Football: Yate looking to build on first win in nine games (From Gazette Series)

Yate Town manager Dave Mogg looks ahead to the Southern League clash against Bishop's Cleeve

10:24am Thursday 17th December 2009 in Sport By Rob Iles

MANAGER Dave Mogg is hoping last Saturday’s win over Abingdon United will be a turning point in Yate Town’s season.

Leading goalscorer Mark Reynolds scored a 63rd minute winner to end a miserable nine game run without a victory in the league.

After relegation from the Southern League Premier Division last season, Yate have struggled to live up to expectations this term, but with three draws and two wins in their last five league and cup matches there are signs that they might be able to turn the corner.

They visit Bishop’s Cleeve on Saturday, who are also camped in the bottom half of the table.

Mogg said: "I’ve felt we’ve been close but we haven’t been able to close games out.

"We’ve gone five games unbeaten and we’re looking to build on that, but we can only take one game at a time.

"That win could stand us in good stead and hopefully it will be a turning point in our season.

Former Brislington striker Russ Church came off the bench for his debut against Abingdon.

Mogg said: "I toyed with playing him but I wanted him to look at the opposition and at the end of the day it was a good three points so everything I did was justified.

"It went through my mind to substitute Callum Stewart but in the end I gambled and kept him on."

With experienced midfielder Matt Hale also now signed, Mogg believes he has a competitive squad at his disposal, although the former Yeovil Town and Weymouth man may not be available to face Bishop's Cleeve this Saturday as his wife is expecting their first child.

Mogg said: "I’m quite comfortable with the competition but results will dictate whether we go for someone else.

"If a good player becomes available then we might have to review it."

Yate have met Cleeve twice already this season and both turned out to be heated battles with late drama.

In September’s FA Trophy clash at Kayte Lane, Jason Burt grabbed a late winner for Yate before Tom Warren and former player Kevin Slack clashed and were both sent off.

In the league match at Lodge Road last month Yate had a 90th minute goal cancelled out by Cleeve, who had a man sent off in a brawl after the final whistle.

Mogg said: "I don’t encourage it and neither does their manager. It’s something that when you’re on the touchline you wonder what goes through people’s minds.

"You want lads to grow up and be men. It’s about situations sometimes and it’s difficult not to react when provoked."