Skem United boss: ‘Players buoyant since our victory’

PAUL McNally believes last week’s victory over Kendal Town has lifted Skelmersdale United following a tough period for the club.

United, who also have financial worries, had gone without a win since September and sit bottom of the Evo-Stik West with eight games remaining.

Their weekend clash with Colne was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch but McNally revealed he has seen a different group of players in training after they landed three points against Kendal.

“The lads were buoyant. They looked like they had no fear,” he said. “It was like something has been lifted. It felt like that to me as well, that something was lifted from the club. Call it a monkey on your back or whatever but it was like something had just gone away.”

McNally, who led Litherland REMYCA to promotion last season, also reserved praise for the club’s fan-base.

Skelmersdale have been forced to play outside of the town at Prescot Cables’ Volair Park since being evicted from their Uretek home last term.

The boss, however, was delighted with the backing United received when they overcame Kendal to record the first win of his tenure after he replaced Dave Powell in November.

“The crowd and the supporters that followed us on Tuesday night, I’ve got to give a special mention to them,” he said.

“They got behind us. They were encouraging young lads who probably haven’t had the easiest times this season.

“We got an ovation, it brought the club together and that’s what we need.”

Skelmersdale travel to Widnes this weekend hoping to gain another win in their fight against relegation.

United are 11 points adrift of safety with eight games left but McNally believes there is still a possibility of escape if performances remain at such high levels.

Speaking after the win against Kendal he said: “We’ll give ourselves a fighting chance if we play like that because every one of them was up for it and prepared to put their bodies on the line and do what was needed.”