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Home Page Archived Reports e-mail Fact File Fixtures/Results Forum Frankie Goes To... Guest Book History Honours Latest News Manager Match Reports Pen Pics Reserves The Frank Report Youth Team
Copyright © 2004 Frank Hughes. All rights reserved. Latest Match Reports: 10/09/05 |
Wednesday 25th January 2006.
Burscough Youth 0 Skem Youth 4
Manager Tommy Davies was forced into making changes when both full backs pulled out of this game due to other commitments. He need not have worried because Kiel Charnock & Ritchie Houlihan proved more than capable of filling in, albeit in alien positions to them.
In the early stages David Mather caused the Burscough defence plenty of trouble with his darting runs & crosses, and with better finishing by Noone & Robinson United could’ve been two-up in the first five minutes.
Despite United being in total control it was Burscough who had the best chance of going into the lead when Chris Graham conceded a penalty, but fortunately guessed the right way to make a brilliant save. Further woe for Burscough came in the 22nd minute when their number 8 was sent off for an altercation with John Cass.
More chances fell to United but Robinson, Young & Jones all put their shots wide.
In the 2nd half United continued to press but some valiant defending and poor finishing kept the score level until the 60th minute.
A great individual goal by John Cass put United ahead, and 2 minutes later Ian Robinson fired home number two from 18-yards out, and then a minute later he repeated the feat to put United 3-up.
The final goal came in the 80th minute when John Cass put Peter Collins clear and he calmly lobbed the keeper to make it 4-0.
Monday 12th December 2005.
Kendal Youth 3 Skem United Youth 0
Manager Toommy Davies struggled to get a side together for this game due to injuries, work commitments and suspensions. Indeed, only 5 of his regular players were able to turn out for this game.
United looked the better side early on but were shocked to find themselves a goal down, when a speculative shot from 25-yards out took a wicked deflection and ended up in the net. And fifteen minutes later Kendal went two up when their number four hit a shot from 30-yards out that flew into the net giving Chris Graham no chance at all.
In the 44 min John Cass was sent off for a second yellow card issued on the orders of the linesman who said he had kicked the ball away when a free kick had been awarded. He appeared to be the only one to see the incident.
Ian Robinson was also sent off as he received a second yellow for an innocuous looking foul.
Monday 5th December 2005.
Skelmersdale United Youth 2 Burscough Youth 1
Tommy Davies’ fledglings shook off the disappointment of last weeks defeat against Blackpool Wren Rovers to earn an excellent victory over local rivals Burscough. (Writes Frank Hughes)
“I struggled to get a squad together last week because of the accident that some of our players were involved in, but this week I was almost back to full strength, and that was evident with a vastly improved performance. Said Tommy Davies.
“I was pleased with the effort throughout, and this was a good victory over a very strong Burscough side.”
United went a goal down in the opening minute with a well taken goal by Louis Coyle, as United’s defence was caught flat footed, but United reacted well and took the game to Burscough.
John Cass was looking lively, and in the 10th minute his well struck 25-yarder was parried away by the keeper. Cass side netted 5 minutes later from a free kick, following a similar effort by Burscough only seconds earlier.
David Mather whipped Craig Noone’s early free kick over the defence on the right, and Daniel Dalton headed into the keepers’ hands at the far post.
United were lucky to go into the half time break just a goal down though, as Burscough hit the post, and Skem twice cleared off the line.
United looked far more determined in the second half. Daveres hit the upright courtesy of Craig Noone’s great cross, and Ian Robinson side netted when the ball fell kindly to him.
Craig Noone was rewarded for all his hard work as took the ball over the defender and planted the ball into the back of the net. And a minute later United found themselves in the lead. Daniel Dalton’s free kick on the half way line was headed into the back of the net at the far post.
John Cass provided another great ball, and Daveres saw his looping header turned over the crossbar by the keeper. Cass hit a 30-yarder soon after that ricocheted off the crossbar, and David Mather followed up to fire high.
Against the run of play United conceded a penalty in the 84th minute, but fortunately the keeper pulled off an instinctive save to make amends for conceding it in the first place.
United played the game out well to collect all three points.
