August 2023 (Page 2)

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News, Match Reports

Yeovil Town fought back from 2-0 down and 3-2 down, but left Hampshire with nothing as the Glovers fell the wrong side of a 4-3 scoreline.

The hosts had their manager sent off, the Glovers had Charlie Cooper sent off for a second bookable offence in the dying seconds.

Dave Coates was in the away end for the rollercoaster fixture, here’s how it unfolded.

First half

The opening chance of the game came after six minutes when James Roberts found Mo Faal who got his shot away.

But just a minute later, the big frontman, allegedly a target of Matt Uggla during SU Glovers’ ‘stewardship’ at Huish Park, made no mistake with FAAL heading home a left wing cross from Roberts.

They was at least a suspicion of foul play by Faal, with Charlie Cooper getting a booking for informing the referee of this.

Faal had the ball in the net again soon after only to be adjudged to have fouled his man on this occasion, but on 12 minutes the home side doubled their advantage. A quick throw by Tom Mehew and Callum KEALEY spun to shoot and double the advantage.

And at the other end, Yeovil were yet to manage five yard pass let alone an effort on goal. The pace of the artificial pitch seemed to completely go against the team who was less familiar with it.

Faal seized on to another loose pass on 19 minutes, the big striker broke through but was denied by a great save from Will Buse.

It took the Great Escape to strike up from the away end at Westleigh Park to inspire the visitors. What were we saying about who inspires who? But they inspired a goal in the 26th minute from a corner as Charlie Cooper’s ball in was bundled in by Jake WANNELL. Was there a hand involved? Probably (/definitely) but who cares?

At the other end the threat had not stopped as Havant continued to press ahead. Faal caused Jamie Sendles-White all kinds of problems and the ball broke to Roberts whose effort went over.

Cooper put a shot over from a 34th minute corner before on 41 minutes a great run down the right by Thomas saw him jink in to the box but scuffed his shot wide. For a side which can’t seem to control a ball or play a pass on an artificial search, two chances is nothing to be sniffed at.

Worthington had a header tipped over by Worner in the Havant goal with a minute of normal time remaining and then Yeovil were handed a lifeline as Maguire-Drew was bundled over in the box. MAGUIRE-DREW stepped up to coolly fire home the penalty and the game was level.

But five minutes in to injury time a trip on Faal in the box by Wannell saw the hosts get the chance to restore their lead. FAAL’s initial effort was saved by Buse but the forward was there to turn in the spot kick.

Half time: Havant & Waterlooville 3 Yeovil Town 2

Second half

Half time saw Morgan Williams replace Sonny Blu Lo-Everton and five at the back was….well, back.

The highlight of the opening exchanges of the second half was Havant manager James Collins being sent off, presumably for something he said to the referee after Faal went down under a challenge whilst Yeovil played on.

A minute later a flicked header from Williams was superbly clawed out by Worner, and on 54 minutes good play from Nouble saw the ball break to Cooper and his chance was well saved by the legs of Worner.

But the threat at the other end was not over proven by Roberts putting an effort just wide after 58 minutes.

An injury to Worthington saw him replaced by Jordan Young after 62 minutes.

A minute later Faal had a long range shot against the post and the rebound fell to Rory Deacon whose shot flew over the bar and two minutes later former trialist Tom Blair had an effort rattle back off the post.

With a goal seemingly lacking and greatly needed, manage Mark Cooper introduced Rhys Murphy with 69 minutes gone. He replaced Olly Thomas, who may well be more of a threat coming off the bench.

With ten minutes gone, Faal, who was turning in the perfect big frontman performance, turned Sendles-White and fed in Roberts who bent another one just over the bar.

As the game ticked in to the final ten minutes when the fitness and discipline was supposed to be in the favour of the full-time side, it was Havant who appeared to have the upper hand. At the other end, it all felt aimless and uncoordinated.

It was hard to see where an equaliser was coming from – and then one came. Maguire-Drew fed MURPHY who broke away and slotted home.

But, if this afternoon had taught us anything, it’s not over til it is over. Faal drove down the left, played it in to KEALY who spun to turn home his second of the day.

But there was just time for it to go from bad to worse. Cooper went down under a tackle inside the box and got a second yellow for simulation and that was the end of his afternoon.

Full time: Havant & Waterlooville 4 Yeovil Town 3

Match Details

Venue: Westleigh Park
Monday, 28th August, 3pm kick-off

Pitch: Stupid Plastic
Conditions: Dull but hot.

