The two teams last met in 2018/19 in the Southern League Division One South & West, which was Thatcham’s first season back at step four, and ended with Yate winning promotion via the play-offs. On the opening day of the season, Nick Peare’s 78th minute goal won the points for Yate, with Scott Rees being sent off for the Kingfishers and Adam Price seeing red for the visitors.

The return fixture, played between Christmas and New Year, ended in a 1-1 draw. Shane Cooper-Clark fired Thatcham ahead but Ollie Mehew levelled for the Bluebells.

Thatcham’s last victory over Yate came in the previous meeting, in March 2014. After Luke Bryan gave Yate a half-time lead, the Kingfishers responded with second-half goals from Luke Abrahart, Toby Nowell and a certain Yashwa Romeo.

This campaign Yate have pretty much topped the table since day one after beginning with four straight wins. They have tasted defeat just four times in 29 games, and hold a 7 point lead over Evesham United. The Kingfishers gave a good account of themselves earlier in the season at Lodge Road, but a first-half own goal followed by a late Lucas Tomlinson strike sealed a 2-0 home win.

Yate suffered a narrow defeat away to our near neighbours Hungerford Town in the FA Cup, but gained revenge over them with a 3-2 win at Bulpit Lane in the FA Trophy. Their cup run came to an end against Hampton & Richmond in the Second Round.

In his programme notes, manager Yashwa Romeo said,

“I see the Yate game as something of a free hit as no one will be expecting us to get anything. I was away for our fixture at Yate earlier this season, but everyone I speak with says they are a very strong side who deserve to be top, and they boast a number of players who have played at a higher level.

"We go in to this fixture in good spirits having picking up five points from three games, but we need to keep picking up points to climb the table. We have been a lot more resilient in recent matches and have nullified our opponents’ attacking threat. We have kept our opponents to very few goalscoring opportunities, and that solid foundation always gives you a chance.

Unfortunately Zion Nditi has been recalled by Aldershot so will no longer be part of our squad. I thought he was an honest player who worked hard and was technically very good, and he did well for us. Thankfully we can move T across to the right so it doesn't necessarily leave a void.

It is good to see Oli Bourne back in the team after his injury. Although the prolific Louis Britton scored against us for Bristol Manor Farm, Oli did keep him quiet for the first 80 minutes in his comeback game. Meanwhile Dan Smith makes us stronger in the middle of the park following his return from Reading City.”

As usual a printed programme will be on sale at the turnstile and in the bar beforehand.