Match report: Irlam 4 Squires Gate 0

Danny Penswick’s side showed promise in Salford but conceded three times in the final quarter.

There was a full debut for Jordan O’Mahoney on loan from Bamber Bridge, with Mark Thornber and Jack Williams also making their first start for Gate.

Striker Williams almost scored inside three minute but flashed a shot across goal, while Irlam headed over from a corner at the other end.

Player-boss Penswick also went close to opening the scoring when his shot from six yards was blocked by team-mate Thornber.

Defender O’Mahoney pulled off a superb tackle in the penalty area to deny Irlam but they took the lead on 21 minutes, when good work by winger Marcus Perry resulted in an own goal by Gate’s Alex Colquhoun.

Irlam had a penalty appeal turned down after a strong challenge by O’Mahoney and it remained 1-0 until half-time.

Gate keeper Ben Fletcher saved well after a back-pass fell short, then on 64 minutes Penswick volleyed wide after a good lay-off by Thornber.

Irlam doubled their lead five minutes later, when a clever ball through the defence was slotted home by Jordan Icely.

Williams’ pass put Tarren Moxon through but the Gate attacker’s shot was comfortably saved and Irlam made it three on 79 minutes, when substitute Tim Kinsella burst through from the right and shot under Fletcher.

A second own goal wrapped up Irlam’s first win in the last minute, when Corey Moorhead overhit his back-pass.

Gate aim to put things right at home to Barnoldswick Town on Tuesday(7.45pm).

MARK ASHMORE

Gate: Fletcher, Colquhoun, Douthwaite, O’Mahoney, Moorhead, Hall, Penswick, Thornber, Williams, Moxon, Buchan. Subs: Smith, Carroll, Ing.