Gate win friendly with historic FA Cup winners

Alexander McKendrick scores for Gate against Wanderers. Picture: ALBERT COOPER

Squires Gate FC started their build-up for the revamped Hallmark Security League season with a 4-0 home win in a historic friendly.

The visitors were London team Wanderers, a club reborn in 2009 more than 120 years after they folded.

With the game arranged at short notice, Gate featured several trialists but were able to field Paul Carroll, one of four former AFC Blackpool players signed last week.

Gate took the lead inside the first 30 seconds as Jamie Gibson fired home before Alex McKendrick slotted home the second on four minutes.

The inspired Wanderers keeper denied Danny Morris and Ryan Riley but Gate did add a third before half-time as Riley chipped the keeper.

The hosts added a late fourth as Riley rifled his second from outside the box.

Manager Danny Penswick said: “The young lads who came in showed great ability and I’ll definitely want to see more of them. Hopefully we’ll have more players available against Garstang on Saturday and can step up another gear.”

MARK ASHMORE