The romance of the cup takes Yeovil Town to Leatherhead in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round.
Ben chats to Dave Bryant, a Leatherhead super fan, a writer, author and volunteer at the club talks to us about a club on the rise.
Woahhh!!! We’ve got Billy Rowley,
Woahhh!!! He’s taking us to Wembley
Woahhh!!! Yeovil’s going all the way!
It’s FA Cup weekend and the Glovers are in action at Leatherhead in the Fourth Qualifying Round.
What’s more Luke McCormick has departed for Fylde.
All that and more in your latest Gloverscast with Ben, Dave and Abby Carter
There’s no surprise at all as to where this is going…
Brett McGavin has been named your Man of the Match for the win over Wealdstone.
The hat trick here, took over 90% of the votes from 150 cast.
As far as I can tell, this represents a record winning percentage – by some distance.
Jack Kingdon (2nd) and Johl Powell (3rd) took the minor honours.
Also, over half of you gave the performance a perfect 7/7!
| DATE | OPPONENT | RESPONSES | 1ST (Votes / Percent) | 2ND (Votes / Percent) | 3RD (Votes / Percent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUGUST | |||||
| 08.08.26 | Scunthorpe | 130 | JORDAN NORVILLE-WILLIAMS (91 / 70%) | Mason Obeng (16 / 12.3%) | Jos Barker (12 / 9.2%) |
| 15.08.26 | Carlisle United | 152 | JOS BARKER (71 / 46.7%) | Jordan Norville-Williams (34 / 22.4%) | Zain Westbrooke (14 / 9.2%) |
| 22.08.26 | Gateshead | 168 | RYAN JONES (57 / 33.9%) | Luke McCormick (42 / 25%) | Archie Davies (24 / 14.3%) |
| 28.08.26 | Barrow | 174 | JOS BARKER (114 / 65.1%) | Jordan Norville-Williams (35 / 20%) | Luke McCormick (10 / 5.7%) |
| 31.08.26 | Tamworth | 156 | BRETT MCGAVIN (87 / 55.8%) | Luke McCormick (24 / 15.4%) | Jos Barker (10 / 6.4%) |
| AUGUST PLAYER OF THE MONTH | 780 VOTES | 🥇 JOS BARKER (8 PTS, 2 MOTM) | 🥈 JORDAN NORVILLE WILLIAMS (7 PTS, 1 MOTM) | 🥉 LUKE MCCORMICK (5 PTS, 0 MOTM) |
|
| SEPTEMBER | ---------- | ---------- | ---------- | ---------- | ---------- |
| 05.09.26 | Southend United | 47 | JOS BARKER (12 / 25.5%) | Archie Davies (10 / 21.3%) | Luke McCormick (8 / 17%) |
| 12.09.26 | AFC Fylde | 88 | RYAN JONES (47 / 53.4%) | Luke McCormick (13 / 14.8%) | Archie Davies (10 / 11.4%) |
| 15.09.26 | Aldershot | 110 | RYAN JONES (49 / 44.5%) | Archie Davies (17 / 15.5%) | James Daly (13 / 11.8%) |
| 18.09.26 | Solihull Moors | 127 | RYAN JONES (52 / 40.9%) | Zain Westbrooke (18 / 14.2%) | James Daly (16 / 12.6%) |
| 26.09.26 | Kidderminster Harriers | 157 | JOS BARKER (80 / 51%) | Ryan Jones (17 / 10.8%) | Johl Powell (15 / 9.6%) |
| 29.09.26 | Worthing | 112 | BRETT MCGAVIN (38 / 33.9%) | Ryan Jones (35 / 31.3%) | Jordan Norville-Williams (21 / 18.8%) |
| SEPTEMBER PLAYER OF THE MONTH | 641 VOTES | 🥇 RYAN JONES (13 PTS, 3 MOTM) | 🥈 JOS BARKER (6 PTS, 2 MOTM) | 🥉 ARCHIE DAVIES (5 PTS, 0 MOTM) |
|
| OCTOBER | ---------- | ---------- | ---------- | ---------- | ---------- |
| 03.10.26 | Boston Utd | 175 | JOHL POWELL (47 / 26.9%) | Jordan Norville-Williams (37 / 21.1%) | Ryan Jones (29 / 16.6%) |
