Squires Gate 0 Nelson 3: Quickfire goals inflict a first pre-season loss

Squires Gate’s Josh Pollard takes the aerial route during their game with Nelson Picture: Albert Cooper

The game gave Gate manager Luke Evans the chance to make changes with three players from the youth team named in the squad.

There was a bright start from Gate with Ryan Riley seeing a shot blocked and the resulting corner claimed by the keeper.

Isaac Kuslowka made a solid start on his debut for Gate, holding up the ball well and linking with Riley.

Kuslowka and Jamie Ramwell both had chances early on before the latter went one-on-one with the keeper and sent his effort inches wide.

After the early pressure from Gate, Nelson soon settled into the game and began to create chances for themselves.

One shot was well defended by Gate, leading to a corner which was collected by Jordan Gidley.

Kuslowka saw another attempt saved by the Nelson keeper before the deadlock was broken on the half-hour.

Will Nolan’s cross found Zack Clarke inside the box, where he fired the ball past Gidley.

Nelson doubled their lead minutes later as Nolan won the ball in the 18-yard box, and despite it looking as if he had used his forearm, play continued and Sam Dickinson placed the ball into the bottom corner.

The home side started to grow back into the game, but Nelson added another just before half-time.

Clarke again had a role as he played through Danny Taylor to score the third goal and leave Evans’ men with a mountain to climb.

Gate did have the last chance of the half when Ramwell had another effort at goal, only for it to be blocked by a defender.

Both sides were fired up for the second half with Nelson having the first chance as a long-range shot was deflected behind for a corner that came to nothing.

A free-kick was also well defended by Gate, who made an early change with Jacob Higham replacing Joe Johanson.

Nelson still had a hold on the game with Gidley forced into another save.

However, Gate woke up with a free-kick in a dangerous position seeing Riley’s effort denied by the keeper’s fingertips.

They cranked up the pressure further with two more chances coming as Riley and Kuslowka saw their efforts go wide.

Gate continued to pressure the Nelson goal with Dean Ing finding Ramwell, who was unable to score.

The final 10 minutes saw Gate battle well and Evans will be looking to take the positives in preparing for the FA Cup preliminary round game against Ashton United on Saturday.