April 2024

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Barnet have announced their released and retained list at the end of the 2023/24 season and Glovers Loanee Jordan Maguire-Drew has been listed as “returned to parent club”.

When Maguire-Drew signed on loan for the Bee’s it was noted that they had an option of a permanent ‘Free Transfer’ at the end of this current campaign, the wording of their retained list suggests this has not been taken up.

JM-D is under contract at Huish Park until at least the end of the 2024/25 season and, at time of writing, we guess is expected back for the first day of pre-season.

Former Glovers loanee, Courtney Senior has been released from the Hive whilst they continue to discuss contract options for Dale Gorman.

 

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We’re one step closer to finding out the rest of Yeovil’s opponents in next season’s National League. Below is a list of remaining participants, those struck through have been eliminated from contention – if you want to see how the quarter finals played out, click here.

Participants

Final PositionNational LeagueNational League NorthNational League South
1st (Champions)ChesterfieldTamworthYeovil Town
2ndBarnetScunthorpe UnitedChelmsford City
3rdBromleyBrackley TownWorthing
4thAltrinchamChorleyMaidstone United
5thSolihull MoorsAlfreton TownBraintree Town
6thGatesheadBoston UnitedBath City
7thFC Halifax TownCurzon AshtonAveley

We learned the fate of the second relegated side from League Two on Saturday; Forest Green Rovers were confirmed as relegated on 16th April, and have since been confirmed as finishing in 24th. The second relegation spot was contested between Colchester United and Sutton United, and it was Sutton who were relegated, despite a 4-4 thriller vs MK Dons. Let’s see how the rest of the playoff sides have fared, and who is off to Wembley!

Results

Heading into the semi finals, the fixtures were as follows:

National League
Barnet vs Solihull Moors
Bromley vs Altrincham

National League North
Scunthorpe United vs Boston United
Brackley Town vs Chorley

National League South
Chelmsford City vs Braintree Town
Worthing vs Maidstone United

The first set of games were played on Saturday, with two 3pm kickoffs for the Tier 2 sides. There have been no goals in open play for any of the National League North teams, and it stayed that way as Scunthorpe United and Boston United went to extra time, and then penalties in front of a crowd of over 8,000! It was Boston’s for the taking, but they missed their 5th penalty, forcing sudden death. A scuffed penalty from Liam McAlinden meant Boston United went through to the final, and condemning Scunthorpe to another season of regional football.

The National League South game provided much more entertainment, as a local derby took place between Chelmsford City and Braintree Town. The odds were stacked against the visitors, having not beaten Chelmsford since 2010, but looked to have ended the duck after taking a two goal lead thanks to Leon Davies and Freddie Sears, with half an hour to play. Chelmsford fought back though, with two very late goals in the 90th minute from Jermaine Francis, and 92nd minute from George Alexander to force extra time! It would be Braintree who would have the last laugh, as a Jayden Davis winner meant Chelmsford would be sticking around in the National League South for another season.

The first National League semi final was a much more one-sided affair, as Barnet were swept aside by Solihull Moors in a 4-0 drubbing at The Hive. James Clarke got proceedings underway in the 6th minute with a leaping header, before Jack Stevens made it 2-0 before the half-hour mark with a tidy finish into the bottom corner. Things didn’t get any better for the hosts after half-time, with former Glover Tahvon Campbell burying a third, before Joe Sbarra sealed the Moors’ second trip to Wembley for the season. Another year of playoff hurt for the Bees, who will hope to come back stronger next season.

Sunday saw plenty of goal action, including the first goal outside of a penalty shootout in the National League North! 3rd placed Brackley Town toppled Chorley to reach their second playoff final in as many years, thanks to a Riccardo Calder strike in the 76th minute. As the higher seeded side, Brackley will host Boston on Saturday 4th May, with the winner becoming the newest addition to the National League for next season!

The National League South tie was similarly tense, in another 3rd vs 4th tie, this time between Worthing and Maidstone United. The hosts took the lead in the 24th minute through an Ollie Pearce penalty (shock), before Matt Bentley stuffed home a scruffy equaliser for the visitors five minutes before the break. Both sides continued to go at each other, before an 89th minute winner from, you guessed it, Ollie Pearce handed Worthing a 2-1 win and a spot in the playoff final; they will host Braintree on Monday 6th May, where again, the winner will join Yeovil in the National League next season.