| 10.10.26 | Wealdstone | 150 | BRETT MCGAVIN (136 / 90.7%) | Jack Kingdon (6 / 4%) | Johl Powell (3 / 2%) |
| 17.10.26 | Leatherhead (FAC4Q) | 62 | JOHL POWELL (17 / 27.4%) | Archie Davies (9 / 14.5%) | Jordan Norville-Williams (8 / 12.9%) |
| 20.10.26 | Leatherhead (FAC4QR) | 112 | JACK KINGDON (74 / 55.2%) | Slavi Spasov (20 / 14.9%) | Ryan Jones (16 / 11.9%) |
| 24.10.26 | Altrincham | 86 | JOHL POWELL (35 / 40.7%) | Jordan Norville-Williams (14 / 16.3%) | Slavi Spasov (13 / 15.1%) |
| 27.10.26 | Hornchurch | 109 | SEB NAYLOR (50 / 43.5%) | Jack Kingdon (16 / 13.9%) | James Daly (14 / 12.2%) |
| 31.10.26 | FC Halifax Town | ||||
| NOVEMBER | |||||
| 14.11.26 | Boreham Wood | ||||
| 21.11.26 | Forest Green Rovers | ||||
| 24.11.26 | Eastleigh | ||||
| 28.11.26 | Harrogate Town | ||||
| DECEMBER | |||||
| 05.12.26 | Hartlepool United | ||||
| 09.12.26 | Wealdstone | ||||
| 19.12.26 | Boston United | ||||
| 26.12.26 | Sutton United | ||||
| 28.12.26 | Woking | ||||
| JANUARY | |||||
| 02.01.27 | Altrincham | ||||
| 09.01.27 | Hornchurch | ||||
| 16.01.27 | |||||
| 23.01.27 | Carlisle United | ||||
| 26.01.27 | Eastleigh | ||||
| 30.01.27 | Scunthorpe United | ||||
| FEBRUARY | |||||
| 06.02.27 | Forest Green Rovers | ||||
| 13.02.27 | Kidderminster Harriers | ||||
| 17.02.27 | Worthing | ||||
| 20.02.27 | Solihull Moors | ||||
| 23.02.27 | Aldershot | ||||
| 27.02.27 | Gateshead | ||||
| MARCH | |||||
| 06.03.27 | Barrow | ||||
| 09.03.27 | Tamworth | ||||
| 13.03.27 | Southend United | ||||
| 20.03.27 | AFC Fylde | ||||
| 26.03.27 | Woking | ||||
| 29.03.27 | Sutton United | ||||
| APRIL | |||||
| 03.04.27 | FC Halifax Town | ||||
| 10.04.27 | Boreham Wood | ||||
| 17.04.27 | Hartlepool United | ||||
| 24.04.27 | Harrogate Town | ||||
Ahead of Yeovil Town’s FA Cup fourth qualifying round clash against Leatherhead, Glovers manager Billy Rowley has been speaking with BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah about his squad’s phenomenal run of form, recent recruitment, and the magic of the cup.
Yeovil head into the weekend fixture riding the wave of confidence following an impressive string of victories, including consecutive 6-0 wins. While acknowledging the score lines might flatter them slightly, Rowley remains quick to praise the tireless day-to-day efforts of his players.
”I said it in the post-match last week, sometimes you do get some freak results,” Rowley said, reflecting on the team’s dominant streak. “The lads’ hard work day-to-day… it’s been another really good week out here for us”.
“I think we’ve got a really level-headed group, really professional group of lads, so I haven’t really sensed any like overconfidence or cockiness. I think we have to approach every game, I said this pre-Wealdstone, I think we have to approach every game with a kind of equal amount of confidence and cockiness as we do humility, so you know, we want to run harder than everyone, we want to fight for every ball, we want to win every goal, but we also want to be really confident on the ball and show show what we’re about.
