LEWIS HALDANE scored his second hat-trick in as many games for free-scoring Yate Town, who closed in on the play-offs with a thumping win over Clevedon.

Rob Cousins’ side moved up to sixth in the table and are only behind fifth-placed North Leigh on goal difference, which they gave a significant boost on a very wet and windy evening at Lodge Road.

It was a brilliant display in very tough conditions by Yate, who have now scored 13 goals in their last two games.

A Jake Cox free kick provided the first good chance for Yate after the ball was only cleared as far as Haldane, who volleyed high over the crossbar.

A free kick down the other end resulted in the opening goal when Matt Thorne hit it brilliantly over the wall and into the top corner on 20 minutes, giving Clevedon the lead.

There was an instant reply from Yate, though and it came from the penalty spot three minutes later, Haldane winning it and converting it brilliantly.

Yate totally turned the game around on 36 minutes and found themselves 2-1 ahead with a great team goal.

A great ball by Ross Staley found Haldane on the wing and he drove a low cross into the box, where Jake Jackson simply slid the ball into an empty net.

Conditions started to deteriorate rapidly at the start of the second half, and this made it very hard for the players to keep hold of the ball.

Puddles became more visible on the pitch with 45 minutes still to play.

Despite the horrific conditions, Yate pushed on and put the game to bed on 72 minutes, Haldane scoring his second goal of the game, perfectly slotting the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

Minutes after entering the field, Jordan Ricketts nearly opened his account for Yate when he found himself through on goal but he curled the ball just over the bar.

Staley continued to pile misery on Clevedon when he scored straight from a corner with much help from the wind on 78 minutes. Clevedon goalkeeper Kane Mannings could do nothing else but push the ball into the roof of the net.

Yate then scored two goals in a matter of minutes.

A fluke goal gave Haldane his hat-trick and brought his tally for the season to 25. Clevedon defender Luke Hall-Cousins attempted to clear the ball but it bounced off Haldane's shin and trickled into the net.

Sam Kamara completed the rout for Yate with five minutes left, scoring his first goal for the club with a well placed shot from the edge of the area.

Former Sharpness midfielder Marley Thomas made his Yate debut as a late substitute after training with the club in recent months.

Yate are at home to play-off rivals Shortwood United on Saturday (3pm) and visit Bishop’s Cleeve next Tuesday night (7.45pm).

Yate Town: Horsell, Tippins, Chandler, Fletcher, Clifford, Cox (c) (Ricketts 76), Abraham, Kamara, Staley (Thomas 86), Jackson (Rodgers 76), Haldane. Subs not used: Meaker, Dunn.