Evo-Stik Southern League

Division One South & West

North Leigh 2

Yate Town 1

AFTER Yate Town emerged victorious from a five-goal thriller against North Leigh days previously, the hosts were desperate for their revenge this time out. And North Leigh got exactly what they wanted in Tuesday’s encounter at Eynsham Park, courtesy of a second-half penalty from the in-form Michael Hopkins.

It was the wounded hosts who struck first on the night.

North Leigh took the lead after 20 minutes through George Seacole and looked to maintain their slim advantage until half-time.

Boasting consecutive home wins ahead of the reverse fixture, North Leigh have proven hard to beat at Eynsham Park of late, but Paul Britton’s side responded well after the restart.

Yate, who themselves have endured a difficult campaign, fought back in the second-half and found an equaliser for their efforts.

Eugene Keary made it 1-1 in the 71st minute to give the Bluebells hope of taking a share of the spoils on the evening.

However, the visitors were dealt a sucker punch by North Leigh just minutes later as the home side re-took the lead through Michael Hopkins.

North Leigh were awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute, and Hopkins – who has scored in every game played for the hosts this month - made no mistake from the penalty spot.

A bitter pill to swallow for Yate, and Britton’s men valiantly sought an equaliser, but it didn’t come.

The defeat meant the Bluebells finished the day 19th in the Division One South & West table.

There are now 10 places and 31 points separating the two sides this season.

North Leigh have been in a rich vein of form on home soil, while Paul Britton’s men still cannot find any consistency on their travels.