A huge thank you to the fans, players and staff of South Shields for travelling in great numbers today and well done in officially claiming promotion to the Premier division. Our visit up north in February saw a huge attendance with promises of a great day in April and today more than lived up to that expectation with a great game and just the odd goal separating the teams in front of a crowd of 373 -our highest at home this season.

However, the biggest joy came with the news that the travelling Mariners fans had a collection in the nearby Old Mill pub and raised a total of £207 for our cause which included a donation of £150 passed directly to our vice chairman.

The visiting fans also played a huge part in what we believe is our best takings on the merchandise stall in a long time with £110 received taking the total donated by the visitors to over £300!

So while there is likely to be a lot of the Mariners faithful carrying more weight on the trip home in souvenirs they do so having added to what was a great day overall and one which will live long in the history and potential future of Skelmersdale United Football Club.