Ormskirk pride despite defeat
SKELMERSDALE United manager Alan Rogers has stepped down from his position following their 4-1 defeat against Radcliffe on Saturday.
Rogers stated his decision was ‘purely personal’ and he felt he couldn’t commit full to the role as manager.
It has been 12 months of turmoil for the club after they were relegated from the Evo-Stik Premier, reverted to amateur status and told they could risk losing their home ground.
Rogers was always tasked with a mountainous job – a poisoned chalice as chairman Paul Griffiths has described it – but he has seen improvement and Skelmersdale enjoyed a few positive results at the start of the season.
However, Saturday’s defeat at Borough was their fifth successive loss and now with Rogers stepping down, it suggests Skem have more tough times ahead.
“I have spoken to the chairman and I felt it was the right decision for me and also for the club,” said Rogers. “I have had to stand down because I simply can’t commit in the way they need me to and the way I want to.
“I have been doing extra coaching work and there is a possibility I might move to China to do some coaching education there.
“It was a similar story last season. I have had to be brutally honest with them. It’s not fair on the club.
“They are a fantastic group of people at the club and they deserve someone who can be fully committed to the role.
“It’s solely a personal decision and something on my side had to give – unfortunately that had to be Skelmersdale.
“They are a fantastic group of people and I said I will do anything I can to help the club. They are like a family.”
Rogers was disappointed not to end his managerial stint on a high following Saturday’s defeat but he felt there were positives from the game which can be taken forward.
He hopes strike duo Richard Brodie and Lewis Codling can start to build a partnership after recent performances have seen the two become distant.
Skelmersdale return to action this Saturday when they host Scarborough Athletic and Rogers hopes they can get back to winning ways soon.
“It was a funny game because they had about six shots on target and scored four goals,” said Rogers. “We had plenty more opportunities – probably about 20 shots – and we just couldn’t score. We created the chances though.
“We looked a threat until the final third and then we just couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net or deliver quality balls into the box.
“The two front lads are playing as individuals up front and not as a duo. They need to start playing together more.
“The club was in turmoil when I took over from top to bottom and the people involved have worked tirelessly to improve things so I really hope they can start to see changes.” BURSCOUGH FC are still searching for their first league win of the season after suffering a 3-0 defeat against Widnes on Monday evening.
The Linnets’ single victory this season was against AFC Emley in the FA Cup way back at the start of August.
The signs don’t look encouraging for Burscough but their performance on Monday was an improvement on recent weeks.
Widnes were comfortable winners but the scoreline was slightly flattering given the fact Burscough enjoyed the majority of the possession.
Burscough will hope to bounce back from three defeats in their last four games when they take on Almthorpe Welfare in the FA Vase second qulaifying round on Saturday.
They return to Hallmark Security League Premier Division action against Irlam the following Saturday in back-to-back home matches. ORMSKIRK CC were unable to clinch the season double after losing to Wanstead and Snaresbrook in the ECB National Club Championship Cup final on Sunday.
It has been a memorable year for Ormskirk after all three senior teams won their respective league titles.
The first team were hoping to add the National Cup to their achievements for the season but were thwarted in nailbiting style at Chelmsford, falling just 12 runs short of their victory target.
But Ormskirk’s league title was thoroughly deserved as they dominated the Liverpool Competiiton ECB Premier from the opening day and were crowned champions with weeks to spare.
Club chairman Tim Dickinson said: “On a personal note I would like to congratulate all three captains and their teams, the volunteers and members for their support.
“Also, thanks to all the committee members who work behind the scenes enabling the club to function as it does. “I am a very proud chairman.” There were also reactions on social media from first team players Ian Robinson and Gary Knight following Sunday’s cup defeat.
“Win, lose or draw there is no other club I’d rather play for than Ormskirk CC,” said Robinson.
“I’m proud of our achievements this year. There’s more to come in the future.”
Knight added:“Disappointed isn’t a strong enough word to describe how I feel but it’s been a hell of a year for Ormskirk CC.
“It’s been backed up every step of the way by the superb ‘Barmy Army.’
“To lose your first 45-over game on the last Sunday of the season is an incredible achievement.”