Molten Spartan South Midlands League Division Two Caddington 2 Markyate 5 TONY Burnett scored twice as a depleted Markyate bounced back from last weekend s defeat in style. With several players unavailable through work and other commitments, the Yate made

Molten Spartan South Midlands League Division Two

Caddington 2 Markyate 5

TONY Burnett scored twice as a depleted Markyate bounced back from last weekend's defeat in style.

With several players unavailable through work and other commitments, the Yate made the short trip to Caddington - who were only two points behind them at the start of play - and made the best start possible.

Straight from kick off the Yate surged forward and Daniel Douglas forced a corner after a fine through ball from Adam Mead. The corner was cleared but only to Mead whose superb cross in behind the advancing defence was turned in by Burnett for the first goal, all within the first minute of the match.

With less than a quarter of an hour gone, the Yate got their second when Mead tapped home at the second attempt after the Caddington 'keeper saved his initial shot, following a crossfield ball from Ebon Trenchfield.

The Yate extended their lead minutes later when player-manager Scott Harvey pounced on a weak clearance to fire in off the bar from 25 yards.

The visitors continued to create chances and frustrate the home side but were unable to extend the lead. Caddington created a few chances but the Yate defence stood firm. The hosts did get on the scoresheet when Markyate failed to contest a corner and Paul Downes flicked the ball into the net.

After half time, the Yate came out with a very positive attitude and quickly extended their lead. They took a free kick that was deflected away from the wrong-footed 'keeper and Tony Burnett reacted quickest to guide the ball into an empty net for his second goal of the game.

The Yate were reduced to ten men when Damen Pickering received his second yellow for kicking the ball away and with 35 minutes still to go, the Yate had to withstand some extreme pressure.

Reorganising the defence they were able to hold out, with Man of the Match Ebon Trenchfield producing some last-ditch tackles and goal-line clearances to thwart the home attack.

One of his clearances set up Yate's fifth goal. Douglas latched onto the clearance and exchanged passes with Aron Hamilton that sent Douglas clear of the home defence and he stroked the ball past the 'keeper.

The game should have been comfortable but a push in the penalty area gave the home side a penalty on 69 minutes that was dispatched to reduce the deficit.

For the last twenty minutes, the tiring Yate went to five across the back and were able to shut out the home attack with minimal fuss and few real scares.

The Yate move onto 28 points, equaling their highest ever South Midlands total and with the five goals taking the season tally to 40, they also surpassed the highest number of goals scored in a season at this level. All that is needed now is to finish above 14th place to have their best ever season at this level which looks achievable as the Yate climb back up to fifth spot.