Don't Call Them The 'Sc' Word!

After disappointing results at various locations in Lancashire over the past fortnight, it's back to the relative comforts of Seel Park to face some old adversaries from our NWCL days.

Skelmersdale United's last visit to Mossley in February 2004 ended with them heading back to West Lancashire pointless following a 3 -1 defeat in a game which, for the most part, they were the better side. That victory was an important one for the Lilywhites as it was their first for two months; a run of results that had turned double figure lead at the top of the league into a situation where we were desperately trying to cling on to Clitheroe's coat tails. Sadly the renewed hope this result brought was quashed the following Tuesday with that now 'infamous' match at Newcastle Townthe performance and bizarre team selections going to show that last season's trials and tribulations didn't suddenly appear out of nowhere.

It's to the future we look though and Skem arrive this Saturday sitting one point and two places below us in ninth, although they have played three games less than us. They also come in to the fixture on the back of a mightily impressive eight match unbeaten run in the league. In fact in the thirteen games played since they came off second best in their opening day encounter at Bradford Park Avenue, United have lost only once and that was to Blue Square North side Southport in the FA Cup. Not that form really counts for anything anymore as other results have proved this season.

Turning out for Skelmersdale this weekend should be their new signing from Burscough, Ryan Bowen who, as you may remember, left Seel Park last season in an ambulance after performing a Shao-Lin Monk like party piece on the pitch surround with his head. Thankfully he's now fit and well so this may be a good time to bill him for the damage he caused to the fence... ;)

A special mention too for Skelmersdale's chairman Frank Hughes. It's thanks to him, via various outlets, that many people were able to keep up to speed with what was, and for the most part wasn't, happening with regards to the restructuring of the Unibond First Divisions over the Summer. Often fighting a rearguard action against the likes of Ryman League supporters and groundhoppers who seemed to think they knew what was better for the Northern clubs than the people who run and support them, he was one of the few people in a position of authority to publicly speak against it. And with the subsequent mish-mash of a league structure (some teams playing each other three times), the introduction of relegation after the season had started, lower attendances, etc. it's probably no comfort that the mess its created has proved him right.

As for the cryptic heading to this piece, remember! They're not scousers but West Lancastrians. They really don't like it when you call them the former so don't.

Unless needs be...

Prediction: I'm in a reasonably good mood so what the heck - a win for the Lilywhites!