December 2025 (Page 6)

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The FA Trophy returns this weekend, as Yeovil Town play host to National League South side Maidstone United in the third round.

FORM…

YEOVIL TOWN

The Glovers have turned around their form to go unbeaten in three. Out of those three matches, the last two have been convincing wins under new manager Billy Rowley. Another aspect of those wins has been the fact Yeovil have two goals in either game, a feat they had only done on five other occasions this season.

Last weekend, the Glovers won 0-2 away from home at Hartlepool United. After the long trip it could’ve been expected that the team may not have turned up, especially on form ahead of the managerial change. However, striker Aaron Jarvis netted his second goal of the season, to open the scoring. Star man Luke McCormick also popped up to get his third goal in two games.

It’s fair to say Rowley has turned a squad low on confidence around, and now with FA Trophy here, a cup run is on the list of things he wants.

Aaron Jarvis in action at Hartlepool last weekend. Picture courtesy of Frank Reid.

MAIDSTONE UNITED

The Kent side have been in ok form over their last five fixtures, with three wins and two losses. Similar to their opponents on Saturday, they’ve won their last two games, a 2-0 win against Darren Way’s Bath City and a 1-0 victory over Salisbury. George Elokobi‘s side currently sit in eighth in the National League South.

The Stones played in the previous round of the competition against Torquay United. That day they ran out 2-0 winners at Plainmoor thanks to goals from Dijon Golding and John Gilbert.

KEY PLAYERS…

YEOVIL TOWN – BRETT McGAVIN

It’s no coincidence that since McGavin has returned to the squad from injury that there has been an up tick in form. In fact, the Glovers have only won one game this season that the midfielder hasn’t appeared in. The 25-year-old was on the bench for the 0-0 against Morecambe and has started both wins since.

McGavin quality is there to see as well. He brings a presence to the middle of the park with his build and has the passing ability to open up a game. The former Ipswich man has also formed a strong partnership with Luke McCormick which has been the foundation of Yeovil’s good performance’s this term. It’s clear to see with McGavin In the side, the Glovers look a lot stronger than without.

Luke McCormick and Brett McGavin – McMidfield
Pic Gary Brown

MAIDSTONE UNITED – JOHN GILBERT

Gilbert joined the Stones at the start of the season and has had an instant impact. The midfielder has featured in every game bar one this season, when he was not in the squad against Salisbury. A key feature for a central midfielder is his ability to be reliable, whether that be with his performances or through the ability to play most games, and Gilbert is that.

Not only is he reliable, the 25-year-old is Maidstone’s top score this season with six goals and also has two assists to his name. This dovetails nicely with his midfield partner, Anthony Papadopoulos who has six assists and two goals.

The game will defiantly see a midfield battle.

THE GAFFER…

George Elokobi is the visiting manager this weekend, with the former Premier League player taking charge of his 132nd game at Maidstone.

The Cameroonian has only managed Maidstone United having taken the job in 2023 initially on an interim basis. The 39-year-olds biggest achievement to date in management will be taking The Stones to the Fifth Round of FA Cup in 2024. This was the first time Maidstone had made the Fifth Round and also the first time since 1977 a team outside the top five leagues had gotten that far.

As player, Elokobi played as a centre-back for Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Bristol City to name a few, accumulating 361 appearances. He also one of only a few players to score in the Premier League, Championship, League’s One and Two as well as the National League.

LAST TIME WE MET…

The two teams last met in 2024 in the National League South. That game was at the Gallagher Stadium, with the Stones winning 2-1. That day Muhammad Faal opening the scoring, before Matt Rush doubled the lead. A late Dylan Morgan goal was a mere consolation for the Somerset side.

When they last played at Huish Park, the pair drew 1-1. Levi Amantchi opened the scoring that day for Maidstone, before Rhys Murphy equalised late on.

Rhys Murphy tucks home the equaliser against Maidstone when the two sides played out a 1-1 draw at Huish Park

DON’T I KNOW YOU…

There are no ex-Glovers in the squad after Teo Kurtaran was released in the week. Midfielder Kurtaran may not be a well-known name with fans as he was a trialist in pre-season.

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…

Lewis Sandoe takes charge of the fixture, and as usual read Ben’s full article here.

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He’s done it again!

It’ll be of no great surprise to anyone that Luke McCormick has been named your Man of the Match for the 2-0 away win at Hartlepool United.

