Why Liverpool fans should head to non-league ‘M58 Derby’ this weekend

November 25, 2022
Sam Millne

The World Cup continues this weekend, but if you need your regular dosage of live football topped up, there are plenty of games to watch on Merseyside.

If you attended our last pick of the weekend’s games, then you will have been treated to an 83rd-minute winner from Mo Touray to see Marine into the third round of the FA Trophy.

The Mariners have drawn Marske United away at the next stage.

Let’s hope this week’s pick produces similar late drama!

Match of the weekend

Bootle vs Skelmersdale United (Northern Premier League West)

(Photo credit: Will Griffiths)

Where?

Berry Street Garage Stadium – 4 Vesty Rd, Bootle, Merseyside, L30 1NY

When?

Saturday, November 25 – 3pm kickoff

How much?

£8 for adults, free for kids accompanied by an adult

There’s just one point between Bootle and Skelmersdale United in the Northern Premier League West.

For what’s been dubbed as the M58 Derby, Skelmersdale will make the short trip down the road to Bootle’s Berry Street Garage Stadium, located near Aintree Racecourse.

The visitors, managed by Richard Brodie, have lost their last four matches, but showed promising signs in the second half of their most recent defeat against Workington.

Both clubs faced managerial changes early in the season.

Unlike Bootle, though, Skelmersdale were forced to switch as Paul McNally departed for City of Liverpool FC after achieving promotion in the summer.

Meanwhile, young right-back Sean Wilson joined Skelmersdale after being released from Liverpool in the summer.

Bootle’s campaign has been similarly turbulent so far.

Brian Richardson’s dismissal was followed by the appointment of former Tranmere defender (and former Liverpool youth) Steve McNulty, and the Bucks then experienced a subsequent bounce – but were brought back down to earth by five consecutive defeats in October.

Five points from their last three games have given Bootle some breathing room, but Saturday’s fixture against Skelmersdale remains vital nonetheless.

Here’s a list of every game involving Merseyside teams in the non-league pyramid this weekend:

(All games kick off at Saturday 3pm unless stated)