Skelmersdale United Youth 1 Blackpool Wren Rovers 3.
A depleted Youth team lost this return encounter.
A great finish by Wrens number 10 gave the visitor’s a 23rd minute lead, but that lead only lasted 4 minutes as Craig Noone converted from the penalty spot after he was upended in the box.
Another penalty before the half time break restored Wrens lead.
A spirited second half performance by Skem saw Peter Collins come close on two occasions, and the keeper turned Daniel Dalton’s shot away. But as United pushed for an equaliser, a slip by Hannaway allowed Wrens number nine to break through and make sure of victory late on in the game.
Sunday 13th November 2005.
LIVERPOOL COUNTY FA YOUTH CUP – 1st ROUND
SKELMERSDALE UNITED YOUTH 3 BOOTLE YOUTH 3 a.e.t. BOOTLE WON 5-3 on Penalties.
In a tempestuous affair United’s Youth bowed out of this competition at the first stage, but with the referee making some strange discisions throughout this game it was hardly surprising.
United will disappointed with themselves for giving up a two goal lead. A Ryan Wade double salvo including a peach of a goal, weren’t enough to put the Bootle lads off, and poor defending just before the half time break allowed them back in the game.
A second half goal put Bootle well and truly back into the game, and for long periods United’s backs were to the wall, but both teams had efforts that their respective keepers did well to save.
The game eventually went into extra time, and United regained the lead in the 94th minute straight from the break. Roberts tricked the defender before his shot was parried away by the keeper, fortunately the ball feel kindly to King who slotted the ball home.
United looked as though they’d done enough to earn victory, but for some reason the referee found another 5 minutes when there had been no injuries at all, allowing Bootle Youth enough time to get the goal that would take the game to a penalty shoot out.
Despite five great spot kicks, United had a couple saved and the lottery went in favour of Bootle.
This was perhaps the worst performance I’ve witnessed by a referee in my life, and it is officials like him that give them all a bad name!
FA YOUTH CUP – 1st ROUND PROPER. MONDAY 7th NOVEMBER 2005.
WREXHAM YOUTH 3 SKELMERSDALE UNITED YOUTH 0
United’s Youth bowed out of the FA Youth Cup at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, despite a dogged performance. The difference being in front of goal as Wrexham’s Captain Marc Williams proved lethal scoring a hat trick. (Writes Frank Hughes)
It could’ve been far different had Craig Noone scored in the opening minute. Having found space down the right wing, Noone shot across the face of goal from an acute angle, with Wrexham’s keeper Michael Jones thinking he’d been beaten.
Unfortunately it was United that would concede an early goal that would ultimately prove to be a hurdle too high to climb. Alex Darlington fed the ball to Marc Williams in the 6th minute, his initial shot was charged down, but at the second attempt he slotted the ball easily into an empty net.
Alex Darlington breached United’s defence in the 13th minute and could hardly believe his luck, so much so that he scuffed the ball wide when it looked easier to score.
United were reduced to long range efforts as they were having trouble beating Wrexham’s offside trap, and although they came back into the game briefly it was Wrexham that always looked the more likely team to score. Andy Flemming’s shot was blocked en route as United failed to clear a free kick. And Dean Kharim slipped under pressure allowing Mark Stewart the time and space for a fine delivery from the right flank, and how Mark Williams failed to connect to such a fine cross only he knows.
United’s best opportunity came in the 47th minute as a rare slip in concentration by Wrexham allowed Craig Noone a run at goal, with only the keeper to beat he allowed Jones the time to reduce the angle, but still a fine shot had to be blocked by the keeper to prevent United from getting back into the game.
That was about as good as it would get for United, and in the 70th minute Marc Williams doubled the score and his tally. Breaking clean through United’s defence he slotted the ball hard and low into the bottom corner of the net.
Matty Jones was sent off in the 77th minute as his frustration told. It was handbags at dawn kind of stuff in truth, but Jones received his second yellow of the game for retaliating to fouls against him that the referee had blown for in his favour.
Tired legs and a slippery surface led to Wrexham’s 3rd as Daniel Dalton slipped to allow Marc Williams through, once again his initial shot was blocked by the Christopher Graham, but he followed up to slot the ball home and claim the match ball.
