Page 4 - Yate Town FC v Poole Town 161121

Saturday’s clash with Taunton Town always promised to be a closely fought encounter, given that only
two points and one position separated Yate from the Somerset side in the table prior to kick off.
There were chances to win the game at either end but brave work from both goalkeepers and some
wayward finishing combined to produce a rare blank scoreline at The SWI Stadium.
The home side could have been two goals to the good inside fifteen minutes through James Harding.
First the tall striker was denied by an alert Will Buse on the near post following a Dave Sims-Burgess
cross and then a flicked header came back off the upright after another centre from the right.
Later, as the action ramped up and there were heated exchanges, Liam Angel was booked for a foul on
Dan Sullivan and Taunton manager Rob Dray was also shown a yellow card during the aftermath.
As the first half closed, Sullivan hit the side netting after a strong run down the left and, right on the
whistle, Jacob Wannell brushed the foot of the post with a downward header following a free kick.
Both goalkeepers were quickly into action as the second half got underway. Taunton's Buse dashed off
his line to halt Harding's run and Andy Hannah, whose handling throughout the game was first rate, did
well to gather the ball when Toby Holmes threatened.
A Joe Tumelty free kick then sailed over the crossbar before an identical set piece at the other end saw
Jay Foulston strike the underside of the crossbar with his well flighted effort.
Ricardo Rees had a low goal-bound drive blocked as Yate went looking for the winner although it was
the visitors who had the better of the late opportunities.
A very timely strong tackle from match Will Tunnicliff (who would later be awarded the Man of the Match
from sponsors South West Interiors) prevented Holmes from getting off his shot when he cut in on goal
from the left and Sullivan should have hit the target from inside the box when Josh Thomas set up the
chance.
Following the conclusion of the game, it was announced that 10-goal striker Dave Sims-Burgess is
leaving Lodge Road for an opportunity at Bath City in the National League South. We would like to thank
Dave for all his time with the club and wish him all the best at Twerton Park, and hopefully we will see
him at Lodge Road again some time to support his old team.
Sims-Burgess’ departure leaves manager Paul Michael with a selection headache – James Harding’s
recent goalscoring form helps alleviate the loss somewhat, but Olly Mehew was not in the matchday
squad to face Taunton. This potentially presents an opportunity for Luke Hopper, who has so far only
made sporadic bench appearances in the league following a lengthy layoff with injury.
Tonight’s opponents Poole Town have been in somewhat inconsistent league form recently. Three of
their last four league matches have seen Tom Killick’s men suffer heavy losses at the hands of Hayes &
Yeading, Truro and Weston-Super-Mare, with a win away to Walton Casuals some respite for the Dorset
outfit. The mixed form sees them a decent 4 position in the league, but they have played more games
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than all the teams around them, and three more than Yate, who are just five points back at the time of
writing.
Tonight is the eighth consecutive home game for the Bluebells and it will be followed by seven away
matches in succession, which start just a short trip down the M4 at Swindon Supermarine (Saturday 20 th
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November, 3pm). November then concludes with trips to Hartley Wintney (Tuesday 23 , 7.30pm) and
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Truro City (Saturday 27 , 3pm). A supporters’ coach will run to both Hartley Wintney and Truro, and all
your support at any of the upcoming road trips will be massively appreciated as always.
C’mon you Bluebells!
Lewiss Smith