May 1 2008
by Philip Kirkbride, Skelmersdale Advertiser
SKELMERSDALE United go into Saturday’s Unibond First Division North play-off final with boss Tommy Lawson in fearless mood.
United booked their place in the promotion finale with a resounding 3-0 win over Curzon Ashton on Tuesday night.
Skem’s opponent’s in the weekend’s winner-takes-all clash was determined last night in the match between FC United and Bamber Bridge, but Lawson is not worried by either team.
He said: “To be honest I don’t care which team we get in the final - I just say bring it on.
“Whoever we get we have got no reason to fear anyone because if we are on our game then we are capable of beating any side.”
Consecut ive wins against Curzon Ashton have now given Lawson’s troops a shot a winning a ticket to the UniBond Premier Division.
Lawson has pinpointed their late surge back to form down to one thing.
He said: “Our resurgence goes hand in glove with getting players back. If we hadn’t lost players like Georgie Donnelly then who knows what might have happened.
“The squad is now more competitive and it doesn’t matter who you are, any club is going to miss their key players.
“All the lads have pulled together on and off the pitch and we are now full of confidence.
“We’ve got a young side but the cup defeat to Eastwood has provided the lads with an experience which is really helping us push on for the big prize of promotion.”
Against either of their potential final opponents, Skem have an excellent record this campaign in the six encounters they have had.
Two emphatic wins and a draw against Bamber Bridge and a win, loss and draw against FC United hold Lawson’s side in good stead come Saturday.
Lawson added: “We’re pretty much even with FC United this season but I think we probably have the edge over Bamber Bridge because we beat them well in the last game.”
Showing posts with label Skelmersdale Advertiser. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skelmersdale Advertiser. Show all posts
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Friday, April 04, 2008
Referee could cost us title
Apr 3 2008
by Philip Kirkbride, Skelmersdale Advertiser
TOMMY Lawson has blasted a replacement referee for denying his Skelmersdale United side all three points on Tuesday night.
Skem’s 0-0 stalemate against FC Utd of Manchester was their second consecutive draw and sees them clinging onto top spot in the UniBond First Division North on goal difference.
Lawson pulled no punches as he aired his anger at what he saw as sub-standard refereeing.
He said: “In my opinion the defining moment came at half-time when the referee went off injured.
“He was replaced by a qualified ref, who was watching the game from the sidelines.
“He waved away a nailed-on penalty for us and even FC United’s manager agreed it was a foul on McConville.
“I’ve known this referee for a long time and have formed my opinion of him over many years. I have to question his integrity and whether he is adequate and competent.”
A bumper crowd of 674 was at the Ashley Travel Stadium on Tuesday to witness the game and the incident.
Despite dropping four points in the last two games, Lawson was typically enthusiastic about his team and the games ahead.
He said: “The FC United match was a fabulous game which I think we edged.
“Unfortunately the crowd of nearly 700 all went home talking about the penalty decision.
“But we’re playing really well at the moment and have had a fantastic season and will continue to do what we are doing.”
United are clinging onto pole position in the league table following Tuesday night’s controversial point and Lawson now feels their title dreams may be out of their hands.
He added: “In terms of other teams having games in hand over us then I think the title is out of our reach.
“But we’ll keep going and if we don’t finish top then we want to finish second so we get home advantage in the play-offs.
“With five games left the league is really exciting.”
Skem entertain Clitheroe on Saturday with George Donnelly suspended.
by Philip Kirkbride, Skelmersdale Advertiser
TOMMY Lawson has blasted a replacement referee for denying his Skelmersdale United side all three points on Tuesday night.
Skem’s 0-0 stalemate against FC Utd of Manchester was their second consecutive draw and sees them clinging onto top spot in the UniBond First Division North on goal difference.
Lawson pulled no punches as he aired his anger at what he saw as sub-standard refereeing.
He said: “In my opinion the defining moment came at half-time when the referee went off injured.
“He was replaced by a qualified ref, who was watching the game from the sidelines.
“He waved away a nailed-on penalty for us and even FC United’s manager agreed it was a foul on McConville.
“I’ve known this referee for a long time and have formed my opinion of him over many years. I have to question his integrity and whether he is adequate and competent.”
A bumper crowd of 674 was at the Ashley Travel Stadium on Tuesday to witness the game and the incident.
Despite dropping four points in the last two games, Lawson was typically enthusiastic about his team and the games ahead.
He said: “The FC United match was a fabulous game which I think we edged.
“Unfortunately the crowd of nearly 700 all went home talking about the penalty decision.
“But we’re playing really well at the moment and have had a fantastic season and will continue to do what we are doing.”
United are clinging onto pole position in the league table following Tuesday night’s controversial point and Lawson now feels their title dreams may be out of their hands.
He added: “In terms of other teams having games in hand over us then I think the title is out of our reach.
“But we’ll keep going and if we don’t finish top then we want to finish second so we get home advantage in the play-offs.
“With five games left the league is really exciting.”
Skem entertain Clitheroe on Saturday with George Donnelly suspended.
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