Attendance: 1744 (658 Yeovil fans)

Scorers: M Faal (1-0), C Kealy (2-0), J Wannell (2-1), J Maguire-Drew (2-2), M Faal (3-2), R Murphy (3-3), C Kealy (4-3)

Bookings: 
Yeovil Town: C Cooper, 15. Maguire-Drew, 64. Whittle, 99
Havant & Waterlooville: Deacon, 54. Kealy, 69. Worner, 72. Busari, 82, Faal, 94)

Red Cards:
Yeovil Town: C Cooper (96)
Havant & Waterlooville: Jamie Collins (off pitch, 51)

Referee: Joe Booksalot

Yeovil Town (4-3-3)

 

Substitutes: Morgan Willams (for Lo Everton, 46), Jordan Young (for Worthington, 62) Rhys Murphy (for Thomas, 69) Josh Owers, Jake Hyde.

Havant & Waterlooville: Worner, Innocent, McNerny, Mehew, Kealy, Faal, Busari, Willson, Blair, Deacon, Roberts
Substitutes (not used): Jewitt-White (for Busari, 86) Oastler (for Faal, 94)

 

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News

Frank Nouble and Olly Thomas have been handed starts for today’s visit to Havant & Waterlooville today (3pm kick-off).

The pair came off the bench for the 2-0 home win over Tonbridge Angels at the weekend with Nouble scoring a late second to seal the victory.

There are also recalls for Jordan Maguire-Drew, an unused substitute on Saturday, and defender Jamie Sendles-White, who is in a back four in place of captain Josh Staunton, who is unable to play due to Havant’s artificial surface.

 

 

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News, Podcasts

With a bank holiday Double (or possibly triple) Header on the way, Dave and Ben are joined by Elliot Watts to chat Tonbridge Angles, Havant AND Waterlooville.

We take some GCQs, we talk about tents, it’s just another episode in the Gloverscast mad house.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Leave us a review and share the pod with a pal.

We’d love to welcome some local businesses into the Gloverscast family through advertising. If you’re a business that would like to speak to a dedicated audience of more than 1000 monthly listeners, please get in touch. Find out more about advertising with us here.

If you have an idea for the website, want to contribute or just want to send us a message, feel free to email ian@gloverscast.co.uk.

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News

Jordan Young’s first competitive Glovers’ goal has earned him a spot in the official Vanarama team of the day.

Excellent work, Youngy!

 

 

 

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News
Yeovil Town Badge on huish park

Yeovil Town travel to Havant & Waterlooville on Bank Holiday Monday, looking to go five games unbeaten for the first time since the start of the 2019-20 season. A win could also see them go top of league, if other results go their way.

The Glovers go to Hampshire looking to get their first away win of the season, having lost their only other game away from home this season against Hemel Hempstead Town on the opening game of the National League South season.

The Hawks do not come into this game in good form, with only one point from a possible 15 which sees them rooted to the bottom of the league.

Yeovil Town News

Manager Mark Cooper dismissed Havant & Waterlooville’s recent form, believing Monday’s game will be as difficult as any this season.

Speaking after the 2-0 home win over Tonbridge Angels on Saturday, he said: “I have been a manager for 19 years and I’ve never had an easy game yet.” He continued: “It will be a difficult game, they’re losing but only by the odd goal and they will feel a win is only around the corner.”

Cooper also discussed the quick turnaround in fixtures saying his team “will be in training on Sunday” so they are ready for the trip to the South Coast.

Jordan Young, who scored his first goal for the club at the weekend, also feels Monday’s game will be “tough” for the Glovers.

He said: “I was at Chippenham last year and they (Havant) were a really good team last year, the year before we just beat them to the play-offs, so we know they’re a good team, they’ve started not great, I’ve got a friend there and he’s saying they’re doing the right things, it’s going to be a tough game.”

Jordan Young celebrates his first goal for the club in the 2-0 home win over Tonbridge Angels.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

The forward has confidence in the squad to go again Monday in what he described as a “crazy and tough” fixture list.

Although Cooper feels the artificial surface at Westleigh Park is better than at Hemel, he has ruled out forward Jake Hyde‘s involvement against The Hawks. Captain Josh Staunton also misses out due to the surface. Midfielder Jordan Stevens is also not expected to feature as he continues “the last bit of his rehab” after an injury sustained in pre-season. 

Havant & Waterlooville News

The Hawks are only team to have not won a game in the National League South to have not won a game this season. Jamie Collins is currently player-manager of the Hampshire side. He stepped up from a coaching role to take over from Paul Doswell in March after the former Sutton United and Eastleigh boss was given a 12-match touchline ban for comments made about an opposition manager. That saw Doswell move ‘upstairs’ into a Director of Football position last season and he  recently departed the club after five years.

To add further to the upheaval at Havant, the club announced the resignation of assistant manager and former Bristol City striker Ian Baird on Sunday. The departure was perhaps not a shock as Baird had joined the club at the same time as Doswell having been together at Sutton and Eastleigh.

