TAUNTON Vale slipped to a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Bath Buccs A in the Davis Wood league’s Premiership on Saturday.

The turning point in the match came when keeper Richard Potts was harshly yellow carded.

From the resulting penalty flick Bath scored comfortably and added another in the following five mins as Vale played without their keeper.

Ian Haley pulled one back to take Vale into half time 2-1 down.

The second half was a close affair but Vale were not able to exert their normal dominance against a defiant Bath team and a further late goal for the home team secured the points.

This Saturday Vale entertain Exeter University A at Gypsy Lane (7pm). n Vale A easily beat ten-man Truro A 6-1 at home in Conference South.

Goalscorers were Rich Gower, Luke Reynolds, Mark House, Alex Lumby (2) and Calvin Bull.

Vale are now fifth in the table with two matches to go.

n Vale B enjoyed a 6-0 win over Vale C in South East 1 and remain clear at the top of the table.

Vale C started strongly and dominated the early exchanges of the first half with Harry Whittle impressing on the right hand side, setting up chances for Richard Stock and John Pike.

But Vale B weathered the storm with goalkeeper Martin Lawrence making some good saves.

Jonty Lawford and Tom Tridgell then both hit the post as the B team moved up a couple of gears.

Vale B’s pressure began to tell when Harry Riste opened the scoring with James Duder doubling the lead just before half time.

The second period went a little bit more to plan for Vale B as they scored four more goals without reply.

Riste picked up two more goals – to give him a hat-trick – including a fine finish from the edge of the D after a flowing move down the left from Liam Elliott and Joe Morris.

Morris was again the provider for Mark Lecompte to score.

It was left to Tom Tridgell to wrap up the scoring for the evening.

n VALE D drew 3-3 with Chard A in South East 2.

Both sides played good team hockey and were clinical in front of goal Man-of-the-zmatch Blair Kirkl-and scored a superb hat-trick for Vale with his second goal being particularly special.