September 2024 (Page 2)

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Loan striker Ciaran McGuckin believes Yeovil Town’s luck in front of goal will change if they keep on creating the amount of chances they did in today’s 1-1 draw with Aldershot Town at Huish Park.

The Rotherham United striker pulled the Glovers level after 58 minutes when he calmly slotted home from the angle in front of the Thatcher’s terrace.

But, speaking to BBC Somerset’s Josh Perkins after the match, the 20-year-old admitted it felt like two points dropped because of the amount of opportunities they created.

He said: “The over-riding feeling is that it is two points dropped. We created bags of chances and first half we could have been two or three up but the positive is that we are creating those chances and eventually our luck is going to turn. I am sure their keeper has made the most saves he has had to in a long time and if we keep working as hard as we are, our luck is going to change and we are going to score more goals.

“We know the quality we have as a team is enough to give anybody a good go and we just keep pushing and you can see how hard we work today. Their goal comes from our corner which is disappointing, but we reacted well in the second half and came out flying and in the first half we could have had two or three goals.”

Ciaran McGuckin celebrates his equaliser. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

The Northern Ireland youth international was delighted to score his first goal in green-and-white in just his second start for the club.

He said: “I was always going to save it for the home fans! My missus took a five-and-a-half hour drive down today to watch and I have been telling her that she has to come to every game now because it is the first time she has watched me play in a very long time because I was injured for six months. Hopefully there are more to come.”

McGuckin has now started in Yeovil’s last two matches having played an hour in the goalless draw at Sutton United on Tuesday night and was replaced by Aaron Jarvis after 61 minutes against Aldershot following an all-action performance.

His 70th-minute appearance off the bench at Oldham Athletic last weekend was his first competitive action since the end of March when he played for League of Ireland side Dundalk during a loan spell. Now, the striker is hoping to build his fitness and add to his goal tally.

He said: “I need to get fitter. Before last Saturday (at Oldham Athletic), I had not played a game in six months and I am starting to feel the effects of three games in a week, so I know I need to get fitter and match sharpness will come with playing more games. I work hard as everyone in the team does and if we keep working hard like we are, we are going to climb that table really quickly.“

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Yeovil Town manager Mark Cooper believes his side’s performances will bring results after they were held to a 1-1 draw against Aldershot Town at Huish Park this afternoon.

The Glovers fell behind after just seven minutes when Josh Barrett lifted a shot over goalkeeper Ollie Wright, but on-loan Rotherham United striker Ciaran McGuckin levelled after 58 minutes.

The result means that Yeovil have not won since the 4-3 victory at AFC Fylde at the start of the month, but they sit comfortably in mid-table in the National League Premier table after 12 matches.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Josh Perkins after the match, Cooper said: “Results are a by-product of good performances. You can fluke the odd result, but if you want to consistently win you have to perform well. Performances are the key indicator and if we keep performing at that level, we have no worries at all. You can see a really committed group, I thought the work-rate was incredible and we got back in to it and we should have won it.

“I have full faith in the players. We should win the game but when we play like that, I can put up with that. Results can go either way, but performances are key and if we keep performing like that we will be really good.”

 

Ciaran McGuckin pulls Yeovil level after 58 minutes. Video courtesy of Debs Curtis.

The stats at the final whistle showed the Glovers had seven shots on target, compared to the visitors five chances, with a further three off target, compared to Aldershot’s four off-target efforts. 

The manager added: “I thought we played really well. We created some brilliant chances, we had two clear one-v-ones in the first half and I think we had 11 chances which we had a chance to score from and we only take one. But as long as we are creating chances like that, I am really cool with it. I thought the players worked their socks off again, the commitment was incredible and you could see we were pressing really hard at the end to get the winner and it just did not fall for us. 

“We got caught from our corner when they scored which sometimes young players do not take on information about where they need to be stood and it leads to a counter attack, but that happens. The lad gets a free shot from our left hand side. I thought we reacted really well, created some brilliant chances and you can tell by the reaction of the crowd, they stayed with us until the end, and I thought it was a really good performance.”

McGuckin, making his third appearance having joined on loan just over a week ago, showed calmness in front of goal as he latched on to a pass from Jordan Young to finish across Aldershot keeper Marcus Dewhurst. The 20-year-old was replaced by Aaron Jarvis, who started on the substitutes’ bench, just after the hour mark.

For Cooper, the calmness of the finish was not surprise, he said: “That is what he does. He put Jordan Young in for the chance, he put Frank (Nouble) in for his one-v-one and he scored. He blew up on an hour and the plan was always to freshen it up and put Jarv (Aaron Jarvis) on, but he is a real finisher. His gift is finishing and running in behind and we saw that today.”

Tell us what you thought of the Glovers’ performance by leaving your comments below.

