JOE McCLENNAN has left Yate Town after falling down the pecking order at Lodge Road.

With increased competition for places on the wing following the signings of Matt Groves and Hector Mackie, McClennan’s contract has been terminated.

Yate boss Rob Cousins said: “His chances have been limited in recent weeks, his form has dipped and so has his confidence. He was frustrated, he wasn’t enjoying it and he needed to move on.

“The players we’re bringing in are showing a bit of quality but we’re not the finished article yet.”

Cousins admitted it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders after Yate celebrated their first league win of the season at the 13th attempt against Taunton on Monday. Neikell Plummer scored the winner in a 3-2 success.

“The longer it went on the more pressure there was on everyone involved but the togetherness in the dressing room has always been there,” insisted Cousins.

“Everybody associated with the club enjoyed the victory.

“I think we’ve been playing a lot better over the last month against teams higher up the table. Hopefully we can move on.”

Yate assistant manager Michael Meaker has been ruled out for four to five weeks with a hamstring tear, but Mackie should travel to Tiverton on Saturday (3pm), after a tight hamstring kept him out against Taunton.

Yate are at home to Frome in the League Cup next Tuesday (7.45pm), meaning their league game against Stourport Swifts will have to be rearranged.