Back to basics bid for boss McNally

PAUL McNally says he will ‘go back to basics’ at Skelmersdale United as they suffered their fourth consecutive HSL Premier Division defeat against Winsford United on Saturday.

United were relegated from the Bet Victor North West Division last term but currently find themselves just four points above the drop zone.

Skelmersdale last tasted league victory against Barnoldswick Town in September and have since lost five of their next six in all competitions, including a 4-1 home reverse to Longridge Town.

Speaking after the narrow 1-0 defeat to Winsford, McNally (right) said: “I didn’t think we played that well. I told the lads in no uncertain terms.

“We’ve set ourselves standards at the start of the season and we’re doing really well but I just think we’ve dropped them in the last couple of weeks, if I’m honest.

“Work-rate levels, performance levels, just overall they’ve dipped. We’ve just not gelled again because we have brought different players in.

“It’s not their fault obviously but maybe we just need to go back to basics and strip everything back and get back to how we was.”

United have a full week to prepare for the trip to Runcorn Town this weekend with Paul McManus’s side similarly stuttering.

Town – tipped for promotion in the summer – have lost three consecutive Premier Division matches, including a 4-2 loss at Congleton Town last time out.

Former Litherland REMYCA manager McNally spoke highly of Runcorn, adding: “I know of two players that I used to manage, Craig Cairns and Joe Holt, and I know that they’re a good side.

“They’re efficient and very effective. We need to be up for it and on our game against them and see how we go.”