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Yeovil Town broke their goal-scoring duck but were held to a draw by Aldershot Town in a closely-contested match at Huish Park.

The visitors took the lead after just seven minutes when Josh Barrett’s neat finish over Ollie Wright stunned Huish Park in to silence. Throughout the first half, the Glovers were indebted to the on-loan Southampton goalkeeper for keeping them in it with the visitors on top.

Yeovil rallied after the break and it was a fine finish from on-loan Rotherham United striker Ciaran McGuckin who smashed an angled shot across visiting keeper Marcus Dewhurst on 58 minutes which drew them level. The first goal we have scored in more than 400 minutes of football.

The rest of the half was a fairly frantic affair which (again) referee Robert Massey-Ellis did little to control and both sides were forced to settle for a point.

 

First half

Dylan Morgan, back in the starting line-up having been recalled from his loan spell at Weston-super-Mare early, started the match on the left wing with Jordan Young on the other front, behind on-loan Rotherham United striker Ciaran McGuckin.

The first clear-cut chance fell to Young with six minutes gone. A great ball from Morgan picked out Brett McGavin who fed Young who bore down on Marcus Dewhurst but tried to dink it over the keeper rather than putting his laces through it and the keeper turned it aside from the corner.

But, the opening goal came on seven minutes as the visitors broke quickly from the resulting corner. The experienced James Henry got away quickly and the Yeovil defence did not, leaving the Glovers outnumbered as the ball found its way to Josh BARRETT who deftly lobbed it over Ollie Wright to open the scoring in front of a stunned Thatcher’s Stand.

It was a superb finish but the defending was a worry for the home side who had already been carved open before Young had his chance. That said, an opportunity spurned by the home side and one taken by the visitors. Those are the margins which cost you at this level, you’re not in National League South any more, boys.

Aldershot had two glorious opportunities to double their advantage not long after. First Hady Ghandour was twice denied by Wright during a moment of penalty area pinball, and from the resulting corner former Yeovil loanee Christian Maghoma smashed a thumping header against the crossbar. Huish Park is sounding nervous.

At the other end, McGavin hit a low free-kick under the defensive wall and Dewhurst did well to get a strong hand to it and turn it away on 20 minutes. Two minutes later good work from Morgan saw him put a low ball in to the box, Young stepped over it, and Charlie Cooper leathered it towards goal – but Dewhurst was there again to deny Yeovil. The midfielder could not have struck it any cleaner, but too close to the keeper.

We are winning so little in the top half of the pitch and there seems to be acres of space for Aldershot which Ghandour, Barrett and Henry exploiting. Ghandour has not stopped running all half and Barrett has us on strings.

On 30 minutes, Barrett tried to repeat his goal as he chipped an effort over Wright who was able to get a hand to it and turn it wide of goal. From the corner Henry had a close-range effort blocked and the ball looped up to Dan Ellison who inexplicably headed wide and clattered Wright in the process.

It is only thanks to Wright that this game is not at least 2-0 to the visitors. Mark Cooper has called his players over to the touchline as the on-loan Southampton ‘keeper got some treatment. We need a talking too.

A terrible pass from Nouble on 32 minutes gifted the ball to Ghandour who cut it back just behind Henry and Dejan Tetke was able to sneak in, just a fraction too slow allowing Wright to claim it. Lots of fingers being pointed at each other by Yeovil here, someone needs to take ownership of this.

McGuckin’s header from Dom Bernard’s cross with a minute of normal time remaining was at best a half-chance, but at least it was a half-chance in our favour. Then, the final chance of the half came after a good bit of controlled possession from Yeovil, Young found some space and his shot was turned over by Dewhurst once again. Better from us.

Half time: Yeovil Town 0 Aldershot Town 1

Second half

A change at the break and it was James Plant, signed on loan from League Two Port Vale on Friday, who replaced Alex Whittle. He’s come on at left wing-back with what appears to be a back three of Bernard, Williams and Wannell.

The second half started in equally worrying fashion for the Yeovil backline and Barrett had the ball in the net within three minutes of the restart. Another neat move cut through the Glovers and luckily for then the linesman adjudged Ghandour was offside in the build-up.

On 50 minutes, Young’s corner found the rising Nouble inside the box but the ball seemed to go past every other player in green-and-white and a couple of minutes later Nouble picked the ball up and ran with it. Huish Park has responded and there’s a noise coming from the Thatcher’s End. The crowd trying to lift the team here.

Seven minutes later and we are level. A great break saw Young burst forward and played a superbly weighted pass through to Ciaran McGUCKIN who finished well across Dewhurst. Our first goal in 422 minutes of football since Dom Bernard’s late winner at AFC Fylde back at the start of September.

Nouble got himself a booking for a McGuckin’s reward for his goal? He was replaced by Aaron Jarvis with 61 minutes gone.

