January 2026 (Page 2)

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A Tuesday night under the Huish Park lights? Oh, yeah, go on then.

A referee who’s overseen just three Yeovil games, all of which have resulted in Green and White losses? Ah, that’s a shame.

Look, we’re not holding it against Richie Watkins, but we’d sure like it if we could put that stat to bed this midweek.

He was in charge for the Glovers’ loss to Hemel Hempstead in the FA Cup earlier this season *shudders*, he took charge of a 1-0 defeat to Bromley in the National League relegation season and oversaw the Parma Violet Glovers losing 2-0 to Maidenhead United in 2023.

That FA Cup game saw him caution Finn Cousin-Dawson and Morgan Williams.

This season, his Transfermarkt stats read 15 games officiated, 60 yellows (4 per match for the mathematicians out there), eight reads and two penalties.

Those stats include a 2-2 draw between Aldershot and Brackley, where the Shots’ Ben Jackson saw red in the second half.

He’ll be assisted by Ryan McILravey and Adam Wilson, with Jack Clench on the bench, just in case.

Yeovil Town FC (First Team) v Aldershot Town (First Team)
National League – Premier
Referee: Watkins, Richie
Assistant Referee: McILravey, Ryan
Assistant Referee: Wilson, Adam
Fourth Official: Clench, Jack

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Billy Rowley apologised following Yeovil Town’s 2-1 defeat at Brackley. The Glovers conceded two poor goals in the National League Premier clash and the manager disappointed with the performance.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s, Ian Randall, Rowley said: “I know I’m supposed to say this to the fans, but I genuinely mean it: I am very thankful for them coming to support us today. And I’m going to apologise for that performance. I know all the lads will be in there agreeing. Everything we planned for against Brackley kind of was true: the game plan, their threats, how we were going to potentially deal with them. And at no point in this interview am I ever going to pretend like it’s the players – it’s all of us, it’s me. I’ll own that defeat on the chin.”

Rowley referred to his first interview where he said he was going to be ‘learning every game’ and said he was going to ‘figure out’ those of his squad who want to be on the journey.

“I tell you what it does for me is it motivates me a lot. In the first interview I said at this club, I’m going to be learning every game. I’m a very observant person, and I will figure out the players that want to come on this journey and don’t. I’m really disappointed by that performance today in a number of ways.” 

The manager did give credit to the hosts, who he knew would provide a tough challenge.

“Brackley are good at home at what they do. They sit in a block, they frustrate you, and they’re very good at that. They deserved the win today. Obviously, scoring early helped them a lot,it means they can drop their line and sit on the edge of their box. Then it’s tricky to play over them because there’s no space in behind; they have tight lines and it’s hard to then feed the players in the front areas of the pitch.”

“Obviously, the two goals, if you watch them back, they’re errors from us, really. It’s a set-piece chance that we’ve not really defended in the correct zones, and it’s a bit of a mix-up with the first goal. It was very much a creation of our own downfall there. But I felt even from when they scored the first goal, probably 15 to 20 minutes after that, I felt really comfortable with how the game was looking.

“We were arriving in their final third so often, and it was just the final choice. We were just a bit loose. We didn’t cross it when we should have crossed it with any quality, we didn’t slip people in when we should have. And then the more you make bad decisions in games, the more psychologically it becomes a really tricky game because you start doubting yourself, you start doubting the plan, and then you tend to make even more bad decisions. And that’s kind of what we did today. I think we started to doubt ourselves and probably overthink a little bit.

“I think there’s two ways to approach that when you’re playing against a block: you can either slow the game out to draw people out and then inject the speed, or you can just move the ball side-to-side really quickly and hopefully they jump out. We kind of did neither of those, which is again—this is a bit of a process we’re going through. We just weren’t very good today. Some of our attacking play, some of our choices weren’t great, so it’s definitely something we’re going to review and improve on.”

