YATE TOWN will be looking to get back to winning ways on Saturday as they seek revenge over Slimbridge in their Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West clash.

But the Bluebells will have to do it without the services of defender Mitch Tippins who left the club last week.

Yate have had a three-game slump since beating Bishops Cleeve in the league on October 22 which has seen them ship 13 goals in defeats to Taunton Town, North Leigh and Paulton Rovers.

But, after no game last Saturday, manager Paul Britton will be eager to return from Slimbridge with a win after the Swans beat Yate 2-1 at Thornhill Park back in August.

Yate’s director of football Nigel Hawkins said: “I think the week off has done us good so can can get together and work hard on the training pitch.

“The results in the last few weeks have been disappointing but that is to be expected against teams with bigger budgets.”

Slimbridge manager Leon Sterling said his side will not be fooled by the three defeats for the Bluebells ahead of their return game.

Sterling said: “I think Yate are a big club in terms of what they can achieve. They probably think they should be doing a lot better but time is on their side as there is a long way to go yet.

“Yate may be close by but they are not in the same county and a lot of our lads are from (Bishops) Cleeve and Shortwood United. We beat them a few games into the season but I think Paul has got the players going and they are a different proposition now.”

And Hawkins said that getting something from the Bluebells’ trip to Thornhill Park was a top priority.

Hawkins added: “I think the Paulton result was more disappointing than anything else – and that’s how important Slimbridge is this weekend because, before these last few games, we were competing against the likes of Bishops Cleeve and it’s important that we get back on track.

“Previous to the last few games, we were taking points off teams which boosted morale in the side and on Saturday we want to get something to get confidence back.

“If we get a point even with a nil-nil draw, we can go on from that. We know we are in a battle and it will be tough against Slimbridge.”

However the departure of Tippins, who had only recently returned to action after a year out with a ruptured ACL and torn meniscus (knee), is something Yate could do without at the moment.

Yet the board of directors have said they will actively look for a replacement.

A statement from the club said: “We are disappointed to announce that Mitch Tippins has left the club due to personal reasons. Everyone at Yate Town would like to wish him all the best for the future and thank him for his services.

“First team manager Polly (Britton) and his management team are actively looking for new recruits to strengthen the squad. We are hoping to have some news to announce very soon.”

And Hawkins, whose role at Yate includes working with the Under-18 group which has enjoyed some success in previous seasons, has backed the tireless work Britton is putting in to bring fresh faces to the Jelf Stadium.

Hawkins added: “Polly is working hard and he is constantly on the phone to get players in.

“Losing Mitch Tippins was a backwards step but I think Charlie Hitchins coming back is huge. Polly is trying hard but when you are a club like ours and competing against other clubs, it’s hard to entice someone in.”