Ben Barrett (Page 99)

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An away win, the first in 220 days. Three away goals in a winning league match away from Huish Park, for the first time in nearly two years. It was a thriller alright, Ben had the stream on, here’s what he took away from the game.

Five conclusions were tough… it could have easily been ten! But we’ve whittled it down. 

Firstly, let’s talk about Jordan Young.

According to Mark Cooper post match, we parted with somewhere in the region of £5,000 to secure his services last season. 

At the back end of the 2022/23 season, we had a kid with bags of potential, down on his luck, getting to grips with the full time game. He looked raw but like he had something about him, what I saw last night was probably the best 60 minutes I’ve seen of him in Green and White (well, Yellow and Black).

He’s got a set piece delivery to match plenty of those who have smashed a dead ball for the Glovers, but I saw more than that, a fight to get the ball off his team mates, to be direct, to give defenders a nightmare, but also a desire to do his defensive work too.

He’ll probably admit he got bullied off the ball at times last season, but he’s clearly gaining strength, he’s clearly a confidence player and his confidence must be sky high right now. He’s fast approaching ‘first name on the team sheet’ status.

Let’s watch that free kick again shall we? – You don’t save those.

I watched on the stream and whilst initially had radio coverage on as well, I quickly realised that the camera and microphone positioning allowed for a real insight into Mark Cooper’s touchline style. So I listened, and learned two things.

Firstly, the Weston super-Mare fans situated near the dugout need to wash their mouth out with soap… some very fruity language on show, at times it bordered on abusive actually – Nouble, Worthington and Cooper all coming under regular fire far beyond what I would call ‘normal’ football style ‘banter’ (I hate that word).

But seriously, someone at WSM should remind their fans, that camera and microphone picks it all up… 

Anyway, I digress, Mark Cooper still kicks every ball, still makes every header and really offered a hands on approach to his coaching.

He, at times, literally helped Jamie Sendles-White through the first half, screaming where to be, where to move. Being out of position at right back would have been new to him and he got all the help he needed and put in a very solid display during the first 45.

Cooper claims the assist to Young’s free kick (above) shouting at JS-W to make sure Young took the spot kick and not allow Murphy to pull rank, he kept the team motivated and kept reminding them of the basics; “Face Up”, “Shape”, “Sprint back in”, “Less turnovers lads”… stuff that might seem fairly trivial, but for me shows he’d be out there himself if he could.

Mark Cooper in discussion with captain Josh Staunton during the 2-1 home win over St Albans. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Frank Nouble – the Green and White Berbatov?

We’ve maybe been slightly critical of Nouble on the podcast over the last couple of games, but I really tried to watch him closely in this line up. There were times he frustrated, there were times he seemed to go quiet and times he could arguably have done a bit better with what was given to him in the way of service, but then… Bang. Goal.

One he had to be strong for, one he had to get spot on under the pressure he was facing, and finished it off well from close range.

I think, there’s no doubt in my mind he’s got all the qualities to be a real force at this level, I’m not sure he’s a back-to-goal striker, I think we want to see him ball at feet, running at players and making it really difficult to win the ball from. 

But, much like Berbatov, quiet spells, drifting in and out of games all look strange, but if he takes the chances that come his way, he could easily find himself up towards double figures in no time at all. Almost without anyone noticing.

Let’s have his goal too shall we?

Squad depth, rotation and doing the dirty work in places you wouldn’t normally.

Last night we started with a central defender at right back, a right back at the heart of the midfield three and ended with Matt Worthington in an attacking left position and all whilst managing several players on Yellow cards.

It hadn’t really hit me until last night, just how stretched this season will become. Games aren’t 90 minutes, last night went well over 100, seven Glovers players were booked, taking a couple of them to within touching distance of a ban. 

Minutes in the legs will need to be managed, both Jordan Young and Rhys Murphy were probably brought off with their fitness just been looked after and most, if not all of the team were really flagging towards the end.

