BOSS Dave Mogg hailed his “magnificent” Yate Town side after their 4-2 win over local rivals Mangotsfield United.

The Zamaretto League Division One South West clash on New Year’s Day was one of the few games to be played last week due to the freezing weather, and it turned out to be a great start to 2010 for Yate, who stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to six games.

Mogg said: “Credit to the players because it was not an ideal situation to play in, so I take my hat off.

“They were magnificent and got their just rewards.

“We came out deserved winners in the end and all the lads played their part.”

Edd Vahid and Mark Reynolds put Yate in control during the first half before Tom Knighton was sent off, reducing Mangotsfield to ten men.

However, they fought back to 2-2 within ten minutes of the second half before late strikes by substitute Marc Hughes and Liam Fussell secured the derby win for Yate.

Mogg said: “I did not expect any Phil Bater (Mangotsfield manager) team to lie down and die and they certainly did not and put us on the back foot for a while.

“We were doing very well against 11 men. Whether it was the mindset of the other team having ten men or the fact we had played so well in the first half, it was something we had to get over and fortunately we did and deserved to win it in the end.”

Referee Tim Wood allowed the game to go ahead after a pitch inspection and Mogg revealed that he and Mangotsfield boss Bater played a part in the decision.

He said: “I think the ref was in doubt to start it or not.

“Myself and Phil Bater both wanted the game played and we did not feel it was dangerous to the players.

“We played on pitches much harder and we said if it got dangerous to the point where someone was going to get injured call it off, but we felt he needed to start the game.

“The ref came back congratulated both of us, said he liked our attitude and gave it a go.”

However, Yate’s trip to AFC Totton on Tuesday night was postponed due to a frozen pitch and this Saturday’s game at Gosport Borough is under threat due to the extreme weather.

Meanwhile, right back Tom Warren has rejected an approach to join Southern League rivals Paulton Rovers.

Mogg is still waiting to see the extent of the injuries sustained by defender Callum Stewart (knee) and striker Russ Church (shin) in the Mangotsfield game.

Matt Hale is expected to be available to make his debut within the next ten days. His wife has recently given birth to their first son.