Express Skeleton 25/01

[lc08]

I have actually managed to answer quite a few this week (first time in ages) but completely stumped on these ones:

4a Skill of women breaking iron (7)
4d A bit of mud, say (received bit) (5) _ _ E _ E
6d It's the location of a mutton shop (11)
_ _ _ _ _ A _ P _ _ N
10a Contrary clique, their leader put on trial (4) _ E _ _

Any help greatly appreciated.

[pbeach]

6d Southampton (anag)

[lc08]

Of course!!! Many thanks

[sedge47]

10a. test (set backwards + t(rial) )

[sedge47]

10a. sorry it's tes + t(heir)

[lc08]

Many thanks - so easy when you see them!!!

[craft1948]

4d piece?

[lc08]

Many thanks. I think I have managed to complete it now.

A very difficult crossword - clues so weird at times.

[pbeach]

Assuming piece is correct, and it did cross my mind, I assume 4a is Pr ow ess

[kayakamina]

Piece ...Pise (mud)

[johnalex]

4a PR o w ESS (skill)

. . . PRESS = iron
. . . o w = o' w(omen) . . . compiler often uses Of = O'

[johnalex]

4d PIECE (a bit)

. . . PIE (mud pie)
. . . CE (re CE ieved) 'bit of the word'

again, compiler often chops out a couple of letters from another word, makes me wonder if he'll ever use just one!