Yate youngsters going right way, says Dempsey

YATE Town Reserves boss Dale Dempsey believes his young side are gradually starting to find their feet at County League level.

A 1-1 draw against Bishop's Cleeve Reserves last weekend extended Yate's unbeaten run to four games in their attempt to lift themselves off the foot of the table.

"We're making progress," said Dempsey. "We've got a young side with a lot of new players, but I'm pleased because we're getting there slowly."

Yate visit title-chasing Henbury tomorrow without defender Grant Brown, who is out for the rest of the season with a broken collarbone, but Dempsey has signed Made for Ever marksman Mike Tucker.

Hanham host in-form Ellwood without defender Jack Baber, who suffered a gash to the head last weekend.

DRG Stapleton will try to extend their undefeated run to six games when they host struggling Berkeley Town. Manager Dave Johnson can pick from an unchanged squad.

Rockleaze Rangers boss Carmelo Micciche is wary of a Cribbs Friends Life side who will be determined to make amends for last weekend's 3-0 defeat at the hands of title-rivals Tuffley Rovers.

"Cribbs are one of the best sides in the league," said the Rockleaze manager. "I'm sure they'll be looking to make up for what happened last weekend."

Micciche adds striker Shane Budding to his squad, but Cribbs boss Gavin Tufton is sweating on the fitness of a number of players.

Chris Kite, Dominic Graffagnino, Nathan Lumber and Tim O'Loughlin have all required treatment on minor injuries this week and Matt Shaughnessy definitely misses out through suspension, but striker Tom Burns returns.

Thornbury Town attempt to return to winning ways when they host Longlevens. Manager Roy Irwin recalls Tom Webb and Scott Reeves.

Bristol Academy are at Patchway Town hoping to secure their first victory in eight games. Manager Simon Panes welcomes midfielder Nathan Rose back to the squad.

Chipping Sodbury Town boss Scott Gibson is without midfielder Mark Totterdale for the trip to Tuffley Rovers. Reserve-team midfielder Sam Cooper is drafted in.