A litte over 100 votes were cast, 78 of them went to the future Real Madrid midfielder.

Jed Ward was second, Harvey Greenslade in third.

DATEOPPONENTRESPONSES1ST
(Votes / Percent)		2ND
(Votes / Percent)		3RD
(Votes / Percent)
August
09.08.2025HARTLEPOOL
(Home, 0-0 draw)		172JED WARD
(52 / 32.4%)
Morgan Williams
(44 / 25.6%)		Jake Wannell
(22 / 12.8%)
16.08.2025FOREST GREEN
(Away, 2-0 loss)		87JED WARD
(39 / 44.8%)
Byron Pendleton
(16 / 18.4%)		Morgan Williams
(11 / 12.6%)
20.08.2025BRACKLEY TOWN
(Home, 2-1 win)		153JED WARD
(89 / 58.2%)
Josh Sims
(23 / 15%)		Tahvon Campbell
(14 / 9.2%)
23.08.2025BRAINTREE TOWN
(Away, 1-0 loss)		71JED WARD
(29 / 40.8%)
Josh Sims
(15 / 21.1%)		James Plant
(7 / 9.9%)
25.08.2025GATESHEAD
(Home, 4-3 loss)		174HARVEY GREENSLADE
(65 / 37.4%)
Junior Morias
(59 / 33.9%)		Josh Sims
(23 / 13.2%)
30.08.2025HALIFAX
(Away, 3-2 loss)		93JOSH SIMS
(36 / 38.7%)		Harvey Greenslade
(29 / 31.2%)		Junior Morias
(13 / 14%)
AUGUST PLAYER OF THE MONTH 🥇 JED WARD
(12 PTS, 3 MOTM)
🥈 JOSH SIMS
(8 PTS, 1 MOTM)		🥉 HARVEY GREENSLADE
(5 PTS, 1 MOTM)
02.09.2025SOLIHULL M
(Away, 1-0 win)		98 JUNIOR MORIAS
(28 / 28.3%)		Luke McCormick
(24 / 24.2%)		Jed Ward
(15 / 15.2%)
06.09.2025YORK CITY
(Home, 3-1 loss)		108JOSH SIMS
(48 / 44.4%)		Luke McCormick
(33 / 30.6%)		Jed Ward
(7 / 6.5%)
13.09.2025WOKING
(Home, 1-0 win)		127 LUKE MCCORMICK
(47 / 37%)		Kyle Ferguson
(37 / 29.1%)		Harvey Greenslade
(11 / 8.7%)
20.09.2025TAMWORTH
(Away, 1-0 loss)		62JED WARD
(17 / 27.4%)		Kyle Ferguson
(10 / 16.1%)		Josh Sims
(7 / 11.3%)
24.09.2025ALDERSHOT
(Away, 4-1 win)		94ANDREW OLUWABORI
(36 / 38.3%)
Tahvon Campbell
(25 / 26.6%)		Luke McCormick
(10 / 10.6%)
27.09.2025ALTRINCHAM
(Home, 1-0 win)		154ANDREW OLUWABORI
(51 / 33.1%)
Jed Ward
(37 / 24%)		Morgan Williams
(18 / 11.7%)
30.09.2025SUTTON UTD
(Away 2-1 win)		119JOSH SIMS
(88 / 73.9%)		Andrew Oluwabori
(20 / 16.8%)		Jed Ward
(6 / 5%)
SEPTEMBER PLAYER OF THE MONTH 🥇 ANDREW OLUWABORI
(8 PTS / 2 MOTM)

🥈 JED WARD
(8 PTS / 1 MOTM)		🥉 JOSH SIMS
(7 PTS / 2 MOTM)
04.10.2025BOREHAM WOOD
(Home - 0-3 loss)		87JED WARD
(61 / 70.1%)		Harvey Greenslade
(10 / 11.5%)		Kyle Ferguson
(5 / 5.7%)
11.10.2025HEMEL HEMPSTEAD
(Away 2-1 loss)		44HARVEY GREENSLADE
(18 / 40.9%)		Jed Ward
(10 / 22%)		Byron Pendleton
(6 / 13.6%)
18.10.2025ROCHDALE
(Away 3-0 loss)		49JED WARD
(17 / 34.7%)		Harvey Greenslade
(10 / 20.4%)		Kyle Ferguson
(5 / 10.2%)
25.10.2025CARLISLE
(Home 1-1 draw)		140Max Jolliffe
(60 / 42.9%		Harvey Greenslade
(16 / 11.4%)		George Nurse
(13 / 9.3%)
OCTOBER PLAYER OF THE MONTH 🥇 HARVEY GREENSLADE
(9 PTS / 1 MOTM)

