AMATEUR CUP WINNERS
HONOURS BOARD Amateur Cup Winners 1970-71
Peter Frankish, Stan Allen, Robin Poole, John Turner, Wally Bennett, Alan McDermott, Alan Swift, Alan Wolfe, Ted Dicken, Peter Hardcastle, Paul Clements, Andy Windsor. Terry Crosbie, Roy Rees Tony Saunders Tony Williams
United’s main goal was again the Amateur Cup, even in the early season it was a well-known fact that United were to move to the Northern Premier League and that this was going to be the last tilt at the elusive Cup win. Early season form was good, a first day victory at Stalybridge by the unlikely score of 4-0, Ted Dicken ‘hat trick’ and one from Paul Clements saw United beat last season’s third placed side. Port Vale Reserves came to White Moss Park on 5 th September, previously unbeaten and conceding only 4 goals in the last 5 matches, 2 up after the first half United ran riot, Dicken was in the goals again scoring 6, along with strikes by Turner, Clements and Hammill set up a remarkable 9-0 victory.
United gained top spot again at Christmas, as Marine 3-0 (Dicken hat trick), Hyde United were sent packing 4-0 at White Moss Park and a 2-1 win at Buxton (Turner, Clements). But all eyes were on January’s Amateur Cup fixture against Spennymoor It was announced in early January that twelve United players had been selected to represent the Liverpool County FA, Crosbie, Turner, Allen, Poole, Bennett, McDermott, Halliday, Windsor, Hardcastle, Clements, Dicken and Wolfe. It was becoming increasingly difficult to keep the players fresh, United were not just chasing the Amateur Cup but also the League championship for a third successive season, and the Lancashire Challenge Trophy. They were also still involved in the Cheshire League Challenge Trophy, The Liverpool Senior Non-League Cup.
ROY REES Born in South Wales, After a playing career that took in three seasons at Burscough between 1962/63 & 1964/65, Roy turned to coaching, becoming manager of Prescot Cables before moving to Skelmersdale United in May 1968. Roy is best known in these parts as the man who went down to Wembley in 1971 and brought the FA Amateur Cup to Skelmersdale, but that is only the tip of the iceberg as far as what Roy achieved in a life steeped in football.
1970 Back row-Tony Williams, Tony Saunders, Alan McDermott, Wally Bennett, Terry Crosbie, Alan Wolfe, Ted Dicken, Alan Swift. Front row-Stan Allen, Andy Windsor, Paul Clements, Roy Rees, John Turner, Steve Heighway, Geoff Bradley. With the Lancashire Junior Cup, Lancashire Floodlit Trophy and Cheshire League Championship Trophy. He arrived at White Moss Park from Prescot Cables in 1968, taking over as manager from Cyril Done. The club already had a high reputation after the trip to Wembley in 1967, but Roy picked up the mantle and took the club further than any manager before or since has. In Roy’s first season Skelmersdale won the Cheshire League and reached the semi-final of the FA Amateur Cup. In season two, it was the Cheshire League title again and the semi-final in the Amateur Cup, adding the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy for good measure. In 1971, Roy brought the dreamed of challis to White Moss Park, defeating Dagenham at Wembley thanks to a hat-trick from Ted Dickin and another from Andy Windsor. 1971/72 was Roy’s last with United. The club had joined the Northern Premier League, were they found life more difficult, but the season did have one remarkable highlight. The winners of the Amateur Cup qualified to play for a competition called the Coppa Ottorino Barassi, in
which Skelmersdale would play Montelluna from Northern Italy. Skelmersdale won the first leg at White Moss 2-0, then on the 3rd October, 1971 they took to the field in Italy under Roy’s tutelage, although, they lost 1-0, Skelmersdale United’s only ever European adventure, had ended in victory, 2-1. Another aspect of Roy’s time at Skelmersdale was the quality of player he introduced to the club, among the players he managed during his time, were future stars; Steve Heighway, Micky Burns and Peter Suddaby. Roy left to join Altrincham, along with his Assistant from United Tony Williams and Tony Saunders they didn’t do so badly their either. Beating Hartlepool and Scunthorpe in the FA Cup and sending out his side against Everton at Goodison Park a game they drew. He also spent a season in charge of Welsh side Bangor City before moving to the States. Roy went to on to become a famous name in the United States. Becoming the U.S. Under17 men's national coach directing the Americans to four World Cups at that age level, Rees was co-founder of the Houston Texans and helped create the Dallas Texans. and was one of the pioneers of what might be called the ‘modern’ [post-1984 Olympics] period of U.S. Soccer He managed: Sudan, Iceland, Iraq and Algeria as well as coaching the USA under 19’s. He later co wrote with Cor Van Der Meer “Coaching Soccer Successfully”, a text that is described as; “the best book in 30 years on soccer coaching.” Roy passed away in November 2011
THE ROAD TO WEMBLEY, SO FAR Ted Dicken opened United’s account on their way to Wembley in a 1-1 draw at Spennymoor, the replay with goals from Clements 2, Dicken, Wolfe & Swift saw United breeze through With the local press reporting “This was the Skelmersdale that the fans have been waiting for all season” Sutton Coldfield were no match for a rampant United, a one sided game ended 3-0, Clements again on the score sheet along with Hardcastle & Dicken. Again a long trip to the North East and Tow Law Town, Hardcastle with United’s goal in a 1-1 stalemate, United’s entry into their third Amateur Cup quarter final in as many seasons…”only by a wafer thin margin” did they oust the gritty north easterners at the second attempt. Andy Windsor hooked his shot over the Tow Law keeper’s head and with 2,000 plus crowd watched for what seemed an eternity as the ball bounced over the line. The injury sustained by Terry Crosbie in the closing minutes of the game turned out to be a broken arm, Terry was to miss the rest of the season. All eyes where now focused on the Southern League giants “Wycombe Wanderers”
John Turner & Ted Dicken wait to pounce
Ted & Alan Swift, celebrate after Paul Clements hits United’s 4th v Spennymoor The Supporters Celebrate.
