Saturday 22^nd April 2006.

Skelmersdale United 3 Abbey Hey 3

Just as United found their scoring touch, Abbey Hey matched them goal for goal, but left it until the 4^th minute of injury time to spoil United’s party. (Writes Frank Hughes)

With second placed Alsager losing against Colne and Cammell Laird held to a goalless draw at Trafford, none of the contenders managed to take the bull by the horns, but I guess United will be feeling the disappointment more, as Abbey Hey managed to snatch a point from the jaws of defeat.

United paid a high price for a poor first half performance, and as often the case has been they found themselves going a goal behind.

In a scrappy first half chances were few and far between.  However, United should’ve taken the lead in the 15^th minute as Ian Price pulled back a great cross from the by-line only to see Michael Douglas blaze a shot high from a great position.

United took liberties at the back as Andy Watson hit an up field pass that sneaked through United’s defence, but fortunately Tim Bailey shot wide in a one-on-one situation when really he should’ve scored.

Abbey Hey took the lead in the 34^th minute when Steve Rimmer conceded a penalty when he brought Andrew Simpson down inside the area.  Steve Moores stepped up to take the penalty which proved t be a poor one as Crookes blocked with his feet.  They weren’t so fortunate when Moores took receipt of the ball to slam the ball home.

The only other effort worthy of mention in the remainder of the half was a Stuart Rudd low drive from 25-yards out which crept wide of the upright.

Stuart Rudd headed home Michael Cole’s cross in the 48^th minute to restore parity, but United almost paid heavily within 60 seconds as they switched off defensively and allowed Andrew Simpson to sneak behind the line and force Peter Cookes into pulling off a magnificent reflex save.

United did however managed to nudge ahead when Cole’s corner was met by the mighty head of Tony Hallam, and the ball flew into the net, but once again the concentration was poor and within a couple of minutes Abbey Hey were back on terms, with Andrew Simpson firing home from close range.

It wasn’t over by a long chalk, with Skelmersdale pressing for the lead once again, and the hard work paid off in the 75^th minute when Stuart Rudd headed the ball over the keeper following a tremendous cross by Tom Hardwick.

Unfortunately Abbey Hey finished the strongest team, with Steve Moores forcing Crookes into another save, and then 4 minutes into injury time a hopeful high ball bounced over Skem’s defence, and as United claimed offside Brad Fallows raced in on their blind side to head over Crookes into the back of the net.

M.O.M ~ Michael Cole

Energetic and lively throughout the game, and his distribution was great.

Crookes, Price (12. Standley 62) Hardwick, Hallam, Rimmer, Wallace (14. Black 70) Cole, Douglas, Rudd, Rogers (15. Obong 85) Osman

Att: 210.

United’s final home game of the season is next Tuesday as they entertain Congleton Town, KO 7-45pm.

Monday 17^th April 2006.

Squires Gate 0 Skelmersdale United 1.

It remains to be seen how valuable Ryan Wallace’s 89^th minute winner will prove to be, but with closest rivals Alsager & Cammell Laird both losing, one thing’s is for sure…the destination of the title is yet to be decided.  (Writes Frank Hughes)

United had enough opportunities to put this game well and truly beyond their opponents, but sometimes the simple things aren’t that easy to do.  But the last gasp winner didn’t surprise Manager, Paul Gallagher.

“I think we played well and stuck to our game plan, which wasn’t easy in a swirling wind and on a very bobbly pitch.  Don’t get me wrong I wouldn’t have chosen so late in the game to pull out a winner, but what’s good for our competitors is good enough for us as far as I’m concerned.”

Paul Gallagher was referring to Cammell Laird who’d pulled off a late winner over the weekend, and you couldn’t help but feel compassion for a bloke who has imported a brand of football that under normal circumstances would’ve stormed away with the title, but for the fact that they can’t shake off a couple of rivals who don’t know how to lose.  Well that was almost true until he discovered half way down the M6 that both had lost on the same day.  Not that the Manager had ever lost his faith.

“I’ve said that it is up to us the win as many points as possible, and let our rivals make the mistakes.  The trouble has been that we’ve lost a bit of faith lately, and we’ll kick ourselves if it’s a close call at the end of the season.

“When I heard that our rivals had lost, I wasn’t in the least bit surprised, but it just goes to show how thin the line is between success and failure, and how important little Ryan’s goal could prove to be.”

Paul Rogers looked lively in the opening minutes with two great chances to give Skem the lead.  The keeper, Steven Shielski deflected his first chance wide, and his second effort went marginally wide of the target as well.  In fairness he should’ve done far better with both, but with them both coming early doors, you could say he could afford the odd luxury, that was until he blazed his third effort well over the crossbar from an even greater position.

Stuart Rudd went a little closer in the 21^st minute as he struck the crossbar from a 30-yard free kick.  But as much as the main threat looked always likely to come from United, you knew quite well that Squires Gate would be quite happy to bolt against the run of play.

Mark Beattie was first to take advantage of United’s all-out attack, as he broke free and home in on goal.  Fortunately Ian Price made a great saving tackle, albeit the ball took a nasty bobble leaving Crookes with no alternative but to guide the ball wide.

Paul Rogers was still the live wire up front, but you kind of got the feeling it just wasn’t going to happen for him when he received the ball from a wide position, but in the clear just 10-yards out he tried to lob the keeper instead of having a full impact shot, and inevitably the keeper plucked the ball out of the sky with relative ease.

There was the odd scare for United prior to the break as Rimmer had to clear a threatening cross, and Paul Ryan broke United’s offside trap only to see his shot go wide.

The opening minutes of the second half belonged to United as they pressed for an opening once again.  Michael Douglas hit the upright from an acute angle as Gate failed to clear Michael Cole’s corner, and soon after Stuart Rudd’s header had to be cleared off the line by Chris Days.

Stuart Rudd missed the target again following a great ball from Michael Douglas, this time on his wrong side Rudd hit the ball with his right foot when the opportunity was begging for his unorthodox foot.

Michael Douglas headed marginally wide following a Michael Cole free kick, but soon after Tony Hallam was sent off for foul and abusive language, and at that point, the 72^nd minute to be precise, you felt that holding onto a draw might be the best that United could do.

The opportunities were few and far between, indeed the best chance was a double effort in the 76^th minute, as Carl Osman’s shot was blocked en route and Michael Cole’s follow-up forced Steven Shielski to pull off the save of the game.

The winner came in he 89^th minute as the game looked to be passing United by.  Crookes played the ball to late substitute Neil Black who in turn played the ball inside to Paul Rogers, and the lad that should’ve scored at least four in the first half turned provider as he played an exquisite through ball to Ryan Wallace who as calm as you like tucked the ball beyond the keeper into the back of the net.

M.O.M.  Michael Douglas.

Michael Cole & Paul Rogers were both candidates for the accolade, but once again Michael Douglas was awesome with some spectacular winning tackles in the heart of midfield, and he also came close to scoring on a couple of occasions.  This seasons ‘player of the year’ by a country mile!

Crookes, Price, Hardwick, Hallam, Rimmer, Wallace, Cole, Douglas, Rudd, Rogers (14. Holmes 90)  Osman (12. Black 78) Sub not used: 15. Standley.

United will entertain Abbey Hey this coming Saturday KO 3pm.

People are reminded that it is ‘Ladies’ Day’ and that admission to all Ladies will be free.  There will also be a prize to the Lady wearing the best headdress!

Once again kids go free as long as accompanied by a paying adult and students go free upon production of their Student Union Card!

Saturday 8^th April 2006.

Ramsbottom United 2 Skelmersdale United 0.

Silenced by the Rams!

Fresh from victory over Cammell Laird in midweek, Ramsbottom delivered another shock as they turned the league leaders over. (Writes Frank Hughes)

It’s the wrong time of the season to struggle with form, and even the eternal optimist would have to say that winning the league is impossible for Skelmersdale even though they are still top.  On paper 3^rd place is more realistic, but further blips could allow Salford to push them as low as fourth, and that would really be a blow considering this has been United’s greatest season in the NWC, come what may.

The game never really got going until Ramsbottom opened up their account in the 14^th minute.  It was lethargic start by both teams, but United’s defence had totally shut off when Ian Price failed to block Steve McDonald’s run, and with that he managed to sneak through to Darren Rogers who cheekily placed the ball between the legs of Peter Crookes and into the back of the net.

Tom Hardwick & Tony Hallam both received yellow cards which pretty much took the sting out of their games, and there was a bit of hiatus in proceedings until United livened up the game in the final quarter of the first half, albeit chances were few and far between. 

Stuart Rudd had a speculative drive from 25-yards out but it was nothing more than a half chance as it flew well high of the target.

The best piece of football was to come following great work by Neil Black and Stuart Rudd down the right wing.  Rudd eventually crossed to Tom Hardwick who in turn fed the ball inside to Michael Douglas who struck the ball well, but once again it was high of the intended target.

United came out a slightly reformed team in the second half.

In the 47^th minute the ‘Ram’s keeper played ‘Russian Roulette’ with the ball outside his own area when he had more than enough time to clear a straight forward back pass, but such ‘tomfoolery’ in front of a 42 goal hero such as Stuart Rudd should’ve seen Martin Campbell duly punished, but unfortunately Rudd who’d snatched the ball from his feet, turned at the edge of the box to float the ball goalward bound only to see the centre half head the ball onto the underside of the crossbar before it was scrambled away to safety.

Once again though United took liberties as Chris Steele tore a strip off Neil Black to race clear before delivering a great cross to Darren Rogers at the far post.  Rogers was unmarked, but fortunately he headed wide when he really should’ve hit the target.

Michael Douglas missed the target by just a couple of feet as he tried a speculative effort from 20-yards out.  United were clearly getting time on the ball and space was opening up for them, but the shooting boots weren’t as reliable as they have normally been.

In the 56^th minute Ramsbottom failed to clear a Michael Cole corner, and the ball came out to Tom Hardwick, and from the edge of the box his shot was a bit closer to the target.

Just before the hour mark Hardwick was brought down a couple of yards inside the penalty area following a threatening run, and the ref duly blew to acknowledge the foul, but what wasn’t clear was why he hadn’t awarded a penalty, and instead gave a free kick at the edge of the box.  Indeed had it been committed at the edge of the box, surely he should’ve booked Hardwick for diving.  In the end United had to settle for the free kick, but Cole’s effort was blazed high over the crossbar.  Scant consolation in the end.

Darren Rogers took advantage of United’s sleepy defence to break the offside trap, but with a gaping target he somehow managed to miss it altogether much to the relief of the Skem players.  Steve McDonald did slightly better as he managed to squeeze in a shot from an acute angle.  It was still wide of the upright but deserved more for endeavour.

Paul Rogers spotted Stuart Rudd unmarked as he crossed to the far post and from 12-yards out Rudd blasted the ball on the volley only to see it crash into the side netting.  Rudd had another effort minutes later, but from 25-yards out it lacked pace and the keeper gathered it easily.

The game went past the point of recovery when Michael Douglas put the ball into his own net from Steve McDonald’s cross in the 79^th minute, but it was the farce that preceded it that proved their ultimate downfall.  Steve Rimmer had played the ball back to Peter Crookes who only had to launch the ball, but instead he hit it straight at McDonald.  The ball at that point was running free, but McDonald beat Rimmer to the ball, and the rest was history.

Michael Cole hit the upright in the closing stages of the game and Campbell cleared a Michael Douglas effort off the line with his outstretched feet, but the damage was insurmountable and United had to settle for their 6^th defeat of the season.

M.O.M.  Steve Rimmer.

Not many players came out of this game with any credit at all, but Steve Rimmer stood up to the challenge and made life a little more comfortable at the back.

Crookes, Price, Standley, Hallam, Rimmer, Black (14. Obong 74) Cole, Douglas, Rudd, Rogers, Hardwick (12. Wallace 63) Sub not used: 15. Holmes.

United’s next home game is against Abbey Hey on Saturday 22^nd April 2006.  It is ‘Ladies Day’ at the Ashley Travel Stadium, with all Ladies being allowed in free of charge.  Although not a requirement, but in tradition with any normal ‘Ladies Day’ there will be a prize for the Lady wearing the best headdress!  Of course children still go free as long as accompanied by a paying adult, and students go free on production of their Student Union Cards.

Looking ahead to next season, the club is looking for a Skem United ‘Dance Academy’ to enhance its pre-match entertainment.  This would of course suit an up and running dance troupe who would be interested in showcasing their talents in front of the Skem supporters on a regular basis.  If interested please contact (07766054548)

The forthcoming Charity Match on Sunday 23^rd April 2006 has now gone all-ticket due to huge demand.  Any remaining tickets will be sold up until 10am the same day.  So the news there is to buy early to avoid disappointment!

Tuesday 4^th April 2006.

Skelmersdale United 1 Formby 1

How crucial Tony Hallam’s 89^th minute bullet header will prove to be at the end of the season remains to be seen for now, but without it United were heading for their 6^th defeat of the season against the league’s basement team. (Writes Frank Hughes)

With Cammell Laird losing at Ramsbottom and Alsager thrashing Salford on the same night, dropping two points made it all that more hurtful, with Manager Paul Gallagher absolutely ‘gutted.’

“I said to the lads before the game that this was potentially the biggest banana skin we’ll face in all of the games.  It’s a local ‘derby’ and most of the players know each other, and with Formby desperate to avoid relegation they were always going to play out of their skins.

“Formby had also strengthened their squad with the highly experienced Will Dolan on-loan from Marine, and he had a fantastic game as their sole striker, and add to that ex-Skem player Billy Knowles who also had a great game.

“I suppose we were lucky to get a draw in the end, but based on the chances we had throughout the game we deserved at least a point, but now we can’t really afford to lose anymore points.”

You can’t take anything away from Formby because they put in a great performance from start to finish, but the sad things is they are clearly capable and had they put this effort in earlier on in the season they wouldn’t be staring relegation in the face.

Will Dolan made the first impact in the opening seconds of the game.  James King raced down the right wing before squaring the ball to Dolan at the near post but fortunately for Skem, despite being in a great position he put the ball wide when he really should’ve hit the target.

Cole was having a similar impact down the flanks.  First he put a great cross into Tony Hallam, but the keeper blocked his header, and soon after following a great run he cut inside to the edge of the box before firing marginally wide.

A free kick by Steve Rimmer found the head of Hallam, and unopposed he hit the crossbar.  In fact during the first half it was all one-way traffic, but the end product wasn’t good enough.

Following a great run down the flank, Neil Black changed direction as he angled in to the box but ballooned a shot well over the intended target.  And soon after Rimmer’s shot was blocked, and Douglas’ follow-up was cleared off the line.

Dave Standley tried a low angled shot just before the break, and the keeper fumbled what should’ve been a comfortable collection, and sighed with relief as nobody was in the vicinity to take advantage.

United started the second half as the aggressor’s.  Stuart Rudd’s header was cleared by Mark Kerr as it looked to be heading into the net, and Rudd again had a low drive at the target minutes later, but it was all a bit too comfortable for the keeper.  Ian Price had made great run down the right flank before playing the ball to Neil Black, and as once again he cut inside his marker, you half expected him to have a shot, but after his previous effort, he laid the ball off to Rudd, with the end result not really justifying the great build-up.

Michael Cole’s free kick hit the outside edge of the upright in the 62^nd minute, and he followed that up with a great corner to the near post for Carl Osman to skim a shot wide of the target.

Steve Rimmer & Paul Rogers had half chances before Formby almost took the lead against the run of play.  Adam Carden got behind the last man and homing in on the target he only had the keeper to beat, but fortunately Crookes pulled off a great block.

Formby eventually got their noses ahead, and it was Adam Carden who managed to break the deadlock.  A great through ball left him clear of any defender, but once again Crookes shot off his line to make a great block save.  Carden was forced wide giving both keeper and defence time to regroup, however this time Crooks made the mistake of charging forward again, and from an acute angle Carden could see a chink of light between the keeper and far post and guided the ball into the back of the net.

Stuart Rudd turned his marker at the edge of the box 2 minutes later, and almost restored parity but the ball eventually strayed marginally wide of the upright. 

A minute before the end of normal time United earned a point that could prove ever so vital in the final reckoning, as Tony Hallam blasted the ball into the back of the net with a thunderous header from a Neil Black cross.  It was such a strong header that had their been a wall in the way of him and the target, then the wall would’ve come off second best.

In injury time Stuart Rudd curled a decent effort over the crossbar from 25-yards out, but in the end a point was all United were going to get out of this game.

MOM ~ TONY HALLAM

It was an off day for most, but Tony’s will to at least snatch a point back epitomised what he is all about.  Blood, guts and thunder…when perhaps others had given up the ghost.

1. Crookes 2. Price (15. Obong) 3. Standley, 4. Hallam 5. Rimmer 6.Black 7. Cole 8. Douglas. 9. Rudd. 10. Rogers 11. Hardwick (12. Hardwick 59. Sub not used 14. Wallace.

Saturday 1^st April 2006.

Skelmersdale United 3 Maine Road 1

Maine Road justified their lofty league position as they put up a stubborn resistance against the league leaders, and they even had the cheek to take the lead. (Writes Frank Hughes)

With only one defeat in the last dozen games United are clearly the form team in the league, but the chasing pack were looking at this fixture as a potential banana skin.  However, United have formed their very own stubborn streak and aren’t prepared to give this challenge up until it becomes an impossible task.

