Skem losses not ideal warm-up for cup clash
SKELMERSDALE United suffered two defeats as they prepared for next week’s FA Cup clash in front of a crowd for the first time.
Michael Grogan was the only man on the scoresheet as United succumbed to Ashton Town 3-1 – playing on a good quality surface despite the rainy conditions prevailing in north Liverpool.
Grogan scored the equaliser on the half hour with a trademark header, but Ashton pulled away in the second half.
The defeat follows the friendly clash at home against Radcliffe Borough on Thursday, where Grogan managed to make his mark in a very different manner – with two own goals.
The second in particular was bizarre, from the tightest of angles as the goalkeeper stood near the goal line only to see it roll in front of him into the far corner.
Radcliffe made it 3-0 midway through the second half.
Guidelines meant numbers allowed in this week must not be more than 15 % of ground capacity.
Paul McNally’s side will be hoping to improve against Widnes FC this Saturday in a home friendly, before next Tuesday’s clash at home to Penistone Church in the
FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round.
As stage 2 of the guidelines are phased in, that game will be played with crowds up to 30% of capacity.
Last August Penistone hosted Skem at the same stage, where United ran out 5-2 winners.
A win this time would set Skem up for a potential FA Cup derby against Burscough, should they come through on their visit to Congleton Town the same day.