Above, Peter Hardcastle with a diving header gives United the lead against Sutton. Below Alan McDermott and Ted Dicken celebrate the winning goal against Tow Law.
WYCOMBE Round 4 CUP SEMI FINALISTS FOR 3rd YEAR Wycombe Wand 0 Skelmersdale Utd 3 March 13th 1971 Two defensive giants in a team hell bent on reaching Wembley in their last season as an amateur club steered all conquering Skelmersdale United into the semi-final of the FA Amateur Cup for the third year running. Ted Dicken a centre forward with a neverending appetite for goals and inside right Alan Wolfe may have shattered the pride of the Isthmian league with an unbelievable three second half goals. As far as I am concerned the foundation to this incredible victory was laid in the first 45 minutes by the brilliance of defenders John Turner and Wally Bennett. They covered themselves with glory, repelling an initial Wycombe onslaught which threatened to end their cup hopes there and then. Writes John Yates. After 52 minutes they struck with a simple looking goal, and brought about one of the most amazing transformations I have ever seen in a cup tie. Wycombe renowned for their ability to strike from set pieces were given a lesson in the art they considered themselves past masters of. Wolfe glided across a corner from the right and Dicken standing on the far post moved forward and headed the ball into the net. Nearly 10,000 home fans were stunned into an eerie silence,there were further shocks in store as the Cheshire League champions clicked into gear and
started to hand out a footballing lesson to the Isthmian league aristocrats. McDermott’s cunning 25 yards lob deceived the keeper and crashed against the crossbar before being whisked away as Paul Clements was ready to pounce. There were groans of despair from the band of United supporters congregated behind the Wycombe goal as the chance disappeared but this turned to glee as Dicken pounced again after 75 minutes. Then just to add salt to the wounds, United finished their second half demolition job with a third goal sixty seconds from time. Hardcastle created a one two and Dicken was left with picking his spot. Victory by three goals may have flattered Skelmersdale but there is no denying the right to meet Leatherhead in Saturday’s semi-final at Bolton. They paced their game superbly and were still going strong at the end. Wycombe were mentally and physically exhausted and virtually on their knees. United team: Frankish, Allen, Poole, Turner, Bennett, McDermott, Swift, Wolfe, Dicken, Hardcastle, Clements. Sub Windsor for Swift 65 mins
30 years later on 8th April 2001, Wycombe now a mid-table side in Division two of the Football League reached the FA Cup Semi Final. Their opposition were Liverpool, and the venue was Villa Park. Wycombe had sold almost 19,500 tickets for the match and, despite the insurmountable odds, they ran Liverpool very, very close going down 2-1. United meanwhile the same weekend, just 105 supporters were at White Moss Park watching a Kevin Leadbetter goal sink Flixton in the North West Counties League .
Above, United’s first goal Dicken (obscured) pokes in from a corner, Turner, Clements and Wally Bennett await to celebrate. Below, John Turner soars above the Wycombe defence, while Alan Swift wait to pounce.
LEATHERHEAD SEMI FINAL TEAM SPIRIT GIVES UNITED LAST CHANCE OF THE CUP. Skelmersdale Utd 2 Leatherhead 0 20th March 1971 Roll out the red carpet, serve the sparkling champagne, Skelmersdale United are Wembley bound once again on 24th April. Two golden second half goals from Ted Dicken and Andy Windsor unbolted the gateway to the Empire Stadium for the second time in four years and more than compensated for the bitter memories of two previous semi final defeats.No one among the 7,985 crowd at Burnden Park could deny United their tremendous victory. Writes John Yates. Leatherhead who for long periods played only two forwards up field hoping for a smash and grab goal, Their thoughts were on a Reading replay almost from the opening whistle, as seven and sometimes eight green shirts funnelled back into the penalty area in an effort to frustrate the United attack. For seventy minutes the back to the wall plan worked a treat, but then Alan Wolfe whose midfield grafting had been second to none exploded on the scene and the twin towers and the lush green turf of Wembley were no longer just a dream. Ploughing forward through the mud like a one man armada, the inside right set his sights on goal and from fully 25 yards unleashed a vicious looking shot.