Heavy overnight rain, meant a greasy surface, and a swirling wind prevented attractive football at times.  Nevertheless, United adapted better to the conditions, and for the opening 20 minutes it was almost one-way traffic.

Michael Cole’s swerving shot from the edge of the box missed the angle by inches, and a couple of half efforts by Rogers and Rudd were buffeted by the wind.

The clearest opportunity came in the 19^th minute as Paul Rogers made a darting run into the box, but just as he was measuring up the target he was brought down from behind.  Unfortunately Mr Newell one of the league’s better referee’s waved play on despite being in a great position.

United were caught on the break.  Mark Mitchell received the ball inside the box, but his shot en route was blocked in the crowded area.  Steve Cheetham followed up at close range only to see his shot blocked by the feet of Peter Crookes.

Maine Road’s confidence began to grow, and as a result they took the lead on the half hour mark.  Peter Crookes was soon to turn villain when he needlessly raced out of his area in an attempt to clear a forward ball to Mark Mitchell.  It was needless in so much as Mitchell was being marked by Dave Standley.  Crookes’ sliding challenge came to nothing as he completely missed the ball, but Standley still managed to force him wide.  Crookes raced back to his goal, and at the same time Mitchell hit a hopeful shot from an acute angle, and the ball crept in between Crookes and his near post to end up in the back of the net.

United brushed themselves down and five minutes later they restored parity.  Michael Cole’s free kick from just inside the United half was headed square from the far post by Stuart Rudd over Maine Road’s defence to leave Paul Rogers with a simple tap in from 8-yards out.

2 minutes later Cole received the ball via the head of Rogers, but this time the keeper blocked the eventual shot.

United’s timing was impeccable as they managed to take the lead a minute before the interval.  Once again the goal came via a free kick from a similar position to the first.  Michael Douglas managed to head Cole’s free kick back into the danger area, with the ball taking a slight deflection before Rudd buried the ball on the volley from waist height into the back of the net.

Maine Road dominated things for the opening ten minutes of the second half, as they took advantage of the prevailing wind but other than a Steve Cheetham cross that had to be cleared for a corner, they were far from threatening in front of the goal.

United reclaimed the game from that point on with some neat football.

A great run by Paul Rogers in the 56^th minute resulted in an attempt to lob the keeper as he came racing out, but in hindsight a full bodied shot would’ve been far more effective as in the end the keeper simply plucked the shot out of the sky.

Tony Hallam received the ball from a quickly taken free kick and from 30-yards out attempted a low drive.  The keeper collected well but you could sense Maine Road were about to wilt under the pressure.  Indeed that was exactly what happened in the 70^th minute.  Dave Standley fed a superb through ball to Stuart Rudd, but just as it looked as though Rudd would switch to his more orthodox position he placed a left footed shot from an acute angle in between keeper and near post, and the ball trickled over the line via the keepers’ elbow.

In the closing stages Neil Black blazed a sitter well over the crossbar, when it really looked easier to score than miss.  And they could afford the luxury of further misses as Stuart Rudd hit the crossbar following a great cross by Ben Obong, and as the game drew to a close Rudd had a shot blocked by the legs of Greg Hall.

MOM ~ Ian Price

Michael Cole & Michael Douglas both put in sterling performances, as did the two front men, and especially Paul Rogers who has rejoined the team looking the complete package.

The return of Steve Rimmer meant that alongside Hallam there was absolutely no aerial threat, which left them chasing the wings.

But the award goes to Price as he managed stifle their main threat out as the visitor’s threw everything down the left wing, and he was also mixing it further up field with some crunching tackles.

Team: 1. Crookes 2. Price 3. Standley (15. Holmes) 4. Hallam 5. Rimmer 6. Black (14. Obong 80) 7. Cole 8. Douglas 9. Rudd 10. Rogers 11. Hardwick.  Sub not used: 12. Wallace

Att: 262

United are on their travels again this coming Saturday as they make the trip to Ramsbottom United, KO 3pm, and they follow that up with the rearranged game at Glossop next Tuesday night, KO 7-45pm.

Incidentally tickets for the forthcoming Charity Match on Sunday 23^rd of April 2006 have gone on general sale.  You can get your ticket direct from the club during working hours, 7pm – 11pm Sunday - Thursday or 12pm –12am Friday’s & Saturday’s.  People are advised to buy early to avoid disappointment as tickets are selling fast.  For further information contact 07766054548.

Saturday 25^th March 2006.

Stone Dominoes 2 Skelmersdale United 4

With second placed Alsager Town losing at Maine Road, United increased their lead at the top to 11 points. (Writes Frank Hughes)

In complete contrast to the opening game of the season when United battered Stone 9-0, the North West Counties basement club gave Skem the odd scare, twice coming back from a goal down.

United Manager, Paul Gallagher was “relieved” with the final result.

He said: “It wasn’t pretty to watch at times I must admit, but I’ll take three points any which way they come at this stage of the season.

“We looked ragged in the first half and we created our own problems because we were far too square in defence, but come the second half even though they managed to peg us back for a second time, I felt as though there was only one team capable of winning it.

“When you allow a team like Stone to come back at you, you raise their confidence, but give the boys their due, they didn’t rush things and waited for the openings to come.  So all in all I have to be pleased as well as relieved, and if Stone continue to play like that I’m sure they will avoid relegation.”

It all started off very well as United took the lead in the 3^rd minute.  Brian Holmes played an excellent cross to Neil Black at the near post who in turn clipped the ball square to Paul Rogers, and totally unmarked Rogers fired the ball into the top of the net with his trusted left foot.  At that stage Stone must’ve been expecting an avalanche, until they levelled the game in the 10^th minute.

A clearance from Stone’s half found Paul Edwards who was clearly in an offside position, but with the assistant referee’s head down it was no surprise that it wasn’t given.  Needless to say Edwards broke to the by-line before feeding a cross to Grant Thorley who simply tapped the ball into the net.

Paul Rogers followed up soon after with a couple of efforts.  First heading over a Cole corner from close range, and the second one coming as the defence backed off him, and from the edge of the box he unleashed a shot that the keeper just managed to tip over the crossbar

Stuart Rudd gave us a glimpse of what was to come as he fired a good low shot from the edge of the area, but unfortunately the keeper was alert enough to gather it.

Stone threatened once more as Jono Campbell headed into Crookes’ hands from a corner.  The worrying thing from a defensive point of view was that nobody made a challenge.

United finished the stronger though with a 35-yard drive from Michael Cole.  It was straight into the keepers’ hands but it was a solid effort.  Paul Rogers tried from a slightly closer range, another fine left footed shot, but this time was marginally wide of the target.  And the final effort came 3 minutes before time as Hallam headed just high of the target from Michael Cole’s free kick.

United practically made the Stone half their home in the second half.

Carl Osman unselfishly squared the ball Paul Rogers after a great run, but must’ve regretted not having a go himself when he saw Rogers shot at a clear target go wide.

Michael Cole’s corner had to be headed back into the box by Hallam as he’d appeared to overcook things, but as the ball found Douglas at the far post before he headed just over the crossbar, it could’ve just as easily been a cunning plot they’d engineered on the training ground.

Neil Blacks cross in the 51^st minute found Stuart Rudd just inside the box and unmarked, and with all the time in the world he guided the ball into the back of the net with his head.

Stuart Rudd was clearly felled in the 58^th minute and with the referee’s whistle already in his mouth, it looked as though a penalty was about to be awarded, but instead for some unknown reason he waved play on.

A minute later Michael Cole’s free kick was palmed away by Ashley Picking, but for a moment United switched off and Jono Campbell counterattacked as he raced through Skem’s stationary defence to put the host’s back on level terms.

Tom Hardwick’s throw on the left wing provided Stuart Rudd with the ball, but with nowhere to go, Rudd took a parallel run to the edge of the penalty area, sidestepping Stone’s defence, but with nothing else seemingly on he then unleashed a 20-yard shot low and hard and into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

By this stage Stuart Rudd could smell a hat trick, and went about several mazy runs in Brazilianesque fashion, but the end product was poor, and to get in on the scene even Rogers missed a gilt edged opportunity to put more daylight between the two sides.

Michael Cole came closer as he unleashed a 20-yarder that clipped the upright before ricocheting to safety, and then Ben Obong came on for a cameo appearance that would eventually see some credibility restored to the eventual victory with just six minutes left on the clock.

A great run by Obong took him to the by-line before he nutmegged his opponent and placed a cross to the near post for Carl Osman who was in a great position.  Unfortunately Osman fired wide when he really should’ve done better.

Any fears of an anxious finish evaporated in the 88^th minute as Stuart Rudd scored his 40^th goal of the season as well as completing his hat trick with a tap-in from Ben Obong’s great cross, and the 4-2 win was a truer reflection of the game.

M.O.M. ~ Stuart Rudd

Michael Cole was involved in almost everything, and his general play making from a central midfield point of view was the key to wearing Stone down, and on any other day he would’ve won this award, but when Stuart Rudd scores a hat trick to take him to forty goals for the season, one can’t allow the occasion to pass by without reward.

Since overhauling Tommy Tindsley’s all-time goalscoring record, Stuart has gone about setting an invincible record, and with only 8 games to go has set himself a target of 50 goals for the season, and in this form it would be hard to bet against him.

1.  Crookes, 2. Price, 3. Hardwick, 4. Hallam, 5. Holmes, 6. Black, 7. Cole, 8. Douglas, 9. Rudd, 10. Rogers (14. Obong 84) 11. Osman.  Subs not used: 12. Wallace. 15. Rimmer.

United Return to the Ashley Travel Stadium next Saturday as they host Maine Road, KO 3-00pm, and follow that up with another home game against Formby next Tuesday night, KO 7-45pm.

Wednesday 22^nd March 2006.

Silsden 1 Skelmersdale United 5.

United battered Silsden into submission, after the Cougar Park outfit had put up a valiant effort, and now with only 1 defeat in the last 10 outings, United are putting in a good run at the most crucial stage of the season. (Writes Frank Hughes)

With Alsager & Cammell Laird having enough games in hand to overhaul United’s position at the top of the North West Counties 1^st Division, all they can do is continue to win.  But with a 101 goals and 74 points in the bag, one thing is for sure…United have never had it so good.

Tim Hird was allowed the time and space to deliver a speculative effort in the opening five minutes which fortunately went wide, but United soon settled down to play some good honest football.

Paul Rogers played a lovely ball over Sisden’s defence and Michael Cole latched onto the delivery just inside the box, but with only the keeper to beat, and despite his fierce shot he struck the upright and the ball spiralled to safety.

In the 10^th minute United took the lead with great approach work from their own half.  Stuart Rudd flicked on a long ball to Paul Rogers who in turn executed an excellent pass to Carl Osman who was loitering with intent just at the edge of the box.  Osman looked like he’d taken one touch too many, but just when the occasion looked to be passing him by he lamely poked a low shot into the corner of the net.  It slowly trickled over the line, but nevertheless it was his 20^th goal of the season, and not a bad return at all for a midfielder.

The lead was short lived as within three minutes Silsden were back on terms, as James Gill headed home from a cross that Skem should’ve dealt with.  Gill was as surprised as everyone, because United’s defence didn’t pick him up at all.

It was a timely reminder that Skem could ill afford to be so frivolous if they were to win the game, and to their credit it appeared to sharpen them up.

Michael Douglas fired marginally high from a speculative 30-yard effort, and Rudd shot high from a much closer position minutes later, and Silsden looked shell shocked as Skem were continually taking the game to their hosts.

United restored their lead in the 31^st minute.  Rogers turned well at the edge of the penalty box before feeding the ball inside to Ryan Wallace who was hacked down by Michael Rosser.  The result was a clear-cut penalty.  Carl Osman stepped up to take the spot kick.  The shot was a little weaker than Osman normally fires them, but to be fair the keeper dived the right way to block the shot.  Unfortunately he couldn’t gather the ball and Osman smarting from miss, followed up to squeeze the ball over the line.

Paul Rogers shot in the 40^th minute looked to be heading for the target but instead was guided wide by the keeper as he got the faintest of touches, and Hallam headed wide from Hardwick’s free kick as the half drew to an end.

Silsden came out in the second half convinced they were still in the hunt for points, and quite rightly so considering for the first time they were forcing United to back foot.

Graham Holmes broke free down the right wing and played an accurate pass to Jamie Longley just inside the box.  Longley turned his marker well, but with the target looming large he somehow contrived to totally mishit the shot.  It was a sigh of relief from a Skem perspective, but they failed to heed the warning sign’s as 30 seconds later, Andrew Holden was allowed a free run and shot at the target, but fortunately he’d left his shooting boots at home as he curled his shot well wide of the upright.

United got back on top of their game as they increased the lead in the 56^th minute.  Michael Cole’s free kick from the right hand wing was volleyed into the net by Stuart Rudd from just inside the box.  Rudd hardly needs an invitation to score as his record will vouch for, but Silsden’s defence left him to his own devices, and he duly celebrated his 37^th goal of the season as a result.

Tony Hallam scored United’s 100^th League goal in the 71^st minute, as he headed home a well measured corner by Michael Cole, and from that point on Silsden couldn’t did any deeper.

Rudd had a couple of half chances, one which he headed over, and the other was a glorious chance that was turned away for a corner, when perhaps had he kicked with his left foot rather than switch would’ve been too good for the keeper.

Ian Price dispossessed the right back and with an eye on the target went for glory.  Price doesn’t score goals often, so it was no surprise when he blazed the ball high & wide.  He’d another great game in his more natural role as defender though and that’s what really counted.

The rout was complete in the 77^th minute when Paul Rogers side stepped three players before burying the ball into the back of the net with his trusted left foot.  Rogers first goal since rejoining the club was a joy to behold, but his overall work rate during the game had been phenomenal, and he was thankfully rewarded for his graft.

There were other opportunities in the closing stages, but perhaps the clearest came in the dying embers as Carl Osman homed in on goal looking likely to cap the night off with a hat trick, only to see him snatch his shot wide, but following the effort he’d put in it was clear that lethargy had set in.

M.O.M. ~ Paul Rogers

Paul was pushed close by all the usual suspects, but I must say he still stood out amongst the crowd.  He worked his socks off and gave all for the cause, capping the night off soundly with a great goal of course, but he also assisted in the making of two of the other goals.  And to find a striker who likes to assist as well as weigh in with important goals is a area quality indeed.

Team: Crookes, Price, Hardwick, Hallam, Rimmer (14. Holmes 77) Wallace (12 Black) Cole, Douglas, Rudd (15 Mather 82) Osman

Att:115

Saturday 18^th March 2006.

Alsager Town 1 Skelmersdale United 1

United maintained their 5 point lead at the top with a hard earned point at second placed Alsager Town. (Writes Frank Hughes)

There was no doubting the fact that United missed the presence of Steve Rimmer at centre half as he was serving out his weeklong ban.  Alsager’s route one tactic made life a little uncomfortable for Skem as a result.

“I thought had Steve Rimmer been playing the aerial threat of Alsager’s would’ve almost been obsolete.  It was difficult at times but we managed to cope with it which was pleasing.” Commented Manager Paul Gallagher.

“In the end I think a point was a pretty fair reflection of the game, even though we had the more clear cut opportunities, and but for the woodwork on a couple of occasions in the first half, Alsager would’ve been facing a mountain to climb.

“I’m more than satisfied with the point though because we’ve taken 7 points out of 9 in the last eight days against good teams, and we are unbeaten in five games.  Whereas I think Alsager will be disappointed as they have taken only 2 points in their last three games.”

United could’ve taken the lead as early as the 2^nd minute when Stuart Rudd clipped the upright from a 25-yard free kick, but it was at the other end where United looked suspect as their concentration levels dipped below the normal high level.  Richard Mitchell fired wide as he broke free following a mix-up between Price and Standley, and then it was Mitchell again in the 12^th minute.  Ryan Dicker headed the ball across the danger area from a corner kick, and Mitchell blazed over what appeared to be an open target.

Skem were playing some good passing football despite the scares, but it was the final third where they were lacking, although in their defence the spoiling tactics of the Alsager rearguard was hardly conducive to their style of play.  Indeed it looked like Alsager’s early plan was to rough the leaders up a little bit, and whilst it was working, the free kicks they were conceding were more likely to produce the goals.

Ryan Wallace had a free kick from a similar range to Rudd’s in the opening minutes.  Once again the keeper was well beaten but this time the ball scraped the topside of the crossbar.

Paul Rogers tried with a speculative effort from 25-yards as the Alsager defence stood off him in the 22^nd minute.  The ball was dipping all the time, but still cleared the crossbar.

Peter Crookes pulled off the save of the game three minutes later when Peter Heler broke the offside trap.  Crookes came out initially to reduce the angle, but when Heler took an extra touch Crookes bravely dived at his feet to snatch the ball away from him.

With Alsager using the more devious route to prevent United from playing their free flowing football, the call from the dugout was to shoot on sight, and after great individual work by Michael Douglas that was exactly what Douglas did as he fired an ambitious shot high and wide in the 25^th minute.

The goal United deserved on balance arrived in the 33^rd minute.  Carl Osman’s cross to the near post was aimed at Paul Rogers, but in perfect foil manner he heard the shout of Stuart Rudd behind him an let the ball run through and United’s greatest ever striker duly fired the ball into the roof of the net from 8-yards out.

