YATE responded to back-to-back heavy defeats with a much-needed victory as they put four past Bridgend on Saturday.

Yate men's 1s were able to put out a near full strength squad for the first time since the Christmas break, after conceding nine goals in two defeats in recent weeks.

Yate started the brighter of the two teams, with the skill and pace of their young players causing problems for the visitors’ defence, although good opportunities were missed due to a lack of composure in the D.

Midway through the half, Josh Whittle dribbled into the D and put the ball onto a defenders foot. From the resulting short corner, Danny Pearce managed to deflect a shot into the net for the opening goal.

That seemed to stir Bridgend into action and they finished the half stronger, with only good defending by Pearce, sweeper Dom Chambers and goal keeper Ollie Baldwin keeping Yate in front.

The second-half was a different matter and Yate produced their best half of the season, with their squad rotation causing a lot of issues to a tiring Bridgend team.

Youngster Dylan Bruce made a great break down the right and slapped the ball into the D for Nick Perry-Gough to sweep the ball into the corner of the net. Five minutes later Perry-Gough scored an exact replica of the goal, the assist this time provided by Tom Clark, and this effectively secured the victory.

With about 10 minutes remaining Whittle broke into the D only to be hauled down by the impressive Bridgend goal-keeper and was awarded a penalty flick. Whittle picked himself up and converted the flick with aplomb.

The game became a little bit feisty as the clock ran down and a few cards were shown but Yate can be pleased with their performance overall as they head to Cardiff and Met next week to take on the runaway leaders.