Thursday 27th October 2005.
FA YOUTH CUP 3rd QUALIFYING ROUND
Skelmersdale United Youth 5 Vauxhall Motors Youth 4.
In one of the most exciting games witnessed at the Ashley Travel Stadium, Skelmersdale’s Youth Team pulled off a great win to go through to the 1st Round Proper of the FA Youth Cup. They will now play Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground on Monday 7th November 2005. (Writes Frank Hughes)
The game had all the thrills and spills of a cup game like you would expect. A sending off, two penalties and the strangest incident of them all…a goal was given that was never scored. Work that one out!
In the second minute Vauxhall were awarded a free kick, half way down United’s territory down the right wing. It was a well taken kick, and Tom Hannigan met the cross well with his head, but could only side net the ball. As the ball clipped the wall and trickled behind the goal, the Vauxhall player’s celebrated and the referee conferred with his assistant, and quite ludicrously a goal was given.
United decided to exact their own revenge by getting back on terms as quickly as possible. David Mather broke free down the right wing in the 6th minute before releasing a precision cross to the head of Ryan Wade at the far post, and Wade buried the ball into the back of the net. The perfect response.
John Cass was looking strong on the break, and in the 19th minute shot agonisingly wide after breaking down the Motor’s defence.
United took the lead in the 22nd minute. A great cross this time from the left hand side by the impressive Craig Noone, which evaded the head of John Cass first before dropping to David Mather who stroked the ball home.
United had certainly upped a gear or two following their early set back, and increased their lead on the half hour mark. Once again United’s quality stood out in the crossing department; this time Ryan Wade was provider…sending a deft ball over Vauxhall’s defence for David Mather to head home at the far post.
If anything United took their foot off the gas in the second half, but were still creative enough to carve out the odd opening. How on earth Matty Jones headed across goal rather than direct from a great cross only he will ever know, but it was a glorious chance that went begging.
John Cass’s neat footwork took him to the edge of the box, but his eventual shot lacked power and the keeper had a comfortable catch, but seconds later Christopher Duckworth sent the keeper’s kick back into the danger area, the full back made a hash of things and John Cass was on hand to place the ball beyond the keepers reach.
Job done you would’ve thought, but Skem were the creators of their own mini collapse. From a free kick 30-yards out Skem totally cocked-up to put it politely, and Vauxhall’s centre half launched the ball up field. Chris Prescott had loads of space, and took a couple of touches before sending the ball into the bottom left hand corner.
James Pearce headed wide for the Motormen in the 71st minute, and soon after Chris Prescott broke through again, but fortunately for Skem he blazed the ball over the crossbar when it looked easier to score.
United were soon down to ten men as keeper John Spencer was sent off for allegedly elbowing his opponent. The referee gave a penalty and Carl McLeod reduced the arrears to just one goal from his well-taken spot kick. A rather unfortunate sequence of events as Spencer had already gathered the ball before the foul took place.
Noone come close a couple of times, the nearest of which was a free kick that struck the crossbar.
The greatest comeback of all time came five minutes from time. United were caught fast asleep, and Liam Walker sneaked through to slot the ball into the onion bag.
With three minutes to go and the game seemingly heading for extra time, Kieron Cameron was judged to have fouled in the area whilst fiercely guarding a corner kick, and another penalty was awarded. It looked rather harsh to me, and it was almost like the referee was redeeming himself for the goal that never was. Nevertheless, it was almost the perfect finish to an epic novel, as Craig Noone converted the penalty to put United 5-4 up. It didn’t quite end there though because in the 90th minute Vauxhall were celebrating another goal, this time one that actually crossed the line. However, fortunately it was a blatant offside that the assistant had flagged for straight away.
Team: 1. Spencer. 2. Hannaway. 3. Karim. 4. Dalton. 5. Jones. 6. Duckworth. 7. Mather. 8. Cass. 9. Robinson. 10. Wade. 11. Noone. Subs: 12. Kennedy. 14. Houlihan. 15. Kiel Charnock. 16. Graham.
