IT’S HARROWING STUFF AS SKEM COUNTIED OUT..

SKELMERSDALE’S super FA Cup run came to a foggy end at Harrogate as the Football League new boys showed them how to score.

The lowest- ranked side left in the competition – from the depths of the North West Counties Premier League – had battled through six ties to get this far.

But they fell behind after just 50 seconds when Mark Beck’s shot thumped back off a post.

Ex- Celtic man Calvin Miller fired the rebound through keeper Ben Barnes for his first Town goal.

Ninth- tier Skem had not been in the first round since 1971 – and no team from their league had been as far since 1996.

But although they battled, they just couldn’t match the League Two hosts when it came to finishing.

Barnes – a policeman by day – did well to stop Jack Muldoon but Town doubled their lead ( above) seconds before the break.

Targetman Beck’s simple header from six yards left the underdogs fearing it wasn’t their night.

Barnes tipped over Tom Walker’s drive before Harrogate scored from another set- piece in the 68th minute. Jake Lawlor’s not particularly powerful shot took a deflection and dribbled over the line.

Sub Aaron Martin headed home the fourth from 73rd- minute corner seconds after he had thumped a shot off the bar.

That ensured Harrogate reached the second round for only the second time.

Sub Richard Brodie, the former York and Morecambe forward who now works at a petrol station, fired a decent Skem chance over late on.

But Danny Mitchley volleyed home a fine consolation goal with a minute to go.