YATE TOWN manager Paul Britton praised his side for their effort despite going down to another Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West defeat this season.

Yate were full value during the first-half of their clash with league leaders Hereford but two second half goals saw the Bluebells lose out at the Jelf Stadium as the runaway leaders collected another three points on their seemingly easy romp to the league championship title this season.

But Britton was proud of his young team as they resisted Hereford’s attacks and went into the break still fighting as the game, played in front of 886 spectators, remained goalless.

Yate resisted further after the interval as the second half continued in a similar fashion, with Hereford enjoying lengthy spells of possession.

Hereford created more chances and finally managed to break down the stubborn Yate defence on the hour mark with John Mills heading home at the back post.

Pablo Haysham got his name on the scoresheet moments later, doubling The Bulls’ advantage and sealing an important win.

Britton said: “I thought our first-half was really good and we gave a good account of ourselves.

“We had a goal disallowed which was a blow but we had a definite penalty for a push on one of our players but it was not given.”

Britton knew it was going to be a backs-to-the-wall effort from his side against the rampaging Bulls, but added: “I am really pleased about how we went about our business in the first half but it was an onslaught from Hereford afterwards.

“They are the best side in the league and it was all about us doing ourselves justice and not letting ourselves down.

“There was a big crowd on the day which is great for the club.”

Yate lost 4-1 at Edgar Street in the first fixture between the sides at Christmas but were unable to get a goal on the board this time despite the disallowed effort and penalty appeals.

But Britton thinks that the young squad are improving, adding: “In the last two games against Tiverton Town and Hereford, we have played well but we know we have got to try and score at the other end because that is where we are lacking.

“But we are working hard on it and the players have to believe in themselves after the last two performances.

“It has been a while since we have won a game but the performances are improving.”

Indeed, the last time the Bluebells had a W on the fixtures and results table for this season was way back on December 3 when they beat Didcot Town 3-2 at the Jelf Stadium.

There have been a couple of draws since and the club now lay in 18th place and perilously close to the relegation trap door.

So a morale-boosting double on Saturday would do the team the world of good – and that is just what they will be looking for when they travel south to take on another very tough set of opponents in Salisbury this Saturday.

Yate Town scored a great victory over the Whites by 3-1 at home in September and, with a new recruit in Odd Down left-sided central defender Mike Baker on board, this would be a good time to cause another upset.

Britton added: “It is there for us to do at Salisbury. They are a good side as well. They will be hurting from the last game and they will want revenge for that.

“They will be going for it but we will be going there not to shut up shop.”

Yate certainly need to break the lack of victories run but they have the bonus of a game in hand on 19th placed Slimbridge below them and AFC Totton, in 20th.