Bristol Manor Farm held league leaders Yate Town to a 1-1 draw at Lodge Road following an even Boxing Day affair.
Currently unbeaten in December, The Farm have endured some tough battles this month but knew Thursday’s trip to Lodge Road would be their toughest. Boosted by the returns of Harry Lucas to The Farm’s backline and George Dowling in central midfield, the changes sparked life into Manager Lee Lashenko’s side and they almost took the lead early on in fashionable style. Louis Britton dipped a half-volley from range which had to be saved by the recovering Aaron Sainsbury barely a minute into the game. Yate’s first chance fell to Louis Tomlinson, who got into a promising position on the edge of the area before he blazed wildly over. The Farm would take the lead on 18 minutes, backing up the bravery they showed midway through the first half. Dowling’s free-kick was punched poorly by Sainsbury, and Aron Robbins won the second ball and looped a header into the empty net to give his side the lead. Yate weren’t used to falling behind, especially on home territory, and they set about searching for an equaliser. Lloyd James sent in a great delivery, but Ross Stearn could only head wide.
A midfield battle plagued the early second half showing with clear chances at a premium. Manor Farm found some space on the break after an hour with Dan Dodimead finding Britton, but the forward lashed over. Yate would equalise with twenty minutes to play in rather fortuitous style. A header glances off a Farm defender onto the bar and dropped perfectly for home captain Joe Guest, who had the easy talk of stabbing the loose ball home. Neither side could muster a meaningful chance to steal the points, and it was Dowling for The Farm late on who fired an effort just over the Yate bar. Both sides will most likely be happy with the point, and there’s no time for the wicked as Bristol Manor Farm get stuck into their next match in just 48 hours’ time when they host Evesham United on Saturday 28 December at 3pm.
