|
TT No.105: Mike Latham - Tues 2 Dec 2008; Unibond League Cup 3; Skelmersdale United v Bamber Bridge; Result: 10 (ten)-0; Att: 117; Admn: £7.50. Prog: £1.50; Raffle ticket: £1; Coffee: 70p; FGIF Match Rating: 5* |
|
Sometimes the groundhopping gods look down kindly on those who make the effort to find a game in the most trying of circumstances - with games being called off left, right and centre due to the ice and snow Skelmersdale’s ground was an oasis - a superb pitch ideal for their entertaining brand of football. Skem worked hard to make the spectator areas safe with liberal use of salt and all their efforts were rewarded with a superlative display against a team that currently top UniBond League Division One North. Skem have now won ten and drawn one of their last 11 games. They were 3-0 up after 17 mins, it was 4-0 at half-time and they stepped up a gear after half-time. Front runners Donnelly and Houghton each grabbed hat-tricks and the tenth goal came when centre half White headed in a corner with six minutes to go. Skem’s football was a joy to watch and while Brig’s players shouted the commonly used ‘Shape’ the by-word of the home players was ‘Tempo’ and they played superb, fast flowing football with skill and class, never content to sit back on their lead. I’ve been to Skem’s new ground several times but still have to print off the directions from the UniBond site each time I go - the town of roundabouts is very confusing - but it’s only 5 mins from J4 of the M58 motorway. With easy parking, a warm welcome at the turnstile, a decent teabar and a superlative programme - an outstanding effort by Frank Hughes - there’s much to commend a visit to this friendly club even though many find the ground bland. The lack of cover on two sides means many spectators settle for huddling in front of the social club on freezing nights like this with the shallow main stand (with dug outs and a safety rail in front to spoil the view) not the best vantage point. Best advice is take a brolly, wear a stout pair of boots and stand on one of the grass banks while watching some of the best football you’ll see at this level of football. Under Tommy Lawson’s astute eye Skem are a team on the up and if they can keep this team together look capable of mounting a promotion challenge. But Brig were embarrassingly poor. On a personal note it was my first 10-0 since |
|
contributed on 02/12/08 |