Final Thoughts:
United will have to give some thought to concentration, because they almost blew this through the lack of it. Vauxhall weren’t that good a team in all honesty, and in the end we made them look good.
Thursday 20th October 2005.
Skelmersdale United Youth 3 Myerscough College 1.
United’s Youth faced their toughest opposition of the season so far, but stood up to the test as they engineered their way to victory. (Writes Frank Hughes)
There wasn’t a great deal of football played in the first half, as passes went astray, and the midfield found it hard to hold on to the ball from both teams perspectives. Indeed, in the end the ball was hoofed from one defence to another. The surprising thing was that somehow they had managed to score three goals between them!
The first goal came in the 10th minute as United’s keeper punched away a corner kick only as far as their No6 who blasted the ball on the volley into the back of the net.
Fortunately it took Skem just 60 seconds to reply, as the Myerscough keeper spilt David Mather’s cross, and Craig Noone tucked the ball away.
There was a hiatus for about 30 minutes as both teams overplayed the ball and where caught in possession. Thankfully United edged a goal clear in the 41st minute with great individual play Ryan Wade as he skipped through several tackles before aiming a low drive into the bottom left hand corner of the net. The good work was almost undone as Myerscough’s winger got the better of Karin and raced clear. His shot was parried away by the keeper, but with some danger still evident, Hanaway cleared the ball more effectively.
Liam Kennedy broke free in the 55th minute, but the end result was a pretty poor shot, as he failed to connect cleanly. However, they didn’t have to wait long for the third, and what a goal it was. David Mather’s cross evaded the Myerscough defence, and racing through at the far post came Ryan Wade who hit the ball with a fierce volley that skimmed the keepers glove but landed firmly in the roof of the net.
This was a great result for Skem’s Youth, but you couldn’t help but commiserate with a team boxing well above its weight, as United’s polished off their Yorkshire opponents with relative ease. Nevertheless, they progress to the 3rd Qualifying Round where they will meet either Vauxhall or Goole at the Ashley Travel Stadium. (Writes Frank Hughes)
United have hit a whopping 27 goals in four games and have conceded just 2, so even they would be keen to face a real test. Alas you can only beat what is in front of you, and that is exactly what the young lads have been doing. They have the energy, pace and style to raise their game when needed, but so far against inferior opposition they’ve barely had to leave 1st gear.
Ian Robinson & Ryan Wade had early opportunities to open up the score. Robinson’s shot was blocked on the line, and Wade’s attempt at lobbing the keeper produced a top draw save by the keeper.
The opening goal came in the 20th minute. David Mather’s cross from the right hand side was headed into the top left hand corner of the net.
A minute later the score was increased, this time from another diagonal ball, with Craig Noone unleashing a fierce shot that clipped the inside of the upright before settling in the net.
Noone turned supplier in the 27th minute with a superb cross that was thrashed into the back of the net via David Mather’s volley.
United had plenty more possession in the first half, but they had to wait until the stroke of half time to see anything threatening, and even then Wade’s 25-yarder hit the upright before falling safely away.
The second half started slowly with the visitor’s claiming a bigger share of the ball. The odd lapse in concentration led to the odd skirmish in United’s penalty area, but that was good as it got, as Yorkshire Amateur failed to pave out any real chances.
John Cass’s great solo run was finished off with a 20-yarder, which whizzed fractionally wide of the target, and Noones cross was headed just high minutes later by David Mather.
In the 64th minute John Cass’s brilliant footwork inside the box, frustrated their defender that much that he scythed him down, and a penalty was awarded as a result. Craig Noone took receipt of the ball a duly dispatched the ball into the right hand corner of the onion bag.
A minute later, a 35-yard John Cass effort that was covered by the keeper, only for him to fumble the catch, and see the ball trickle past him into the back of the goal, and in doing so Cass chalked up United’s 100th goal collectively from all three teams!
Monday 3rd October 2005.
Skelmersdale United Youth 7 Kendal Youth 0
This game will probably be remembered more for the misses, because they outnumbered the ones they scored almost by 2-1. But that’s far from a criticism, it’s just the scoreline doesn’t really reflect how superior they were. (Writes Frank Hughes)
David Mather threaded a neat little ball through Kendal’s defence to John Cass but his shot was blocked, then Ryan Wade followed up with a 20-yard shot that went high & wide. A minute later Matty Jones’s header from John Cass’s corner was cleared at the far post.