🥈 JED WARD
(8 PTS / 1 MOTM)		🥉 MAX JOLLIFFE
(3 PTS / 1 MOTM)
04.11.2025WEALDSTONE
(Home 0-2 loss)		67 LUKE MCCORMICK
(13 / 19.4%)		Jed Ward
(12 / 17.9%)		Aaron Jarvis
(9 / 13.4%)
08.11.2025SCUNTHORPE
(Away 1-0 loss)		46JAMES PLANT
(15 / 32.6%)		Jed Ward
(12 / 26.1%)		Harvey Greenslade
(10 / 21.7%)
15.11.2025SOUTHEND
(Home 0-1 loss)		89JED WARD
(74 / 83.1%)		Max Jolliffe
(5 / 5.6%)		Junior Morias
(3 / 3.4%)
22.11.2025MORECAMBE
(Away 0-0 draw)		49JED WARD
(22 / 44.9%)		Harvey Greenslade
(12 / 24.5%)		Finn Cousin-Dawson
4 (8.2%)
29.11.2025BOSTON UNITED
(Home 2-1 win)		108 LUKE MCCORMICK
(68 / 63%)		Brett McGavin
(10 / 9.3%)		James Plant
(6 / 5.6%)
NOVEMBER PLAYER OF THE MONTH 🥇 JED WARD
(10 PTS, 2 MOTM)
🥈 LUKE MCCORMICK
(6 PTS / 2 MOTM)		🥉 JAMES PLANT
(4 PTS / 1 MOTM)
06.12.2025HARTLEPOOL UTD
(Away, 2-0 win)		106 LUKE MCCORMICK
(78 / 73.6%)		Jed Ward
(11 / 10.4%)		Harvey Greenslade
(7 / 6.6%)
13.12.2025MAIDSTONE UTD
(Home, 1-1 [4-2 on pens])		125JED WARD
(83 / 66.4%)		Brett McGavin
(10 / 8%)		Harvey Greenslade
(9 / 7.2%)
20.12.2025FOREST GEEEN
(Home, 0-2 loss)		94 LUKE MCCORMICK
(22 / 23.4%)		Harvey Greenslade
(20 / 21.3%)		Jed Ward
(17 / 18.1%)
26.12.2025TRURO CITY
(Away 0-1 loss)		67JED WARD
(55 / 82.1%)		Jake Wannell
(3 / 4.5%)		Josh Tobin / Aaron Jarvis
(2 / 3%)
30.12.2025EASTLEIGH
(Home 1-1 draw)		113 LUKE MCCORMICK
(46 / 40.7%)		Jed Ward
(29 / 25.7%)		Jake Wannell
(10 / 8.8%)
DECEMBER PLAYER OF THE MONTH 🥇 JED WARD
(10 PTS, 2 MOTM)
🥈 LUKE MCCORMICK
(9 PTS / 3 MOTM)		🥉 HARVEY GREENSLADE
(4 PTS / 0 MOTM)
03.01.2026BRAINTREE
(Home 3-1 win)		164 LUKE MCCORMICK
(44 / 26.8%)		Aaron Jarvis
(27 / 16.5%)		James Daly/Brett McGavin
(20 / 12.2%)
10.01.2026ALVECHURCH
(Home 0-0 [3-1 on pens])		172DAKARAI MAFICO
(86 / 50%)
Jed Ward
(55 / 32%)		Josh Sims
(9 / 5.2%)
17.01.2026BRACKLEY TOWN
(Away, 2-1 loss)		81DAKARAI MAFICO
(19 / 23.5%)
Harvey Greenslade
(15 / 18.5%)		Kyle Ferguson
(12 / 14.8%)

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Yeovil Town boss Billy Rowley has set his sights on a run in the FA Trophy as the Glovers prepare to kick off their campaign at home to Maidstone United this weekend.

The manager is looking to build on two wins in his first two National League Premier Division matches when the National League South play-off chasers visit Somerset this weekend.

