Tyler James scored twice as Prestwich Heys pulled off a superb 3-1 victory over Bootle in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup at Adie Moran Park on Saturday, writes Stephen Howard.

The Heys wide man produced a man-of-the-match performance as his side caused a cup upset against the Merseyside outfit who play one level higher in the Northern Premier League Division One.

Having brought in David McNabb as Manager, who guided Warrington Rylands to FA Vase success three years ago and having undergone a major overhaul of their squad, hopes are high for a successful season for the Merseyside club.

And the early indications appeared to justify that expectation. Bootle set off at a terrific pace and swamped the home goal. Heys barely got a kick other than those to clear their lines. In the second minute John Hunt fired in a shot that looked to be heading for the bottom corner until the timely intervention of Darcy O’Connor then three minutes later a close-range glancing header by Tom Peterson went just wide of the far post.

Heys took the lead in the 10th minute when Matt Davies played the ball in behind for James, he went clear of his marker and calmly drew ‘keeper Owen Mooney to finish with a shot into the far corner.

Suddenly, everything began to change. With O’Connor signalling for calmness from his teammates, Heys, with increase belief, began to piece together some passes. Meanwhile, the wind seemed to have been drawn from the visitors sails, the ease with which they had been opened up giving cause for uncertainty.

A battle for supremacy then followed. An initial stalemate ensued before Heys began to assert some control. Defensively, Heys had dimmed the early fire of the visitors whilst going forward their threat was increasing. With the midfield promptings of O’Connor and Vinny Howell, the front three of James, Davies and Jack Coop began to stretch the Bootle defence and in the 42nd minute Heys scored again.

Howell in the centre circle, found Coop who advanced forward, drawing men too him, before then picking out Davies to his right. The latter still had much to do but showed great composure, as he steadied himself, picked his spot and fired into the bottom corner.

Despite the loss of the injured Howell at the interval, replaced by Kyle Jacobs, Heys picked up where they had left off on the restart and they went 3-0 up in the 56th minute.

And what a goal it was. Heys won possession in centre field and when the ball was fed to Coop, he sprayed a great cross field pass to find Davies on the right. The Heys man tied his marker in knots before sending in across to the near post where James, steamed in from nowhere to slam the ball home, bringing a huge roar and rapturous scenes amongst the home faithful. Bootle pulled one back in the 67th minute through Ben Hodkinson which was followed by a couple of nervy moments but some solid defending kept the visitors at bay.

Heys soon regained the initiative and had chances to extend their lead, Davies had one effort cleared off the line and James headed just wide.

Moments later the whistle sounded and Heys could bask in their victory, a great performance, a cup upset on a day when the great British weather couldn’t dampen the magic of the FA Cup.

* On Tuesday, Heys played out a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Charnock Richard. On Saturday, they travel to Squires Gate.