Evo-Stick League South, Division One South

Yate Town 0

Larkhall Athletic 0

Yate Town have gone two games without a win and a two without a goal after a goalless draw against Larkhall Athletic writes John Davis.

Clear cut goal scoring chances were at a premium in this close encounter in which both sides lacked the forward players with enough guile to break down two well organised defences.

Other factors also militated against a definite result. A blustery wind made conditions difficult throughout and attempts at free-flowing football were not helped by frequent stoppages for petty fouls, player treatment and a spate of yellow cards.

Yate, without a number of players through injury and Josh Ford through suspension, included new signing Nick Humphreys at full back with returning midfielder Mike Bryant on the bench. Nick Peare deputised for Ford at the centre of the defence and his probing was missed in midfield.

Former Larkhall player George King got in two efforts for the home side early on while at the other end Lewis Thomas was able to comfortably field several wind-assisted long range efforts.

In the closing stages of the first period the visitors' Lewis Powell almost got on the end of a cross from Harry Hope while minutes later both Powell and Hope just failed to make contact when stretching for a Wayne Nderemani centre on the far post.

A saving tackle from Sam Boulton prevented Hope getting in a shot on goal early in the second half before Larkhall's Mason Winter curled in a shot which Thomas gathered cleanly.

The home side enjoyed greater possession in the second half but the Larkhall backline, well marshalled by ex-Yate defender Mike Baker and Josh Jones, seldom looked likely to give way.

There were several late chances though. Bryant headed wide, Elliott Keightley just failed to hit the target from an Adam Price free kick and Ross Langworthy's low shot was pushed away for a corner by Shaun Semmens.