CIRENCESTER'S brilliant 15-match unbeaten run came to an end at Halesowen on Tuesday night now manager Brian Hughes is challenging his troops to respond in the desired manner when Yate visit the Corinium Stadium tomorrow.

A 2-1 defeat at the Grove was Ciren's first Western Division reverse since September 6.

Hughes said: "We weren't quite at the races, but we hit the woodwork six times and I thought we were worth a point.

"Losing is difficult to take when you're not used to it but it's not the end of the world.

"We've lost to a team at the top end of the table in a good game with both sides going for it.

"We were going to lose at some point now we must react to that."

Visiting Yate struggled to adapt to life in the Western Division after their promotion from the Hellenic League last season.

But proven Dr Martens players such as Steve Campbell and former Chippenham favourite Matt Rawlins have been drafted in, and the Bristol outfit after started to climb the table.

They recently completed the double over title chasing Gloucester City and Hughes is not underestimating the challenge.

"Yate are a good side no question. They have had some decent results lately so fair play to them for turning it around.

"But as usual we're only worried about ourselves and how we react to Tuesday's defeat."

Ciren slipped two places to sixth after the midweek disappointment, but still have up to six games in hand on the sides above them.

Hughes is expected to name an unchanged team, despite the loss in the midlands.

Adam Mayo missed the game through suspension and is unavailable again due to a coaching course he is attending.

Initial reports from Halesowen that goalkeeper Paul Thompson had scored Cirencester's goal turned out to be unfounded, with Gareth Hopkins the man on the mark.

But the notion was not completely unfeasible Thompson has scored several times from the penalty spot in his career.

Hughes admits he could get the chance again in the future.

He said: "We've missed a few penalties this year, so you never know. It's something I would think about."