FOLLOWING Tuesday’s defeat at North Leigh, Yate Town manager Paul Britton admitted he was disappointed at the result but was encouraged by the performance of his players.

“We felt we deserved more at Eynsham Park.

“We played well first-half and really competed with North Leigh.

“The players were resilient before half-time and going into the break with a 1-0 deficit wasn’t a bad reflection.”

Britton was delighted with his side’s bold approach after the restart, playing with a confidence that belied their lowly position in the table, and felt Yate could have won the match in the end.

“We were more attacking in the second half. We kept their keeper busy throughout and caused North Leigh all sorts of problems.

“The equaliser was deserved, and after levelling the game we felt there was only going to be one winner.

“There’s certainly much more positives than negatives.”

The Bluebells have three games left in the Division One South & West this season, Wimborne Town, Larkhall Athletic and Bridgwater Town.

Victory in any one of the remaining encounters would match the total set by Britton at the start of the campaign.

“40 points was the target for the season,” he revealed.

“But we take nothing for granted. We are a young group. We can’t go into any game expecting a win.

“However, performances like North Leigh will hold us in good stead.”

And with the season almost at an end, Britton reflected on what had been a campaign of ups and downs but also optimism with a squad full of potential.

He feels it’s vital the club can hold onto their talented youngsters and develop them into Southern League players, while building on what they already have with shrewd summer recruitment.

“This season’s been a learning curve. At times, it’s been frustrating but I’m optimistic.

“There’s a lot to build on for next season as long as we can keep our players and add to the talent we’ve got.

“I’m looking forward to the following campaign.”