Heys head to Gigg Lane on Boxing Day for a derby against Bury that as well as seeing local pride at stake also offers a chance to gain crucial points in the NW Counties League Premier Division promotion race.

Only two points separate the sides going into the game. Bury are currently second with 49 points from 26 games whilst Heys are fourth, with two points fewer, but with two games in hand.

Bury come into the game on the back of a 2-2 draw at Burscough on Saturday and appear to be going through a patchy spell of form. However, take their exits from the FA Vase and Macron Cup out of the equation and it shows a side that have taken nineteen points from their last eight in the League. Surprisingly, the points dropped have come against two of the bottom three sides, in that draw at Burscough and a defeat at Skelmersdale. Their run includes victories over West Didsbury, Kendal and Wythenshawe Town and they will be looking to add Heys to that list in striking a blow to another of their contenders.

Heys will enter the game with a similar mindset. It’s been a frustrating few weeks with numerous postponements stalling what has been a steady climb up the table on the back of a run of just two losses in seventeen games that has yielded thirty nine points. Heys have played only one League game in December, against Lower Breck last weekend, but go into the game with five wins in their last six in the League and a penalty shoot-out win over League leaders Wythenshawe in the Macron Cup. It will be the second time Heys have faced Bury boss David McNabb this season as he was then in charge of the Bootle side beaten 3-1 at Adie Moran Park in the FA Cup back in August. A win for Heys in this game would take them above Bury, by a point, with two games in hand.

Its all to play for in front of what should be a bumper crowd. With the two Wythenshawe teams also meeting its means the top four are all in action against each other. Although nothing long term will get decided on the day it could prove to be one that may turn out to have a bearing on the weeks ahead and the final outcomes.

MATCH INFORMATION

Ground: Gigg Lane, Bury, BL9 9HR

It is recommended Heys fans pay on the day for the Cemetery End, the entrance is to the left-hand corner of the main stand.

There will be cash / card pay on the day turnstiles. Admission charges are:
• Adults - £10
• 16 – 18-year-olds - £5
• Under 16’s - £3 we do expect children under 12 to be accompanied by an adult
• Under 5’s – Free
• Programmes are £3.

Around the stadium there is street parking available. Please check road signs as some of the streets are residents only and need a permit. Please Park respectfully so we maintain great relations with our local residents who we share our community.