Ben Barrett (Page 127)

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News

Just when you thought Transfer Deadline Day didn’t apply to us in the lowly National League…

Alfie Pond. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Just as the Summer 2022 Transfer window was ready to slam shut, yellow ties were being folded away and the Sky Sports News tickers were being ground to a halt, did news begin to surface about a late move from Wolves for Alfie Pond.

The Athletic – and then subsequently plenty other outlets – report a £500k fee has been reached between the Premier League side and Exeter for the defender with Journo Steve Madeley saying that his loan at Huish Park had been ‘cancelled’ to facilitate the deal.

No official confirmation from any of the three parties involved has come through (as of 05:30 on Sept 2nd), but this would mean something ofna shake up ahead of the Glovers’ game against York City on Saturday.

Pond has played in each of the last two games for the Glovers.

More to come if confirmed.

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News
Ollie Haste in action for Truro City. Picture courtesy of Cameron Weldon/Truro City FC.

Yeovil Town loanee Ollie Haste was back in the starting line up for Truro just 48 hours after hobbling off injured.

He played a full 90 minutes for the White Tigers in their 1-1 draw at Tiverton.

The midfielder has played a pivotal role so far for his adopted side and came close to getting off the mark for his new club in the 51st minute with a shot blocked from close range.

However, the points were shared after a late second half equaliser cancelled out Tyler Harvey’s opener for Truro.

Toby Stephens was an unused substitute in Devon.

Paul Wotton’s remain unbeaten so far this season.

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News

 

Josh Staunton. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Yeovil Town captain Josh Staunton has urged his side not to get too downbeat after a frustrating 0-0 draw with Wealdstone.

The part time outfit held the Glovers at bay for more than 80 minutes with ten men, but Yeovil did have their chances, missing a second half penalty and seeing multiple opportunities cleared off the line.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins the skipper praised the Stones’ defensive resolution and backed his team mates to come good.

“I think it’s always a challenge when a team sits in like that, especially when the pitch is quite sticky, and the fine margins didn’t go our way.

It’s very disappointing right now, but at the end of the day it’s one point away from home against a team which are right on form, so as a group we will try and look at the positives.

If someone had said to us at 3 o’clock at the end of the bank holiday we will win the home one and draw the away one I don’t think there would be too many complaints.”

“Obviously the situation makes it a bit more frustrating, but there’s a long season to go.”

Tactical changes and substitutions were all make with attacking alterations in mind, but Yeovil just couldn’t find a way through.

“When you’re chasing a game you’re searching a little bit. In the first half we were three at the back and we were ok, but we probably didn’t utilise the four at the back as well as we probably should have.

As players we kind of shot ourselves in the foot, I think we didn’t get high enough up the pitch.”

Malachi Linton fires in a shot. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Looking ahead the captain urged caution at getting too low at the early season frustration and backed Malachi Linton to come back from the disappointment at missing the penalty.

“It’s a long season so it’s about keeping the group level and not feeling like it’s the end of the world in there.”

“I’m sure Mal is very down in there, I don’t need to sit hear and try and say otherwise, strikers want to score goals, it’s never nice when you put yourself forward to take a penalty in a tight game like that… unfortunately today for Mal, it went the wrong side of the crossbar and he’s a young lad with a great future ahead of him and he’s started the season well.

At times like that it’s about rallying round him and make sure he picks himself up.”

Wise words from the captain, who went on to back up those thoughts, even further.

“Obviously we’re very downbeat right now, but on another day we could have had three or four and if we’d have got one in the first half when we were on top we make it a much easier game.”

“We’re understandably frustrated right now, sometimes when you’re like that it’s a kick for you, because if we’d have got six points out of the bank holiday weekend then it would have been a brilliant return.

In this league if you do well at home and draw your away ones, regardless of the situation, you’ll be OK.

Overall, however disappointed we are, it’s that old cliché of it being a marathon not a sprint.”

The next stop on the 26.2 mile journey that is the National League season is a home game against York City this coming Saturday.

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News
Chris Hargreaves

Manager Chris Hargreaves and goal-scoring wing-back Jamie Reckord have both said Yeovil Town are looking to put a run together as they travel to in-form Wealdstone on Bank Holiday Monday.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins following victory over Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday the pair were unanimous their opponent’s form didn’t matter, it was about how Yeovil could impact the game.

Hargreaves said: “They’ve recruited players of a good standard they’ve obviously pushed the boat out to do that.

“They’re a good team, they’re an attacking threat, they’ve got some pace and we’ve got focus on that and how we can affect them with our football, but our resilience has got to carry on into that next game.

