A new month began with a narrow defeat for Skelmersdale United as they lost out 1-0 to Winsford United. Paul McNally welcomed back Marvin Molyneux as the lineup shifted to cover the suspension of Joe Cawley.

Skem started the brighter with a run and low cross from Alex Griffiths drawing a low save from Matthew Green at the near post. Winsford replied with a long range shot from Jack Lever which narrowly past the post and minutes later, John Keatley went just as close at the other end.

A slight danger for Skem came on 18 minutes as Samuel Fitton's free-kick saw Ben Barnes parry but in doing so nearly fumble over the line before recovering the ball. Barnes was called into action again a few minutes later as he denied Obi Anoruo from point blank range withe the rebounded effort going wide.

Winsford were lucky not to go behind after an error from Green saw Richard Brodie collect the ball on the edge of the area but his choice to cross allowed Green to get on his line to save. At the other end, another fine save from Barnes saw him deny Darcy O'Connor who had collected a Samuel Marshall pass.

The deadlock could have been broken on 40 minutes as a pacy run and cut inside saw Griffiths almost sting the palms of Green with an angled shot before Moore did just that from a similar angle just before the interval.

Skem had a great chance to open the scoring within three minutes of the restart as a long pass from Tom Croughan saw Griffiths head into the path of Brodie, who was denied a flick at goal by superb defence. Winsford replied rapidly with an Anoruo counter, finding Marshall and Wealth Da Silva who forced a low save from Barnes.

The visitors went achingly close to an opener on 69 minutes as a pacy Anoruo run saw him cut through the defence before shooting on the angle and cannoning the ball off the near post. The deadlock was to be broken five minute later as a looping cross from Anoruo found Daniel Thomas free at the far post who headed past Barnes for 1-0.

Substitute Sam Madeley threatened to double the lead as he raced down the wing before cutting inside and sending a shot achingly across the Skem goal before a clever turn on the edge of the area saw Brodie find the grasp of Green with a shot.

The final chance of the afternoon went to Skem as a long throw into the area from Marvin Molyneux found Jack Grimshaw whose turn and shot cannoned off a defender and forced Green to tip the ball around the post. The final whistle minutes later left United to reflect on a game thye could have claimed at least a point from with a number of chances across the afternoon.

Skelmersdale United- Barnes, Coughlan,Griffiths, Molyneux, Keatley, Tyrer (c) (T. Grimshaw 66), J. Grimshaw, Toner (Gill 66), Brodie, Moore, Croughan (Douglas 57). Subs not used- Djabi.

Winsford United- Green, Lever, Bircumshaw (Disney 29), Barlow, Thomas (c), Dibble, Marshall, Fitton (Matthews 66), Anoruo, O'Connor, Da Silva (Madeley 77). Subs not used - Jenyons, Duckworth.

Referee-Z.Mustafa
Att-72