If Jake Hyde has a sore calf and JS-W has an achilles concern then that’s two more people to think about. It was great that Josh Owers came in and played so well, but we will certainly need our full squad. We may need to ask about Will Dawes, the only one of those with a squad number not to make a first team squad so far, we may even need to ask about Scott Pollock – spotted back training at Alvington yesterday – every squad member is going to do a lot of pitching in, playing out of position and being asked a lot of. 

That’s fine, but it’s going to take some man management, we don’t want benches going unfilled, we need our full range of options if we are to achieve our goals this season.

Jordan Young celebrates his first goal for the club.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Finally, 850 fans and everyone of them deserved that moment.

I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m gutted to be so far away this season, but watching (and listening) to the game last night, the fans were exceptional. It was noted post match by all three of Cooper, Staunton and Young how important you are. 

We’ve continued to sell away tickets in our numbers this season, I’m sure that’ll continue and so long as you keep doing yourselves and the club proud, you’re helping. You’re 100% helping.

Is it a cheesy, cliche to say you got the team over the line… maybe, but there’s no doubt in my mind, that big crowds, crowds within touching distance of the pitch can make a difference, can get their support into the minds of both sets of players.

Oh how I wanted to be in the away end on Tuesday, to watch our team play good football at times, to keep a decent enough side at arms length for periods and to be honest, pick up about as comfortable a 3-2 win as is possible, on another day that game ends 6-1 and no one bats an eyelid.

On to Eastbourne!

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Yeovil Town goal scorer Jordan Young spoke to the Glovers’ YouTube channel following the 3-2 win over Weston super Mare on Tuesday.

“I’m definitely happy, it was a good start to the game, happy with the result, we made hard work of it, but we got there in the end.”

Young also claims an assist and a pre-assist (if that’s even a thing) as it was his set pieces which saw the other two Glovers goals, he was delighted to contribute.

“Coops wasn’t playing today so, I had to take them from both side which was fine, we got off to a flying start, wen’t 2-0 up and we probably should have done better to see the game out easier than we did – if we don’t concede in the first half, we go in 2-0 and it’s comfortable”

“I want to play every game that I can, it’s been a bit tough, but I’ve got there in the end.”

There was credit for Weston’s approach, the newly promoted side gave a good fight in the search for a way back into the game.

“They’re a good team, started really well, when we went 2-0 up and they scored, they had a lot of pressure towards the end of the first half especiialy, but we came out, got the goal and then it was comfortable, we probably should have made it 4-1.

“It’s tough, we don’t want to end games like that, we want to end games in control and better than we did, but we got there in the end.”

The final, and main word was (again) for the fans, 850 additional players making sure the Glovers recorded their first away win in 220 days.

“Every game we’ve played, especially at home, but obviously away too, we had a good 800 (850, Jordan actually ?) here, it’s massive, it get’s us over the line at the end.”

 

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Yeovil Town skipper Josh Staunton spoke to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins following the Glovers’ 3-2 win over Weston super-Mare, you can hear the full audio at the bottom of the article.

Staunton spoke about feeling the relief of a first away win for 220 days, abut also, a performance that seemed to click earlier than we have been.

“It feels really good, to do it in front of a massive crowd, from our following. We started like a house on fire, didn’t we? Started exactly how we wanted to start in a derby, two goals in front of our fans, the noise – which was electric – we kind of lost our way a little bit, but when you come away from home, especially when you haven’t won away from home for a long time, the most important thing is three points.

I think the 12 games for us, is about how many points can we accumulate and we’ve amassed another three points on to our total now and that’s a real springboard for us for the rest of the season.”

…that’s a real springboard for us for the rest of the season.

With the game at 2-0 to the Glovers, the Seagulls fought back, scoring a long range deflected strike and playing their way back into the game, which wasn’t a surprise to the Captain.

“When you go two goals down, you’re kind of free aren’t you? You’ve got nothing else to lose, you can commit another man forward and kind of play a bit more cat and mouse, especially when you’re at home, you’ve got nothing to lose. They did that, they went forward well, I thought they played well, we knew they were going to have a good passage with the ball, it was important we kept our shape and we did that.”

