Division One
		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts	PP
1	Fleetwood Town	42	31	6	5	107	42	65	99	99
2	Newcastle Town	42	28	8	6	94	51	43	92	92
3	St Helens Town	42	21	13	8	75	48	27	76	76
4	Curzon Ashton	42	23	7	12	66	45	21	76	76
5	Ramsbottom United	42	22	9	11	70	47	23	75	75
6	Skelmersdale United	41	20	11	10	92	57	35	71	74
7	Alsager Town	42	19	11	12	65	47	18	68	68
8	Maine Road	42	20	7	15	76	69	7	67	67
9	Bacup Borough	41	19	8	14	52	45	7	65	68
10	Colne	42	18	10	14	75	61	14	64	64
11	Stone Dominoes	42	17	12	13	73	64	9	63	63
12	Trafford	42	16	8	18	69	59	10	56	56
13	Glossop North End	42	15	10	17	79	75	4	55	55
14	Abbey Hey	42	16	6	20	51	69	-18	54	54
15	Atherton LR	42	14	6	22	64	82	-18	48	48
16	Nantwich Town	42	12	8	22	71	91	-20	44	44
17	Squires Gate	42	12	8	22	38	64	-26	44	44
18	Salford City	42	11	9	22	68	90	-22	42	42
19	Congleton Town	42	9	7	26	54	88	-34	34	34
20	Formby	42	8	8	26	47	99	-52	32	32
21	Atherton Collieries	42	8	7	27	57	102	-45	31	31
22	Great Harwood Town (-4)	42	8	9	25	48	96	-48	29	29

Bacup Borough 0 Skelmersdale United 2

Bacup were the only team capable of doing the double over United come the last game of the season, but in what had been described as a nothing game by some, the boys in blue were determined to keep their record intact and finish on a high, indeed they accomplished that in style.

The first half wasn�t a classic it has to be said, with United�s only chance of the half being a Michael Cole in-swinging corner in the sixth minute that took the keeper by surprise.

The game was brought to a sickening halt in the 12^th minute when Lee Anderson deliberately lashed out at Lee Thompson, breaking his nose in the process. It was a totally unprovoked assault that the lad should be totally ashamed of, but according to one of his teammates, it is part and parcel of his make-up. Worst of all the Referee turned a blind eye to it claiming he hadn�t seen the incident, which for him was hardly surprising as one had to question his fitness as he struggled to keep up with the pace. His assistant didn�t have the luxury of an excuse, because he had to be looking in that direction to be doing his job, and what was so blatantly obvious from most corners of the pitch, was swept under the carpet in sheepish fashion. Later, Anderson claimed it was an accident, but conveniently failed to apologise at the time, choosing instead to keep his head down, whilst the physio attended to Lee Thompson�s nose that was gushing with blood. Thompson was then taken to hospital, and any chance he had of finishing the League�s leading goal scorer evaporated. Three goals behind Glossop�s Gary Kharas it was a bit of a tall order anyway!

Ben Thornley�s cross to Jamie Bates was headed just over the crossbar, and soon after Matthew Cross struck a crisp volley on target only to see Robbie Holcroft pull off a world class save, and that was about it for the for 45 minutes.

United had the better chances in the second half albeit the game was finely balanced, indeed they played some lovely football, but at times overplayed things when a bit of improvisation was called for. At the other end Bacup�s Karl Stanley was running his socks off. The canny winger was getting some really good crosses in, but Steve Rimmer was more than a match for David Gray.

Michael Cole opened up the scoring in the 67^th minute. Drew Hyland�s short corner to Cole was floated over the top of Bacup�s defence, and Borough�s David Felgate could only watch as it sailed right over him into the top left hand corner of his net. The only question was; was it meant as a cross�Cole reckoned he was aiming for the goal, and nobody was about to question him!

Stuart Rudd had a couple of efforts either side of Cole�s goal, one was just high of the intended target and the other a low drive had to be turned away by Felgate. The hard work paid off eventually as Rudd was rewarded with his 24^th goal of the season. Michael Cole�s corner to the near post was headed by Rudd onto the underside of the crossbar before it dropped over the line. Rudd had another effort following the best move of the game. Carl Osman weaved his way through three players before squaring the ball to Rudd, but once again the keeper denied him as he turned his shot away for a corner,

Stuart Rudd will perhaps be wishing the season could�ve gone on as he�s hit a rich vein of form recently with 5 goals in four games for the blues!

