TUESDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2007.

LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP 1ST ROUND.

SKELMERSDALE UNITED 5 LANCASTER CITY 0

(WRITES FRANK HUGHES)

Tommy Lawson made no less than eight changes to the starting line-up which faced Radcliffe last Saturday for this game ahead of the FA Cup game against Southport on Saturday…not that you would’ve noticed as Skem cruised to a very comfortable win.

There were one or two frowns from the supporters when they heard the team being read out, but they needn't have worried because Tommy's 'second team' put in a polished performance against an almost full strength Lancaster City squad.

 

The opening goal came in the 8th minute.  John Cass’ initial shot was deflected off the head of a defender before falling to the path of Tony Evans who sidestepped his marker before curling the ball into the right hand corner of the net with the outside of his foot.

 

Tony Evans had another go in the 25th minute but this time his shot was turned over the crossbar by the keeper.

 

A great bit of work down the flank by Sean McConvile had Lancaster back peddling, and before they could regroup he squared the ball to Cass.  With his back to the defence he turned on a sixpence before unleashing a shot which the keeper did well to collect.

 

Sean McConville doubled United’s lead in the 33rd minute as he headed home Eaton’s cross at the far post.

 

Five minutes later Paul McNally’s header hit the crossbar before clipping the upright and ricocheting to safety.


Tony Evans scored his second 2 minutes into the second half as he caught Lancaster on the break.  His low drive was struck with power and proved to be inch perfect as it hit the inside of the upright and flew into the back of the net.

 

In the 67th minute John Cass was brought down in the penalty box and was ordered from the dugout to take the spot kick, albeit Evans was lining up for an attempt at claiming the match ball.  Cass eventually took the kick in a rather hurried fashion and the keeper managed to save it.  Fortunately the referee asked for the penalty to be taken again as he penalised Lancaster for encroachment into the area.  Cass cheekily reverted to his left foot and slammed the ball into the back of the net.

 

Cass could’ve had another 4 minutes later but the keeper blocked his shot, but the rout was completed in the 73rd minute with an exquisite piece of football.

 

David Eaton took receipt of a loose ball with great control before making a wide pass to Cass who in turn squared the ball to debutant Lee Kelly who hit a fantastic shot which was heading goalward bound only for a terrific save by the keeper.  However, the ball fell kindly to Evans who lashed the ball into the back of the net to eventually claim the match ball that his performance so richly deserved.


M.O.M. TONY EVANS.

A fine performance with three goals typical of a class centre forward.

 

A great team performance it has to be said.

Team:
IAN LOWE, SHAUN FOSTER, TOM HARDWICK, PAUL McNALLY, MICHAEL WHITE ©, LEE KELLY, SEAN McCONVILLE, MICHAEL GROGAN, TONY EVANS, JOHN CASS, DAVID EATON.  SUBS NOT USED: PHIL HOLLAND, MICHAEL DUFFY, ADAM BIRCHALL.

 

ATT: 141.