Changes were made, goal scorer Jamie Sendles-White made way for Zac Bell at half time, and the skipper had credit for all of the subs and the way the manager rotates the group.

“Credit to the gaffer really, we’ve got a squad of a lot of characters and the hardest thing about characters is that they all want to play every game, the gaffer has used his man management skills excellently and keeping everyone chomping at the bit. 

It’s clear to see, the rotation between the front boys is clear to see and will pay dividends, I think that’s testament to the way the manager is dealing with big characters, it’s easy for Belly to come and sulk today after not playing, but he came in second half excellent. 

Sends (Jamie Sendles-White) first half, out of position at right back, did excellent, it’s a long season, it’s important we manage characters and so far, so good.

I’m really pleased tonight, I thought the boys that came on made a difference; Belly opening up down the right hand side, Stevo is looking sharper and sharper. It’s just another step in the right direction, if we continue to trust the process, I think we’ll be ticking teams off.”

…if we continue to trust the process, I think we’ll be ticking teams off.

The Glovers got the win, thanks to three goals, all from set pieces. the Points, performance and the set piece prowess all pleasing the Glovers’ number 32.

“The most important thing for us was three points, as a squad, we are strong, the gaffer is dealing with everyone, keeping everyone driven and it’s a really good place to be at the moment.

Last year, we scored one or two (goals from set pieces) and (now) look really dangerous from set plays, Youngy’s free kick outstanding, the second one is a great header from Sends and the third one we’ve worked well, we worked the extra man round the back across goal.

I think if you’re going to be successful and you want to win a league, set pieces are massive, if you can keep them out at one end – which we need to get better at, we’ve been a bit unlucky, every deflection seems to go in the top corner at the moment, – if we can score more set pieces than we concede, we’ll be a very, very dangerous force.

It gives teams something else to worry about especially when shooting towards our fans, it was sucking the ball in the goal. It was a really good atmosphere tonight, it was a fun one to play in. “

850 Glovers fans sold out the away end at Weston and the skipper has been proud of the group’s ability to react to a loud, passionate and positive supporter base that continues to grow and grow.

“You can see everyone, the togetherness when we win, everyone is there, the noise is really, really, good behind the goal – I think Martin (Hellier) has purchased a drum, a massive drum for home games.

It’s just another string to our bow of togetherness, let’s enjoy the run, let’s go on a bit of a run, it’s easy to get clouded by negativity, we’re in a good position, we’re trusting the process.

As a club we’re trying to build long term success, not a knee jerk reaction and I’m really, really encouraged by what we’re doing.”

The game did go beyond 100 minutes (not for the first time this season) and Staunton was adamant that his side were up for the fight regardless of how long they were on the pitch for.

“The extra time is really, really hard to get your head round all the time, it’s almost like playing Extra Time, especially after playing Saturday-Tuesday, in the blazing heat.

It was clear for both teams, from 85 minutes onwards, the tempo really dropped, it’s just relentless.”

Soon though… it was back to the fans…

“I think we want to be together, when we concede a goal, we all concede a goal, when we score a goal, we all score a goal and that runs right from the top, right to the bottom and we want the fans to be part of that.

It’s fantastic having this sort of following, it’s really making a big difference, when you come out to the noise and you score a goal, it makes the hair on the back of my next stand up.

It’s another positive step for us as a football club, and when you look at the bigger picture it’s about learning to deal with playing in front of big crowds, big away following with big expectation and today will be a good step in the right direction for us as a Football Club.  “

 

The Full Audio Is Available Below

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Yeovil Town manager Mark Cooper spoke to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins before the game against Weston super-Mare and said how pleased he was to have Matt Worthington back from injury and how much Josh Owers has earned his first start of the season.

“Worthy comes back in, so he gives us energy in the middle of the pitch, young Josh Owers get an opportunity as well, he’s got lots of energy as well, so those give us a solid three in the middle of the pitch with Morgan (Williams)”

“He’s (Owers) just got to see it as another game, as an extension of his working week and not get too hot and panic, he’ll be fine. He’s got a great engine, he’s six foot, so he can get about the pitch and he’ll be fine.”