M.O.M. Michael Cole ~ He was pushed all the way by Steve Rimmer who was awesome at the back, but Cole�s enthusiasm for the game rubs off on the fans, and when he�s in that kind of mood he�s a pleasure to watch.

Final Thoughts: United�s season has been a difficult one, but just when the season threatened to turn to farce as they had to squeeze so many games into such a short period, United defied logic and finished the season on a high. The sixth place finish is their second highest since joining the NWC in 1982, and their 94 goal tally the highest ever in 23 years. And with only one League defeat in 9 outings, their end of season form was on a par with the top teams. With that in mind, their prospects for next season look even rosier!

Team: Holcroft, Price, Waugh (14. Birchall 78) Warrilow, Rimmer, Wallace, Cole, Hussey, Rudd, Thompson (12. Hyland 12) Osman. Sub Not Used. 15. O'Brien.

Monday 2^nd May 2005.

Skelmersdale United 4 Maine Road 2

The monsoon like weather prior to the game almost threatened a postponement, but the lads were so keen to play that even Stuart Rudd found a brush to sweep the water off the pitch! (Writes Frank Hughes)

When the game started the rain had disappeared, and Altcar Road was basking in sunshine. Things got even brighter as 90 seconds later Dave Standley headed a far post corner into the back of the net; only his second in 149 appearances.

Maine Road had suffered a 7-0 drubbing at the hands of Champions Fleetwood only three days earlier, and when a sharp looking Stuart Rudd broke through a few minutes later and lifted his shot just high of the target, the chance of a high scoring game appeared to be on the cards.

When Alex Yates broke through a sleepy looking United defence, the odds looked good for an equaliser. Fortunately Robbie Holcroft had done enough to reduce the angle, and the best Yates could do was hit the upright. In fact it was Holcroft who came to the rescue again in the 20^th minute as Chris Simms sneaked through before blasting a crisp shot which forced Holcroft into a superb reflex save.

Lee Thompson caught Maine Road on the break down the left hand side before delivering a deft cross to the feet of Stuart Rudd, who duly slipped the ball into the back of the net. It was much against the pattern of play, as Maine Road continually caught United on the counter. The defence was in such a shambles that Alex Yates once again carved clean through like a hot knife through butter, but fortunately a woeful shot ended up going wide. He fared a little better in the 39^th minute, but once again Robbie Holcroft produced a fine save.

Carl Osman�s beat player after player as he attacked down the centre of the pitch, only to be brought down at the edge of the box. Stuart Rudd stepped up to take the free kick, (pictured top left) and curled the ball around the wall and into the bottom corner of the net.

Once again United�s defence was caught napping, and this time Maine Road were rewarded with a goal. Alex Yates raced clear once again, as a non-existent defence could only look on. The goal beckoned, but Yates looking odds on to score, decided to square the ball to Chris Simms who blasted the ball into the back of the net. Based on Yates� earlier shot, perhaps it was a wise decision. It put Maine Road back in the game, and in fairness, United could�ve been easily looking a 4-3 deficit going into the half time break.

Lee Thompson spurned a glorious opportunity to put the game well and truly beyond the visitor�s in the opening minute, but other than that it took a long time for the game to ignite in the second period. Indeed it was Lee Thompson that broke through in the 63^rd minute, but unfortunately with his shooting boots still at home, he scuffed at his shot, when it looked easier to score.

Maine Road pulled one back in the 78^th minute. Steve Hussey was caught napping on the ball. Chris Simms intercepted and broke clean through before blasting the ball home. Any threat of a grand finale by Maine Road was put well and truly to bed in the 80^th minute, as Lee Thompson raced clear and finally buried his 37^th goal of the season. Thompson had another good chance in injury time following a neat feed by Alex Phillips, but once again screwed the shot wide, but it mattered not as United had sealed the three points.

