GATE: McLachlan, Lever, Thomas, Schryburt, Squires, Welsh, Mekkaoui-Abouzaid, Harries (C), Forshaw, Ing, Da Silva
SUBS: Pickles, Riley, Edokpayi, Chambers, Smith

Squires Gate built on their midweek success against Garstang, with a resilient 2-1 victory away at fellow play-off contenders Thornton Cleveleys.

After an impressive first half attacking display, goals from Dean Ing and Saad Mekkaoui-Abouzaid in the space of two minutes helped put the visitors in a strong position.

Thornton did respond in the dying moments of the game as ex-Gate player Luke Harris beat Alex McLachlan in goal; however, his goal proved to be merely a consolation.

The hosts started stronger of the two, with Edward Schryburt having to clear a goal-bound effort from Paul Gregory’s side in the opening two minutes.

As time went on, Luke Evans’ side grew into the game, with Dean Ing coming close from a set piece on the 15-minute mark, heading just over the bar.

The likes of Evanilson Da Silva and Jake Forshaw began to threaten the Reds’ backline, with the latter putting in a great cross which Ing was unable to direct goalwards.

As momentum built for Gate, midfielder Schryburt would then be denied by the woodwork, as he struck a fierce volley from the edge of the box after a headed clearance fell into his path.

Their pressure finally told as Dean Ing headed home emphatically from a Ben Thomas corner in the 31st minute, scoring his 23rd goal of the campaign and fourth goal in the space of four days.

Two minutes later, the Blues’ advantage was doubled through Saad Mekkaoui-Abouzaid, who scored his ninth of the season, tapping home after Forshaw squared the ball having surged down the left wing.

A response from TCFC followed the break, as McLachlan was called into action to tip a Ben Duffield header around the post.

The ex-Blackpool goalkeeper continued to stand firm in the Gate goal, as a free-kick effort five minutes later was also denied.

As the game approached its close and with Thornton pushing, Evans’ squad proved to be stalwart in defence, with a series of blocks from the likes of Will Squires denying any efforts destined for goal.

The away side continued to look threatening on the break, with Da Silva enjoying more space and time as Thornton Cleveleys pushed to get back into the game. Substitute Rowan Chambers clipped a cross to the back-post where the number 11 was lurking, but his effort was deflected behind for a corner.

The hosts did break through the stubborn Gate backline in the 88th minute through Luke Harris, who notched his eleventh of the season with a deft touch following a dangerous cross from the right wing.

Evans’ side remains third in the league, with four games left to play in the First Division North.

Squires Gate will return to The Skiddle Community Stadium on Saturday as they face league leaders Droylsden in a top-of-the-table clash.