Euxton Villa 2  - 2 Prestwich Heys  Goldline Trophy 23 July 07

Adverse weather conditions throughout the summer saw Villa approach their first competitive match of the new season without having had the benefit of the usual preparation via the odd friendly, all of which have succumbed to the unusual weather. That, coupled with holiday and work commitments, encouraged manager Mark McDonnell to give several of the reserves the chance to stake a claim to a regular first team spot.

A somewhat vague weather forecast meant that there was a real question mark over the game right up to the last minute, but in fact it turned out to be a perfect evening for football, and the pitch, although sodden in places, stood up better than expected to the test.

The home side suffered a nightmare start, when, already without a couple of stalwarts, experienced skipper Daz Davies limped off with less than five minutes on the clock. Nevertheless, Trophy holders Prestwich Heys found the youthful Villa side eager to show their manager what they could do, and to endeavour to reverse their semi-final defeat of last season. And after twenty minutes of cautious sparring from both sides, a cleverly flighted looping header from Mat Atherton found the far corner with the Heys keeper rooted to the spot, and Villa’s season was off and running.

This seemed to settle the Euxton lads, and it was they who produced the more productive football during the remainder of the first half. New signing George Craddock capped an excellent first half debut by netting with a deft side foot flick from close range to double the home side’s advantage at the interval.  

However, as the sides emerged for the second half, Craddock headed for the dug-out clutching an ice-pack to a tweeked muscle. He was to be quickly followed by fellow scorer Atherton and midfielder Phil Woodman, and although those coming from the bench were individually more than capable replacements, Villa’s shape and cohesion was fatally disrupted.

The physically stronger and more experienced Prestwich side now held sway, and for most of the second half held possession and territorial advantage. Sensing that Villa were now there for the taking, the visitors pressed hard to redress their first half short comings, and Westhead gave substance to their hopes mid way through the half.  If anything this seemed to settle Villa again, and for a while honours were even as the Conway brothers began to find their rhythm. However, too many Amstels and late nights soon caught up with them, and before long Heys had the bit between their teeth again.  Westhead grabbed his and his sides second late on to earn his side a deserved point and rob Villa of a valuable if perhaps unexpected win in their quest to progress from the group stage for the second year in a row.

An entertaining opener then, well handled by Michael Salisbury who had his usual assured game in the middle. Villa now travel to Atherton Town on Thursday evening in what promises to be another cracker. Please note also that this coming Saturday sees the rearranged fixture against Chorley go ahead (weather permitting) down at the Villa in a 3,0pm kick off. Don’t miss that one!

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