SQUIRES GATE STUN TOWN

Squires Gate turned the form guide on its head with a 1-0 victory at Pavilions giving them their first away win of the season.

Town made just one change from the midweek victory over Winsford United, Warren Bellew dropping to left back in place on the absent Darren Kinsey with Scott Burton making his first start for two weeks after recovering from injury.

The first half was completely forgetful, with both sides struggling to create clear cut chances. James McShane had Town's best effort from Jason Carey's ball over the top with Neil Beesley equal to his shot. At the other end, defender Thomas Benfield had Gate's best effort with an unmarked header from a corner inside the box that he sent wide.

Whatever was said by Manager Simon Burton at half time had little effect, with too many players off their game on the day. Benfield had another effort from a corner which he headed over, with fellow defender Jonathon Forbes heading another corner wide of the post.

It was no real surprise when the Blackpool based outfit took the lead after 65 minutes, and it was a goal to win any game. Left back Andrew Richards was allowed to advance forward and after playing a one-two with Chris Bennett, fired in an unstoppable half volley from 20 yards that Karl Wills was unable to keep out.

After 72 minutes Bennett played in fellow striker Tom Bartlett who shot over the bar when well placed, with Forbes shooting over from inside the box after another one-two with Bennett.

Town, who failed to really test Beesley all game, continued to struggle with substitute Leon Williams seeing an effort hit straight at Gate's number one from the edge of the box. Despite having little to do, Beesley kept Gate ahead in the 89th minute by pulled off a world class save to deny Mark Keddie. McShane's throw in from the left was flicked on with Keddie heading goalwards from a couple of yards. Beesley flung himself across goal to turn the midfielders effort around the post.

Gate also had the last opportunity with Wills pulling off another fine save to stop Alex McKendrick from scoring, but the visitors held on to claim a thoroughly deserved win with Town dropping to second in the table.

Posted at 16:52 on Sunday 16th October 2011 - Viewed 315 times