No game, no problem!

By David Watters

Hearing that their EVO-STIK Northern Premier League clash at Skelmersdale United had been called off didn't stop a team of hardy Marine fans and officials from completing a sponsored walk to Stormy Corner on Christmas Monday.

Led by Mariners chairman Paul Leary, pictured right sporting a jacket from the EVO-STIK NPL's range of benchwear, the walkers were well over halfway from the Marine Travel Arena when the Premier Division fixture was called off at lunchtime after earlier being given the go-ahead by match officials.

The Mariners, who were "fed and watered" and even received a donation from their apologetic hosts on arrival after setting off on the 14 mile trek at 8am, were walking to the West Lancashire College Stadium to raise funds for the club's ongoing ground appeal.

After fans funded the recent completion of a £12,500 new boardroom under their main stand, club officials say the proceeds from the winter walk will pay for the demolition of one of the old timber buildings to the front of the stadium in order to install new boundary fencing.

Donations can be made online at www.groundappeal.co.uk or sent directly to the club secretary Richard Cross. Cheques should be made payable to 'Marine FC Ground Appeal' and posted to Richard Cross, 74 Elvington Road, Hightown, Liverpool L38 9AN.

* Skelmersdale United officials are appealing for help on Twitter from local fencing companies after the winter storms wrecked barriers at their ground. "Any fencing companies in the area who can help us out after the storm damage please get in touch," tweeted the club. "Perimeter fence all but gone at one end."

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Where next?

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