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Results Service: 2003/04

 

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MOORE & Co CONSTRUCTION SOLICITORS LEAGUE
SEASON 2004-2005
LEAGUE TABLES
FINAL POSITIONS

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.

 

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

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 Hyland who took one touch before firing a crisp shot into the corner of the net…the improvisation perhaps that was called for all night.

 

A minute later Stuart Rudd broke the offside trap but spurned a great opportunity as his rather feeble shot was blocked.  However, in a similar position seconds later his shot had goal written all over it, that was until Chris Sumner handled it en route.  A penalty was awarded and up stepped Dave Standley to score his first ever goal for the club since he arrived three years ago!

 

M.O.M.  Dave Standley

 

Mero Waugh, Jay McKane & Steve Rimmer were all outstanding for Skem at the back, but Dave was in the thick of everything as Stone tried the direct route all night.

 

Final Thoughts:

 

Skem earned this victory simply for applying the threat right through to the very last embers of the game.  Two games in three days, with 12 goals for and 1 against, and six points in the bag…isn’t life grand?

 

Holcroft, McKane, Waugh, Standley, Rimmer, Brown, Cole, Hussey, Rudd, Thompson (12. Hyland, 72) Osman.  Subs not used:  14. K Thompson.  15. Gareth Birchall.

Tuesday 12^th April 2005.

 

Skelmersdale United 9 Colne 0

 

 

Football’s a funny old game.  The same line-up couldn’t hit a barn door on Saturday, and just to vent their anger they hit Colne for 9!

 

No good being a latecomer to this game as United forced themselves into a 3-0 lead within the opening 7 minutes.  First it was Steve Rimmer with a header following Michael Cole’s deft corner, (pictured) and the advantage was at 6ft 4 ins he didn’t even have to jump to plant the ball into the back of the net!  2 minutes later Lee Thompson turned on the ball before playing a neat cross to Carl Osman, who in turn slid the ball past the keeper.  Thompson was on hand to provide again, courtesy of a quick throw in, Thompson lost his marker, before threading the ball to Carl Osman, and after he’d beat a couple of players he let go with a low drive, and although the keeper got a touch the ball trickled over the line.

 

Bt this time I was a little concerned with whether or not I had enough ink in my pen or enough paper in which to keep a note of events!  Cole’s free kick was headed over at the near post by Carl Osman who was on fire at this point, and Cole linked up well with Osman again with a near post cross, but this time the keeper turned Osman’s shot away for a corner.

 

Stuart Rudd was playing well at the point and making a nuisance of himself in and around the box.  Carl Osman’s cross was sliced off target by Rudd, but fortunately Lee Thompson was on hand to thrash the ball against the underside of the bar, before making sure at the second attempt.  Stuart Rudd was unlucky minutes later as first his overhead kick was marginally wide of the intended target, and racing in the clear his next shot was blocked en route by the keeper.

 

The fifth goal was the pick of the bunch in terms of the build-up play.  A move involving no less than five players, which started at the half way line courtesy of Michael Cole, ended up with Steve Brown have a shot turned away for a corner.  Michael Cole’s corner to the edge of the box was headed into the net, as the Colne defence could only look on in disbelief.

 

In the opening stages of the second half, Robbie Holcroft pulled off a couple of magnificent saves, but from then on in United took the game by the scruff of the neck once again.  Carl Osman completed his hat trick and his 21^st goal of the season in the 57^th minute, with an acute shot that the keeper fumbled at before the ball rolled over the line.

 

Stuart Rudd had another go via a great lay-off by Steve Brown, but was denied by an excellent save by the keeper.  He was soon to be instrumental in making of the 6^th goal, as Lee Thompson threaded a neat ball through Colne’s centre halves, and as they anticipated Rudd to be offside he checked back and allowed Carl Osman to run through.  Osman was in a great position to add to his tally, but unselfishly squared the ball back to Lee Thompson, who after a couple of touches placed the ball home.

 

Three minutes later Lee Thompson not happy with matching Osman 3 for three, decided to go one better, courtesy of a great assist by Stuart Rudd, which put him in the clear to blast the ball into the roof of the net.  He was duly substituted in order to receive well-earned standing ovation.  With 35 goals to his credit he is now second leading league goal scorer, only one behind Glossop’s Gary Kharas.

 

In the 84^th minute Stuart Rudd fooled even the assistant referee as his fierce shot from just inside the box, looked like it had hit the target, but once again the goal he so richly deserved eluded him as it had hit the side netting!

 

Stuart Rudd didn’t manage to score a goal on the night, but he has cultivated a new side to his game as playmaker, and in the 90^th minute United scored a record 9^th as a result.  At the edge of the box he squared the ball to Drew Hyland, whom flanked by three players pirouetted before stroking the ball home, for what was truly the pick of the bunch!

 

M.O.M.  Lee Thompson

 

4 goals and two assists, and when Lee plays like this there’s nobody out there to match him.  He started as he meant to go on, searching for opportunities and by not giving the defenders any time to think he was forcing them into making errors.  This was vintage ‘Tomo’, but he also had contenders!  Stuart Rudd had an amazing night without finding the net, but he contributed towards 4 of the goals, and could’ve bagged himself a hat trick.  Carl Osman was once again tremendous and as a result his hard work earned him a hat trick to increase his tally to an amazing 21 goals…and he’s a midfielder!  Michael Cole, Steve Hussey, Steve Rimmer and Mero Waugh all deserve special mention, but overall it was great performance from each and every one of them.

 

Final Thoughts:

 

The magical target of nine goals was finally reached at the 4^th attempt, creating a club record for United during 23 seasons in the NWCFL.  It was also the first time during that period that two players have scored hat tricks in the same game.  This was an awesome display to say the least, with the finest football you could ever wish to see.  A fitting close to United’s season at ‘Westgate’ as they go on to play their remaining 5 home fixtures at Burscough.

 

Simply amazing!

 

Holcroft, Price, Waugh, Standley (15. K Thompson, 54) Rimmer, Brown, Cole (14, Birchall, 77) Hussey, Rudd, L Thompson (12. Hyland, 68) Osman.

Saturday 9^th April 2005.

 

League Challenge Trophy Semi Final 2^nd Leg

 

Blackpool Mechanics 2 Skelmersdale United 0 (Skelmersdale Win 4-2 on aggregate)

 

This was United’s poorest performance of the season, but with a 4-0 first leg win, I guess they were already dreaming of the final at Gigg Lane, Bury on Monday 25^th April! (Writes Frank Hughes)

 

United will meet 2^nd Division Cammell Lairds who managed to overturn a first leg defeat against First Division Champions elect Fleetwood Town, and based on United’s efforts against the Mechanics, United will have to stop dreaming as the final promises to be a very tough game indeed.

 

This was an awful game regardless of which colour’s one was wearing, although I suspect Blackpool will be more than happy with the fact that they managed to post a victory and in the process claim their 3^rd scalp in terms of Division One teams during an amazing run in this competition for them.  The most amazing thing about this game though was the fact that 2 goals were scored, because for the best part of the first half neither team looked capable of finding the onion bag!

 

An overhead kick by Marc Beattie in the 24^th minute was accurate enough but the execution was poor, leaving Robbie Holcroft with a simple save.  At the other end, Carl Osman & Lee Thompson broke through Blackpool’s defence, and as the goal beckoned for both they somehow conspired to clash and knock each other off course.

 

Mechanics goal came in the 40^th minute, but was gift brought on by poor concentration in both midfield and defence, with one looking at the other to see who should be picking up the runner, and as they went through the thought process, Wayne Gardiner stole through and slotted the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

 

From the restart, Michael Cole raced through into the Mechanics penalty area, and was blatantly brought down, but the referee who was well placed was strangely having none of it!  And on the stroke of half time Cole found himself in a good position once again, with a thoughtful lay-off by Stuart Rudd, but his 25-yard effort although well struck was wide of the target.

 

Manager, Paul Gallagher’s hairdryer treatment at half time, inspired United into upping the tempo to a small degree.  When Lee Thompson broke through in the opening stages of the first half, last week’s hat trick hero looked odds on to restore parity, but he attempted the lob on the keeper when the shot called for his trademark power shot.

 

The miss of the season came minutes later, in what turned out to be the move of the game for Skem.  Steve Brown’s cross was deftly headed into the path of Carl Osman, but somehow with the target wide open, the diminutive midfielder blazed the ball high over the crossbar from the edge of the 6-yard box.

 

United continued to take the game to Mechanics, with both Rudd & Osman having further efforts, but neither effort tested the keeper as both were off target. 

 

The sucker punch was delivered in the 77^th minute.  Robbie Holcroft spilled an innocuous looking cross, and Captain Mark Ashall was on hand to poke the ball over the line.

 

Stuart Rudd had a couple of efforts in the closing stages, one deflected wide and the other from 25-yards out was a foot or so high of the crossbar.  Sandwiched in between, Rudd turned provider when squaring the ball to Gareth Birchall, but Birchall’s shot was wide of the target, when he really should’ve done better.

 

M.O.M.  Carl Osman

 

The only contender in a largely disappointing game.  Ossie gives his all whenever he plays!

 

Final Thoughts:

 

Strong winds and a poor pitch didn’t help Skem to play the kind of football they are capable of, but excuses apart, they looked tired, and had already convinced themselves that they’d already done enough, as it turned out they had. 

 

It wasn’t pretty but at least United have got to the final for the third time in the competitions 23 year history.

 

Holcroft, Price, Waugh, Standley, Rimmer, Brown (12. Hyland, 79), Cole, Hussey (14. Birchall, 83) Rudd, Thompson, Osman.  Sub Not Used: 15. Brownrigg

 

United’s next game is on Thursday 14^th of April 2005, and will be held at Victoria Park, Burscough, as will their remaining home fixtures this season whilst the ‘Westgate Interactive Stadium’ pitch is dug up and reseeded.

 

Meanwhile anybody interested in going to the final at Gigg Lane on Monday 25^th April 2005, should contact the club so travelling arrangements can be made.  Tel: 01695 722123 (After 7pm) or 07766054548 daytime.

Monday 4^th April 2005.

 

Curzon Ashton 2 Skelmersdale United 0

 

You don’t always get out of football what you put into it, and this was the case as United put in a spirited performance, but came away with nothing despite their best efforts. (Writes Frank Hughes)

 

Curzon made the most of the slope in the opening half, and it was Robbie Holcroft who was called into action, when Andy Waine fired a 20-yard shot goal-ward bound only for Robbie Holcroft to pull off a great fingertip save to divert the ball over the crossbar.