Following Solihull’s win over Barnet, we now know that there will be a brand new team in the EFL next season – and it’s Bromley that have stepped up to face Solihull Moors in the final, following their 3-1 win at home to Altrincham. The visitors actually took the lead just after the half hour mark, as Regan Linney knocked a wayward shot in, wrong-footing former Glover Grant Smith. Bromley came back in a second half blitz, with three goals in nine minutes shared between Myles Weston (2) and Jude Arthurs booking the Ravens’ spot at Wembley.

Final Scores

Barnet 0-4 Solihull Moors
Bromley 3-1 Altrincham
Scunthorpe United 0-0 Boston United (Boston win 5-4 on pens)
Brackley Town 1-0 Chorley
Chelmsford City 2-3 Braintree Town
Worthing 2-1 Maidstone United

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In what might be the final full Loan Watch round up of the season, there was play off heartbreak, a trophy and a couple goals for good measure.

Firstly, Jordan Maguire-Drew didn’t feature for Barnet as they were humbled in the National League Play Offs.

Bees’ manager said he was expecting a large overhaul of his squad for next season, at the time of writing it’s not known if they intend to take up their option on JMD.

Will Buse has been thanked for his time at Bath City after they conceded an incredibly late goal in their play off quarter final to Braintee.

Buse actually came close to scoring a late winner in the game from his own penalty area! 

The former Bristol City man returns to Huish Park where he remains under contract for the 2024/25 season.

 

Onto Dorchester where Ollie Haste played an hour in their final game of the season, but post match was rewarded with the Supporters’ Player of the Season award.

 

Haste leaves the Glovers at the end of his contract with two National League appearances to his name and is – to the best of our knowledge – the youngest person to Captain the Men’s team in a first team fixture after skippering the side in the Somerset Men’s Premier Cup last season.

Ollie Haste celebrates putting Dorchester Town 2-0 up in their 4-1 home win over Basingstoke Town.
Picture courtesy of Phillip Standfield.

Benjani’s time at Yeovil also draws to a close, he’s been at Melksham for most of this season and spent the final day of their season on the bench. Benjani played in the final day game of thr 22/23 season away at Boreham Wood as well making plenty of friendly and SMPC appearances.

Benjani at Melksham
? Star Sphinx Pics

Shepton Mallet didn’t have a game this past weekend, but Charlie Bateson has one more engagement with them, the Les Phillips Cup final later in May.

Bateson Celebrates
📷 Dean Haliwell

Down at Gillingham, they’ve been going at three games a week for a while now and ad such there’s been plenty of game time for some of our Under 18s.

On Thursday just gone, Josh Haskett, Harry Lock and Harrison Foster started with Jack Bareham coming on from the bench. A good first half with Harry Lock assisting a Josh Haskett goal to make it 1-1 at half time. Bitton had the run of the second half to win 4-1.

Whilst on Saturday, Josh Haskett, Harry Lock, Harrison Foster and Jack Bareham all starting. It was a tough fixture for the end of the season and with injuries mounting for the Gills they went out 6-0 down. 

hosh Haskett ended the season as joint top scorer for the Gills. All the Yeovil lads worked really hard for the team and are grateful to Gillingham for having them 👍

(Huge thanks to Ian Haskett for helping with Loan Watch throughout the season)

Jack Bareham (9) scores for Gillingham

Finally at Welton Rovers, it’s been a tough campaign, but it ended on a real high with Jacob Shore scoring a last minute equaliser in a 4-4 draw, a game which saw Max Dyer given Rovers Man of the Match after a goal and assist of his own.

 

Mason Alden was also involved and like the other lads have really appreciated Welton’s hospitality this season.

On the final day they lost to Saltash, but again plenty more game time for the young Glovers, and after the drama of a 4-4 draw with two YTFC-related scorers… we won’t worry too much about that one.

(Another huge Thank You to Daniel Shore for his help and information this season)

Charlie Bateson shoots at goal, blocked by Jacob Shore
Pic: Dean Halliwell

Finally, from Gloverscast Ben a huge Thank You to those who have read Loan Watch this season, I hope it’s been interesting to see how the first team lads – and maybe more so, the youngsters in the Under 18s – are getting on.