Matt Worthington came on in place of McGavin on 75 minutes and moments later Young picked the ball up on the right side and fired in a shot which Dewhurst did well to turn aside. This is undoubtedly the best we have seen from Young so far this season, showing what he can do. Keep at it, Jordan, keep at it.

He didn’t get a chance to keep at it too much as he was replaced by Sam Pearson with ten minutes remaining. Neither side are settling for a point here, there’s a a big hole in the middle of the pitch where you would expect to the midfield to be.

As the game ticked in to injury time, Maghoma’s foot connected with the head of Pearson. You can tell from the height difference between the two players that the defender’s foot was very high. Maghoma is 6’3″, Pearson is 5’9″. Referee Robert Massey-Ellis thinks it is neither a foul or a booking. “You don’t know what you’re doing,” says Huish Park, followed by less polite things. 

Deep in injury time, Worthington pulled something from nothing to force a save out of Dewhurst. From the resulting long throw, the home side tried to get the ball back in the box and Charlie Cooper went down to roars for a spot-kick from the home crowd.

Overall, a much improved performance in the second half after a shaky first half, but plenty of chances being created. Those fine margins which are costing us though and that is something we have to improve on.

Still, a goal (hurrah!), another point and we’re 12th in the National League Premier table having only just come back up in to the division. Offer me that come May and I’ll snap your hand off.

Full time: Yeovil Town 1 Aldershot Town 1

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Date: Saturday 28th September – 3pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier

Scorers: Josh Barett 7 (0-1), Ciaran McGuckin 58 (1-1)

Pitch:  In great condition considering the wet weather in Somerset this week
Conditions: A warm and sunny day

Attendance: 3,408 (403 away supporters)

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Frank Nouble 58, Aaron Jarvis 77, Dom Bernard 90+10
Aldershot Town: Ryan Jones 18, Lachlan Byrd 58, James Henry 59

Referee: Robert Massey-Ellis

Yeovil Town (4-2-3-1)

 

Substitutes:  James Plant (for Alex Whittle, 46), Aaron Jarvis (for Ciaran McGuckin, 61), Matt Worthington (for Brett McGavin, 75), Sam Pearson (for Jordan Young, 80), Finn Cousin-Dawson (not used), Sonny Blu Lo-Everton (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Aldershot Town: Marcus Dewhurst, Lachlan Byrd, Christian Maghoma, Dan Ellison (for Rollin Menayese, 88), Cameron Hargreaves, Josh Barrett, Ryan Jones (for Max Mullins, 90+2), Ashley Akpan, Hady Ghandour (for Kai Corbett, 84), James Henry (for Olly Scott, 67), Dejan Tetek (for Tyler Frost, 61).

Substitutes (not used): Jordi Van Stappershoef.

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New signing James Plant will be an exciting “ball carrier” for Yeovil Town having joined on loan from League Two side Port Vale, according to Glovers’ boss Mark Cooper.

The manager said the 20-year-old, who made 35 appearances for his parent club in League One last season, had only arrived in Somerset on Friday and was yet to train with the squad. He is named among the substitutes’ for today’s home match with Aldershot Town.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Josh Perkins ahead of the match, Cooper said: “He is one we have been looking at for a while, we were waiting until he was available. He is an exciting player, a ball carrier, he just wants to run and cross the ball and shoot, so I think he will be one who will excite the fans.”

Winger Dylan Morgan does start in the National League Premier fixture following his return from a loan spell at Weston-super-Mare, one level down in the non-League pyramid. 

The manager insisted his early return from a three-month spell in north Somerset was always part of the plan.

Cooper said: “Dyl picked up a niggle in pre-season and it knocked him back and we had to get him fit as quick as we could and the best way for him was to go out on loan and play some games. I said at the time that if he goes out, plays his games and does well, we will put him in the team. That is what we have done. He can’t have done any more, he has gone to Weston, played well, scored some goals, so he comes back and gets an opportunity.”

Neither side lining up is in great goal-scoring form with Yeovil without a goal in their last four matches and their opponents having only scored once in their last five matches.

On loan Rotherham United striker Ciaran McGuckin leads the line at Huish Park today, supported by Morgan, Jordan Young and Frank Nouble, with striker Aaron Jarvis dropped to the substitutes’ bench.

Cooper added: “(Aldershot) will get after us, they are very forward thinking. They play with two number tens and it will be a difficult game. They are not in great goal-scoring form and nor are we – so it could be 9-9, couldn’t it?! 

“We are not doing anything differently (in training). Statistically we are getting the ball in the right areas , it is just we have to produce more quality when we get in those areas, we can’t get there and smash it 40 yards over the bar or cross it behind the goal, we have to have a bit of quality.“

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Dylan Morgan goes straight in to the Yeovil Town starting XI following his return from a loan spell at Weston-super-Mare.

