Salford first on FA Cup mission

Jul 2 2009 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

THE start of pre-season training on Monday evening and the draw for early rounds in the FA Cup and FA Trophy yesterday morning shows events are moving apace for Skelmersdale United as the club makes plans for the 2009-10 campaign.

Skem have been drawn away to Salford City in the preliminary round of he FA Cup on August 29. And there could be a tasty local derby in store if United progress as their opponents in the first qualifying round on September 12 would be Marine.

In the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy, Skem will entertain Goole on Saturday, October 17.

Of more immediate interest for the club was the commencement of pre-season training at the start of this week.

“Pre-season training started on Monday and in total 37 players turned up,” United chairman Frank Hughes said.

“We are now building up towards our first pre-season fixture on July 18 when Coca-Cola Championship side Plymouth Argyle have promised to bring a full-strength team to the Skelmersdale & Ormskirk College Stadium.

“In the Plymouth team will be Georgie Donnelly and Craig Noone who, of course, were formerly with us.”

The United chairman also highlighted some key improvement work that has taken place at the club – literally at grass roots level.

Highly-regarded sports-ground specialist John Mallinson has spent time at the club to oversee a major £10k upgrade of the pitch.

The Ormskirk company has a fabulous track record in assisting football clubs improve their playing surfaces.

Among the teams listed on their CV are Liverpool, Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, Fulham, Manchester United, Manchester City and Derby County.

“The surface was a bit worn at the end of last season and work was required,” Hughes explained.

Supporters are also reminded that season tickets to watch United in the new campaign are now on sale.

They are priced at £125 for adults and £60 for pensioners. Entry for children is free of charge provided they are accompanied by a fee-paying adult. Students who also provide identification can also see games for free.