Lawson fears for title tilt

Skelmersdale United's Tommy Lawson is praying for better weather after admitting he's starting to worry about his title-chasing side's increasing backlog of fixtures.

The Evo-Stik Northern Premier League was all but wiped out again on Saturday leaving Lawson's squad with 25 games to squeeze in before the end of the regular season on April 27.

Skem should have hosted Wakefield on Saturday in Evo-Stik NPL First Division North before the onset of more snow on Friday put paid to another chance to return to action. But Lawson is taking heart from the strength of his squad to cope with the demands of a congested run-in and pointed to teenager Andy Griffiths as a perfect example of the depth he has to help cope with the expected strain.

The 19-year-old was recalled from a spell at Atherton LR this week to help fill the gap left by the injured Aaron Turner and Lawson insists he has 'half a dozen' more young players out on loans he'd feel comfortable about calling upon.

Lawson is also delighted with the loyalty shown by keeper Sam Ashton after he turned down a chance to play at Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division Chorley.

Labelling Ashton the 'best goalkeeper in our division', he said: "Chorley came in for Sam Ashton but he has told them he is staying here. Naturally, the club is delighted with that.

"Sam is the best goalkeeper in the division and though having teams like Chorley come in and try and pinch your players is not what you want, it comes with the territory and is something we have had to deal with year in, year out.

"Since Sam has come to the club he has been a model player. He doesn't miss training, he’s 100 per cent committed and some of his performances this season have been outstanding."