Yate Town get their 2026/27 Southern League Premier South season underway on Saturday, August 8th, as they welcome Gosport Borough to the South West Interiors Stadium (3pm).
The Bluebells will look to make a strong start to the campaign, with many familiar faces returning for Darren Mullings’ side, while a number of new additions are in line to make their competitive debuts in blue and white.
THE OPPOSITION
Gosport Borough arrive at the South West Interiors Stadium after an eighth-place finish last season, as they ended the campaign with 19 wins and sat nine points outside of the play-off places.
There is a fresh face in the dugout for the visitors, with former Hayes & Yeading United manager Simon Lane set for his first competitive game in charge of the Boro’ after the departure of Glenn Howes in the closing stages of the 2025/26 season.
Former United players Jude Mason and Sam Ashton are among Gosport’s 13 new signings, while forward Rafael Ramos and defenders Kristian Campbell and Harry Lee have also returned to the club after spells away. Also arriving over the summer are goalkeeper Kie Plumley, defender Jay Williams, midfielders Jacob Gardiner-Smith, George Penn and Frank Keita, and forwards Adam Liddle, Wayne Robinson and Marcus Dawes.
The Boro’ enter the new league campaign off the back of a productive pre-season schedule. After back-to-back draws with Weymouth (2-2) and Brockenhurst (3-3) in their opening fixtures, and a 2-1 defeat to Horndean, Lane’s side went on to claim five straight wins over AFC Portchester (3-1), Moneyfields (1-0), Windsor & Eton (1-0), Westfield (1-0) and Three Bridges (4-1) to conclude their preparations.
RECENT MEETINGS
The Bluebells were unbeaten against Saturday’s visitors during the 2025/26 campaign, with the most recent meeting between the two sides taking place on April 11th, as Yate ran out 2-0 winners at Privett Park.
Josh Bennett opened the scoring for the Bluebells in the 47th minute as he fired home from the edge of the box, before Henry Sady doubled the lead late in stoppage time with a composed finish following a cross from James Taylor.
The previous encounter played out as a 1-1 draw, with Trevor Carborn giving the visitors an early lead before a second-half header from Marlon Jackson ensured that the points were shared at the South West Interiors Stadium.
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
Kick-Off: 3pm
Turnstiles Open: 1pm
Bar Opens: 1pm
Shop Opens: 1pm
TICKETS
Tickets for Saturday’s match against Gosport Borough can be purchased online here at a discounted price, or full-price tickets will be available to purchase on the day.
Pre-Purchase (Online): Adult - £13, Concessions (66+) - £9, 16-21 & Students - £7, Next Generation (12-15) - £5, Under-21s - £1, Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Under-12s) - £24.
At the Turnstile: Adult - £14, Concessions (66+) - £10, 16-21 & Students - £8, Next Generation (12-15) - £6, Under-21s - £2, Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Under-12s) - £25.
Please note that ID is required as proof of age/student status when purchasing 16-21 and student tickets, and spectators under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
PARKING
We’re expecting a bumper crowd for todays match, can we please remind everyone to park consider and show respect for the clubs close neighbours and the businesses that operate close to the ground.
Please do not park in the Addlings ( new road end of lodge road ) the estate has tight roads and limited parking for residents, also please avoid using the fox pub car park this is for patrons only.