Rowley added that getting performances right at home is going to crucial for the remaining matches this season.

“I think one thing that we’re going to try to do in these 19 games remaining in the league is to make sure we’re very good at home. If you get draws away from home, it’s not the end of the world. I think probably a draw today would have been fair, but we’ll wear that loss on the chin.”

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Former Yeovil Town loanee Ben Wodskou came back to haunt his old side as he scored the winner for Brackley Town on a frustrating afternoon for the Glovers on their first visit to St James’ Park.

The Birmingham City striker stabbed home from close range after a corner from another ex-Glover Scott Pollock was not dealt with by the visitors’ defence just before half-time.

Yeovil had gone behind to Shane Byrne’s opener after just four minutes before defender Kyle Ferguson drew the game level with a 12th minute header, and then the visitors were unable to break down a resolute Brackley despite dominating possession in the second half.

The stats show the Glovers had far more of the possession, but the hosts did more with less to take the win. Here’s Dave’s on the whistle report.

First half

Yeovil boss Billy Rowley gave just one debut to his six news signings with Jonathon Page, who joined from the manager’s old side Walton & Hersham, starting in midfielder. On the bench were defender Joy Mukena, midfielder Ryan Jones, on loan Cardiff City youngster Troy Perrett and Terrell Works, the attacker on loan from Premier League Fulham.

The game started about as badly as it could have for the Glovers with Brackley taking the lead with their first attack. A long ball forward saw Scott Pollock challenging with Kyle Ferguson whose poor back pass to goalkeeper Jed Ward was massively underhit allowing the midfielder to hit an effort which the keeper blocked. But it only broke to Shane BYRNE who was able to tap in to an unguarded net with the Yeovil defence jogging back in to position. Another poor, poor goal and our defence proving the creators of their own problems yet again.

It did not take long to get a response with Ferguson atoning for his earlier error with the equaliser after 11 minutes. A corner from James Daly was cleared out as far as the winger who floated it back in to the area and Kyle FERGUSON rose highest to head home.

Six minutes later, Brackley had a golden opportunity to restore their advantage when a long throw from Yeovil was easily dealt with by the hosts and a long ball up the middle of the pitch saw Ben Wodskou easily get past Josh Sims, the only player anywhere near him. The former Glovers loanee was one-on-one with Ward, but he took his shot early and the keeper was able to save with his foot. Wodskou should have done much better there.

Ten minutes later there was another chance for Brackley when Tyler Lyttle was unchallenged to put a cross in from the right side and striker Danny Newton rose at the back post to head just wide.Yeovil were dominating possession, but doing nothing to threaten to find their way through a well-organised Brackley. Meanwhile, we looked fragile every time we went forward with the home side seemingly able to get balls in to our box at will.

Danny Newton rises highest for a header whilst the Yeovil defence look on.

Sure enough with two minutes of normal time remaining in the first half, Brackley took the lead and there was more sloppy defending on display again. Pollock’s corner was met at the back post by another unchallenged header this time from defender Kyle Ferguson, Ward pushed it out but Ben WODSKOU was there to stab it home.

Ben Wodskou, who scored Yeovil’s winner in the reverse fixture in August, celebrates with Danny Newton.

In general play we have dominated possession, but Brackley have kept us where they want us and aside from a goal from a set-piece, we have not threatened to create a chance. Even more concerning is our defence which has a massive Morgan Williams-shaped hole in it, the ease at which Brackley have scored their two goals has been appalling.

Half time: Brackley Town 2 Yeovil Town 1

Second half

Striker Tahvon Campbell replaced the anonymous Aaron Jarvis at half-time and with three minutes of the second half played James Daly curled an effort wide which was speculative at best. Then with fewer than ten minutes of the second half elapsed, manager Billy Rowley made two further changes with Fulham loanee attacker Terrell Works and midfielder Josh Tobin replacing Harvey Greenslade and Jonathon Page with 53 minutes on the clock.The difference? Not very much, to be honest.

