Prestwich Heys made a disastrous start to the new North West Counties League Premier Division season as they crashed to a 3-1 defeat against Burscough at Adie Moran Park on Saturday.

But they responded with a 3-0 home victory over Pilkington on Tuesday night.

Ahead of kick off on Saturday, home expectations were high after a close season that had seen some eye-catching new recruits added to a squad that came seventh last season.

However, that bubble was popped as Heys totally misfired against a well-drilled Burscough side who were full value for their victory.

The first chance fell to Heys in the fourth minute when Burscough keeper Charlie Monk failed to control a backpass and the ball dropped to Tyler James. The Heys man looked certain to score but rushed the opportunity and steered the ball wide of the open goal.

Two minutes later the away side were ahead. Possession was conceded and Burscough worked the ball to Daniel Boden and the striker showed great pace before cutting inside Arron Chalmers and planting a great shot past Jordan Hadlow.

The goal did prompt something of a response from Heys, but Burscough continued to look the better side and in the 16th minute were awarded a penalty as Boden was brought down by Regan Brown.

From the spot-kick, however, Hadlow dropped to his right to push the ball onto the post before gathering to give his side a lifeline.

But, they might have fell further behind when Boden cut through the defence and rounded Hadlow only to blaze his shot over the top of an open goal.

In the 41st minute, Heys levelled. James broke into the box to pick out Greg Daniels and he made no mistake, slotting the ball between post and keeper from 10 yards.

Home joy was short-lived, though, as Burscough scored almost immediately. From a throw, possession was carelessly conceded and they were again found sleeping as Boden cut through and rifled home.

It was hoped that the break might bring about a change in tempo from the home side but within four minutes of the restart they were left facing an uphill battle as Burscough added to their lead - a free-kick on the edge of the box dispatched with aplomb by Will Riding.

A host of substitutions followed but did nothing to lift Heys from their lethargy. And Boden should have had a hat-trick on the hour as a cross into the box found him unmarked, but his first time shot sailed over.

The entrance of Vinny Howell and Rio Wilson-Heyes did see Heys begin to enjoy more possession, but their overall play lacked any zip.

In the last 10 minutes, Chalmers saw a fine header come of the inside off the post and out and the final whistle sounded soon after.

On Tuesday, it was a happier night for Heys thanks to goals from Jack Coop, Howell and Kaiden Barlow secured all three points on home soil.

Heys are at home again on Saturday, against Bootle in the FA cup extra preliminary round (3pm).