Heys need higher fitness levels (From Prestwich and Whitefield Guide)

Heys need higher fitness levels

12:20pm Thursday 5th November 2009

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PRESTWICH Heys travel to Manchester League Premier Division rivals East Manchester on Saturday aiming to bounce back after the weekend’s disappointing extra-time exit from the Gilgryst Cup.

Mark Slater was big enough to admit that his side were lacking a little bit of fitness and sharpness in the wake of the 3-2 reverse to Royton Town at Sandgate Road.

“We played some good stuff, particularly in the second half,” he said.

“But our lack of fitness resulted in Royton getting level in the 92nd minute.

“A lot of the lads I have signed recently have not done a full pre-season, and haven’t played a lot of football, so to try to get 120 minutes of football out of them was a lot to ask.

“It’s a problem that has been addressed, but in fairness I knew what the situation was before I signed them.”

Anthony Kenyon are suspended for the East Manchester clash, while an injury to midfielder Damion Keegan could force him out.

However, fit-again Andy Roberts is vying for a berth in midfield. Meanwhile, Prestwich have been drawn against Atherton LR in the semi-final of the Goldline Trophy at a date and venue yet to be determined.

The winning side will win the right to play either Charnock Richard or Tempest at Bolton Wanderers Reebok Stadium.

Slater has played for Prestwich Heys in two Reebok finals — winning one and losing the other.

Reflecting on the Goldline experience, he added: “The final is a fantastic day out and we definitely want to be there.

“LR are two divisions higher than us but there is no reason why we can’t beat them.”

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