 

Curzon took the lead in the 8^th minute, following a long clearance by their keeper David Fish.  United weren’t quite switched on, and lost the ball to Simon Heaton who in turn found Phil Edgehill who was clear on goal and looking favourite to score himself, but rather unselfishly he squared the ball to Matty Wearden to present him with a simple knock-in.

 

Stuart Rudd had a couple of efforts as Skem tried their best to make a mark on the game, his first a low drive from 20-yards out was comfortably saved by Fish, and his second was a hooked shot on the turn, but was unfortunately high & wide.

 

Andrew Waine was torturing United’s defence with his blistering pace down the slope, but it was his willingness to improvise that looked more likely to reap rewards, as he received the ball just outside the box taking one touch before thrashing a shot that was seemingly heading for the top right hand corner only for Holcroft to appear from nowhere and force the ball wide.

 

Carl Osman’s blistering pace down the left wing was causing Curzon one or two problems at the other end, and following one such run he released Stuart Rudd, and Rudd’s shot although accurate was forced wide. 

 

As good as United tried to be at the other end Curzon would counter well with the slope as their major advantage.  One such break resulted in a great cross to the near post only for Matty Wearden to head narrowly wide.  Wearden also headed wide from another cross a minute later, and sandwiched in between Drew Hyland broke free before playing a well timed neatly threaded ball to Lee Thompson, but an off form Thompson could only offer a weak shot, giving Fish an easy save.

 

United’s football in the second half was often scintillating, and a trio of efforts drilled in by Rudd, Thompson & Cole were all blocked, before Carl Osman headed wide at the far post.

 

Osman’s next opportunity came via a neat one-two with Ryan Wallace, with Osman’s eventual shot skating wide.  Minute’s later United’s diminutive midfielder was in the thick of things again, this time he raced down the touchline before cutting inside and carving his way through two defenders.  How on earth he kept his balance defied gravity in itself, but he did and although he was denied a chance of having a shot as he was forced to the by-line he eventually rifled a cross in which the keeper fumbled before managing to clear.

 

Curzon made the game safe in the 79^th minute, as United were caught on the counter.  Phil Edgehill broke free down the left wing, before driving the ball wide to Stuart McGill.  McGill wrong-footed John Brownrigg before having a shot at goal, Holcroft prevented McGill but as the ball floated loosely in the air, John Utterson had the easy job of heading the ball into an empty net.

 

Give United credit they continued to play for the full 90 minutes, with the best of opportunities coming from Drew Hyland whose solid 30-yarder only marginally missed the upright.

 

M.O.M.  Steve Rimmer

 

Rimmer was given a tortuous time by Nick Wild in the first half especially, but won the contest with a gritty and determined performance, which certainly helped to moderate the scoreline.

 

Final Thoughts:

 

A game of two halves basically, with United extremely unlucky not to get something out of the game.  Not bad considering Paul Gallagher was forced into making wholesale changes in defence and midfield.

 

Holcroft, Price, Brownrigg (14. Waugh 80) Standley, Rimmer, Hyland, Cole, Wallace, Rudd, Thompson (12. Warrilow 80) Osman.  Sub Not Used. 15. Young.

Saturday 2^nd April 2005.

 

NWC League Challenge Cup Semi-Final 1^st Leg

 

Skelmersdale United 4 Blackpool Mechanics 0

 

With 4 goals to their credit and with a clean sheet, you could hardly complain about the result, but in fairness and without being disrespectful to Blackpool, Skem didn’t have to break out in a sweat to win this tie. (Writes Frank Hughes)

 

There was a touch of lethargy about this game, although Mechanics took the game to Skem for the opening 20 minutes.  When United managed to wake up, they promised great things, and then they slumbered back into a state of tiredness.  Of course the great thing about that was they were also managing to hit the back of the onion bag inbetween!  As a result they would appear to be on their way to the final at Gigg Lane, Bury.  Surely it’s just a matter of tidying things up at Jepson Way in the 2^nd leg on Saturday?

 

Lee Thompson looked eager to add to his tally of 28 goals.  After bustling his way through the box via the by-line, his eventual shot from an acute angle had to be parried away by the keeper, Andy Forsyth.  Minutes later Thompson was through again but this time from the more conventional angle, he blasted a shot wide of the target, when it would’ve been wiser to place it.

 

His first of three came in the 22^nd minute, (pictured above) with a sweeping move from midfield.  Michael Cole’s diagonal ball to Carl Osman was played on to Stuart Rudd, his initial cross was charged down, and as the ball returned to his feet, he squared the ball to Lee Thompson who struck the ball first time, low and hard into the bottom corner of the net.

 

Steve Hussey was showing the occasional pieces of wizardry, and when he put Carl Osman in the clear in the 33^rd minute there looked like only one outcome, but somehow a jaded looking Osman somehow conspired to put the ball well wide of its intended target.

 

Stuart Rudd went clear through in the 37^th minute only to be hacked down by Chris Days, but nothing was given, but 30 seconds later a great cross by Steve Hussey found Lee Thompson at the edge of the box, and when he finally shook off his marker, he spotted the keeper off his line and duly lobbed the ball over his head and into the back of the net to reach the 30 goal milestone.

 

In the closing stages of the half, Cole set up Thompson for another shot, but was thwarted, only for Rudd to follow up and see his shot blocked en route.  And soon after Michael Cole’s corner was headed marginally wide by Steve Rimmer.

 

Michael Cole started the second half as passionately as he’d conducted the first, and quite cheekily tried a shot from just inside the Mechanics half which whizzed agonisingly wide of the upright.  The keeper was mightily relieved though as he was still adjusting his gloves at the time!

 

Michael Cole set Thompson up for his hat trick in the 50^th minute, as his sweet through ball released Thompson.  Taking a couple of touches, Thompson nearly ripped a hole in the roof of the net as he blasted his shot over the keeper.

 

A couple of good chances followed, as Stuart Rudd got behind the tangerines defence, but both his shots were blocked, but eventually the hard work paid off as he converted Lee Thompson’s cross in the 81^st minute with a bullet header at the far post.

 

Frankie Lacken’s late effort was marginally wide of the upright, and that was about it in what can only be described as a disappointing half in terms of action, but then goals speak volumes.

 

M.O.M.  Lee Thompson

 

Thompson edges this one having scored a wonderful hat trick.  But Michael Cole was absolutely awesome in this game and was at the centre of everything from a distribution point.  He also ran his socks off to win the ball when Skem were threatening to stay in siesta mood!

 

Final Thoughts:  A tired looking Skem will be relieved with the result considering they never had to leave first gear, and will be happy they kept their 1^st clean sheet in 10 outings.  The final would seem a formality now with Blackpool having to go on all out attack, but that will suit Skem as they are far from shy in front of goal.

 

Holcroft, Price, McKane, Standley, Rimmer, Birchall (12. Hyland 50) Cole, Hussey, Rudd (14. Lacken 84) Thompson, Osman.  Sub not used:  15.  Brownrigg.

 

Att: 138.

 

 

Monday 28^th March 2005.

 

Skelmersdale United 2 Newcastle Town 3

 

Having played 10 games in 28 days, it was hardly surprising that there were one or two tired legs on parade, but having said that this was the first time the lethargy has shown its self.

 

United broke the mould on this game, as all goals were scored in the last 16 minutes, and had it not been for a brief rejuvenation in the last two minutes, they would’ve been looking at a more convincing defeat, as ‘Castle looked to be cruising to a 3-0 victory up to that stage.

 

The signs appeared as early as the fifth minute when Michael Lennon sneaked behind the defence to blaze a powerful shot just over the crossbar, but for much of the first half hour neither team looked capable of scoring.  Steve Hussey was lucky just to receive a yellow card after slapping his opponent in the face, but that was as fired as United looked for best part of the half.

 

In the 31^st minute Michael Lennon turned provider as he slipped in a neat cross from an acute angle.  Steven Taaffe lunged at the cross but was unfortunate not to get a touch as the United defence were stranded.

 

Steve Rimmer made a great saving tackle minutes later to make amends for his initial mistake, but as United failed to clear the resultant corner, Taaffe was allowed the time and space to deliver a speculative shot which was high but nevertheless threatening.

 

Steve Hussey’s deep cross was flicked on by Stuart Rudd and into the path of Carl Osman, who looked odds on to score, but somehow his shot was aimed disappointingly well wide of the target.  That came on the stroke of half time and was about the best opportunity they’d presented.

 

In the opening minutes of the half United looked the keenest.  Steve Hussey played a delightful ball through to Lee Thompson, but Thompson was forced wide of the target and in the end couldn’t get a cross never mind a shot in.

 

Stuart Rudd turned his marker at the edge of the box, but his shot was blocked en route.

 

Pandemonium broke out at the other end as Skem’s defence was caught napping.  Adam Beasley’s shot was blocked during a melee in the danger area and as Skem appeared to freeze, the ball was floated over to the far post, but Robbie Holcroft comfortably saved Steven Taaffe’s shot.

 

Steve Hussey had a speculative 25-yard shot that was marginally high following great work from Stuart Rudd that eventually set him up.  A when minutes later Lee Thompson squeezed through the two centre halves, he looked odds on to score, but instead totally miss hit the ball.

 

Rosalino Martins soon came on for a cameo role that would effectively pull the mighty United crashing down to earth.  His pace proved too much for the tired legs of Skem.  When Steve Rimmer was pushed on the goal line following an innocuous looking ‘Castle cross, United were expecting a free kick in the least, but while they waited Rosalino raced through unmarked to put the ball beyond Holcroft.  Two minutes later Rosalino took advantage of Kevin Thompson’s slip, and as United’s left back lay poleaxed and injured, Rosalino weaved his way through 3 men before pushing the ball through for Michael Lennon to place into the back of the net.

 

Stuart Rudd worked himself into the danger area to produce a healthy shot that was only a few feet wide, and Steve Brown’s in swinging corner had to be cleared off the line by Paul Harris.

 

The killer goal came 5 minutes from time.  Rosalino led the assault that would eventually see Taaffe cross the ball to the far post for Lennon to steal the head on Kevin Thompson, and score his second of the game.

 

Andy Bott almost put the game totally beyond repair, but Holcroft denied him with a brave save.  With Newcastel thinking they had the game sown up by then and why not?  Stuart Rudd scored two cracking goals in the last five minutes, to reduce the score line to a more respectable 3-2.