So I think the lads have bought into that and um and they’re showing that they’re capable of of both sides of the ball at the minute which is which is really really important for us.”
Rowley is fully focused on keeping his squad’s feet planted firmly on the ground. He insists that the group’s professional and level-headed nature prevents any danger of overconfidence or cockiness creeping into the changing room;
“I’ve been I’ve been so pleased with all the boys. I think we we worked really hard to to profile players that would fit into our system, on top of that, fit in from a personality perspective, are they good humans? What do we know about their background? How do they train? All that stuff… I think for the most part we’ve been we’ve been spot on with with most of the lads, and I’ve been really full of praise for them in these recent weeks and like you’ve just mentioned, I think it’s important that we keep our feet on the ground, we keep working hard every day and every week and and long may it continue ” Rowley added.
Looking ahead to this weekend’s opponents, Rowley is under no illusions about the challenge Leatherhead will pose. Rowley retains absolute faith in his squad’s mindset.
“I’ve got full faith in our lads to approach this in the right mindset. It’s a competition that we as a club, I’m sure, and I know the fans do, the ownership do, we want to do really well in this. You often dream of going a playing against a, you know, a Man Utd or something in these competitions, but, you know, that’s that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? So, we want to make sure that we are turning up at at Leatherhead, [the] best version of us, you know, work really hard and and we should we should get a positive result there.
As the squad finalises preparations, fitness concerns remain minimal, though Zane Westbrooke is ruled out (calf) and forward Ryan Jones faces a late fitness test following a head knock sustained vs Wealdstone.
For the players currently watching from the sidelines, Rowley offered a clear message of encouragement: stay ready, because opportunities in football can change in a single week.
“That’s my message to the lads as well, you’ve always have to be ready, I fully appreciate when you’re not picked on a Saturday, you know your head goes down, but you’ve seen what Joel Powell’s done, you’ve seen what Jack Kingdon’s done in these recent weeks. You’ve got to be ready for your opportunity and as soon as it’s given to you, grab it with both hands and and they’ve both done that, so I think it’s a really good learning curve for them, but also like an opportunity for for the other boys to learn from that and see that that’s all it takes, one injury, one moment, one week and you’re a star player”
With the financial incentives of reaching the first round proper running parallel to the psychological boost it offers, Yeovil Town travel to Leatherhead fully aware of potentially setting the next chapter of our wonderful club’s history in this competition.
James Durkin will be the man in the middle for our FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round tie away at Leatherhead.
James, son of former Premier League official, Paul, has already taken charge of nine games this season, across EFL, National League and cup competitions.
He has dished out 39 yellows and two straight red cards, pointing to the spot three times.
Durkin was the man in charge for the National League Play Off Final in 2024 – Bromley beating Solihull on penalties – you remember Byron Webster giving the ‘keeper a knowing look before smashing home the winner.
He has taken charge of seven Yeovil games before, most recently, the dramatic 3-2 win over Sutton United last season, Durkin awarding the Glovers a 95th minute penalty to seal the points – the second time he’d give the Glovers a spot kick in the game, Luke McCormick missing a first half spot kick.
He booked three Yeovil players, Terrell Works, Harvey Greenslade and Josh Sims.
We’ve won two, drawn two and lost three of the seven games he’s taken charge of.
Leatherhead FC (First Team) v Yeovil Town FC (First Team)
FA Cup
Referee: Durkin, James
Assistant Referee: Butler, Stuart
Assistant Referee: Hillier, Jake
Fourth Official: Barnett, Craig
Yeovil fans heading to Hornchurch on Tuesday 27th October (7.45pm Kick off) can now buy their tickets.
The Hornchurch site states that away fans MUST buy their tickets in advance.
Tickets prices are as follows.
You will need to sign up for an account and log in, should you wish to complete the transaction.
AWAY SUPPORTERS
Away supporters will enter the stadium via the Abraham Court entrance.
AWAY SUPPORTERS MUST PURCHASE THEIR TICKET IN ADVANCE.
