Despite a rousing victory, Skem United had to settle for second place and the play-offs

Apr 30 2009 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

Curzon Ashton0

Skem Utd4

UNITED were hoping for Woodley to do them a favour and beat Durham City and hand them the title, and with Skem 2-0 ahead and Woodley leading against City at half time, the dream looked like a possibility.

United did their job, but a second half fight back by Durham meant that Skem were destined for the play-offs for the second year running.

Skem took the lead in fourth minute.

Mark Houghton made a magnificent run into the danger area beating three players in the process, and was brought down just as he played a through ball to Adam Birchall. The referee allowed play to go on and thankfully Adam managed to slot the ball home from close range.

United were two up in the 12th minute when Steve Akrigg headed home Kyle Armstrong’s cross at the far post, and a minute later news came through that Woodley were leading 1-0.

Durham had levelled the score but within five minutes, Woodley had got their noses in front again, and the Skem supporters were once again dreaming of the impossible.

As Michael Duffy departed the pitch with an injury, the news was that Durham were 3-1 down, and that’s the way the scores remained at the end of the first half.

United came out in the second half believing the unlikely might just turn into reality.

Meanwhile Durham managed to reduce Woodley’s lead in the 54th minute, and went on to level matters in the 66th minute.

Mark Houghton scored his 29th goal of the season in the 69th minute.

Kyle Armstrong’s long clearance found Kevin Towey who in turn squared the ball to Houghton who only had the keeper to beat. Once he spotted Carnell advancing towards him he simply lifted the ball over him and the ball sailed into the back of the net.

Paul Prescott scored with his first touch of the game in the 80th minute, but the celebrations were muted as news came through that Durham had taken the lead at Woodley for the first time.

Seconds after United strolled to their 26th win of the season, news came through on the tannoy that Durham had done enough at Woodley to secure the Championship title.

United hung around for the runners-up trophy, but as much as they’ve earned the right to be recognised as the second best team in the league with a 13-point advantage over their nearest rivals Newcastle Blue Star, it will count for nothing if they fail to do the business in the play-offs.

M.O.M. Mark Houghton

Skem: McMahon, Duffy (12. Morrison 43) Crowder, Akrigg, White, Turner, Wade (17. Walker 78) Birchall, Houghton (15. Prescott 75) Armstrong. Subs Not Used: 14. Moore. 16. Robinson.