 

Steve Hussey played a lovely diagonal ball to Rudd and from a much reduced angle, Rudd swept a powerful drive past Richard Froggatt.  Lee Thompson provided the second assist, and Russ scooped the ball over defender & keeper.   With a couple of minutes of injury time to go, Newcastle just about held on to victory.

 

M.O.M.  David Standley

 

A hard one to call, but David Standley managed to keep Newcastle at arms length for most of the game, with the faults coming in other areas of United’s ragged looking defence.

 

Final Thoughts:  It’s a damage limitation exercise for Skem now, focussed on getting into a major final and finishing in a relatively high league position, the Manager will have no choice but to rest a few players, and hope injuries stay at a minimum.

 

Holcroft, Price(14. Lacken  78) K Thompson, Standley, Rimmer, Cole, Birchall, Hussey, Rudd, L Thompson , Rudd, Osman (15. Brown 81)  Sub not used:  12. Hyland.

 

Att 214.

Friday 25^th March 2005.

 

Nantwich Town 2 Skelmersdale United 4

 

The alarm bells started ringing again when Skem conceded an early goal, this time in the 3^rd minute.  The defence was caught fast asleep as Matt Blake was allowed a clean run through on goal, and calmly picked his spot before slotting the ball home.  Nevertheless, having hit them for 9 in two previous encounters, Skem were never going to be considered out of the race at this stage!

 

For best part of the first half United dominated proceedings.  Kevin Thompson released Lee Thompson in the 21^st minute, and Lee Thomspon turned his marker before having a shot, unfortunately the keeper blocked well to turn the ball away for a corner.  Steve Brown took the corner, but the best Nantwich could do was play it back to him, and from an acute angle the keeper had to clear the ball at the near post.

 

Steve Hussey played an excellent ball over the Nantwich defence to free Lee Thompson, but one-on-one with the keeper, rather than pick his spot he somehow contrived to blast the ball disappointingly wide of the target.

 

Carl Osman was doing well once again with some great touches, and when he played Lee Thompson through and the United travelling faithful were seemingly about to witness a goal, unfortunately he was hacked down by Dave Griffin, but the penalty sufficed as Steve Hussey converted with aplomb.

 

Osman was provider again when he squeezed the ball through Matt Bradbury & Danny Jarrett for Gareth Birchall, unfortunately the keeper blocked his shot en route.  At the other end though Skem almost paid the heavy price for switching off allowing Matt Blake to break through again.  With Holcroft beaten and his shot on target, the fortunate thing was Dave Standley was on the line to clear the danger.

 

United slipped a goal behind again early doors in the second half.  Steve Rimmer under pressure from Danny Jarrett sliced the ball into the back of his own net, and once again United were playing the now familiar game of playing catch-up!

 

Frankie Lacken hit the upright in the 53^rd minute as Skem threatened a comeback, and seconds later Lee Thompson shot marginally wide.

 

United restored parity in the 55^th minute with the best bit of football of the game.  Steve Hussey under pressure played the ball inside to Carl Osman, who in turn crossed the ball into the danger area for Lee Thompson to drive a fierce shot on the half volley into the back of the net.

 

At this stage, one wasn’t quite aware of what to expect.  United have scored goals in the bucket load this season, but they’ve also been generous in the against column as well.  Robbie Holcroft’s improvisation and a spot of fortune went in United’s favour on this occasion.  Danny Griggs inched his way through the United rear guard to deliver a good shot, however, Holcroft at full stretch blocked the shot with his feet only to see the ball fly into the path of Paul Rutter who was unmarked within sight of the target.  In what can only be described as a spot of slapstick, Rutter topped the ball and fell flat on his face, much to the amusement of his own supporters as well as anybody else!

 

Michael Cole replaced Steve Brown in the 65^th minute and he promptly went about destroying ‘The Dabbers’.  Within three minutes of starting Lee Thompson played a lovely ball over the home defence that beat the offside trap.  Michael Cole controlled the ball superbly and drew the keeper out before unleashing a healthy shot into the roof of the net.

 

Michael Cole’s pace and enthusiasm was the eventual winner for Skem.  Neil O’Brien was put under pressure from Michael Cole and was forced into heading the ball back to his keeper.  The ball stayed in the air a little longer than Danny Reade anticipated allowing Cole to win the ball as it eventually dropped to his feet.  With the keeper out of sorts and out of sight, Cole calmly tucked the ball into the back of the net.

 

M.O.M.  Carl Osman

 

Played his socks off again and created the openings for the first two goals.  Michael Cole's 25 minutes stole the points and almost the show.

 

Final Thoughts:  A win is a win no matter what, but Skem need to concentrate at all times, especially at key moments.  But give them full credit as they are always going to score goals, and the four they scored were all good ones!  Most importantly this was back to winning ways for Skem, ahead of the big bank holiday clash against Newcastle Town.  A game Fleetwood will be hoping we win as it appears to a two-horse race between them for the Championship now.  With 3 games in 6 days Gally might have to field a weakened team though!

 

Holcroft, Price, K Thompson, Standley, Rimmer, Brown (14. Cole 65) Birchall, Hussey, Lacken (12. Rudd 76) Thompson (15. Hyland 76) Osman

 

Att: 85

Tuesday 22^nd March 2005.

 

Ramsbottom United 3 Skelmersdale United 3

 

Having played 8 games in 22 days, fatigue is playing a big part in the results section, yet having said that when you consider one of the most consistent, industrious and hard working players has been ever present, and can still manage to put in a sterling performance, there’s a little niggling doubt set back on the slow burner.  I’m talking about Carl Osman of course, he ran his socks off, scored his 18^th goal of the season, and the man can win a game all on his own, but that’s heavily reliant on how capable we are at the back.  On that assessment alone we produced the goods at one end but threw away all the hard work at the other!

 

It was a great spectacle for the neutral visitor, end-to-end stuff with plenty of goals, and with two teams that play lovely football.  They are both fantastically talented youthful teams, but statistically you have to be far tighter in defence to go one further and win league titles.  Nevertheless, if you want to be entertained then these are the two teams to watch without a shadow of doubt.  The real pity is both teams wouldn’t be out of place in the Unibond, they would indeed enhance that league.  Unfortunately its’ a bloody hard league to get out of!

 

Ramsbottom took the lead within the opening 60 seconds.  Bernard Morley’s through ball found Matt Edgington, and Ian Price was left standing temporarily.  Meanwhile Robbie Holcroft came forward hesitated and tried to backtrack, and from 20-yards out Edgington as calm as you like lobbed the ball into the back of the net.  The post mortem analysis was had Price not been caught wanting then Holcroft need not of been forced off his line, and had Holcroft known that Price would’ve won the catch-up battle, then Edgington wouldn’t have been in a position to have a shot.  That’s all supposition, and regardless of the pundits view, Skem were a goal down!

 

Stuart Rudd had a couple of efforts at the other end.  His 1^st shot was hooked over the crossbar, and his second from a neat little lob over the defence from Michael Cole just didn’t come down quick enough, and in the end the shot was snatched at giving Mark Andrews with an easy save.

 

Matt Edgington found his way around Ian Price again in the 11^th minute, and his shot-cum-cross skimmed across the edge of the six-yard box despite Ewan Purcell’s outstretched leg posing a threat.

 

Skem started to dominate proceedings in terms of possession.  Carl Osman’s speculative 25-yarder inched marginally high of the cross bar.  Drew Hyland played Rudd into a threatening position, but the keeper blocked his path.  Rudd came closer a little later but the keeper palmed his low drive out for a corner.  Seconds later Michael Cole’s 20-yard daisy cutter found its way through the Rams crowded box into the corner of the net despite Mark Andrews diving in the right direction.

 

It was no surprise when Skem took the lead as the pressure was incessant.  Carl Osman flicked on a near post cross to Drew Hyland, and with his back to goal his overhead scissor kick flew into the back of the net.

 

Skem failed to come out and dominate early exchanges in the second half, and as a result Ramsbottom took advantage.  Dave Standley’s fresh air kick at a seemingly innocuous looking ball from Adam Kozlowski, allowed Matt Edgington to take advantage and curl his shot wide of Holcroft into the back of the net.

 

Carl Osman restored United’s lead in the 64^th minute, as he turned Adam Kozlowski the normally reliable centre half slipped and Osman raced through unopposed to dispatch the ball under the diving Andrews.

 

Drew Hyland tried a speculative effort from all of 35-yards in the 67^th minute having spotted Andrews well off his line, but give the keeper his due he backtracked to pull off a magnificent save.

 

United continued to pressurise Ramsbottom, but it was at the other end where they were caught lacking.  Chris Mackay’s floated cross found Matt Edgington unopposed who struck a wonderful half-volley into the back of the net.

 

M.O.M.  Carl Osman

 

Mero Waugh & Drew Hyland played exceptionally well, but Carl Osman having made one goal and scored one, was a constant thorn in Ramsbottom’s side.

 

Final Thoughts:  A great entertaining game and what value for money we have proved to be this season.  However, 68 goals conceded in all competitions tell a story all on its own. 

Saturday 19^th March 2005.

 

Skelmersdale United 3 Bacup Borough 4

 

Some people will blame the referee for the result, as he preferred to take centre stage.  The game was peppered with stops, as the whistle appeared to be glued to his lips, and the general flow of the game suffered as a result.  Others will say 4 games in 8 days was a bit too much to expect out of Skem’s young guns.  However, the connoisseurs of football will tell you that the real reason why United lost this game was because they lacked discipline.  (Writes Frank Hughes)

 

It was no surprise that the area in which Skem lacked the most was the area in which the industrial debate was most prevalent, and whilst they stood around arguing amongst themselves the more experienced players of Bacup took advantage, and gained control.

 

Carl Osman broke through Bacup’s defence in the opening minute, only for David Felgate to pull off a vital save.  And with the game barely warming up, United took the lead a couple of minutes later with an excellent one-two between Lacken & Rudd that resulted in Stuart Rudd blasting a low drive past the outstretched David Felgate.

 

The lead was short lived, as Ian Price pointlessly brought Matthew Cross down just inside the box.  Captain Steve Scott took the spot kick, then Robbie Holcroft pulled off a magnificent save, but the problem was the boys in blue were still celebrating as Lee Matthews sent a cross over Holcoft for David Gray to head into an empty net.

 

Frankie Lacken linked up well once again with Stuart Rudd, providing Rudd with an excellent cross which he looked odds on to head home but for an excellent reflex save by Felgate that denied him.

