Match report: Squires Gate 2 Bamber Bridge 0

Goals in either half by Ric Seear and Ryan Riley capped an impressive victory for Andy Clarkson side.

Clarkson fielded new signings Joe Booth, Matty Kay and Adam Sumner, while striker Seear started up front after returning from Kendal Town.

Brig had already played three warm-up games but Gate more than held their own in the opening exchanges, playing some tidy passing football.

Experienced midfielders Booth and Kay controlled the game for Gate, both playing against one of their former clubs.

The home side made the breakthrough after half an hour, when a corner routine worked to perfection as Seear’s textbook finish found the top corner.

Brig had chances but didn’t test Ben Fletcher, while Brett Dawson’s testing cross at the other end could have brought a second Gate goal before the interval.

After the break, an offside flag came to Gate’s rescue after a defensive error.

Then at the other end Seear fired wide from the edge of the box.

The hosts did double their lead when winger Riley took the ball in his stride and fired across the keeper.

Gate made several changes but continued to create chances, with Ryan Charnley’s shot deflected into the keeper’s arms from a corner.

Dean Ing almost punished his old club when he seized on an under-hit goal-kick but curled his shot wide. The final chance fell to Seear, who fired over from outside the box.

Gate welcome AFC Fylde to Brian Addison Stadium tomorrow for a 7.45pm kick-off

Gate: Fletcher, Rossall, O’Mahoney, Bamba, Riley, Kay, Booth, Ing, Sumner, Seear, Dawson.