REPORT BY JOHN DAVIS

Yate Town 1 Weston Super Mare 1

With both clubs having aspirations of a top five finish come the end of the season shake-up, Yate Town v Weston-Super-Mare was always going to be a tight encounter.

The Bluebells certainly had the better of the goal-mouth action in the first half while the second period was a more scrappy affair with plenty of commitment but both outfits lacking the cutting edge needed to break down some stubborn defending.

Weston's Max Harris was certainly the busier of the two keepers in the opening stages, holding a shot from Ricardo Rees low down and then doing well to keep out an effort from James Harding.

The home side's energetic start was finally rewarded in the twelfth minute. A throw in on the right was helped into the box by Matt Bower and Luke Hopper, lurking on the near post, helped the ball under Harris.

Max Williams then tested Harris as the home side searched to extend the lead and Joe Tumelty was also denied by the Weston 'keeper.

It was a dangerous raid up the left involving Scott Laird that led to Weston's equaliser after twenty-five minutes. The Dayle Grubb corner that followed Laird's cross drifted over everyone on the line and defender Sam Avery was left with the simple job of bundling the ball over the line.

A swerving effort from Will Tunnicliff almost caught Harris napping as the second half got underway while Marlon Jackson headed just over the crossbar at the other end.

Harris pushed away Harding's effort to curl the ball inside the post before Andy Hannah was busy in the home goal dealing with a Jacob Cane header and a shot on the turn from Sonny Cox.

Town's hopes of a late winner almost materialised during stoppage time but Bower's header from a corner failed to make progress through a packed goalmouth and the ball was cleared away.

Yate Star Man: Sam Kamara, A typical industrious display from the midfielder.Attendance: 465. Star rating: 3 stars.

Yate Town: Hannah, Turl, Tunnicliff (Angel 60 minutes), Kamara, Bower, Rhodes, Tumelty, Williams, Hopper, Harding (Fleetwood 83 minutes), Rees. Subs not used: Hall, Lewis.

Following the visit of Hendon on Tuesday, difficult away trips follow to Farnborough, Truro City and Walton Casuals.