 

Lacken muscled his way through Bacup’s defence in the 15^th minute only to be hauled down by Jamie Bates, and from the spot Steve Hussey put United back on top.  Skem looked good value for money at that point, and many were starting to speculate how many they would score.  Trouble was as the first half went deep into injury time, United were already taking their break.  Nicky Taylor struck an excellent free kick from 25-yards out which thundered off the cross bar, and as Skem continued to ball watch Dean Repullo headed the ball over Robbie Holcroft into the back of the net.

 

With renewed vigour United took the game to Bacup in the second half.  Carl Osman, Steve Brown  & Stuart Rudd all had reasonable efforts, but it was at the other end and on the break that Skem looked at the weakest.  Darren Emmet broke through only to see his shot headed off the line by Mero Waugh. 

 

Steve Brown turned in Dalglishesque style at the edge of the box, to put in a strike that although weak was only marginally wide of the upright, and had the keeper going the wrong way.

 

In the 81^st minute United once again succumbed to the sucker punch.  Mike Fletcher took his eye of a relatively innocuous looking cross and Ben Thornley squared the ball to Darren Emmet who from the edge of the box blasted the ball into the back of the net.

 

In the 85^th minute United sneaked an equaliser, Michael Cole’s corner was handled in the area but thankfully the referee allowed the advantage to be played, a melee ensued in the 6-yard box with Drew Hyland managing to poke the ball home.

 

Skem looked as though they could win it from that point.  Carl Osman’s shot was palmed off the line by the keeper but directly to the feet of Stuart Rudd, but at an acute angle his shot was screwed into the side netting.  Cole’s excellent cross soon followed, and with both Hyland & Thompson challenging, the eventual shot by Thompson was blazed high of the crossbar.

 

In the 90^th minute United’s midfield & defence went absent without leave, allowing Bacup to break unchallenged.  Ben Thornley once again took advantage of the space before threading a neat cross to the far post for Steve Scott to head the ball into the empty net.

 

As the game ran into the 5^th minute of injury time, Cole’s corner created havoc in Bacup’s six-yard box, and was eventually nodded over the line by Drew Hyland.  The goal wasn’t given which was of no surprise considering the assistant referee was 10ft off the line.  The referee’s assessor later pointed out his mistake, which was of little comfort now that United had lost the game.

 

M.O.M.  Mero Waugh

 

Since making his debut Mero has made a massive contribution to the team, and could prove to be the find of the season.

 

Final Thoughts: 

 

You get what you deserve in this game, and United just didn’t deserve to win on balance.  Perhaps a point would’ve been a more fitting finale.  The trouble with United in this game was; they only appeared to be interested in winning when they were losing, and against the more experienced Bacup, it was a bit like playing Russian Roulette!

 

They also have to be more disciplined.  They engaged in pointless feuding with either themselves or the referee when decisions went the other way, and were caught on the hop as a result.

 

Holcroft, Price, Waugh, Standley, Brownrigg (15. Fletcher, 74), Brown (12 Hyland, 81) Cole, Hussey, Rudd, Lacken (14. Thompson, 70)

 

Att: 176

Thursday 17^th March 2005.

 

Skelmersdale United 4 Atherton LR 1

 

Stuart Rudd had an early effort comfortably saved by Andy Paxton following a great delivery by Carl Osman, but at the other end there was a stern reminder that two teams had attended the game, albeit a misjudgement by John Brownrigg as he allowed the ball to slip past him thus allowing Steve Torpey to cross the ball to Jamie Howard, but from an acute angle his shot was fortunately rather high of the target.

 

Michael Cole was buzzing early on shooting wide as an opportunity presented itself, and Frankie Lacken followed up soon after with a great solo effort that the keeper did well to parry off the goal line.  However, two minutes later Lacken fired United into the lead with another shot that was parried only for him to bury the deflection.  It was United’s 100^th of the season in all competitions!

 

Carl Osman carved his way through the midfield before squaring the ball to Lacken, who in turn played a first time cross to Steve Hussey at the far post, but with the target beckoning Hussey fired high & wide.

 

Michael Cole’s well executed free kick in the 20^th minute found Lacken at the far post and with a well struck kick the ball also found the back of the net…United were sailing. 

 

Stuart Rudd had a shot blocked 60 seconds later.  During a lull in play LR almost struck back but Robbie Holcroft reacted well to deny Torpey’s shot with a world-class reflex save on the line.  Still United looked dangerous when they found the ball, with Lacken once again forcing a save out of the keeper and Carl Osman shooting just wide.

 

Atherton’s goal when it arrived was blatantly offside, but well finished by Scott Walker as an advancing Holcroft did his best to reduce the angle.  But United could’ve increased the daylight before the break and were unfortunate not to do so as the keeper turned Rudd’s shot away once again.

 

Steve Torpey a recent target for Paul Gallagher earleir on in the season twice came close in the opening stages of the 2^nd half, the first shot was blocked by Holcroft who was having a superb game, but the second as he broke the offside trap was ballooned when it looked easier to hit the target in the very least.

 

Michael Cole increased Skem’s lead in the 66^th minute with a well-taken 20-yard free kick, and now it was case of how many.

 

Frankie Lacken had another shot inch narrowly wide, before Carl Osman made sure of the result with his 17^th goal of the season courtesy of a great through ball by Steve Hussey, and he even had the luxury of having another shot being blocked by the feet of the keeper as the game drew to a natural conclusion.

 

M.O.M.  Michael Cole

 

Back to his best with this performance.  He was pushed close with outstanding performances by Carl Osman, Robbie Holcroft, Frankie Lacken, David Standley & Mero Waugh, but once again it was a great performance overall by the boys in blue.

 

Final Thoughts:

 

A pleasure to watch when they play like this, and extremely good value for money!

 

Holcroft, Price, Waugh, Standley, Brownrigg (15. Fletcher, 67) Brown, Cole, Hussey, Rudd (14. Thompson, 80) Lacken (12. Hyland, 76) Osman

 

Att: 173.

 

 

Saturday 12^th March 2005.

 

Skelmersdale United 2 Curzon Ashton 1

 

For the first 20 minutes or so of this game, one kind of got the feeling that Skem were still at Abbey Hey, as the football was that awful.  However, once they’d settled down and disciplined themselves, they played football on a par with their best of the season.  (Writes Frank Hughes)

 

A great move by Sam Hinchcliffe in the 5^th minute saw him outwit Kevin Thompson on the by-line before drilling the ball over Robbie Holcroft and scraping the crossbar in the process.  United’s luck wasn’t going to last long as two minutes later they conceded the opening goal.  A great ball into the area was helped on by the head of Matty Swailes into the path of John Utterson who finished with aplomb.

 

A near post shot by Stuart Rudd was the closest United came, but the keeper David Fish was equal to the task as he palmed the ball around the upright.  At the other end Skem were caught off guard as John Utterson broke through the two centre halves, but this time his shot was far less convincing and left Robbie Holcroft with an easy save in the end.

 

Steve Brown fed a lovely cross over Curzon’s defence for Lee Thompson, but Thompson’s shot missed the target altogether, and at that stage you would’ve been forgiven for thinking this was going to one of those games.  That was soon strengthened as John Utterson broke through again, and with Holcroft advancing he tried to lob him, fortunately Holcroft was able to get a fingertip to the ball and divert it to safety.

 

United had taken enough risks, and eventually turned the game right round on its head, albeit it took a yellow card from the referee to get the eventual lynch-pin Steve Hussey into gear.  Hussey started to command the midfield with his football rather than his mouth, and when you shut this lad up it’s like injecting a lethal injection into the opposition.  He’s a class act, and it’s hardly surprising that United’s fortunes have changed since he return.

 

Steve Hussey released Stuart Rudd in the 32^nd minute, who in turn squared the ball to Thompson but once again the gutsy centre forward couldn’t find the target, but you sensed he was keen to rectify that.  Stuart Rudd headed wide Steve Hussey’s free kick moments later.  And guess what?  Lee Thompson got the goal he’d threatened to score soon after.  Straight from a goal kick, Stuart Rudd climbed high to flick the ball into the path of Lee Thompson and from the edge of the box following a couple of touches he blasted the ball high into the net ~ game on!

 

From a Carl Osman cross Lee Thompson was denied just before the interval as the keeper palmed the ball away, but United had set the standards for the second half.

 

United’s movement and passing in the second half was so fluid and precise that Curzon were barely allowed in Skem’s half.  Stuart Rudd had an early chance but put the ball wide when he should’ve done a lot better, and Michael Cole headed a far post cross from Steve Brown to deflect off the feet of the keeper.  They were even allowed the luxury of a disallowed goal when Chris Ball put the ball into his own net from an excellent cross from Lee Thompson.  Strangely the Assistant Referee decided to flag for offside.

 

Lee Thompson had a shot cleared off the line by Sam Hinchcliffe in the 61^st minute, as did Stuart Rudd 4 minutes later.  Rudd was also in the thick of the action minutes later, as Steve Hussey played him on, once he’d unshackled himself he delivered a shot that was marginally wide of the upright.

 

Stuart Rudd whom had tried his hardest to get himself on the score sheet eventually settled for another assist.  Rudd managed to beat his marker before unselfishly threading the ball square to Michael Cole.  Cole thrashed the ball home, although the keeper got a touch to it.  Stuart Rudd had a couple more efforts as the game drew to an end, but for all his efforts couldn’t find the target.

 

M.O.M.  Stuart Rudd

 

Played his socks off and was unfortunate not to bag at least a hat trick, but it’s a team game as he showed and he played a major part in both goals.

 

Carl Osman, Steve Hussey and Lee Thompson also shined, but in overall terms it was good all-round team performance.

 

Final Thoughts:

 

Bags of character and some great football played.   United showed what they are really made of, and now the climb begins!

 

Holcroft, Price K Thompson, Standley, Brownrigg, Brown, Cole Hussey, Rudd, L Thompson, Osman.  Subs not used:  12. Hyland. 14. Fletcher. 15. Wallace.

 

Att: 165

Tuesday 8^th March 2005.

 

Abbey Hey 3 Skelmersdale United 2

 

This was one of United’s poorest performances of the season, one they would all sooner forget.  Paul Gallagher’s men clearly have the capability of taking the collective step up from level 5 to level 4 in the pyramid, but first they’ll have to shake off the cavalier attitude they take into games such as this one.  Sometimes you have to work that little harder.  (Writes Frank Hughes)

 

The opening chances fell to Skem.  Carl Osman found himself in the clear after great work by Stuart Rudd, albeit on target he scuffed the shot when it looked easier to score.  Lee Thompson’s shot was almost a carbon copy of Ossies, but for the fact that it was wide of the upright.  However, Thompson’s overhead kick five minutes later was a little better as it was only just high of the target.

