Yate travelled to Woodlands Road for Thursday Evening’s fixture.
Starting in a 3-4-1-2 formation, on a tacky surface, Yate were pleased to be back in match play after several fixtures lost to poor weather.
The visitors started on the front foot and spent the first quarter predominately in the opposition’s half. However, despite the stranglehold on possession, fluidity was lacking in early play. With time, Yate began to move the ball better finding impressive wing-backs Will Down and James Fortune in space. Chances started to arrive but the home keeper thwarted these with good use of his body. At this stage Yigithan Kepil and Nico Baird had taken a hold on midfield and were finding team mates in advanced positions.
Despite the ascendancy in the game, and with the score sheet still blank , The Rocks, caused concern with several counters that the back three of, Ben Cook, Joe Steward and Todd Simms negated. This allowed an opportunity to play out from Billy Pullin in goal, who looked assured throughout on the night.
Continued pressure from corners and forward play saw goals come quickly in the twenty five minutes to the interval, with James Fortune finishing well on two occasions before Joe Steward scored a third from a set play. James fortune then completed his hat trick to reward an excellent first half performance.
Half time saw the management impress the need for recognising when to play quicker, off of less touches, and an adjustment of shape when defending throw ins.
Yate were soon into their stride, and opportunities came for Max Davies and Antony Batt without further addition to the score. But further goals did come through Rowan Smith with deft finishes, and Yigithan Kepil who is becoming a regular scorer from his midfield position. Replacements took to the field in the form of Louie Clarke and Luke Money, at wing-back and midfield respectively, with both looking astute on the ball. The final change of the evening came with Zach Gillies replacing Billy Pullin between the sticks. Zach Gillies looked assured with a good starting position as Yate saw out the game.
Tytherington to their credit maintained their energy levels throughout the contest, and saw their Keeper pull off many excellent saves throughout the match. Yate will be glad to have this game under their belt, with a trio of difficult forthcoming fixtures over the festive period, Almondsbury being first up Tuesday night.
James Fortune picked up the M.O.T.M. award, following his complete all-round display.
Starting XI: Billy Pullin, Ben Cook Joe Steward, Todd Sims, James Fortune, Yigithan Kepil, Nico Baird(Capt) ,Will Down, Antony Batt, Rowan Smith(Capt), Max Davies
Replacements: Louie Clarke, Luke Money, Zach Gillies