Yate Town 5 Sutton Coldfield Town 1

YATE Town destroyed Sutton Coldfield Town with a scintillating first half performance.

This was Yate's fifth successive win and keeps them in third place in Southern Div 1 West but snapping at the heels of leaders Mangotsfield United, who also won on Saturday.

P Pts Mangotsfield Utd 25 47 Evesham 25 46 Yate 23 43

A good save denied Andy Neal in the first minute but Yate then launched themselves into the lead on 6 minutes when striker Darren Edwards finished off a good move with a well hit shot.

Yate immediately made it 2-0 when a quickly taken free kick by Dave Elsey was crossed by Jason Wood and tucked away by Adam Sims from close range.

Edwards added another on 25 minutes with a header from Andy Neal's cross, with skipper Lee Jefferies making it 4-0 on 36 minutes when he headed in an Elsey free kick.

Sutton Coldfield improved in the second half and pulled a goal back on 87 minutes from a corner, but within a minute Yate restored their advantage when substitute Mike Wyatt scored for a final score of 5-1.

Darren Edwards has now scored four goals in four games since his move from Mangotsfield.

Yate boss Rich Thompson commented: "I am very pleased that we are now finding consistency. I've known all along we can do well and just need to get our minds right. Our attitude over Christmas has been spot on and there is a good spirit and a healthy competition for places."

L This Saturday Yate play one of the most important games in their history when they entertain Hayes Football Club in the Third Round of the FA Trophy, ko 3pm.