Skem march on after FA Cup drama
SKEM got their competitive season under way in dramatic fashion after coming back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at home to Penistone Church in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup.
After a lively opening with both sides going close, it was Penistone who took the lead after Cameron Simpson broke the deadlock on the 24th minute.
Simpson was again the thorn in Skem’s side as the tricky wideman doubled the South Yorkshire side’s advantage on 39 minutes after some neat footwork led to a cool finish to make it 2-0.
Skem had their share of chances to halve the deficit but struggled to convert and make any possession count.
The game was almost put to bed on the stroke of half-time as the on-fire Simpson sent a rocket of a volley just wide of the post.
Skem boss Paul McNally needed a big second half from his players if they were to go further in this competition and that’s just what he got.
A minute in to the second half, Skem’s Emini Adegbenro sent a shot past Penistone keeper Chris Snaith and gave the home team a much needed lifeline.
Skem began to feel their way into the game and started to control proceedings with some smart passages of play and it was on the 54th minute that Skem’s positivity paid off as they were awarded a penalty, which was then calmly converted by Adegbenro for his second of the game.
The game picked up pace again as both teams went close. Penistone threatened to go back in front but saw an effort smashed off the bar and ultimately the visitors were left to pay for a sluggish second half performance.
On the 83rd minute Skem’s Joe Herbert tucked home the winner, cementing a stunning comeback with a brilliant looping header at the back post to seal the victory and send McNally’s men into the next round.
Skem’s reward for victory is a tie away to Congleton Town, who knocked out Burscough on penalties.