Match highlights of last night’s 2-1 win at Bromley are now available on the club’s YouTube channel.
If watching a pair of stunning strikes from Tom Knowles and Charlie Wakefield is not enough enjoyment, check out the reaction of Bromley manager Andy Woodman after each goal.
He is the gentleman on the baseball cap and body warmer on the touch line.
Yeovil Town recorded their second away win in 72 hours and stretched their unbeaten run to seven with a 2-1 victory over Bromley on Tuesday, on co-commentary duty for the BBC was Marcus Duncomb who penned a few thoughts for us here at the Gloverscast…
This Yeovil team is special. In terms of mentality and fight, they could not be further away from what we’ve had to get used to from Yeovil for the past eight or so years. In years gone by if we’ve taken the lead and then concede an equaliser it seems to have always led to a collapse – and that is unfortunately what Yeovil fans have grown to expect. But not this team. We conceded a soft penalty right before half time away at a team on an 11-match unbeaten run. Charlie Wakefield’s response? Instantly go down the other end bang one into the top corner against his former side. I can get behind that.
Darren Sarll said in pre-season that he was doing things differently this season. The manager said that he had been focussing on making sure they had a solid defensive base before anything else. I think it’s clear to see that this coaching has been effective. The whole team looks so structured and everyone knows their role defensively. Even when Sarll changed things up for the final 20 minutes as he subbed Morgan Williams on, it did not disrupt the team’s cohesion and understanding. It’s not just the structure of the defending which is promising, but it’s also their attitude towards it. These players will do anything to make sure that ball doesn’t end up in the back of the net.
Adi Yussuf was so good at what he needed to do yesterday. Coatesie mentioned in his Dagenham conclusions that Yussuf is a back to goal striker and he did exactly that against Bromley. It was not an easy job for him. The whole Yeovil team spent much of the second half in and around their own penalty box with Yussuf being the only one staying on the halfway line. Every time Yeovil cleared it, Yussuf would somehow find a way to get onto the ball and keep it for as long as he could. The Bromley fans around me were getting frustrated with how often Yussuf was winning headers and keeping the ball for Yeovil which says it all.
As the players were celebrating jubilantly with the fans at the end (and I wished I was there and not in the press box…) a bitter Bromley fan saw my Yeovil scarf and said to me “Does this win mean a lot to you then? It’s like a cup final celebration!”. I explained to him that we celebrate every win like this and that it doesn’t matter who we’ve beaten. Where would the fun be if after winning a game there was a quick round of applause and then everyone popped home? We’re not going to win every game (sorry), so enjoy these moments and remember them when things aren’t going as well. This squad is down to its bare bones – just look at yesterday’s bench – and is performing ridiculously well considering.
Can we play at Hayes Lane every week? Since relegation from the EFL, Yeovil have enjoyed some great outings to Bromley. A Rhys Murphy 90+7th minute equaliser, a 120+2nd minute winner in the FA Cup, *finally* getting a first league win in December 2020 and now ending their 11-match unbeaten run through a thoroughly professional performance. I’m already looking forward to Luke Wilkinson’s 90+4th minute free kick winner in the FA Trophy semi-final at Hayes Lane in April…
Yeovil Town defender Max Hunt spoke to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins following the Glovers’ 2-1 win over Bromley and was full of praise for his team mates.
“It’s a special night, the gaffer and Tel (Skiverton), spoke to us about what we needed to do, gave us the confidence before the game to go out and do it, to see the boys back it up – every one of us – putting a shift in, defending like we did in the second half… to hold out and for Granty (Grant Smith) to make that save was brilliant”
The former Carlisle defender referenced how in previous seasons Bromley may have got an equaliser, but another rear guard action saw the game out for the win, thanks to whole defensive unit.
“It’s brilliant, I love every minute of it, going out there, and whether it’s Robbo (Jack Robinson) or Jordan (Barnett) there, you know everyone is going to put a shift in.
(Luke) Wilko and I have got a great relationship and have done since day one, and (Dan) Mossy has been faultless and to have Granty behind us is… you can’t ask for much more”
Yeovil have won back to back away games at Dagenham and Bromley and Hunt thinks that shouldn’t be underestimated.
“To come away twice in a week to two very tough teams, that are both up there and are always going to be up there, both good sides, to do a job on both of them is massive, and it shows how far we’ve come and the spirit of the boys”
“(We are) Looking forward to getting back to Huish on Saturday (vs Dover), put all this behind us, enjoy it tonight and make sure we start prepping properly this week”
Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll confirmed that Glovers’ top scorer Joe Quigley could be missing for a little while with a knee injury.
