Prestwich Heys lifted the Bolton Hospital Cup for the first time in seven years, with a 2-0 win over Atherton LR in the all-North West Counties League final at the Neuven Stadium in Radcliffe on Friday evening, writes Ian Templeman.

Dylan Fitzgerald gave Heys the lead shortly before half time, and although LR staged a spirited performance in the second half, Akin Samms wrapped up the win for Heys with a second goal eight minutes from time.

Premier Division Heys started as favourites against their First Division North opponents, but LR matched them for long periods and will look back on missed chances that could have made the outcome different, had they been converted.

LR began well and created the first two clear chances of the game, with captain Connor Ikin glancing a header wide in the third minute, and then eight minutes later Heys had another let off when David Moores smashed a shot through a mass of bodies in the box that rebounded off the post.

Heys responded with a shout on the turn from Dylan Fitzgerald that was gathered by LR keeper Connor Beard, and then just after the half hour Heys’ striker Tyler James outpaced the LR back line and ran through to slot the ball into the net, only to be flagged offside.

But seven minutes from half time, Heys finally broke the deadlock.

Heys substitute Akin Samms, who had entered the game after half an hour to replace Brad Sixsmith, was tripped on the edge of the right hand side of the penalty area.

From the free kick, Nathan Emery curled a cross to the back post which was headed back by James into the path of Dylan Fitzgerald, who had the simple task of tapping in from close range.

After the break, LR stepped up the pace and enjoyed a good spell of pressure that delivered several chances, with first Moores firing a shot just wide form the edge of the box, and Jake Dunford having an effort smothered low at the near post by Heys keeper Jordan Hadlow.

Moores was unlucky again at the midway point of the half when he hit the woodwork for a second time, this time hooking an effort over the keeper’s head only to see the ball rebound off the cross bar.

But with LR continuing to push forward in search of an equaliser, they are were always vulnerable to the counter attack and the lively Samms on the left flank was always a threat for Heys.

Thirteen minutes from time, the winger outpaced the LR back line and squared for Fitzgerald who rattled the cross bar from 20 yards.

But with eight minutes remaining, Samms finally made a breakthrough, when once again he took advantage of space down the left to advance into the penalty box, and finish with a low shot under the keeper to double Heys’ advantage.

To LR’s credit they still kept pushing forward, and the chances kept coming in the closing minutes.

Substitute Chad Whyte had an effort saved by Hadlow, captain Connor Ikin headed just wide, and then Ben Vincent found the back of the net as the game moved into to stoppage time, but the goal was ruled out by the assistant referee, who had flagged for offside.