Page 4 - Yate Town FC v Hendon 080222

Saturday’s encounter with Weston-Super-Mare came with a certain tension in the air
that always circles when two clubs so close in the standings prepare to do battle.
One point and two places are all that continues to separate the clubs from BS23 and
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BS37 after a hard fought 1-1 draw that leaves them both chasing 5 -placed Gosport
Borough with games in hand on the Hampshire outfit.
It was a result that Yate were probably content with, given they could only name four
substitutes and star men Jamie Adams and Olly Mehew were missing.
The Bluebells certainly had the better of the goalmouth action in the first half while the
second period was a scrappier affair with plenty of commitment but both outfits lacking
the cutting edge needed to break down some stubborn defending.
Weston's Max Harris was certainly the busier of the two keepers in the opening stages,
holding a shot from Ricardo Rees low down and then doing well to keep out an effort
from James Harding.
The home side's energetic start was finally rewarded in the twelfth minute. A throw in
on the right was helped into the box by Matt Bower and Luke Hopper, lurking on the
near post, helped the ball under Harris.
Max Williams then tested Harris as the home side searched to extend the lead and Joe
Tumelty was also denied by the Weston 'keeper.
It was a dangerous raid up the left involving Scott Laird that led to Weston's equaliser
after twenty-five minutes. The Dayle Grubb corner that followed Laird's cross drifted
over everyone on the line and defender Sam Avery was left with the simple job of
bundling the ball over the line.
A swerving effort from Will Tunnicliff almost caught Harris napping as the second half
got underway while Marlon Jackson headed just over the crossbar at the other end.
Harris pushed away Harding's effort to curl the ball inside the post before Andy Hannah
was busy in the home goal dealing with a Jacob Cane header and a shot on the turn
from Sonny Cox.
Town's hopes of a late winner almost materialised during stoppage time but Bower's
header from a corner failed to make progress through a packed goalmouth and the ball
was cleared away.
Tonight’s match sees Yate welcome Hendon to the SWI stadium for what will be the first
time these sides have met this season. We would like to extend a very warm welcome
to everyone involved with Hendon Football Club. We hope you enjoy your visit to Lodge
Road and have a safe journey home tonight.
The Greens start the night off in 12 place in the league, following a patchy January
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that saw them claim six points from a possible 18. However, they did see off Hartley
Wintney in a 2-1 win last Saturday to claim their third win in five.
Tough tests lie ahead for Yate Town which will be crucial to sustaining a push for the
play-off places. Three consecutive away trips start at league leaders Farnborough
(February 12 , 3pm KO), who are coming under increasing pressure from below and
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will be eager to tighten their grip on top spot. This is followed by a journey to Plymouth
to face Truro City (February 15 , 7.45 KO) in midweek before facing Walton Casuals in
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London on the 19 at 3pm. We then round out the month by hosting Metropolitan Police
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on Saturday 26 , again at 3pm.
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C’mon you Bluebells!
Lewiss Smith