YATE TOWN scored two late goals to beat ten-man Mangotsfield United in an exciting New Year’s Day derby at Lodge Road.

Mark Reynolds and Edd Vahid gave Yate a 2-0 lead before Tom Knighton was sent off for the visitors, who fought back to score two goals within ten minutes of the second half.

However, substitute Marc Hughes put Yate ahead again with nine minutes left and Liam Fussell scored his first goal for the club to seal the win.

After a difficult 2009, it was the perfect start to the new year for Dave Mogg’s side, who have started to show signs that better times lie ahead as they stretched their unbeaten run to six games in all competitions and recorded back to back league wins for the first time in three months.

The win ensured Yate leapfrogged their nearby rivals in the table and they maintained their good recent record against Mangotsfield in the league with a third win over them in a row.

Despite the freezing weather, referee Tim Wood passed the pitch fit to play and his decision proved to be justified.

Yate completely dominated the first half against a lethargic Mangos team, and took a well deserved lead on 26 minutes when Mark Reynolds touched a cross from Russ Church past former Bluebell Tony Court in the visitors’ goal.

Nine minutes later skipper Vahid reacted quickly in the box to increase Yate’s lead after the Mangos defence had failed to clear.

Just before half-time, striker Knighton was shown a straight red card after appearing to use an elbow in an off the ball incident.

Mangotsfield upped their game after the break, with the ten men showing much more determination.

On 51 minutes, substitute Harley Purnell curled a shot into the top corner after a neat team move, and then Michael Meaker showed his class when scoring from close range.

Both sides had chances to win the match, but Yate gradually restored the initiative and regained the lead on 83 minutes when Hughes beat Court from the edge of the box.

Josh Dempsey then saved well from a Rob Scott header before Yate made the game safe when Liam Fussell tapped in with two minutes left after good work by Sam Duggan and Adie Adams.

Yate visit promotion-chasing AFC Totton on Tuesday night (7.45pm).

Att: 460 Ref: Tim Wood Star man: Edd Vahid.