M.O.M. Stuart Rudd ~ Showing signs of his former predatory skills once again. With only 23 goals to his credit this season, even Rudd would have to admit that he�s yet to recover the edge he had from last season. Following a lengthy lay-off due to a hernia operation, Rudd has come back into the team and added much more to his overall game though, and is far less selfish as he is now happy to feed and supply. However, 23 goals is a great return, and I�d personally put money on him to return to the top of the goal-scoring list next season.

Final Thoughts:

With only one defeat in their last 8 league games, this victory meant United can�t finish any lower than 6^th place. The 92 goals scored this season by United can only be bettered by Champions Fleetwood and Runners-up Newcastle, and if they score more than 2 tonight against Bacup they will be confirmed as the league�s 2^nd highest scorers!

The problem has clearly been at the other end where they�ve conceded far too many goals, but in a season that has been peppered with injuries & suspensions in defence it is fair to say that Manager, Paul Gallagher has rarely had a settled back four, and has been forced into experimentation as a result. By hook or crook though, United have entertained this season, with Directors of Maine Road commenting that United are the best team they�ve faced this season!

Holcroft, Price, Waugh (15. Jones 85) Standley, McKane, Brown (12. Hyland 72) Wallace, Hussey (14. Phillips 83) Rudd, Thompson, Osman.

The Comeback Kids!

Skelmersdale United 2 St Helens Town 2 Saturday 30^th April 2005.

Paul Gallagher was forced into making some serious changes in personnel for this game, as well as a change in formation, but despite going 2-0 down they played extremely well and were perhaps unfortunate not to win the game in the end. (Writes Frank Hughes)

For several minutes it didn�t look like a game that had classic written all over it. Dean Earley broke through and looked certain to score in the 17^th minute, but a mixture of Ian Price�s persistence and Robbie Holcroft�s eventual block proved decisive. It did however liven the game up! Pretty soon after John Brownrigg had to clear a dangerous looking cross from the goalmouth.

St Helens looked the liveliest and they were rewarded as such. The Assistant Referee allowed play to continue despite a blatant offside, and Gary Jensen�s cross to the far post found Joe Gibiliru totally unmarked, his initial shot was of the fresh air variety, but once he�s recovered he fired the ball into the back of the net.

Michael Cole missed a sitter at the other end. Following a deep ball that was flicked on by the head of Stuart Rudd, Cole sneaked behind Town�s defence only to slice his shot, but it still forced the keeper into a save. Unfortunately, on the break United went 2 down, as Karl Robinson�s speculative 35-yarder screamed into the back of the net. And whilst still stunned United could�ve gone further behind as Gary Jensen raced clear only to flash his shot over the crossbar.

United were back in the game only three minutes after Town�s opener. Steve Hussey�s 25-yard effort caught Dahl unaware, and the best that he could do was parry the ball forward to Stuart Rudd who duly dispatched the ball into the net.

Lee Madin forced Robbie Holcroft into making a great save with a great 20-yard free kick. On the counter Lee Thompson headed a Steve Hussey ball across goal only to see Stuart Rudd clip his volley wide when it looked easier to score.

United were getting on top, and were rewarded for all their pressure from an unlikely source. Steve Brown�s innocuous looking cross had been cleared and play looked likely to do continue, but for the fact that the Assistant Referee has spotted that Brown�s cross had been handballed. The referee pointed to the spot, and Steve Hussey converted the penalty.

St Helens had the greater possession in the second half, but much of it was wasted on the �up �n� under� variety of ball. As opposed to United who played some neat football and looked more likely to score. Indeed, Cole, Brown and Stuart Rudd all had opportunities to win the game, with Cole�s 30-yarder being the pick of the bunch, as it forced Dahl into making a spectacular save.

M.O.M. ~ Gareth Birchall. They all played well, but it was Birchall�s holding qualities that shone through, particularly as it annoyed a team content on hoofing the ball anywhere.

Final Thoughts: Once again United clawed their way back from a 2-0 deficit against a strong St Helens team, and despite walking wounded and players out through injury this was a good game of football to watch, with plenty of quality on display from United�s perspective.

Holcroft, Price, McKane, Birchall, Brownrigg, Brown (12. Hyland 69) Cole, Hussey, Rudd, Thompson (14. Rogers 85) Wallace Sub not used: 15. O�Brien

BACK ON TRACK!

