Late equalizer earns Willand Rovers a point in thrilling clash with Yate

Willand’s Harvey Dorothy on the ball in the Southern League Division One South draw against Yate Town at the weekend (Credit : Gerry Hunt)

Willand Rovers manager David Steele said his team “responded brilliantly” after going 1-0 down with eight minutes to go in their 1-1 draw against Southern League Division One South leaders Yate Town.

In a competitive game at Silver Street, it looked like it was going to be goalless before James Taylor struck for Yate in the 82nd minute.

But Willand’s determination to not be beaten was rewarded when, just four minutes later, Josh Baker got on the end of a River Allen free kick to secure a share of the points.

And had Harvey Dorothy’s late shot not gone the wrong side of the post, it could have been all three points.

Steele said: “It’s what Saturdays are all about – we knew it was going to be a tough game. If that’s the bar in terms of who is going to be competing for the league and be favourites ... anybody who finishes above Yate I think will win the league. So if we can have that belief and go toe-to-toe with them in a 90-minute game, why can’t we do it and have a good go this season? There will be other teams thinking the same.”

Next for Willand is Larkhall Athletic at home on Wednesday night. While Willand are 10th in the table, Larkhall are 19th.

“I think it will be different,” said Steele. “We will try to stamp our authority and get the ball into midfield and play, as we like. I think, after the first five or 10 minutes, you’ll have an idea of how it is going to pan out.”

At the weekend, Willand go to Thatcham Town.

In the division above, the Southern Premier South, Tiverton Town lost 1-0 at home to Gloucester City on Saturday – but now turn their attention to the FA Trophy, with a home game against Dorchester City in the third qualifying round of the competition.

Cullompton Rangers are top of the South West Peninsula League Premier Division East after beating Crediton United 3-2 on Friday night.