TOM SEERY scored his first goal for Yate to give them derby victory at Mangotsfield for the third season in a row.

The defender’s 63rd minute strike settled a competitive contest played in difficult conditions to strech Yate’s unbeaten run to six games and move them seven points clear of bottom side Sholing, while moving two within two points of arch rivals Mangotsfield.

Skipper Edd Vahid went close to giving Yate the lead on seven minutes when he struck the bar as a corner dropped to him inside the box, before blazing over his follow-up attempt.

Yate goalkeeper Josh Dempsey did well to turn Shaun Lamb’s header around the post and did the same again to keep the ball out after Lee Marshall won the ball in the air from the following corner.

Vahid had another great chance to open the scoring when he was unmarked in the box at a free kick but he headed over, while Dempsey denied Lamb once again at the other end, this time keeping the ball out with his legs.

Mitchell Page shot straight at Mangotsfield goalkeeper Kevin Sawyer at the start of the second half before Yate took the lead.

Seery arrived at the far post to meet a free kick from the right and slid the ball in from close range.

Yate had chances to add to their lead with Vahid heading straight at Sawyer from a quick break before Mike Bryant was denied by the goalkeeper.

Mangotsfield put on some late pressure, but Yate held on to maintain manager Rob Cousins’ 100 per cent record at Cossham Street.

Yate Town: Dempsey, Warren, 3. Ollie Barnes (Wring, 55), Purnell, Seery, Bater, Groves, Vahid, Page (Meaker, 61), Bryant, Cox. Subs not used: Thomas, Sarr, Cousins.

Referee: Mr S Oakey

Att: 293.