Solid start for Skem
THIS match was close from start to finish, Skelmersdale taking the lead, Grantham levelled with 16 minutes remaining on the clock but were made to return to Lincolnshire with only one point rather than three.
Both teams had early opportunities, Rob Bodie firing wide of the near-post from a Shaun Holden corner in the sixth minute, while down the other end Danny Meadows put Grant Ryan behind the home backline, but he hooked his shot well wide.
In the 18th minute Kenny Strickland lifted a free kick to the far side of the penalty area, Phil Mooney found Bodie who held the ball up and rolled it into the path of debutant Ben Hodkinson he unleashed a vicious left-foot shot from 20 yards that flew into the corner of the Grantham net.
It was certainly as spectacular way to announce your arrival at the club.
The game was fairly tight but in the 31st minute a little bit of enterprise by Chris Almond almost came off.
A back-pass to Grantham goalkeeper Jake Turner looked comfortable, but Almond rushed the keeper as he went to kick, the ball bounced into Almond and rather fortunately for Turner flew over his crossbar.
Skelmersdale were playing the ball on the floor but the more physically blessed Grantham always looked a threat via the long ball. It was a contrast of styles.
Grantham had defended well during the first-half, but in a five minute period just before half-time they probably had their best spell.
Martin Fearon pushed a Meadows shot around the post on 41 minutes, then a Rhys Lewis overhead kick flicked the top of the crossbar as it went for goalkick a minute later. Finally in added time Ryan hit the bar with a shot.
Matters settled down after the break and after a pass from Almond Hodkinson had a penalty appeal for handball turned away on 57 minutes, then on 61 mins Almond went close with a shot.
Grantham made changes and on 63 minutes one nearly paid dividends, substitute Ben Saunders going to ground as Ian Rowlands collided with him. However, from the resulting penalty Martin Fearon rescued Skem, his diving save from Meadows’ spot-kick, his 12th penalty save in the last 18 months.
Grantham pressed and Skelmersdale were doing well although they were kept busy, goalkeeper Fearon not having a great of real danger to clear up.
Then with 16 minutes to go the ball was headed over the Skelmersdale defence and another substitute, Curtis Burrows was presented with a bouncing ball that fell perfectly and was duly volleyed into the Skem net.
The rest of the game was fairly close, Grantham didn’t have to push as hard to salvage the match and Skelmersdale took the opportunity to attack more. The outcome was that both teams did what they had done best all afternoon, defend well and the game ended 1-1.