Evo-Stick League South, Division One South

Yate Town 2

Cirencester Town 1

LEADERS Yate Town grabbed the bragging rights over Cirencester Town, writes John Davis.

The lead at the top of the table remains narrow though-a one point advantage over Blackfield and Langley with a game in hand.

Cirencester's defensive high-line caused problems early on. An Adam Price volley that found the net was ruled out for offside and Ollie Mehew was also halted by the referee's whistle when he went clear on goal.

After the visitors' Ellis Dunton had fired just over after a strong run up the right, the home side edged in front. Price's free kick from the left bobbled around in the box before Jack Twyman pounced to steer in his second goal of the season on twenty-three minutes.

Ben Brooks then tested Cirencester goalkeeper Marko Radovanovic with a snapshot that came back off the post before the visitors drew level. Lewis Thomas could only push away a ground shot from Aidan Bennett as it came through a ruck of players and experienced 'poacher' Alan Griffin rolled the rebound over the line.

The second half was all about ebb and flow with both sides using some flowing link-up play in an effort to breakdown two well-organised defences.

Mehew had an effort well saved by Radovanovic after an assist from Price before Yate re-established their lead. Mehew did well to retain possession on the left, Peare looped a long cross into the danger area where Brooks took full advantage of Radovanovic's failure to gather the ball to fire past a covering defender on the line.

There were still chances at either end in a storming finish to the game as substitutes were introduced to combat tired legs.

New signing George King and Ross Langworthy both had late shots well saved while at the other end Thomas did well to block an effort from Jack Freeman and Bennett sent a low drive skidding across the face of the goal.

Yate Town: Thomas, Evans, Keightley, Peare, Ford, Boulton, Price, Guest, Mehew (King 63 minutes), Brooks (Langworthy 76 minutes), Twyman.

Subs not used: Kamara, Dawes, Sims-Burgess.

Cirencester Town: Radovanovic, Dunton, Spalding, Pook, Albert, Ouldridge (Freeman 74), Anderson, Connolly (Christopher 46, Griffin (Spalding 74mins), Whitehead, Bennett

Subs not used: Mortimer-Jones, Windsor

Star Man: Joe Guest. (Must have covered every blade of grass in a tireless midfield display).

Attendance: 255

Entertainment rating: 4/5

Yate travel to Paulton Rovers on Saturday, then follows a home game with Larkhall Athletic (December 8th) and a visit to Slimbridge at Thornhill Park (December 15th).

Cirencester welcome Fleet Town on Saturday, 3pm.