The Westleigh Park side have former Glover Oscar Gobern in their ranks, who will be relishing the chance to play against one of his former sides. Forward Faal Muhammadu has scored two in the last two for Havant and will be the one to watch.

Oscar Gobern
Oscar Gobern playing for Yeovil. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

The Hampshire team also have defenders Brendan Wilson and Jake McCarthy returning from suspension.

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News

Matchday 5 brought plenty of excitement across the league, with Yeovil playing their part in their 2-0 victory over Tonbridge Angels yesterday. Let’s see what’s went down around the grounds.

We start with two 3-2 corkers, where Taunton got the edge over St Albans City, thanks to a 97th minute winner for the hosts. Previously point-less Welling United played host to the other 3-2, defeating Havant & Waterlooville and sending the visitors bottom of the league in the process.

Bath City continued their fine goalscoring run with a 3-1 victory over Hampton & Richmond, with ex-Glover Ewan Clark finding himself on the scoresheet. There were two 3-0 scorelines as well, with Farnborough comfortably beat 10 man Weston-super-mare, while Chelmsford City battered 10 man W*ymouth.

A double from Bradley Ash handed visitors Torquay United a 2-1 win over Slough Town, with league leaders Worthing also winning away from home, beating Dover Athletic 2-0.

Last week’s opponents Maidstone earned a 1-1 draw against Hemel Hempstead, with the visitors going down to 10 men in the 70th minute, with another draw coming at Braintree Town, where they finished goalless with Chippenham Town.

There were more victories for visitors, both finishing 1-0, as Aveley’s winning run came to an end thanks to a 95th minute winner from Dartford man Harvey Bradbury, while Eastbourne Borough lost to a 74th minute Truro City winner.

National League South results – in full

Aveley 0-1 Dartford
Bath City 3-1 Hampton & Richmond Borough
Braintree Town 0-0 Chippenham Town
Dover Athletic 0-2 Worthing
Eastbourne Borough 0-1 Truro City
Farnborough Town 3-0 Weston-super-mare
Hemel Hempstead Town 1-1 Maidstone United
Slough Town 1-2 Torquay United
Taunton Town 3-2 St Albans City
Welling United 3-2 Havant & Waterlooville
W*ymouth 0-3 Chelmsford City

By:
On:
In: Five Conclusions, Gloversblog, Latest Yeovil Town News

Three points, a clean sheet, third win in four at home… go on then!

Commentating for Three Valleys Radio was Dave Prior he’s taken time to put together Five Conclusions as the Glovers started off the Bank Holiday weekend with a bang.

Dave Prior (left) and Paul Thorpe of 3VR

A performance to silence the doubters? Maybe. After a bright start from the visitors, it took Rhys Murphy to win a foul just shy of the 2-minute mark to give the Yeovil defence a breather. I worried at that point it could become a tricky afternoon, considering we had not kept a clean sheet in the previous four matches. Truth is, I didn’t really have much to worry about. Jordan Young coolly slotted home to give Yeovil the lead after 14 minutes. Young was a constant threat throughout and certainly staked a claim to be starting every week. People may point to the fact Yeovil made it difficult for themselves by not sealing the win until the 95th minute. Whilst that may be true, I don’t remember Will Buse having a shot to save. Cooper and Worthington had control of the midfield and having Sonny as the link man to play between the lines helped to cement that control. The back 4 kept the Angels front two quiet for most of the afternoon. There were cries to quicken the play from the stands, particularly in the second half. The conditions were torrential which I think must be considered but for me, it was clearly Yeovil’s most complete performance of the season. Oh, the ref didn’t help either (Editor: RULE ONE, PRIOR!) did he but ill stick to the rule and just leave it at that……..

Jordan Young. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Jordan Young. Was our spark here all along? A season in which a plethora of new attacking talent has joined over the summer, yet it could be an existing player who could really make the difference. Young, showed glimpses of what he could do in a struggling side last season and if today is anything to go by, he is heading for an exciting season. Exquisite close control and comfortable in possession. The goal showcased his skillset by driving towards the goal, sending the defender for a hot dog before cutting in on his weaker foot and bending it into the near post. How many times did we complain of players not having a shot from good positions last year? A player certainly not lacking confidence and could be a key asset, particularly when games are tight. Recent experience at this level too may result in Yeovil seeing the best version of Jordan Young this season.

