Josh Nicholson Hat trick dumps Skem

Ashton Athletic 3-0 Skelmersdale United
Josh Nicholson Hat trick dumps Skem

Skelmersdale United suffered their heaviest defeat of the season as they went down to a hard working Ashton Athletic side at Brocstede Park.

It was also a bad night for United’s Joe Nicholson who ceded family bragging rights as younger brother Josh scored all three of the Ashton goals.

It didn’t get of to the best starts, with Manager Paul McNally unavailable United conceded a penalty after just 3 minutes and went further behind on 20 mins as young Josh scored a a 30 yard thunderbolt in to put United in all kinds of trouble.

It wasn’t the United that had played such good football the previous Saturday and the best effort they could muster was a shot from Sam Sheen just before half time that was headed clear.

Elliott Morris & Michael Howard added some urgency in the early stages of the second half both having shots, at least on target but Ashton were awarded a second penalty on 60 mins, Barnes originally saving but Josh Nicholson was quickest of the mark to end Skem,s hopes on the night.

Skelmersdale United have almost handed the North West Counties League title to Macclesfield after their 6-0 demolition of Vauxhall Motors, which puts them 4 points clear, more importantly with 2 games in hand. United now have to win all their remaining games and hope that the Cheshire side have a meltdown towards the end of the season.

United team Barnes, Preston, Griffiths, Herbert, Grogan, Strickland, Morris, Sheen, Mitchley, Salkeld, Howard Subs Adegbenro, Croughan, Conteh, Unused Nicholson, Ellams.