Skelmersdale United FC manager Tommy Lawson eager for Lancashire Co-op Challenge Trophy success but says they must prioritise the UniBond First Division North

Mar 26 2009 by Philip Kirkbride, Skelmersdale Advertiser

SKEM manager Tommy Lawson says he will dedicate a Lancashire Co-op challenge Trophy Final win to the fans - but wants them to be aware the league is still the priority.

United take on Radcliffe Borough in the county showpiece at Leyland FC on Tuesday night, and as eager as Lawson is to lift some silverware he admits a backlog of fixtures and injuries may force him to prioritise their title ambitions.

The UniBond First Division North high-flyers picked up four more points this week following a 3-0 win against Colwyn Bay on Saturday and Tuesday night’s 1-1 at final opponents Borough.

Radcliffe’s injury-time equaliser left Lawson shell shocked but he was quick to praise his side’s current revival which has seen them move into third place in the league.

Lawson (pictured) said: “The final promises to be every bit as enthralling as Tuesday night’s game. It is a cup final and we will go into it in a positive manner because we want to pick up the pot, we are not there to make the numbers up. But we are in a situation where we play Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday this week and so have got to be mindful of one or two players with niggles.

“For example we have told Chris Almond he needs another two weeks rest because further down the line, whether it be for the title or in the play-offs, then we are going need to field our strongest 11.

“But we owe it to the spectators because it is every bit as important to them as it is for us, I am not selling the game short and want them to enjoy the occasion.

“I was very, very disappointed with Tuesday night. I thought we controlled the game very, very well, defended when we needed to and created chances, particularly in the first half.