Players need to show their worth

SKELMERSDALE United boss Dave Powell blasted his side after they were hammered 5-0 and 6-1 in the space of 48 hours.

Skem were beaten at Glossop on Saturday before starting the New Year with an ‘away’ home game, facing the Prescot Cables side whose stadium they’ve shared since losing their leasing rights to the Uretek Stadium.

And Powell called out for leaders as Skem’s revival looks in danger of faltering badly.

“It’s up to the lads to stand up and be counted and want their shirts,” the former Burscough boss said.

“If they don’t roll their sleeves up and have that desire for that I’ll find other players who do.”

Powell also dismissed the suggestion that the short turnaround for his side after playing twice in two days might have hindered their performances. He continued: “No, because if they want to play at this level of football they have to get their preparation right for the Saturday game, get the recovery right and be ready to go on a Monday,” he explained.

“It’s not an excuse for not marking properly in the box and giving free headers and not competing properly. We’ll put it right. We’ll put it right at training and we’ll put it right personnel wise if necessary.

He warned his misfiring players they must wear the shirt with pride, or risk losing their place in his squad altogether.

“I threw a gauntlet down to the lads today.

“I’ll find someone else who will wear the Skem shirt with pride. It was just not good good enough and they need to reflect on that and come back fighting. If not, I’ll find someone else who’ll do it.”

It was also revealed that top scorer Andy Owens will be leaving the club to join Connah’s Quay in the Premier League.

On Saturday Skem travel to Ramsbottom United.