He’s a great character amongst the group, the boys like him, he’s been patient and he deserves his opportunity.

There’s a change up front too with Jake Hyde missing out, but Bagsman, Rhys Murphy comes right back into the starting line up,

“I’m sure, Murphy, Nouble and Young will get opportunities, it’s a strong forward line, Hyde is not fit, he’s got a tight calf, so those three get a go tonight.”

Cooper was looking forward to trying to put on a show for a packed out away terrace – every single one of the 850 away tickets sold out to Glovers fans. 

“It’s a local derby, there’s a big crowd, an expectant crowd from Yeovil. They’ve got some good players, Weston, it’s going to be a tough game.

Hopefully by kick off the sun will have gone, dropped down, it’s still warm, my only concern is, we’ve had two massive away followings and we’ve not rewarded them, so third time lucky – that has to be the aim.

It’s nice, home or away to get the points, so if we can get the points tonight it puts us in a great position.”

 

The Full Audio Can Be Found Below

 

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Let’s get stuck into an FA Cup edition of loan watch, although without wishing to give away any spoilers… it might be the last one of the season.

Before we get stuck into that, we have an update on Malachi Linton.

Linton hasn’t been seen in the Taunton squad since playing away at Aveley on the 12th of August – a game he actually scored in.

The Gloverscast has learned that Mal suffered a knee injury which has required more than one specialist’s attention. It remains to be seen if anything more serious is required, but we understand the front man is expecting to be missing for a while yet. Get well soon, Mal. 

Right, onto the football.

At Tiverton, the yellows lost in the FA Cup to Wimborne Town. The goal, devastatingly coming in the very last minute. Lewis Williams played in goal, whilst Jacob Shore was back with the Glovers’ Under 18s, his loan spell has come to an end. 

Dorchester are also out of the FA Cup, Plymouth Parkway getting the better of the Magpies 2-0.

Ollie Haste played the full 90 minutes, Benjani Jr was introduced from the bench with 15 minutes to go.

Away from the cup, Charlie Bateson was on the score sheet for Shepton Mallet in a 4-0 win over Millbrook. Good work, Charlie!

 

 

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Yeovil Town remain unbeaten at home, Chelmsford remain unbeaten over all, two goals in the final 10 minutes – one for each side – meant the spoils were shared as the Glovers took on the Clarets. Here’s how it unfolded, for Ian Perkins on BBC Somerset

First half

Mark Cooper made five changes from the Glovers 4-3 defeat at Havant & Waterlooville. Joe Day made his debut in place of Will Buse. Morgan Williams, Josh Staunton, Jordan Young and Jake Hyde all returned to the starting line-up.

Josh Staunton’s coin tossing training has clearly paid off, the Glovers shooting towards the uncovered terrace in the first half.

The Glovers dominated the early exchanged, two corners in the first ten minutes came to nothing, with Charlie Cooper forcing a save from a free kick after Barnum-Bobb left a significant indent on the shins of Alex Whittle.

With just ten minutes on the clock, the Glovers got their best of the early opportunities, Jordan Young tried to catch the Clarets keeper out with a smart interception, but the winger’s pass to Frank Nouble couldn’t quite be forced home.

 

Frank Nouble in action against Chelmsford City.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Joe Day, on debut, wasn’t really called into action until the 15 minute mark, Callum Jones’ effort was tipped away for a corner, the set piece was eventually cleared after a couple of back and forth moments.

It wouldn’t be long before another corner was forced as the visitors started to get a foot hold in the game, Huish Park was muted as Frank Nouble gave away a free kick, again, coming to nothing, but the game needed a spark.

With a quarter of the match gone, Jazzi Barnum-Bobb was forced off with an injury, Adam Mills was brought on for the visitors.

The break did the Glovers a favour, Jake Hyde tried to flick a free kick into a dangerous area before Jordan Young unleashed a wayward strike a few minutes later. 

Young was starting to get into the game, his attack down the left was full of quality, but Jake Hyde had strayed offside – the subsequent free kick lead to a Chelmsford attack, but Whittle snuffed it out. 

