REPORT: Squires Gate 0-3 City of Liverpool

Squires Gate suffered a second defeat against league leaders City of Liverpool in a reverse fixture of last weekend.

Craig Cairns and Karl Clair struck twice before the break for Craig Robinson's side before a second Cairns goal ten minutes into the second half wrapped up the win for away side.

Manager Andy Clarkson made one change to his side for this game with Adam Sumner coming into the defence to replace Seydou Bamba who dropped to the bench. New signing Oliver Burgess, who was released by Blackpool at the end of last year, could make his debut from the bench.

Gate's first chance of the game came after three minutes. Keeper Morgan Bacon scuffed his clearance straight to the feet of James Boyd, the midfielder looked up and aimed for the empty net, but his shot went just wide.

The visitors were more composed than Gate in front of goal and took the lead soon after. Prolific striker Craig Cairns finding it too easy to get in behind Gate's defence and round Ben Fletcher to take the lead.

Gate looked to force the equaliser and got in behind Liverpool's defence on 15 minutes. A clever chipped ball through from Ryan Charnley found Ryan Riley but he was flagged offside.

A freekick to Liverpool was blocked by Gate's wall before the follow up was fired over as Liverpool started to build the pressure. That pressure eventually counted when the Purps doubled their lead. Gate were looking for an offside flag but it didn't come as the original shot that hit the post was tapped in by Karl Clair.

Gate had probably their best chance of the game straight from kick off looking to get a goal back just before half time. Riccardo Egidi broke through but couldn't keep his composure firing over the bar.

Half time: Squires Gate 0-2 City of Liverpool

The visitors added a third goal just after the half time break. A long ball forward found the run of Craig Cairns, the striker was helped as Dave Rossall slipped then his centre back partner Ben Reader slid in trying to win the ball but the striker evaded both and beat Fletcher for the second time in the game.

Seear and Egidi looked to link up for Gate on the hour mark on what was a quite day for the striking duo. Seear sent a disguised ball through to find the run of Egidi but his shot was tame and easily gather by the keeper.

Andy Clarkson introduced 16 year old Oliver Burgess into the game for the last 20 minutes and the midfielder almost made an instant impact. A low cross from Dan Grauy found Burgess on the edge of the box but his shot was blocked. The blocked ball came out to Adam Sumner but his low drive was wide.

The loss for Gate leaves Andy Clarkson's side 10th in the league on 35 points. Gate are at home again nexct Saturday facing a resurgent bottom of the league Abbey Hey.

Gate: Fletcher, Gray, Rossall, Reader, Sumner, Staunton-Turner, Charnley, Riley, Boyd, Seear, Egidi. Subs: Bamba, Ing, Mullen, Clarkson, Burgess.

Report by Mark Ashmore