Michael Douglas had another effort a couple of minutes later but it was once again high and wide, but the sucker punch followed barely a minute later, with United being their own worst enemies.  Without any noticeable pressure a squared ball was intercepted by Peter Heler, and try as he did to make himself look big, Crookes was left to watch the ball trickle past him as Heler clipped the ball into the back of the net.

Stuart Rudd had a couple more efforts before the half time whistle arrived, the first from a Paul Rogers cross, but the keeper grabbed the ball out of the air, albeit he spilt the ball before making a recovery as Rogers threatened to follow up.  And Rudd once again came close via a free kick.  This time his low drive beat the wall, but was marginally wide of the upright.

The second half was nowhere near as pulsating as the first, mainly due to the fact that both teams had commanded the respect of one and other after their exploits in the opening 45 minutes.

Alsager looked the more threatening team with aerial bombardments being the order of the day, but United had the clearer chances with Hallam & Rudd proving a handful on a couple of occasions.  In fact the only chance worthy of note for the home team was when Glyn Blackhurst headed over at close range.  Indeed the longer the game went on the more likely Skem looked capable of stealing all three points.  That didn’t happen of course but United played like leaders, and although their destination is out of their own hands as Alsager & Cammell Laird have enough games in hand to overhaul them, the only thing United can do is continue to play their own brand of football, and at the end of the day they’ll be there or thereabouts.

Final Thoughts:

I thought Alsager’s physical approach spoilt the game as a spectacle to be honest, and how they scythed down Carl Osman unmercifully and on a continual basis throughout the game without the referee doing anything about it, is a mystery to me, but then I guess you don’t win anything being nice!

M.O.M. ~ Ian Price.

Michael Douglas was outstanding once again, and won a dozen tackles before the game really got going, and in many ways he took the sting out of Alsager’s tails.  However, this was a game in which defences were bound to feature highly, and the defence stood up to the challenge with aplomb and did themselves proud.  Tony Hallam is a natural team leader, and played his heart out as he always does.  David Standley was reliable as usual even though he was once again forced into reverting to his old position.  Tom Hardwick was fantastic, and for a lad at the tender age of 18-years…what an old head he has on young shoulders.  But it was the ever-present, evergreen Ian Price who stood out overall.  United’s affable stalwart is a gentleman off the pitch, but when time calls for him to be Mister Mean he stands up to the challenge like an old boxing pro.

Team: Crookes, PRICE (STARMAN) Standley, Hallam, Harwick, Wallace, Cole, Douglas, Rudd, Rogers, Osman.  Subs not used: 12. Holmes 14. Dalton 15. King.

Att: 315

Tuesday 14^th March 2006.

Nantwich Town 1 Skelmersdale United 2.

United picked up another valuable 3 points to increase their lead at the top of the North West Counties League Division One to five points. (Writes Frank Hughes)

United sprinted into an early two-goal advantage, and for the majority of the game looked comfortable.  However, the referee gave a controversial penalty 5 minutes from time.  Danny Griggs converted to reduce the arrears, and with 8 minutes of injury time added, United had to see the game out in an uncomfortable fashion.

The first goal came in the 3^rd minute of the game and was worth the entrance fee alone.  Tom Hardwick’s free kick from midway in the Nantwich half evaded the hosts defence, and Stuart Rudd fired a wonderful volley into the roof of the net from 10-yards out.

Michael Cole had a half chance minutes later, but the keeper Rob Hackney comfortably saved his low drive.

Although United had imposed their authority on the game from the off, Nantwich looked dangerous on the break.  In the 20^th minute Peter Crookes looked to be coming out to collect an innocuous long ball, but under threat he had to punch the ball away.  The ball was cleared to the edge of the box, and James Marrow struck a first time shot at the target, but Crookes made a wonderful reflex save with his legs, and danger was averted.

The second goal came two minutes later, and was almost a carbon copy of the first.  Tom Hardwick made the cross from the left hand side, and Stuart Rudd flicked the ball on to the far post with his head, and Ryan Wallace fired the ball home on the half volley.  Not as good as Rudd’s goal by Wallace’s admission, but a quality finish none the less.

In the 32^nd minute Matt Blake who was clearly offside homed in on the goal, and with only the keeper to beat he screwed his shot wide of the target.  Give Crookes his due as he came out and reduced the angle.

Michael Douglas who seems to cover every blade of grass, every time he dons the United shirt, was imposing his high standards once again on the game.  Following a great run, and good inter-passing between himself and Obong, Douglas fired a great shot, only to see Hackney turn the ball past the upright.

United continued to take the game to Nantwich in the second half, and should’ve wrapped the game up in the 51^st minute.  Carl Osman glided from the half way line to the edge of the box, beating three men in the process before squaring the ball to Rudd on his left, but with only the keeper to beat and readjusting his stance to deliver a right footed shot, Rudd’s shot was somewhat weakened, when perhaps the more natural left footed shot would’ve proved had the desired effect.

Ben Obong supplied a great pass to Carl Osman in the 53^rd minute, and from the edge of the box, Osman forced the keeper into pulling off another stunning save.

A minute later the keeper made a rare mistake as he failed to deal with what should’ve been an easy clearance.  The ball fell to Obong at the edge of the box, but he miscued his shot with the keeper well off his line.

Carl Osman made another one of his text book runs in the 56^th minute, but rather than have a go when the chance presented itself he unselfishly squared the ball, which was intercepted and cleared by a relieved Nantwich defence.

Tom Hardwick played an early ball to Rudd in the 66^th minute.  Rudd turned his marker before squaring the ball to Rogers, who in turn laid the ball out wide to Michael Cole who was clear of the Nantwich defence.  Cole fired a great shot at the target, but once again Rob Hackney pulled off another fine save as he turned the ball over the crossbar.  Carl Osman came close a couple of minutes later but fired over the crossbar, and the fact that Nantwich had been so fortunate appeared to galvanise the team, and with a ‘nothing to lose’ attitude they made things slightly uncomfortable for Skem in the closing stages of the game.

A great saving tackle by Michael Cole in the 76^th minute triggered off events.  Matt Blake was clear in on goal, but somehow Cole managed to squeeze himself in front of Blake as he was priming up for a shot.  With a clatter of shoulders the home side were screaming for a penalty, but the referee rightly so wasn’t biting.

In the 81^st minute Crookes blocked another shot that looked to be en route through a crowded area.  Crookes has never really had much to do since his arrival at the beginning of the season, but during the last couple of games he’s proved to be the saving grace with some crucial saves.

He couldn’t block the spot kick in the 85^th minute though, although he dived the right way and almost diverted the ball away with his fingertips.  It was the controversy that led to the awarding of the penalty that took centre stage.  Crookes had blocked a free kick from the right wing, and danger appeared to be averted, but the referee gave the penalty for an off the ball situation, with Douglas being accused of dragging his opponent down by the shirt.  Douglas was pleading ‘not guilty’ and although there was contact, it was to avoid being crushed as the player was falling on him.  The battle cry from the Nantwich Manager was that it evened things up for the previous shout against Cole in which they felt aggrieved.  The referee of course denied it was to even things up, but given the fact that not one single Nantwich player appealed for the given penalty, you have to wonder why it was given.

It mattered not in the end as United held on to all three points, despite that fact that 8 minutes were added on at the end of normal time.

M.O.M. ~ Michael Douglas.

The Man of the Match award is becoming rather predictable as once again Douglas stole the honours.  However on this occasion it was a close call, because all the United players performed superbly.  Peter Crookes was excellent with a couple of instinctive saves that on another day could’ve turned the game in favour of the opponents.  The back four were awesome with Hallam leading the pack, and I have to say that in 18-year old Tom Hardwick, Manager Paul Gallagher has finally solved the left back situation with a natural.  That takes nothing away from Dave Standley who has been outstanding in that position, but it gives the boss a dilemma.

Ryan Wallace replaced Neil Black at short notice, and what a game the young lad had, capping the night off with a wonderful goal, but of course he was assisted by a wonderful midfield.

Obong & Rudd were more than a handful for the Nantwich defence, and Rogers added another dimension when he replaced Obong in the 65^th minute.  In overall terms an outstanding team performance, but Douglas is something else.

Team:

Crookes, Price, Standley, Hallam, Hardwick, Wallace, Cole, Douglas, Rudd. Obong (12. Rogers 65) Osman.  Subs Not used: 14. Black. 15. Holmes

Saturday 11^th March 2006.

Skelmersdale United 2 Salford City 1

United fought back from a goal down to take all three points from Salford, and with Alsager gaining just a point at Ramsbottom they managed to open up a two point lead in the process. (Writes Frank Hughes)

One or two people had questioned United’s fight back ability in the past, but Skem answered their critics the only way they know how, and that was to play themselves back into the game with good honest football.  Don’t get me wrong Salford were good value for money and perhaps United used one or two of their nine lives to pull off this fine result, but the most committed team won the game in the end.

Ben Obong had an early chance as he found himself in space down the right hand side, but his 18-yard shot was screwed wide of what appeared to be a sitting target.  The game then entered a thirty-minute hiatus as the referee attempted to become the star of the game.  Indeed, I’ve never witnessed so many hold ups in all my life.

The next piece of action came in the 34^th minute, but even then Jamie Baguley’s low drive was followed by the sharp eye of Crookes, and was comfortably saved in the end.

The clearest opportunity came in the 42^nd minute as a well executed cross by Michael Cole found Stuart Rudd at the near post, but Rudd has never been renowned for his ability of scoring certainties, but even his shot from that range was pretty poor by his standards, as the ball blazed well high of a gaping target.

Peter Crookes got himself into a bit of bother in the closing stages of the half.  Chasing a forward ball far too early he allowed John Robinson a free ball, but fortunately his shot trickled wide and allowed Dave Standley and easy clearance at the far post.  Crookes wobbled again with an early throw out a minute later.  It was aimed at Ben Obong but was intercepted by Matthew Burke, and from 25-yards out he unleashed a thunderous shot that had Crookes well beaten but fortunately it clipped the angle and fell to safety.

In the 52^nd minute Salford took the lead.  John Robinson broke free to deliver a shot, but Crookes redeemed himself for his earlier sins by putting in a great block.  However, he couldn’t do much about the rebound as it fell kindly for Matthew Burke who guided the ball into the back of the net.

Carl Osman came close to restoring parity as Salford failed to clear a Skem throw-in, but his shot was blocked en route. 

The game was set to change soon after when Paul Rogers made his return debut as replacement for Ben Obong, although there was a slight scare as Jamie Baguley’s cross found Ben Thornley, but thankfully the threat didn’t live up to its promise, as he flashed his shot high & wide.

Neil Black sprinted down the line before putting in a great cross to the far post.  Paul Rogers was in a threatening position and forced Sean Whitehead into making a mistake as he headed across the face of his own goal.  Michael Cole latched onto the loose ball, and prodded it home through a crowded six-yard box.

Nick Robinson turned well in the box several minutes later, but Tony Hallam imposed himself enough and the eventual shot was rather lame.  By this time though United were enjoying a purple patch that would eventually see them snatch the lead.

David Standley was acting as the extra man as Skem threw caution to the wind, and following a great run Standley delivered a good shot that had to be diverted for a corner.  Salford failed to clear the set-piece efficiently and Steve Rimmer lifted the ball into the danger area.  Carl Osman took delivery of the ball on the turn and controlled it before guiding it home.

Osman & Rogers both had half chances soon after, but it was Crookes doing the heroics at the other end as he pulled off the save of the game that prevented Jamie Baguley from stealing a share of the spoils.

Final Thoughts:

Salford are a tough team to beat, and even tougher when you are a goal down.  And if anybody doubted United’s passion then they’d been rather premature.  Skem knew how important it was to win, and they dug deep to salvage a game that looked to be slipping from their grasp.

A healthy crowd of 297 people turned out once again in the bitter cold weather, which is not only admirable of the Skem folk, but it also suggests that people are enjoying what they see.

M.O.M. ~ Michael Douglas.

Barely mentioned as far as the match report goes, but Douglas controlled the midfield when the heat was really on.  He foiled most of Salford’s threats as he effectively did the holding job he’s been paid to do, much to the relief of the Skem defence who were up against it as Ben Thornley and Jamie Baguley posed United their biggest threats.

Team: Crookes, Price, Standley, Hallam, Rimmer, Black, Cole, Douglas, Rudd, Obong (14. Rogers 62) Osman.  Subs not used: 12. Wallace. 15. Hardwick.

Att: 297

United now find themselves in a difficult position as they face 5 games away from home on the bounce.

Saturday 11^th February 2006.

Skelmersdale United 5 Newcastle Town 1.

Stuart Rudd has been the biggest entertainer at this club since the days of Stan Boardman.  He’s far from being a comic genius, but his timing is just as good, because he left it until the second half when Skem were attacking the fans favourite Shed End before he took the coveted title of United’s greatest ever goal scorer.  And prior to the game Rudd had already been acknowledged by the club for surpassing the 300 mark for club appearances, so had already joined an exclusive club.  (Writes Frank Hughes)

Tommy Tinsley’s record of 214 goals had stood since 1948, and few people believed it would ever be broken, but it has, and Stuart Rudd was absolutely delighted.

“I’ve scored a lot of goals this season, but I should’ve had the record in the bag well before Christmas.  But now I have I can enjoy the rest of the season in a more relaxed manner, and perhaps with a bit of luck I might hit the magical mark of 50.

“I was made up with the finish.  Coley’s cross was superb, and I just jumped as high as I could to get to the ball, headed it, and then I just followed the ball to see it loop over the keepers’ head.

“I just wanted to run everywhere as I was that chuffed, and to see the delight on the supporters faces was the icing on the cake as far as I was concerned.”

The amazing fact this season is that although Stuart Rudd is second leading goal scorer in the league with 32 goals, in 39 outings he’s failed to score on 19 occasions.  But that’s hardly surprising to his supporters because all his goals come with a touch of class.  He’s never been a 6-yard poacher, which prompted Ian Rush to say during his Rudd’s days as a Wigan Trainee…

“You’ll never be a great goal scorer, but you always be a scorer of great goals.’

Rushie might’ve had a point according to Rudd, but those at Skelmersdale United will tell you a different tale in the years to come about the legend called Stuart Rudd.

Michael Douglas started the afternoon’s entertainment at the Ashley Travel Stadium as he headed just over the bar in the 2^nd minute courtesy of a Michael Cole corner.  Stuart Rudd blazed his shot high and wide minutes later, as once again ‘Castle failed to clear Cole’s corner.  So it wasn’t like they hadn’t been warned of what to expect when United opened their account.

Once again the delivery was excellent as Michael Cole sent in a corner to the near post.  Rudd’s header was flicked over the right back to Carl Osman who was poaching inside the near box, and his header flew into the back of the net.  It was a typical Osman goal, and a set piece worked to perfection.

Neil Black was causing all kinds of problems down the right hand side, and in the 20^th minute a great through ball sent him racing in on the target, but give the keeper his due he came out to reduce his angle and did enough as Black’s low drive crept wide of the target.  Ben Obong broke through himself minutes later but just as he primed himself up for a shot the ball bounce awkwardly and in the end all he could do was strike at fresh air.

No such problem with Michael Douglas as he headed home direct from Cole’s corner in the 42^nd minute.  The two goal lead was short lived though as United took their eye off Dave Berks on the stroke of half time.  From the edge of the box Berks struck the ball low and hard and Parry was unable to get to it even at full stretch.

Stuart Rudd looked lively in the second half, perhaps sensing the moment.  In the 50^th minute he broke free of his shackles, and just as he looked set to shoot he was forced to the by-line.  Looking up he fed the ball to Cole who was in the middle of the box, but unfortunately Cole’s shot went agonisingly wide.

Newcastle had their moments, with Lee Talbot proving to be a handful down the left hand flank.  Indeed, he could’ve got his club back on terms in the 50^th minute, but for a great save by stand-in keeper Chris Parry.

Fortunately United proved more capable of finishing off their chances and the game was all but over in the 57^th minute.  It was perhaps the best bit of football during the entire match, with great build-up play.  And when Cole eventually received the ball he chipped it over to Douglas, who in turn fed the ball through to Ben Obong, and on his home debut made no mistake as he calmly slotted the ball into the net.

Michael Cole deserved to get on the score sheet himself, but the closest he came was via a 25-yard free kick, but the keeper dived the right way to collect the ball.

Lee Talbot could’ve made it an interesting finish as he grazed the crossbar in the 65^th minute.

Cometh the moment, cometh the man.  Cole’s cross in the 77^th minute looked pretty innocuous, but Rudd leapt out of nowhere like a salmon out of water to head the ball over the keeper into the roof of the net.  He had been a man in waiting, and the celebration was just as impressive as the finish itself, although Soccer Am’s Stan Hibbert has little to worry about! 

215 goals in 301 appearances is some record, and the supporters couldn’t hide their glee and few will forget the moment when history was made.

Rudd was content to turn provider in the 84^th minute with the record in the bag, he crossed to Osman who watched his goal bound header being cleared off the line.  Ben Obong followed up only to see the ball float over the crossbar and skim the top of the net.

The demolition job was completed in the 87^th minute.  David Mather had only been on the pitch for two minutes.  With a quick turn he lost his mark and placed a pinpoint cross to Osman’s head, and the ball flew into the back of the net.

