Following last week’s impressive 5-2 victory over Prestwich Heys, Gate returned to action yesterday to host league-leaders Vauxhall Motors at The Brian Addison Stadium. Manager Luke Evans made just one change to the starting lineup, with Rowan Chambers replacing Ryan Moore in midfield.

It was the visitors who started the match on top, and they took a deserved lead inside eight minutes. A ball to the back post led to a shot that was initially saved well by Pennington, but the loose ball fell straight to Buckley who tapped into the top corner from close range.

Vauxhall continued to threaten, but a strong save from Pennington and a scuffed effort from the Number 7 meant the score line stayed at 1-0.

Gate continued to battle though and went close to an equaliser on 32 minutes, with a smart volley from Alex Ralph clawed away from the top corner by the goalkeeper.

Vauxhall did double their lead though on 41 minutes. A soft free kick was given just outside the area, with Hughes curling round the wall and into the bottom corner.

HT: Squires Gate 0-2 Vauxhall Motors

Gate started the second half much stronger as they looked to get back into the game, with a deserved goal from Callum Sandle coming on 55 minutes. Dan Gray threaded a perfect ball in behind for James Boyd, who showed great composure to square it for Sandle who slotted into the bottom corner.

Evans’ men stayed on top, and found their equaliser on 64 minutes in controversial circumstances. A deep free kick from Ryan Riley led to a scramble where Gate seemingly bundled the ball over the line. Despite anger from the Vauxhall players, surrounding the referee and his assistant, the goal was given with Josh Westwood wheeling away in celebration.

Vauxhall went close to going back in front just five minutes later, but Nathan Pennington made an incredible save to keep out a header at the near post.

Ryan Moore entered the action for Gate in place of Callum Sandle, before Theo Ball and Kieran Jones also came on for Ryan Riley and Ralph.

It was heartbreak for Gate though as Vauxhall re-took the lead on 89 minutes. A long ball in behind wasn’t dealt with and the ball fell to a free man at the back post. Kieran Jones did well to clear off the line but the rebound was tapped in by Burkey.

As Gate committed men forward in search of an equaliser, Vauxhall sealed the win with McDonnell firing a clinical finish past Pennington.

FT: Squires Gate 2-4 Vauxhall Motors

An unfortunate defeat for Gate who will take plenty of positives into their vital clash with Burscough on Easter Monday.