Lawson demands quick reaction

Skelmersdale United manager Tommy Lawson is determined to see his Evo-Stik Northern Premier League side bounce back at Curzon Ashton on Saturday after suffering their first league defeat of the season.

Lawson, pictured, labelled their performance during Tuesday’s 4-1 midweek reverse at Burscough as 'unacceptable' and is challenging his players to 'turn up' in the weekend's Evo-Stik NPL First Division North clash at the Tameside Stadium or face a second disappointment.

Lawson said: "Hunger, desire and quality were all missing from the performance on Tuesday night. Collectively and individually we had a bad day. When we play these teams we have got to match their enthusiasm and have a work ethic before the quality can come through. We have not got to where we are this season by just turning up.

"What this group of players have achieved this season is unprecedented and rightly they have taken all of the plaudits. And at the start of the season would I have accepted just one defeat and two draws by the start of February? Of course I would. But on Tuesday night only one or two players achieved the standards they are capable of and the rest of the team were poor."