“The lads have just said it in the changing room, that’s their focus now, they know they can defend, they know they can listen to information and play different shapes”

With just under 48 hours between matches, Hargreaves said that recovery was key and that might have to affect their roast dinner on Sunday.

He added: “The boys have got to enjoy winning today, cos that’s what this game is about, recover quickly, not have too many pigs in blankets tomorrow and chocolate pudding and relax.

“I can’t quite believe this fixture pile up already, it’s ridiculous, it’s got to stop, it’s dangerous, that’s annoyed me, but we’ve got to deal with, get on with it.”

Jamie Reckord. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Similar thoughts were shared by Reckord whose third goal in five games gave Hargreaves his first win as Glovers boss.

The former Wrexham man said: “Everyone is in the same boat, they’ve (Wealdstone) have played today like us, I just think if everyone recovers well and does the right thing, there’s no excuse on Monday, we just keep going.

“They’ve started well, but it’s not about them it’s about us, we won today, and I’m confident about getting three points on Monday.”

Wealdstone go in to the game full of confidence having hit the top of the National League table with a 1-0 win at Gateshead courtesy of a goal from former Glover Rhys Browne.

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News

Yes, we’re going to be making Pond/Fish/ based puns whenever we can, we’re not going to apologise for it either.

Alfie Pond. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Yeovil Town’s on loan defender Alfie Pond has been named in the Non-League Paper’s team of the day after his impressive debut performance helped secure a 1-0 win over Dagenham & Redbridge.

Pond joins Wealdstone’s Jack Cook – who he’ll likely face on Monday – and Callum Howe of Solihull in the mythical back line.

The gaffer, Chris Hargreaves also makes the ‘Top Boss’ spot his own after picking up his first competitive victory as Glovers’ boss.

Well done to Alfie and Chris!

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News
Jamie Reckord scores the winner against Dagenham ? Mike Kunz

Yeovil Town s̶t̶r̶i̶k̶e̶r̶ defender Jamie Reckord has praised the Glovers’ ability to grind out their first win of the season over Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins after the game, in which he scored his third goal of the season, he said how happy everyone was to get that first win in the books.

The 30-year-old said: “Both teams started kind of slow, there wasn’t much really in the game, I just felt like there were always going to be opportunities come our way 

“Their back three was gifting us a few chances, Mal [of Fish ‘n’ Mal fame] was running off the back of them and giving them havoc and Gime and I thought Fish [also from Fish ‘n’ Mal] played well and I got my goal. I’m just happy we got the three points.

“Everyone knows it was important for us to get the win today, you could feel it, we could feel it, the last ten minutes felt like it was half an hour but we hung on.

“Everyone needed that, because if you look at the last few games in the season I think we’ve been the better team, and the club looks back and says we could have and should have, but we were the better team in most of the three games and yeah, I’m just glad we got the three points.”

Reckord – who had, before this game NEVER scored more than twice in a single season – was chuffed to get his third in the opening five games…

“I’m delighted to get the goal, of course, three goals in whatever games it is, its the best of my professional career, but most importantly we got the win and the first win on the board and we can look forward to playing Wealdstone on Monday”

Best check that contract for a goal bonus clause, Jamie!

Alfie Pond

There was praise for his 18 year old defensive partner Alfie Pond who made his Glovers debut and put in a rock solid display impressing Reckord, and fans with his performance.

“Pondy is really good, you can tell, he’s good in the air, good on the ball, he’s calm and collected and when you play in a three you need that calmness, he can play the ball out from the back and start moves off, yeah, everyone was impressed.”

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News
Ollie Haste in action for Truro City. Picture courtesy of Cameron Weldon/Truro City FC.

Yeovil Town’s on loan duo Ollie Haste and Toby Stephens had very different days as their host side Truro City picked up a 4-1 win over Hendon.

Haste started the match but was replaced with just 24 minutes on the clock due to an injury.

After the game White Tigers’ gaffer – and former Glover – Paul Wotton said: “He (Haste) took a knee to the thigh, so he’s got a bit of a dead leg.”

They, like us, have a game on Monday and Wotton said he had a few nursing knocks so players will be assessed over the next 24 hours, but thankfully it doesn’t seem too serious for Haste.

Toby Stephens in action for Truro City. Picture courtesy of Cameron Weldon/Truro City FC.

Stephens was named on the bench for the second game in succession and came on for just over 30 minutes with the game finely poised.

He too, has had a slight injury concern during his temporary spell at Truro but is making a steady return to action.

Keep up the good work, lads !

 

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News
Ollie Haste at Truro ? Truro City YouTube

Yeovil Town’s on-loan duo Ollie Haste and Toby Stephens both played for Truro City in their 3-1 win at Winchester City on Saturday.

