Thursday 27th August 2020 18.43
PSF
Winstanley Warriors 2 Skelmersdale United 3 HT: 2-3 Att: 50
from Little Lane
The original plan for this rare Thursday fixture was to go to FC St Helen’s of the Cheshire League. Dave had spotted they had a perimeter bar (times were desperate). Then I spotted fellow Cheshire leaguers Winstanley also at home and, looking on Google Maps, a stone’s throw away. It had the advantage of a 6.30 kick off, though. We couldn’t have chosen two worse days this week to watch football. As with Tuesday and Whalley Range, today was relentless rain again and the fear of a postponement.
This made the 6.30 ko a more strategic choice – any problems there, we could shoot down the road to St Helen’s for the 6.45 ko.
This turned out well as, to our astonishment, Winstanley had a stand, and not just your factory default 50-seater Arena jobbie, but an original Meccano-esque terrace. There was also a very welcoming snack bar and toilets, selling food and hot drinks. It was a great setup for the Cheshire League.
Winstanley were promoted to the Cheshire Premier just last year, using PPG averages, along with Garswood United. They were well clear anyway, PPG or not. Their opponents tonight were NWCL Premier club Skelmersdale United, who brought along a few fans with them.
Winstanley, the area, lies to the south west of Wigan, quite a way from the centre, but the football ground lies in Little Lane which is actually in Goose Green.
There was no charge for the game tonight, despite the higher opposition. Once again, the quality of football was surprisingly good. The hosts raced into the lead when a poor kick out was intercepted, crossed back into the area, where the ball was controlled and hooked over the keeper.
With less then four minutes played a killer Skem throughball was converted easily for 1-1. A highly entertaining end to end first half saw Sken score two more before Winstanley got one back, to set up an interesting second half.
The second half didn’t live up to the first and no more goals were scored, but overall another competitive and watchable friendly at a smart venue.
The Groundhog 