We have gone out of the competition at the first time of asking in the last three seasons – at the hands of W*ymouth, Torquay United and Dorking Wanderers – and you have to go back to December 2021 to find our last win, a 3-1 home victory over Woking which came before an exit to Needham Market in the following round.

Asked about the significance of the competition by BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah on Thursday, Rowley said: “Six games to Wembley, so that is something we can already dream about! If we can get through this weekend, you never know. I think it is a competition will be throwing a lot in to and this weekend I am definitely going to be trying to win that game.”

They face a Maidstone side which knocked Torquay out in the previous round and have won their last two league fixtures, but will travel without former Yeovil trialist Teo Kurtaran who departed the club this week. He appeared for Tamworth in a Birmingham Senior Cup tie on the same day his exit from Maidstone was announced albeit the National League Premier Division side has not announced his signing, so it is possibly a trial.

Kurtaran, who impressed suppoters but clearly not then-manager Mark Cooper during his pre-season in Somerset, is known to Rowley who signed him at his former club Walton & Hersham after the Glovers turned down the opportunity to sign him up.

Asked about this weekend’s opponents, Rowley said: “I know a fair bit about Maidstone, two lads I know very well have been playing for them, one of them actually just left this week (that’s Kurtaran by the way), so I know how they play, their style. They are a very physical team, they are great on transitions and press hard, so we worked on a few ideas today. They play real rock and roll football, so it will be a good spectacle. I want us to put on a spectacle and I want our fans to see us have a lot of the ball.”

Trialist midfielder Teo Kurtaran runs down the wing in the pre-season friendly against Bristol Rovers.
Teo Kurtaran in action for Yeovil Town in pre-season. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

The Glovers will go in to Saturday’s third round tie without defender Morgan Williams whose appeal against a sending off after the final whistle in last weekend’s 2-0 win at Hartlepool United has been rejected. On loan midfielder Max Jolliffe will also be missing having played in the Trophy for Billericay Town earlier this season, but Rowley is expecting to have midfielder Josh Sims available after suffering tendonitis on his Achilles as well as new signing Josh Tobin, who joined on loan from League Two Bromley on Thursday.

The boss said: “The video (of the post-match melee at Hartlepool) does not show what the referee thinks he saw and we did our best to try and appeal that one, but we were not successful. Morgs is a great character and a great player, so it is a blow, but we have some boys who can step in to that role. Finn (Cousin-Dawson) is one who I thought was excellent on Saturday in a midfield role, but he will be available for that position.

“Max (Joliffe) will be missing, cup-tied due to a game he play for Billericay earlier in the competition, but we are expecting a few boys back. Simsy (Josh Sims) has had some good treatment on his Achilles so he will be available, Planty will still be out because we do not want to risk his hamstring, but we will have good options going in to this game.”

Rowley added: “I reminded one of the lads who has not been playing much who has been training really well that every game brings different challenges, so we might play slightly differently for each game and I want to boys to think that there is a clean slate with me. There are boys who have great experience at this level and above, so that will naturally be swaying my opinion to a certain extent, but everyone has an opportunity here and they are definitely showing it in training.”

 

The FA Trophy definitely has a special place in our hearts, Billy. Picture courtesy of the Ciderspace Archive.

 

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Congratulations to Yeovil Town youngster Ollie Hughes who made his debut for the England Colleges team this midweek.

He played his part in a 3-1 win over an Independent Schools XI, wearing the number 7 shirt, his side won, 3-1.

He was awarded his cap in a presentation the night before, meaning he follows in the foot steps of Ollie Haste and Corey Koerner to represent the ECFA whilst on the books of Yeovil Town.

Hughes (bottom row, second in from left) with his England Colleges Squad.

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Defensive midfielder Josh Tobin has become new Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley’s first signing having joined on loan from League Two Bromley until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old is known to the Glovers’ boss after the pair worked together during the player’s time in the academy at Premier League giants Chelsea and later during a loan spell at Walton & Hersham during the 2023-24 season.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s FA Trophy third round tie with Maidstone United, Rowley said: “I have worked with Josh for 18 months or so, he is a lad with a lot of skill and talent and found himself playing for (Walton & Hersham) after he was released by Chelsea and then he got a move to Bromley. Since then he has had a few injuries and not been able to get in there first team, so I thought this was a great opportunity to get him in.

