Callum Hallett made his way to Totton yesterday for another Yeovil Town preseason fixture. Here’s his review of the game…
Not the prettiest game of football we will see Yeovil play this season. But a win is a win, and in pre season, getting minutes in is what matters most.
It’s a great little stadium down at AFC Totton and I think they will be up there at the top of the 7th tier.
HOW WE LINED UP FROM THE START
We started with the two wide centre halves that were to be expected, Jake Wannell and Morgan Williams, with Josh Staunton rested, Jamie Sendles-White came in for him. The two wingbacks/wide midfielders, Alex Whittle and Zac Bell, provided the width of the team in and out of possession.
The midfield two of Charlie Cooper and Matt Worthington lined up with Cooper sat in-front of the defence, dictating the pace of the game, and when out of possession, winning the ball with tackles and interceptions. This allowed Worthy to be more adventurous and bring the ball forward.
Jordan Maguire-Drew was the main creative asset of the team getting on the ball on the half turn looking to get shots off, or link up with Rhys Murphy and Frank Nouble in tight spaces creating chances. Once again involved in a goal – JMD could rip this league apart if he continues his form.
We have to get used to naming these two as a pair instead of on their own I think. Murphy and Nouble always seem to look dangerous up front together. Both are able to come deep or spin in behind and I think their clever touches and link up with each other will create serious goals!
THE FIRST SIXTY MINUTES
As Cooper said himself the first half was “disappointing”. We started so brightly with a classic Murphy goal, but the first half soon dragged on with chances coming few and far between. In the first 45 minutes Wannell was rather poor compared to what we have seen from him in previous games. He seemed to take a very long time to get comfortable in the game, misplacing passes and struggling with his first touch. However, by the start of the second half he had dramatically improved and the defence became very solid.
I think we have to expect to concede some sloppy goals this season from this style of play Cooper is adopting, where we play risky passes through the opposition lines. We as Yeovil fans get to worried over a small issue. It will be dealt with for sure!
The attacking build up in the opening 15 minutes of the second half was a joy to watch for Yeovil fans. Totton couldn’t get out of their half as we kept getting the likes of JMD, Nouble and Whittle on the ball. The patterns of passing in the attacking third was brilliant.
HOW WE LINED UP BY THE END
As always with our pre season, the subs started flowing with half an hour left on the clock. Only three of our starting squad played the full 90 – Worthington, Wannell and Williams. (I think I know Mark Coopers favourite letter!) The formation didn’t change much until the front three – instead of having 2 upfront with a player just behind – we had Olly Thomas upfront on his own with Sonny Blu Lo-Everton and Jordan Young both playing in the number 10 role either side of Thomas. This really worked well to kill out the game as showed instantly.
“Olly Thomas is the exact player as I explained in my review of him after he signed”
He’s a quick, powerful forward who has the ability to take the ball with his back to goal or running in behind, with an eye for goal. This was showed perfectly when him and Sonny worked hard to win the ball off of the Totton holding midfielder and when Sonny played Thomas through he only had one thing on his mind – an early shot into the far bottom corner and brilliant goal. Those two linked up on many occasions to create a few chances for each other.
Jordan Young looked a lot sharper today than what he did on Tuesday in our 5-0 win against Dorchester. He still needs something to fall for him to score one, after he scores one he will get plenty at this level. He might be the unluckiest footballer I’ve seen at Yeovil!! Talent!
A NOTE ON MORGAN WILLIAMS
It has taken me a long time to realise what Williams brings to the team, it was great to see him, at such a young age himself, helping Jacob Shore get comfortable in the Wing-back position. He is quality himself and definitely up there as a future captain!
On to the next one this Tuesday and our proper test against Newport County at Huish Park. It’s a chance to show our quality against a struggling EFL side. We could cause a shock and it wouldn’t surprise me.