Squires Gate 1 Padiham 1: Friendly draw as Gate return to action

Squires Gate recorded a draw in their first match of 2021 when they met a solid Padiham side on Saturday.
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After 100 days away, Gate returned to action with a friendly at the Brian Addison Stadium.

Luke Evans named a familiar squad with Dean Ing and Kieran Feeney leading the line and defender Josh Westwood captaining the side.

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The first effort of the game went Gate’s way, Oli Orr firing over from the edge of the area.

Squires Gate manager Luke EvansSquires Gate manager Luke Evans
Squires Gate manager Luke Evans

Gate keeper Danny Eccles was forced into a comfortable save a few minutes later but his side was on top in the early stages.

Ryan Riley’s free-kick found James Boyd, whose shot was well held, before Riley saw a penalty appeal waved away.

Orr got behind the Padiham defence, only to see his effort saved, before Ing had the half’s best chance when he prodded wide from a tight angle.

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Ing sliced another attempt well off target as half-time came with the match goalless.

Having introduced Marcus Cusani in the first half, Evans made three more changes at the break with Matty Garrett, Sam Staunton-Turner and Josh Pollard coming on.

Cusani had an opportunity, only to be let down by his touch, while a corner routine ended with Boyd’s shot held.

Oliver Southern headed over for Gate, who saw an offside flag come to their rescue midway through the half when Padiham thought they had scored.

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Cusani saw a low shot saved before he helped Gate to an 82nd minute lead, playing the ball in behind for Jake Higham to finish calmly.

However, the visitors equalised with the last action of the game as a corner caused havoc inside the area and Morgan Crowther bundled the ball over the line.

Squires Gate: Eccles, Southern, Higham, Westwood, Hanslip, Orr, Riley, Webster, Boyd, Ing, Feeney. Subs: Garrett, Staunton-Turner, Cusani, Ridings, Faller, Pollard.

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