David Mather was getting plenty of space down the right wing, and with it provided an excellent cross to Craig Noone who was in the clear on the left, but sadly his effort at a first time shot was miscued and off target.
John Cass was getting some freedom, but with time still to spare he had a punt form 28-yards out which was low but easy for the keeper to gather.
The first goal came once again following another shot from John Cass from distance, but this time the keeper had to turn it away. From the resultant corner by Craig Noones, Jamie Hannaway headed into the net from point blank range.
In the 25th minute, Cass played a good ball to Craig Noone to send him in the clear and from the edge of the box, Noone rifled in a shot that the keeper did well to make contact with, and yet only the ball still clipped the upright.
David Mather’s Beckhamesque crosses were causing the Kendal Youth no end of problems, and with that in mind he found Noone at the far post. Noone’s header was blocked, but the rebound fell kindly to his right foot to fire United further into the lead.
Ryan Wade took receipt of a poor clearance by the keeper in the 37th minute, but the keeper made amends with a fine block.
United made it three nil just before half time. Matty Jones won a great challenge to put Ryan Wade in the clear, and with only the keeper to beat, as calm as you like he lobbed the ball over the advancing keeper to make it 3-0 to Skem. David Mather’s shot was blocked in the dying second also.
United had many chances in the second half beginning with an early goal as the keeper made a hash of a clearance only to see Ryan Wade control the ball with his head before flicking it home with his foot to make sure.
Liam Kennedy came on in the 53rd minute and set what was already a great display further alight. His through ball found Ryan Wade who in turn lobbed the ball into the back of the net as the keeper began to advance. A Minute later he played Ian Robinson through and once again the ball was in the back of the net.
Liam Kennedy could’ve had a hat trick himself, with the best of his chance hitting the upright.
Skem went seven-up in the 87th minute, when Ian Robinson received a ball in a central position, taking four or five touches, weaving through a couple of players before drawing the keeper then burying into the back of the net.
M.O.M. David Mather ~ Nothing fancy with this lad, collects the ball on the half way line, takes it up the pitch, pulling a defender with him, then places some lovely diagonal and square crosses for the centre forwards to deal with. A nightmare to play against I would’ve thought.
Final Thoughts:
Only three games played this season so far, and a great tonic leading up to their 2nd Round Qualifying FA Youth Cup game on Thursday 13th of October at the Ashley Travel Stadium. If this bunch of players can keep this quality of football going then they’ll be winning some honours at the end of the season mark my words.
Thursday 29th September 2005.
FA Youth Cup 1st Round Qualifying.
Skelmersdale United Youth 11 Alsager Town Youth 1
A fantastic result for Skem’s Youth in only their second competitive game of the season. (Writes Frank Hughes)
They started as they meant to go on with a goal in the opening 60 seconds. A great ball from Kyle Charnock found Ryan Wade who quite simply lobbed the keeper to send the ball into the back of the net.
David Mather took the Alsager defence by surprise with a great through ball, and Ryan Wade as calm as you like tucked the ball into the goal.
At the other end Chris Graham bravely came out to meet Ollie Rabie’s shot and in doing so prevented Alsager from pegging United back. On the break John Cass was unfortunate not to increase United’s lead when his left footed shot went marginally wide. Noone broke free down the left wing before squaring the ball to John Cass, and from the edge of the box Cass fired a delightful shot that seemed to be heading for goal, until Karl Parker pulled of an equally delightful finger tip save.
Once again when called upon United’s keeper Chris Graham proved what quality he brings to the team, as he raced out to meet Tom Farr’s run, and in doing so charged down Farr’s pressured shot.
In the 17th minute David Mather beat three players down the right wing, before making a diagonal run towards goal, his shot come cross was converted by John Cass at the far post.
Craig Noone’s cross was met by the head of John Cass in the 25th minute, with the crossbar preventing him from scoring until he followed it up and had the relatively easy job of prodding the ball home.