 

 

 

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Yeovil Town Women were defeated by step four outfit Keynsham Town in the final of the Somerset Cup on Thursday evening. It was four goals from set-pieces which undid Yeovil on the day, following a spirited performance against higher level opposition.

Paul Knight once again named an unchanged starting eleven as the same lineup played together for the third consecutive match.

The first chance of the final came to Niamh Nicholls in the early exchanges, as she forced a strong save out of the Keynsham goalkeeper within the first ten minutes.

Following this, Keynsham dealt the first blow as an unlucky own goal punished the Glovers. The ball cannoned off the crossbar and deflected off a Yeovil body into the back of the net after a Keynsham corner to give the Ks an early lead.

Keynsham doubled their lead in the 17th minute courtesy of another scramble in the box following a corner, placing them in firm control of the tie, just over a quarter of the way through.

As half-time approached Keynsham had their third via a penalty kick in the 38th minute. After an unlucky tangling of legs on the edge of the box, the referee pointed to the spot to rub salt in Yeovil wounds. The penalty was confidently converted into the bottom left corner to give Keynsham a three goal lead going into the half-time break.

As the second half progressed Yeovil grew into the game and exerted some dominance over Keynsham, however were unable to make the most of the chances they made.

A competitive second half finished with Keynsham scoring their fourth of the match from a free-kick, which turned out to be the last kick of the final and of the Somerset Cup, a performance and campaign which Yeovil can be proud of.

The player of the match was awarded to Abbie Vernon for a fighting performance in Yeovil’s backline.

After the match Yeovil Town Women manager Paul Knight reflected on his side’s performance: “I’m so proud of the players, their mental and physical state was tested and as a coach I needed to see how far they can be pushed. The players’ mileage covered last night was a testament to their ability. We conceded from three very unlucky set-pieces and a penalty, the girls have done exactly what I have asked; if we lose we ensure we come off the pitch having played our best football.”

Yeovil Town Women return to action this Sunday 28th May as they travel to Portishead Reserves in the league 14:00 KO.

 

 

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Yeovil Town have confirmed their first friendly of pre-season with a trip to Melksham Town on Tuesday 9th July.

Tickets will be available in due course with a kick off time of 19:45.

The Glovers opponents thanked Mark Cooper and the club for agreeing to the friendly.

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On a sunny, celebratory afternoon in April, Matt Worthington hoisted the National League South trophy above his head. After five years at Huish Park and two relegations, the energetic midfielder (an understatement if there ever was one) had finally clinched silverware for Yeovil Town Football Club.

Matt Worthington lifts the trophy high. 📸 Gary Brown

If there is a player who’s seen everything at Yeovil Town, Worthington is that player. Signed on loan by Darren Way in 2017 before making it permanent in January 2019, Worthington is one of two players who were at the club when Yeovil fell back into non-league after 16 years in the EFL. He’s seen three owners, seven managers – including the interims – and became the skipper after Josh Staunton’s departure this season.

Worthington has always been a leader without the armband, fronting up to the media, setting standards on the pitch and with the arrival of Mark Cooper, has become the relentless endeavour in a title-winning midfield. There was no one more worthy than Worthy to lift the clubs first (men’s first team) league title since 2005. 

“I am just so happy that I stayed.”

It wasn’t for certain that Yeovil’s number eight would remain after the turmoil of the 2022/23 season. Yeovil travelled to Boreham Wood for the final match of that season with players unpaid and the future of the club in serious doubt. Martin Hellier stepped in and completed the purchase and set about giving Mark Cooper the resources to build a squad that could return to the National League at the first attempt.

Matt Worthington leads the team out. 📸 Gary Brown

Speaking after the unforgettable night in Gloucester when the Glovers clinched the title, Worthington told BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins: “Last summer was very difficult and I had a decision to make whether to stay or whether it was my time to stay on and I am just so happy that I stayed.”

When Worthington re-signed in the summer, Cooper said: “I’m delighted we have persuaded to get Matt to stay with us, especially as there were numerous clubs after him. I think like the existing core group of players, he feels a duty to try to get us back up.

“He is someone who is local, he understands the club, he understands the town and it is important we show fans that we have that on our minds.”

The duty has been fulfilled and now for the first time in his career at Yeovil, Worthington is at a club with positive momentum and a mountain of goodwill behind it.

