Powell bemused by double red cards
SKELMERSDALE United’s winless run continued on Saturday as they drew 0-0 with Atherton Collieries.
Collieries finished the game with nine men after Darhyll Mason joined Neil Chappell in receiving his marching orders, but United captain Liam Hollett was also sent off for his involvement in the first-half’s main talking point.
The United skipper took a wayward touch on the heavy Prescot pitch and launched into a full-blooded tackle with Chappell.
Referee Ian Gittens arrived on the scene and immediately issued Hollett with his marching orders, but after a period of treatment for Chappellwho came off worse for wear- the referee produced red once more.
“Why he would send both men off I have no idea,” a bemused Skem boss Dave Powell said after the game.
“It’s usually one or the other, and it’s a bit strange really. That changed the dynamics a little bit and we couldn’t really get going again second half.
“They had the other man [Mason] dismissed for constant fouls and dissent to the ref, so I thought we’d come out and and move the ball a little quicker in the second half, which we did to be fair, but Colls’ defence and midfield worked their socks off.”
Powell also believe Gittens should have awarded his side three penalties.
“The lads have been tackled from behind with no contact with the ball and they’ve been too honest really.
“The referee has got to make that decision. He’s let the play go on but if they’re falling over the chance has gone. They never got any ball, for me a foul is a foul and it should have been a penalty.”
Powell could, however, see the positives as Skelmersdale picked up their second point in three games to keep themselves eight points from danger.
“Sometimes you just have to say Colls defenders were outstanding. We’ve got a clean sheet”.