 

Abbey Hey got back into the game as United’s defence went AWOL.  Greg Brown was allowed the time and space to deliver some awkward crosses.  Andrew Simpson missed a sitter from one such cross, and later Ian Price had to clear Mick Ryan’s shot off the line, albeit the flag had already gone up for offside.  A short while later David Brocklehurst had the best chance to open the scoring but some how managed to head wide when the target when it looked easier to score.

 

Just before the break Carl Osman missed a sitter of his own.  A quick free kick by Michael Cole had set him free, but his effort flew over the crossbar.

 

Abbey Hey opened the scoring in the 55^th minute with Steve Moore collecting his first of two.  John Brownrigg failed to get his head to what looked like a relatively easy cross, and at the far post Moore blasted the ball into the back of the net.

 

Michael Cole squared things up for United 5 minutes later with a wonderful 25-yard free kick that flew into the top left hand corner of the net.  The joy was short lived though as another defensive slip this time by Ian Price allowed Steve Moore to thrash the ball once again into the net.

 

Not much was happening for United even though they were having more than their fair share of possession.  They seemed to want to walk the ball into the net, when a little more improvisation was called for.  That said on the one and only occasion they improvised they scored.  Steve Brown’s excellent cross-evaded the defence and John Brownrigg with outstretched left peg blasted the ball into the net ~ his 14^th goal in his illustrative 351 game career.

 

The trouble was at the other end as Skem couldn’t defend to save their lives.  Having outwitted Jay Marsh in the 86^th minute Micky Ryan thrashed the ball home to claim all three points.

 

There was the odd flash of Skem stealing a point, the clearest of which came as Steve Hussey weaved his way into the danger area, before his eventual shot was blocked.  Hussey was claiming handball whilst the ball was still bouncing in the danger area, and would’ve been wiser to stop moaning.

 

M.O.M.  Steve Hussey

 

A poor performance by all to be honest, but Steve Hussey’s distribution threatened to undo Abbey Hey on many occasions, but once again I can’t gloss over the fact that he should play until the whistle rather than stop and wait for it.

 

Final Thoughts:

 

Not good enough by any stretch of the imagination, but one bad performance in 11 games doesn’t constitute demise.

 

Holcroft, Price, Marsh, Standley, Brownrigg, Brown, Cole, Hussey, Rudd, Thompson (12. Hyland 82.) Osman.  Subs not used: 14.  Fletcher. 15.  Wallace.

Saturday 5^th March 2005.

 

Skelmersdale United 2 Congleton Town 0

 

 

Wednesday night’s disappointment of bowing out of the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy didn’t seem to affect United’s superb league form, as they continued with a comfortable win over Congleton Town, and have now taken 16 points from18. (Writes Frank Hughes)

 

Lee Thompson took advantage of sloppy defending in the 5^th minute to prod the ball home, in what basically looked like a lost cause for United’s hotshot centre forward. 

 

Robbie Holcroft had to palm a well-aimed shot over his crossbar from Alan Barker, but was rarely tested in the opening half.

 

Steve Brown’s 30-yarder was just wide of the target, and Lee Thompson’s superb header had to be turned away by keeper Phil McGing.

 

Michael Cole fed the ball wide to Stuart Rudd and racing in on goal and with only the keeper to beat his eventual shot lacked power, and the keeper made a relatively easy save.

 

The second half was a lot livelier.  Great work by Carl Osman culminated in him playing the ball square to Stuart Rudd who was clear of his marker, but Rudd’s excellent shot was curled millimetres wide of the upright.

 

Carl Osman was in the thick of almost every move, and once again supplied a great through ball for Lee Thompson, but with the target looming ‘Thommo’ blazed his shot high of the target.  Thompson had another effort blocked a minute later following great build-up play by Michael Cole.

 

Robbie Holcroft blocked a superb header by Scott Beasley in the 55^th minute, but United’s persistence in front of goal was eventually rewarded with what effectively turned out to be the winner in the 65^th minute.  Lee Thompson turned provider with an excellent cross to Michael Cole who fired a 10-yard volley into the back of the net.

 

Lee Thompson had a couple more efforts as the game drew top a close, the first another shot blazed high, following a through ball by Stuart Rudd.  Then Carl Osman put him in the clear, perhaps presenting him with his best opportunity, but once again he fired high of the target.

 

M.O.M.  Steve Brown

 

A great team performance once again by the boys in blue, but Steve Brown’s influence is beginning to show.  He’s a great source of supply for the central midfielders, his shear pace down the wing is leaving the opposition for dead, and giving the Michael Cole & Steve Hussey the space to orchestrate events.

 

Final Thoughts:

 

Clearly tired after the efforts during midweek, but still the lads gave their all, and you can’t ask for more than that!

 

 

Holcroft, Price, K Thompson, Standley, Rimmer (14. Brownrigg 45) Brown, Cole, Hussey (15. Wallace 87) Rudd (12. Hyland 87) L Thompson, Osman.

Wednesday 2^nd March 2005.

 

Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy ~ Semi-final.

 

Burscough 2 Skelmersdale United 0

 

United may have lost this game, but football was the real winner, as Burscough marched into the final against Accrington Stanley. (Writes Frank Hughes)

 

Drew Hyland had a couple of half efforts in the opening exchanges, and was clearly causing the Burscough rearguard the odd scare.  And great work by Stuart Rudd culminated in Steve Hussey having a punt form 20-yards which was only just wide of the target. 

 

David Eaton forced Robbie Holcroft into pulling of a decent save, and on the counter Drew Hyland was once again at it as he fired a shot just wide of the upright from the edge of the box in the 14^th minute.

 

United’s failure to clear an innocuous looking cross in the 30^th minute led to David Eaton’s shot but a fine save by Robbie Holcroft proved vital.

 

Rudd fired narrowly wide following great build-up play.  Carl Osman beat four men before having a shot that ricocheted as far as Steve Brown; unfortunately Brown’s eventual shot hit the side netting.  And Steve Brown almost got his name on the score sheet again as the half drew to an end, this time he fired wide again following Michael Cole’s corner.  At the other end Liam Blakeman’s shot hit the upright.

 

Michael Cole had a couple of efforts in the opening 5 minutes of the second half; one a free kick which was comfortably saved, and the second a shot following his interception, but it lacked any real power.

 

Dave Eaton hit the woodwork once again, and when Liam Blakeman broke though the United defence only to see Robbie Holcroft make a great save at his feet, the home supporters must’ve thought it was going to be one of those nights.  Three minute later that theory was broken as Blakeman made no mistake when breaking through again following a Martindale feed, as he unleashed an unstoppable shot.

 

Drew Hyland’s hooked shot cleared the upright a minute later, and soon after his overhead volley at the edge of the box was cleared off the line by Liam Blakeman.

 

Matthew Parry hit the crossbar in the 89^th minute, and as the game went into injury time Lee Thompson broke through Burscough’s defence with some neat footwork, but took one touch too much, and Andy Barlow smothered his eventual shot.  But with United pushing forward it was inevitable they would be caught on the break, and Mark Byrne raced clear and slotted the ball home with aplomb.

 

M.O.M.  Carl Osman

 

Steve Brown had an excellent game once again with some lovely touches.  Steve Hussey was very creative and slowed things down when things were running faster than the speed of light.  Michael Cole also had a great game, as did Drew Hyland who left the Burscough supporters mightily relieved when he was replaced in the 75^th minute.  David Standley was like a brick wall in defence, superb throughout, and sods law after such a great display the unfortunate happens.  Kevin Thompson was inspirational in defence and also proved to be a great source of supply for the eventual M.O.M. Carl Osman who ran his socks off literally.

 

Final Thoughts:

 

They gave it their all and nobody can ask anymore from them than that… a team to be proud of in every sense.  

 

Holcorft, Price K Thompson (16. Lacken 82) Standley, Rimmer, Brown (14. Birchall 78) Cole, Hussey, Rudd, Hyland (12. L Thompson 75) Osman.  Subs Not Used: 15. Brownrigg.  17.  Fletcher.

Tuesday 22^nd February 2005.

 

Skelmersdale United 1 Ramsbottom United 1

 

A fairly even contest in terms of possession, but United will feel unlucky not to have claimed all three points, given the fact they outnumbered Ramsbottom in terms of chances created. (Writes Frank Hughes)

 

Drew Hyland has played some exceptional football as of late, and keenly continued in that vein against Ramsbottom.  Indeed, he was unlucky not to open the scoring as early as the 5^th minute, when he turned the centre half by surprise at the edge of the box, only to see his shot inch wide of the target.

 

Kevin Thompson switched from left back to right of midfield before he sent a lovely cross over the visitor’s defence to Stuart Rudd, but with only the keeper to beat, Rudd couldn’t get the direction he wanted and the ball disappointingly went wide.

 

A 25-yard free kick by Michael Cole was marginally high in the 33^rd minute.  And Kevin Thompson delivered another well weighted cross minutes later, that once again had evaded the ‘Rammy’ defence, but this time Drew Hyland’s header was flicked wide.

 

Ramsbottom were reduced to just one effort that came from John Blackley in the closing minutes, but in fairness it never really tested Ryan McMahon.  Then in the closing seconds Stuart Rudd spurned a golden opportunity to put United in a deserved lead.  A mistake by Adam Kozlowski allowed Rudd a double effort, the second of which was struck well, but was wide of the target, even though the keeper hadn’t moved from the middle of his goal.

 

United eventually took the lead in the 50^th minute.  Steve Hussey’s deep cross to the far post found Steve Brown who managed to toe poke the ball home.  It was something out of nothing considering the real opportunities they’d had in the first half.  Nevertheless, it was great finish.

 

Drew Hyland’s overhead kick followed, although on target it lacked power.  Needless to say Drew was giving Ramsbottom a lot to think about.

 

A moment’s hesitation by Ryan McMahon effectively costs United their fifth consecutive league win.  Arriving prematurely for a cross, Bernard Morley got to the ball first and his looping header was enough to guide the ball over McMahon.  Hindsight’s a wonderful thing but the initial cross wasn’t really that testing and had he stuck to his line, he would’ve had nothing more than a comfortable save to make.