“I have been here four or five years now and the fans have always been with us through good and bad. This season they have been unbelievable home and away. So it is just so nice to give them back something to enjoy,” Worthington said in his interview with Sheridan.

The Yeovil faithful, who travelled in their droves to Gloucester and revelled back in Somerset two days later, certainly enjoyed the first pressure free weekend in a season where every week the Glovers were expected to win. Mark Cooper masterminded 29 victories this season, surpassing the 28 achieved in 2002/03. Worthington played in 43, scoring 4, assisting 5 with a points per match of 2.10. He’s had a good season, in which he made his 200th appearance for the Glovers. His sumptuous Braintree lob as it poured it down in pink, the sidefooted opener against Slough and the stoppage time cushioner at Tonbridge stick out in the memory as key goals in important matches this season.

Matt Worthington lets fly. Pic: Gary Brown

With the release and retained list now confirmed and with Matt Worthington at the core of this successful Glovers team, once again it feels like there’s more to come from him. Perhaps next year, with the club on an upward trajectory and a trophy in the bank he’ll step up again and captain the club to another successful season.

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Yeovil Town fortunately don’t have to face the dreaded playoffs, as they finished 11 points clear of 2nd-placed Chelmsford City. Of course, there is only the one automatic spot for promotion from the National League South, and it’s the same for the North, as well as the National League itself. A lot of you will be familiar with how this playoff system works, but for those of you who may not be, here’s a quick explanation of who’s qualified in which league, and how they work!

Participants

Final PositionNational LeagueNational League NorthNational League South
1st (Champions)ChesterfieldTamworthYeovil Town
2ndBarnetScunthorpe UnitedChelmsford City
3rdBromleyBrackley TownWorthing
4thAltrinchamChorleyMaidstone United
5thSolihull MoorsAlfreton TownBraintree Town
6thGatesheadBoston UnitedBath City
7thFC Halifax TownCurzon AshtonAveley

In the National League, there has been some confusion as to who is taking part in the playoffs. In a perfect world, it would actually be Southend United in the playoffs, with Gateshead dropping to 7th and Halifax missing out entirely, however their 10-point deduction means that is not the case. Gateshead are another team who should be partaking, yet aren’t. Their well publicised banishment from the playoffs, thanks to the EFL and their council, means they can’t compete this season. They will not be replaced by 8th placed Aldershot Town. Barnet and Bromley took the two ‘bye’ positions, with Altrincham receiving a ‘bye’ by virtue of being the highest placed side to take part in the first round – Solihull Moors will face Halifax Town on Wednesday night instead.

How the National League teams got to their final spots.

Up in the National League North, and it’s Tamworth who will be joining Yeovil in the National League next season, as they won their division in similarly impressive fashion, finishing 8 points clear. The two teams receiving ‘byes’ are fellow fallen giants Scunthorpe United, and perennial playoff contenders Brackley Town, who have made the playoffs in each of the last 6 seasons (make of that what you will). Following rumoured financial troubles, Chorley have powered through for a playoff spot, while Alfreton Town added a playoff finish to their joint-longest FA Cup run this season. Boston United are hoping to end a 14 year absence from the National League, and Curzon Ashton registered their first top half finish in the National League North to snag the final playoff spot.

How the National League North teams got to their final spots.

Finally in the National League South, the most familiar to us this season, we are fairly up-to-date on the contenders to join us in the National League next season. Chelmsford City emerged as late title contenders before falling away, finishing ahead of earlier title chasers Worthing. Maidstone United are looking to make a quick return via the playoffs, having been relegated alongside the Glovers last season; Braintree Town improved on their 7th place last season with their 5th place spot, Bath City looked pretty competitive all season long, and secured their spot in the last week of the season, and Aveley proved to be the shock of the season, as they secured their highest finish in the club’s history, in their first season at this level – having been favourites to go straight back down pre-season.

How the National League South teams got to their final spots.

How does it work?

These aren’t your standard EFL playoffs, where 2nd plays 6th home and away, 4th plays 5th home away, and then the winners go to Wembley and have a one-off game to win promotion.

2nd and 3rd will receive a ‘bye’ to the semi-finals, leaving 4th to host 7th, and 5th to host 6th. These are one-off, 90 minute games, that go to extra-time and then penalties if the two contenders can’t be separated.

