A late Tom Bentham spot-kick gave Michael Clegg’s side a successful start to their pre-season itinerary.
It was the third consecutive year that the Stripes had commenced the campaign at the Adie Moran Stadium with a 4-0 triumph preceding a 2-0 reversal. The latest instalment sprang to life immediately.
An inviting Jordan Hunter corner was bullet headed home by Niall Battersby. A first ever Colls goal for the returning defender who won the title with Widnes last time out.
Minutes later, the hosts were level. Connor Martin seized on a loose ball and finished clinically. A goal fest seemingly beckoned but never materialised. The first half finished on parity with neither keeper threatened further.
The second half continued to be played in a good spirit but again clear cut opportunities were at a minimum. Heys carved open the Colls rearguard on a couple of occasions only to put the finishing efforts wide. Joe Rothwell almost capped off a Colls neat move but his close range attempt narrowly missed the target.
As proceedings looked odds on to end in a competitive stalemate, there was a major plot twist. Following a lung-busting run from the middle of park, Rodney Ajayi was clipped just inside the box. The ref pointed to the spot instantaneously and Bentham kept his nerve. Prestwich still had a chance to level things with the last action of the match. A corner was headed onto the bar and the rebound was uncompromisingly bundled to safety.
Colls return to action on Tuesday with a visit to Chadderton FC, ko 7.45pm.
Words: Emil Anderson – Photos: Rob Clarke
Photos: flickr.com/photos/robclarke97/albums/72177720327350781
