Ben Barrett (Page 47)
Match Report: Yeovil Town 2 Tamworth 1
2025-02-18
Frank Nouble’s first goal of the season saw Yeovil Town pick up their first win in more than two months against a battling Tamworth side at Huish Park.
The Glovers fell behind when Rohan Maher stabbed home just before the half-hour mark and the home side failed to create anything approaching an effort on the visitors’ goal.
But, they were handed an equaliser through a slice of luck when Charlie Cooper’s effort took a deflection to go past Jas Singh in the Tamworth goal and then just before the hour mark Nouble’s shot across the keeper flew in to the bottom corner to earn the win.
They had to scrap for it for the remaining half-an-hour with Tamworth bringing on long throw specialist Tom Tonks, whose missiles in to the box caused problems, but Yeovil held on for the win that their second half performance deserved.
First half
There was not too much to discuss about a scrappy opening 15 minutes on what appeared to be a solid pitch, with the first opportunity coming from a good turn from the returning Frank Nouble on the left side saw them send a ball across the face of the visitors’ goal. No-one taking a gamble in the hosts’ attack. At the other end Jordan Ponticelli had an effort blocked four minutes later, but that was about it from either side.
Much like last weekend’s home defeat to Wealdstone, the first chance led to a goal – for the visitors. McGlinchey got away down the left hand side and got the ball in to Ponticelli, who got the ball in to Rohan MAHER who stabbed it home with 28 minutes gone. With absolutely nothing going forwards, it is another big ask for Yeovil’s players.
On 35 minutes, James Plant got past a defender and unleashed the first effort ‘on goal’, well, it went high over the bar and two minutes later Maher tried his luck from distance with a snap shot which Aidan Stone had to be on his toes to parry away.
On 39 minutes a moment of controversy. Wilson ran in to the box and appeared to have his heels clipped by Ben Crompton. Referee Dale Baines looked to point to the penalty spot, no, he clearly pointed to the penalty spot but then changed his mind. Has his assistant had a word in his ear? Hard to say Yeovil’s attacking efforts deserved it, but the laws of the game say that is a penalty. If it’s not a penalty, it is a booking for Wilson for a dive. It’s neither.
Tamworth central defender Haydn Hollis fired a left-footed shot just wide with two minutes of the half remaining before Sonny Blu Lo-Everton hit one high over the bar at the other end. Like, out of the ground high over the bar.
A soft goal conceded and Tamworth’s defence has not been tested at all, goalkeeper Jas Singh could have put a deck chair up inside his penalty area. A big 45 minutes coming.
Half time: Yeovil Town 0 Tamworth 1
Second half
It needed a big response from the home side and five minutes after the restart, Yeovil were level. There was a huge slice of luck involved as Charlie COOPER‘s shot from the edge of the box took a deflection off a Tamworth defender and beat Singh all ends up. A huge slice of luck, but we will take it.
On 53 minutes, James Plant did superbly to win the ball off a defender and broke away with Yeovil having three on one against the Tamworth defence. Plant had Lo Everton to his left and Wilson to his right, but the Port Vale loanee tried to feed it in to the path of Wilson – but put far too much on it and the ball ran out for a goal kick. Great opportunity.
The goal – however lucky it was – has given Yeovil confidence and just before the hour mark they took the lead. The ball was worked out to the right side where Frank NOUBLE drove towards the box and unleashed an angled shot which went in to the far corner. It was the striker’s first goal in almost a year, but what a time to get it.
On the hour mark, Tamworth made two changes including the arrival of midfielder and long throw specialist (/human missile launcher) Tom Tonks.
There was a big blow for Yeovil on 64 minutes as Plant went down off the ball and immediately looked in trouble. He needed to be helped off the pitch by the medical staff with what looked like a hamstring injury, the same thing which saw him return to his parent club Port Vale in December. Another f***ing injury. Ugh. Ciaran McGuckin came on to replace him.
Remember I mentioned Tom Tonks? Having caused issues with some earlier throws, on 72 minutes he found Hollis whose close range effort was blocked by Stone. Not sure quite how he saved it, I’m not sure the goalkeeper is even sure how he did. Possibly with his face. Don’t concede a throw in your own half, boys.
On 81 minutes, Dan Creaney nodded over from another Tonks free kick and the visitors helped their hosts with a couple of poorly flight free kicks (including one from Tonks who seems better with his hands) which were given away in dangerous positions.
Six minutes of injury time were nervous to put it mildly, but everyone connected to Yeovil Town needed a win and they got one. A much better second half, a slice of luck with the equaliser sparked it, but however it happened, it happened.
Full time: Yeovil Town 2 Tamworth 1
Match Details
Venue: Huish Park
Date: Tuesday 18th February, 3pm
Competition: National League Premier Division
Scorers: Rohan Maher 28 (0-1), Charlie Cooper 50 (1-1), Frank Nouble 59 (2-1)
Pitch: Hard and bobbly
Conditions: Cold
Attendance: 2,649 (119 away supporters)
Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Ciaran McGuckin 80
Tamworth: Arjan Raikhy 82
Referee: Dale Baines
Yeovil Town (3-4-2-1)
Substitutes: Ciaran McGuckin (for James Plant, 64), Harvey Greenslade (for Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, 77), Josh Sims (for Kyrell Wilson, 90+5), Dom Bernard (not used), Lewys Twamley (not used), Matt Gould (not used).
