Macclesfield 2-3 Skelmersdale United

Skem Utd "pump it up"
Macclesfield 2-3 Skelmersdale United
Macron Cup Quarter Final

Skelmersdale United progressed to the Semi Finals of the NWC Macron Cup with a dramatic last gasp victory at current League Champions Macclesfield.
Coming just 48 hours after a 300 mile journey and a night of celebrations in the Inter-Step promotion game at Cinderford.

Saturday's game was always number one for Manager Paul McNally as he made 5 changes to the starting line up, with the players on the bench on Saturday given a starting berth and it was two of those that found the net as Skem first took the lead from James Salkeld after 22 minutes, Macc hit back 8 minutes later through leading scorer Berry-McNally before Tom Croughan put United in front again on 37 minutes.
As the game was heading towards half time, controversy, as the ball was in the United box the referee inexplicably pointed to the spot. Ben Barnes stopped the initial kick from Neil Danns but the former Premier League player was quickest to react and drew the sides level again.

The second period was a cagey affair with neither side wanting to concede but with the introduction of Howard, Morris and Mitchley mid way through the half United went for the jugular and a succession of efforts were well saved by a very busy Nathan Pennington in the Macclesfield goal.
United had appeals for a penalty of their own on 82 minutes but again the refs decision was somewhat controversial as he waved play on.
As the game reached its final minute and looking towards the dreaded penalties, up stepped Elliott Morris, set free on the right hand side he skinned his marker and with a finely threaded through-ball across the face of the goal found Saturdays four goal hero Michael Howard who tapped in to send the visiting Skem fans into delirium.

They will now face Charnock Richard next Saturday 7th May at Chorley FC, kick off 3pm and who knows on this form their season could well be extended till the middle of May.

United Line up- Barnes, Griffiths, Preston, Herbert, Grogan, Strickland, Salkeld, Simpson, Croughan, Conteh, Adegbenro Subs Sheen, Mitchley, Howard, Morris unused Lees, Sheen