Nailsea & Tickenham co-manager Nic Steadman told his side there were “lots of positives” from their North Somerset Derby at Clevedon Town on Boxing Day. 

Sam Beresford opened the scoring for the Toolstation Western League Premier leaders in the 41st minute before Luke Osgood levelled the scores four minutes later to ensure both sides went into half-time all level.

Beresford put Town back in front in the 51st minute before Lloyd Mills was sent off Just two minutes later for a second yellow card.

And following Mills’ sending off the Seasiders scored again through Owen Punselie to ensure the hosts would come away with a 3-1 victory at the Everyone Active Stadium in front of their highest home crowd since 2009.

Despite the loss Steadman there was a lot to take from the game.

“I said to the lads at the end of the game there was lots of positives to take from the game and I think the scoreline was very flattering towards Clevedon,” he said.

“I think (Alex) Whitey is doing a fantastic job and there is huge respect from me to him, he has been working on this project for five years now and you can really see he’s got the squad he wants and playing the football he wants to play. 

“The first half was even and 1-1 and then the second half Clevedon got an early goal to settle the nerves and with an awful decision from the officials we were down to 10 men.

"We stayed in the game for the next 15/20 mins but Clevedon limited us to chances and then with five to go we pushed and pushed and Clevedon went and secured the win right at the end. 

“I think if we had 11 players in the pitch it would have been an interesting outcome as our game plan worked very well to frustrate them!

“Clevedon were clinical and got the three points and that’s the most important thing.”

The game also marked returns for Hamish Hurst, who was given the captain’s armband, Dan Cook and Miles Hardidge.

All three players have suffered with injuries this season and Steadman said it was great to have the trio back and come away from the game unscathed.

“It’s brilliant,” he added.

“Just happy to see them get through the game injury free but also you can see once fully match fit and have a run of games the difference they will make will be huge! Very positive impact on the pitch and in the changing rooms.”