All the latest action from the Skem Sunday League

Apr 23 2009 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

Skem Utd4

Salford City1

UNITED maintained their charge for the title at the expense of Salford City, writes Frank Hughes.

Indeed, Salford were determined enough and managed to take the lead in the 11th minute having absorbed early pressure.

Salford’s quick throw found Steve Foster who dropped his shoulder and turned Steve Akrigg before sending the ball past Ryan McMahon.

Chris Almond headed wide Kyle Armstrong’s cross, and Kevin Towey volleyed just inches over the crossbar, as Skem upped the tempo.

A great run by Shaun Foster would’ve been complemented well with a shot, but in the end he was squeezed out of the equation by the two centre halves. He won a corner for his efforts, but Salford defended the aerial battle very well.

Mark Houghton’s pace was causing City problems, and in a move which involved Adam Birchall the ball was eventually fed to Chris Almond on the penalty spot, but just as he primed himself up for a shot, the ball bobbled, and Almond’s shot was screwed wide of the woodwork.

United were rather fortunate not to concede a second goal early in the second half, when a mix-up in communication between White and McMahon led to confusion.

Rudd and Tandy took receipt of the ball, but their shots forced a double save out of McMahon. However, the ball was cleared as far as Steve Foster who saw his shot cleared off the line by Steve Akrigg.

If Salford were feeling hard done by, then Skem were equally unlucky in the 54th minute when Mark Houghton’s shot was also cleared off the line.

Houghton was compensated in the 57th minute when he was brought down in the penalty box, as Michael White dispatched the resultant spot kick.

Two minutes later fortune shone on Skelmersdale when Mike Flynn headed Martin Crowder’s free kick into the back of his own net.

Adam Birchall’s flying header was palmed over by the keeper in the 79th minute, and almost immediately at the other end Stuart Rudd’s header was tipped over the bar by Ryan McMahon.

Nevertheless, United continued to lay siege in Salford’s half and they eventually buckled under the pressure in the 84th minute.

Kevin Towey’s run down the wing went unhindered and as a result he was allowed the time to cut a pass inside to Houghton, who in turn found Aaron Turner who made no mistake as he planed the ball beyond the hapless keeper.

United completed the rout in the 90th minute when Almond’s unselfish square ball was stroked home by Mark Houghton at close range.

Durham still lead the table win a one point advantage, but Skem have their game in hand on Thursday when they entertain Newcastle Blue Star.