Powell pride in Skem character after boucing back with draw

DAVE Powell hailed his Skelmersdale United side after they bounced back from an embarrassing 9-1 defeat by Atherton Collieries to gain their first point of the season at Glossop North End.

Powell told supporters that his players would “roll their sleeves up and get on with it” after the previous week’s mauling against Atherton which garnered national attention as Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling pointed out the hefty scoreline live on the broadcaster’s Soccer Saturday programme.

United, though, bounced back with a spirited performance at Glossop and Powell was overjoyed by the effort of his players.

“I’m delighted with the spirit, delighted with the clean sheet and the lads really came together in the week,” Powell said afterwards.

“We were really solid. We changed the shape a little to do that and still created 7-8 chances in the first-half.

“With a little luck – or maybe some concentration – we could have been two or three up at half-time.

“Overall we were excellent. I’m really pleased to get us under way and now we can move on from there.”

Powell made just three changes to the side that lost against Atherton with Jack Fleming, David Moore and Kyle Hawley replacing Jack McConville, William Dunne and Sean Yeldrem.

With Skem’s season now up and running, Powell praised the character of the eight survivors from Atherton who helped bring home a point from Glossop.

“The lads who started today and also last week showed some character,” he added.

“They showed some real character to go from last week to a clean sheet this week.

“There was also positive play with the chances created and moving the ball well and they looked confident. I’m really pleased with them.”

Skelmersdale also confirmed the signing of Bury goalkeeper Scott Maloney on a 29-day loan deal last weekend.

The shot-stopper could feature in United’s trip to Trafford this Saturday.