Cole volleyed wide, and a great turn by Rudd just inside the box led to his shot going inches wide in the final throes of the game.

M.O.M. ~ Stuart Rudd

It was a great performance from all the lads, but who could deny Stuart Rudd of this honour.  He’s been a great ambassador for the club, and through hard work and total professionalism he’s been rewarded with legendary status.

Team: Parry, Price, Standley, Hallam, Rimmer (15. Dalton 45) Black, Cole, Douglas, Rudd, Obong (14. Mather 85) Osman.; Sub not used: 12. Wallace.

Att: 257

United’s arranged fixture at Nantwich Town next Saturday has been postponed as Town will be involved in FA Vase action due to their game falling foul of the weather.

United’s next game is on Saturday 25^th February 2006. 3-00pm when they entertain Silsden at the Ashley Travel Stadium.

Saturday 4^th February 2006.

Abbey Hey 3 Skelmersdale United 1

United lost more valuable points on the promotion trail, albeit they are still top of the North West Counties Football League courtesy of a superior goal difference. (Writes Frank Hughes)

The loss of keeper Peter Crookes and influential centre half Tony Hallam to injury was a big blow, but against a team of mid table mediocrity more was expected of Skelmersdale.

The refereeing was a huge talking point as once again it lacked consistency, and Manager Paul Gallagher was furious with some of the decisions.

“I’m not looking for excuses but the referring was poor throughout the game and on this occasion it cost us a point in the very least, and even their officials and players were saying the same thing.

“Neil Black was brought down just outside the box, and surely under the interpretations of the rules the last man should’ve gone.  I don’t want to see anybody sent off, but a rule’s a rule.”

Abbey Hey’s Manager Chris Bailey was delighted with his teams’ performance.

“I sent my boys out to contain Skem , and that’s exactly what they did, and the bonus for us was the win which we weren’t expecting.  So I think we deserve a bit of credit for doing our job well, as opposed the blaming the referee for costing Skem the game.

“You can see why Skem are top of the league.  They have a squad oozing with talent and play lovely football, and for twenty minutes in the second half they had us hemmed in and how we escaped that onslaught I’ll never know.  But pretty football doesn’t always win you games.

“I’ve been lucky as I always manage to assemble a good squad of local players who are prepared to work hard for each other, and they’re not bad considering they’re on a tenner each.”

United’s problem was they didn’t address the game in an aggressive manner from the first whistle, and with it Abbey Hey’s confidence grew.  Indeed the early efforts all fell to Hey. 

A mistake by Ian Price on the half way line allowed Wayne Cahill to wriggle free and sprint down the flank before squaring the ball to Mane McKenzie.  McKenzie with his back to goal was unmarked, but turned and hit the ball wide of the target, when perhaps had he taken his time would’ve realised what an advantageous position he was in.

Steve Moore forced Matty Wright into making his first save of the day with a 20-yard effort.  It was a low drive which was swerving, but the keeper dived the right way.

Carl Osman went on one of his mazy runs in the 25^th minute, and was unceremoniously brought down inside the box, but what looked blatant to everybody else, fell on deaf ears to the officials as the United players made their point vocally clear.  They should’ve stayed focussed though, because on the break Mero Waugh’s attempt at clearing an up field ball resulted in a miss kick and the ball looping over his head, with Mane McKenzie winning the ball from Wright and slotting the ball into an empty net.

United upped their game a little bit, with efforts from Douglas who tried to lob the keeper at the edge of the box, and Michael Cole’s 25-yarder swerved just wide of the upright.  And of course there was the controversial issue of Black being scythed down en route to goal, but the resultant fee kick was struck high & wide of the target by Ryan Wallace.

Steve Moore nearly added more embarrassment to the league leaders in the 47^th minute when he forced Matty Wright into making a good save.  It was a timely reminder that Skem were going to have to work a lot harder to turn things around.

Steve Rimmer blocked a threatening long ball, and sent his own long ball over the Abbey Hey defence.  Stuart Rudd latched on to it and in his 300^th appearance for the club and seeking that record breaking feat of 215 goals, the keeper diverted his well struck shot.  Rudd headed wide minutes later via a Ryan Wallace cross.

Neil Black’s cross in the 72^nd minute was headed on by Stuart Rudd into the danger area but Lee Thompson’s header didn’t do the build-up any justice, and the keeper made an easy save.  Nevertheless, Thompson’s introduction had livened things up along with Ben Obong who was making his debut after signing from St Helens.

In fact Obong almost opened the scoring but for a great reflex save by the keeper, and when the rebound fell to Thompson, he caught the ball awkwardly and struck the crossbar when a goal looked a certainty.

Ben Obong fed a glorious cross to Neil Black who struck his right-footed shot from an acute angle, with the keeper pulling off a fine save at full stretch.  From the resultant corner Steve Rimmer planted the ball into the back of the net to restore parity.

United sustained the pressure.  Lee Thompson’s shot on the turn was palmed over by the keeper.  Neil Black headed over the target following a great delivery by Obong.  And Black was denied once again as his shot was blocked en route.

Mero Waugh was once again beaten for pace and as a result conceded a penalty.  Steve Rimmer threw the ball down in frustration and was sent off for his second yellow card, in the process saved Waugh from a caution.  Nevertheless, Steve Moore converted the spot kick.

Frustration was spilling out all over the place and in the 87^th minute Manager Paul Gallagher was sent to the sidelines.

Lee Thompson spurned a glorious opportunity to level it when he blasted a close range effort towards the heavens.

With resources stretched United went further behind when Dave Standley conceded a penalty.  Steve Moore having had the practice converted his second to give Abbey Hey a flattering 3-1 win. 

Controversially, Standley hoofed the ball up field in frustration before the penalty was taken and wasn’t booked at all, which highlighted the referee’s inconsistent afternoon, and perhaps the Referee’s Assessor picked up on that before he gave his post match appraisal.

Excuses apart, United have to learn to be more disciplined and accept that poor refereeing is part and parcel of the game these days.  Whoever wins the league will have also had their fair share of poor decisions in the course of their season.

M.O.M. ~ Michael Douglas

You can’t get a more balanced player than Michael Douglas.  He is the consummate professional, and when the game called for some level heads they should’ve been following his example.  He worked hard throughout and refused to let his head go down.  What a great quality to have.

Team:

Wright, Price, Waugh, standley, Rimmer, Wallace (14. Obong 67) Cole, Douglas, Rudd, Black, Osman (12. Thompson 60) Sub Not Used: 15. Jones.

Att: 56

United are at home to Newcastle Town this Saturday, K.O. 3-00pm.

Tuesday 31^st January 2006.

Skelmersdale United 1 Atherton Collieries1

Skem threw everything at Atherton Collieries bar the kitchen sink, but an inspirational bout of goalkeeping gave the visitor’s a share of the spoils.  (Writes Frank Hughes)

In general terms this was two points lost in what is going to be a difficult Championship battle, but you couldn’t fault the players for effort because there was an abundance of it witnessed by 201 people on a bitterly cold night.

United attacked from the off, and in the third minute Neil Black showed great control to keep hold of the ball before sending an accurate cross-field pass over the heads of Coll’s defence for Michael Cole to run on to, but sadly Cole missed the target.

Carl Osman followed up with a couple of efforts.  The first one was a long drive after one of his trademark runs and the other was a far post effort having taken receipt of a fine Ryan Wallace cross, but sadly both shots missed the intended target.

Michael Douglas was at the heart of almost everything again, and was unlucky to see his shot being blocked en route.  And Stuart run was looking to take Tommy Tinsley’s goalscoring record outright, but whilst the position’s he was getting himself into the execution was poor.

Neil Black had an effort cleared off the line just before the half hour mark, and soon after Cole’s shot was turned away for a corner.  From it Wallace had a double-barrelled effort, but the ball just didn’t want to go in.  Stuart Rudd delivered a great shot on the turn but this time Joe Bloxham cleared off the line, just to reinforce the theory!

Danny Stubberfield broke free towards the end of the half, but thankfully shot wide, but they come even closer when Matthew Walsh fired a volley from the edge of the box.  It was direct to Peter Crookes, but for some reason the ball slipped from his grip, hit the inside of the upright, before it thankfully rebounded into his much more assured hands…much to his blessed relief.

United finished the half as they had started it with yet another shot, once again it was from Stuart Rudd and curling all the time, but once again Dave Rogerson was alert and palmed it away.

The second half was just as lively, with Ryan Wallace playing a nice cross in the 47^th minute to the far post, only to see Tony Hallam slam his shot into the side netting.  Hallam was disappointed with his effort, but from an acute angle he’d done far better than he thought.

Dave Standley tried the more improvised route, but after great build-up play his 25-yarder was heading for the stars.

Stuart Rudd had another effort turned away in the 52^nd minute, and as Atherton failed to clear, Osman played a lovely floated ball back in the danger area, but sadly Micxhael Douglas’s header was a bit rushed – perhaps he didn’t realise the space and time he had on his hands.

Neil Black missed a sitter two minutes later, from a Wallace cross he found himself in the clear at the near post but somehow managed to head wide when it looked easier to score.

The pressure at this stage was incessant, and some of the football was a pleasure to watch.  Carl Osman’s cross was flicked by the head of Rudd to Cole who shot first time only to see Alex Lord clear, but the cross came in again and this time Steve Rimmer’s header was cleared to safety.  From the resultant corner Rimmer’s near post header was cleared off the line. 

Three minutes later the goal that United so richly deserved arrived.  Michael Cole’s corner found Douglas who had his shot cleared off the line, but thankfully Steve Rimmer was on hand to slam the ball home.

If anything United eased off the pedal, and the old theory that you are more susceptible to concede after scoring was never more true in this instance, as United were caught 3 minutes later.  Ian Price’s failure to deal with Danny Stubberfield as the winger fleeced, stealing the march down the left hand wing before crossing to the near post to give Martyn Starkey an easy finish.

Thankfully Skem were still up for the battle and evidently weren’t going to settle for a draw lying down.  Wallace & Douglas had half efforts before Rudd’s effort was blocked en route once again.  Michael Cole followed up but blazed his shot high & wide.

 A great cross by Cole in the 78^th minute gave Neil Black a great opportunity as he lost his marker, but his head didn’t get full contact of the ball, and in the end he glanced the ball disappointingly wide.

Michael Cole took receipt of Rudd’s through ball in the 86^th minutes, but sandwiched between the two centre haves his eventual shot was tapered.

In the final throes of the game United should’ve got the goal their efforts truly deserved.  Davey Mathers cross found the header of Hallam who came racing into the 6-yard box like a man possessed, but just as it looked like United would steal all three points at the death the keeper who was going the wrong way somehow managed to get his other arm to the ball, and the ball was scrambled away.

Once again a great advert for NWC football, and take nothing away from Atherton as they gave their hearts & souls to get something out of this game, although they aren’t likely to receive nine lives like this in every game.

M.O.M.  ~ Stuart Rudd

There were some great performances out there on the night, and it was fast and furious stuff at times.  Although he didn’t score, Rudd deserved the nod for endeavour alone.  He was a constant threat to the Coll’s defence, and even they couldn’t believe they’d thwarted United’s super striker.

Team: Crookes, Price, Standley, Hallam, Rimmer, Wallace (15. Mather 81) Cole, Douglas, Rudd, Black, Osman.  Subs not used: 12. Thompson 14.  Beckett.

Att: 201

Saturday 28^th January 2006.

Skelmersdale United 5 Trafford 3

It’s a very rare treat in football to go to a game and watch two teams intent on entertaining, but when it does happen it is football heaven sent.  On the day it was a blue heaven but take nothing away from Trafford as they gave us all a game to remember, as indeed they always do, such is the talent in Danny Johnson’s youthful team.  And take no notice of their lowly league position, (14th) because on their day they are as good as any other team.   (Writes Frank Hughes)

From United’s point it was a first half to forget, as Trafford outplayed them and surged to a 2 nil lead come half time.  But in fairness both teams looked out of sorts in the opening exchanges of the game, but when they did warm up it was Trafford that looked the most dangerous team. 

Lee Bromley shimmied his was through United’ defence before unleashing a woeful shot that didn’t do credit to his great run.

Wes Ritchie managed to sneak behind his marker to meet a right hand cross, but fortunately his shot was wide, and at the other end Ryan Wallace let go from 20-yards out with his shot flying marginally high of the crossbar.

Trafford’s opening goal came as Lee Bromley bobbed and weaved his way past Steve Rimmer before putting in a low cross to the near post, and in came Wes Ritchie to nod the ball home.

Lee Thompson had a glorious opportunity of restoring parity on the half hour mark, albeit the Trafford keeper should’ve been favourite to collect a pretty innocuous looking long ball.  But give Thompson his due he didn’t give up the race, and in the end the keeper spooned the ball, but try as he did to hook the ball over the keeper, he didn’t quite connect with it and the ball trickled wide of a gaping target.

United conceded another goal in the 37^th minute, just when it looked like they were finding their feet.  Troy Hayder broke free down the left hand wing, skipping past Ian Price before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.

Lee Thompson missed another sitter in the 39^th minute, as Michael Cole’s free kick was deflected into his path, but at the far post and unmarked the best he could do was side net.

Timing is of the essence in football, and with that in mind United pegged Trafford back in the 2^nd minute of the second half.  When keeper Damien Rooney failed to clear his lines, the ball eventually fell to Stuart Rudd who controlled the ball with his left foot before switching to his right.  The keeper had regained his composure by this time and did enough to force Rudd into hitting the upright.  Fortunately the ball came back to Rudd who accepted the second chance with relish and blasted the ball into the roof of the net to notch his 30^th goal of the season.

Stuart Rudd turned provider in the 51^st minute as he headed the ball into Lee Thompson’s path.  Although heavily marked he managed to turn on a sixpence and deliver a shot that was only a whisker’s length wide of the upright.

In the 67^th minute United were back on level terms as Tony Hallam headed home a Michael Cole corner.

Neil Black had only been on the pitch for 9 minutes before he wreaked havoc on Trafford’s defence.  Beating one man after another, Black weaved his way to the by-line before sending a cross to Stuart Rudd for a simple tap in.  More significantly it was a goal that Rudd and United’s supporters will remember for a long time.  It was probably one of Rudd’s easiest goals in his 214 haul, but it equalled Tommy Tinsley’s club record set in 1948.

Two minutes later Neil Black got himself on the score sheet courtesy of a low cross from Carl Osman.  Black had transformed United’s fortunes with his presence, and deserved the goal for endeavour alone.

United were in the driving seat at this point but a great individual goal by Troy Hayder provided the visitor’s with a lifeline in the 80^th minute, but Skem managed to hold on, and a great run by Neil Black was complimented by a great finish in the 90^th minute top put the game beyond doubt.

A great game of football, and an even greater advert for North West Counties Football from both perspectives.  And value for money personified, as witnessed by a healthy crowd of 266.

M.O.M. ~ Neil Black.

The entire team deserved this honour on their second half performances, but Neil Black came on in the 63^rd minute and tore a chunk out of a very stubborn Trafford team up to that point.  With two goals and an assist, few would argue with his nomination.

Team: Crookes, Price, Standley, Hallam, Rimmer, Wallace, Cole, Douglas, Rudd, Thompson (12. Black 63) Osman.  Subs Not Used: 14. Beckett. 15. Mather.

Att:  266

Saturday 21^st January 2006.

Skelmersdale United 6 St Helens Town 1

United put the disappointment of last weeks defeat against Glossop North End well and truly behind them by destroying 5^th placed St Helens Town, in what can only be described as dishing out a lesson in footballing terms. (Writes Frank Hughes)

This was a massive win in terms of confidence building, and a blaring reminder that United’s fate is in their own hands.  Yes they were smarting from the embarrassment of last weeks failure, and yes they had a big point to prove to all the critics and doom and gloom merchants, but perhaps this was the kick up the pants they needed, because an impressive crowd of 255 were treated to a vintage United performance.

Ben Obong so often a thorn in United’s side, had a relatively quiet afternoon by his standards, and was limited to just one chance in the opening minutes of the game.  Finding space down the right hand side, Obong let go from 20-yards and his shot was marginally wide, albeit Crookes had it covered in any event.

The rest of the half was dominated by United, perhaps aroused by Obong’s early warning.  Indeed, they responded well, taking the lead 30 seconds later via Crookes’ goal kick.  Lee Thompson took receipt of the ball, and worked his way into the box before he was brought down, and from the resultant spot kick Carl Osman tucked the ball past Paul Forester and into the net.

It was a feast of football as Hallam headed wide Michael Cole’s free kick.  Michael Douglas’s half volley blazed inches over the crossbar, courtesy of Carl Osman’s lay-off, and then Wallace hit the upright via a 20-yard free kick, and Osman collected the ricochet only to find his shot being blocked en route…and that was all in the first 17 minutes of the game.

Stuart Rudd has scored many goals in his life, but he’ll remember this one for sure.  Lee Thompson squared the ball to him, and from 25-yards out he hit the ball sweetly, and with all the power of an exocet missile behind the shot he almost ripped a hole in the back of the net.  It was worth the entrance fee alone.

