A LEWIS Haldane double kept Yate’s slim play-off hopes alive with victory at relegation-threatened Bishop’s Cleeve.

Rob Cousins’ side moved to within three points of the top five and this Saturday’s derby at home to Mangotsfield United (3pm) will now take on extra significance with both sides hoping to make a late promotion charge.

Arguably Bishop’s Cleeve were the better side in the first half as they competed well and defended solidly.

Haldane was fairly quiet in the first half due to the fact that he was very isolated on his own up front, with Yate opting to play a 4-5-1 formation.

Long throw-ins were the only minor problems the Yate defence had to deal with, but both goalkeepers were untroubled.

Cousins sent on Jordan Rogers in place of Ross Staley at the break and the substitute made an impact as Yate started the second half strongly.

Rogers nodded a chance wide on 55 minutes and Cleeve goalkeeper Harvey Rivers was at full stretch to touch Rogers’ looping effort over the bar after a cross from Connor Clifford on the left.

Rivers was finally beaten in the 68th minute when Haldane rose to meet a cross from the right wing and force the ball over the line.

Haldane’s 31st goal of the season was soon to follow, as he made Bishop’s Cleeve pay for wasted chances with a calm finish past Rivers, securing all three points for Yate.

Yate Town: Horsell, Tippins, Chandler, Fletcher, Cox (c) (Bryant 81), Abraham, Harmer, Clifford, Staley (Rogers 45), Kamara, Haldane. Subs not used: Harrison, Ricketts, Meaker.

  •  Luke Bryan has left Yate to return to Western League Premier Division side Bitton.

The striker only made the opposite switch last month but his playing opportunities were limited, his only goal coming in the 3-1 defeat at Thatcham.