Stourbridge head off up the M6 for the first time this season when they visit Skelmersdale United this Saturday. Kick-off is at 3.00 pm.
Following on from Monday night's narrow defeat at Ilkeston, manager Gary Hackett will be looking for his side to establish some defensive security against one of the early front-runners.
"Skem" began the new season with three wins, including an impressive 3-1 triumph at Ilkeston on the opening day. Having followed that up with home wins against Workington (2-0) and Halesowen Town (1-0), they will have been a little disappointed to lose their 100% record and suffer a first reverse of the season on Tuesday night, when Buxton ran out 2-1 winners at the Silverlands.
Those dropped points on Tuesday night mean that Skelmersdale currently sit third in the table on 9 points, behind Blyth Spartans, who now maintain the only 100% record from four matches, and Nantwich Town, who, along with Ilkeston, Buxton and Matlock Town, also have nine points from a possible 12.
Honours were even between Stourbridge and Skelmersdale last season. One of Drew Canavan's trademark free kicks proved to be the only goal of the game at the War Memorial Ground in early December, against a visiting team at that time heading the table, whist the return match on the final day of the season saw Skem come from behind to cancel out Chris Lait's early goal for the Glassboys and win 2-1.
That result mean that Skelmersdale ended the season in 7th place, eight points off a play-off berth. Aftre leading the table for a large part of the season, they will no doubt be disappointed not to have sustained their promotion challenge, and their form already this season suggests that they are intending to put that right this time around.
ADMISSION PRICES AT SKELMERSDALE UNITED
Adults....................................£9
Seniors..................................£5
Children.................................£1 (with paying adult)
TRAVEL DETAILS
A club coach is running to this match, departing from the War Memorial Ground at 10.45 am. Seats can be booked, subject to availability, by contacting Jim McComish on 07966 568767 (after 5.00pm on weekdays).
Bookings are taken on a strictly first-come, first-served basis.
The fare is £10 for Members and £15 for Non-Members.
For supporters making their own way to the match, the address of the ground is as follows:
Skelmersdale United FC
The West Lancashire College Stadium
Selby Place
Skelmersdale
Lanchashire
WN8 8EF
Directions to the ground can be found at the following link:
http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/skelmersdaleunited/a/how-to-find-us-41228.html