Joe Day was back in action, another fantastic save in amongst a melee in the area, getting down low to paw a shot away at point blank range, following the chaos, Sonny Blu Lo Everton was shown a yellow card for… something or another.

Anthony Wordsworth followed him onto the referee’s shopping list soon after after a challenge on Charlie Cooper. That levels that up.

It wasn’t for long though, Ebuzome scythed down Jordan Young has he headed towards goal… 2-1 to Chelmsford in the note book, but Young couldn’t make it 1-0 on the score sheet from the free kick, he forced a good save and a corner.

Jake Wannell was within touching distance of putting the Glovers’ ahead, but he couldn’t quite get to the flicked on corner… Morgan Williams not quite able to direct his header either goalwards, or to someone in green.

Young was continuing to cause problems, his delivery could easily have been heading in, but neither Hyde or Nouble could make sure, the keeper nudged it round the post. 

With less than five minutes of the normal 45 on the clock, the game opened up, both sets of defenders, particularly from Jake Wannell, prevented clear cut chances as the pace livened up.

There was (only) four minutes added on at the end of the half, as the tentative opening half came to a close, a stalemate… for now.

Half time: Yeovil Town 0 Chelmsford City 0

Second half

The second half started off with a bang, Zac Bell flung a cracking ball into the box, the visiting Goalkeeper, Josh Oluwayemi was brave as Jake Hyde flew in to try and make a decisive touch, there was a clash and both physio teams were called upon.

Those two were back in the headlines again, Jake Hyde forcing a chance for himself after coming straight back onto the pitch to dispose Brookes of the ball.

Lo- Everton was next to try his luck, he and Nouble combined well, but the effort from the front-man skewed wide.

Chelmsford’s first half chance of the second half came just before the hour, Morgan Williams lost his footing at an inopportune time, Ebuzoeme couldn’t take advantage.

Their second wasn’t far away, Lo-Everton had to do some clearing after some good possession, Zac Bell would find himself in then referee’s note book for a heavy challenge. Everything was beginning to feel very level once again. 

Rhys Murphy was ready to go as the clock struck the hour, he had to watch as Jordan Young and Zac Bell tried to make something happen, eventually Murphy was introduced in place of Nouble.

The former Chelmsford man was quickly in the action, he chased a long ball over the top before finding Lo-Everton who teamed up with Young to force the corner.

The corner was only partially cleared, Hyde tried to recycle the ball, he, Cooper and Bell all tried to keep the momentum… the Thatchers Stand trying to suck the ball into the net.

Murphy struck a free kick, but to no avail, Wannell landed a header onto the roof of the net, the Chelmsford defence was deepening.

The Clarets’ Adam Mills had a couple of busy minutes, he was within touching distance of a fierce cross, but was shortly after in the referee’s notebook for a foul.

From the free kick – Jordan Young hit the cross bar. It was getting closer.

Chelmsford made their final two subs, Jones and Ruff were hooked with Bettamer and Hockey brought into the attack.

With the game entering the final 15 minutes (well, of the 90…) Jake Hyde couldn’t make the most of the break away, he had options with both Young and Murphy in close contention.

Jordan Stevens was promised some minutes as he makes his return from injury, he was brought into the game at the expense of Lo-Everton.

This brought about a slight change in formation, moving to a 4-2-3-1, Cooper and Williams holding, every one else given the freedom to attack.

Stevens was soon in a great space, with options in the box, just as he was ready to make the pass, he slipped. Time starting to run out.

Young was still trying down the left hand side, he forced a 84th minute corner, Mills though more than equal to it.

Then, the sucker punch.

Josh Staunton sliced a clearance, Joe Day pulled off a wonderful save to prevent the own goal, but Adam MILLS tapped home. 

In response, Jordan Young was replaced by Jordan Maguire-Drew. Time was running out.

Six minutes of added time, it was now or never.

