SQUIRES GATE‘S Joe Noblet was denied a 40-yard wonder strike in his side’s end of season relegation decider – because the match officials didn’t see it go in!
Gate headed into their final game on Saturday knowing a victory at Ashton Athletic was needed to secure their North West Counties League Premier status.
Midfielder Noblet unleashed an ambitious effort from distance in the 71st minute that caught out Ashton keeper Martin Pearson before hitting the inside of the post and going in.
Crucially, the ball then cannoned off a stanchion behind the middle of the goal and back into play as the Gate players celebrated the wonderful effort.
However, with the referee unmoved, Ashton cleared the ball and play continued much to the astonishment of those in attendance.
Fortunately for Squires Gate, they won the fixture 2-0 and finished one place above the drop zone meaning they will remain at Step 5 next season.
Boss Danny Penswick said: “We scored three goals but only two actually counted! We could have scored four or five and we thoroughly deserved the result.”
You can view the ‘goal’ below from 1:10 onwards …