Cuthbert in the Leatherhead goal was left stranded by the sheer pace of the drive but for one agonising moment it looked as though the chance was lost as the ball thudded the underside of the bar bounced down and into play, groans of despair were followed seconds later by scenes of ecstasy as 35 goal Dicken always ready to snap up half a chance beat Cuthbert to the rebound to force the ball home. The second a powerfully struck drive had Cuthbert on his knees as he gathered the skidding ball to his chest. Leatherheads only clear-cut chance before the interval was engineered by Davies in the early minutes, hoodwinked the United defence for an astute pass for Lavery to chase, keeper Frankish bravely left his line to block the shot and fullback Stan Allen showing coolness under pressure cleverly footballed his way out of trouble as the ball bounced loose. United team: Frankish, Allen, Poole, Turner, Bennett, McDermott, Windsor, Wolfe, Dicken, Hardcastle, Clements. Sub Swift.
Quote from Alan Wolfe on the shot that lead to the opening goal. “It was a million to one against it happening two years on the run. I thought it was more over the line than against Enfield last year, but it didn’t matter in the end. Paul Clements, who was injured after just ten minutes “It was murder watching the game from the touchline…the minutes seemed an eternity at the end”. Bill Gregson, “It was just one big pressure on Leatherhead. It was obvious that the goals were going to come and they did. It’s great to be going to Wembley again”.
Ted Dicken wheels away after scoring United’s first Ted’s at it again left, United players celebrate With a well earned bath.
Liverpool Echo Friday 23rd April – by Albert Draper
Skem's last chance to win Amateur Cup This is it. It must be Skelmersdale now —or, literally, never.
There are only a few weeks left before the club declare themselves a professional outfit, so if they don't lift the Amateur Cup now, they never will. But they will. In fact, stick neck out and sad hat if the don't win at the first attempt I shall he much surprised. For one thing, this is not 1967. I'm not under-rating Skem's Cup heroes of four years ago but this time there is a greater expertise in the team. a greater know-how of the Amateur Cup and Amateur Cup opposition. particularly Southern teams. Roy Rees has watched Dagenham, and during this week in tactical talks with his players. he laid plans to exploit weaknesses and to deal with Dagenham's strong points. "On the basis of these talks I believe victory will come at Wembley." said Roy. Skem's manager is the master tactician. At Spennymoor in the first round when things were going wrong, it was his pep-talk in the interval which brought a Skem revival and replay. At Wycombe, regarded as the South's leading amateur side, it was his planning executed by a well-disciplined team that yielded a great 3-0 triumph. And I believe he will be the architect behind Skem's greatest triumph tomorrow. In the last analysis of course, battles are won on the field. It is here that expect John Turner to play a leading role. He is a shrewd captain and has an unruffled composure at the back which even the tension of playing at Wembley is unlikely to disturb. I don't foresee much trouble for Skem's back four. That is why Skem must start favourites. It looks as though Skem will have the bigger following despite their 200-mile trip compared with Dagenham's 20. Almost all of the club's 18,000 ticket allocation has been sold and chairman Bill Gregson reports a tremendous interest in the team from all parts of the country. There's even a party of 40 from the little town of Caistor in Lincolnshire— but these are going to Wembley mainly to cheer on local hero Peter Frankish Mr. Gregson. confident not only of his team's victory' but of their pulling power, believes there will be a bigger gate than last time when there were 75,000. The Wembley authorities, who prefer a North v. South battle for Amateur Cup finals, think a 60.000-plus gate likely. Whatever the gate they will, I feel sure, see a Skelmersdale triumph.
John Turner doesn't believe in pulling his punches when it comes to North v. South. lie declares quite flatly: "I don't think much of Southern teams or Southern players. barring one or two individual! who just go to prove the general rule. "Every time we have got on top, no Southern team has hit back at us. This was particularly noticeable at Wycombe. They are not like the teams from the North East, who never give up until the final whistle." John. now living in Derbyshire where he has a solicitor's practice. is very much the Northerner—and Lancastrian Born in St. Helens but living most of his 26 years in Rainhill. he went to Prescot Grammar School and then on to Manchester University. where he graduated in Law. He was on Liverpool's books in the Youth and "A" teams before joining Marine and eventually signing for Skem in 1968. Skelmersdale fans have been wondering somewhat anxiously, whether, in view of the distance. he will be turning out for United next season. I can set their fears at rest. "Although the travelling gets a bit hectic at this time of the year with so many matches. I shall be playing for Skelmersdale next season." he says. This, indeed. is good news, for in the tougher spheres of the Premier League. John's effective sweeping role will be invaluable.
