Skem look to spring a Leek in season opener
SKELMERSDALE United will begin their 2018-19 Evo-Stik West campaign with a visit from Leek Town on Saturday, August 18.
It will be the first ever league meeting between the two sides.
Whereas last season the Premier divisions in the Evo-Stik system were separated by North and South, a vote by clubs ensured the system has now been restructured to an East and West set-up.
This means Skelmersdale will face a clutch of sides for the first time next season and will also face visits to Newcastle Town, Kidsgrove Athletic in Staffordshire and Market Drayton Town in Shropshire.
Skelmersdale travel to Kendal Town for their first away fixture of the season in a midweek encounter on Tuesday, August 21, and will be hoping to repeat the magic of last season.
United were trailing 2-0 with just minutes remaining before Scott Bakkor’s stunning treble helped them overturn the deficit and come away with all three points.
Runcorn Linnets will first face Skelmersdale on Monday, August 27, before welcoming them to the Millbank on New Year’s Day. Both Boxing Day and Easter Monday fixtures are occupied by Prescot Cables – who United will continue to share a stadium with this season until a return to Volair Park is negotiated.
Boss Dave Powell will be hoping to negotiate a route through the FA Cup preliminary round as they face Ashton Athletic or AFC Liverpool on Saturday, August 25 – their third game of the season.
United close out the season by welcoming Colne.
Josh Wardle has left Skem for NPL Premier side Witton Albion.
Wardle was a key member of the squad who secured a stay in the Evo-Stik League having joined in November from Kendal Town. He ended the season with the Manager’s Player of the Year award.
Powell said: “I am sorry to see Josh leave the club, he was a key member of our defence last season but it gives an opportunity for other players to step up.”