We can’t afford to go down

SKELMERSDALE United boss Dave Powell believes the club must remain in the Evo-Stik West this term to ease the club’s financial worries.

United took part in friendlies against both Widnes and Abbey Hey this week to build match fitness during the free weekend with Powell also handing opportunities to several trialists.

With his side currently one point and one place above the relegation zone, the manager says the drop is unthinkable for Skem’s future after being evicted from their traditional Uretek Stadium midway through last season and being forced to play their home games in Prescot.

“It’s crucial for the club to avoid relegation in the financial position we’re in with us playing out of town,” he said. “The sponsorship has waned and the support’s not what it was back in Skem.

“We’ve got to be realistic. It turned from earlier in the season when we were on a reasonable budget for mid-table position and the budget’s gone away because of the circumstances and we’ve just got to batten down the hatches.

“I’m made up with the commitment the lads have shown to the club in the circumstances and long may it continue.

“Realistically, where we are now, we’re in a group of six or seven at the bottom end of the league. We’ve got to treat that, for now, as our mini-league table and get to the top of that and then we can kick-on from there. It’s as simple as that really.”

Skelmersdale have netted less goals than any other side in the division this term and Powell believes his young forwards are in need of a confidence boost ahead of this weekend’s trip to Ramsbottom United.

“I think the board are realistic enough to understand that in this league the money side matters.

“The lads we’ve got at the moment are trying to get up there and produce those goals for the club. They’re working hard to do so and I’m confident they can do that”.