Speaking yesterday, Skelmersdale United manager Tommy Lawson spelled out how and why he is highly encouraged by the goings on at Stormy Corner as his side prepare for a third season in the Evo-Stik Premier Division next season.
Saturday saw Skelmersdale draw 1-1 with FA Vase Finalists Glossop North End in a game that was entertaining until the very last kick. Phil Mooney giving Skelmersdale the lead in the 47th minute before Sam Hare levelled for the Derbyshire side a quarter of an hour later.
Both teams attacked for the whole ninety minutes and but for quality performances by Skelmersdale goalkeeper Martin Fearon and his counterpart from Glossop the teams could easily have shared about eight goals rather than the two they eventually did.
The Glossop game followed one at Prescot Cables that was won 2-0.
Speaking about the two games Tommy Lawson said; it was very important that we got playing time into the players, obviously for fitness reasons but also to let Brian Richardson (Tommy’s assistant manager) and I look at the new players we have brought in over the summer. Some are on trial and we need to look at them in match action before a decision can be made on their future.
Against Prescot Skelmersdale used twenty three players and Tommy said he intended using a similar amount in last night’s game at home to 1874 Northwich.
Tommy added; “Saturday (at home to AFC Fylde) will see a tighter team in the respect that unfortunately I will have had to let a couple of players go. We are presently running on a squad of 24 players and that is too many for when the season starts, it wouldn’t allow a team to develop and wouldn’t be fair on the players who wouldn’t be playing.”
“All the lads have showed a great commitment over the last few weeks and are physically fit now we have to get them match fit and that can only be done by playing games. We have a good squad and I am very pleased by the quality of player that wanted to join us. We have three good friendlies before the season starts and they should have us ready for the big one in August.”
Skelmersdale have two home friendlies this week, as mentioned against AFC Fylde on Saturday, but the other will be of interest as well, as Burscough travel to Skelmersdale next Tuesday night (August 4th, 7-45 kick off), for what is expected to be a cracking game. It is also one for the traditionalists from both camps; as such it will have some added spice.
Skelmersdale United remind people that season tickets are still on sale by phoning 07958 248555, Adults £180, Concessions £100 and Juniors £20. The prices for the last two home friendlies are Adult £6 Concessions