It was now, as it seems! Morgan WILLIAMS’ shot may have taken a deflection, of someone, after good work from JM-D and Cooper. It was back level…

Jake Hyde tried to flick a Joe Day goal kick into a dangerous area, Sami Carruthers tried to get attacks going… neither side totally happy with a point. 

JM-D whipped a dangerous corner in, Rhys Murphy and Jake Wannell tried to get a vital touch. Wannell stayed forward, but he was unable to force the score away from One-All… 

The final six minutes had a bit of everything, but neither side could break the deadlock. 

The stats are all fairly even, including the most important one of all, points shared at Huish Park

Full time: Yeovil Town 1 Chelmsford City 1

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Saturday 2nd September – 3pm kick-off

Pitch: tbc
Conditions: tbc

Attendance: 2933

Scorers: Adam Mills, 86. (0-1), M Williams (1-1)

Bookings: 
Yeovil Town: Lo-Everton (33), Bell (56)
Chelmsford: Wordsworth (36), Ebuzoeme (37), Mills (68)

Red Cards:
Yeovil Town: 
Chelmsford: 

Referee: Steven Hughes

Yeovil Town (4-1-2-1-2)

 

Substitutes: James Sendles-While, Josh Owers, Rhys Murphy (For Nouble 60), Jordan Maguire-Drew, Jordan Stevens (For Lo-Everton 80)

Chelmford City: Oluwayemi (GK), Brookes, Wordsworth, Winfield (c), Ebuzoeme, Carruthers, Jenkins, Jones, Ruff, Barnum-Bobb, Francis

Substitutes (not used): Dabre, Bettamer (for Jones 72), Mills (for Barnum-Bobb, 22), Hockey (for Ruff 72), Watts

 

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Yeovil Town’s new Goalkeeper Joe Day has been handed his debut for the Glovers with returns to the starting XI for both Jake Hyde and Josh Staunton in what we *think* is a flat back four, with a midfield diamond… 

Matt Worthington misses out, Jordan Stevens is on the bench. 

 

 

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Yeovil Town defender Morgan Williams has said that the Glovers have put the Monday madness behind them and the focus has fully switched to Chelmsford on Saturday.

Speaking to the club’s YouTube channel, the former Glovies player of the year said;

“The gaffer gave us a couple of days off just to forget about Monday and rest and recover our bodies as it was a busy weekend playing on Saturday and Monday, obviously that’s difficult to do.

So we had a couple of days off to rest and recover and get our minds away from Monday, we touched on it a bit in training yesterday (Thursday) and watched a few clips, we know where we went wrong, we didn’t turn up to the game, we were poor for the whole 90 minutes.

We’re all in a good head space at the moment, feeling positive about the Chelmsford game, and we’ve got to take it from there.”

We’re all in a good head space at the moment, feeling positive about the Chelmsford game

The team had a meeting on Thursday to go over the previous weekend’s action, but quickly turned toward preparations for Saturday and a tough game against high flying Chelmsford.

“Thursday morning, we ironed everything out, what we did wrong, where we could have improved and why we didn’t win the game. 

After that, you have that meeting, you forget about it, move on, we’ve got 40-odd games left, we can’t dwell on bad performances, we have to build and build and build.”

Williams was, for a short time in the second half, named as the Glovers’ captain, with no Josh Staunton or Matt Worthington on the pitch, he donned the armband;

“It was just in the moment, Worthy has gone down, I’m next to him and he’d just said, ‘you have the armband’ – that was a nice little privilege to hold that.”

Next to tick off the list for Williams is goals… after coming close on a couple of occasions, he’s desperate to make the score sheet, sooner rather than later.

“Last season, I wasn’t good enough getting in the box and I didn’t get a goal, this year I’ve got a target for what I want to get and hopefully I hit that.”

Looking ahed, he agreed that the game would be tough, but with another big crowd behind them, they can keep Huish Park as the fortress it is becoming.

“No, we know that every team on their day can be a good team, we’ve just got to be at our best and hopefully get the three points. 

We’ve built a fortress here, I think we need to do that, if we can be consistent at home and then try and build on our performances away that’s really going to help us this season, the fans have been class both away and at home.”