 

Ramsbottom were playing some lovely controlled football, reducing United to counterattacks, but it was never going to be United’s night in the end.  Steve Hussey had a close range effort charged down by the hands of Adam Kozlowski, unfortunately the referee was on the blind side and play proceeded.  Ian Price broke free, and should had a punt himself when clear, instead he cut the ball across the face of goal for Carl Osman to have a dig.  Osman’s shot was slightly off target, but keeper Andrew’s wasn’t to know that as he made a diving save.

 

Drew Hyland was always in the thick of the action.  In the 77^th minute and with some lovely footwork which seen him carve his way through the heart of Ramsbottom’s rearguard, he was able to prime himself up for a shot that was just a tad off the target.

 

Carl Osman shot wide & Drew Hyland hit the target albeit the shot lacked power, and as the seconds ticked away, Hyland was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty as he was scythed down just inside the box.

 

M.O.M.  Drew Hyland

 

The defence played really well as usual, with Kevin Thompson looking good bringing the ball forward and supplying some excellent crosses.  Steve Brown had an excellent second half.  But Drew won the accolade hands down for an excellent 90-minute effort.  His aptitude and attitude over the last month has been magnificent.  He clearly has the ability to play at a much higher level, and if he continue to show this kind of maturity he surely will.

 

Final Thoughts:

 

The consensus of opinion was this was an extremely good game of football, by two extremely youthful teams playing at the top of their games.  Yet one could criticise Skem for not seizing on more of their opportunities, but when you are playing as good as Skem are at the moment, then anything less than all three points is always going to be a bit of a let down.  Having said that Ramsbottom are in 4^th place because they’ve earned the right to be there, so a point is priceless when everything else is considered.

 

Well-done lads!

Saturday 19^th February 2005.

 

Skelmersdale United 1 Abbey Hey 0

 

It’s not all about vintage displays when your on a table climbing mission, as sometimes you have to grind the results out…and that’s exactly what Skem did! (Writes Frank Hughes)

 

Paul Gallagher handed out debuts to centre forward Frankie Lacken, and goalkeeper Ben Barnes.  Steve Rimmer returned to the fold after a five-match absence and Lee Thompson was also in the starting line-up following three consecutive appearances from the substitutes bench.  The squad rotation didn’t do the Manager any harm, and with games coming thick and fast, the rested legs will certainly be grateful!

 

It didn’t take Frankie Lacken long to impress.  After receiving the ball wide right from Lee Thompson, he quickly squared the ball to Carl Osman.  Although free and with only the keeper to beat, he took the ball a little wider than he wanted and in the end the keeper had reduced the angle considerably, and Osman’s shot was off the target.

 

Skem had the odd scare early doors, first with Tim Bailey as he raced through unmarked, but fortunately scuffing his shot, and secondly when newcomer Ben Barnes handled a back-pass.  Thankfully the resultant free kick by Barry Lomas was defended well.

 

Following a surging run from his own half, Kevin Thompson played a great cross to the far post, but sadly Michael Cole’s header was rather rushed, and off target as a result.  Ian Price also made a surging run.  From a central position, Price had carved his way through the field, and his timing was impeccable as he squeezed the ball through Abbey Hey’s two big centre halves to release Lee Thompson.  However, Thompson’s timing wasn’t as precise and the ball trickled to safety.

 

That was about it, in a half where both teams failed to suss each other out.  So an early goal was called for in the second 45 to open up the game.  That; the winner as it turned out came in the 55^th minute.  Steve Hussey switched play from right to left, and Frankie Lacken was in the clear long enough to drill the ball into the danger area, and as the keeper panicked, Lee Thompson stooped to head the ball home. (pictured top right)

 

The match was evenly balanced overall despite the fact that United had the lead.  Abbey Hey tried their best to get back into the game, but they were reduced to long-range efforts that did little to worry the composed newcomer, Ben Barnes.

 

Stuart Rudd cracked the upright late on in the game, and when he played the ricocheted shot square to Carl Osman, with a gaping target Osman snatched wildly, hence failing to add to his impressive 16-goal tally.

 

M.O.M.  Steve Brown

 

Not many nominees for the honour, as most were having an off day.  I thought the Ben Barnes had a great debut in goal, and Frankie Lacken, albeit lacking match fitness, did what a centre forward should do if he can’t score…he assisted his partner.

 

The defence was solid, and will grow in confidence, as this was their second clean sheet.  But the honour went to Steve Brown whose silky skills down the right wing teased the Abbey Hey defence into near submission at times.  Brown has plenty of flair, but is always willing to get stuck in and defend, when things aren’t working so well for him.

 

Final Thoughts:

 

Although still in 13^th place, with 4 consecutive league wins they are pushing for a more than realistic top five spot.  Nevertheless, the games will get harder from here on in!

 

Barnes, Price, K Thompson, Brownrigg, Rimmer, Brown, Cole, Hussey, Lacken (14. Rudd, 71) Thompson (12.  Hyland, 82)  Sub Not Used: 15.  Standley.

 

 

Saturday February 12^th 2005.

 

Skelmersdale United 3 Atherton Collieries 1

 

With Robbie Holcroft injured and new signing Ryan McMahon away on holiday, Manager, Paul Gallagher handed the number one shirt to 16-year old Reserve keeper Kevin Atherton – arguably the youngest keeper to don the shirt since the end of the Second World War!  And a fine debut the young lad had too.   Indeed, had it not been for a world class save in the 60^th minute, the result could’ve easily differed.  (Writes Frank Hughes)

 

The opening 45 minutes proved difficult for both teams as they tried to come to terms with a strong wind and slippery pitch, but still it was United that looked more capable of scoring goals.  In the 2^nd minute Steve Brown’s run to the by-line beat Atherton’s slow to react defence who all thought the ball was going for a goal kick, but United’s attack were just as slow to react to a cross that had everyone beaten, with Michael Cole the closest to an open target.

 

The same again later on as Stuart Rudd got behind the ‘Colls’ defence to cross from the by-line, but with a wet surface the only thing going in the net was player after player slipping through after mistimed runs!

 

Steve Hussey was proving to be linchpin to every United attack as his distribution from the centre of midfield was excellent, and if anything from that point on the only thing that was stopping United from scoring was a stubborn Atherton defence who seemed to grow in confidence after each attack.

 

It looked like it was going to be one of those days when Stuart Rudd missed a 43^rd minute penalty.  The keeper did well to get a hand to Rudd’s spot kick and push the ball onto the underside of the crossbar, before it ricocheted to safety.  The most surprising thing was that the keeper was still on the pitch, having brought Stuart Rudd down in the first place.  Okay Rudd was going away from goal when he was brought down, but with the referee acknowledging it was a penalty surely he should’ve produced a card of some description?

 

United scored the opener in the 53^rd minute.  Drew Hyland took receipt of a free kick at the edge of the box before turning and squeezing the ball through to Carl Osman.  Osman with only the keeper to beat drilled the ball low and wide of Paul Masher’s outstretched body.

 

Drew Hyland was also playing well at this point, and when clear through from Steve Hussey’s neatly threaded pass, he was only denied by the bravery of the keeper as he saved at his feet.

 

A speculative 18-yard shot by Andy Wallace in the 60^th minute appeared to be heading into the top right hand corner, only for Kevin Atherton to pull off a magnificent save at full stretch, with the ball clipping the crossbar before it eventually ran to safety.

 

A scramble in the box in the 67^th minute almost put Steve Hussey on the score sheet, but Atherton defended there are well, and United were denied once again.

 

Carl Osman scored the goal of the season in the 72^nd minute, with a brilliant run that started from just inside the Atherton half.  Weaving his way through one player after another, he’d eventually beat a path into the penalty area, and waited for the keeper to react before guiding the ball into the back of the net – his 16^th goal of the season…not bad going for a midfielder!  In fact he could’ve claimed the match ball in the 80^th minute, but for the fine save from Paul Masher.

 

Drew Hyland made sure of all three points, as he beat the Atherton defence to finish with aplomb in the 82^nd minute.

 

Atherton managed to grab a late consolation, with a speculative effort form all of 20-yards.  The scorer Adam Lucas looked as surprised as everybody as the wind seemed to carry the shot then force it to dip under the bar, giving Kevin Atherton absolutely no chance.

 

M.O.M.  Steve Hussey.

 

There were several candidates for the M.O.M. honour.  The defence once again played extremely well, with debutante Kevin Thompson at right back looking like a great prospect for the future.  Steve Brown had an excellent full debut, as his silky skills down the right hand wing caused Atherton to wobble on occasions.  It goes without saying that Carl Osman was superb.  His finishing is as good as any striker’s, and it wouldn’t do anybody any harm to take a leaf out of his handbook.  Drew Hyland hasn’t put a foot wrong since his return.  With a change in attitude and 100% commitment, he’s allowed his football to do the talking.  But in the end Steve Hussey snatched the honour, for a near faultless performance.  It is true to say that since he’s returned, our fortunes appear to be on the up.  His composure on the ball is so professional, and his ability to make split decision passes, without much time for thought is on par with any of his counterparts.

 

Final Thoughts:

 

Atherton Collieries might be third from bottom, but they still have to be beaten. 

 

Following victories over Fleetwood & Newcastle Town this was a potential banana skin, but with an extremely professional approach and great teamwork, there was only ever going to be one winner. 

 

It’s unlikely that United will be able to catch Fleetwood and other challenger’s for the League Title considering the backlog in games they have, but if they just concentrate on what they have to do, you never know what will happen.

 

Great debut by Kevin Atherton.  It must’ve been a daunting prospect for the young keeper but he handled himself extremely well.

 

Team:  Atherton, Price, K Thompson (15. Fletcher, 83) Standley, Brownrigg, Cole Hussey, Rudd (12. L Thompson, 75) Hyland, Osman.  Sub Not Used: 14. Marsh.

 

Att: 127.

Saturday 5^th February 2005.

 

Newcastle Town 1 Skelmersdale United 2

 

This was United’s first League win in eight games, it was also their first ever victory at the Lyme Valley Park Stadium – a priceless win indeed!  (Writes Frank Hughes)

 

Ryan McMahon a signing from Congleton on Friday took receipt of a jersey that had been worn on 398 consecutive occasions by stalwart Robbie Holcroft…now a reluctant spectator following his injury at Fleetwood midweek.  It must’ve been like an out of body experience for Skem’s most capped goalkeeper, but in many ways it has been a burden on his shoulders, and now he can just concentrate on getting himself fit for a quick return.  However, in a dire opening half-hour as the ball by-passed midfield and rarely penetrated either defence, Robbie could’ve kept goal himself!

