‘This is our chance to make a name for ourselves’ says Skelmersdale United manager ahead of FA Trophy tie with Luton

Jan 10 2013 by Philip Kirkbride, Skelmersdale Advertiser

TOMMY LAWSON says Skelmersdale United have a chance to put the town on the map by producing a performance to be proud of at Luton.

But the United manager is not ready to accept a valiant defeat and says his squad will punish any complacency the Conference giants show.

Though Skem head to Kenilworth Road as underdogs, Lawson has reminded everyone that Luton were not give much of a chance ahead of last weekend’s FA Cup tie with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Luton dumped the Championship side out of the competition with a 1-0 win.

“They probably looked at the draw and went ‘who?’” said Lawson.

“Win, lose or draw we want to leave them with a picture of us as a side capable of playing good football.

“Nobody is giving us a chance this weekend but then nobody gave Luton a chance against Wolves.

“They have been hailed as giant killers after what they did but we have also taken a lot of credibility from our wins over Boston and Guiseley.

“I have an awful lot of belief in these lads and they are going to go to Luton and give everything they have got.

“That is all I can ask of them and hopefully we put on a performance which entertains everybody.”

Skem have understandably placed this Trophy tie above their progress in the Doodson Sport Cup – where they faced Cammell Laird last night – and Lawson has queried whether Luton will place this weekend’s game low on their priority list.

“We are quite mindful of our priorities and maybe Luton might decide to field a shadow side,” he said.

“Sometimes that can be counter productive, although whoever they field, they will be full-time professionals.

“But if those players are not motivated then it gives us an opportunity.”

Skem, who have already dumped Conference North sides Boston United and Guiseley out of the Trophy, will not be changing their tactics to accommodate Luton.

“We are not going to worry about Luton but let them worry about us,” said Lawson.

“We were clapped off the pitch at Boston, which we were told very rarely happens because are usually a hostile crowd. That was a great pat on the back for our lads and so it will be nice to go to Luton and impress their big crowd as well.”