Speaking after the 2-1 win over Bromley, Sarll told BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins, the front man has had a scan after picking up the injury late in the win over Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.
“When he (Quigley) went into the corner on Saturday, late on to see the game out, he opened his knee up so we’re going to have to scan him.”
“We’re a little bit worried about that one, so I don’t think we will see him Saturday (vs Dover), poor Joe is not in a great frame of mind, so hopefully his scan comes back as good as it can be, but he’s in a lot of discomfort.”
Sarll also confirmed that captain Luke Wilkinson only made the squad at the last moment with the Glovers restricted to just four subs on the bench with Dale Gorman suspended, Toby Stephens out on loan and long term injuries to Reuben Reid and Mark Little not ready to return just yet.
Yeovil Town Manager, Darren Sarll has been heaping praise on his side after a second away win in 72 hours with a 2-1 victory over Bromley.
Goals from Tom Knowles and Charlie Wakefield secured the points either side of a Michael Cheek penalty.
Sarll praised the spirit of his team when speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins.
“This group, their spirit, on Saturday I called it their ‘USP’, I thought their spirit, their running ability, their fitness levels… it’s their thing.”
Sarll called the awarding of the Bromley penalty ‘soft’ but reiterated the praise for his team, as not long after, Wakefield scored what would be the difference making strike shortly after.
“Listen, it was a brilliant strike from Charlie – we’ve just got to wait another 100 now before he does it again (tongue firmly in-cheek), it was a brilliant strike and it obviously meant something to him, as he’s played at the Football Club before”
“It was a very good performance for heart, tenacity, organisation. They adapted very well to shape changes, they adapted very well to playing in different positions.
Morgan Williams, when he came on, was fantastic at left-back, it’s a brilliant win for us”
The gaffer mentioned he was excited about ending the month strongly with games against Dover, Wrexham and the FA Cup game against Stevenage coming up shortly.
He praised goalkeeper Grant Smith for a save he referred to as important as a third goal, with another shout out for the defensive unit as a whole.
But, he was quick to temper a few expectations with the Glovers unbeaten run now stretching to seven.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do, we need to stay really balanced with this group of players because I’ve seen this so many times in the past where people get giddy, we have literally had to give our lives, our limbs, our blood, to win these games of football – and credit to the players for a magnificent performance.”
Venue: Hayes Lane
Tuesday, November 23rd, 7.45pm kick-off
Conditions: Blinking freezing – to put it mildly!
Pitch: Plast
Scorers: Knowles 19 (1-0), Cheek 44 pen (1-1), Wakefield 45+1 (2-1)
Referee: Tom Bishop
Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Moss 51, Williams 76
Bromley:
Sendings off:
Yeovil Town: None
Bromley: None
Yeovil Town : (4-3-3)
Grant Smith
Dan Moss, Max Hunt, Luke Wilkinson, Jordan Barnett
Matt Worthington, Josh Staunton, Lo-Everton
Tom Knowles, Adi Yussuf, Charlie Wakefield
Substitutes: Ollie Haste, Morgan Williams (for Knowles ’73), Alex Bradley (for Lo-Everton ’88), Max Evans(GK)
Dagenham & Redbridge: Cousins, Alexander, Arthurs, Bingham, Bush, Cheek, Coulson, Dennis, Forster, Partington, Sowumni
Substitutes: Alabi, Cawley, Sablier, Tormey, Trotter
Yeovil Town made it three National League wins in a row and extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven games yesterday evening as they overcame Bromley 2-1 at Hayes Lane.
Tom Knowles opened the scoring on 18 minutes to put Town ahead but Bromley equalised just before half time from the penalty spot.
Charlie Wakefield then put Yeovil back in front just moments later with a thunderous strike and Yeovil were able to withstand some late pressure from Bromley to return home with three points.
Darren Sarll made one enforced change to the side that beat Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday as the suspended Dale Gorman was replaced by Sonny Blu Lo-Everton.
Yeovil kicked off towards the terraced end.
The home side made the brighter start of the two teams but the opening 15 minutes or so were fairly tame.
Out of nowhere Yeovil took the lead on 18 minutes as Sonny Blu Lo-Everton capitalised on a defensive mistake from former Yeovil Town defender Omar Sowunmi which allowed him to find Knowles who’s shot found the bottom corner. I should point out at this stage of the report – I didn’t actually see the goal as I was using the toilet facilities at the time – but I was reliably informed by the people around me that it was a cracking strike – apparently the best they’d ever seen!
Shortly afterwards Bromley won their first corner of the game on the left hand side which was crossed to the outside of the box and Yeovil gave away a free kick for handball in a dangerous position. The shot was deflected off the wall and out for another corner on the left hand side which was taken short but Bromley gave away a foul.