Lee Thompson was working well and in the 23^rd minute put in an excellent cross from the right wing which was aimed for Stuart Rudd.   Dave Barnes put his foot out to intercept, the ball came off the side of his foot and hit the crossbar.  The ball eventually came back to Rudd who turned his marker and struck the upright, with Douglas netting the rebound only to see the flag go up for an offside.

In the 29^th minute Skem increased their lead to three.  Steve Rimmer’s free kick from the half way line was back headed by Michael Douglas into the path of Carl Osman, and on the half volley he slammed the ball into the back of the net.

The fourth came eleven minutes later.  Jordon Milson was denied with a good save by Crookes in the 40^th minute, but straight from the goal kick Thompson threaded the ball through to Stuart Rudd, and Rudd finished off with aplomb.

Milson came close again on the stroke of half time with a speculative 20-yarder, the ball curling one way then veering another to take Crookes by surprise, and the ball clipped his bicep before falling to safety.

Lee Thomspon’s hard graft deserved a goal but when he had the chance from 6-yards out courtesy of Cole’s precise cross, he somehow managed to head wide, and was more than annoyed with himself when he realised he was totally unmarked.

Dave Standley was keen to add his name to the score sheet as he struck a glorious shot from 25-yards out, but was denied by a great reflex save by Forester.

Lee Thompson continued to supply the ammunition with another great cross to Stuart Rudd, but once again the keeper blocked his header, and then got his glove to Cole’s follow up to send the ball wide.

Against the run of play St Helens managed to reduce United’s lead.  Crookes shouted for the ball as Town delivered an innocuous looking free kick from the half way line, but misjudged it altogether and allowed Lee Peagram to snatch the ball, and slot it into the net.

Lee Thompson came close in the 72^nd minute following a great run, but his shot was deflected over the crossbar.  Ryan Wallace was denied by the feet of Forester in the 78^th minute, and Lee Thompson followed up to score what should’ve been the goal his game deserved, but for some inexplicable reason was judged to be offside.

David Mathers made his debut for United’ 1^st team in the 80^th minute, as he replace Michael Cole.  The rising star from Tommy Davies’ Youth team, filled the cameo role like he’d been part and parcel of the fixtures and fittings for sometime, and within a couple of minutes was making a darting run from his own half before beating two men at the edge of the box to put a great cross into Carl Osman.  Unfortunately Osman spurned a glorious opportunity as he sent the ball skywards.

Stuart Rudd completed his hat trick in the 86^th minute with a terrific shot into the roof of the net, courtesy of Wallace’s great cross, and the joy was plain to see as he ran to the corner flag for an impromptu session of shadow boxing, much to the delight of the supporters.

The rout was completed as the game went into injury time.  Carl Osman’s header looked to be going wide but was hooked back in by Lee Thompson, and at second attempt Osman buried the ball home with his right foot to equal the feat of Rudd who’d scored his hat trick just 4 minutes earlier.

Not content on the scoreline, United pressed to the very end, with Hallam’s header having to be cleared off the line by Forester to save Town from any further embarrassment.

United have now scored 75 goals in 24 league games, and much of that is down to Rudd & Osman who’ve scored 45 between them, with Rudd’s hat trick taking him back to the top of the NWC goal chart with an awesome 29 goals so far to his credit.

M.O.M.  ~  Lee Thompson.

They all played their part in this outstanding game of football, but with a hand in 4 of the goals and unlucky not to score a couple himself, Thompson was a shining example of what can be achieved when you give all to the cause.

Team;  Cookes, Price, Standley, Hallam, Rimmer, Wallace, Cole (15. Mather 80) Douglas (14. Beckett 87) Rudd, Osman.  Sub not used 12. Waugh.

Att:255

Saturday 14^th January 2006.

Skelmersdale United 0 Glossop North End 2.

The people of Skelmersdale responded well to the clubs appeal for more support, with the gate showing a 25% increase, but it was the league leaders that let the supporters down this time.  (Writes Frank Hughes)

Judged on this performance they won’t be league leaders for long, as they can’t afford to lose to teams that are struggling to stay in the North West Counties 1^st Division.  In fairness though it wasn’t so much the defeat, but the manner in which it was conceived that was most disappointing.

United have got to the top of their league because they have worked damn well hard to get there, but as they are soon realising you need to work twice as hard to stay there.  Quite frankly they didn’t try hard enough to beat their visitor’s nor did they show them enough respect, and for that they paid the ultimate price.

During the early exchanges of the game you could sense a lack of urgency by United, and Glossop welcomed the relaxed approach.  In fact it was Glossop who fired the first warning as Darren Hamilton’s speculative long-range effort warmed Peter Crookes’ gloves up.

United had to step things up, but when Stuart Rudd sneaked behind the Glossop defence, yet somehow conspired to screw his low drive wide of a gaping target, and then 60 seconds later Ryan Wallace did exactly the same thing, it was beginning to shape up like one of those afternoons.

Stuart Rudd was sent clear again in the 17^th minute, courtesy of a great through ball by Lee Thompson, but Stuart Williams raced out to meet the challenge and charged Rudd’s eventual shot down.

Glossop would take advantage of United’s missed chances by counterattacking, and full credit to them.  Whilst heads where still in hands, Glossop made it clear that they hadn’t come along merely to make up the numbers.

A quick throw to Garry Kharas who was loitering with intent inside the Skem penalty box looked pretty innocuous, but give the lad that has so far scored half of Glossop’s goals a sniff at the target and you’re asking for trouble.  Kharas turned his marker to deliver a scissor kick, yes it was high, but the intent was clearly there.  In fact it was a softener for the real thing, as two minutes later Glossop took the lead.  Again it was on the break, and it sniffed of a punch drunk boxer coaxing his opponent on.  Phil Nibloe cut through the chaff, and delivered a pinpoint cross to Darren Hamilton who tucked the ball into the net.

United should’ve been back on equal terms a minute later.  Stuart Rudd got behind Glossop’s defence once again, but perhaps sensing it wasn’t going to be his day he unselfishly squared the ball to Ryan Wallace, who shimmied his way into the box, and having already done the hard work and with only Williams to beat he somehow contrived to lash the ball wide of the target when it looked easier to score.

United had numerous chances to settle this affair in remainder of the half.  Michael Douglas’ shot was deflected wide.  Stuart Rudd broke through again courtesy of Michael Cole’s through ball, but as he began to slip, so his shot was miscued and went bobbling wide.

David Young broke through in the 35^th minute, and but for the faintest of touches by Crookes would’ve increased Glossop’s lead.  United failed to clear the resultant corner and from a cross Garry Kharas was allowed too much freedom, but fortunately for Skem he shot wide when he really should’ve hit the target.

From Ryan Wallace’s corner Tony Hallam’s header was cleared for another corner, and at the second attempt Hallam’s header had to be cleared off the line.  And seconds later Stuart Rudd tried a speculative long-range effort but once again it was disappointingly wide of the upright.

Okay United hadn’t hit the back of the net, but surely they could make amends for that with another 45 minutes at their disposal.  Sadly not, as their heads went down in the second half, their purpose and conviction faded like the afternoon sun.  The only chance of any note was a Stuart Rudd header, but that lacked punch and was aimed straight into the keeper’s arms.  In fact the truth was, although United still had the lion’s share of possession, they were caught far too easily, and Glossop looked more threatening in front of goal.  Indeed, Kharas hit the upright before the game was settled in injury time as Mark Woodcock struck a 20-yard shot clinically into the back of the net.

United will rue the chances they missed in the first half, but there was no excuse for the lack of spirit they fielded in the second period.  And mark my words the team that wins the League won’t drop many points between now and the last week in April.

M.O.M. ~ Michael Douglas.

Michael was the only shining light on a dismal day for United.  The consummate professional, and a great example that others would do well to follow.

Team:

Crookes, Price, Standley, Hallam, Rimmer, Wallace (14. Black 61) Cole, Douglas, Rudd, Thompson (12. Mulvaney 61) Osman.  Sub not used: 15. Dalton.

Att 248.

United’s next game at the Ashley Travel Stadium is against local rivals St Helens Town on Saturday, Kick Off 3-00pm.  1^st plays 5^th in what promises to be a cracker if past games are anything to go by.

Saturday 7^th January 2006.

Formby 0 Skelmersdale United 5

It’s still early days yet, but goal difference could be vitally important when deciding which teams gain promotion at the end of the season.  Title favourites Cammell Laird notched up a 10-0 win over bottom club Stone Dominoes, possibly a psychological boost for them as United only managed to stick 9 past them at the beginning of the season.  However, United blasted five past Formby whereas Laird could only muster two when they met earlier on in the season! (Writes Frank Hughes)

Manager Paul Gallagher was pleased with the result.

“Once we settled down we managed to play football on a par with anything we’ve produced this season.

“Formby tried to make things difficult for us in the first half, but if anything we overplayed things a bit and made it harder for ourselves, but in the second half you could sense that we were gradually grinding them down, and they couldn’t live with us from that moment on.

“I was pleased with our away support.  It was almost like playing a home game as the crowd was predominantly made up of Skem supporters.  A lot has been said about poor support at home, but we have good hardcore that follow us everywhere.  I was so pleased that we managed to entertain them.”

It was basically one-way traffic from the opening whistle, as United took the game to their hosts.  Michael Douglas had a shot cleared in the 5^th minute, and from the resultant corner Steve Rimmer headed wide of the target.

Michael Cole’s delivery was back to its best, and in the 12^th minute his pinpoint accuracy found Ryan Wallace free inside the danger area, but rather than seize the opportunity himself he unselfishly laid the ball off to Stuart Rudd, but sadly his shot was blacked by the keeper.

It didn’t take long for United to get the lead their dominance deserved.  Ryan Wallace made a great run from the half way line, before threading the ball through to Lee Thompson, and from a yard or so out he tucked the ball past the keeper into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

Ryan Wallace’s speculative 25-yarder missed the target marginally, and Stuart Rudd’s overhead kick was but a foot or two high of the crossbar as the half drew to a close.

United came out in the second half with a plan of softening their opponents up, and early signs were good as Cole was threatening with menaces, and was unfortunate not to rewarded with a penalty in the 47^th minute as he was scythed down in the penalty box, but in fairness to the ref it was on his blind side.  Rudd followed up with a shot that blazed over the crossbar.  Carl Osman was just as effective on the other wing as he managed to skip through one or two tasty challenges.  His 25-yarder was dipping all the time, missing the target by a whisker.  Ryan Wallace has a similar effort minutes later, which missed the upright by millimetres.

Formby tried to catch United on the counter whenever the opportunity presented itself, but the defence were never really threatened as Michael Douglas won everything in the middle of the park.  Douglas was also distributing the ball to full effectiveness.  He found Rudd in the 57^th minute at the edge of the box who in turn threaded the ball across goal to Osman who was in the clear, but the keeper was alert enough to block his shot.  Rudd had a couple of efforts himself courtesy of assists by Carl Osman, both of which missed the target by inches.

Formby had soaked up a lot of pressure, but United’s game plan was coming to fruition.  In the 65^th minute Tony Hallam headed on to Stuart Rudd, with time on his hands Rudd tried cleverly to lob the keeper, but the shot was deflected for a corner.  Cole’s corner found Osman who sneaked in at the near post to head the ball into the back of the net.  It was a return to goal scoring ways for Osman who’d last registered 4 months ago.  3 minutes later he made a mockery of the drought by scoring his 13^th goal of the season.  Rudd found Cole who in turn crossed the ball Carl Osman who was once again poaching at the near post.  Osman’s shot first hit the underside of the crossbar before ricocheting off the upright, but as the ball appeared to be falling to safety, Osman managed to get his foot behind the ball and curl it into the net.

Once again it was Cole’s accuracy that was causing Formby the most concern.  This time Steve Taylor headed into his own net, as Osman put him under pressure.

Osman turned provider in the 77^th minute as he played a lovely ball through to Ryan Wallace, and a great cross to the far post was clinically headed into the back of the net by Michael Cole.

This was a great result for Skem after losing to Atherton LR on Bank Holiday Monday.  United know they have what it takes to gain promotion, and how crucial January is going to be in terms of keeping a grip at the top.  It’s hard to get carried away with a victory against a team second from bottom, but you can only beat what is in front of you, and given the fact that United should’ve beaten LR, a victory over a team which was described as a potential banana skin is as good a win as any other win.

M.O.M. Michael Douglas.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the defence must love playing with this lad in front of them, because not only does he pluck the ball from out of nowhere, he also holds the ball up to give the defence time to recover when they over commit themselves.  He’s also great at distributing the ball, and looks dangerous when he attacks.  There was great tussle going on between him and ex-Skem player Billy Knowles, and at his own submission, Knowles agreed Douglas was a class act.

Team: Crookes, Price, Standley, Hallam, Rimmer, Wallace, Cole, Douglas, Rudd, Thompson (12. Black 74) Osman.  Subs not used: 14. Mulvaney. 15. Waugh.

Monday 2^nd January 2006.

Atherton LR 1 Skelmersdale United 0.

United slumped to a disappointing defeat at Crilly Park in their opening game of 2006, and with Alsager winning at Nantwich their lead at the top has been reduced to just three points.  (Writes Frank Hughes)

United Manager, Paul Gallagher was pretty philosophical in his post match analysis.

“We had enough chances to bury Atherton, but they hung on, took advantage of one of our mistakes to get their noses in front, and from that point on it galvanised them.

“It was a bad day at the office for us, and we can’t afford to have too many of them if we are to be successful and gain promotion.  We can’t carry on blaming poor playing surfaces and slack refereeing, even though once again they both came to the fore.

We are still top of the league and it’s up to us if we want to win it.  There are poorer playing surfaces than the one we played on today, and the eventual Champions will overcome that hurdle.”

United paid the ultimate cost for poor finishing, as they should’ve had the game wrapped up in the first half. 

In the 7^th minute Tony Hallam headed wide from a Ryan Wallace free kick, suggesting that United would have a field day against a diminutive looking defence.  That feeling was enhanced several minutes later, as Stuart Rudd climbed above the back four to head the ball into the path of Michael Cole.  Sadly Cole’s shot was high when it should’ve been in the back of the net.

Carl Osman was to miss an even easier opportunity in the 26^th minute.  Michael Douglas played an excellent cross to Osman who was free inside the box, but somehow he managed to drive the ball high when it looked easier to score.

If Osman felt the slightest bit embarrassed, then that was soon alleviated as Lee Mulvaney missed the mother of easy chances in the 36^th minute.  Michael Cole’s pinpoint cross to the far post found Mulvaney unmarked, and all he had to do was guide the ball into the net, but somehow contrived to send the ball wide of a gaping wide target.

At the other end Atherton reminded United that they too were still in the game as Kristian Evans headed wide Wes Calhart’s cross.  Not quite as easy as the chance that preceded it, but it should’ve been on target at least.

United were breaking quite freely, and the supply was good.  Stuart Rudd’s cross found Wallace on the penalty spot, but with all the time in the world he scuffed at his shot and the ball bobbled lamely, hitting the upright in the process.  But really it was another great chance that had gone begging.

The timing of Atherton’s goal was key to galvanising a team that had been on the ropes for most of the game.  That came in the 50^th minute, courtesy of Steve Rimmer mistake, who was having a bad game by his standards.  Atherton’s strategy was simple, as they continued to loft the ball in the danger area and wait for the inevitable error to ensue.  However, Steve Rimmer will still be asking himself how on earth he managed to head an innocuous looking punt behind him, when unopposed he should’ve cleared with consummate ease like he normally does week in week out.  The point was he didn’t and Kristian Evans sneaked in behind him, blasted a good shot at Crookes who saved with his feet.  Unfortunately the ricochet was kind to Evans who squared the ball to Josh Cathcart who stroked the ball home from 8-yards out.

United were down but far from out of it, but finishing was to prove to be their Achilles heel, as numerous chances went begging. 

A great free kick by Ryan Wallace was gathered well by Lee Grogan. And Wallace could hardly believe his luck later on when he was presented with a gift.  Lee Mulvaney fed a glorious ball over Atherton’s defence, and Wallace raced through beating the offside trap, but with only the keeper to beat and from 2-yards out he blazed the ball well over the crossbar.

Stuart Rudd headed into the keepers’ hands following some great build-up play, and at this stage it looked like a matter of when not if United would at least level the game, but further efforts by Lee Thompson & Michael Cole were thwarted, and a plucky Atherton could’ve flattered to deceive in injury time, but for a great save by Crookes who palmed away Kristian Evans volley at the far post.

So in the end United were made to rue their missed opportunities, but that said this was a disappointing effort from the league leaders, and they will have to do far better if they are to stay in pole position.

M.O.M.  David Standley

There weren’t that many contenders for the honour to be honest.  Michael Douglas was once again a shining light, on what turned out to be a gloomy day, and Lee Mulvaney worked hard, albeit it with little to show for his efforts.   Dave Standley stood out in terms of his overall work rate as he defended with resilience on a day that turned out to be a poor one in overall defending terms.

Team: Crookes, Price, Standley, Hallam, Rimmer, Wallace (14. Black 77) Cole, Douglas, Rudd, Mulvaney, Osman (12. Thompson) Sub Not Used: 15. Waugh.

Monday 26^th December 2005.

