Skem suffer ref justice

Sep 18 2008 by Philip Kirkbride, Skelmersdale Advertiser

A FUMING Tommy Lawson has blamed a match official for Saturday’s painful FA Cup exit.

Skelmersdale United lost 1-0 at Frickley Athletic at the weekend after the UniBond Premier Division side were awarded a highly-disputed penalty.

Lawson has pointed the finger squarely at the influence of the assistant on the inexperienced referee.

Almost a week after the incident, manager Lawson is still seething at the decision that has cost his United side.

Lawson said: “Without a doubt the penalty decision changed the game.

“We spoke to the opposition management after the match and they were in agreement that it was a disgraceful decision - it was very, very disappointing.

“The ref was only a young lad and I think he had a good game, but the linesman gave the impression he resented him. He wanted to be more assertive and so gave the handball for the penalty.

“He also got Adam Birchall booked for swearing at him when this wasn’t the case and as the players were walking off the pitch Michael Duffy was sent off, on the word of the linesman.

“Not one of the Frickley players appealed for the penalty and it effected the game in a massive, massive way - it was cruel.

“At the very, very least we should have got a replay.

“I hope Frickley do well but the bottom line is a small club like ours has had a potential financial bonus taken away from us.

“I thought the lads were smashing on Saturday and the Frickley people said it will not be long before we are playing in their division.”

Lawson will now have to shrug off the disappointment of their cup exit and concentrate of the arrival of UniBond First Division North leaders Ossett Albion to West Lancashire on Saturday.

The Skem boss is expecting a clash of similar styles when the Yorkshire club travel to the Skem and Ormskirk College stadium and is looking to better the two draws achieved against them last season.

He added: “We had two draws against them last season and they are a very, very physical side who also play good football - they are not a kick and rush team.

“Aaron Turner, Lee Kelly and Chris Almond are likely to miss out through injury but on the positive side, Adam Wade came through Saturday unscathed and Paul Prescott should be fine.”

In other team news, Lawson confirmed that Steve Akrigg’s shoulder surgery was a success.