TED DICKEN Skelmersdale have had more intellectuals in their team in the last few years than anyone else in these parts. In the last 12 months there have been Steve Heighway, B.A.. Peter Suddaby. B.Sc (Oxon). John Turner. LL.B. and, of course, Ted Dickin. Ph. D, B.Eng., lecturer in Civil Engineering at Liverpool University. The tall. fair-haired D.ickin is essentially a Liverpool University man. He was a student there and in a sense, you could say he graduated in amateur soccer there before widening his soccer horizons and joining, first, Marine in 1966 and then South Liverpool the following year. In those days and in his first season with Skem three years ago, he invariably filled the role of striker. And to some effect too as a 39-goal haul in one term for Marine will testify. At the start of last season he agreed to a switch to full-back, when Skem found themselves not too strong at the back. But after another shift in Skem's fortunes the following summer, Ted offered to revert to his original attacking role. this time wearing the No. 9 shirt. He's slammed in 42 goals to date, is leading non-League scorer hereabouts. Ted. 27, married, born Whiston and now living in Ormskirk, says he has never scored many goals in a season. "I would like to make it 50 before the end of the season. - he adds. A hat-trick at Wembley would do nicely for a start, Ted.
ANOTHER SATURDAY & SWEET FA - CALVIN WADE You might not know the author but you will know the name, Calvin Wade is the son of United legend Ritchie Wade In the summer of 2013, Calvin Wade, a man with football in his blood and very little in his wallet, decided to embark upon an F.A Cup adventure that he and his father had discussed for over thirty years. The idea was to head to a game in the Extra Preliminary Round of the F.A Cup and then follow the winners of each game, up and down the country, through every round, until eventually reaching the bright lights of Wembley and the F.A Cup Final. This is not only an autobiographical account of a nine-month journey through the 2013-14 footballing season, especially the F.A Cup, but it is also a story about family, friendship, financial struggle and a footballing past. It is about tales new and old with English Pele’s, a man known as 'The Casual Hopper' and football fans of all ages throughout the British Isles. With a foreword by former F.A Cup winning manager, Joe Royle, 'Another Saturday & Sweet F.A' seeks to show that Bill Shankly was right after all and sometimes football can be more important than life and death. * ---------------------
COACHING SOCCER SUCCESFULLY –ROY REES In the first edition of Coaching Soccer Successfully, Roy Rees and Cor van der Meer combined nearly 90 years of international experience for the ultimate coaching guide. Now they're back with a brand-new edition offering even more insight on the tactical side of the game. A former professional player in the English Football League, Roy Rees has more than 40 years of coaching at the youth, college, professional, and World Cup level. Cor van der Meer got his start in the Netherlands on the Dutch National Youth team, and now his career spans a half-century as a coach, player, and administrator. Together, these two veterans of the sport cover every aspect of the game, from tactical instruction to the planning, preparation, and performance evaluations essential for building a stronger team. Coaching Soccer Successfully is loaded with photographs, diagrams, and tactical options designed to give you the game-winning edge in actual match situations. From offense to defense, Coaching Soccer Successfully offers effective methods for teaching individuals, small groups, and whole squads with drills that make practice fun, interactive, and game like. This is an excellent guide to getting the job done, on and off the field.
They came like pilgrims, streaming south along the nation’s highways. A blue and white army, whole families, whole streets poured out of Skelmersdale on that rainy, overcast Saturday morning and set off for the capital. Convoys of coaches trundled along the motorways trailing scarves and banners and echoing to the strains of Wembley battle songs. Five weary hours and 200 miles later, they arrived For many, it was their first breath-taking view of Britain’s finest sports arena. The creamy coloured towers looked down majestically on the throng of supporters milling around, and scores of flags which fluttered from the parapets gave the occasion a carnival atmosphere. “Not a bit like what you see on the telly” remarked one young Skem fan. Both sets of supporters regarded one another with suspicion, each smiling inwardly at the others “strange” dialect. “Where’s Skelmersdale?, never heard of it” jibed the Dagenham crew in Cockney twang. Alan Fairhurst from Old Skem, remembers travelling down to Wembley on the train with six friends and a mini bar!!! The journey down went in no time and on the return, everyone was singing all the way home.