The winger replaces Aaron Jarvis in the line-up for today’s home match with Aldershot Town (3pm kick-off) with on loan Rotherham United striker Ciaran McGuckin playing up front.

James Plant, signed on loan from Port Vale on Friday, is named on the substitutes’ bench with Jarvis and captain Matt Worthington.

The Glovers are looking to score their first goal for four matches in the National League Premier Division with the most recent stalemate being at Sutton United on Tuesday night.

For Aldershot, Bristol Rovers central defender Dan Ellison, who joined on loan on Friday, is in the visitors’ starting XI.

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Winger Dylan Morgan has been recalled from his three-month loan spell at Weston-super-Mare after just 28 days.

The 22-year-old has played five matches, scoring three times, since joining the National League South side at the end of August.

Announcing his return on the morning of the National League Premier Division fixture with Aldershot Town, the club said: “Morgan’s impressive form has prompted his early return, and he will now rejoin the squad as we look to bolster our attacking options for the upcoming fixtures.”

Weston manager Scott Bartlett said: “Dyl has done really well for us and settled in quickly, he had a good connection with the fans and enjoyed his short time with us.

“We thank Yeovil and are understanding of the situation, and wish them all the very best.”

Morgan started the Glovers’ opening day defeat against Hartlepool United before being substituted after 56 minutes, and appeared as a 61st-minute substitute at Gateshead last month. Boss Mark Cooper explained his loan to the Seagulls was to help the former Taunton Town player gain match fitness after suffering an injury in pre-season.

His return follows the signing of Port Vale midfielder James Plant, who has been playing as a wing-back for the League Two side but is considered to be an effective winger and attacking midfielder, provides more attacking options.

Yeovil started the 0-0 draw at Sutton United on Tuesday night with just four outfield players on the substitutes’ bench with wideman Josh Sims missing with tendonitis in his knee and forward Harvey Greenslade missing with a shoulder injury.

Attacking options available for the Glovers would seem to be:

You could put Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, who has started as an attacking midfielder/number ten this season, on that list as well. However, with no goals in their last four matches, it is hard to argue Yeovil do not require something more up front.

Tell us what you think in the comments below.

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Aldershot Town make the trip to Huish Park on Saturday and returning to our “Foot in the Opposition Camp” mini series is Pete O’Shea.

Pete chats to Dave about what we can expect from a side who have looked pretty solid at the back but lacked a little something going forward – sounds all to familiar, doesn’t it!

The Gloverscast has been shortlisted for the upcoming Football Content Awards, in which we are fortunate enough to be nominated in two categories for.

“Best in Non League – Editoral” (for Gloverscast.co.uk) and “Best in Non League – Podcast” for this wonderful stuff you’re about to listen to.

We thank you all so much for your help in getting us here – if you would like to vote for us to win, go to “https://footballcontentawards.com/voting/”

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Midfielder James Plant has joined Yeovil Town on loan from League Two Port Vale until January.

The 20-year-old goes straight in to the Glovers’ squad for tomorrow’s match with Aldershot Town at Huish Park having made 35 appearances for the Valiants’ last season, when the club were relegated from League One.

A product of the Vale Park academy, Plant has appeared four times this season most recently in an EFL Trophy win over Wolves’ under-21s earlier this month where he played in defence.

Announcing his arrival on Friday, Yeovil described the new arrival as “a versatile player capable of playing as a forward, central midfielder, or wing-back.”

Speaking to the club’s YouTube channel, Plant said: “I think it is important to challenge yourself as a young footballer. I have been on loan before, so hopefully in National League football I can get started (against Aldershot Town) and kick on from there.

“The main thing was how much Yeovil wanted me to sign, you always want to feel wanted and all I want to do is play games for the club, for the games and do my best every game. That is what I am here for, I’m ready to go.

“I think I can use my experience from playing in the Football League as well as learning new things in the National League, I can take what I have already learned and show it here at Yeovil.”

Given the widespread nature of the injury list at Huish Park, currently including full-back Michael Smith, winger Josh Sims and forward Harvey Greenslade, that kind of versatility will be a boost for manager Mark Cooper.

Welcome to Somerset, James!

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Another episode of the Gloverscast is here, Ben and Dave are joined by Ollie Marsh to talk about both of the ‘nils’ away at Sutton United – one good, one not so good. We preview the Aldershot game and we take your GCQs.

We also chat about the upcoming Football Content Awards, in which we are fortunate enough to be nominated in two categories for.

“Best in Non League – Editoral” (for Gloverscast.co.uk) and “Best in Non League – Podcast” for this wonderful stuff you’re about to listen to.

We thank you all so much for your help in getting us here – if you would like to vote for us to win, go to “https://footballcontentawards.com/voting/”