Salford City failed to capitalize on two crucial wins as they stuttered to a 3-1 defeat at Stormy Corner against Skelmersdale United.
A Max Hazeldine hat-trick ensured that the Ammies returned empty-handed again from their traditionally unhappy hunting ground.
Hazeldine got his first in the 12th minute thanks to a powerful dipping shot that beat Jay Lynch to the top corner.
The Ammies equalised five minutes later through a Danny Webber spot kick after a hand ball from Kenny Strickland.
Despite regular penalty taker Ritchie Allen being on the bench Webber proved he could be trusted and levelled well to bring The Ammies back into the game.
After equalising Salford were in the ascendancy and had a superb chance to go ahead three minutes later thanks to an ambitious scissor kick by Luke Clark, however the shot drifted wide.
Hazeldine thwarted Salford once again towards the end of the first half.
In the 43rd minute Hazeldine played a pass out to the left for full-back Louis Corrigan who played a low ball into the danger area.
The Ammies failed to clear and after Hazeldine had seen one shot blocked, his second bite of the cherry – from 15 yards out – took a slight deflection on its way into the net.
Skelmersdale dominated the second half, with chances for the visitors coming at a premium.
Nonetheless a Steve O’Halloran effort looked more dangerous than it should have been, but his shot was blocked by a defender before the ball was lumped clear.
The Skem would pretty much wrap up the game in the 71st minute once again thanks to Hazledine completing his hat trick.
The goal was not without controversy though as the striker looked to have fouled Chris Lynch in the build up play, however the referee waved play on.
Hazeldine took advantage in the best possible sense with a driven shot that was too much for the goalkeeper to handle.
The result means once again it’s one step forward two steps back for The Ammies, who now reside in third after Darlington resoundingly beat Matlock 5-0.
Main image by Kev Panther via Pitchero