Skelmersdale United 4 Squires Gate 0

A disappointing crowd of just over 200 people were treated to a feast of football on Boxing Day, as United gained revenge over Gate for knocking them out of the FA Vase earlier on in the month.  (Writes Frank Hughes)

This performance was somewhat reminiscent of the form they showed earlier on in the season…free flowing, attack minded but resolute defensively.  In essence United showed all the qualities needed in order to win the League Championship, and who’s to doubt their ambition as they stand proudly at the top of the League as they have done since the opening day of the season?

United showed their commitment to winning this game straight from the outset, with Stuart Rudd coming close in the opening minute, as he shot high from Carl Osman’s pinpoint cross.

It was the same double act that paired up to give United the lead in the 9^th minute.  Carl Osman won a great ball, before threading it through to Stuart Rudd.  Sandwiched between two defenders, Rudd fought hard to win the battle, his outstretched leg connected with the ball and he sent it past the keeper into the back of the net.

Wayne Gardiner took receipt of a poor clearance by United in the 11^th minute, but what looked like a good opportunity was spurned as he sent the ball blazing high over the crossbar.

Lee Mulvaney was playing well at this stage and was getting plenty of room to manoeuvre down the wings, and in the 14^th minute he put his freedom to good effect as he spotted Wallace loitering with intent just outside the box.  Wallace took receipt, (pictured) looked up once to see where the keeper was and quite cheekily placed the ball over his head into the back of the net.  It was pure class.

Lee Mulvaney had an effort himself in the 37^th minute which sneaked underneath the defence but the keeper was on hand to make a comfortable save.  Five minutes later, Wallace’s short corner was played to Mulvaney, who once again spotted another United player unmarked outside the box.  This time it was Mero Waugh who unleashed a fierce shot which was curling right, before swerving wickedly in the other direction and into the back of the net.  Another touch of pure class.

United could only manage one goal in the second half, even though they played better football.  But a combination of good goalkeeping and the woodwork prevented United from opening the floodgates.

A great ball by Michael Cole freed Lee Mulvaney, and he looked odds on to score but for a great block from keeper, Ben Morris.  And the same thing again minutes later as Mulvaney broke through again, the keeper got a vital touch as he palmed the ball onto the upright, and the ball spun to safety.

Lee Mulvaney was just as good at providing the ammunition as firing it, as in the 64^th minute he played a delightful cross over the Gate defence that found the head of Stuart Rudd.  Rudd watched as the ball spun over Morris, dipped and hit the underside of the crossbar before ricocheting to safety.  Rudd who was having a delightful game hit the crossbar again two minutes later, this time from a 25-yard free kick.

Michael Cole darted through a crowded the box in the 70^th minute only to see the keeper block his shot, but three minutes before time he sent an unbeatable left footed shot from the edge of the box into the roof of the net.  It was United’s 600^th North West Counties home goal since becoming founder members in 1982, and it was worth the entrance fee alone, just as the three that had preceded it.  Indeed Cole was eager to continue the onslaught right up to the death, as Black put him in the clear, but once again the keeper denied him as he turned the shot away.

In the final analysis, ‘battered’ and ‘humbled’ were their words at the end of the game, but the score line didn’t quite reflect how superior United had been.  This was a fantastic advert for NWC football, but once again the club must ask what more it has to do to draw the fans in.  The 207 gate was a big improvement on the 142 that witnessed their previous home encounter at the Ashley Travel Stadium, but it was still only the fifth highest in the North West Counties on the day!

M.O.M. ~ Lee Mulvaney.

Michael Douglas, Michael Cole, Carl Osman, Stuart Rudd, Mero Waugh and Ryan Wallace were all contenders for Man of the Match, but Lee Mulvaney stood out in particular with an outstanding display as he ran circles around Squires Gate, and had a hand in a couple of the goals.

Team: Crookes, Price, Waugh, Standley, Rimmer, Wallace (14. Beckett 85) Cole, Douglas, Rudd, Mulvaney, Osman (12. Black 80)  Sub not used: 15. Hannaway.

Att: 207.

Tuesday 20^th December 2005.

Cammell Laird 1 Skelmersdale United 1

If United were looking for a boost in confidence, how better way to do it than take a point away from League Championship favourites Cammell Laird on their own patch.  Indeed, Laird’s have only dropped 4 points all season, all of which have gone to the current leaders Skelmersdale.  (Writes Frank Hughes)

Yes, Skelmersdale United are top of the league as they have been since day one, and after a recent blip in form they are starting to show that once again they have the ability to go all the way.

This was a well-balanced game with neither team willing to give anything away, hence the score line.  That said, there could’ve been one or two more goals in either camp.

After a bright start by United it was the home team that created the early chances.  Mike Rimmer’s shot via a Jamie McGuire cross went straight into Crookes’ hands.  And a great saving tackle by Tony Hallam minutes later prevented former United player Ronnie Morgan from breaking free. 

Hallam withstood the challenge of James McCoy with a great block in the 14^th minute; unfortunately McCoy recouped the ball to play an excellent cross to the feet of McGuire.  Fortunately McGuire failed to get any power behind his shot, much to the relief of Crookes who made a comfortable save.

Anthony Hargreaves shot high over the crossbar, when united failed to clear a goal kick, but soon after at the other end it was United that produced the best effort.  Dave Standley’s throw was headed on to Michael Douglas who hit the ball first time, only to see the keeper back pedal and turned the ball over the crossbar.

Still it was Laird’s that looked the more threatening on the break.  Ronnie Morgan got behind Skem’s defence to put in a great cross, which McCoy struck fiercely only to see Crookes pull off another vital save.  McCoy turned provider soon after with a great cross to the centre of the six-yard box, but Hargreaves somehow contrived to send the ball ballooning over the crossbar from all of a yard out.

Michael Douglas struck another long-range effort, which had enough bite to it but it was directed into the keeper’s hands.  3 minutes later came the best bit of football on the night.  It all started with a great move by Carl Osman on the left wing as he whizzed by the right back.  Osman’s quality cross wasn’t picked up, and eventually came running to Ryan Wallace, who in turn played the ball back in this time to the 6-yard box, and Stuart Rudd looked odds-on to score only for the keeper who was diving the wrong way to block with his outstretched legs.

Just before the break Michael Cole’s in-swinging corner had to be turned over the crossbar.

Jamie McGuire struck the upright in the 56^th minute, as United’s defence stood off him, and he had a further shot that was this time wide of the target.  Other than that, there had been a void in terms of goalmouth action as both defences cancelled out each other.

It was United that opened up the scoring in the 75^th minute.  Lee Mulvaney played the ball over Laird’s defence, and Rudd won the battle to win the ball.  His daisycutter of a shot lacked any real power, but had the beating of the keeper.  The ball hit the inside of the upright and looked to be heading across the face of the goal, only for it to take a wicked deflection off James McCoy’s knee and trickle over the line.

Michael Cole broke free in the 79^th minute without support and decided to go for goal, which wasn’t a bad decision as his shot had to be turned over the crossbar.  A minute later Wallace struck wide of the target, following a neat through ball by Lee Mulvaney.

Cammell Laird equalised in the 82^nd minute, and in somewhat fortuitous circumstances.  With Hallam anticipating an offside decision, Steve Rimmer has played the break on.  Peter Crookes came out to block Laird’s passage only to see the ball ricochet into the path of Anthony Hargreaves, who had the easy job of tucking the ball into the back of the net.

There were one or two goalmouth scrambles in the United penalty area in the closing stages but the defence were defiant, and in the end honours were rightly shared.

Team:

Crooke, Price, Standley, Hallam, Rimmer, Wallace, Cole, Douglas, Rudd, Mulvaney (14.  Black 89) Osman.  Subs not used: 12. Thompson. 15. Waugh.

M.O.M.  Tony Hallam.

If you were stuck in the trenches this is the man that you’d want alongside you.  He was simply awe-inspiring.  He was a colossus in defence, a manmade mountain that didn’t show any weaknesses at all.  He was simply superb!

Final Thoughts:

This was a vital point in a key stage of United’s promotion battle.  The psychological war has been won if nothing else.  In a period of indifference, United have pulled off a great run with 5 points from their last three tough away matches.  Laird’s are a great team, but they are far from invincible, and they are yet to be tested fully, the result of a huge fixture backlog.  Don’t get me wrong; they are still favourites to win the league, but we know from experience how difficult things get when you’re playing catch-up!

A great advert for NWC football once again!

Att: 175

Saturday 17^th December 2005.

Congleton Town 1 Skelmersdale United 1

United earned a point over a much improved Congleton team which included a line-up of no less than five ex-Skelmersdale United players.  And what a great advert for North West Counties football this game turned out to be. (Writes Frank Hughes)

Lee Mulvaney side netted in the 2^nd minute after Neil Black had put him clean through, but for the first twenty minutes United looked jittery as alarmingly Congelton managed to get themselves behind Skem’s defence.

Scott Williams was causing United a host of problems, with one great run complimented with an equally great delivery to the head of Matty Houghton, fortunately the header lacked power and was caught comfortably by Peter Crookes.

Lee Mulvaney was causing Congleton just as many dilemmas at the other end it has to be said.  Weaving his way through man after man, he released Neil Black in the 21^st minute, but Black’s low drive was weak and gathered easily by Terry McCormick.

Ryan Wallace hoisted a free kick into the area in the 26^th minute, and Tony Hallam managed to meet the ball to head agonisingly high of the target.  But just when you thought United were about to take absolute control of the game, Congleton came back into the game.

Another great cross by Scott Williams found former United striker John McAllister, and a great shot forced Peter Crookes into making an excellent instinctive save.

Phil McDairmid, another ex-Skem player tried his luck from the edge of the box, but this time the ball was off target, and as the half drew to a close Matty Houghton took a speculative punt from 20-yards out, but once again Crookes was in excellent form as he dived the right way to divert the ball.

United started the second half off in much brighter form.  From a Wallace corner Stuart Rudd had a shot blocked en route, and Hallam followed up with a header into the hands of the keeper.  On the break Scott Willaims hit the upright from a tight angle, much to the relief of Crookes who hadn’t really anticipated a shot.

Tony Hallam’s 55^th minute 30-yard free kick was strong, but the keeper got right behind it.  A minute later Mulvaney turned provider again as he laid the ball off to Neil Black.  With his back to goal, Black managed to turn his marker, but once again it was a weakened effort and comfortable for the keeper.

Congelton were always a threat on the break, and a mistake by Tony Hallam allowed Matty Houghton an attempt at goal, thankfully the shot that followed was woefully wide to spare Hallam of any blushes.

In the 62^nd minute United showed some lovely movement with Carl Osman making a great run down the left wing.  Osman weaved in and out of the traffic before finding Wallace who in turn squared the ball to Lee Mulvaney.  Mulvaney was in a great position with only the keeper to beat, but somehow sliced his shot wide when it looked easier to score.

Ryan Wallace put United deservedly ahead in the 78^th minute when he curled a 25-yard free kick around the wall into the top right hand corner of the net, but the lead was short lived as Congelton caught United on the break two minutes later.  Scott Williams cross evaded all in the centre of the box, and came to Steve Johnston at the far post who volleyed the ball into the back of the net.

Rimmer’s overhead kick threatened in the 84^th minute, but the keeper was alert and gathered it comfortably.  The keeper blocked a Stuart Rudd effort soon after, and in the closing stages Tony Hallam’s shot was handballed en route before missing the target by inches.  Hallam’s protests counted for nothing, and the referee cautioned him to add salt to the wounds, and United had to settle for a point.

M.O.M.  Lee Mulvaney

Michael Douglas and Neil Black gave a great account of themselves once again, but Lee Mulvaney had his best game in a United shirt so far, and with Carl Osman regaining his match fitness, the combinations look exciting.

Final Thoughts:

A great game of football especially in the second half, and by both teams it has to be said.  Congleton are beginning to get their act together, and despite their lowly league position they are now unbeaten in their last five games, and from that perspective this was a great point for United away from home.  With Michael Cole back from suspension, Dave Standley coming back from injury and Lee Thompson chomping at the bit, Manager Paul Gallagher has a selection problem which is not a bad thing to have going into a tough festive campaign!

Team: Crookes, Price, Waugh, Hallam, Rimmer, Mulvaney, Wallace, Douglas, Rudd, Black (12. Thompson 73) Osman.  Subs Not Used: 14. McKane. 15. Beckett.

Tuesday 13^th December 2005.

Trafford 1 Skelmersdale United 2.

United earned all three points against a determined young Trafford team, despite the fact that the hosts dominated the game for long spells. (Writes Frank Hughes)

When Dean Canning left the United defence standing in the 4^th minute, United’s following faithful were expecting the worst, but for some reason rather than pick his spot, Canning squared the ball to Mark Fitton who under pressure was forced into hitting the ball first time.  Peter Crookes dived the right way blocking the ball with his torso.  The ball fell kindly to Phil Carratt, but he snatched at a glorious opportunity, and thankfully the ball went safely into touch.

Stuart Rudd engineered his own opportunity in the 11^th minute, however, Ayrton Fielding blocked his shot, and Neil Black followed up with a header that was cleared off the line.

The opening goal came just a minute later, and showed how easily defence can be turned into attack.  Mero Waugh intercepted a long ball at the edge of his box, which included some neat footwork, as first he controlled the ball, and then launched a great ball beyond the half way line that released Neil Black down the left wing.  With Trafford’s defence playing catch –up, Black played a glorious cross to the far post and Lee Mulvaney stooped low to head the ball past a shell-shocked keeper.

Dean Canning got behind Skem’s defence in the 20^th minute, but shot wide when it looked easier to score.  However, the home side found themselves going further behind a minute later.  A great run by Carl Osman was complimented by an even greater cross which evaded the first defender at the near post, and whilst more concerned with marking Stuart Rudd in the middle, the ball evaded all and Lee Mulvaney sneaked in to hit a glorious low drive into the back of the net.

On the half hour mark United’s failure to clear a relatively innocuous attack gave Trafford a lifeline.  Dean canning intercepted a poor clearance, and the ball was threaded through to Phil Carratt who’d timed his run to perfection.  Finding himself in the clear behind United’s defence he planted a low drive beyond Crookes into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

Trafford were lucky not to concede on a couple more occasions before the end of the first half.  Carl Osman’s great cross to the near post found Neil Black, and Black reacted well with a snap shot, which was cleared off the line as was his follow up shot.  Then minutes later Black headed wide from Wallace’s corner.

Trafford had a great deal of possession in the second half, but United were happy to sit back defend and catch them on the break.  Regardless of some great build-up play, Trafford couldn’t get through United’s rear guard, and Crookes didn’t have a to make a save of any note, whereas, in contrast United looked more likely to score on the counter.  Lee Mulvaney hit the upright in the 65^th minute, but the linesman had already flagged for a marginal offside.  Malvaney turned provider a couple of minutes later with a great cross, but unfortunately Neil Black spurned a fantastic opportunity as he miss hit his shot.

A great feed from Stuart Rudd found Carl Osman, and from an acute angle he hit a fierce low shot that forced the keeper into making a save.  However, the last 20 minutes were fought mainly in the middle of the park, with both defences coping well with the occasional half-hearted threats.

M.O.M.  Steve Rimmer

Steve commanded his area with great authority especially in the second half when United’s were penned in their own half for long spells.

Final Thoughts:

Forget their lowly position in the league…Trafford have great team full of talent, and always offer good value, especially in terms of the flowing football that they play.  Hence this was a great victory by United.

United have played far better and lost, but sometimes winning isn’t all about possession or prettiness.  Sometimes you have to defend a lead rather than continue to go out all guns blazing, and that’s exactly what United did, which of course culminated in United collecting a hard earned win.

Team:

Crookes, Price, Waugh, Hallam, Rimmer, Wallace, Black, Douglas, Rudd (12. Thompson 84.)  Mulvaney, Osman.  Subs not used: 14. McKane. 15. Beckett

Saturday 10^th December 2005.

3^rd Round FA Vase

Squires Gate 2 Skelmersdale United 1

United are having plenty of possession, they are creative and play exceptional football at times, and all those ingredients were on display against Squires Gate.  The fact that they carried the game to their hosts proved that they had the will to win.  But sometimes the better team doesn’t always win.  Squires Gate got the breaks, and were determined to hold on to what they had got.  (Writes Frank Hughes)

Unfortunately the worrying thing for Skelmersdale regardless of how resourceful they are is the fact that they have now lost 6 games in their previous 8 encounters, and during that period their lead at the top of the North West Counties has been reduced to just 1 point.  They need to return to winning ways and find some form of consistency if they are to achieve their ultimate goal of promotion to the Unibond.

The game couldn’t have started any better for United as they took the lead in the 13^th minute.  A 20-yard free kick by Ryan Wallace flew into the top right hand corner of the net.  And three minute later Stuart Rudd got behind the defence courtesy of a good ball by Lee Mulvaney, but sadly his shot spun across the face of the goal.

Squires Gate offered the slightest suggestion that there were actually two teams in the game, when Ian Price lost out to Lee Catlow he spotted Peter Crookes off his line and attempted the lob, fortunately embarrassment was avoided as the ball flew high of the target.

Lee Mulvaney’s 25-yard daisy-cutter almost got the better of the keeper as he fumbled at the shot.  Michael Douglas also had a similar effort but pulled his shot wide.

Disaster struck in the 38^th minute as a speculative low shot by Mark Beattie hit the back of the net from all of 25-yards, and United went into the dressing room at half time stunned.

