Ballers League standout Ivanilson Da Silva played a key role as Squires Gate staged a second half come back to beat North West Counties First Division North leaders Maghull, writes Taylor Jackson at the Skiddle Community Stadium.
The poor pitch conditions on a rain soaked afternoon meant the opening stages were dominated by long balls and defensive clearances rather than sustained spells of possession.
Maghull carved out the first real opening when Levi Adebisi fizzed a dangerous ball across the box, but Josh Taylor reacted quickly to gather under pressure.
Gate’s brightest moment of the first half came from Dean Ing, who beat two defenders down the right before setting up Scott Harries, though his effort went straight at Luke Riley.
Ing continued to threaten, twice breaking through from long clearances, but Riley kept Maghull level. Taylor produced a strong stop of his own to deny Connor Rankin, leaving the match goalless at the break.
Maghull returned with purpose after the restart. Nathan Peet struck the outside of the post with a half-volley from range, and Rankin was again denied by a deflection minutes later.
Gate responded well, and Harries had another chance blocked brilliantly by Harvey Woodhouse. But the home side were dealt a blow when Ben Thomas was sin-binned for dissent on 65 minutes and Maghull took advantage instantly. From the resulting corner, substitute Wil Hoey scrambled the ball into the bottom corner to put the visitors 1–0 up.
The goal, combined with the man advantage, should have allowed Maghull to settle, but instead Squires Gate flipped the match on its head, sparked by Da Silva, whose reputation from the televised six-a-side Ballers League is steadily growing.
First, he capitalised on hesitation in the Maghull defence, racing through to lift a calm chip over Riley for the equaliser. Barely a minute later, Ing converted from the penalty spot after Ryan Riley was brought down.
Da Silva nearly produced a stunning solo goal late on after driving from halfway, but a heavy touch denied him a second. Gate, however, had already done enough.
After a scrappy hour dictated by the weather, the game opened up dramatically and Squires Gate made the decisive moments count, with Da Silva once again showing why he’s gaining attention beyond non league circles.
