ON SATURDAY, August 18, Yate Town kick-off the new season away to Thatcham Town in Division One South of the Evo-Stik Southern League.

The Bluebells have some momentum going into the 3pm outing, having beaten Caldicot Town 3-0 and drawing with Bristol Rovers u23s 1-1 in August.

Their form in July was a bit of a worry, however, losing 2-1 at home to a Bristol Rovers XI and 2-1 away to Portland United, before a 3-1 win at Chipping Sodbury was followed by a 3-0 defeat at home to Chippenham Town.

Thatcham Town beat them 3-1 in their last meeting too, but Yate will take some solace from their performances in recent weeks.

After Saturday’s trip to Thatcham, Yate host Bideford on Tuesday, August 21 (7.45pm) and then have six days to wait before they travel to face Mangotsfield United (3pm) on Monday, August 27 to wrap up the month.

Paul Britton’s men finished 14th in the league with 53 points from 42 games last season, seven places and 24 points clear of the relegation zone.

Yate will be hoping to consolidate once more in Division One South and build on the 2017/18 campaign by getting off to a good start.

Last season, Town picked up only three points from their opening seven league games before hitting some form, but Britton’s men should be much stronger this time out.

They’ve recently added Forest Green goalkeeper Lewis Thomas and Bristol Rovers' James Spruce to the squad.

Division One South: Thatcham Town (away) on Saturday, August 18, 3pm.