Skem’s FA Cup journey to begin with trip to AFC Liverpool or Ashton

SKELMERSDALE United will kick off their FA Cup Preliminary Round journey at AFC Liverpool or Ashton Athletic on the August 25.

They will also face Frickley Athletic at home in the FA Trophy on Saturday, October 13 unless Prescot Cables also advance from the preliminary round.

Skelmersdale will continue to ground share with Prescot Cables at the beginning of this season until they can negotiate a move back home after a disagreement over their stadium in the town last season.

Sources earlier in the summer suggested a deal to return to Skelmersdale was close, but the club are yet to officially announce any deal.

They have, in the interim, signed another season-long ground share agreement with Prescot which crucially includes a break clause should Dave Powell’s team find the resources to return to their traditional home stadium during the Evo-Stik North league campaign.

Earlier this summer, the board launched an impassioned plea for local businesses to help return the club to its home town.

“Skelmersdale United are at present engaged in negotiations to bring your town club back home,” the statement read.

“This will in the foreseeable future incur heavy costs and as such we are hoping that you in the local business community would look favourably on what we have to offer and enter into one of our sponsorship packages.

“This is not just a case of sending out the begging bowl.

“It’s about what we can do for you or your company return.

“Now is the time we need your support more than ever. This is about YOUR town’s local football club and its survival.”

If you would be interested in sponsoring Skelmersdale United’s first team ahead of the new season, contact chairman Paul Griffiths on either 07513123164 or e-mail paulgriffiths39@sky.com.

Alternatively, you can call Norman Fenney at 01695 575958 or e-mail nfenney@ sky.com.