SKEMTASTIC DICKEN JOINS WEMBLEY IMMORTALS Skelmersdale Utd 4 Dagenham 1 FA Amateur Cup Final April 24th 1971. Ted Dicken joined such Wembley immortals as Geoff Hurst and Stan Mortensen with three goals, which earned him an illuminated congratulations on the scoreboard “Well done Ted Dicken. A fine hat trick” writes Geoff Howard. Skelmersdale the more professional, the better prepares, erased the scar of that 1967 defeat with a throttle hold on the game which only for two short periods looked anything like being snapped. For the connoisseur of goal scoring this was an Amateur Cup Final to take its place with the greatest in the history of the competition. There was a Dicken goal which had the hardened visitors to the Empire Stadium comparing it with moments at full international level and four others Dagenham’s included ranked not far behind it. Any goal coming after only five minutes is enough to set the opposition off on the wrong foot, Turner’s superbly flighted 40 yards ball to where Dicken and Dagenham captain Denis Moore were alone in the middle. By any standards he did well to beat Moore to the cross and Ian Huttley three or four yards of his line, saw the ball sail over his outstretched hands. Skelmersdale were to open the second half as they had the first, with an early goal, Turner swung a long centre in the middle. It dropped behind the Dagenham defence, Dicken, who had raced 15 yards hurtled full length in a horizontal dive which sent the ball flashing past Huttley. There was no answer to brilliance like that. Dicken’s goal was compared with the best seen at Wembley in recent years.
That goal came after 12 minutes, just five minutes later Windsor replaced Swift and almost immediately Bass took a short pass and with plenty of space in which to move hit a magnificent low shot into the corner of the net. Frankish had no chance.. 2-1 Clements’ centre dropped between two defenders, was only a half chance for Windsor but he made a courageous dive between them and saw his header bulge the netting For Windsor it was far from over as it was Windsor who set up Dicken’s third, collecting the ball near the halfway line, and still comparatively fresh, raced 45 yards with the Dagenham defenders trailing in his wake. He drew Huttley before slipping the ball across the face of the goal to Dicken. Dicken in fact seemed to have to have left it too late as he turned and lined up the ball for the shot, but when it left his boot it flew with absolute accuracy into the net. The closing stages saw Skelmersdale’s best football, partly because of the confidence of a commanding lead; they relaxed and began to stroke the ball around really effectively. Typical of the effort which the entire team put in was one incident in the dying minutes. Wally Bennett made a bad pass to Clements, who was robbed of the ball, instead of leaving to his defence to cope with the trouble, hared after the man in possession and took the ball of his toes United lined up, Frankish, Allen, Poole, Turner, Bennett, Mcdermott, Swift, Wolfe, Dicken, Hardcastle, Clements; Sub Windsor.
Above, Ted Dicken heads the first one home Below, Ted Dicken’s second, a diving header, amongst the best seen at Wembley
Above, Andy Windsor’s diving header on the way to bursting the back of the net. Below, Ted Dicken from an acute angle makes it 4
Shortly after being appointed manager of Skelmersdale United, Roy Rees promised that he would bring the Amateur Cup to Skelmersdale within four years….he went one better and did it in three, chairman Bill Gregson told a room packed with players, officials, guests and supporters at the Wembley celebration dinner in London on Saturday night. “We have won the FA Amateur Cup, something which I’m sure the entire population of Skelmersdale and district would ten years ago never have believed possible”, said the delighted Skem chairman, pointing to the magnificent trophy which had the place of honour at the top table. Mr Gregson, who was proposing the toast to the United players and managerial staff, paid tribute to them for the feat that had been achieved by teamwork. “What has resulted today has been Skelmersdale United’s greatest victory. I want to say a big thank you to the coach Tony Sanders for the wonderful job he has done and to our trainer Ted Williams for the part he has played. I must thank our groundsman and gatekeeper, supporters club and my directors for all their efforts they have each put into making this victory possible”. He also went on to mention appreciation to Liverpool Football club for their great work through out the week prior to the final in treating Peter Hardcastle’s injured ankle, to representatives of Wigan Athletic for giving Skelmersdale their support, and even to Skelmersdale coach driver Mr Derek Hunt. A celebration dinner was held in the Russell Hotel London. On the menu, orange and grapefruit cocktail followed by Contrefilet of beef fleuriste and Chocolate ice cream gateau. Following the speeches the entertainment was provided by former United chairman Harry Bolton-pianist and Mr Jim Coulton and his dog Rex !
This short article appeared in the muchmissed popular magazine “Goal” on 1st May 1971.
