Skelmersdale United manager Tommy Lawson says a huge weight has been lifted with the sale of George Donnelly to Plymouth Argyle

Mar 19 2009 by Philip Kirkbride, Skelmersdale Advertiser

AFTER the George Donnelly transfer saga came to an end this week, Skelmersdale United manager Tommy Lawson says a huge weight has been lifted from the shoulders of the club, writes Phil Kirkbride.

Twenty-year-old Donnelly signed for Championship side Plymouth Argyle last week after months of transfer speculation surrounding the 36 goal striker and Lawson believes the club record deal has helped his side on the pitch.

Following four consecutive defeats, Skem have returned to form in scintillating fashion in the past seven days, going undefeated in three matches and scoring 10 goals in the process.

Lawson (pictured) is confident United have now turned the corner in their bid to claim the UniBond First Division North title.

He said: “We have had a smashing week really, we are back on track. We have scored 10 goals and conceded just two, it has been very reassuring especially in view of the player movement we have had.

“Tuesday night’s result (0-0 at league leaders Durham City) was absolutely fantastic, I was delighted with it. An awful lot of people put themselves out on the day, losing time from work to make the 3pm coach, travelling three hours up there. We then had to play on a plastic surface against the team who are top of the league. Overall it was a fantastic show of commitment, I am made up with the lads and what a great game it was and a fair result. It would have been harsh on either team not to have got a point, they are a quality side but we cancelled each other out.

“Without a shadow of a doubt getting the George transfer situation sorted is a massive weight lifted from our shoulders. The issue has been looming over the club for a quite some time now but we are made up for George. The players are made up for him and know they all contributed to what is a life changing situation, he has done everyone proud but we must move on now.”

Skem welcome Colwyn Bay to the Skem and Ormskirk College Stadium on Saturday before they travel to Radcliffe Borough on Tuesday night in a dress rehearsal of the Lancashire Co-op Challenge Trophy final later this month.

Lawson believes that the draw at Durham and the impressive wins against Mossley and Clitheroe are evidence that his side are ready to launch an assault on the pacesetters in the division.

He added: “The Mossley game was a real confidence booster as we put the poor results behind us. The way we approached the game was great, I have never seen the dressing room so determined, there was no way in the world they were going to lose that game.

“The Clitheroe game, away from home, was against a side with promotion aspirations but we peppered them.

“Colwyn Bay are one of the form teams just now but we know what to expect and it promises to be another fabulous game. The games are coming thick and fast at the moment but we feel like we have turned the corner.”