It got worse for Skem as Squires Gate took the lead in the 48^th minute.  Lee Catlow broke the offside trap and lobbed the ball over Crookes into the back of the net.  The back four were claiming he was offside, but they stood still waiting for a whistle that would never come, and Catlow doesn’t need an invitation.

United were determined enough to get back into the game.  Carl Osman played a lovely ball to Neil Black who was free on the right hand side of the penalty box, but he snatched at his shot and the ball swerved high and wide of the target.

Tony Hallam headed high from a corner, and Neil Black was once again thwarted as his shot from Dave Standley’s through ball was blocked en route.  He also added a header to his repertoire this time from a corner but sadly it went high.

At the other end Crookes had to clear Mark Beatties shot off the line, as the defence abandoned their duties.

Tony Hallam’s header hit the upright in the 79^th minute, and Lee Thompson spurned a glorious opportunity in the 83^rd minute when he missed the target by a foot or so, but it wasn’t going to be United’s day, and Steve Palmer could’ve flattered the home team, but for the crossbar which blocked his 20-yard free kick as the game went into injury time.

M.O.M.  Neil Black.

Michael Douglas was determined as ever, as was Lee Mulavaney who must’ve covered almost every blade of grass, but Neil Black just about edged the vote for a determined display that could’ve earned him a hat trick on a better day.

Final Thoughts: 

Perhaps the most stinging criticism would be that United failed to win the second ball, and even when they did they played it straight back to their opponents.  They rarely got behind Squires Gate’s defence, but perhaps that had more to do with how resolute and organised Gate were at the back.  And give them their due the home team didn’t take any gambles, whereas United played Russian Roulette at the back, and that’s not always a good thing to do with officials that struggle to get easy decisions right.

The United players were clearly upset with the defeat, as was Manager Paul Gallagher who refused to comment at the end of the game.  Now they’ll have to show what character they have as the league is all they have left to concentrate on for the rest of the season.

Team: Crookes, Price, Standley, (15. Beckett 87) Hallam, Rimmer, Mulvaney (12. Thompson 78) Wallace, Douglas, Rudd, Black, Osman.  Subs not used: 14. McKane, 16.  Dalton. 17. Noone

Att: 102

United face a difficult programme, which started last night, Tuesday 13^th December when they faced Trafford.  Result unavailable due to paper having already gone to print.

The club is urging fans to follow United away from home in similar numbers to those that visited both Curzon and Squires Gate.  The turn out has been good by the diehards, with some 50+ attending the Vase game at Squires Gate.

Saturday 17^th December 2005. 3-00pm

CONGLETON TOWN
Ground Address: Booth Street, off Crescent Road, Congleton, Cheshire. CW12 4DG.
Telephone: 01260 274460.
Directions: On approach to Congleton from M^, past Waggon & Horses Pub, at 1st roundabout 2nd exit, past fire station, 2nd right into Booth Street. Ground at top of road.
Nearest Railway Station: Congleton (2 miles).

Tuesday 20^th December 2005.

CAMMELL LAIRD
Ground Address: Kirklands, St Peters Road, Rock Ferry, Birkenhead, CH42 1PY
Telephone: 0151 645 5991/ 0151 645 3121
Directions: From Chester M53, A41 travel towards Birkenhead, at New Ferry signpost take B5136 towards New Ferry. Approx 1 mile you see a metal pedestrian bridge - turn right down Proctor Road; on left.
From Liverpool take the Birkenhead Tunnel then A41 for approx 1 mile, take B5136 at big roundabout signposted New Ferry, Rock Ferry.  Follow until 2nd set of traffic lights. At Abbotsford Pub turn left then right into St Peters Road.  Ground at bottom of road on right.
Nearest Railway Station: Rock Ferry (on Merseyrail)

Saturday 3^rd December 2005.

Curzon Ashton 1 Skelmersdale United 0.

United’s 7 point lead at the top was reduced to just 4 as Curzon snatched a 90^th minute goal completely against the run of play.  Once again though it was a day when the officials, and especially David Enwright the referee from Bolton would steal the headlines.  (Writes Frank Hughes)

One can only assume that the referee’s assessor who spent best part of 40 minutes in the official’s dressing room had one or two cautionary pointers to offer Mr Enwright.  The referee’s most glaring mistake led to Curzon winning the game.  Carl Osman was being fouled on the left wing, and the referee was pursing his lips with his whistle close to hand, and at that stage it appeared he was allowing advantage.  However, the ball went out of play, and amazingly the throwing that should’ve belonged to United was given the other way, and from it Curzon carved out a lucky victory.

“I’m sick of moaning about the standard of refereeing, but the fact is once again the officials have spoiled the game.  Said United Manager, Paul Gallagher.

“David Standley was booked early on in the game, but in an identical incident later on the referee has spoken to a Curzon player without cautioning him.  And similar things were happening throughout the game.  The referee would penalize our player’s but overrule good appeals against Curzon.  I’m not saying he got the decisions against us wrong, but what I am saying is, he wasn’t consistent.”

Peter Crookes’ blushes were sparred in the opening minute.  When he lolled on the ball for too long David Gray intercepted but fortunately his first touch was far too heavy and the ball spun wide and allowed the defence to re-group and avert the danger.

United took a while to get into the game, but when they did they looked the more threatening team.  Stuart Rudd knew he’d spurned a glorious opportunity when he headed Michael Cole’s 25th minute cross wide.  A quick glance around him to see he was totally unmarked and onside left him holding his head in his hands.

Crookes redeemed himself in the 36^th minute when he blocked Phil Edghill’s shot with his feet.  Immediately on the break Stuart Rudd’s 25-yard effort was palmed away by Curzon keeper, David Fish.  But overall United edged the first half, and looked to have plenty in reserve.

Carl Osman replaced Lee Thompson who strained his calf in the pre-match warm-up.  Osman was returning after a 4-week absence due to a hamstring injury, and early indications were good as the left sided winger carried on where he’d left off with his usual sprightly runs that were causing the defence no end in problems.  A contentious issue was brought to the fore when Osman appeared to be felled in the box after one such run, but it was debatable, as he appeared to skip out of the tackle.  No doubt it would’ve resulted in a penalty had the assailant made contact, but from where I was standing it was a fresh air tackle, and the fortunate thing was had he made contact, Carl Osman would’ve been facing another lengthy lay-off with a serious injury.

Ryan Wallace unleashed a 20-yard effort following some great build-up play that started with Michael Douglas winning a crucial tackle in his own half, but once again the shot was high & wide.  And the best chance of the game came on the hour mark as Tony Hallam released Michael Cole.  Shadowed by Simon Kay, but having spotted the keeper off his line, Cole lobbed the keeper successfully but unfortunately the ball sneaked wide of the target.

Michael Cole turned provider with a deft cross over Curzon’s defence that found Stuart Rudd unopposed on the left hand side of the box.  Clearly on his weaker side, Rudd repositioned himself to shoot with his right and failed to get the right contact as a result, and his eventual short was way off the target…another head in hands moment.

Michael Norton broke free in a rare counterattack in the 75^th minute, and put in a tremendous pass across the face of goal, but fortunately for United nobody was on hand to punish Skem’s lapse in concentration.

In the 80^th minute Ryan Wallace played a neat ball to Carl Osman who headed the ball onto Stuart Rudd.  Rudd was priming himself up for a shot in the penalty area when Simon Kay appeared to lunge in with both feet, but once again the selective refereeing            resulted in Mr Enwright proclaiming it to be a fifty-fifty challenge, despite the fact that for 5 minutes Rudd was pole axed with a crippling injury to the knee.

Then of course came the most contentious issue of the game.  Carl Osman was clearly impeded as he tried to unshackle himself, but as he was still in possession the referee who appeared to be ready to blow for a foul, allowed play to continue, and when he lost possession and the ball was put out of play by a Curzon player, the expectancy was the ref would give the original free kick.  Needless to say he didn’t and his assistant gave the throw to Curzon.  Whilst United entered into dispute, Curzon took a quick throw-in, the ball was fed to the left and a great cross to the far post was headed into the goal by substitute Chris McDonough.

Five minutes of injury time followed but the closest United came to restoring parity was when Carl Osman hit a shot from 20-yards, but it lacked power and direction and in the end David Fish collected the shot comfortably.

Team:  Crookes, Price, Standley Hallam, Rimmer, Wallace, Cole, Douglas, Rudd, Thompson (12. Osman 45) Mulvaney (14. Black 77)  Sub not used: 15. McKane.

M.O.M.  Michael Douglas.

Once again Douglas was winning all the crucial battles in midfield, and the defence had an easier day as a result.  As well as his defensive attributes, his distribution was second to none.  He clearly loves his football, plays with an unassuming passion and is so self disciplined it’s almost unbelievable.

Final Thoughts:  United deserved far more out of the game than they got, but sadly that’s football for you at times.  The officiating left a lot to be desired, and the referee’s passion for hearing his whistle hindered United’s flow.  Skem will be disappointed that they lacked a cutting edge in the final third, but should be encouraged by their overall commitment to win the game.

*United are off to Squires Gate next Saturday for the 3^rd Round of the FA Vase.  K.O. is 3pm and the club are urging fans to turn up in numbers to offer Skem their support.  Followed on by a return to league action with visit to Shawe View where they will play Trafford, K.O. 7-45pm.

Ground Address: School Road, Marton, Blackpool.
Telephone: 01253 798584.
Directions: M6 to M55 junction 4. Turn left onto A583, at first set of traffic lights turn right (Whitehill Road). Follow signs for airport. Ground approx. one and a half miles on right, entrance alongside school.
Nearest Railway Station: Blackpool South. 

Ground Address: Shawe View, Pennybridge Lane, Flixton, Manchester, M41 5DL
Telephone:  0161-747-1727
Directions: Leave M60 at junction 8 taking A6144(M) towards Lymm, Partington and Carrington, at second set of traffic lights turn right on B5158 towards Flixton, remain on B5158 crossing the railway bridge at Flixton Station and turn right at next set of traffic lights, passing the Bird in Hand P/H, turn immediately right into Pennybridge Lane. Car park is approximately 100 yards on left, adjacent to ground.
Nearest Railway Station: Chassen Road

*United’s Reserves returned to winning ways with a 3-2 win over Darwen at the Ashley Travel Stadium, despite trailing 1-0 at half time.  They now have a four point lead over Formby.

The Reserves ironically host Squires Gate next Saturday with a 3pm kick off.

Saturday 26^th November 2005.

Moore & Co Solicitors League

Division One

Skelmersdale United 2 Bacup Borough 0.

United returned to League action with a vintage display of football at the Ashley Travel Stadium.  The scoreline suggests it was a much closer affair, but in truth Bacup couldn’t have complained if Skem had of gone into double figures. (Writes Frank Hughes)

The biggest disappointment on the day was the fact that only 142 people witnessed the spectacle.  United are top of the League with a seven-point cushion, what more do people want?

Steve Rimmer & Stuart Rudd joined the injury list after receiving knocks against Runcorn during the week, and with Carl Osman still out the question was could Skem cope without them?  Jay McKane was drafted in as right back in a reorganised defence, and Neil Black returned to the starting eleven to partner Lee Thompson upfront, and the answer was clearly yes as both players slotted into the team very nicely.

United’s dominated this game straight from the off and were rewarded with an early goal.  Lee Mulvaney’s cross split the Bacup defence wide open and from the edge of the box Ryan Wallace struck a fierce low drive into the bottom corner of the net.  With only three minutes on the clock, Skem had already shown signs of registering a big win.

Lee Mulvaney broke through in the sixth minute, but took far too long to decide what to do and in the end he allowed the defender to get back on terms, and in the end he slipped over the ball.  Mulvaney was in the thick of it again this time side stepping several players with some skilful footwork before unleashing a shot that the keeper did well to parry away.  Sandwiched in between Lee Thompson also had a shot saved by Michael Bolayina, who’d only just signed the night before from Accrington Stanley.

The thought process as well as the action was lightening fast.  Dave Standley’s quick throw-in to Lee Mulvaney complimented his run, and Mulvaney threaded a neat ball through to Michael Cole, but unfortunately Cole’s shot was pulled wide.

United got their second goal in the 27^th minute.  Peter Crookes’ long kick was back headed by Bacup’s centre half, looping over the keeper, bouncing once before hitting the underside of the crossbar, and both Black & Mulvaney followed up with Black winning the race to make sure the ball went over the line.

Jay McKane played an amazing ball over Bacup’s defence in the 31^st minute, but Wallace’s sliding shot was wide of the target.  From another cross Micahel Douglas headed on to Neil Black whose glancing header was caught by the keeper.  And Douglas unleashed a shot from 20-yards out that was marginally high of the crossbar.

The second half United unbelievably created even more chances than they did in the first half.

Tony Hallam headed into the keepers’ hands at the near post from Michael Cole’s free kick, and at the other end Bacup’s only shot of the game was a 20-yard drive by Tony Carroll that caught Crookes off guard, but thankfully hit the upright and fell to safety.

In the 63^rd minute United’s appeals for handball were ignored by Mr Pettman from Preston.  However 30 seconds later the ball was fed into the box, and Lee Anderton was judged to have fouled Lee Thompson, and this time the referee pointed to the spot.  Michael Cole stole the ball and took the spot kick, in fairness it was well taken, but the keeper pulled off a great save.

Michael Cole’s cross in the 65^th minute found the head of Michael Douglas who in turn headed on to Hallam, but once again the keeper pulled off another save from Hallam’s powerful header.  There was really no let-up from United, with Thompson heading wide and Neil Black having a shot turned away by the keeper.

Lee Mulvaney was having his best game in a United shirt.  Perhaps inspired by the footage of the late great George Best.  His wizardry on the ball was breathtaking at times.  In the 74^th minute following a great run he dinked the ball through to Cole, but once again the keeper plucked his shot out of the air.

In the 76^th minute Lee Anderton was sent off for elbowing Lee Thompson.  Anderton had done the same thing last season when in fact he broke Thompson’s nose and got away with it.

Lee Mulvaney continued his assault on Bacup, creator and supplier in equal measures.  A long-range effort went wide in the 80^th minute, and Muller produced another great run before feeding to Michael Douglas at the edge of the box, whom unfortunately fired high.  Once again Lee Mulvaney dribbled through the field before having another shot that went wide.

Seb Beckett took Mulvaney’s place with five minutes to go, much to Bacup’s relief.  Nevertheless that relief was fleeting as Beckett’s first touch of the game resulted in the keeper having to pull off another fine save!

M.O.M.  Michael Douglas

They all played well.  Ryan Wallace was outstanding once again, and judged on what I’ve seen from him so far he’s earned himself a regular place in the team I would’ve thought.  Dave Standley’s contribution has been first class throughout the season so far.  Jay McKane has matured and slotted into the team like he already owned the shirt.  Neil Black’s speed up front was refreshing.  Michael Cole’s delivery was spot on again, and Lee Mulvaney played his best game for United, and pushed hard for the MOM award himself.  However, the player of the season so far is Michael Douglas, and indeed once again Man of the Match for me without a shadow of doubt.  The amount of headers he wins from up ‘n’ under balls is amazing, and as well as being the holding midfielder the team didn’t have last season, he does a fair bit of attacking as well.  His all-round ability is second to none and his commitment and loyalty is first class.  What a player!

Final Thoughts:

The only thing missing from the game was more goals, but then Bacup had the keeper to thank for that.  United played Bacup off the park, and although that was expected as Bacup languish in the lower reaches of the league, United can only beat what’s out in front of them, and as we know there are plenty of potential banana skins out there, but thankfully this wasn’t one of them.

Team: Crookes, Price, Standley, Hallam, McKane, Wallace, Cole (12. Dee 80.) Douglas, Black, Thompson, Mulvaney (14. Beckett 85)  Sub not used: 15. Karim.

Tuesday 22^nd November 2005.

Liverpool Senior Cup ~ 1^st Round

Skelmersdale United 0 Runcorn FC Halton 2.

Don’t be fooled by the scoreline, as the best team on the pitch lost.  United battered Runcorn for most of the game, but like a stubborn old boxer, Runcorn wouldn’t lie down.  But then two dubious penalties, one in injury time in the first half, and one three minutes before the end handed the visitors an undeserved win.  (Writes Frank Hughes)

In the first half United played sublime football, with Runcorn left to watch on in admiration.  Indeed they couldn’t do anything else as the passing was so slick.

Straight from the off United took the game by the scruff of the neck and didn’t let go.  Stuart Rudd’s opening effort in the 1^st minute had to be deflected wide.

Ryan Wallace was once again outstanding in the middle of the park, and fed a great ball to Lee Mulvaney who was away from the left back, before delivering a great cross which Lee Thompson failed to connect with.

The best opportunity came with still only 11 minutes on the clock from a Michael Cole free kick, and whilst the Runcorn defence failed to clear, Stuart Rudd’s scissor kick struck the crossbar.  Rudd was to have another good effort cleared minutes later.

A seven-man move ended when Lee Thompson blazed a shot over the crossbar, but it was the build-up that had people mesmerised.  From the middle of the pitch to the flanks, the ball was stroked about the park like they were Brazilians in disguise.

Wallace, Standley & Rudd all had further efforts before the cruellest of blows.  Three and a half minutes into injury time, United failed to clear a hopeful ball into the box, and somewhat dubiously Tony Hallam was penalised for an alleged foul.  Lee Furlong stepped up to take the spot kick and duly converted, to silence a crowd that are never likely to witness 45 minutes of football as one-sided as that ever again.