 

It was United who settled in first once the half hour had passed.  Stuart Rudd was working wide down the right flank just beyond the halfway line, before he released the ball to compliment Michael Cole’s run.  Cole took the ball to the by-line, and drilled in a low cross to Carl Osman at the near post, but with the keeper and left back keeping close tabs on ‘Ossie’ the angle was somewhat reduced and his shot was wide of the target.

 

Michael Lennon had a 20-yard effort at the other end four minutes later as he broke free of his shackles, but fortunately Ryan McMahon dived the right way, for what was a relatively easy save in any event as the shot lacked any real power.

 

If United have a had a weakness in recent weeks it has been their failure to take advantage of set pieces, they have obviously worked on that in training.  Having won a free kick parallel to the 18-yard box wide on the right, Michael Cole’s delivery was superb as he fed the ball over the defence to the far post, and up popped Drew Hyland to nod the ball home in the 39^th minute.

 

Michael Lennon appeared to be Newcastle’s main threat with the occasional diagonal run in from the wings, and when he managed to get to the by-line and deliver a superb cross in the 56^th minute the only thing that was missing was a forward to blast the ball home, but the chance went begging.

 

In essence though chances were limited as Newcastle’s narrow play suited John Brownrigg’s game, as nothing could get through this manmade wall.

 

In the 59^th minute Carl Osman’s well-timed ball from the half way line, put Stuart Rudd in the clear, but with Drew Hyland in a more central position he quite cheekily looped the ball over Newcastle’s remaining defender.  Racing in on goal Drew’s shot was a little rushed in the end but he still forced the keeper into making a save.

 

Newcastle’s game plan was to get as many crosses in as they could, but once again another opportunity was spurned in the 63^rd minute with nobody in the vicinity to do any harm.  However, it did have its rewards eventually, but by accident rather than design.  A similar cross in the 72^nd minute was cleared off the line by Carl Osman only to ricochet off Dave Standley into the back of the net.  With Rosalino Martins causing the confusion, the powers that be strangely decided to award the goal to him!

 

Martins could’ve got himself legitimately on the score sheet three minutes late.  Again from a deep cross, Martins somehow contrived to blaze the ball over the crossbar when it looked easier to score than miss.

 

United played Newcastle off the park from a footballing perspective, and although the winner came from another set piece it was their hard working approach that was forcing the errors.  Michael Cole’s assists go well onto double figures once again this season.  His 82^nd minute in-swinging corner eluded the defence and was flicked in at the near post by Carl Osman for his 14^th goal of the season.

 

M.O.M.  John Brownrigg

 

John Brownrigg has been awesome lately.  His self-imposed tough fitness regime has worked wonders, with the new ‘slim-line’ swashbuckling performances earning him the honour for the third time in a row.

 

Steve Hussey’s control and passing of the ball gave us the edge over Newcastle from a midfield point of view, and Drew Hyland’s ability to hold the ball up gave us the chance to slowly build rather than be rushed.  And overall the team played well as a Unit.

 

 

Final Thoughts:

 

Playing regularly has put some cohesion into the team, and although this wasn’t a 5-star performance, United were focused on winning and never really looked like losing the game.  They appear to be able to turn it on at will, and dig in and hold on when their backs are to the wall.  Another excellent win against a team supposedly in with a chance of winning the league!

 

Team:

 

McMahon, Price, Marsh, Standley, Brownrigg, Cole, Hussey, Birchall, Rudd (12. Thompson 89) Hyland, Osman (14. Brown 85)  Sub not used: 15. Fletcher.

 

Saturday 29^th January 2005.

 

League Challenge Cup 3^rd Round

 

Skelmersdale United 5 Nantwich Town 2

 

United barged their way into the quarterfinals of the League Challenge Cup with an emphatic victory over Nantwich Town. (Writes Frank Hughes)

 

Danny Reade will be keen to forget this one as he added another 5 goals to the four he conceded at the ‘Westgate Interactive Stadium’ on his previous visit.  Not much fun for him, but great for Stuart Rudd as he returned to form with a hat trick.

 

Not for the first time Skem conceded an early goal.  After a bit of pinball in the six-yard box, following a great save initially by Robbie Holcroft, the ball was fed across to the far post for Neil O’Brien to head home.  Thoughts of Frome and another cup exit filled the air!

 

When Carl Osman broke clear a couple of minutes later, it looked as though Skem would be back on terms, indeed they should’ve been.  However, a relieved keeper easily collected Ossie’s weak daisy-cutter. 

 

At the other end United were fortunate not to go further behind, as Danny Griggs broke free to deliver a 20-yard thunderbolt shot, but Robbie Holcroft was on hand to pull off an equally impressive, almost trademark save.

 

In the 12^th minute United were back in the competition.  A great break down the left flank by Lee Thompson was finished off with a pin-point cross to the edge of the six-yard box, and timing his run to precision, Michael Cole (Pictured top right) calmly placed the ball into the back of the net.

 

Stuart Rudd scored the first of his three in the 18^th minute.  As Nantwich failed to clear Michael Cole’s corner, Rudd unleashed a shot from just inside the area, which was blocked, but his second attempt was rifled into the roof of the net.

 

Seven minutes later Skem went into a commanding 3-1 lead, this time courtesy of a long kick by Robbie Holcroft.  With Nantwich’s defence in total oblivion, Stuart Rudd raced through to control the ball and lash the ball wide of Reade and into the back of the net.

 

Another great corner by Michael Cole was met by the head of newcomer Tony Hallam, and forced the keeper into a fine fingertip save.  From the resultant corner, and Town’s failure to clear once again, Steve Hussey unleashed a terrific shot that ricocheted off the crossbar.

 

Cole, Birchall & Rudd weighed in with good efforts in the latter stages of the half, reducing Nantwich to just one effort, and a well struck one by Danny Griggs it was, but fortunately it was high of the target.

 

United often accused of not being able to kill a game off effectively did just that in the 47^th minute.  As Stuart Rudd collected a great ball inside the box and primed himself up for the match ball, he unselfishly squared the ball to Lee Thompson, who returned the generosity by blasting the ball into the roof of the net.

 

There was the occasion bout of poor concentration, having reached the comfort zone.  Danny Griggs had an effort cleared off the line, and Matty Blake forced Robbie Holcroft into another top draw save following his close range effort.

 

Having pulled off some terrific saves, Robbie’s hesitancy handed Nantwich the slightest of hopes in the 71^st minute.  Holcroft was clearly expecting the flag to go up as Matty Blake raced clear, still United’s number one did enough to force Blake wide, only to see the cross fall to Danny Griggs unmarked.  With time on his side he controlled the ball before drilling it home.

 

Drew Hyland replaced Lee Thompson in the 81^st minute, and immediately went about trying to supply Rudd with his hat trick.  Rudd was forced wide from Hyland’s first feed but still managed to shoot on target, only to see his shot blocked on the line.  Drew’s second assist almost did the trick; once again his through ball put Stuart Rudd in the clear, but as Rudd tried his best to lob the keeper, Reade somehow managed to fling himself in the air and divert the ball with the slightest of touches.

 

Stuart Rudd completed his hat trick in injury time, and once again Nantwich’s poor defending at set pieces proved to be their downfall.  Michael Cole’s corner was only cleared as far as Steve Hussey who dinked the ball back into the danger area.  Stuart Rudd won the ball from the keeper in a 50/50 race, and the ball trickled over the line.

 

M.O.M.  John Brownrigg.

 

The defence as a unit played fairly well after conceding an early goal.  David Standley played well at right back, but was forced into reverting back to centre half as tragedy struck again.  Tony Hallam’s knee buckled as he tried to jump for a ball, bringing fears of cruciate ligament trouble.  It was fine debut for the former Preston North End player, who was looking to team up with Steve Rimmer when he returns from injury, but sadly it now looks as though he’ll be out for sometime.

 

Stuart Rudd was a contender for the M.O.M. with a great hat trick.  Michael Cole & Steve Hussey made huge contributions, but in the end it had to be John Brownrigg as he made at least four critical saving tackles, and without them Skem could’ve been looking at another cup exit.

 

 

Final Thoughts:

 

Skem won this game at a canter to be fair, rarely having to up a gear.  Leaving United’s jubilant fans reflecting on what could’ve been had they played anywhere like this against Frome in the Vase last week.  That’s history now, but the refreshing thing was United played football like they did at the beginning of the season.  They were classy and inventive, and made the game look easy.

 

The last time United beat Nantwich at this stage of the competition, it followed their exit from the 4^th Round of the FA Vase, coincidentally to a team from the Screwfix Direct League.  They went on to win the cup at Gigg Lane, Bury.  United will be hoping this a lucky omen.

 

Team:

Holcroft, Standley, Marsh, Brownrigg, Hallam (15. Mbemukenga, 74) Cole (14. Dee, 81) Hussey, Birchall, Rudd, Thompson (12. Hyland, 81) Osman

Saturday 22^nd January 2005.

 

FA Vase 4^th Round

 

Skelmersdale United 0 Frome Town 2

 

A switch of venues wasn’t the best preparation for a major cup competition, but with on-going pitch problems United had little choice but to return to Victoria Park, Burscough. (Writes Frank Hughes)

 

Disadvantaged, disillusioned and on the precipice of disaster, the one thing Skem had going for themselves was their involvement in such a prestigious competition.  The prize money would cover the loss in revenue and a win would keep the supporters happy.  But in the end it was all a bit desperate, and in the end defeat was the inevitable conclusion, following a lethargic display.

 

Skem had been warned about Paul Thompson’s prodigious goal kick, and they tested the theory with devastating consequences in the 2^nd minute of the game.  Robbie Holcroft made a shout for the ball, but missed it completely and as it sailed over his head, Mark Salter was on hand to head the ball into an empty net.

 

United were clearly shell-shocked and it took them several minutes to steady themselves.  Stuart Rudd headed wide from a Steve Dee cross, and just as it seemed early nerves had settled, Steve Rimmer was involved in a clash of heads.  Falling awkwardly, he dislocated his shoulder and was temporarily rendered unconscious, swallowing his tongue in the process.  Fortunately, quick thinking physio Billy Leigh came to his aid, and by the time the paramedics arrived he was thankfully laughing and joking.

