Skelmersdale United (Tuesday, September 3)

Tuesday 3 September 2013

Skelmersdale United 3 Stafford Rangers 2

FOR a club whose home ground sits on a local industrial estate, it is perhaps fitting that Skelmersdale United boast their own production line. This ground is one I just had to tick off my list.

From Liverpool legend Steve Heighway to more recent exports in George Donnelly and Sean McConville, Skelmersdale have a rich pedigree of moving players on to higher levels.

You sense that nothing gives Skem more delight than the progress of Craig Noone, whose framed Cardiff City shirt takes pride of place in a busy clubhouse at the West Lancashire College Stadium.

Having last played here in 2007, Noone now mixes it in the Premier League, and his signed shirt means just as much to the locals as the three trophies which are on display behind the bar and serve as a reminder of an historic season just gone.

Last season was very much Skelmersdale’s season, ending five years of near misses to finally win promotion as champions of NPL Division One North.

The mastermind behind Skem’s rise is manager Tommy Lawson, who is in jovial form as he greets those supporters arriving early for a pre-match pint.

Among the conversation in the bar is how Saturday’s 3-0 win at Droylsden could have been by an even bigger margin and Lawson, in his programme notes, echoes similar sentiments. The programme is £2.20 and entry £8.50. It’s tough to have any complaints.

The hub is very much behind the goal, housing the turnstile, bar, directors’ lounge and a catering van, which is out of pies before kick-off, though the sizzling burgers at £2.50 prove a popular alternative.

It’s a delightful late summer’s evening as the sun sets on the area known as Stormy Corner. The game’s a belter, too.  A storm could easily have been brewing for the home side, who surrender the two-goal half-time lead given to them by Adam Morning and Nick Rogan. Goals from Michael Lennon and Fabrice Kasiama mean the scoreline is squared by the 69th minute.

While Skem have taken the step-up from last season in their stride, Stafford Rangers are rooted to the foot of the NPL Premier Division. This famous old Non-League name is having a troubled time.

Backed by a vocal following in a crowd of 235, the visitors would have been good value for their first point of the season until Kevin Leadbetter, now in his third spell with Skem, netted a penalty two minutes from time.

Skelmersdale take great pride in seeing their former players progress, but this time they had a returning hero to thank for securing the points. This ground is highly recommended.

Ticket value 4, Programme 3, Food 4, Bar 5, Toilets 4, Atmosphere 3, Match 4, Overall: 4