Skem threaten table-toppers after hard-fought victory

Dec 31 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

UNITED moved into third place in UniBond First Division North, but being six points behind leaders Curzon Ashton with two games in hand, they are now contenders for the title.

With top marksman Tony Evans unavailable due to other commitments, manager Tommy Lawson started the game with a 4-3-3 formation but quickly reverted back to 4-4-2 as Skem came under early pressure from Blue Star.

Indeed, Blue Star could have got off to a flier 30 seconds into the game but Wayne Gordon’s shot from 10 yards was turned wide of the upright by Ryan McMahon.

The deadlock was broken in the 58th minute when Steve Akrigg stroked Phil Holland’s cross home from eight yards out and although Blue Star were always in the game with such a slim deficit, it was Skelmersdale that looked more likely to add to the score.

McConville, Leadbetter and Akrigg all came close to doubling the lead.

SKEM: McMahon, Foster, Hardwick, White, Holland, Birchall, Turner (Johnson 58) McConville, Donnelly, Leadbetter. Subs Not Used: Duffy, McNally.