Staunton, Wannell and Williams warm up

Flat back four – It’s a yes from me. Its no secret that the back 3 (or back 5 depending on your preference) has been a talking point amongst fans for a while now. For me I think we have looked more assured as a back 4 and that showed again today. As mentioned above, Buse keeping a cleano (or a cleanie if you ask me) and not having a shot to save also tells its own story. Whittle and Williams showed how good they are going forward whilst not being exposed in behind them. Staunton and Wannell also look like a dream partnership. Wannell’s composure on the ball, allows him to drift into midfield to start attacks (John Stones style) with the confidence Staunton is there to support, with Charlie Cooper tracking back to vacate the space. This was a common theme in the second half. It will be interesting how the formation will look on Monday with inevitable changes to come. If it’s not broke don’t fix it comes to mind.

Rhys Murphy tussles with a Tonbridge Angels defender.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Tough day at the office for Murphy. I have heard a lot of supporters talking about Murphy hitting between 20-25 league goals this season. Whilst I think his purchase is of significance, I have not really agreed with that stance. A horrendous injury record, more artificial pitches to overcome this season, I think that is a huge ask. There is no doubt he is a brilliant finisher, particularly at this level, but today wasn’t his day. Throughout the first half he was reluctant to come towards the ball, waiting for it to come to feet, and was often dispossessed. Then there was the penalty. He showed his confidence to step up and take it but in truth, from where I was sitting, it looked a comfortable save. To add insult to the miss, Mark Cooper took him off after directly afterwards which concluded a tough afternoon for him.

Mark Cooper in discussion with captain Josh Staunton during the 2-1 home win over St Albans. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

The right changes at the right time. Whilst Rhys Murphy will disagree, I think Mark Cooper made the right calls. There has been talk this week of Thomas getting a start after recent positive performances, but I think there is a case for him being a fantastic impact sub. His sheer presence and size is a nightmare for any defender, and seeing him come on when you are starting to tire will strike fear into opposition defenders. The same goes for Nouble. The perfect cameo today. His unpredictability was causing all sorts of problems and he went on a brilliant solo run which unfortunately did not result into anything. He got his goal though and topped off a brilliant day with a driving run on the break from inside his own half before receiving the ball in front of goal and smashing it home. Whilst both will have ambitions to start regularly for Yeovil Town, there is certainly an argument for ‘super sub’ labels. Sorry lads…..

It was Robbie Williams who said “I’m loving angels instead.” Based on the Tonbridge performance today, not for me. (….and through it aaaaaaaaalllllllllllll….)

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News

A new loanee to add to the Loan Watch ranks let’s have a round up of the Glovers who are plying their trade elsewhere.

We start with Tiverton where Lewis Williams made his second debut for Tiverton Town, it was a cracking game too as Tivvy picked up a 3-2 win the dying moments, we’re reliably informed the keeper looked ‘comfortable and commanded his area, distribution was good too’.

Lovely stuff, Jacob Shore, the young Glovers defender was an unused sub in the same game.

To Dorchester, where Ollie Haste was missing again for the Magpies, it has been reported by the Dorset Echo that he is currently back at Huish Park nursing an injury which has been described as making him a “big miss” for his loan club.

Benjani Jr is still there, he played 61 minutes in a 2-0 home defeat to Chesham United.

Malachi Linton was once again missing from the Taunton squad, there’s been no official confirmation on his absence other than to say it’s simply due to ‘injury’ – we’ve asked some questions to find out what’s up.

… and finally, Charlie Bateson had a cracker of a game at Shepton Mallet, with an assist to his name, and nearly a goal of his own as he hit the post in a 2-2 draw with Brixham AFC.

 

 

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News, Player interviews

Yeovil Town defender Jake Wannell spoke to the official Glovers’ YouTube after the side’s 2-0 win over Tonbridge angels, a game which gave his side their first clean sheet of the season.

“It’s been a long time coming, that clean sheet, so over the moon with it, we can just concentrate on Monday now.
It’s unheard of to have four home games of the bat and we feel like we’ve given (the fans) a nice little send off before we go away on Monday.”

The clean sheet was something that the Manager had targeted before the game, with the former Taunton Town man saying that there had been a bit of a quiet word about making sure the defence weren’t breached.

“Mark (Cooper) actually pulled the back four into the office before the game and said ‘look we need to keep a clean sheet for once’ and ‘tighten up’ basically and that’s what we did…It’s unbelievable, the boys have been brilliant, it’s a dream job, and yeah, we can go again on Monday, 

It’s brilliant (to play at Huish Park) but we need Staunts to win the toss for once so we can actually kick towards the home fans.”

As for Monday, there’s no secret to what the players will be doing on Sunday, training is scheduled before the Bank Holiday trip to Havant, Wannell says it’s just about going again.

“Its a 4G pitch, which can make a difference, but we’re in (on Sunday) rest, recover and repeat basically.

I just take every game as it comes, stick to the plan and hopefully we get the wins. “