Burscough restrict Port to single goal in friendly
BURSCOUGH put in an encouraging performance as they lost 1-0 to Southport in their latest friendly on Tuesday night.
A first win in five attempts this pre-season was the reward for Southport’s persistence as they had to work for the victory against their neighbours from the North West Counties Premier Division.
Burscough had been the first to threaten, goalkeeper Iain Turner saving from Will Thernald before Ross Lloyd sent a shot over the crossbar.
But goalkeeper Louis McCarthy kept his team in the game until Brad Jackson earned victory for Alan Lewer’s team midway through the second half, the right wing-back prodding home the loose ball after an initial effort from Ethan Jones had been blocked.
Burscough go to St Helens Town on Saturday then host Vauxhall Motors on Tuesday in their next pre-season fixtures.
Meanwhile, Skelmersdale United have announced yet another new signing as boss Alan Rogers brings in new players in an attempt to return to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division.
Goalkeeper Jack Sims has joined on loan from Blackpool for the season.
Sims signed a 12-month contract with the League One outfit in April after impressing for their youth teams.
He has been at Blackpool since the age of 16, gaining valuable training experience alongside the senior goalkeepers but he is keen to get regular first team action for Skem.
Sims admitted he wanted to break into senior football and he hopes to be able to get the opportunity under Rogers at Skelmersdale.
“I am looking forward to the loan move and I really want to gain experience in men’s football,” said Sims.
“I want to get out there and show people what I am all about and I hope we can do well.”
Rogers added: “Jack is a big talent and the move will be a huge benefit to both him and us at Skelmersdale.”
Sims could feature in Saturday’s fixture against Runcorn Linnets on Saturday in one of several local pre-season friendlies.
As well as the Linnets, Skelmersdale will also face Bootle and Gresley before they travel to Brighouse Town for their first league game of the 2017-18 season.
On Tuesday night, Skem drew 2-2 with Warrington Town after recovering from 2-0 down.