HOSTS SKEM TO RECALL BIG DAY

IT’S almost 50 years since Skelmersdale United and Enfield met in the FA Amateur Cup final – and two matches have been set up to celebrate the fact.

Back in 1967 it was Enfield who claimed the cup with a 3-0 win at Maine Road following a 0-0 draw at Wembley Stadium in front of 75,000 fans.

Now Enfield Town and Skem are to go head to head in two pre-season friendlies. Next Saturday (3pm) it’s the turn of Skelmersdale to host the Ryman Premier Towners, while next pre-season Skem will travel south.

The Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division outfit are hoping for a bumper turn-out next Saturday as they remember one of the biggest days in their history, the clash at Wembley which saw a mass exodus from the Lancashire town.

Of the Skem team from 1967, a number of former players have said they will be in attendance at Stormy Corner, including Alan Bermingham, John Unsworth, Richie Wade, Dave Moorcroft, Micky Worswick, Wally Bennett, Micky Burns and Alan McDermott.

Skem, coached by Liverpool legend Ian St John on their route to the final, went on to win the FA Amateur Cup four years later against Dagenham.

Skem press officer Neil Leatherbarrow said: “It was the day Skelmersdale left en bloc for London and it was a massive thing for the town.

“Almost 50 years later this is arguably the era when Skelmersdale have had the best team since then. We’re hoping for a big crowd – it’s a celebration of a special day.”