Jack jumping as new signing bags hat-trick
SKELMERSDALE United manager Tommy Lawson was forced to make six changes to his team for the Boxing Day M58 Derby at Marine but they still fought back from 2-0 and 3-2 down before almost snatching victory in added time, the highlight undoubtedly being a hattrick from Jack Watts who was only signed on Christmas Eve from Burscough.
The opening encounters were close, neither team giving much ground away until an unfortunate slip gave Marine a chance, Peter Wylie losing his footing in the 16th minute and to make matters worse as he recovered he slipped again and the ball went straight to Michael Monaghan, landing perfectly on his left foot 12 yards from goal, his shot going neatly inside the post.
Two minutes later Skelmersdale went close and it was a warning as to what was to follow, Watts skimming the home crossbar with a right-foot free kick.
Matters became tight again with goal scoring opportunities at both ends at a premium. That was until the 35th minute. Monaghan ran at the goal line and just before he could cross, Wylie caught him and down went Monaghan. Up stepped former Skelmersdale striker Dan Mitchley who despite a relatively quiet game netted from the spot via the keeper’s left hand post.
Half-time saw Tommy Lawson come back out onto the pitch early and he went to his players who were kicking in, taking new signings Harry Blackburn and Dean Shacklock to one side for a chat, both came on as the half kicked off. Both were to have significant influence on the game too.
Skelmersdale had a more attacking shape and almost immediately it was noticeable that Skem were prepared to run at the Marine defence, Shacklock creating problems for them from the off.
In the 53rd minute Skelmersdale won a corner on the right, Watts swung it in, Marine goalkeeper Calvin Hare misjudging the flight of the ball, getting only the merest of touches as it went into the net behind him.
Marine still tried to press but so did Skelmersdale and the flow of the game had become quite exciting.
Marine won a free-kick on the right, the ball was lifted into the box, but Skelmersdale goalkeeper Jack Cookson made a double save from the Marine charge after the high ball.
In the 58th minute Skelmersdale levelled.
Paul Foy ran at the home defence and laid the ball sideways to Watts, he hit a low shot that just crept inside Hare’s near post.
Former Skelmersdale player Warren Bellew put a header over the Skem crossbar on 64 minutes, then three minutes later he restored Marine’s lead, he too swung in a corner and although Cookson got a touch it went into the net for almost a carbon copy of Skem’s opener. However, in both goalkeepers’ defence it must be said that a strong wind was blowing.
Both team continued to attack, Monaghan put in a weak effort for Marine and Shacklock put a header wide of the Marine goal.
In the 79th minute Skelmersdale won a free-kick on the right and the ball was floated to the edge of the 18 yard box, a blatant push saw the men in blue instantly win another in a far more dangerous position.
Watts lined the ball up and fired it low and hard it went into the corner of the net to make it 3-3.
Marine pressed again and this time Skelmersdale had a piece of luck as a Zak Thompson shot hit the crossbar, the other scary moment for Skem saw a superbly timed tackle from Dylan Smith thwart Mitchley in his stride.
The last five minutes saw Skelmersdale put Marine somewhat under pressure as they sought a winner.
One magnificent mazy run from Harry Blackburn had Marine really holding their breath, the ball bouncing agonisingly wide of the far post, while Watts put another free-kick over the crossbar.
It was a tremendously spirited performance from Skelmersdale, they will need it as the season progresses though, but it proved that they do have a togetherness that cannot be coached into a team that has definite promise.
It will be interesting to see how they perform in their next two home games against Matlock Town on December 29th (7.45) and against Ashton United on Monday (3pm).