Ben Barrett (Page 2)

Yeovil Town’s away day clash at York City will now kick off at the later time of 5:30pm.

The National League’s online streaming partner, DAZN have agreed to move that game, and Rochdale’s fixture against Braintree as part of their plan to show the final stages of the title race.

Tickets for the game are available to purchase HERE

Confirmed DAZN live picks for the remainder of the season: 

Saturday 14 March
Wealdstone v Solihull Moors (12.30pm)
Scunthorpe United v Altrincham (5.30pm)
Eastleigh v Rochdale (5.30pm)
Morecambe v Braintree Town (5.30pm)*

Saturday 21 March
Solihull Moors v FC Halifax Town (5.30pm)

Monday 6 April
Sutton United v Southend United (3pm)*

Saturday 11 April
Tamworth v York City (12.30pm)
Rochdale v Wealdstone (5.30pm)
Boreham Wood v Hartlepool United (5.30pm)*

Saturday 18 April
FC Halifax Town v Southend United (12.30pm)
Braintree Town v Rochdale (5.30pm)
York City v Yeovil Town (5.30pm)

Yeovil Town head north for the game against Boston United this coming Saturday.

The man in the middle will be Paul Johnson, a referee we’ve had pleasure of having four times, but we are yet to win with him in charge – three wins and a draw, the history books say.

Most recently, we had him on 11th January, 2025 – a 1-1 draw with Woking at Huish Park, Aaron Jarvis got the goal on the day, with Brett McGavin, Finn Cousin-Dawson and Josh Sims all going in the book.

He’s only taken charge of seven National League games this season and compared to one or two others, has been fairly lenient, dishing out just 36 yellows and only one of those turning red later in the game.

He will be assisted by David Holmes and Wayne Gray (not that one) with William Murray in the dugouts.

Boston United FC (First Team) v Yeovil Town FC (First Team)
National League – Premier
Referee: Johnson, Paul
Assistant Referee: Holmes, David
Assistant Referee: Gray, Wayne
Fourth Official: Murray, William

Billy Rowley has said that his copy and paste team sheet is because the line up suits the Glovers as much against Scunthorpe as it did for Tamworth.

Speaking to BBC Radio Somerset’s Jack Killah pre-match he said;

“I would have looked to change it if we needed to, but I think stylistically as well the game is very similar. They play a similar shape to Tamworth. I think they’ve got a tiny bit more quality in their team, but in terms of our prep for that game, it leads on nicely to this one. And providing they don’t throw any curveballs at us, it won’t take too long to adjust to what they’re trying to do. So I felt like it would give us a bit more clarity in the game plan, and obviously the boys played well, so kept it the same.

…like us, I think it’s important to realise they’ve had a tough run.
They’ve played some good teams. And watching their games back, they’ve also—as football works, you know—they’ve created decent chances, just maybe weren’t as clinical as they needed to be. So football can change, as we’ve seen week to week. I’m not going to look too deeply into that. We’re going to treat them like they are a top team in this division, and we’re going to have to be a, you know, a great version of us to get anything from the game.”

With bench also unchanged, the gaffer said that they were at basically full strength with Harvey Greenslade ready to go after not being involved against Tamworth.

“I’m happy with our bench today. I thought Finn and Fergie brought a lot of bite and character to the game when they came on. Harvey Greenslade today—he’s actually like fit and able to play. On Tuesday, he was just doing us a favour really by sitting on the bench. So a fit and healthy, energised Harvey is a frightening prospect with his speed and his movement. So, that’ll add to the bench. So hopefully we won’t need to look too deeply at the bench and we can perform with the boys on the pitch, but it’s nice to know they’re there.”

Luke McCormick was seen with a clipboard and note book on the bench against Tamworth, his groin injury is a serious one and Rowley said that there’s no rush on getting the midfield maestro back; with others stepping up in his absence.

“It’s probably going to be the end of the season, to be honest. He’s got a torn groin, like off the bone really, so it’s not good. It’s not good. I’m not really looking to rush him back this season. My preference would be just make sure he’s 100%, and if he turns up to pre-season fully ready, then that’s fine.”

Dakarai has really stepped up. Troy—had to speak to Troy privately just a little bit about like his bite and defensive actions. You know, he’s only 19, just turned 19, and he’s got so much talent and he’s going to have a great career. But obviously, we were at the bottom end of the table and we need to show a lot of grit and determination. And like I say, his talent is top level, and since he’s started to like put his foot in a little bit more, he looks like a really accomplished player”

Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley has said that he feels like his side is heading in the right direction after back to back league wins.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah on his Friday evening’s Sports Show he revealed the impact of gruelling schedule on the Glovers and said whilst Scunthorpe post new tests, he’s concentrating on his own side.

“We went to Southport with a very depleted team and two or three of the lads who were kind of playing injured really. I’m an honest person, I’m always mindful that, that after losing games, it’s difficult to give excuses after a game because that’s what all the people will then say, but the truth is we were very tired going into that game. The boys on the pitch, two or three ideally wanted to sort of probably come off at halftime, but they tried to to dig in and we just didn’t have enough legs and energy and freshness to get over the line. We lost that game fair and square, but we had a few days rest leading up to the Tamworth game and we performed really well.

The Glovers stepped up on Tuesday night, and the 2-0 over Tamworth was as comfortable as a match as been in Huish Park for weeks. Rowley said: “I thought in possession, it might have been our probably one of our best performances, some really clear ideas and patterns for the lads. We just reviewed it with the boys after lunch as well and just showed them a load of good practice videos. I feel like they’re in a good spot now it and football can change game to game, week to week, but I feel like a lot of the lads are in a good place and ready to go out there and get another win.”

New players, managing injuries, cup ties status and constant back to back games have meant getting any kind of training in has proved difficult for Rowley.

“It takes time for players to embed your ideas and what we’re asking them to do and it’s some new ideas and some new patterns. It’s never going to be sort of smooth sailing and a linear process. There needs to be some bedding-in period and I think I said as well in the last post-match, I think probably since Telford in the last round of the cup is, has been the last time we’ve had a full week’s training and all you can really do is, is turn up Monday, recover and then you’re playing again Tuesday. So it’s been really hard to actually work with the players. It’s just literally been game after game. So next week will be good for the boys, providing we get a good result on Saturday.”

He added: “We get a full week’s rest leading into the Boston game and I do feel if we can keep getting points on the board and play with a bit more freedom that I think the fans can expect us to be playing some of our better football. I think we’ve in the last two home games we’ve created some really big chances and we’ve sort of dominated both of those games on not only the scoreline but all the metrics and stats that you’d want. So yeah, moving in the right direction.”

​As for today’s opponents, 6th placed Scunthorpe, the manager said: ​”[They’ve got] some really dangerous players. . But look, we’re prepared for them, but I’m a coach and I’m a manager that, I obviously need to look into the opposition, but I want our players to be playing our game and I don’t want us to be over-analysing the opposition. We have to be obviously mindful and respectful of what they bring, but we want to be playing front-foot, attacking football and going out there and creating chances ourselves. So hopefully that will be the case.”