United had to put the disappointment of Monday night�s cup final defeat behind them, but in the opening exchanges they looked edgy especially John Brownrigg, who made two dreadful mistakes. The first ball skipped over his foot and allowed Jordan Burke through, but some how he screwed his shot wide, which was just as well because only 5 minutes had elapsed, and the game was threatening to shape up similar to Monday�s game. A similar thing happened in the 18^th minute, but this time Mathew Barnes shot was blocked by Robbie Holcroft once again in fine form continuing from Monday.

Mero Waugh was playing left of midfield and started to revel in the role. Following a bit of pinball in the box directly from Ryan Wallace�s cross, Mero Waugh sneaked in at the far post only to head the ball narrowly wide.

Stuart Rudd�s free kick in the 25^th minute was intended for the target but instead meandered wide, but once again Waugh was in a good position and picked up the loose ball, unfortunately his eventual shot was directly into the keeper�s hands.

A rare mistake by United�s centre backs allowed Tony Johnson to sneak through following a counter attack, and with Holcroft to beat he finished off with aplomb. The rest of the half belonged to Skem but they were finding it hard to break them down, and as a result couldn�t get back on terms.

The importance of an early goal in the second half was the battle cry from the management at half time, and with only 2 minutes registered on the clock United restored parity. An excellent well balanced cross by Ryan Wallace was controlled by Mero Waugh before he blasted it past Gareth Ormes into the back of the net with a solid left footed shot.

Rudd & Cole came close soon after, but it was Steve Rimmer who extended United�s lead with a magnificent header into the back of the net from Steve Hussey�s equally magnificent free kick.

Mero Waugh continued to stake a claim for the shirt of the injured Carl Osman, with a great display on the left wing. In the 65^th minute his persistence led to him winning a ball that wasn�t rightfully his, he soon squared the ball to Michael Cole, nut unfortunately Cole�s shot inched wide of the target.

Ryan Wallace had one of his best games for �The Blues� and was rewarded as he supplied goal hungry Stuart Rudd who during his barren spell had scored just 1 goal in his previous 8 games, with a precious other, as he lobbed the keeper from the edge of the box to see the ball sail into the back of the net. He could�ve added to that, but his side-footed shot under a heavy challenge by the Salford defence, forced the keeper into making a great reflex save.

United�s superb second half display was rounded off in the 83^rd minute with the goal of the game. Steve Hussey�s cross to the far post was volleyed by Ryan Wallace to Michael Cole, who in turn volleyed the ball into the back of the net.

M.O.M. ~ Mero Waugh. Played superbly even when he had to revert to left back.

Final Thoughts: They looked a bit ropey in the first half, but came out in the second half with a totally different attitude, and at times this make-shift United team proved breath taking to watch.

Holcroft, Price, Brownrigg (15. Dunne 76) Standley, Rimmer, Wallace, Cole, Hussey, Rudd (14. O'Brien 85) Hyland (12. Thompson 70) Waugh

North West Counties League Challenge Trophy Cup Final

Monday 25^th April 2005.

Cammell Laird 2 Skelmersdale United 0.

Four games in 7 days proved far too many for Skelmersdale, as United�s walking injured tried their best to work through the pain barrier. They came; they saw but were eventually beaten by themselves, and what will hurt more than most is the fact that they knew what they were capable of but were unable to put it in to practice. (Writes Frank Hughes)

Conceding an early goal didn�t help matters. With only 5 minutes gone Ronnie Morgan�s shot was going wide, but Mero Waugh sliced the ball into the back of his own net. From that moment on United were on the back foot and soaking up a great deal of pressure.

49 goal hit man Ronnie Morgan was getting a lot of space which was extremely concerning, but fortunately when he got in striking distance again he shot wide when he really should�ve done far better. At the other end Michael Cole raced free only to balloon his shot high and wide, which appeared to be a preview for future events as far as Skem were concerned.

Robbie Holcroft was forced into a save when Ian Cooke threatened and although Laird�s were the livelier team, it was United that spurned the opportunities in the remainder of the half.

John Gann the Cammell Laird keeper made a right hash of things in the 40^th minute as he hit the ball into the back of Lee Thompson�s legs, but with his back to the keeper, when he eventually turned and struck his effort it was wide when had he been more alert was a great opportunity to restore parity.

