Lawson sounds a Skem warcry

May 2 2008 by David Bassett, Liverpool Echo

SKELMERSDALE United face their biggest game in years tomorrow when they bid for a place in next season’s UniBond Premier Division.

Tommy Lawson’s men are away to FC United of Manchester in the First Division North play-off final, and the Skem boss is relishing the prospect as his young side bid to end a marathon 64-game season in style.

“Games like this are why you are involved in football at any level, when you can challenge for the big prizes,” he said.

“We have reached the semi-finals of the Liverpool Senior Cup and the League Cup final, finished third in the league and reached the play-offs, and the lads have enjoyed an exciting season, as I am sure the spectators have as well.”

Honours have been shared in three meetings so far this season between FC United, who regularly attract 2,000-plus gates for home games at Bury’s Gigg Lane, and Skem, with one win each and a draw.

Lawson said: “We have got a full squad to choose from and we are going there with lots of confidence.

“We have got key strikers back and we are scoring goals again.”

Among those strikers is 19-year-old George Donnelly, whose two goals in Tuesday’s 3-0 semi-final victory over Curzon Ashton after his recent return from suspension took him to 27 for the season.

“Georgie has come on leaps and bounds, and we are proud of what he has done,” said Lawson.

Bootle return to Vodkat Second Division action after their midweek League Cup Final defeat at the hands of Maine Road when they travel to Eccleshall.

Ashton Athletic complete their season with a home game against Oldham Town.