Yeovil won their first corner on 35 minutes on the right hand side which was taken short and then crossed into the center of the box but the ball was headed just wide.
Just before half time Bromley were given a way back into the game as they were awarded a penalty on 45 minutes. It was unclear as to what the penalty was given for but the Yeovil players weren’t aggrieved to see the referee point to the spot. Michael Cheek stepped up and slotted the ball past Grant Smith‘s left to pull the game level again.
Similarly to the game at Dagenham on Saturday – just when it looked like Yeovil would go in at the break all square they took the lead again. This time Charlie Wakefield found loads of space outside the Bromley penalty area and unleashed a cracking shot that flew into the top corner of the net. Apparently the first goal was even better – unfortunately I cannot be the judge of that!
Bromley made a double substitution at half-time as Jude Arthurs was replaced by Liam Trotter and Louis Dennis was replaced by James Alabi.
It was always going to be a nervy second half for Yeovil. Playing away from home to a team that had gone 12 game unbeaten was never going to be an easy task. We had a slim advantage and needed to ensure that if we were to walk away from Hayes Lane with the win we’d have to put in an excellent shift in the second 45 minutes.
On 50 minutes Bromley won a corner on the right hand side which was crossed to the far post but Yeovil were able to defend the ball away.
Seven minutes later Yeovil were almost in dreamland as they very nearly increased their lead. Yeovil won a free kick just outside the are and Luke Wilkinson’s effort beat Mark Cousins but cannoned off the crossbar.
On 65 minutes Bromley won a succession of corners but on both occasions Yeovil were able to deal with the danger.
With 20 minutes left to play Bromley made their final substitution as George Alexander was replaced by Jack Cawley.
One minute later Bromley spurned a good chance to equalise as Omar Sowunmi put a low cross into the box which found Michael Cheek in the six yard box but he was unable to make a clean strike on the ball and Yeovil could breathe a sigh of relief.
Yeovil made their first substitution on 73 minutes as Tom Knowles was replaced by Morgan Williams.
The final 15 minutes saw Bromley dominate the game with Yeovil performing backs to the wall defending.
On 86 minutes Grant Smith came to Yeovil’s rescue as he was able to somehow hook the ball off the goal line from Omar Sowunmi’s header and protect Yeovil’s advantage.
Yeovil made their second and final substitution on 88 minutes as Sonny Blu Lo-Everton was replaced by Alex Bradley.
Five minutes of time was added on and after what felt like five years the referee blew the final whistle and Yeovil could celebrate a superb victory in front of the travelling support.
With thanks to Jake Farrant from the Green & White Supporters’ Club for allowing us to reproduce his match report.
The Disabled Supporters Association are raising funds to purchase two evacuation chairs for Huish Park.
There is a JustGiving page here where you can contribute. The DSA has a target of £3000 which will buy two new chairs, one for each end of Main Stand.
On the page the story says: “The purpose of these chairs is to evacuate anyone out of the building in the event of a fire. On a match day we have 6/7 wheelchair users watching the game from upstairs from our box. The accessible lift would not be an option in the event of a fire, so these chairs are essential to everyone’s safety not just on a matchday but anybody with mobility issues wishing to access the first floor of YTFC.”
The Yeovil Town fc DSA was set up to help disabled football fans both home and away visiting Huish Park by a group of fans that support the mighty greens. Over the years we have held several fundraising events to purchase things from wheelchairs , ponchos , blankets and radios.
We help with things such as disabled car parking, loaning out of wheelchairs on match days we also have radios available for those with limited eye sight so they can enjoy the atmosphere while listening to the commentary. We offer blankets and ponchos as it can get chilly and wet on match days. This season we have been lucky enough to have been given our own box upstairs where we can up to 6 wheelchairs. You can access this by using the lift available.
If you would like to become a member or have any questions please phone the DSA Chair Sharon Swain on 07790375250 or drop them an email on YeovilTownFC@ytfcdsa.co.uk.
Following the Glovers’ 1-0 win over Dagenham & Redbridge, Yeovil Town defenders Max Hunt and Luke Wilkinson have both been rewarded with different team of the day places.
Max Hunt made the Non League Paper team of the day alongside former Yeovil front man Paddy Madden.
Whilst Luke Wilkinson (who tried to claim the Glovers’ match winning goal) was named in the Vanarama team where Madden was also present.
Both sides also had Bromley striker Michael Cheek in, who Wilko and Hunt will come up against this coming Tuesday night.
Congratulations to both for their nominations.
The Glovers Trust has invited Yeovil Town director Glenn Collis to speak with it about his rumoured interest in buying the club.