John Cass didn’t have to wait long for his hat trick, as that came in the 29th minute directly from his corner kick as it hit the far post and dropped over the line.
Ryan Wade was having an awesome game leaving Alsager players gasping for breath with some of his mazy runs, and in the 35th minute one such run seen him cut inside after a long run to bury the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net.
Criag Noone’s shot after the break was blocked by the keeper and Daniel Dalton followed up with a shot that hit the side netting, but at least they were showing no signs of letting up.
Craig Noone put United 7-up in the 59th minute following a clearance by Alsager that took a wicked deflection into Noone’s path and with only the keeper to beat he simply placed the ball into the net.
Danny Young’s cross found Noone, with his shot being blocked en route, but the ball fell kindly to Matty Jones who simply had to poke the ball over the line.
John Cass scored his fourth in the 67th minute. The keeper blocked a United free kick and Cass followed it up with an east tap-in.
Caraig Noone’s 71st minute shot following a great run in which he beat the defender was helped over the line by Matty Jones as the keeper made a hash of things.
The rout was completed in the 90th minute as Craig Noone weaved through Alsager’s midfield before unleashing an unstoppable shot.
M.O.M. Ryan Wade
Thursday 22nd September 2005.
Blackpool Wren Rovers Youth 1 Skelmersdale United Youth 3
United’s Youth Team came from a goal down in the 7th minute to run out easy winners, despite having to play the last 40 minutes with only ten men after John Cass was sent off for allegedly not retreating 10-yards from a free kick. His second yellow of the game.
Rovers goal in the 7th minute came by way of the penalty spot when Matty Jones was adjudged to have fouled inside the area, a decision that baffled every player and spectator alike.
Skem went close on many occasions but just couldn’t get the ball into the net, that was until Danny Dalton popped up at the far post to scramble home Danny Mather’s corner in the 40th minute.
Three minutes later United went ahead when John Cass took receipt of Ryan Wade’s pass, and from 18-yards out hammered the ball into the corner of the net. John Cass was sent off 5 minutes into the second half.
The 10 men of United did not let their shortage of one man stop them from taking the game to their opponents, with the speed of Ryan Wade & Craig Noone creating plenty of chances. Ian Robinson blazed over the bar from 6-yards out, and Liam Kennedy#s effort did find the net but was disallowed by the referee.
Liam Kennedy had to go off in the 75th minute, and was replaced by Jamie Hannaway who has fully recovered from the knee injury he picked up last season.
United’s final goal in the 80th minute came from the penalty spot, again the referee appeared to get it wrong, as the tackle on Wade looked like a good one. Nevertheless, Craig Noone converted the gift.
M.O.M. Ian Robinson.
Radcliffe Boro Youth 0 Skelmersdale United Youth 2
Tommy Davies’s lads continued their improved form with an emphatic win over a Radcliffe team considered one of the best teams in the Lancashire Floodlit Youth League, and pushed themselves into second palace as a result.
The scoreline does not reflect how superior the United Youngsters were, as they dominated the game for long periods, urged on by a brilliant display by rising star John Cass.
United’s first goal came in the 12th minute when Shaun Dunne was fouled 25-yards out, and up steppe4d Andy Corrin to fire an unstoppable free kick into the top corner of the net.
United were denied another goal in the 22nd minute when Phil O’Brien’s shot bounced back off the bar and Shaun Dunne put the rebound wide. Mather & Dunne had other efforts that whistled the wrong side of the goalposts.
Radcliffe’s only effort of note in the first half came when their centre forward out jumped the United defence only for Kevin Atherton to tip his header over the bar.
Early in the second half Radcliffe had two good chances of getting back on terms, when their number 9 headed goalwards but once again Atherton denied him. Soon after their number 10 had a great chance from 10 yards out, but miss kicked the ball and another chance went passing by.
From then on United took control firing in shots from all angles, but only one was to find the net, when John Cass fired home Ian Robinson’s cross in the 68th minute.
A great display by Tommy Davies’s men and as he says, ‘ Roll on next season.’
M.O.M. John Cass ~ Pure Class
Thursday 17th February 2005.
