By George Newell

Skelmersdale United ran out 2-0 winners against Northwich Victoria on Saturday to stay within a point of league leaders, Macclesfield.

The win marks United’s sixth consecutive home win, a run they will hope to keep going if they are to recapture top spot.

However, they remain firmly in the driving seat for the promotion play-off spot, currently sitting five points clear of Wythenshawe Town in third.

A perfect blend of youth and experience

While some may not have expected to see Skelmersdale in the thick of the title race this late on in the season, goalkeeper and captain Ben Barnes insists it has come as no surprise to the squad.

He said: “I think, as a group we have known from pre-season that the manager has put together a really strong squad that should be right up there – we have a really good mix of youth and experience.

“The spine of the team has all played at a much higher level and when you mix that with the young talent we have added in, then we always believed we could give it a good go this season.

“The gaffer [Paul McNally] has also done a really good job of retaining players from previous years so not only do we have a really good mix on the pitch, but we have it in the dressing room as well.”

Playing out from the back

One of the most eye-catching elements of Skem’s season has been their determination to play out from the back, and the confidence with which they have done it.

As goalkeeper Barnes is the catalyst for this brand of football and has helped to create a feeling of comfortability with it.

“I didn’t start playing in goal until I was 15, and had been playing as a central midfielder up until that point, so I’ve always been confident with the ball at my feet.

“I’ve also spent the last 15 years playing outfield on a Sunday for various teams, partly due to the fact that it helps me as a ‘keeper.

“I think for a lot of goalkeepers it’s a question of confidence rather than ability and that’s something that comes with experience.

“It’s also really important to have confidence in your outfield players.

“Fortunately, I’ve played with [Callum] Grogan, Joe [Herbert] and Kenny [Strickland] at other clubs and know that they can receive the ball under pressure and make good decisions.

“Likewise, Callum Lee has come in and shown his ability on the ball which helps massively.

“Obviously, it’s great when you have the backing from the gaffer as well and Paul has stated his intention to build from the back, right the way throughout this season.”

With Skelmersdale being a permanent fixture at the business end of the table, the decision to adapt this modern style of football has clearly been a good one.

The Blueboys had led the NWCFL Premier Division until back-to-back defeats against Macclesfield and Wythenshawe dropped them back into second place at the start of February.

However, Barnes is confident there will be a chance to displace Macclesfield in the remaining eight games.

He said: “Obviously, we have had amazing consistency throughout this season to be keeping up with Macclesfield and their budget.

“But after losing to them and Wythenshawe, it’s something we are looking to get back for the remaining eight games.

“I still believe there are twists and turns to come in the run-in.”

Charnock Richard could also pose a threat to Skem’s promotion hopes.

They currently sit nine points behind McNally’s side but have the luxury of two games in hand.

However, it is without doubt Macclesfield who are the biggest talking point in the run-in.

The Silkmen

Founded in October 2020, after Macclesfield Town were dissolved due to financial trouble, The Silkmen are now determined to get back into the Football League and have former Wales international Robbie Savage as their Director of Football.

Their journey has even been made into a BBC documentary: “Making Macclesfield FC.”

Due to their strong financial backing, they have divided opinions amongst fans in the league but Barnes feels that on the whole they have been good for the league.

He said: “I think they are having a positive impact on the league.

“The attendance for their home games is fantastic and will be the biggest crowd many players in this league will ever play in front of so it’s brilliant from that perspective.

“Also, the money being generated from their away games is huge for clubs at this level and can provide a much-needed boost after the last few broken seasons.”

Although, Barnes believes some Macclesfield fans have not been a welcome addition to the league.

He said: “I do however think that there is a small minority of fans, who seem to be very loud on social media, who do not portray the club in the best light.

“I don’t think this small section of fans appreciate how much of a community, and family, the lower levels of non-league are.

“Yes, we want to beat each other but we also like to see each other thrive and do well.

“It’s just that type of league.”

The November Goalkeeper of the Month winner has experienced some of this misconduct first-hand.

He said: “When you’ve got disorder like coin throwing (which I’ve been on the receiving end of), and genuinely hate-filled chants, rather than the usual football banter at this level then it makes you think they should just give it up and go and watch some league football where that type of behaviour belongs.”

However, Barnes insists that this isn’t an extra motivation for the players.

He said: “The only thing we are focusing on is ourselves – we cannot control anything Macclesfield do.

“We all want to win the league, without doubt, but the bigger picture for the club is promotion and progression.

“We can’t forget that Charnock, and Wythenshawe, are still within striking distance of us.

“It’s going to be an interesting eight games!”

The first of those eight games is a trip to Avro on Wednesday, where Barnes and co. will be looking to improve on the 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture.

(Featured image by permission from Paul Moran)

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