The statement suggests that Collis, who is one of two directors of the club alongside Chairman Scott Priestnall, has yet to take up the offer.
The Trust said: “The Glovers Trust board has, again, invited the group led by Glenn Collis to speak to us about their proposed bid for Yeovil Town FC. We have not had a response.
“There is an open invitation to them, should they wish to talk to us about their vision for the club and their plans for supporter and community engagement.”
In September, the Trust revealed it had been speaking with another consortium, understood to be led by Julian Jenkins, an ex-Cardiff City commercial director and CEO at Swiss side Servette for a spell.
It said at the time the Trust said Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) were in place which prevented those involved in discussions talking any more – yet the rumour mill has not stopped turning and Collis himself recently said he had “no problem” with talking to fans who contacted him on social media.
Speaking we are sure on behalf of most supporters, can the Gloverscast reiterate its plea for all these people who claim to have the best interests of our club at heart – say something, for the love of God!
Gloversblog – Something Has To Give – here
It says something about the form of team in the higher reaches of the National League, that Bromley are fifth in the form guide for the last six matches.
Stretch that to the last ten, however, and our opponents on Tuesday night are top.
In National League action, they have won seven and drawn three of their last ten and you have to go back to September 11 to find their last defeat, at the hands of a 90th minute winner from Boreham Wood.
There was a 3-0 FA Cup defeat away at Paul Warne’s Rotherham United a couple of weeks ago, but in league action Bromley are in good nick.
That said, they have drawn three of their last five and were behind twice against King’s Lynn Town on Saturday, which manager Andy Woodman put down to them not being nasty enough.
Speaking after they came back to win 3-2, the boss said: “I felt we got caught up trying to be this nicey, nicey team because of how they played which, with all due respect, that is not us.
“We have to fight and grapple and put balls in the areas and try and win knock-downs and bits and be a bit more ugly, that’s what I felt we needed.
“We kind of did that, we huffed and puffed as always and got the ball wide and got the crosses in and the result was there.”
As is customary, striker Michael Cheek is the Ravens’ talisman with 12 goals in 16 appearances, a record only surpassed by the division’s top scorer Chesterfield’s Kabongo Tshimanga.
Quite how Cheek has never played League football is something of a mystery and his scoring record of a goal every other game for Bromley can’t be surpassed by many.
Woodman’s position as manager is also something of a surprised after he looked set to take the vacant manager’s job at Hartlepool United a couple of weeks ago.
That led to Bromley issuing a statement insisting the former Newcastle United goalkeeper coach was “fully committed” to his current job which was followed by a further denial from Hartlepool that they were chasing him.
That said, he remains among the favourites for the job at the League Two side with some bookmakers, but remains in charge at Hayes Lane for now at least.
If you are heading to south east London on Tuesday night, don’t forget to check out our Ciderspace Away Travel Guide – here.
Bromley manager Andy Woodman is not expecting an easy game when Yeovil Town visit Hayes Lane in midweek.
Asked about the visit of the Glovers after Saturday’s 3-2 home win over King’s Lynn, he said: “It’s not going to be easy, we need to be better and do things in a better manner and understand how teams are going to come here and try and stop us doing certain things.
“We need to be a little more streetwise and smarter about how we go about certain things which we will do, and we’ll pay Yeovil the respect we pay every team that comes here.
“We are prepared and we will do our homework and our due diligence to make sure we are ready for the game and it’ll be the 1% and 2%s that will be getting across the line in these games, which I am really chuffed about.”
Former Glovers’ defender Byron Webster will be suspended for the visit of his former club after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season at the weekend.
The 34-year-old, who was part of Gary Johnson’s side promoted to the Championship in 2013, has been a regular fixture alongside fellow former Glover Omar Sowunmi in the heart of the Bromley defence.
The absence of Byron Webster means that Omar Sowunmi is the only former Yeovil Town player likely to line up for Bromley.
The giant 26-year-old defender spent four years at Huish Park having been signed from from Lowestoft Town by Paul Sturrock who infamously said he believed he could make the ex-Ipswich Town striker “the next Kenwyne Jones”.
Suffice to say, despite some impressive performances, Omar’s time at Huish Park will be remembered for captaining the side which whimpered out of the Football League in 2018-19.
In the Yeovil Town camp, Charlie Wakefield will be looking to show his old employers what they have missed out on.
The former Chelsea youngster was released by Bromley in the summer having made just four starts after joining in January last season.
Other players with a foot in both camps include Courtney Duffus, who it appears did not appeal to Woodman having been ignored for much of last season and then shipped out to Morecambe.
Winger Iffy Allen is another having had a pretty iffy 12 match spell at Huish Park in 2015-16, before spending the 2017-18 campaign at Bromley.