Report

Collegians good run of results came to an end as they suffered a home defeat to a bright Yatton side. The result could have been very different if they had been able to convert a number of presentable chances but they were also out of luck as they struck the woodwork on three separate occasions. The opening exchanges saw both sides come close. For Collegians, Upshall was denied by the keeper as he forced his way through and was then unable to capitalise following a strong Sturman run. Dan Searle had to be brave as he dived at the feet of an onrushing forward and then had to block a shot from point blank range when Yatton seemed certain to score. Collegians had already seen an effort strike a post before a floated free kick from Jordan Lawrence rebounded off the cross bar and cleared to safety. Yatton took the lead when a jinking run down the left ended with the ball cut back to the supporting midfielder who side footed into the corner of the net. Minutes before the break, Lawrence again came close when he met a corner with an angled header but was again unfortunate to see the ball hit a post and Hoddinott was unable to force home the loose ball when under pressure. Collegians enjoyed a greater share of possession in the second period but were always conscious of Yatton’s speed on the break. Upshall broke free but shot straight at the keeper as he advanced and then Oakes was denied as the keeper made an excellent stop with his left foot. Yatton sealed the win as the forward cut in from the right and drove powerfully in through a crowd of players as Searle was unsighted. Collegians continued to work hard to open up the Yatton defence and came close again when Nolan struck a curling shot that just evaded the far post.