Second half slump as Roberts sees red
TWO second-half goals saw Skelmersdale United lose out to promotion candidates Hyde United 2-0.
Both teams struggled to make opportunities in the first half at Stormy Corner with defences at both ends on top, the highlights being a free-kick from Danny Ventre that went wide, while for Hyde a couple of headers including one from Chris Sutherland that went over the crossbar.
The second half certainly generated more talking points and a couple of goals.
Skelmersdale started the half promisingly but Richard Brodie’s shot on the turn after a long throw-in was deflected off target.
Hyde’s 48th minute opener began with an enterprising 70-yard run down the left by Luke Porritt, the number 11 initially taking possession on the edge of the Hyde penalty area.
His deep cross was played back to Tom Pratt, who in turn rolled it into the path of an onrushing Big Khamsuk, who smashed a low shot just inside the post to make it 1-0 to Hyde.
Khamsuk almost had another goal soon afterwards but Skelmersdale goalkeeper Jack Sims made a good save on his line.
Things got worse for Skem when Gareth Roberts was dismissed for a second yellow card after a foul just outside the Skelmersdale penalty area.
As the game progressed Skelmersdale started to press more for an equaliser, Andy Owens fizzing a shot just wide of the post after Brodie had set him up with a header.
Seven minutes from time Hyde struck a killer blow. Porritt had caused problems all afternoon with his ability to run at defenders but this time he was presented with his chance by Sutherland, who had dribbled across the face of the Skem defence. Running in from the left, Porritt hit a first-time left foot strike low across Sims into the far corner.