Yashwa Romeo happy with valiant Thatcham Town performance in defeat to league leaders Yate Town
Thatcham Town went into Saturday's clash at home to Yate Town with nothing to lose.
The side third from bottom were facing the league leaders, with manager Yashwa Romeo admitting that it was a free hit for his side.
But fans at the Mettal Stadium almost witnessed an upset, as Thatcham took the lead after 25 minutes.
It was Thatcham’s first chance of the game, as Yate failed to clear their lines from a corner.
Mo Ceesay’s strike ricocheted off a pair of defenders, before the ball dropped to Josiah Dunstan, who poked it home from eight yards to put his side 1-0 up.
A Yate shot hit Matthew Pullinger’s post within seconds of the restart, a reminder of the threat faced by Romeo’s side.
There were chances for Jamie Davies, Sam Tanner and Jadyn Dundas before the half was up, but none were able to double Thatcham’s lead.
As the second-half began Pullinger had to scramble to prevent an equaliser, before Christian Johnson saw a shot deflected at the other end.
Eventually Yate’s quality forced an opening, with Pullinger taking a man down for a penalty, converted for 1-1 on 70 minutes.
They took just four more minutes to take the lead, cutting through with a one-two to go 2-1 up.
Kensley Maloney was sent off for a second yellow, ending Thatcham’s hopes of getting back on terms, before Yate knocked in a third to end it at 3-1.
“It was a very, very good performance,” said Romeo.
“When you’re on top like we were in the first half you have to capitalise.
“A team like Yate is always going to start turning the screw.
“In the second half they came out strong and we weathered the storm.
“We gave away a very soft penalty, from there it was always going to be difficult.”
Dunstan’s goal put Thatcham well in the contest, and capped an impressive performance from the defender.
“I knew they had a big guy up top,” he said.
“He’s a very strong ex-pro, been around the block.
“My other centre-halves are probably a bit light in that area.
“Josiah is big and strong, he matched him well.
“He’s like a magnet in the opposing area sometimes, the ball just finds him.”