There will be No tickets at the gate on the day for away supporters.
Following our promotion to the National League, we are currently constructing multiple improvements to our away facilities. However, due to planning and construction requirements, these improvements will be implemented over the course of the 2026/27 season. Therefore, some facilities are limited during this period – which is highlighted below.
Where is the Away Supporters Section Located?
Away supporters are currently located in the ‘Riverside’ section of the ground. The allocation to away supporters is a mixture of open terracing and approximately 160 unreserved covered seats (in the Rom Valley Glass & Glazing Stand). The current capacity is 600.
A raised wheelchair accessible viewing area is found in the open terracing (via a ramp). If you require this area, please email matchday@hornchurchfc.com no later than 24 hours before the match so we can make the necessary arrangements.
During the season, our plan is to install a new 544 capacity covered terracing alongside 250 seats. However, this is not anticipated to be ready until the end of 2026.
How do supporters enter the away section?
During the summer, we have constructed a new away entrance from Abraham Court, directly next to the away section.
Supporters are to enter via Abraham Court, opposite the Windmill pub. You will then follow the public footpath on the right-hand side direct to the new Abraham Court turnstiles. The turnstiles will be open 90 minutes before kick-off. They will close 30 minutes after kick-off.
Our volunteers will be on hand to direct you to the correct entrance off Upminster Road.
Please note that if you visited the stadium last season, this entrance is now in a different location.
Supporters should have their QR codes ready for scanning/use on turnstile as they enter to prevent queues forming.
Any away supporters found in the home end will be evicted, with no refunds issued.
Parking
There is no parking on site or at the Abraham Court flats. Our car park is strictly for players and officials only, unless a Disabled Parking Spot is requested. All disabled parking must be booked in advance by email to matchday@hornchurchfc.com. This request must be made no later than 48 hours before kick-off. However, please note that the away entrance is at the opposite end of the ground.
Street parking is available along Bridge Avenue and opposite the ground in Brookdale Avenue. Please be aware that there will be increased traffic enforcement in this area on matchdays due to parking across driveways and on double yellow lines. Please park responsibly and with consideration to local households.
We would request supporters use public transport.
Coaches
We also do not have any coach parking facilities for away supporters on site or in the nearby streets.
Therefore, we recommend coach drivers to drop off at the bus stops highlighted below and proceed to a dedicated coach park at Thurrock Services. This is an approximate 15-minute drive from the Stadium.
The address is Arterial Road, West Thurrock, Grays, Essex, RM16 3BG.
Facilities
As mentioned above, we are in the process of installing permanent away facilities.
Mobile toilet blocks have now been installed while the permanent facilities are constructed.
There will be a mobile food outlet providing soft drinks and hot food.
There is no alcohol served in the away end.
Programmes, Badges & 50/50
Match programmes and 50/50 raffle tickets will be on sale inside the away section.
Programmes cost £3.50.
50/50 tickets are cash only with the draw announced at half time.
A selection of Hornchurch FC club badges will be available for purchase.
Smoking Policy
Smoking inside the stadium is not permitted.
Prohibited Items
The following items are prohibited from the stadium.
Bag searches may be in operation to enforce this.
In addition, due to a council ruling, dogs are not permitted inside the stadium. Assistance dogs are permitted, but only by prior arrangement by emailing matchday@hornchurchfc.com
Yeovil Town captain Brett McGavin has, unsurprisingly been named in both the National League and Non League Paper Team of the Week following his first ever professional hat trick against Wealdstone.
Following the Glovers’ 6-0 victory away at Wealdstone on Saturday, Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley chatted with BBC Somerset’s Josh Perkins to discuss a remarkable period of form that has seen the Glovers net 12 goals in just two matches.
Despite the emphatic scoreline echoing the previous week’s success, Rowley was quick to keep his side grounded, noting that while the results are incredible, games of this magnitude are rare.
“I’m not sure we’ll win another game 6-0 this season even though we’ve just won two. It’s a very unique and rare scoreline,” Rowley told Perkins adding, “Let’s not get used to winning 6-0, it’s like a bit of a fairy tale”.