Skem Youth 3 Accrington Stanley Youth 1
Manager Tommy Davies was cock-a-hoop after this victory. His inclusion of a couple of new players has made this United squad a team to be feared. Midfielder John Cass playing only his third game, and was ably assisted by other newcomers, Mathers, Noone & Hill, who all contributed massively towards this win.
The 1st half was just edged by Skem, but Hill & Dunne failed to convert their chances.
All the goals came in the 2nd half, with Kevin Hill claiming the first after the Accy keeper dropped Mathers cross, and all he had to do was tap the ball into the back of the net.
Accrington replied quickly when their number 10 slammed home an unstoppable shot from 12-yards.
Craig Noone replaced a tired Hill and soon put United ahead when a brilliant through ball by Cass left him with only one man to beat to get in the clear, this he did with ease and fired a powerful shot into the corner of the net.
United’s 3rd goal was the pick of the bunch. A Houlihan pass found Mather wide, he slipped the ball inside to the in-running Cass who neatly chipped the ball over the keeper from 18-yards.
Thursday 3rd February 2005.
Skem Youth 1 Radcliffe Borough Youth 3
This was always going to be a tough game for Tommy Davies’ lads as Radcliffe had previously beaten Accrington Stanley & Burscough, add to this that some of his most influential players were missing.
Despite all the hurdles United’s youngsters put up a fine display, winning the possession count by 60/40. Only excellent finishing for two of their goals, and a fortunate third set the teams apart.
United took the lead after just 4 minutes when Swainson hammered Potter’s cross into the net from 10-yards out.
In the 12th minute Radcliffe equalised when their number 9 fired home, and one minute later a pot-shot from 35-yards out flew into the top corner of the net. From that point on United regained control of the game, but despite all their possession they couldn’t find the back of the net.
In the 65th minute Radcliffe’s number 11 sealed United’s fate when his somewhat fortuitous free kick from the halfway line sailed over everyone into the back of the net
Other than that United’s keeper had hardly had to make a save of any note, whereas at the other end Radcliffe’s keeper had to make some excellent saves to ensure the visitor’s went away with all three points.
M.O.M. Tom Potter – Although marked by a highly rated full back, Tom managed to cause problems every time he got the ball. His work rate was high and his crossing was first class.
Monday 31st January 2005.
Accrington Stanley Youth 3 Skem Utd Youth 2
United’s Youth Team deserved at least a point in a game which they dominated for long periods, but they failed to capitalize on the chances that presented themselves.
Against the run of play Accrington took the lead on 25 minutes when a mistake by the usually reliable Matty Jones allowed Accrington’s number 9 a free run at goal and he made no mistake with a shot that gave United keeper Fairhurst no chance.
2 minutes later the shell shocked defence conceded a 2nd goal allowing their number 10 all the time in the world to pick his spot from 12 yards out.
United pulled one back when Duckworth headed home Potter’s corner. However, Accy’s number 10 soon dented United’s celebrations as his speculative 35-yard shot flew into the back of the net.
Throughout the second half United had most of the play, but Stanley’s rearguard restricted their chances with some excellent defending.
Shaun Dunne eventually reduced the arrears with a brilliant chip over the keeper from 25-yards out. John Cass had two splendid efforts saved by the Accy keeper and Young just failed from another Potter corner.
Overall a good display by United’s youngsters and especially by John Cass who impressed with his hard work and deft passing ability.
Reports courtesy of Bob Hadwin
Skem Youth 5 Colne Youth 1
The victory was not as easy as the scoreline suggests for Colne played some classy football which at times had the United defence at full strength.
Shaun Dunne opened the scoring after 15 minutes slamming Tom Potter's cross home. Potter himself added the second with a fierce angled drive which gave the keeper no chance at all.
The second half brought four more goals, the first from the number 10 who forced the ball home after a scramble in the United area. Colne were then given a penalty whcih was easily saved by the Keeper Kevin Atherton.
United went 3-1 ahead in the 65th minute when Livingston fired in a shot from 30-yards which flew into the top corner of the net. Shaun Dunne added two fine individual goals late on to produce a scoreline which flattered United.
