YATE TOWN were relegated from the Southern League Premier Division last night in the most dramatic of circumstances as they let a three-goal lead slip at relegation rivals Clevedon Town.

Dean Griffiths scored a brace and strike partner Jake Reid scored the other as Dave Mogg’s men looked like taking it down to the last day of the season at Cambridge City with Hitchin Town losing 4-0 at Bashley.

But for the second time in four days they capitulated late on, allowing fellow strugglers Clevedon to claim a remarkable win.

The manner of defeat perhaps sums up Yate’s season as they have struggled to hold onto leads throughout, which has seen them fall from early pacesetters at the top of the table to bottom but one with one game to play.

The result re-ignited Clevedon’s hopes of staying up on the other hand as they moved out of the bottom four with one to play.

Reid put Yate ahead after 34 minutes and Griffiths doubled that advantage five minutes later.

Ten minutes after the break Griffiths gave Yate a seemingly unassailable three-goal lead but Pete Sheppard scored to begin Clevedon’s fight back after 63 minutes.

Jamal Easter netted with 15 minutes to go and Sheppard scored his second to level the scores with just four minutes left.

A draw was not enough for either side, especially Yate who needed a win to keep their chances mathematically alive, but Matthew Walsh scored Clevedon’s winner with two minutes remaining.

Why do you think Yate have been relegated this season? Will they bounce back?

Have your say below.

Full reaction from manager Dave Mogg in tomorrow's Gazette.