Rowley reflected on the match itself, acknowledging that Wealdstone started strongly on a dry pitch before Yeovil adapted to the elements and capitalised on their chances.
“We’ve just been really clinical and really ruthless in the final third today, and that’s what happens when you are really like we know we’re going to create chances,”
“We’re building some really good relationships and timings on the pitch and and we know we’re going to create and other other days, you know, you you hit the post and you you miss your chances and and it could easily be a draw. I thought I actually I think Wealdstone were arguably better than us in the first 20 minutes. I felt we we took time to adjust to the pitch and the elements”
A standout feature of the afternoon was Brett McGavin, who secured a brilliant hat-trick. Rowley lauded McGavin’s exceptional technical qualities: “Brett’s football ability, left and right foot, his ball striking is probably up close one of the best I’ve ever seen”. Johl Powell also chipped in with two goals, cementing a dominant team display.
Rowley was quick to credit the collective ethos of the squad, pointing out that the substitutes played a pivotal role in maintaining momentum from the bench. “The subs today were unreal,” Rowley said, highlighting how players coming off the bench injected fresh energy, pressed effectively, and contributed directly to goals.
“It’s a squad effort, like I keep saying to them every week really with this team”.
When asked what fuels this successful Yeovil Town side, Rowley credited an innate passion and camaraderie within the group. He described it as “an infectious energy for football” where the players genuinely enjoy training daily and spending time together beyond scheduled hours. “It’s something that you can’t buy… it’s more just their buy-in to each other and and getting better at football”.
With the FA Cup and upcoming league fixtures on the horizon, Rowley and his squad are ready to return to the training ground, keep their feet on the ground, and prepare to host Altrincham next weekend.
Yeovil Town extended their stellar run of form in style on Saturday afternoon, cruising to a dominant 6-0 victory away against Wealdstone at Grosvenor Vale.
Midfielder Brett McGavin stole the show, claiming the first hat-trick of his career as the Glovers put five past the hosts in a blistering second-half display, with the skipper scoring his three in a 16-minute spell.
The match turned decisively in the 25th minute when Wealdstone goalkeeper Dante Baptiste was shown a straight red card for a late challenge outside the penalty area. Yeovil capitalised on their numerical advantage shortly before half-time when James Daly broke the deadlock in the 34th minute.
After the interval, the floodgates opened. Johl Powell doubled the lead just after the hour mark before McGavin took centre stage. He netted twice in the space of three minutes (67th and 70th minutes) to put the game out of reach, before completing his historic treble with a late strike in the 83rd minute. Powell added a sixth deep into stoppage time.
Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Josh Perkins after the final whistle, a delighted McGavin reflected on his milestone performance and the team’s momentum.
”I don’t think I have to say how happy I am over the moon,” McGavin told BBC Somerset. “Obviously I’m taking the match ball home, but what a performance from the team. So proud of everyone.”
The victory marks Yeovil’s second consecutive 6-0 win, extending their unbeaten run in the National League to six matches. Despite the scoreline, McGavin emphasised the importance of remaining grounded as the side prepares for upcoming FA Cup fixtures.
”Football will bite you on the bum if you’re not level-headed and humble about it,” McGavin said. “We’ve just won 6-0 and 6-0… we haven’t done anything yet. We’ve had a brilliant run, but we’ve just got to stay on it and stay humble.”
The captain also praised the strong unity and collective leadership within the squad.
“Right from Jos [Barker] all the way up, we just have such a good base. We have so much quality from them as well, like even Radders’ pass for the goal. Just fantastic. So yeah, right the way through the pitch, we’ve just got so much quality, so over the moon.”
“You ask anyone who supports, plays for, works for Yeovil Town, the atmosphere and environment is absolutely brilliant. How can you not thrive in an environment like that? Right from the top, all the way to Chef Steve, like everyone’s just such incredible people and yeah, what a football club to play for.”
With his first match ball safely secured, McGavin and the Glovers will look to carry their ruthless form forward into the FA Cup next weekend.
