Squires Gate 3 St Helens Town 0
Having lost Saturday’s season-opener at Stockport Sports by the same scoreline, Gate bounced back in style as six players made their home debut at the Royal British Legion Stadium.
Jack Hindle scored Gate’s first goal of 2013-14 from the penalty spot on 16 minutes, sending Josh Clarke the wrong way after the Saints keeper had brought down Andy Harvie.
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Hide AdThe visitors had three good chances to equalise before half-time, Ben Fletcher making two fine saves after Cole Ashton had blazed over.
Gate doubled their lead just 20 seconds after the restart as Jamie McQuillan, on for the injured Seydou Bamba, latched on to a loose ball and fired passed the keeper from 18 yards.
Gate controlled the game from then on and Ben Fishwick sealed victory on the hour with a 20-yard strike.
McCann said: “Obviously we’re pleased with the three points and delighted with a clean sheet but we didn’t play to our potential.
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Hide Ad“We’ll be looking for the same result but a better performance at home to Abbey Hey on Saturday.”
DAN BRAID
Gate: Fletcher, Hindle, Stephens, Churchman, Botham, Unworth, Harvie, McKenna, Bamba, Fishwick, Lofthouse; subs: McQuillan, Landlass, Ralph