SKIPPER Kyle Riley struck a hat-trick as Winsford saw off Squires Gate on Saturday to protect an unbeaten league run at home that stretches back to December.

Two of Riley’s goals came from the penalty spot, while Nathan Cotterell also scored to give Blues victory.

Lee Duckworth’s side took the lead after just two minutes when Jordan Johnson’s shot was spilled by Gate custodian Joseph Griffith, allowing Cotterell to happily slam home the rebound.

It was the perfect start for Blues and it got better just six minutes later.

Johnson seemingly posed no great threat as he was forced towards the right of the penalty area, but David Rossall flew in with a lunging tackle to bring him down.

Referee Ben Speedie pointed to the spot, allowing Riley to blast the ball into the bottom right corner.

Winsford were making all the running and the lead stretched before the midway point of the first half.

Scott Taylor’s searching ball down the left found Cotterell, who in turn carefully picked out a pass to give Riley a simple tap-in.

Riley came close to completing his treble but he shot wide from Johnson’s cross as Blues dominated, with Ryan Steele also coming close.

However, slack marking from the hosts allowed Tarren Moxon to find Ben Seear completely unmarked and he beat Blues stopper Matthew Green to get Gate on the scoresheet.

The visitors began the second half with purpose, but another spot-kick provided Winsford with what proved to be the pivotal goal.

Cotterell was brought down and, despite Gate’s protests that the foul occurred outside the box, a penalty was awarded.

Riley put the ball into the top corner to complete his treble.

Gate had the last laugh in injury time when Jordan Casey skipped through to score, but it was Blues that won the day.

Winsford | Green (GK), Middleton, Duckworth, Rothwell, Foster, Howell (Hull 59), Taylor, Steele (Moores 66), Riley (Egan 70), Johnson, Cotterell Subs not used Parr, Hatton

Attendance 145