In the closing stages of the half Stuart Rudd had two great chances but unfortunately one was wide the other was high.

Eddie Jebb was cursing his luck, as clean through he conspired to strike the ball wide of the target when he looked favourite to increase Laird�s lead. A mistake by Steve Hussey moments later allowed Lee Badrock to race clean through, but once again Skem breathed a sigh of relief as once again what appeared to be an easy chance was once again put wide of the target.

Steve Hussey tried to make amends as he struck a glorious shot from 25-yards out, which the keeper spilled, however, Gann did well as he blocked Rudd�s follow-up. A couple of minutes later Carl Osman�s header from a near post corner was cleared off the line.

Both teams cancelled each other out for the best part of the second half, and the longer the game went on the stronger Laird�s appeared to get. John Couch raced free in the 80^th minute but once again United were blessed with luck as his attempt at lobbing Robbie Holcroft resulted in a disappointing shot that was wide of the target. No such luck a couple of minutes later though, as Laird�s in swinging corner beat everybody at the near post for Aaron Rey to head into the back of the net.

Laird�s could�ve increased their lead in the closing stages, but fortunately United stemmed the flow, to at least give the score line a more realistic appearance to the overall content of the game.

M.O.M. Robbie Holcroft ~ Experience told, and along side Dave Standley the only two players to come out of the game with any credit.

Final Thoughts: One game too many for United in the end, but the boys will be disappointed with the way in which they failed to find any real spark. Sadly, the occasion got to them in the end!

Holcroft, Price, Waugh (14. Birchall 85) Standley, Rimmer, Brown, Cole, Hussey, Rudd, Thompson (12. Hyland, 64) Osman. Sub not Used: 15. Brownrigg.

Att : 567

Saturday 23^rd April 2005.

Formby 1 Skelmersdale United 0

With a cup final in mind, Manager, Paul Gallagher made 5 changes to his starting line-up, and to be perfectly honest, the recruits did little to stake a claim for a shirt at Bury. At best this was �Park� football, at worst�it couldn�t have been any poorer! (Writes Frank Hughes)

In fairness, United tried to play football, and Formby were content on going with the flow. With relegation looming large for �The Squirrels�, it was all rather negative, and if anything it led Skem into a false sense of security. No excuses, Skem were poor, but in general it was a game to be forgotten.

Ryan Wallace had the first chance of the game from 25-yards out but Terry McCormick curled his shot wide. At the other end only the alertness of Robbie Holcroft prevented Tommy Bolden from sneaking a near post header.

Drew Hyland & Lee Thompson both had chances to put United in charge, but Hyland�s was wide & Thompson�s was lame. Then when the best opportunity presented itself as Lee Thompson was set to go clean through, his shirt was blatantly pulled. The referee was right on top of the incident, but somehow it was his assistant a good 30-yards away that spotted the crime. The free kick was given just outside the box, which begs the question, as it had been acknowledged, why on earth didn�t the referee get his pencil out? It takes a fool to spoil a game, and the resultant free kick by Drew Hyland went wide, and was scant consolation in any event..

Ryan Wallace was cursing his bad luck once again as he hit the cross bar in the 40^th minute, and United went into the changing rooms at half time knowing that they had to do far better to win the game.

United were stunned into silence by Formby�s early goal in the second half, but it was down to poor defending that was to blame. Phil Toale�s cross was side footed by Neil Smith, before hitting the cross bar and landing over the line. The lethargic manner in which they were allowed to go about their business without opposition was inexcusable.

Mark Wilson could�ve doubled their lead but for a save by Robbie Holcroft, and then on the counter United should�ve scored. Gareth Birchall released Drew Hyland, but he took one touch too many and allowed the keeper the time to get on terms and block his eventual shot.

Lee Thompson�s shot in the 57^th minute was cleared off the line, but United were thankful to go into the last half an hour of the game with any chance at all, when Neil Smith raced clean through only to balloon his shot. It mattered not in the end as a hiatus in proceedings whilst the referee went limping off with a pulled hamstring, seemed to squeeze all the life out of the game. In fact the only shot came late in injury time as Drew Hyland once again clean through, had a shot that was blocked en route by the keeper.

M.O.M. Lee Thompson

Worked hard for the 82 minutes he was on, but to be honest without the lads grafting around him, he was on a hiding to nothing!

