March 2024 (Page 3)

Frank Nouble scored the winning goal at Braintree, and he praised the travelling supporters, saying they deserved the victory.

‘The Governor’ was on post-match media duties with BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins and the goalscorer said: “They [the fans] deserve it. Every time we don’t win for them – especially away games – it’s difficult to look at them in the eye and, you know, give him a clap for the effort they’ve done. But also, it’s football, we can’t win every game, so it’s nice to give them something today. The sun is out so they can enjoy a little beverage after the game and hopefully get home safe. It’s all about the supporters. I think when you win games for your club it means everything.”

After a four without a win, Nouble said the victory felt amazing: “I can’t remember the last time we won. Which is weird saying that this season. But you know, we’ve had some indifferent results of late. So it just felt good to get that win today. And yeah, it was enjoyable, good battle. And I thought they’re a good team, obviously doing well for a reason and showed it out there. But, I think some parts of the game, we reminded ourselves that we are level above, we just gotta go out there and re-prove that to everyone else.”

It was a set-piece that won it, and Nouble said Chris Todd has been showing the Glovers some inspiration from the Gunners. “Toddy will tell you that we’ve worked on that all week. We changed it up a little bit. Watching some of the Arsenal set pieces so I don’t know if I should be saying that, but we did watch some, you know, ways of scoring some set pieces because we are a big side in terms of height, but that means nothing if you don’t go out and attack the ball. So, you know, lucky enough I got on the end of one today.”

The Glovers are thin on the ground at the back, with Alex Whittle out for the remainder of the season and no indication of when Michael Smith could be back. Nouble admitted they’re big misses in the team, but that the squad is really close and peeled the curtain back a bit.

“I think everyone’s got a role to play, You know, It’s just like the school days, you know, in a school classroom, everyone has different characters, and we all try to fit in together. There’s a class clown, there’s people who are too busy and want to do everything by the book, there’s naughty boys, stuff like that. And there’s a governor, I’m the governor of the group, so I’ve gotta make sure everyone is on it and I think we’ve done a good job.

“Everyone played their role brilliantly. Regardless, if you’re playing or not you see the boys don’t play, they’re doing their runs after the game and that means a lot to everyone. We don’t want to see anyone down if they’re not playing, not involved – they’re so important. So we’re really lucky that the group has been quite tight knit and it’s all down to the manager if I’m being honest.”

Yeovil head into a big Easter weekend needing three victories to clinch promotion, and Nouble said the players won’t need much motivation ahead of the visit of Torquay: “There should be no motivational speeches before that game. Just go out there and play. Be yourself and that should be good enough.”

Yeovil picked up a 1-0 win over Braintree this afternoon thanks to a Frank Nouble set piece goal. The hosts were on an 14-match unbeaten run before the Glovers visit and Mark Cooper said the travelling fans got his team over the line.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins, the boss said: “That bond is strong – between fans and supporters – and it’s been a long time at the club since it’s been like that. It’s important that we keep showing them our appreciation for their travel and at home as well. And they got us over the line in the end.”

The Iron have had a good run, and Cooper was complimentary of the opponents, but acknowledged that Joe Day had a quiet afternoon in between the sticks.

“They’re a really good team. Really well organised. But, we were really sound and structured today. I think if you look at Joe Day. [He] didn’t have lots to do, did he? I can’t recall him making any saves. [He] caught some crosses.”

Frank Nouble’s 14th minute header was the difference between 1st and 3rd place on the afternoon and it was yet another set piece that the Glovers capitalised on. Cooper said: “We’ve scored lots of set pieces this year and that’s another one and they’re vital, if you’re going to try and win things it’s vital that you score lots of set pieces.”

The boss also praised Jordan Young, who’s form has dropped off in recent weeks. “He lost his way a little bit and probably didn’t work as hard. I don’t care who you are and what level you are at. You have to work socks off and you watch the best teams, they sprint and run and if you do that then you start getting your breaks again and Youngy did that today and he was outstanding.”

With Chelmsford scoring two late goals to win 3-2 at Taunton, Yeovil (if results go their way) could win the title at home to Worthing, but before that Easter brings fixtures with Torquay and Weymouth and although the manager admitted he’s looking at the table now, he stuck to the party line: “Game by game. Boring.”