The square root of nothing happened between that set of substitutions and ten minutes later when new boy Ryan Jones, who joined from Aldershot Town during the week, was introduced. Brackley are quite happy to sit there and watch us pass the ball around without enough urgency; the amount of times a player in a green-and-white shirt has put their foot on the ball because there is no-one making a move is unbelievable.

The final throw of the dice came 20 minutes from time when Cardiff loanee Troy Perrett replaced Finn Cousin-Dawson, with Tobin dropping back in to defence. At this stage there were a lot of players on the pitch for us who have never played together outside of training, but we have looked like this for much of the match with players who have played countless matches together. Brackley have offered very little to threaten us, but they don’t need too – we are the side which is behind in this game!

Loanee Terrell Works was introduced in the second half.

Perrett offered that rarest of things, a player who looked to positively move forward when we were in possession and he had a couple of efforts blocked after coming on the pitch. It was therefore not surprising when he was involved in our best (only?) meaningful opportunity with five minutes remaining. His Cardiff City team-mate Dakari Mafico found him on the edge of the box and he cleverly laid it off to Luke McCormick whose effort was turned aside by Brackley keeper Cameron Gregory. I think that is the first time I have mentioned Gregory in this report and that tells its own story.

McCormick had another shot late on which Gregory was able to hold and then with four minutes of second half stoppage time played there was a late corner which goalkeeper Ward came up for. But, on this day after this performance, it was no surprise to see it turn in to a farce with an appalling corner leading to a Brackley break away with the goal unprotected. Ward raced back towards his goal and luckily Ferguson was able to get back with a covering tackle.

The final whistle was met by the sound of boos from some in the travelling support and it is difficult to blame them after a performance where we had dominated possession but never looked like we were going to do anything with it. Brackley did a job on us and we made it easy for them to do one.

Full time: Brackley Town 2 Yeovil Town 1

Match Details

Venue: St James’ Park
Date: Saturday 17th January, 3pm kick-ff

Competition: Enterprise National League Prem,ier Division

Scorers: Shane Byrne 4 (1-0), Kyle Ferguson 12 (1-1), Ben Wodskou 44 (2-1 )

Pitch: Sloped in about six different directions
Conditions: Dry but cool

Attendance: 1,125 (319 Yeovil Fans)

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Jake Wannell 45, Kyle Ferguson 72, Josh Tobin 80.
Brackley Town: Tyler Lyttle 16, Shane Byrne 24, Zak Brown 75.

Referee: George Laflin.

Yeovil Town (3-4-1-2)

Substitutes: Tahvon Campbell (for Aaron Jarvis, 46), Terrell Works (for Harvey Greenslade, 52), Josh Tobin (for Jonathon Page, 52), Ryan Jones (for Josh Sims, 64), Trey Perrett (for Finn Cousin-Dawson, 71), Michee Efete (not used), Joy Mukena (not used)

Brackley Town: Cameron Gregory, Tyler Lyttle, Kyle Morrison, Scott Pollock, Zak Brown (for Jack Price, 90), Danny Newton, Matt Lowe, Michael Nottingham (for Zak Lilly, 70), Ben Wodskou (for Morgan Roberts, 59), Byron Pendleton, Shane Byrne.

Substitutes (not used): Alastair Worby, Connor Hall, Yahya Bamba, Riccardo Calder.

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Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley has said that he has had ‘quarter of an eye’ on Tuesday’s game with Aldershot with regards to his team line up for Saturday’s clash with Brackley.

Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol’s Ian Randall he said;

“I think, with one eye or quarter of an eye on Aldershot on Tuesday, that plays a part into selection. Also coming to Brackley who are fighting, you know, relegation arguably. They don’t concede many goals here, they make life very difficult for people that come and try and play football here. So, yeah, the selection was difficult today, but like I said, I think the fact that we’ve got a game on Tuesday plays a part in sort of sharing minutes.