SKEM’S FIRST HALF OF A MERSEY DOUBLE? DAGENHAM must hate the sight of Wembley. Beaten 5-1 by Enfield in last year's Amateur Cup final, they crashed again last Saturday, this time 4-1 to Northern giants Skelmersdale United. Skelmersdale played with all the professionalism and flair that are the hallmarks of near-neighbours Liverpool, and have performed the first half of a possible Merseyside double. Said their manager Roy Rees: "Now we will be rooting for Steve Heighway, who played for us last season, and Liverpool, in the F.A. Cup final on May 8." Centre-forward Ted Dickin, 27-year-old university lecturer, was the Skelmersdale hero. He grabbed a superb hat-trick. Said Rees of his display: "He's a better fullback than he is a centreforward. But he's scored so many goals for us we've had to play him up front. It's a good job we did." Dickin's display brought into question once again the method of selection of England and Great Britain teams. The man who demoralised the best amateur side in the south of England with his non-stop running and powerful finishing hasn't been picked for England or Great Britain — sides dominated by southern players—this season. Roy Rees commented sarcastically, "He's scored 45 goals for us this season, but he's not
good enough for England. Steve Heighway wasn't good enough to play for England either. Now he's with Liverpool and been capped by Eire." This was Skelmersdale' s last chance to win the Amateur Cup. They turn professional this summer. But the tension of the task never showed in their football. Substitute Andy Windsor scored the other goal —Tony Bass got Dagenham's consolation goal—and Skem. proved with-out doubt they have the ability to do well in the Northern Premier League next season. Said Rees: "We are losing Paul Clements to Oldham, but the rest of the team will be with us next season, plus several professional players we've got lined up."
THERE WAS MORE TO
COME
The season however was not over as 4 days after the Final United regained the Lancashire Challenge Cup, for the second season faced Chorley in the semi’s, after a 1-1 draw at Victory Park United won the replay 4-2, to send the men in blue through to another Final against Wigan On the Wednesday after the Amateur Cup the two sides met at Chorley.
If the Amateur Cup had been all pomp and circumstance, the Lancashire Cup Final was all about blood and thunder, Fletchers Coaches ran a fleet of supporters to Chorley, full of middle-aged men and those out to cause a bit of bother with their Wigan counter parts. United supporters headed to the far side under the Chorley stands, joined by the Wigan contingent with a line of the “Boys in Blue” separating the fans. “Bring out the Champions” greeted the United side as they made their way onto the field. It was a thrilling atmosphere for a 11-year-old, allowed to go with his mates. The match was reported in the local press
UNITED’s MAGIC CASTS SPELL Skelmersdale Utd 3 Wigan Athletic 1 Lancashire Challenge Cup Final at Chorley 28th April 1971 Fresh from their Amateur Cup triumph, Skelmersdale United added another piece of silverware to their growing collection by tearing apart Wigan Athletic in the Final of the Lancashire Challenge Cup at Chorley. With a magical 40 minute second half spell of non stop aggression in which their football bubbled like a newly opened bottle of champagne, they reduced the newly crowned Northern Premier League champions to a fumbling and disjointed outfit and earned themselves the unofficial title of the finest non league club in the North West, amateur or semi professional. The atmosphere and setting may have lacked the glamour of Wembley but I rate this victory over Wigan a far greater achievement than the 4-1 scoreline five days previously. For United were faced with a leading contender for football league status, a side bristling with experience and professional know how and one seeking revenge for last seasons 2-1 reverse in last seasons final. Writes John Yates. Wigan were completely demoralised by United’s powers of recovery and long before the end were made to look second rate and anything but a squad capable of competing in the big time.
Wigan’s ex Blackpool star Graham Oates finally lifted life into the game with a 49th minute goal. The crucial blow had been struck but no one could have anticipated the dramatic turn of events which followed almost immediately as Wigan surrendered their lead, conceding two penalties in quick succession. The first 60 seconds after Wigan’s opener, Gordon Milne who had a shocking game brought down Alan Swift. Wembley hero Ted Dicken stepped up but his spot kick went straight at Reeves who gathered at the second attempt but drama unfolded as referee Whalley ruled the keeper had not been standing on his line and ordered the kick to be retaken, this time it was Alan Wolfe who stepped up by lashing the ball into the net. The tension and arguments had barely time to simmer before the 4,300 crowd witnessed a repeat performance. United full back Stan Allen playing as brilliantly as he did at Wembley, hooked over a ball from the right and for no apparent reason Sutherland fisted away. Dicken now restored to penalty duties hammered the ball into the bottom corner of the net. It was Dicken who clinched the issue with 12 minutes from time with a gem of a header. Wolfe somehow squeezed over a centre and Dicken soared through the air to glide a superb header past Reeves, by this stage Wigan were virtually on their knees and in the final minutes were humbled further as United played their own version of keepball which just added insult to injury. The United defence just swallowed up the Wigan attack and in left half Alan McDermott had an outstanding performer. Frankish, Allen, Poole, Turner, Bennett, McDermott, Windsor, Wolfe, Dicken, Swift, Clements. Sub Lunt. Ted Dicken became the proud scorer of 5 Cup Final goals in 5 days. The season was still not over as just a week after Wembley, and a midweek Lancashire Trophy win, United faced Ormskirk in the Liverpool Senior Non-League Cup, losing 1-0, Jacky Austin netting with just 7 minutes to go of extra time. The following Monday United were again in Cup action in the first leg of the Lancashire Floodlit Cup Final again against Wigan, at Springfield Park ‘The Latics’ were the victors 1-0 whilst on the Wednesday at White Moss Park Wigan again triumphed 2-1, (Windsor) winning the trophy 3-1 on aggregate. Peter Withe in his autobiography said “ I was on loan at Skem and played in a few rounds of Floodlit Cup, we eventually reached the Final against Wigan and won 3-1, it was my first ever taste of victory and my first winners medal” United with the rigours of the past two weeks were always looking far less likely to produce one of their outstanding performances as fatigue in the Skem ranks more than anything helped their opponents. However, it was not all over as the two clubs still had to play the Ashworth Cup Final second leg, the game ended in a 2-1 (Windsor 2) win for United, United comfortably winning 7-1 on aggregate.