Final Thoughts: The sooner this one�s forgotten the better!

Team:

Holcroft, McKane, Waugh, Price, Brownrigg, Brown, Wallace, Birchall, Hyland Thompson (12. Rudd 82) Osman (15. Cole 74) Sub not used (14. Steve Rimmer)

Thursday 21st April 2005.

Alsager Town 0 Skelmersdale United 1

United managed a slender victory over 'The Bullets' of Cheshire, with some great football thrown into the bargain!

Carl Osman always looking lively, made no exception in this game, as he fed Drew Hyland with a neat pass. Hyland bobbed and weaved before threading the ball through to Stuart Rudd, and Rudd's shot was palmed away for a corner. And the move whcih started with Osman, ended with Osman as he headed agonisingly wide of the target from the corner kick.

Michael Cole stooped low soon after heading the ball goalward bound only to see the keeper clip the ball to safety, then at the other end Wayne Brotherton's 20-yard daisy cutter inched just wide.

The goal and what turned out to be the eventual winner came in the 32nd minute, and it was engineered by some great work from Drew Hyland, and his eventual cross to the far post was headed beyond Rob Powner into the back of the net by Stuart Rudd.

The football was breathtaking at times, especially from a United perspective, but in the final third they were found wanting, as chance after chance went begging. Drew Hyland having done the hard work by turning his marker, struck a low shot into the keeper's hands. Stuart Rudd broke clean through only to see his lobbed effort on the keeper sail wide when it really should've found the target. Rudd was then influential in another attack, as he skipped past two players before finding Hyland who in turn laid the ball off to Ryan Wallace, but from 20-yards out and with a gaping hole in Alsager's defence the best Wallace could do was snatch at his shot to give the keeper a comfortable save.

Stuart Rudd missed ather golden opportunities as he sliced a shot wide, then ballooned another. Rudd then turned provider for Ryan Wallace, but with too much time to think he delived a weak shot for the keeper the gather easily. Lee Thompson spurned a great chance a minute later, with only the keeper to beat he blasted the ball wide, when placing it would've sufficed. Carl Osman was foirece wide moments later but still managed to get a shot in that was only just high.

Alsager managed to cause a little concern for United in the closing stages, but the defence handled them superbly. The only heart stopping mopment coming in the 89th minute as they found the back of the net, only for the linesman to flag the all important offside.

M.O.M. ~ David Standley. Comfortably held off the Alsager challenge with some crucial saving tackles.

Final Thoughts: United should've won this at a canter, and it was only for poor finishing that they didn't. However, full credit to Skem as they played some lovely football during the incessant build-ups, and looked as good as their best from time to time.

Holcroft, Price, Waugh, Standley, Rimmer, Wallace, Cole (12. Thompson 61) Birchall, Rudd (14. Warrilow 89) Hyland, Osman. Subs not used: 15. Phillips

Tuesday 19th April 2005

Skelmersdale United 2 Great Harwood Town 2

United twice held the lead, but Great Harwood intent on keeping their place in the 1st Division bounced back on both occasions. Indeed, Harwood's recent revival with 7 points out of a possible 9 has helped them climb out of the relegation zone.

Ed O'Neil almost opened the score in the 10th minute with a 25-yard shot that rattled the underside of the crossbar, and bounced favourably courtesy of the right side of the crowned six-yard box. Not to be outdone, Ian Price tried an uncharacteristic effort himself following a bit of pinball in the Harwood area, only to see his shot curl just wide of the upright.

The best effort came for Skem on the break. Lee Thompson's excellent cross found Gareth Birchall, but his first time shot was somehow cleared off the line. In a similar move Drew Hyland delivered a cross to Lee Thompson, only to see his shot saved by Booby Harris. A minute later though Harris didn't have that kind of luck as Lee Thompson fired the ball into the back of the net from Mero Waugh's balanced cross.

Before the half time interval Carl Osman weaved his way clean through Harwood's defence, before striking the ball against the inside of the upright, and the ball ricochetted to safety.

Lee Thompson missed two glorious opportunities in the early stages of the second half, and Carl Osman's double strike was magnificently saved by Bobby Harris. And it almost seemed inevitable that with such bad look in front of goal, that they would eventually be made to pay for it, as was the case in the 58th minute, although it took a 35-yard speculative effort by Neville Nelson to rocket over Holcroft into the back of the net.

