Sinclair makes debut as Squires Gate win again at Ashton

Former Blackpool and England winger Trevor Sinclair made his debut off the bench as Gate extended their unbeaten run in the Hallmark Security League to seven games with this second win in three days.
Trevor Sinclair on his Squires Gate debut
Picture: ASHTON ATHLETICTrevor Sinclair on his Squires Gate debut
Picture: ASHTON ATHLETIC
Trevor Sinclair on his Squires Gate debut Picture: ASHTON ATHLETIC

Two first-half goals secured a 2-0 victory at Ashton Athletic which strengthened Gate’s grip on ninth spot in the premier division There was also a debut for 18-year-old keeper Lewis Turner, who was relieved to see Alex Colquhoun clear a shot off the line in the first minute. Gate took the lead after just six minutes in impressive fashion as Andrew Richards took the ball from a throw and passed to Gary Pett, who volleyed home confidently. Richards and Pett had shots three minutes later but both were blocked. Ashton then found a way through the middle of the Gate defence but shot wide. Pett was denied a second on 12 minutes by the Ashton keeper’s one-on-one save. Gate would double their lead five before half-time, when Ryan Charnley showed good positioning and quick footwork to stroke the ball into the corner.Winger Josh Nicholson took aim for the hosts after the interval but both his efforts from outside the box flew off-target. Sinclair came off the bench after 63 minutes, joining son Issac in the Gate side.The duo soon linked up well but Dean Ing couldn’t connect with Sinclair junior’s lovely lay-off. His 45-year-old dad went close to a debut goal after a fine one-two with Pett but Ashton keeper Martin Pearson made a good low save. Manager Andy Clarkson said: “This has always been a tough place to come to and it was great team performance. The lads did exactly what we asked of them and did brilliantly, especially after playing on Thursday.”Gate still have seven to play and are at home to relegation-battling Maine Road tomorrow.Gate: Turner, Gray, Richards, Colquhoun, Bamba, Charnley, Ing, Rothwell, Sinclair, Harries, Pett. Subs: Sinclair, Salthouse, Finlayson, Clarkson, Pope.