Tamworth: Jas Singh, Matt Curley, Kennedy Digie, Ben Milnes (for Ben Milnes, 60), George Morrison, Tom McGlinchey (for Kyle Finn, 84), Haydn Hollis, Munashe Sundire (for Arjan Raikhy, 71), Ronan Maher (for Beck Ray Enoru, 71), Ben Crompton, Jordan Ponticelli (for Dan Creaney, 60),
Substitutes (not used): Alex Fletcher, Nathan Tshikun.
Team News: Tamworth (home)
2025-02-18
Yeovil Town have made four changes to the starting line-up which lost at home to Wealdstone at the weekend as Tamworth visit Huish Park tonight (7.45pm kick-off).
The lesser spotted Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, who has not featured since the 4-0 defeat at York City at the end of November, returns in midfielder alongside Charlie Cooper, who is back after a two-match suspension.
Frank Nouble and Michael Smith also return to the starting XI with Ciaran McGuckin, Dom Bernard and Josh Sims all dropping to the substitutes’ bench having started three days ago. There is no place in the squad for Swindon Town loanee Sean McGurk.
Shaw returns to Rovers
2025-02-18
Kofi Shaw has returned to Bristol Rovers as the midfielder’s loan has been cut short.
The Gas have taken the option to recall Shaw back into their first team fold. Originally signed on a short-term loan, the deal was extended until the end of the current campaign.
The 18-year-old became the Glovers’ second youngest league goal scorer earlier this season with his strike at Hartlepool United.
In total, he played 16 times in green-and-white, scoring twice. His other goal came on and eventful game against Forest Green on New Years Day where he was also sent off.
Shaw has started just two matches since returning from that suspension with his last start coming in the 1-1 draw at Dagenham & Redbridge a fortnight ago.
All the best back at the Mem, Kofi!
Match Officials – Tamworth (H)
2025-02-17
We are in esteemed company this Tuesday evening… no not Tom Tonks and his long throw, but a proper, bonafide, EFL referee has been assigned to the clash between Yeovil and Tamworth.
Dale Baines is far more used to the glitz and glamour of League One, League Two and even the Johnstones Paint, Papa Johns, LDV Vans, Auto Windscreens, Vertu Motors Trophy.
In total, he’s taken charge of 25 games, given 86 people a yellow card, just the ONE red (and even that was a double yellow in a Premier League 2 game) and awarded five penalties.
Incredibly, for a ref that’s been on the circuit for a while, he’s never taken charge of either a Yeovil or a Tamworth game.
Adam Wilson and Jack Clench will be flag waving, Lewis Sandoe is bashing the board buttons on 4th official duties.
Loan Watch: Thomas and Torq Triumph
2025-02-16
Let’s distract ourselves from the game at Huish Park for a moment and take a check in on those of a Green and White persuasion who are out and about on loan.
There wasn’t much to talk about with pretty much only our two loanees in the division below getting game time.
Firstly, Torquay closed the gap on Dorking at the top of the National League South table with a win over Hornchurch.
Jordan Thomas clocked up another 90 minutes and nearly scored for the Gulls.
⏱️72′ So close!!! Thomas sees his shot tipped over by Terry after being played into the penalty area.
Corner!
— Torquay United FC (@TUFC1899) February 15, 2025
At the other end of the table, W*ymouth remain rooted to the bottom, they lost 3-0 to Farnborough, Will Buse made an error for the first goal, whilst Brandon Goodship missed a penalty… (you’re thinking about Grant Smith’s hips again, aren’t you?)
10’| Goal. Farnborough take the lead due to a poor mistake by Will Buse.
💛1-0🩷 #TerrasTogether
— Weymouth FC (@theterras) February 15, 2025
Sherborne, Wellington and Bridport games were all called off. So there was limited action for the Under 18s this weekend.
Halifax Away Tickets – Cash Only
2025-02-13
We think this might be a first for this season, but Yeovil Town fans looking to make the trip to Halifax on Saturday 8th of March CANNOT buy their tickets in advance.
The West Yorkshire club have told the Gloverscast that they operate a Cash-ONLY on the day ticketing system.
Your plastic will be not be accepted at the turnstile, your payment will need to come with a picture of the King or late Queen on please.
FC Halifax Town match day prices for the 2024/25 season are as follows:
Adult £22.00
Concession £19.00
12-17s £10.00
U12s £4.00
Please note it’s cash on the turnstiles.
What is a ‘concession’ you ask? Good question, we didn’t know either, so we asked for you.
A concession is anyone of ‘state pension age’ … or above.
If you are in need of wheelchair access, or any additional needs that may need some attention before making the long ol’ poke up to Halifax, the following information is available on site.
“Facilities for wheelchair users are available at 2nd and 3rd tier levels of the East Stand where they, and some blind spectators, can share one of two balconies.
Access for wheelchair users and their carers is via a lift inside the main entrance to the stadium (East stand) where an official will collect admission monies and sell match day programmes.
Catering facilities are at ground floor level in this stand so persons with mobility impairments, using the upper levels, may request assistance from an official at the entrance if they wish to avail themselves of these facilities.
Toilet facilities for people with disabilities are available at both balcony levels.
For further advice/assistance you should contact the Club Office on 01422 341222″
There’s pretty much nothing else we can tell you, all feels a bit simplistic, maybe a bit TOO simplistic?
Other away tickets on sale to Yeovil Fans at time of recording.
MAIDENHEAD – Saturday 22nd February – https://gloverscast.co.uk/maidenhead-away-tickets-on-sale/
BARNET – Tues 4th March – https://gloverscast.co.uk/barnet-away-tickets-on-sale/
ALTRINCHAM – Saturday 5th April – https://gloverscast.co.uk/altrincham-away-tickets-on-sale/