BURSCOUGH YOUTH 4 SKELMERSDALE UNITED YOUTH 2
United started this game well enough, with Sean Young’s header forcing a save out of Alex Blake in the opening minute. A few minutes later Young had a shot that went wide following a good through ball by Danny Young.
However it was Burscough who opened the lead in the fifth minute. Andrew Shields cross to the far post was converted by Scott Simpson.
Andrew Shields 20-yard effort flew into the back of the net in the 17th minute, as the defence backed off. Then in similar fashion, Scott Simpson’s long-range effort found the back of the net a minute later.
Give the lads their due they continued to play football even though clearly shell-shocked. They were rewarded for their efforts in the 29th minute. Tom Potter raced free of his marker to the by-line before sending an excellent ball across the face of the goal. Danny Young was waiting at the far post for a simple tap-in.
United kept the momentum going and by the 33rd minute they’d reduced the gap to one. Danny Young fed a wonderful ball through Burscough’s defence, Sean Young was on hand to take receipt of the ball before placing the ball into the back of the net.
Justin Fairhurst pulled off a good save following a melee in & around the 6-yard box, and on the break Skem were denied an opportunity as Dean Dunne’s shot was blocked by Alex Blake.
The second half was a more cautious affair, but nevertheless Burscough increased their lead in the 65th minute. Steve Madins’ cross was steered into the net by Andrew Sheilds.
Skem created the better opportunities in the closing stages, with Sean Dunne hitting the upright, but try as they did, they couldn’t get back into the game.
Tommy Davies’s Youth Team start their season this Wednesday (8th Sept) at Victoria Park, Burscough. The fixture has been reversed in order to give 'Westgate' more time to settle.
Meanwhile the Youth Team beat the Reserves 4-2 in a friendly, Saturday morning. (8th Sept)
Good luck to Tommy, Steve and all the players.
SKELMERSDALE UNITED YOUTH TEAM
FIXTURES SEASON 04-05
06/09/04 BURSCOUGH (Away)
13/09/04 Colne FC (Away)
20/09/04 LFA Clitheroe (Away)
04/10/04 KENDAL TOWN (HOME)
11/10/04 Radcliffe Borough (Away)
18/10/04 LFA MYERSCOUGH (HOME)
01/11/04 ACCRINGTON STANLEY (HOME)
15/11/04 Blackpool Wren Rovers (Away)
29/11/04 BLACKPOOL WREN ROVERS (HOME)
06/12/04 Burscough (Away)
13/12/04 COLNE FC (HOME)
03/01/05 Kendal Town (Away)
10/01/05 LFA CLITHEROE (HOME)
17/01/05 LFA Myerscough (Away)
31/01/05 RADCLIFFE BOROUGH (HOME)
14/02/04 Accrington Stanley (Away)
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Latest Results:
Preston North End 5 Skelmersdale United 1
Wigan Athletic 3 Skelmersdale United 1
Ormskirk West End 1 Skelmersdale United 8 |
Skelmersdale United's Youth Team finished their pre-season friendlies with a comfortable 8-1 win over Ormskirk West End last night at Edge Hill College.
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'I expect them to do fairly well this season, but initially it will be a learning curve for our lads, and the season after is when I will really expect to be challenging for honours.' said Tommy.
The Youth Team will be competing in the Lancashire County FA Floodlit League this season, after a couple of years spent in the South West Lancashire Youth League. And after recent battles against established youth teams such as Preston N.E & Wigan Athletic, they are sure to attract the attention of local scouts, but most importantly they'll be a great feeder for the Reserves & 1st Team.
The squad that Tommy is in the process of creating means it is almost a fresh start for Skem's Youth Squad, and he's confident that he's almost found the right blend of players from Skem & outlying areas. One such player is 16 year old Centre Forward Phillip O'Brien, who hails from Lowcroft in Skelmersdale. He was released from Blackburn last season, and is rated a great prospect for the future. 'We've got some great lads out there, and I'm looking forward to the season ahead with them.' He added.
The season starts mid September and so far the fixtures haven't been released, but I hope to have regular updates, including details of his final squad soon. But after seeing the lads last night and knowing there's a great deal more to come from them, I can only echo what Tommy has already said.
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