Skem see off Macc in Macron
THE dream weekend went on for Skelmersdale United as they progressed to the Semi Finals of the NWC Macron Cup (League Cup) with a dramatic last-gasp victory at current League Champions Macclesfield.
The win came just 48 hours after a 300-mile journey and a night of celebrations in the Inter-Step promotion game at Cinderford.
Saturday’s game was always number one for manager Paul McNally as he made five changes to the starting line up, with the players on the bench on Saturday given a starting berth.
Two of them found the net as Skem first took the lead from James Salkeld after 22 minutes, Macc hit back eight minutes later through leading scorer James Berry-McNally before Tom Croughan put United in front again on 37 minutes.
As the game was heading towards half time there was controversy – as the ball was in the United box the referee inexplicably pointed to the spot. Goalkeeper Ben Barnes stopped the initial kick from Neil Danns but the former Premier League player was quickest to react and drew the side’s level again.
The second period was a cagey affair with neither side wanting to concede but with the introduction of Howard, Morris and Mitchley midway through the half Skelmersdale went for the jugular and a succession of efforts were well saved by a very busy Nathan Pennington in the Macclesfield goal.
United had appeals for a penalty of their own on 82 minutes but again the ref’s decision was somewhat controversial as he waved play on.
As the game reached its final minute and looking towards the dreaded penalties, up stepped Elliott Morris, set free on the right hand side. He skinned his marker and with a finely threaded through-ball across the face of the goal found Saturday’s four-goal hero Michael Howard who tapped in to send the visiting Skem fans into delirium.
They will now face Charnock Richard next Saturday 7th May at Chorley FC, kick off 3pm and who knows on this form their season could well be extended till the middle of May.
Pennington, Hanson, Grimshaw, Fensome ©, Lee, West, Kiwonya, Danns, Freedman, Duffy, Berry – McNally Subs McDonnell, Bardsley – Rowe, Blake, Beca, Mendy
Barnes, Griffiths, Preston, Herbert, Grogan, Strickland, Salkeld, Simpson, Croughan, Conteh, Adegbenro Subs Sheen, Mitchley, Howard, Morris Lees, Sheen Jordan Brooks
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