 

The game was restarted 19 minutes later.  David Standley reverted to centre half and Namibian International Steve Mbemukenga joined the field as right back.  United became unhinged as a result, and were soon to concede another goal.  Yet again a big kick by Paul Thompson proved to be influential, allowing Dean Griffiths a run into the danger area.  Dave Standley appeared to have him well marked by forcing him to the by-line, but Standley took his eye off the ball and allowed Griffiths to get a cross into the near post, and once again Mark Salter was in the right place at the right time to put the low cross into the back of the net.

 

Nick Dyer was the only player to breach Skem's defence in the remainder of the half, but amazingly his free shot was unbelievably wide.  Other than that Skem defended well, with James Marsh stifling main source Matt Peters on almost every occasion, with John Brownrigg sweeping up well anything that managed to get through.

 

Michael Cole’s 20-yard free kick although dipping all the time, was still two foot high of the target.  James Marsh unleashed a 30-yarder soon after following Frome’s poor corner clearance, and although high and wide of the target, it proved intent if nothing else.

 

United came out in the second half still believing they could get something out of the game, and had it not been for the upright in the 47^th minute, Skem would’ve been well and truly back in the game.  Lee Thompson’s foot met Steve Dee’s cross to the near post, and his shot had the keeper beaten, but unfortunately the post came to their rescue.  The woodwork in the shape of the crossbar was also Frome’s saviour later on as Thompson once again threatened, although one has to question why he tried to blast the ball when placing it would’ve sufficed.

 

Meanwhile Frome had a couple of half chances, but so did United, sadly they couldn’t find the target, and in the end the game fizzled to a halt and an extremely disappointing defeat.

 

M.O.M.  James Marsh

 

This 18-year old lad is growing in stature with each and every game.  He marked their main source of supply out of the game, and if he lost the first tackle he went back in and won the second.  He also got himself into enemy territory and delivered some threatening crosses…the benchmark for any confident defender. John Brownrigg gave him a run for his money with a superb return, sweeping up anything that managed to get through.

 

Final Thoughts:

 

Sadly the effort wasn’t quite there with too many players having an off day, which of course is suicidal in a big game such as this.  They will be hurt more by the fact that even at half their normal pelt they could’ve taken Frome apart.  A lack of match fitness could be cited as the problem, as they had an enforced lay-off prior to Christmas, and the disappointment of having to switch the game hardly helped.  The anticipated gate of 600+ at Westgate would’ve given the boys a boost, but unfortunately it was never to be.  In the end though you can’t take anything away from Frome, they travelled well and completed their mission.

 

Holcroft, Brownrigg, Marsh, Standley, Rimmer (12. Mbemukenga, 11) Dee (15. Warrilow) Cole, Birchall, Rudd, Thompson, Osman.  Subs Not Used: 14. Hughes, 16. Wallace, 17. Rogers.

 

Att: 281.

Saturday 15^th January 2005.

 

Trafford 2 Skelmersdale United 0

 

This was the first time that Skem had lost a game by two clear goals in 30 outings this season, which in general terms shows that there is an extremely thin line between defeat and success.  Although the margins increased against Trafford statistically, United looked more capable of winning this game, than in any of the games they had previously lost. (Writes Frank Hughes)

 

With only 2 points out of a possible 21, their title aspirations can be binned for this season, and in the meantime they should concentrate all their efforts on the more lucrative 4^th Round FA Vase game on Saturday against Frome Town.  However, if they really want to live the dream of a final appearance at White Hart Lane, they’ll have to dig really deep, judged on recent form.

 

United didn’t play all that bad, and had they buried all their efforts they would’ve made Trafford look very ordinary.  Indeed, had the referee allowed Steve Dee’s 24^th minute goal (pictured above) to stand it would’ve been a great platform on which to build.  Unfortunately it was once again another day when poor officiating proved costly for Skem.

 

Steve Rimmer was in fine form at both ends of the pitch and was wreaking havoc in the box from corners and set pieces.  As early as the 6^th minute it started.  Cole’s corner to the far post found Rimmer’s, and although at an acute angle when he connected he forced Dave Cummins into producing a great reflex save.  The rebound fell kindly to Steve Rimmer’s foot this time, but unfortunately his power drive skimmed the crossbar and fell to safety.

 

Steve Dee was also lively down the right wing and often got himself into the danger area, after one such effort having weaved through Trafford’s defence he squared the ball to Stuart Rudd, but Rudd’s shot was deflected a foot over the crossbar.  Dee had a shot himself minutes later from 20-yards out which the keeper to divert wide of the upright.  He came even closer in the 24^th minute, in fact it was that close it was in the back of the net, his cross-cum shot deceived the keeper as it sailed over him into the back of the net, but then the referee deemed that Lee Thompson had held the keeper back.

 

Graham Vaughan opened the scoring in the 33^rd minute with a beautiful 20-yarder, it was a great shot; Trafford’s first of the game, but Vaughan was given all the time in the world, as Skem’s defence backed off him.

 

Steve Rimmer came close towards the end of the 1^st half with a diving header from Cole’s free kick, but once again the ball flew agonisingly high of the target.

 

The second half offered little in the way of opportunities for either team.  In terms of possession United were still taking the game to Trafford, with Stuart Rudd & Lee Thompson both denied half chances.

 

Gareth Birchall’s ball to David Standley forced him into making a rare mistake, and Andy Lundy seized upon the opportunity and blasted the ball into the roof of the net.  Skem fell to pieces from that moment and never looked likely to get back onto the game.

 

M.O.M.  Steve Rimmer

 

From a defensive point of view the back four played extremely well, and it was only the quality of goals that proved costly.  Mike Fletcher had a good debut and James Marsh grafted hard, stifling Mark Fitton’s wing attacks with consummate ease in the main.  But it was Steve Rimmer who towered above all with a great display at both ends of the park.

 

Final Thoughts:

 

United’s attack was poor, with Stuart Rudd & Lee Thompson clearly out of form.  It can only be a matter of time before they get their act together and when they do they’ll be scoring in bucket loads.  That is the difference at the moment, but in fairness to them the service they had against Trafford wasn’t of the required standard. 

 

United have a great team…you don’t become a bad team overnight.  Skem just need a boost in confidence and hopefully they’ll take their frustrations out on Frome in the FA Vase this coming Saturday.

 

Holcroft, Fletcher (15. Hill, 84) Marsh, Standley, Rimmer, Dee (12. Mbemukenga, 79) Cole Birchall, Rudd, Thompson, Osman.  Sub not used: 14.  Hughes.

2^nd Round

Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy

 

Skelmersdale United 1 Ramsbottom United 0

 

Gale force winds and slippery conditions dictated terms as regards to footballing matters, and yet neither team let themselves down in way of the effort they put in. (Writes Frank Hughes)

 

The only goal of the game was unlucky for Ramsbottom as it came in the 13^th minute and condemned them to defeat.  A 1-2 involving Gareth Birchall & Lee Thompson resulted in Thompson’s shot being turned away by Mark Andrews.  The resultant corner - an in-swinger by Michael Cole had to be palmed away again as the wind appeared to alter its course suddenly at the far post.  The next corner was the one that had the final impact.  Played to the edge of the box, and whilst marking Stuart Rudd heavily as he looked to be priming himself for a shot, Steve Rimmer rifled home a low shot through the Ram’s somewhat crowded area.

 

Skem continued to push forward at every given opportunity, and Ramsbottom looked vulnerable on the break.  Gareth Birchall was having a very lively first half, winning almost every challenge in midfield, and his distribution was rather good too.  On one such occasion he played an exquisite cross to Lee Thompson at the corner of the box, and Thompson quickly played the ball off to Michael Cole to meet his run, unfortunately Cole ballooned the shot, but it was certainly food for thought.

 

With the wind in their favour, Steve Dee’s policy was to shoot on sight and it almost worked in the 26^th minute, but once again the keeper did a terrific job blocking the shot.

 

Robbie Holcroft was called upon just once to block a shot that he had well covered in any event, as the remaining efforts of the half fell to Skem. 

 

Gareth Birchall broke through in the 37^th minute only to see his shot blocked by the keeper, the rebound fell kindly to Steve Dee who lobbed the ball over the keeper.   Dee’s goal bound effort was somewhat fortuitously plucked out of the air, and cleared to safety.

 

The final effort of the half fell to Michael Cole who struck a wonderful shot from all of the 35-yards, only to see the in form Mark Andrews pull off another great save.

 

United started the second half as they’d ended the first, but once again they couldn’t bury the final ball.  Carl Osman broke clear just outside the 6-yard box courtesy of a neatly threaded pass by Stuart Rudd, but with only the keeper to beat he somehow contrived to miss the target altogether much to the relief of the visitor’s.

 

Michael Cole had another long-range effort palmed away by the keeper, and it was beginning to look like a night when Skem would rue the chances they’d missed.  Lee Thompson raced into the area, back heeled the ball to Steve Rimmer, who in turn squared the ball to Carl Osman at the near post, and once again another chance was spurned as he failed to get any purchase on the ball, as it trickled out of touch.

 

Steve Rimmer had a goal disallowed in the 71^st minute as he drove the ball into the back of the net.  At first it looked as though the assistant ref was flagging for an offside when Ramsbottom clearly had players on the line, but it turned out he’d had his flag up for sometime.

 

NWC Division One player of the month for December Micky Saunders had a couple of opportunities in the closing stages for the Ram’s, heading wide and side netting when he should’ve done far better.  But in the end Skem edged their opponents out to go into the draw for the 3^rd Round of the Marsden Trophy.

 

M.O.M.  David Standley

 

David put in a superb contribution, and was the main reason why Ramsbottom were limited to rather few chances.

 

Final Thought:

 

Ramsbottom had recently completed the double over leaders Fleetwood, and perhaps we are their bogey team as they are Fleetwood’s?

 

I’m sure Paul Gallagher would sooner have three points off them; still a double of any description is more than welcome, especially against a team of Ramsbottom’s obvious calibre.

 

Like us Ramsbottom have a very youthful team and similarly they are a great passing team, with the difference in the end being Skem’s defence.  A solid organised display by the lads at the back, their first clean sheet in 6 outings.  Incidentally the last one came against Ramsbottom on the 20^th November 2004 in the 2^nd Round of the FA Vase!

 

Att 63

 

Goal:  Rimmer, 13.

 

Holcroft, Price, Brownrigg, Standley, Rimmer, Dee, Cole Birchall, Rudd, Thompson (12. Hyland, 80) Osman.  Subs not used: 14. Warrilow, 15. Hughes.