SWINDON men’s first team came up a little short as a bare XI lost out 4-2 to a robust Yate side in the Northern Conference.

Yate took the lead early in the game, overrunning the Swindon back line and deflecting well beyond veteran keeper Alan Gough. Swindon then stepped up a gear and battled well for the duration of the first half, Callum Bird performing well on his first start of the season for the firsts.

The second half saw Swindon continue to press for an equaliser as they dominated the hosts. Luke Cejer fired in a great ball after fantastic hold up play by Matthew Wilcox before Daniel Bruce stole a march on the defence, sneaking in to deflect home for the leveller. Swindon were in the ascendency, creating opportunities but failing to capitalise.

Several minutes later, Chris Parsons then found Jim Towers in midfield, who played a one-two with Bruce, before driving to the circle. Towers' cross-cum-shot was fortunately deflected home by one of the defenders to give Swindon the lead.

Despite playing some excellent hockey for the next five minutes or so, Swindon were caught out by a break for a Yate equaliser. A goal to put the hosts in front quickly followed for the home team, with Towers ending up in the bin for questioning a decision. A fourth goal followed from a well-hit short corner which settled the result.

Despite the score, it was a brave effort from the eleven men of Swindon, who go again next week at home to Lydney.