3pm), Tues,August 1: Pilkington Home (3pm), Saturday,August 5: FA Cup WeekendTues,August 8: Charnock Richard Away (3pm), Sat,August 12: Squires Gate Away (3pm), Tues,August 15: Wythenshawe Home (7.45pm),Sat,August 19: FA Cup WeekendTues, August 22: Cheadle Town Away 7.45pm, Sat, August 26: FA Vase fixture or Ramsbottom United Home (3pm), Mon, August 28: AFC Liverpool Away 3pm