YATE Town are desperate to get back to winning ways after a second Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West defeat of the season on Tuesday night against Bishops Cleeve.

Yate lost 3-1 against a ten-man Bishops Cleeve who had James Watts sent off in the first-half for stamping on new Yate signing Liam Monelle.

And, when Bishops Cleeve conceded a penalty in the second-half, Darren Edwards converted from the spot to give Town hope of getting their first victory in three matches since an opening day win away at Evesham United.

However, Yate were left stunned when a mistake meant Bishops’ striker Shane Bumphrey was able to tap into an empty net to level the match.

And, from there, Bishops Cleeve got on top although Yate still threatened to draw level in attack.

Aaron Drake got the home side’s second goal with a header before Town’s miserable night was confirmed when Jack Horrell was tripped inside the penalty area and got off the ground to dispatch the spot kick.

It now leaves Yate in 17th position and the defeat was a shame after a battling home draw with Winchester City at Lodge Road on Saturday.

In that game, goalkeeper Martin Horsell kept a clean sheet as the new look team looked like it began to gel properly, with good performances all over the park.

The back four looked very solid, and Jake Jackson up front had his best game of the season which included a header at the back post minutes before the half time which whistled inches wide.

Yate’s defensive frailties, which were evident in patches during the 1-0 home defeat to Cinderford Town a week last Tuesday, were exposed again as Winchester’s Bentley played a great ball behind the defence but a shot was dragged wide..

Monelle came on to make his debut on the 64th minute but could not make an immediate impact to get a goal.

Another substitute Darren Edwards went close and soon afterwards Edwards also got to the ball before the keeper and, on the turn, he fired towards the bottom corner but it went just wide.

Now Yate have to pick themselves up for their visit to Wisloe Road and the unknown quantity that is Slimbridge, promoted to the division last season, in what is now a must-win match even this early in the season.