THE emergence of a crop of new young players is helping Yorkley cement a place as front-runners in Division 1. But would they be good enough to go up a division and stay there?

"We wouldn't turn the chance down but I feel that at the moment we are playing at the right level," says manager and club chairman Mark Hudson.

"We are gaining in experience and the young players we are bringing on need time to establish themselves. We have played in the premier league before and we know what is required to stay there. We at not far away," he said.

Reflecting on a promising start to the season, Hudson says both Yorkley teams have started well. The Second team, who play in Division 4, recorded their first win of the season beating previously undefeated Puma 'A' on Saturday.

Coming off the back of a midweek draw against neighbouring Lydney, the Yorkley boys played well to pull off this victory against Worrall Hill.

Hudson's assessment was that Worrall Hill have plenty to offer. "They are not a bad side and will give a good account of themselves," he said.

Yorkley's goal was scored by right winger Ricki Cole. Having slipped up on a one-on-one opportunity against the Worrall Hill 'keeper, Cole made immediate amends from the following corner as he headed in his second goal of the season. "He's one of those players with the knack of being in the right place at the right time," said Hudson.

Yorkley's sound team performance was praised by the manager who said everyone had played well.

Improving players included Ben James and Ryan Chidley while the club could rely totally on the commitment of club captain Dan Phillips. "He always plays well and in my opinion could easily play at a higher level," said Hudson.

Meanwhile there's an injury worry over Graham Rose, another long-serving Yorkley player. "He has played consistently well for years but had to leave the field with a head injury," said Hudson.

The club, he said, appreciated the help received from supporters and especially Myra Byett of the Nags Head Inn who has recently provided a new set of kit for the Second team.