Skem finally put the Boot into pre-season
SKELMERSDALE UNITED had a point to prove on Tuesday night against Hallmark Security League side Bootle, a local rivalry that was increased because the visiting outfit included two former Skelmersdale United stalwarts.
The first 35 minutes of the game was fairly even, though Bootle finished strongest, forcing Skem to hang on for the 10 minutes before the interval.
Conor Smith perhaps should have done better for Skem in the 17th minute. Set up by Andy Owens, Smith fired wide from around 18 yards with arguably the most threatening of the hosts’ first half moves.
In those last 10 minutes, Ryan Cox initially unnerved Skem after he was allowed to turn in the box and saw his shot hit the foot of an upright.
The Bucks went close again, as Skelmersdale goalkeeper Jack Sims, who is on loan from Blackpool, tipped a fierce drive over his crossbar. He then clutched a powerful Tony Rendell header to his chest from the ensuing corner.
The game changed in the 53rd minute.
The experienced Owens brought the ball down and ran at the very heart of the Bootle defence.
He beat one man and, after entering the 18-yard box, went down under a challenge from Paul Woolcott and a penalty was awarded.
Owens stroked home the spot-kick himself, sending the Bootle goalkeeper the wrong way.
Bootle asserted themselves after falling behind and Rendell was again unlucky to hit the Skelmersdale post again on 68 minutes.
Both sides made a large number of substitutions in the last 20 minutes, one a very interesting and high-profile trialist for Skelmersdale, who were the better team for the last 20 minutes.
The energetic Bevan Burey who had worried Bootle all night, went close for Skem and but for a magnificent dive at his feet Owens would surely have made it 2-0.
Skelmersdale manager Alan Rogers had no need to curse the bad luck though, as just before the final whistle Skelmersdale won a corner on the left, and defender Michael VaughanMuscat lost his marker a netted from six yards.
Taken as a whole Skelmersdale were the better side on the night.
The game had been the closely-fought encounter you would expect from a local derby, but Skelmersdale had that touch of experience in their side that made the difference.
Skem entertain Gresley from Evo-Stik Division One South in the finale to their pre-season programme on Saturday.
It has seen mixed results, although the exercise of preseason fixtures is to prepare a team for the competitive season ahead and Skelmersdale are definitely better prepared now than they were three weeks ago.
The Evo-Stik North season starts at Brighouse Town a week on Saturday, August 12. SKELMERSDALE UNITED boss Alan Rogers has signed attacking duo Andy Owens and Nathan Randell.
Owens was released from Evo-Stik League Northern Premier Division side Altrincham at the end of last season after beginning his career with the Liverpool Youth Academy. He was part of the Glenn Hoddle Soccer School in Spain and moved back in 2009 as a defender before spells at Rhyl, Accrington Stanley, Southport and Mansfield.
He also played for AFC Telford and spent time on loan at Stockport County and Marine before joining Stalybridge Celtic and finally, Altrincham.
“I look forward to enjoying football again,” said Owens. “After a successful trial, I am excited to be a part of what will hopefully be a successful season for the club.”
Randell played at Skem before joining Wigan Athletic on work experience last year. He missed out on a professional contract and played a brief spell in the second half of last season for Skem.
“I am happy to be back at Skem after a great spell last season,” said Randell.
“I am excited for the new season and I hope I can play my part in the push for promotion.”