Only Jonathon Page gets the nod with a potential four more debutants on the bench and Rowley felt like throwing players in all at once might not be what this game requires.

“There was method to that madness, like I said, you know, I don’t feel like today’s game’s going be a roll your sleeves up, and let’s see what we’ve got character-wise, and I’ve got full faith in our lads to do that. They’ve obviously dealt with those sort of occasions before. This game reminds me a little bit of Hartlepool away a few weeks ago. So the boys are well-versed in what’s needed to get a result here today. And I felt, like I said, with a Tuesday game coming up quick and fast after this, it might be a good chance to introduce some of the lads into a home game.

Dakarai Mafico
Pic C/O Gary Brown

Ryan [Jones] trained with us on Thursday and Friday, and obviously Friday’s only really 45 minutes to an hour match prep, so not loads. So that’s another reason why I didn’t want to like throw him in. I think Aldershot defends slightly differently to we do naturally, they’re a bit more man-for-man and we’re gonna be a bit more of a block today and press in certain moments, so didn’t want to spring that on him. [Jonathon] Page I’ve obviously worked with for six months so he sort of understands what’s needed. And I thought Dak [Mafico] who got man of the match last Saturday was a no-brainer to start.

And I feel really, you know, sorry for Harvey Greenslade who had to be substituted off after 20 minutes because of the red card, cause we probably needed to get an extra midfielder on. And I felt up until the red card last Saturday, I felt we were looking good, albeit against, you know, a team two leagues below, but I felt like if that red card didn’t happen, you know, on another day we probably score three or four goals in that game. So I want to sort of like give a chance for those lads to recreate that first 20 into today’s game.”

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Billy Rowley could give as many as FIVE debuts today, but only one gets the nod from the start.

Jonathon Page comes in to replace the suspended Brett McGavin, in the only charge to starting line up from the one that started against Alevchurch.

Max Jolliffe is the unlucky sixth loanee who misses out with the other five all involved in the match day squad, of the contracted members of the group, Jacob Maddox is not involved.

There is no Matt Gould on the bench either, so Jed Ward is the only recognised goalkeeper on the team sheet.

We’ll take the formation graphic with an almighty pinch of salt as we know it is very, very flexible!

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It’s back to league action this weekend as Yeovil Town travel Brackley Town on Saturday afternoon.

FORM…

YEOVIL TOWN

Last time out it was another struggle for Glovers in the FA Trophy as they went to penalties against Alvechurch. That was the second time in as many games in the Trophy that Yeovil have gone to penalties. The game was very much a nutshell of the Glovers season, quite boring, a few positives and ultimately doing just enough to get by.
Josh Tobin
Pic C/O Gary Brown

Since last Saturday however, manager Billy Rowley has made three strong signings. Midfielder, Troy Perrett caused a stir on social after people realised he sounded like Ireland hero Troy Parrott, when he was announced. Joy Mukena was then announced as a permanent transfer, with Terrell Works joining Perrett as another loanee, this time from Fulham. Those signings should make the Glovers stronger for the back end of the season.

BRACKLEY TOWN

Brackley Town haven’t played a league game since December 30th after two their two games against Rochdale and Eastleigh got postponed. The Saints have played one game in that period in the FA Trophy however, which they lost 1-0 to Yeovil manager’s old side, Walton & Hersham.

Over their last five games, the Northamptonshire side have won three and lost two. Altough sitting 18th in the league, the Saints did beat Forest Green Rovers on Boxing Day. That win shows they are better than their position in the table, and will be a tough game for Yeovil on Saturday.

KEY PLAYERS…

YEOVIL TOWN – JED WARD

It’s back to one of the old faithful this week as Jed Ward showed his class once again last time out. We all know the qualities that the young shot stopper possesses, but we as fans may have started to take them for granted.