This article appeared in the Non League Paper probably about 10 years ago. JOHN TURNER was in the Wembley Stadium crowd to see Sir Geoff Hurst score a hat-trick to win the World Cup in 1966. Little did he imagine he would be playing there five years later when Ted Dickin repeated. Hurst's feat to win the FA Amateur Cup for Skelmersdale United. Dickin, a full-back converted into a forward, joined an elite band of Non-League players to score three goals in a game on the hallowed Twin Towers turf. Eddie Reynolds was the first when he headed all four goals for Wimbledon in their win over Sutton United in the 1963 Amateur Cup Final. Turner set up two of Dickin's three goals while Andy Windsor, left out of the starting line-up, came on to score the other goal.. "I went to the 1966 World Cup final when Hurst scored his hat-trick and never dreamed I would be there five years later when another one would be scored," said Turner. "We were awarded the free kick on the halfway line, and I took it. I could see Ted up 'front and thought I would just ping it up to him. And he scored a superb header. "Playing at Wembley was unlike playing on any other pitch, because it didn't bobble and it didn't bounce, it just ran true. "Kicking a ball on that pitch was a dream. I just gave it a good welly and Ted, who was around the penalty spot, nodded it in. 'When the second goal was the same thing. I can still see Ted diving through a bevy of players to nod it in." It was Skelmersdale's second appearance in the final having been beaten in a replay by Enfield in 1967 drawing the first game 0-0 at Wembley and losing the replay 3-0 at Manchester City's Maine Road stadium. They were also beaten in the semi-finals in 1969 by North Shields and in 1970 by Enfield. But Turner says that by 1971 they had worked out how to play against the best teams from the south and were determined not to be denied again. "This was our day," he added. "We knew that southern teams were superb if you let them play, but if you contested every ball for every minute it was a different kettle of fish. "In the north east the lads would give everything and would not give you an inch. "I admired the Enfield team, who were excellent footballers, and that is why, almost inevitably, it was the southern teams who won the Amateur Cup. But I still maintain that if you got among them you could win. "We felt a little sorry for Dagenham, they had been, heavily beaten by Enfield the season before and then we came along. They gave up in the end I think."
1. Ted Williams: The trainer worked as head of geography at Campion School in Liverpool until retirement and was last known to be living in the Bootle area. 2. Alan Wolfe: A member of the England amateur squad who worked as a panel beater and then ran his own car body repair business. He now lives in Formby, Liverpool, in retirement. 3. Wally Bennett Started his career at Everton and also played in the 1967 final against Enfield. He was a pipe layer but, after spending 28 years working for Liverpool FC's development association, is now retired and living in Parbold. Wigan. 4. Peter Frankish: An English amateur international who was drafted in to play in the semifinal and final. Studied at Loughborough but settled in Preston after working for British Leyland. 5. Robin Poole: Left back who worked as a Self employed salesman, but has run various • companies in the car trade and in property development. He now buys and sells antiques and paintings from his North Wales base. 6. Alan Swift: A forward who was picked to play in the final ahead of Windsor. He worked as a shop fitter, before starting his own building company in Southport where he now lives in semi retirement. 7. Tony Saunders: Went on to manage Altrincham and eventually retired from management in 1984. He is still based in Liverpool where he ran a joinery business.
8. Ted Dickin: An England amateur international forward who was a doctor of philosophy and worked as a lecturer in structural engineering at Liverpool University. He now lives in Prescot in retirement. 9. Andy Windsor: An England amateur international marksman who started his career with Liverpool. He was a teacher and later became headmaster at English Martyrs School in Liverpool. He is now retired and living in Staveley, Kendal.
