Winsford United 3-2 Skelmersdale United
Skelmersdale United went down to their first league defeat in 14 games to a hard-working Winsford side, but it could have been so different. In the very first minute a surging run from Alex Davies was brought to an end with a trip in the box, the referee Mr Reddin was having none of it. If that was not enough just 8 minutes later an innocuous corner from the hosts was cleared only for the referee to point to the spot, there were no appeals from the players and even the home supporters were at a loss at the decision, David Short stepped home and United were one down.
Just 4 minutes later a slip by Ben Barnes saw his clearance fall to former United midfielder Matty Coughlan who slid in Short who casually placed his shot to put more misery on United.
United had gone a month without a game and it showed in the opening half hour, as Paul McNally’s men were well of the pace, the pitch not conducive to Skem’s fluent passing style didn’t help matters.
The best United could muster was an excellent run at goal from Mikey Howard that was ended by a well-timed tackle from Coughlan.
Winsford made it 3 on 36 minutes and again there was good fortune for Winsford, Adam Barlow’s attempted cross saw him miss the ball with his right foot only to see the ball hit the right boot and fall at the feet of Short, with Ben Barnes wrong footed the No 9 tapped in for his hattrick.
It could have been 4 just moments later, again a misplaced pass found Duckworth in acres of space and his clever lob just going wide of the upright.
In the last minute of the half United had another appeal for a penalty turned down as debutant Jay Salkeld made advances in the box he was pulled back but again the Referee waved play on.
United started the second period in more determined mood, playing 4 up front they had Winsford on the back front from the off, an Elliott Morris cross was well cut out by keeper Ryan Hamer and Danny Mitchley was just inches away from connecting with a Howard cross.
United made changes sending on more forward power Croughan and Servuts who both made an immediate-inroads but both failing to trouble the scoreboard.
Skem were offered a lifeline on 69 minutes when Danny Mitchley was brought down in the box, the ref had no hesitation this time, Howard duly slotted home.
It was like a siege of the Alamo as McNally sent his men forward, Skem playing the old fashioned 2-3-5 line up, however much they tried they couldn’t break down the solid Winsford defence.
On 90 minutes Mitchley was again sent sprawling on the edge of the box, up stepped Kenny Strickland with a sublime finish that left the keeper rooted, it was a goal of immense quality.
Ben Barnes was sent up for a corner as United had all 11 men in the Winsford box but there was no way through.
Paul McNally was understandably disappointed with the result “We have been short of game time and with a number of players having covid we have not been able to train fully, however those first 30 minutes are not acceptable”.
United team: Barnes, Davies, Preston, Lees, Sheen, Strickland, Morris, Salkeld, Mitchley, Nicholson, Howard. Subs: Ellams, Croughan, Servuts. Unused: Adegbenro
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