Haste completed another 90 minutes and almost got his first goal for the White Tigers late on in their victory too.

Midfielder Stephens started the game on the bench and was introduced as an 80th minute substitute to make his first appearance since joining the Cornish side at the start of their Southern League Premier Division South campaign.

Well done on the win, lads.

Goalkeeper Max Evans didn’t feature for Larkhall Athletic, who drew 1-1 at Cowes Sports.

He was back at Huish Park on Tuesday for the game against Barnet sporting a new pair of crutches. It is hoped the injury isn’t too serious, but scans will be needed before a return date can be planned in.

Get well soon, Max!

Stanley Anaebonam, ahead of the draw with Exeter City earlier in pre-season.

As an aside, Truro City gaffer, Paul Wotton also brought on former Glovers’ trialist Stanley Anaebonam as a late substitute. He has joined the Cornish side since departing Huish Park.

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News, Five Conclusions, Gloversblog

Urgh.

Another near miss, three points snatched away from the Yeovil Town right at the death as Altrincham pegged the Glovers back twice to grab a 2-2 draw.

Our man Ben was in the Press box for BBC Somerset at Moss Lane and here are his conclusions from a frustrating afternoon in the North West.

Altrincham Away ? Ben Barrett

Oh, what might have been.

It wasn’t quite as free flowing as the game against Barnet but HargreavesBall was still the order of the day for the Yeovil Town.

The switch to a 4-4-2 from the off had me thinking we might change our style, but that wasn’t the case, we kept it simple, on the floor and tried to still use our threats from wide angles to creat chances.

Chiori Johnson added a bit more bite to the midfield, the former Torquay man isn’t afraid to put a tackle in, whilst Lawson D’Ath added a calmness to the centre of the park. With Altrincham dominating possession in a way Barnet did not on them previous Tuesday night, he helped utilise what we did see of the ball.

This is our style of play, win, lose or draw, home or away.

Lawson D’Ath. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Speaking of D’Ath. Jeez, we’ve got a classy footballer on our hands.

It’s nothing we haven’t said 100 times before, but a fit and firing Lawson D’Ath is too good for the National League. He can do it all, run with the ball, spray passes, tackle, block, get forward, defend the whole nine yards.

The point here is, how do you now manage a player who is just so influential? His first 89 minutes of the season, with two games in three days at the back end of the week on the horizon and a history of injuries that says you cannot push him too far.

It’s just as important to know when to (when we can afford to) leave him out as it is, to know when to play him.

Charlie Wakefield. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Something was up with Charlie Wakefield.

I spent the majority of the second half trying to figure out what wasn’t quite clicking with Charlie Wakefield.

He looked… a bit sad… like he needed a hug, he got one from Lawson D’Ath at one point.

A couple of times the ball slipped under his foot and out of play, a couple of crosses and shots weren’t at his usual standard and I couldn’t quite put my finger on why.

With the team now Tom Knowles-less it does feel like a lot more eyes are looking at Wakefield to be the star man (pun fully intended) and as he adapts to a new style and new role when playing wing back, the general consensus is that he’s doing just fine.

I hope he’s okay and just had one of those days, we’ve all been there.

Max Hunt vs Bournemouth

It’s time for us to talk about attacking set pieces.

I feel that it’s not been a huge strength of ours over the last couple seasons and for me, it stood out against Altrincham.

Only Notts County have had more possession this season than Alty, which means when you get the ball and the chance to get it in the box, you cannot waste it.

Sadly, we did on a few occasions, and on the times we did get a ball into the right areas, I wasn’t ever totally convinced much would come of it.

Both Josh Staunton and Max Hunt did connect with a header each from a dead ball situation, but both lacked the direction and/or power and it might be an area we have to look at improving.

There will be plenty of times this season where we give up the lion’s share of possession and I’d like us to look more dominant.

I guess we have to end with the new cult hero don’t we?

Gime Toure made a wonderful little cameo from the bench, got his goal of course, but added so much more.

He was trying to impose a little bit of game management (something we lacked after the clock ticked past 90 mins), he was trying to be clever, to buy a free kick, to slow the game down whilst also not being afraid to get on the ball and play – he and Jamie Reckord worked really well together a couple times on the left.

We’re nowhere near seeing the fittest version of Toure and that might be a while off, and the one thing we’ve been told is that there’s inconsistencies to his performances, but he looks bang up for it at the moment and he will provide an alternative to the Fish ‘n’ Mal combo which has started brightly.

All in all, it was so close, but so far from that elusive first win of the season.

Urgh.