In the semi-finals, 2nd will host the winner of 4th vs 7th, and 3rd will host the winner of 5th vs 6th. In the National League, the two winners will go to Wembley to duke it out, but in the National League North and South, the highest remaining team will host the final (if 3rd and 4th make the final, 3rd will host the game).

Results

In the quarter finals, we have the following fixtures:

National League
Solihull Moors vs FC Halifax Town
(Altrincham received a bye, and Gateshead are eliminated)

National League North
Alfreton Town vs Boston United
Chorley vs Curzon Ashton

National League South
Braintree Town vs Bath City
Maidstone United vs Aveley

On Tuesday night, both second-tier ties went to extra time, with only one going to penalties – it was Boston United who proved triumphant during penalties; Harry Perritt’s spot kick was saved by Boston ‘keeper Cameron Gregory, before Michael Gyasi converted the winner to set up a clash with Scunthorpe United.

In the other game on Tuesday, Braintree Town and Bath City played out a tense thriller, however it was the hosts who ultimately took the win, with Tom Blackwell scoring a 118th minute winner to ensure one last Essex derby between Chelmsford City and themselves.

On Wednesday night, there were three games, all taking very different turns! In the National League, Solihull Moors raced into a 3-0 lead within the first half, before Jack Evans grabbed a goal for visiting FC Halifax Town just before the half-time whistle. They pulled a second back to make it interesting, before Jamey Osborne put the hosts out of sight to book their spot in the semi-finals against Barnet.

In the North, it once again went to penalties, this time between Chorley and Curzon Ashton. Both sides missed their opening kicks, but the hosts kicked on (no pun intended) to put their remaining four spot kicks away, whereas the visiting debutants had Hayden Campbell’s attempt saved by the keeper; Brackley Town await them in the semi-finals.

In the South, it was Maidstone who confirmed themselves as the final semi-finalists with a dramatic 2-1 win over Aveley at the Gallagher Stadium. Aveley took the lead in the 27th minute via a header from Manny Ogurinde, and the visitors took that lead into half-time. Following the restart, Maidstone continued to probe, and got their reward in the 63rd minute when former Aveley man Matt Rush bundled home the equaliser. And in the 92nd minute, replicating the Yeovil scorers (and scoreline), Mo Faal buried his shot to send the home fans delirious, and ensuring they face Worthing in the semi-finals.

Final Scores

Solihull Moors 4-2 FC Halifax Town
Alfreton Town 0-0 Boston United (Boston win 5-4 on pens)
Chorley 0-0 Curzon Ashton (Chorley win 4-2 on pens)
Braintree Town 1-0 Bath City
Maidstone United 2-1 Aveley

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Yeovil Town have announced their retained and released list for the end of the 2023/24 season and confirmed the departures of eight contracted players including Alex Fisher, Jake Hyde and Jordan Stevens.

Rhys Murphy and Sam Pearson have been offered new deals for next season and Michael Smith, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton and Charlie Cooper have all had 12-month extensions triggered.

Jordan Maguire-Drew, listed as under contract for next season, is currently on-loan at Barnet, who declared that they had the option to sign the play maker on a ‘free permanent’ deal at the end of this current season. 

The loanees, including Joe Day, have returned to their parent clubs. Jay Foulston has returned to Taunton, but Foulston’s deal was described as being “with a view to a permanent move” upon his arrival. Whether he has done enough to earn a permanent is unclear at the moment.

Below is who have been announced as having contracts into next season, as well as the released, and options being activated.

Under contract for next season

  • Will Buse
  • Jordan Maguire-Drew
  • Dylan Morgan
  • Frank Nouble
  • Jake Wannell
  • Alex Whittle
  • Morgan Williams
  • Matt Worthington
  • Jordan Young

12-month extensions triggered (staying)

  • Sonny Blu Lo-Everton
  • Charlie Cooper
  • Michael Smith
Michael Smith has been extended!

Offered new contracts, in talks with the club

  • Rhys Murphy
  • Sam Pearson

Not been offered new deals/released

  • Benjani Jr
  • Will Dawes
  • Ollie Haste
  • Jake Hyde
  • Alex Fisher
  • Malachi Linton
  • Josh Owers
  • Jordan Stevens
Jordan Stevens has been released.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Loanees returning to parent clubs

  • Jahmari Clarke
  • Joe Day
  • Jay Foulston
  • Brooklyn Genesini
  • Olly Thomas