SATURDAY 22^ND SEPTEMBER 2007.

RADCLIFFE BOROUGH 0 SKELMERSDALE UNITED 1.

(WRITES FRANK HUGHES)

Since their opening day defeat at Bradford Park Avenue, United have gone 8 games unbeaten in all competitions and have also kept 6 clean sheets in the process.

Georgie Donnelly’s 17^th minute goal divided the two teams in the final analysis, but Skem could’ve easily been leading by 4 come the half time break but for an inspired bit of keeping by Tim Dittmer.

Georgie Donnelly was at the hub of the action throughout the game and showed his intent in the 15^th minute with a speculative 20-yarder which breezed but a few inches high of the crossbar.

The goal that would ultimately decide the game came two minutes later as the ever industrious Adam Birchall weaved his way into the danger area, and when he eventually bamboozled his marker he unselfishly played the ball inside to David Eaton, who in turn squared the ball to Donnelly who had the relatively easy job of guiding the ball into the back of the net.

Aaron Turner’s free kick in the 22^nd minute; although dipping sharply at the last minute still cleared the crossbar.

Michael Duffy worked his way from a defensive position straight through the entire Radcliffe midfield before hanging a ball over to the far post only to see Noone’s shot blocked by the feet of Tim Dittmer. The ball was only half cleared and eventually Aaron Turner sliced his way into the penalty area via the by-line before finding David Eaton in a good position, but sadly Eaton’s effort was diverted for a corner, courtesy of the trusted hand of the keeper.

Georgie Donnely clipped a lovely ball through to Eaton just before the halftime interval, but Eaton’s attempt at a clever lob was thwarted by Dittmer.

Skem continued to take the game to Radcliffe in the second half, but once again Dittmer denied them when he turned Georgie Donnelly’ shot over the crossbar. Donnelly threatened again in the 57^th minute when he flashed a speculative effort across the goal mouth, and headed wide Duffy’s cross minutes later.

Craig Noone saw his volley cleared off the line in the 65^th minute, but the balance of play was just about turning. The longer Radcliffe kept United at bay the more their confidence grew, and in a twist to the tale, it was United’s keeper Ryan McMahon who went on to deny Radcliffe a route back into the game as he pulled off three instinctive saves.

The first of which came in the 68^th minute when McMahon’s brilliant reflex save denied Steve Howsen.

United were still effective on the break though. David Eaton should’ve done better in the 72^nd minute when he managed to beat Mike Flynn to the ball, but his shot was whipped over the crossbar when it looked easier to score.

Donnelly’s shot was blocked en route in the 75^th minute, and Birchall fired into the keepers hands soon after as Radcliffe failed to clear their lines.

By this stage Radcliffe were dominating play at the other end with a series of crosses that threatened to cause pandemonium, but once again McMahon pulled of top drawer saves from Hendley and Sampson, hence giving United all three points.

On reflection Radcliffe will believe they should’ve at least had a share of the spoils, but the general consensus of opinion was United fought well in all areas and overall they edged the game.

M.O.M. Shaun Foster.

Adam Birchall, Michael Duffy and George Donnelly all featured strongly in this game, but Shaun Foster literally prevented them from making any headway on the right hand flank.

McMahon, Duffy, Foster, Akrigg, White, Holland, Birchall, Turner, Eaton, Donnelly, Noone (12. Cass 82) Subs Not Used: 14. McConville. 15. Hardwick.

United go into the FA Cup 2^nd Qualifying Round against Southport full of confidence this weekend. (Saturday 29^th September 2007, KO 3-00pm.)

With a gate of over 1,000 anticipated and with £3750 in prize money as an incentive, they are looking at a potentially large cash windfall.

If Skem draw with Southport it will mean that the game against FC United next Tuesday 2^nd October 2007 (7-45pm KO) will have to be rescheduled as the cup takes precedence over league fixtures.

However, United are geared up for their two biggest back-to-back fixtures since their successful amateur days.

After negotiations will the police the game against the disillusioned former Manchester United supporters has been declared a pay on the gate fixture, with a 600-1000 attendance expected.