Squires Gate 2 Thornton Cleveleys 0: First-half goals secure a comfortable pre-season victory

Thornton Cleveleys were the visitors to The Brian Addison Stadium for another pre-season friendly.

It was the away side who had the first chance of the game on six minutes, only to see an effort go wide of goal with just the keeper to beat.

Gate got on top of the game though and went close on a few occasions.

Ryan Riley shot wide from the edge of the area, Dean Ing had a powerful drive deflected into the goalkeeper’s arms and Jake Higham fired off target from a tight angle.

The deadlock was broken on 35 minutes when a blatant foul inside the area gave Gate a penalty, which Boyd rolled home confidently.

Two minutes later, however, and both sides were reduced to 10 men after a tussle in the middle of the park.

Gate were still able to double their lead right on half-time as Riley showed excellent footwork on the right-hand side and his perfect cross was finished smartly by Ing to put Gate in complete control.

Leading 2-0 at half-time, Gate started the second period strongly, with Jamie Ramwell and Ing missing chances from difficult angles.

An offside flag denied Ing on the hour mark with Gate unable to increase their advantage despite the influential Riley continuing to put in dangerous crosses.

Thornton carved out a couple of half-chances, seeing one attempt clear the bar after a defensive mix-up.

Josh Westwood then missed a great chance to score a third goal for Gate, heading wide from close range following Riley’s corner.

Substitute John Johanson then curled an effort just wide of the target with just two minutes left to play.

All in all, it was a comfortable victory for Gate with a clinical first half and a solid second half continuing their unbeaten pre-season.