No Way Past Motors For United

After an epic clash at EFL side Harrogate Town ended last season's run, Skelmersdale United began this season's Emirates FA Cup campaign with a battling 0-0 against fellow NWCP side Vauxhall Motors at the VanEupen Arena.

Paul McNally welcomed Kenny Strickland into the starting eleven in place of Callum Preston who dropped to the bench as did Abdul Djalo with Elliot Morris promoted to start.

The hosts had the first chance of the afternoon as Joe Levey cut inside and lofted the ball to the far post but with no takers to try and test Ben Barnes in the United goal. At the other end, Mikey Howard looked to collect a long aerial pass but the bounce fell kindly for Motors' keeper Mikey Dixon. Dixon was called into action again a few minutes later as he tipped a Kenny Strickland corner away from danger.

A pacy counter attack from Emini Adegbenro saw him pick out Elliot Morris on the wing who swept a shot across goal which went narrowly past the far post. Vauxhall were almost gifted the opener as a corner from the near side saw a slip in defence with Barnes preventing the ball from crossing the line. Strickland sent a free-kick past the post before a Joe Levey free-kick at the other end hit the wall before a rebounded effort from Joe Heath saw Elliot Morris block.

Howard tried his luck with a free-kick which cannoned off a defender and narrowly over the bar and Strickland went just as close with an effort from the other side a few minutes later as United continued to pressure the hosts. A long range free-kick from Kyle Scarisbrick led to a scramble in the United defence with Barnes claiming the ball from a low angle. Richard Foulkes forced a superb fingertip save from Barnes with a powerful free-kick which was the final chance before half-time as the sides went in on level terms.

The first chance of the second half saw Strickland sweep over a free-kick which found the head of Mike Grogan who could only head past the post. Vauxhall replied with Barnes collecting two long range free-kicks comfortably. The best opportunity of the half for United saw Adegbenro hit across goal and with Dixon beaten just a touch was needed at the far post but the ball sadly beat the run of Danny Mitchley.

A clever run from Motors substitute Kyle Smyth saw him cut inside and clip a shot which went wide of the target. Both sides continued to threaten with both Hadyn Cooper and Adegbenro sending efforts over the bar from distance.United looked for a enalty on 77 minutes as a long ball from Strickland found the run of Morris who advanced into the area before apparently being felled by Dixon, the refreee not only denied a penalty but booked Morris for simulation.

As the match entered the final ten minutes, Foulkes went close for Motors with another fingertip save from Barnes denying him. Barnes saved United again as a dangerous cross saw him collect and just about keep the ball from crossing the line. An angled shot from Morris drew a superb low save from Dixon but the sides would end the game still even at 0-0 meaning they will meet again at JMO Sports Park on Tuesday night in a replaywith a trip to Irlam awaiting the winners.

Vauxhall Motors- Dixon, Scarisbrick (Waring 88), Drummond, Thelwell, Mitchell (C), Heath, Brandon, Cooper, Noon (Hamm 75), Foulkes, Levey (Smyth 60). Subs not used- Wainwright.

Skelmersdale United - Barnes (C),Herbert, Molyneux (Preston 40), Conteh, Grogan, Strickland, Morris, Croughan (Griffiths 62), Mitchley, Howard (Hamilton 70), Adegbenro. Subs not used- Djalo, Webster.

Referee- Lee Budworth
Att-156