The 22-year-olds shootout heroics in the FA Trophy once again reaffirmed his importance to the side. Three saves from a possible four in the shootout isn’t just a fluke but shows a quality keeper. Not only does her have to confidence in knowing where the opposition takers are going but to also follow that conviction and time his dive.

I think we will only realise how great Ward has been this season when he isn’t here next season.

Jed Ward
Pic C/O Gary Brown

BRACKLEY TOWN – SHANE BYRNE

Byrne is a bit of a club legend at the Saints. The 32-year-old played for Brackley from 2016-2021, amassing over 220 appearances. The Irishman left Northamptonshire for three years before rejoining Brackley.

The midfielders has vast experience, not only in the league for Brackley, but also at international youth level. It doesn’t matter what level of international football you play, you have to be a high class player to get to there. This season Byrne has bagged three goals for the struggling Saints side making him their second top scorer.

He is also a machine defensively, making 13 recoveries a game and 7 successful dribbles.

THE GAFFER…

Gavin Cowan is the man in the home dugout. The 44-year-old started his managerial career at AFC Telford in 2018, he would stay the midlands gaffer for just over three years before leaving. The German born man, then had two years out of the game before being appointed as manager at St James’ Park in 2023.

Cowan was a player in his younger days, spending his time in the lower reaches of the English football pyramid. As a defender he played for 11 clubs during his career making over 350 league appearances. Cowan has played one game against Yeovil, losing that fixture.

LAST TIME WE MET…

The two sides have only met once in their history, which was earlier this season. That game was played back in August when the Glovers ran out 2-1 winners at Huish Park.

The goals that day were scored by Josh Sims and Tyler Wodskou before the Saints got a consolation through Tyler Little.

Moments before Josh Sims scored. Photo Andy Craig

DON’T I KNOW YOU…

There are three former Yeovil players in the Brackley squad and that includes to loanees from this campaign. Ben Wodskou is one of the former Glovers, the Birmingham man made nine appearances for Yeovil earlier this season.
Former Birmingham City loanee striker Ben Wodskou.

The other former loanee is Byron Pendleton, who seems to follow Wodskou (or vice versa). The defender also was at Huish Park this term playing 14 games.

Pendleton on the charge
Pic Gary Brown

The final former Glovers is Scott Pollock, remember him. Pollock came to Somerset after a good season at Boston, but was followed by his widely known agent Seb Carmichael-Brown. The midfielders time at Huish Park was fraught by injury only making seven appearances.

Scott Pollock in action for Yeovil Town last season.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Another ex-Glover for the slightly older supporter, midfielder Jack Price – remember him? No, you can be forgiven it was a one month loan spell whilst he was a Wolves player in a forgettable 2014-15 season as we were relegated out of League One. Magnificent beard though.

Jack Price as a Yeovil Town player in 2014. Still don’t remember him?

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…

George Laflin is the man in charge for this fixture. For more information on him and his team for Saturday check out Ben’s article – here.

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Yeovil Town have announced the signing of Aldershot’s Ryan Jones on a deal until the summer of 2028.

Yeovil Town have reportedly paid a “five figure sum” for the former Bristol Rovers youngster.

The officials Aldershot statement said;

“…the club has secured a five-figure sum rather than losing Ryan for nothing at the end of the season as a free agent.

In addition, the agreement includes a sell-on clause, ensuring the club will benefit from any future transfer of the player and enabling any such receipt to be reinvested into the club’s playing staff.”

Jones has been a regular in the Aldershot side this season, playing 18 times in the league, scoring against York City in November.

He limped off in the first half of the Glovers’ 4-1 win over Aldershot earlier in the season.

A former Weston-super-Mare, Hungerford and Bromley player, he is predominantly used down the left hand side, equally happy as a wing back in a five as well as in midfield or attack behind the front man.

He, like Dan Ellison, won the 2024/25 FA Trophy at Wembley with the Shots and returns to his home county to join the Glovers.

Welcome to Yeovil, Ryan!