Injuries easing at just the right time

SKELMERSDALE boss Dave Powell reckons the injury crisis that has hit his squad recently could be coming to an end at the perfect time.

Skem completed the month of November unbeaten after Saturday’s encounter with Colne was postponed, and with his side improving palpably since his arrival, the manager believes a busy festive period could be appeased by his returning stars.

“We’re very pleased with [the unbeaten month],” Powell said.

“From where we’ve came from, we’re six unbeaten now.

“Since I came in, we’ve won four, drawn three and lost just one in the league so it’s excellent form and it’s just making sure we keep going.”

And the manager revealed several of his injured players are close to returning as Skelmersdale embark on a period of seven games in a month.

“We’ve got a few lads who’ve been out for a few weeks. Liam Hollett, the captain, is still out, and David Howarth is in rehab still, but Callum Jones is back in contention after four weeks out and training hard, and there’s one or two returnees to assess Thursday.

“It’s quite good that lads are returning from injury, with Alaster Redmayne also in contention Saturday after being out for three weeks with a groin strain, so having the additional lads coming back from injury is quite helpful really with all that we’ve got coming up.”

Despite Saturday’s fixture with Colne ultimately being called off due to bad weather and a devastated playing surface, Powell seen no reason for his players to have a day off.

“We trained Saturday. We try to fit a training session in if there’s no game, especially at this time of year when it could be hit and miss with the weather.

“We just prepare, and if it gets called off we make the decision whether to train or give the lads a day off”.

Skem kick off December by entertaining Colwyn Bay on Saturday.