GOLDLINE TROPHY semi-final (at Atherton Colllieries)

Prestwich Heys...2 Atherton LR...1 (Heys win on Golden Goal in extra time)

TIM STOKES headed Prestwich Heys into a Reebok Stadium final appearance against Atherton Collieries with a goal that was truly golden.

The Heys centre back grabbed the vital strike in the second minute of injury time on Wednesday night to make amends for Heys' defeat at the same stage of last season's competition.

After a dismal showing in their league game last Saturday, Heys made changes to the side, with Garrick and Uddin returning and Carrington stepping up from the Reserves.

It was a game that Heys badly wanted to win and overall they were much the better side, exerting their authority from the start, despite being pitted against a team from a higher league.

Chances were created on a regular basis and pressure was put on the Atherton defence as Heys took control of the midfield to give Orrell, Uddin and Denham chances to give Heys the lead.

The breakthrough came after 20 minutes when the ever-alert Orrell took advantage of a half chance before Uddin had a volley on the turn go agonisingly wide of a post.

The crossbar was then ratteld to its foundations with a shot that was scarmbled to safety and Jeys lead was intact at the break.

With the advantage of slope and wind in the second half, Heys were now full of confidence and went on all out attack in an attempt to increase their lead.

Uddin was having an excellent game and his intelligent distribution brought about numerous chances.

Heys were so much in charge, but the second goal just wouldn't come and Atherton equalised after 80 minutes when a speculative shot dipped in the wind and caught Rooney out.

Full time arrived and with it the lottery of the Golden Goal, but Heys had lasted the pace of the game well and after just two minutes of extra time they got their reward when they were awarded a free-kick wide on the left.

Lyons took it and his pin-point cross found the head of Stokes and the ball found the corner of the net.

The result was a just one after an awesome performance from Heys on the night.

PRESTWICH HEYS: Rooney, Carrington, Brierley, Stokes, Walters, Leonard, Denham, Lyons, Uddin, Garrick, Orrell. Substitutes: Mercer, Norton. Not used: Love, Kavanagh, O'Brien.

Any enterprising businesses wishing to be involved in commercial sponsorship of Heys' cup final appearance at the Reebok on Wednesday April 9 should ring the club secretary on 0161-959 1305.