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Saturday 23 July 2016

FA Amateur Cup Anniversary At Skelmersdale United

The FA Amateur Cup, as the name suggests, began life in 1893 as an alternative to the FA Cup for those clubs with amateur status.

It ran until 1974 by which time the lines between professional, semi-professional and amateur had become blurred at most levels of the game, clubs in Non-League football moving on to play in either the FA Trophy or FA Vase.

Northern League and Isthmian League sides dominated the Amateur Cup but Lancashire's Skelmersdale United also enjoyed some great runs in the competition.

Skem won at Wembley in 1971, beating Dagenham & Redbridge 4-1 but it is their first visit to the Twin Towers that they are marking next week.

Around 75,000 watched the 1967 final between United and Enfield which ended in a goalless draw before Enfield emerged triumphant in a replay held at Manchester City's Maine Road.

The two clubs are celebrating the upcoming 50th anniversary with games to be held this pre-season and next and it is Skelmersdale who will host the first, next Saturday (30 July) at 3pm.

Players from both clubs who featured in the original matches have been invited along for an anniversary that is well worth marking.

Admission is priced at £5 Adults, £3 Concessions and free for Under-16's.

Other matches to look out for over the next week or so...

Stirling Albion have reduced prices for their Betfred Cup clash against Elgin City on Tuesday 26th, kick-off 7:45pm, to £5 Adults, Seniors & Students, £2 Under-16's and free for Under-12's.

Oxford United's Family Fun Day will take place on Sunday July 31st at the Northcourt Road home of Abingdon United, starting at 11am.

There are a host of activities planned and entry includes a ticket to see the WSL2 clash between Oxford United Women and London Bees which kicks-off at 2pm. Advance prices are £4 Adults, £1.50 for 65+ and Under-16's and £10 for a family.

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