REPORT: Squires Gate 2-1 Sandbach United (FA Vase)

Squires Gate progressed into the second round proper of the FA Vase on Saturday afternoon with a late winner against Sandbach United.

In spite of all the heavy rain the playing surface was in great condition with both sides starting brightly. After 19 minutes it was the visitors
who took the lead. After the ball wasn't cleared by the home defence Sandbach's number 11 Josh Lane rifled in a shot from the edge of
the area past Ben Fletcher who had no chance of saving the shot.

Unlike recent games, the home side responded immediately and were level after only a minute. Ric Seear put the ball in the net following
a drilled cross in from winger Ryan Riley on the right hand side.

This was the first goal that Gate had scored for a few games and you could feel the tension lift from all around the ground. Both teams
continued to play good football but neither could find a second goal to take the lead before the half time break.

Half Time: Squires Gate 1-1 Sandbach United

The home side started the second half period well but it was Sandbach who had the chance early on when James Kirby was sent through
one on one with the keeper but Ben Fletcher did well to save with his legs.

It was the homesides turn next when from a corner captain Joe Booth headed straight at the keeper, Andy Clarkson's men though could
feel they were getting closer.

Both teams started making substitutions and it was the visitors who adapted to the changes quickest. They came close to adding a second goal
when the right back drilled a cross across the homesides box without any player getting the finishing touch.

The miss seemed to ignite Gate and they started to create some chances of their own. Neither side find that all important second goal and with
the crowd expecting another 30 minutes of football, up stepped sub Brett Dawson to score the winner late in injury time.

All eye's at Gate will be on the FA's website on Monday at 1pm to see where they will play in the next round on Saturday 3rd November.

Gate are next in action on Monday evening when they travel to Whitchurch Alport in a rearranged game.

Gate: Fletcher, Richards, Thorpe, Rossall, Riley, Ing, Booth, Charnley, Sumner, Thomas, Seear. Subs: Mullen, Bamba, Reader, Dawson, Egidi.

Report by Mark Ashmore