Squires Gate 2 Runcorn Town 0: Gate topple form side

Squires Gate returned to winning ways against one of the North West Counties League’s form sides.
Gate celebrate Ryan Dodds' match-clinching second goal Picture: ALBERT COOPERGate celebrate Ryan Dodds' match-clinching second goal Picture: ALBERT COOPER
Gate celebrate Ryan Dodds' match-clinching second goal Picture: ALBERT COOPER

Runcorn arrived at the Brian Addison Stadium unbeaten in six premier division games, whereas Gate were looking to bounce back from their defeat by struggling Burscough.

Manager Luke Evans made one change to Gate’s starting 11, with Jack Iley replacing Josh Pollard.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The visitors had the first chance of the game when Tom Rowland tried to test Jordan Gidley from distance but shot well wide. At the other end, Runcor keeper Adam Reid punched Ryan Riley’s cross clear, then Declan Baldwin fired wide from 25 yards on his home debut.

Gate broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark, when James Boyd found the smallest amount of space in the box to prod home his 18th goal of the season.

Riley had the first chance of the second half when he broke into the box but Reid was off his line quickly to smother the ball.

Riley had another opportunity but saw his free-kick sail over the bar, then his ball into the box produced a penalty shout, though Gate’s appeal that defender Luke Holden had been impeded was unsuccessful.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The visitors introduced Craig Cairns and Kevin Exell in attack to enhance their bid for an equaliser but Gate pressed and closed down well.

The hard-working Ryan created another opening but captain Sam Staunton-Turner shot too high from the edge of the box.

Town did create some late chances but Gate defended well, with Jake Higham throwing himself in the way of an effort inside the box.

Gate substitute Ryan Dodd wrapped up the points in added time, winning the ball back and exchanging passes with Boyd before firing into the bottom corner.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Runcorn remain seventh and Gate 11th ahead of Tuesday's home clash with Barnoldswick Town (7.45pm).

Gate: Gidley, Gourley, Westwood, Holden, Higham, Riley, Turner, Baldwin, Boyd, Iley, Ing; subs: Dodd, Tanner, Johanson, Pollard, Garrett.