“He is someone who is able to cover three or four different positions, he has a lot of skills in his toolbox, so I think he adds a lot of depth and will be really beneficial to us. He grew up playing as a centre back, so he can play anywhere across the back, he has most recently been playing as a holding midfield player and last year he played higher up the pitch as a number eight or number ten, so we will see. I see him mostly as a midfielder though.”

Tobin made his Bromley debut last month as a second half substitute in an EFL Trophy defeat to AFC Wimbledon, having returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury.

Having left the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2022, Tobin has spells at Cray Wanderers and Margate before linking up with Rowley and his assistant Darren Simpson at Walton in January 2024. His form there earned him a move in to the Football League at Bromley and he was awarded a professional contract in May this year.

We assume the new recruit will be available for Saturday’s FA Trophy third round tie with Maidstone United at Huish Park.

Welcome to Huish Park, Josh!

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Yeovil Town have confirmed the departure of former manager and assistant manager Richard Dryden and Jerry Gill from Huish Park.

In a short statement posted on social media on Thursday the club said: “We can confirm that agreements have been reached to terminate the contracts of Richard Dryden and Jerry Gill.

“The club would like to formally thank both Richard and Jerry for their service and wish them well in the future.”

The pair’s future have been in limbo since the club appointed new boss Billy Rowley and his assistant Darren Simpson on 25th November and brings to an end an almost six-month association with the club for Dryden.

He joined the coaching staff under then-Glovers’ boss Mark Cooper in June, took over in interim charge following Cooper’s sacking at the end of August, and then did the hokey-cokey during the 11-day reign of Danny Webb as Yeovil manager, stepping in “until the end of the season” which lasted 11 matches. Having won his first three in permanent charge, he was replaced by Rowley following a run of six defeats and two draws including an early exit from the FA Cup at the hands of lower league Hemel Hempstead Town.

Gill joined as number two to Dryden on 24th September rekindling an association with the club he played for in the 1996-97 season, winning promotion back to the then Football Conference.

In a post on his X/Twitter, Gill said: “My time as Interim Assistant Manager @YTFC. A pleasure to have been back at the club so close to my heart. The stadium staff, football staff, superb group of players and wonderful supporters thanks for making work so enjoyable. I wish Billy and you ALL nothing but success.”

From us here at the Gloverscast, we wish both Richard and Jerry well for the future and thank them for stepping in during difficult times at our football club.

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Lewis Sandoe has already refereed Yeovil Town vs Maidstone United once in his career, he’ll do it again on Saturday.

That match was back in August of 2023 and actually saw the Glovers draw 1-1 with their opponents, Rhys Murphy salvaging a point late on in the piece.

We have also already seen him this season, a 3-1 home defeat to York City, he gave Ollie Pearce the the chance to tap in another goal from 12 yards which he duly obliged.

James Plant and Aaron Jarvis both saw Yellow on the day.

Overall Mr Sandoe has taken charge of 11 games this season across the National League, the silly National League Cup rubbish, the Premier League U21 league and cups.

He’s given out 36 yellows, just one red (to Brighton U21s Noel Atom) and a couple of penalties have been awarded.

He’ll be assisted by Richard J. Morris and Dean Treleavan with Matt Eva on dugout duty.

Lewis Sandoe at Huish Park

Yeovil Town FC (First Team) v Maidstone United FC (First Team)
F.A. Challenge Trophy    
Referee: Sandoe, Lewis
Assistant Referee: Morris, Richard J.
Assistant Referee: Treleaven, Dean
Fourth Official: Eva, Matt

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The Football Association has confirmed Yeovil Town’s Morgan Williams was sent off for violent conduct at the end of last weekend’s 2-0 win at Hartlepool United.

The dismissal means the defender will now serve a three-match ban starting with Saturday’s FA Trophy tie at home to Maidstone United. He will also be missing for the National League home match with Forest Green Rovers on 20th December and the Boxing Day trip to Truro City.

Williams was red carded for his part in a melee which erupted at the end of the game at Hartlepool and involved every player and member of staff from both sides following the final whistle. The home side’s Jermaine Francis was also red carded for his role.

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Two wins on the bounce, two goals in each game and two nominations in the Enterprise National League Team of the Week.

Jake Wannell and Luke McCormick are both included after helping to topple play-off chasing Hartlepool by a 2-0 scoreline. 

In the Non League Paper, both were also named with Billy Rowley also named their Boss of the Week too.