Skelmersdale United manager Tommy Lawson admits to being shell shocked at his side’s exit from the UniBond First Division North play-offs

Apr 30 2009 by Philip Kirkbride, Skelmersdale Advertiser

Skelmersdale United manager Tommy Lawson admits to being shell shocked at this side’s exit from the UniBond First Division North play-offs

SKELMERSDALE United manager Tommy Lawson has admitted to being “shell shocked” following his side’s play-off exit but says he feels immense pride after an epic season, writes Phil Kirkbride.

United were dramatically knocked out of the UniBond First Division North play-offs on Tuesday night following a 1-0 defeat to Curzon Ashton, three days after being 10 minutes from winning the title.

Requiring leaders Durham City to drop points in their game at Woodley Sports on Saturday, Skem were comfortably beating Curzon Ashton in the final league fixture of the campaign and with 80 minutes on the clock City were being held 3-3.

However Steven Richardson’s late goal sent the championship to the north east and left Lawson’s men having to pick themselves up for one more charge at promotion into the UniBond Premier Division.

But, Philip Edghill’s 84th minute strike sent Curzon through to this weekend’s final and left Skem and their fans dealing with a “traumatic” week.

Lawson (pictured) said: “I am shell shocked, it has been a traumatic end to the season for us but I am very, very proud of what the players have served up in what have been difficult circumstances.

“They have been asked to go above and beyond with the amount of games they have been asked to play.

“It was a cruel end, we were 10 minutes from winning the title on Saturday but when we heard they had scored you can understand the frustration.