OLD ALTS 1, PRESTWICH HEYS 4: Heys' attempt to finish top of the Air Miles Manchester League Premier Division

and win the championship was given a boost after taking all three points from a difficult game at Old Alts.

Other results went their way too, with leaders Irlam MS beaten 2-0 by second-placed Springhead, although Heys are still in third spot.

But with games running out for the top two and the fact Heys are 12 points behind Irlam but have six games in hand on them, and three points adrift of Springhead with four games in hand, hopes are still high they can do it.

Both Irlam and Springhead have to visit Sandgate next month, so things are still far from decided.

Old Alts had visited Sandgate three weeks previously, losing 3-1 but they looked a more than useful side on the day so Heys knew they had their work cut out if they were to do the double over them and keep alive an unbeaten league run that stretches back to last September.

With the wind behind them in the first half Heys went on the attack.

Sensale made the most of the space given to him down the left, and after being put clear by Kavanagh on 15 minutes he finished neatly.

Kavanagh then added his own name to the scoresheet with a diving header at the far post following a superb cross from Carl Lomax.

Two became three when Lomax made space for himself before smashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

Old Alts pulled a goal back before the break to show they still had some fight in them.

Unfortunately the fight had nothing to do with the football, as the second half degenerated into farce, with six Alts players being cautioned and two sent off, in addition to the manager.

Lomax made it 4-1 with his 16th goal of the season and the game was played out with Heys never troubled, and when pressure was applied to the Heys net, goalkeeper Tommy Allen was alert to the danger.

Doran and Walters were strong in a Heys defence that has conceded only 18 goals in 19 games in the league this season.

Jason Dormer had a quiet game but his class in midfield was always apparent, proving what an astute signing he has been.

HEYS: Allen, Hutchinson, Slater, Doran, Walters, Kavanagh, Coldridge, Dormer, Lomax, Howson, Sensale. Subs: Price, Uddin, Roberts, A.Garrick, D.Roberts.