10. Paul Clements: A member of the British Olympic squad and the only southerner in the side. He was a works study officer, and, after playing professionally, he became a civil servant for the Benefits Agency and lived in Lytham St Annes until his death in January 2009, aged 56. 11. Roy Rees: The manager, who was a Bangor University lecturer, went on to live in the United States where he held a number of coaching positions prior to his death in November 2011. 12. Peter Hardcastle: Went on to play in the Football League before becoming a teacher in Tampa, in the USA. He is now the director of an educational consultancy in Alsager, StokeOn-Trent. 13. Stan Allen: The right back worked as a tool setter and in the building industry until retiring. He has managed Accrington Stanley, Witton Albion, Conwy United and Altrincham. 14. Allan McDermott: Former Everton defender who played in the 1967 final replay. He was a mechanic but now runs a successful shipping and forward business in Liverpool with his brothers. 15. John Turner: A midfielder and team captain who was an England amateur international. He was a solicitor in Alfreton and then Nottingham, and now lives in retirement in Matlock, Derbyshire. 16. Terry Crosbie: A goalkeeper who broke his arm in the quarter-final win over Wycombe Wanderers. He worked as a salesman in the food industry before setting up Elite Foods Cheese Importers.
1970-71 CHESHIRE LEAGUE TABLE & RESULTS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
CHESHIRE 1970-71 Rossendale United Burscough Skelmersdale United Mossley Ellesmere Port Town Stalybridge Celtic Horwich RMI Buxton Marine Ormskirk Oswestry Town Witton Albion Ashton United Rhyl Sandbach Ramblers Hyde United Oldham Athletic* Nantwich Town Droylsden Winsford United Port Vale* New Brighton
42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42
1970-71
28 24 22 24 16 20 16 18 16 17 15 12 15 13 14 12 13 11 9 10 7 7
11 12 12 6 17 7 12 8 11 8 12 17 9 13 10 13 9 13 16 14 10 6
3 6 8 12 9 15 14 16 15 17 15 13 18 16 18 17 20 18 17 18 25 29
84 106 87 81 56 74 67 69 66 62 75 68 65 49 54 69 64 56 59 55 38 35
HOME
39 61 48 51 38 59 55 72 59 64 81 68 72 56 67 80 74 70 72 80 88 85
67 60 56 54 49 47 44 44 43 42 42 41 39 39 38 37 35 35 34 34 24 20
AWAY
1 2 3
Rossendale United Burscough Skelmersdale U
L 1-2 L 1-5
Wolfe Dicken
L 0-3 W 4-0
Clements 3, Hardcastle
4 5
Mossley Ellesmere Port
W 1-0 D 1-1
McDermott McDermott
L 0-3 D 1-1
Clements
6 7 8
Stalybridge Celtic Horwich RMI Buxton
W 2-0 W 4-3 D 2-2
Wolfe, Dicken OG Windsor 2, Withe Wilkinson, Fraser
W 4-0 L 1-2 W 2-1
Dicken 3, Clements Windsor Turner, Clements
9 10 11 12
Marine Ormskirk Oswestry Town Witton Albion
L 1-3 W 3-1 D 2-2 W 1-0
W 3-0 L 1-4 W 1-0 W 1-0
Dicken 3,
Hammill, Clements, Wolfe Windsor, Clements Swift
13 14
Ashton United Rhyl
L 1-2 W 3-1
15 16 17 18 19 20
Sandbach Ramb Hyde United Oldham Athletic* Nantwich Town Droylsden Winsford United
D 0-0 W 4-1 W 3-0 W 3-0 W 3-0 D 1-1
21 22
Port Vale* New Brighton
W 9-0 W 3-0
Windsor
Dicken 2, Clements, Turner Dicken 2, Wolfe Dicken 2, Clements Hardc’tle, McDermott, Wolfe Dicken 6, Turner, Clements, Hammill
D 1-1 D 1-1
Swift Windsor Muir
D 2-2 D 1-1 won W 1-0 W 2-1 D 2-2
Wolfe, Hardcastle Wolfe
D 2-2 W 2-0
Wolfe, Turner Dicken, Clements
Swift Clements, Dicken
TOP 10- APRIL 24
TH
1971
SKELMERSDALE UNITED
LOTTERY
JACKPOT TO BE WON
1 T REX Hot Love
Skelmersdale's third new public house, The Almond Tree, was officially opened by Skelmersdale United captain John Turner. ...on Thursday 23rd October 1969
2 DAVE & ANSEL COLLINS Double Barrell
3 RAY STEVENS – Bridget the Midget
4 ANDY WILLIAMS – Love Story
5 LYNN ANDERSON Rose Garden
6 WALDO DE LOS RIOSMozart Symphony No 40
7 OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN If not for you
8 CCS – Walkin
9 FANTASTICS Something Old, Something New
10 CLODAGH ROGERS Jack in the Box
SKELMERSDALE UNITED FC President: Mike Boardman Chairman: Paul Griffiths Secretary: Danny Roberts Committee / Directors: Paul Griffiths (Chair) Norman Fenney, Kath Fenney, Linda Boardman, Danny Roberts, Mal Hodkinson, Les Gallop, Tommy Garner, John Sewell, Mike Sewell, Kev Panther CLUB NAME – SKELMERSDALE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB ENTITY – LIMITED BY GUARANTEE Company Number is 3859401