Skelmersdale United 1 Leigh Genesis 0

Leigh Genesis suffered their first cup exit of the season with a narrow defeat away to league rivals Skelmersdale United in the Evo-Stik League President's Cup Preliminary Round.

Leigh Genesis suffered their first cup exit of the season with a narrow defeat away to league rivals Skelmersdale United in the Evo-Stik League President's Cup Preliminary Round.

With Saturday's vital FA Cup Second Qualifying Round tie away to Northern League side Norton & Stockton Ancients on the horizon, Genesis boss Mark Maddox used this President's Cup Preliminary Round tie to take a look at several squad members who have yet to have their chance to impress in league fixtures, including defender Steve Brockley, who made his first start for the club in two years after spells with Radcliffe Borough and hosts Skelmersdale United, and former Formby defender Joe McKane.

Despite dominating much of the first half, Leigh fell behind in the thirty ninth minute when stand-in goalkeeper Denis Barlow failed to cleanly collect a corner, allowing Ryan Wade to sweep home the loose ball.

Leigh introduced academy graduates James Carey and Craig Carney in an effort to create chances but failed to muster any serious opportunities and so exit the President's Cup at the first hurdle.

Genesis now turn their attentions to the FA Cup and Saturday's trip to Norton & Stockton Ancients in the Second Qualifying Round. There are a limited number of executive coach seats available for supporters wishing to attend, with more details available by e-mailing mary.croasdale@leighgenesis.com, with kick off at 3pm.

Leigh Genesis; Denis Barlow, Danny Lyons, Adam Strode, Joe McKane, Steve Brockley, Rowan Garnett, Paul Hopkins (James Carey 64), Rick Gleave, John Lawless, Tom Obasi (Brodie Kearns 70), Paul Williams (Craig Carney 46). Subs (not used); Simon Pendlebury, Kieran Molyneux