THERE will be no extended run in the FA Vase for 1874 Northwich this season.

With memories of reaching the semi finals in 2017-18 still fresh in the memory, co-managers Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison will have been hoping to at least make it past the first hurdle.

However, Prestwich Heys – a team who ply their trade in the division below – denied them that opportunity on Saturday.

Although Heys have enjoyed a good start to the season and had home advantage, this will still go down as a shock defeat for 1874.

They get the chance to redeem themselves in the FA Cup on Saturday when they host Pickering Town of the BetVictor Northern Premier North West Division – one league higher than their level.

On this occasion, they will be hoping the shoe will be on the other foot.

It is not as if they took their foot off the gas either – Bowyer and Goodison sent out the same side that started Bank Holiday Monday’s victory over Runcorn Town.

In the opening quarter of the game, the visitors could – and perhaps should – have been out of sight.

The Prestwich goal lived a charmed life – Lee Knight’s thunderous effort bounced off the crossbar twice before Scott McGowan struck a post.

Heys rode out that storm and just after the half-hour mark, they had the lead.

The ball broke for playmaker Will Shawcross, who played Justin Pickering through on goal and his finish beat the outstretched arm of Tony Aghayere.

1874 were up against it and as the second half got underway, their onslaught on the home goal continued.

Unfortunately, from their point of view, they were continually repelled by some committed Prestwich defending as time after time, Northwich players found their efforts blocked.

Mike Koral saw an effort deflected narrowly wide before Knight was denied by the woodwork again – this time his shot skimmed the post.

Mark Jones then saw a towering header make its way goalwards, but once again Prestwich cleared their lines as goalkeeper Russell Saunders kept it out.

Prestwich held on for a notable victory to book a clash with Charnock Richard in the second qualifying round.

For 1874, they are left to wonder what might have been.