Their joy was short lived though as United got their noses back in front 30 seconds after the restart. Michael Cole's free kick found Drew Hyland just inside the box who fired a great shot into the back of the net on the half turn.

Carl Osman could've added to the total as he weaved one way then the other before forcing the keeper into making another good save.

Neil Smith restored parity for the visitor's in the 75th minute, as he headed a left sided free kick over the head of Holcroft into the back of the net.

M.O.M. Carl Osman ~ Ran his socks off once again. Where he get's the energy from...only he knows!

Final Thoughts: Not a great performance, but perhaps the expectation of winning against a team of relegation candidates was far too high, especially considering that since John Hughes took over he has totally transformed their fortunes.

Team: Holcroft, Price, Waugh, Standley, Rimmer, Brown, Cole, Birchall, Rudd (12. Hyland 23) Thompson, Osman. Subs Not Used: 14. Wallace. 15. Brownrigg

Thursday 14^th April 2005.

Skelmersdale United 3 Stone Dominoes 1

United moved into 7^th place with an emphatic if not fortuitous victory on their return to Victoria Park, Burscough.

Don�t get me wrong, United really deserved to win this game but with both goals coming in injury time, they certainly had the rub of the green! In fact based on efforts they had in front of goal, another goal fest wouldn�t have looked out of place, but for poor finishing.

In the opening minutes Carl Osman fired a great cross by Lee Thompson high. And an even more clinical cross by Steve Brown put Thompson in the clear, but his shot was blocked by the evergreen Rob Hackney, and even Stuart Rudd�s follow up was eventually gathered.

Lee Thompson looked like favourite to open the scoring when he unleashed a thunderous shot in the 16^th minute, but somehow Hackney managed to leap, curl his body and palm the ball off target. However, two minutes later he couldn�t keep Michael Cole�s 20-yard free kick out, as it rocketed into the top right hand corner of the net. (Pictured above)

United took their foot off the gas and allowed Stone to get forward and as a result they were rewarded with a free kick some 22-yards out. And Stuart Scheuber�s shot ricocheted off the upright only to fall for David Shaw for an easy tap-in.

It fired Skem back into action with wave after wave of attacks. Lee Thompson once again broke through Stone�s idle defence, but with the target looming, and leaning back rather than forward, he blasted his shot high & wide. Ossie�s shot a moment later was the complete opposite. From 25-yards out he struck a powerless daisy cutter into the comfortable hands of the keeper, when he really should�ve done far better.

Cole could�ve doubled his tally again from a free kick, but as the ball looked to be heading in, Hackney spotted it late but still managed pull off a magnificent save.

The second half took a while to get going but when it did it was United that looked far more threatening. Live wire Steve Brown weaved his way down the flank before putting a great delivery in at the near post, and with the target gaping wide, Lee Thompson�s header hit the upright.

Dave Standley was having a great game at the back, with absolutely nothing getting through him, which in turn gave him the confidence to get forward on the odd occasion. From just inside the Stone territory Dave Standley played an excellent ball to Steve Brown in an unorthodox central position, and Brown read Stuart Rudd�s run to perfection with a great diagonal feed which split the visiting defence apart. Although looking favourite to score at that point, Rudd somehow contrived to fire the ball wide.

Lee Thompson who�d scored 4 just 48 hours earlier wasn�t doing much better. Once again having broke through the best he could do was snatch at the ball with such velocity that the shot turned into a pea-roller ~ the complete reverse of the norm for United�s top marksman it has to be said, and when he turned his marker in the 60^th minute before flashing the ball wide of the target, you just felt that the lad was trying far too hard to catch the League�s leading scorer, who on 36 goals is just one ahead of him. His replacement would go onto the effectively win the game with his one and only shot at the target, following Thompson�s plethora of chances.

The game looked to be heading for a draw and other than a ballooned effort by Michael Cole in normal time, little else in 30 minutes looked likely to change that.

In injury time Steve Hussey won a crucial tackle just beyond the half way line, and released Stuart Rudd down the flank. With nothing on for him as he was heavily flanked, he squared the ball inside to Drew