In the second half United were confronted with a team that were determined to hold on to a lead that they were given somewhat fortuitously, but still, albeit they saw less of the ball, they continued to outfox their opponents. 

Michael Cole’s 25-yard free kick in the 50^th minute was literally inches wide as it hit the side netting.

Stuart Rudd was a handful as ever, and weighed in with another couple of efforts one wide and one marginally high, but in the 85^th minute when Dave Standley’s shot was handballed in the area you kind of got that feeling that Runcorn were having the run of our turf.  United’s bonus was a corner kick, and at the far post Tony Hallam’s header bounced off the ground and ricocheted to safety off Robbie Holcroft’s chest.

In the 87^th minute Stuart Rudd broke clean through, but the old acquaintance made himself big again to charge down Rudd’s meaty effort.  But taken by surprise at the other end in one of Runcorn’s rare counter attacks, the referee awarded another penalty for a slip rather than a foul and the game was over as a contest when Furlong tucked the spot kick away once again.

M.O.M.  Ryan Wallace

The team as a whole were cohesive and played as good as they have at any stage of the season.  In the first 45 minutes they totally dominated the game and the linchpin once again was Ryan Wallace.  He’s totally unflappable, and it’s like having a brand new player in the team.  In fact both central midfielders are looking like a class act.  I lost count of the number of times Michael Douglas intercepted Runcorn’s up ‘n’ unders.  Defenders must love players like him.  And then the two wide men, Cole & Mulvaney were having so much freedom down the flanks it was unbelievable.  Perhaps the only criticism was that we didn’t really get behind the defence when the openings were there.  But let’s face it when you’re fighting above your weight, (allegedly) against a more experienced defence, there’s hardly room for complaint is there?

Synopsis:

United have found their form in timely fashion ahead of Saturday’s return to League action.  And although we lost this game, and of course the opportunity of hosting Liverpool, I have to say this was a great performance that I enjoyed thoroughly, and I don’t often say that when we lose.  Well done lads!

Saturday 19^th November 2005.

FA VASE 2^nd ROUND

SKELMERSDALE UNITED 4  WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC 3

West Allotment Celtic came to the Ashley Travel Stadium with a good record in the FA Vase having reached the 4^th Round in the previous two seasons.  More specifically their good record over North West Counties League teams, 5 wins, 1 draw and two defeats, gave United cause for concern.  And to be fair the lads from the north-east gave a really good account of themselves, and almost pulled off what would’ve been the shock of the day, as far as the FA Vase was concerned.  (Writes Frank Hughes)

You can forget the scoreline, and you can forget the fact that United went 3-1 down, but what you can’t forget is this was vintage cup football.

When David Potts put WAC 3-1 up in the 66^th minute, against the run of play it has to be said, United had a mountain of Everest proportions to climb in order to get back into the game.  But one thing is for sure, if you doubt United’s character, you do so at your own peril.

Manager Paul Gallagher was delighted with a victory that went some way to erasing the memory of three consecutive defeats.

“The key to this victory was the quick reply when we had gone 3-1 down.  When Michael Cole scored I turned to my assistant Mick Buoey and said ‘we’ll do these.’  And that is exactly what we did.

“To be fair, when West Allotment Celtic went 2-1 up early in the second half, it actually galvanised our team, and we played some good football.  Of course the third goal had us thinking we were on our way out of the FA Vase.  But in true cup-tie spirit, we showed great character, not just to get back in the game, but then to go on and win it.

“I decided to switch the team for this game.  I put Michael Cole out on the right wing and brought Ryan Wallace back into the team, and Ryan didn’t let me down.  In fact he was my man of the match.  He was lively and confident, and grafted his socks off.  And up front Stuart Rudd had the centre halves in his back pocket.  He won everything in the air despite the fact that he was getting knocked all over the place, and credit to the referee who spotted what was going on and looked after him.  You don’t often get that, so credit where it is due.

United didn’t look like team that would face a tough afternoon, based on the opening half an hour or so of the game.  In fact when they took the lead in the 10^th minute, you would’ve been forgiven for thinking it would be a stroll in the park.  Michael Cole’s first time cross from the right wing was met with a glancing header from Stuart Rudd, and the ball simply floated into the back of the net.

Stuart Rudd won a header in the box and laid the ball off to Lee Thompson, who was in a good position, but with his left foot he didn’t connect very well and the keeper collected easily.

Ryan Wallace was his usual tenacious self, ducking, weaving and being creative in the centre of the park, and his distribution was excellent as well.  He played a great ball to Stuart Rudd in the 32^nd minute, but Rudd’s shot was blazed high over the crossbar.

When Michael Douglas failed to clear an innocuous looking cross in the 35^th minute, Mark Rasmussen was on hand to stroke the ball home, and put the Geordie boys back in the game.  It was West Allotment Celtic’s first attack of any note in the first half, and when Rudd shot into the keepers’ hands from a Lee Thompson assist in the closing stages, the visitor’s must’ve been thinking Christmas had come early, especially as they hadn’t really had to try to stay on terms.

The second goal came in the 47^th minute.  Andy Hay was being shielded by Steve Rimmer at the edge of the 6-yard box, and to be fair with Hay’s back to goal, Rimmer looked to have the better of the diminutive centre forward, but Hay turned on Rimmer to slam the ball into the back of the net.

From that point on it was almost one-way traffic.  Lee Mulvaney’s neat ball found Michael Cole, but he snatched at the shot and the keeper collected easily.  Cole was in the thick of the action again soon after, but this time as supplier.  His quick throw found Price who in turn played the ball over the full back to Lee Thompson.  Thompson’s looped header was brought down to the floor by the chest of Stuart Rudd, who then proceeded to work his way around the defence, inching further away from goal with every touch, but still had the confidence to unleash a mighty shop from an acute angle that had the keeper beaten, but was also marginally high of the target.

Stuart Rudd had another two efforts in close succession.  Lee Thompson served him with two excellent crosses, and how he contrived to head wide when it looked easier to score only he will ever know. 

Michael Douglas missed a glorious opportunity from the edge of the box, but the shot was tame and the keeper could sign a breath of relief once again.

As often happens in one-sided affairs, the team with their backs to the wall snatched another goal.  Ian Price found himself on the wrong side of Paul Wilery, and backed out of a challenge that would’ve resulted in a penalty.  Wilery played the ball to David Potts, who had all the time & space in the world before calmly slotting the ball home.

United’s heads could’ve gone down at that point, but they knew that they were playing West Allotment off the park, so they continued to press ahead.  I suppose the timing was perfection personified because it took them all of 60 seconds to respond.  Steve Rimmer played a long ball from the half way line to Stuart Rudd, Rudd played the ball to Lee Thompson who struck a thunderous shot that ricocheted off the underside of the crossbar, and came out to Cole who tucked the ball under the keeper and into the back of the net.

Two minutes later Lee Thompson’s cross found Stuart Rudd’s head at the far post, and perhaps given the fact that he’d missed two sitters previously he guided the ball to Ryan Wallace’s head instead and from near the penalty spot he fired the ball into the roof of the net.

United’s officials were booking the coach to the North East at this point, but United’s player’s wanted to win it.  However, when Lee Mulvaney missed the target and Lee Thompson had his shot cleared off the line, the decision looked justified.  But then nobody had considered that returning as the prodigal son Lee Thompson, the crowd pleaser who likes to steal the headlines, was about to do exactly that.  In the 84^th minute Stuart Rudd squared to Lee Mulvaney who in turn threaded the ball through to Lee Thompson.  With his back to goal he turned on a sixpence to blast the ball into the back of the net…trademark Thompson.

M.O.M.  Ryan Wallace

Ryan Wallace never let’s the club down, and slots into the team whenever called upon like owns the number shirt to be honest.  Close behind Wallace, there were pleasing performances by Michael Cole, Lee Mulvaney , Stuart Rudd and of course Lee Thompson.  But it was the character of the entire team that led to this super victory.

Team: Crookes, Price, Standley, Hallams, Rimmer, Wallace, Cole, Douglas, Rudd, Thompson, Mulvaney.  Subs not used: 12. Black, 14. McKay, 15. Waugh, 16. Dee, 17. Beckett.

Att:141.

Saturday 12^th November 2005.

2^nd Round League Challenge Trophy.

Abbey Hey 2 Skelmersdale United 1.

A hat trick of defeats doesn’t exactly bode well for the future, but with two of them coming in cup competitions, it may just prove to be a blessing in disguise, as regards to United’s title aspirations.  (Writes Frank Hughes)

United can kiss goodbye to any form of honours based on this dire performance though.  It simply wasn’t good enough, especially for a team that was knocking them in for fun not so long ago.

Manager, Paul Gallagher was angry yet philosophical.

“I’m not looking for excuses, because there aren’t any.  The team have played poorly and they have nothing to hide behind.  But I feel impelled to pass comment on both the pitch and the officials.  Do people want to watch good football, or do they want to watch scrappy games on awful pitches?  I know what I’d sooner see.  As for the officials, once again I’ve witnessed a standard that is way below average, and it’s a far too common event at this level and it affects the quality of the game.

“As for the game, once again we have conceded sloppy goals.  We’ve backed off Chris Wilcock’s for the first goal, and from 25-yards out he’s unleashed a speculative shot.  As we know they either go in or they don’t, and when your having our kind of luck, they go in as we’ve seen.

“I can’t grumble with Ian Price whose turned the ball into his own net for Abbey Hey’s second, but the keeper’s rolled the ball out to his centre half, the centre half has played the ball wide to Mane McKenzie, who in turn has put in an excellent cross that has created the problem.  You have to ask the question, ‘why we weren’t competing for the ball?’

“It’s up to the lads to bounce back now and show us what they are really capable of.  We know we have a great team of players, but we need to play as a team if we are to get back on track.”

It really wasn’t United’s day even though they got off to a flying start with the opening goal coming in the 5^th minute.  Steve Rimmer’s quickly taken free kick from right to left found Dave Standley, and whilst Abbey Hey were caught by surprise, Standley sent a ball to Stuart Rudd who headed the ball to the feet of Michael Cole, and with great aplomb he sent a low drive beyond the keeper and into the back of the net.

A three-piece move set Chris Wilcock’s up to restore parity for the hosts in the 20^th minute.  Wilcock’s couldn’t believe his luck when he found himself in acres of space, and rather than bide his time he went straight for goal, with the result being a great individual goal.

A couple of minutes later Michael Cole in almost carbon copy fashion of his opening goal, was assisted once again by a Rudd head-on, but this time his shot was wide of the target.

Abbey Hey took the lead in the 27^th minute.  The ball was thumped up the field to Mane McKenzie, and from the by-line he sent in a wonderful cross.  With Chris Wilcock’s threatening Ian Price put the ball into his own net under pressure.

United fought back with a couple of efforts towards the end of the half.  Cole once again spurned a glorious opportunity at the edge of the box, when shooting wide.  And a Neil Black - Michael Douglas combination, finished when Black engineered a square run across the penalty box before having a trio of effort smothered.

The second half was more scrappy than the first.  United were trying to be far too neat, whereas Abbey Hey played the predictable up ‘n’ under football that was more apt on such a dreadful pitch, but needless to say just as ineffective.

Abbey Hey’s keeper Jamie Mottershead was competing with Michael Douglas for a cross only to spill the ball, however when the ball fell free there wasn’t a soul about to follow up. 

Only when Lee Thompson came on in the 74^th minute did United look a little more threatening, and I suppose in hindsight the management would’ve started Lee at the beginning of the game in the more conventional 4:4:2 system had they known how the game was going to pan out.  With his first touch, Thompson splayed the ball wide to Neil Black, who in turn placed another pinpoint cross to the head of Stuart Rudd.  Nevertheless, the keeper who’d had a relatively easy day out was on hand to take a comfortable catch.  And with five minutes to go Thompson battled well to beat the right back, before shooting across the face of the goal, and when the clearance came directly back to him he shot agonisingly wide of the target.

Wayne Cahill could’ve made the victory more comfortable in between as he raced clear only to see his wide angled shot cleared at the far post by Ian Price.  That chance amongst others came directly via some strange decisions by an inept Assistant Referee who matched his partner on the other-side who’d denied United two clear-cut corners.

Whilst ground criteria panels go about deciding if a promotion seeking team is worthy of taking the step up the pyramid, perhaps they should get together and work on clubs improving the standards of their pitches.  And meanwhile the powers that be should decide whether or not Referee’s need assistants, especially when they are as poor as this, and when the referee rarely takes any notice of them.

M.O.M.  Neil Black.

Once again the usual nominee’s came in the shape of Cole & Douglas, but supplying the ingenuity on the flanks was Neil Black, who ran his socks off for the cause, albeit on a fruitless series of sortie’s as United’s leading man Stuart Rudd was having a bad day at the office.

Team: Crookes, Price, Standley, Hallam, Rimmer, Black, Cole, Douglas, Rudd, Mulvaney (14. Dee 82) McKay (12. Thompson 74)  Sub not used: 15. Waugh

Wednesday 9^th November 2005.

United Co-operative Challenge Trophy 1^st Round.

Skelmersdale United 0 Barrow 1

A goal 30 seconds into the game by Barrow’s Chris Taylor was enough to see off United’s challenge in this competition for another season, but the way in which they played deserved richer reward for their efforts. (Writes Frank Hughes)

For a team that plays three divisions higher than Skelmeredsale, Barrow looked a pretty ordinary outfit, despite the fact that their squad was pretty much at full strength, bar two or three players.

Manager Paul Gallagher commented. 

“I was very pleased by the all-round effort of the team tonight, and thought that the best team lost.

“I spoke to the lads in training last week, and told them that we must return to basics, and that means playing football.  In the last few games we haven’t been passing the ball, and that was very much the reason why we lost points at Salford then at Colne.

“Our trademark this season has been the ability to distribute the ball, and make the opposition chase the game.  And although we didn’t produce any goals from this game, I thought that we made Barrow look pretty ordinary.  We certainly weren’t overawed by a Conference North team, that’s for sure.

“I tried a different system tonight, with Stuart Rudd as the sole striker, three central midfielders, and the two wide men, Mulvaney and Black feeding off them.  And to be fair the lads adapted well to the system.  It was a night when I could afford to be a bit more experimental, and I was quite pleased as it almost came off.”

So it was the opening goal that did the damage, as almost straight from the kick off United were caught napping as a cross from the right wing was forced under the advancing Crookes and into the back of the net by Chris Taylor.

United settled eventually and stroked the ball around the park quite nicely.  To be fair the final ball wasn’t the greatest, and United were reduced to long-range efforts in the early stages.  Stuart Rudd fired across the face of goal when he found the space, but the accuracy didn’t match the opportunity.  Quite similarly Matt McKay had an effort from 20-yards out, and although this time it was closer to the target, it was never the threat it should’ve been.

United’s passing was fluid, and a five man move in the 27^th minute, resulted in Cole finding Rudd, but once again the shot was across the face of goal, when 9 times out of 10, United’s hotshot striker would’ve normally buried the ball into the back of the net.

The best opportunity of the half for United fell to Lee Mulvaney, but the keeper Ben Morsby blocked the shot with his feet.  And the closest Barrow came was via a counterattack by Michael Rankine, but without support he chose to shoot from an acute angle, and blazed the ball high of the target.

Michael Cole was orchestrating everything it seemed.  A quickly taken free kick found Dave Standley and from 20-yards out or so he unleashed an excellent shot that the keeper did well to parry away.

A great combination between Mulvaney & Cole, resulted in Cole twisting and contorting the Barrow defence before unleashing a magnificent shot, but once again the keeper saved their day with a superb fingertip save.

Steve Dee replaced an injured Neil Black on the hour mark, and it added even more steel to United’s attack.  Dee’s wing attacks were unsettling Barrow’s defence whom appeared to be chasing shadows at times.  Dee’s cross in the 73^rd minute found Cole in space, and from 20-yards out he produced another shot that was only marginally high of the crossbar.

In a rare attack by Barrow, Phil Coombe’s was allowed a free run, and from 25-yards out he struck a fierce shot that thundered off the upright.  Peter Crookes almost had a shock as he let the shot go, thinking it was going wide.

Michael Cole’s passing was second to none on the night.  Lifting the ball over the left back, Cole found Steve Dee who produced another quality cross to find Douglas at the edge of the six-yard box, but somehow when it looked easier to score than miss he headed wide.  And in almost a carbon copy move, Cole once again lifted the ball over the left back, and Dee’s first time cross found Ryan Wallace.  Wallace struck the underside of the crossbar, with the keeper somehow managing to scoop the ball away as a scramble ensued in the danger area.

Reports from their camp suggest that Skem didn’t give them a real test, but try telling  their keeper Ben Morsby that, whom at the end of the night spared them the embarrassment of an upset.

M.O.M.  Michael Cole.

A good all-round team performance.  With Dee, Douglas, Mulvaney & Standley all catching the eye, but Michael Cole was simply superb.  His distribution was second to none, and his work rate was amazing.

Team:  Crookes, Price, Waugh (15. Rimmer 45) Standley, Hallam, Black (12. Dee 61) Cole, Douglas, Rudd, McKay (17. Wallace) Mulvaney.  Subs not used: 14. Rogers. 16. Mckane.

Att: 128.