Callum Gould

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Yeovil Town make the almost 700-mile round trip to Carlisle United as they face the third-placed Cumbrians on Saturday afternoon.

FORM…

YEOVIL TOWN

The Glovers didn’t have the best of games last time out as they were beaten 2-1 by Aldershot Town. Although it wasn’t the strongest of performances by the home side, The Shots have been in good form themselves, currently sitting second in the form tables since their new manager, John Coleman arrived.

Yeovil boss Billy Rowley admitted after the game his side were not ready for the battle with the Hampshire side. Which was clear to see through the efforts of Yeovil’s strikers when they didn’t mop up Jake Wannell’s headers into the six yard box. Talking of Wannell he will miss the Carlisle game through suspension after picking up his 10th yellow of the season.

Yeovil Town vs Aldershot.
Yeovil Town vs Aldershot.

CARLISLE UNITED

The Cumbrians currently occupy third place in the league and their last five games have shown why. Out of those five games, United have won three against good opposition, such as Forest Green. However, the two teams they lost to, are the two teams that sit above them in the league, York City and Rochdale.

It was in their last fixture against the aforementioned Forest Green that they showed why they deserve to be third. Away from home, most teams would try to feel their way into the match. Carlisle, didn’t need time to settle netting the opener in the 11th minute, through Stephen Wearne. A second followed 11 minutes later as Morgan Feeney doubled the Cumbrians lead, before David Ajiboye effectively ended the match in the 29th minute when he bagged his teams third. Rovers scored a consolation in the 52nd minute through Jay Mingi.

Fun Fact: Since the beginning of the year, Carlisle have scored two more goals in every game they have picked up points in.

KEY PLAYERS…

YEOVIL TOWN – JED WARD

By now I think I may just keep this section for Ward. The shot stopper is exactly that, a shot stopper, which was on full display on Tuesday night. The young keeper pulled off a string of saves that kept Yeovil in a game that should have probably got away from them. To put it bluntly, if it wasn’t for Ward we would be staring down the barrel of the National League South.

Jed Ward with a fine save against Aldershot.

The game against Aldershot wasn’t even a good game by the 22-year-olds standards. He had a couple of handling errors, some stray distribution and what will hurt most two goals conceded. But as I said above, if he wasn’t in goal we have been beaten by more. 

CARLISLE UNITED – DAVID AJIBOYE

Ajiboye has been in fine form since New Year’s Eve. In the last month and a half, the 27-year-old has bagged four goals, with three being in the last two games. He has pitched in with two assists in that time as well. The forwards uptick in form coincides with the fact striker Regan Linney has been out the side with and injury. Now, I’m not saying when Linney plays the directive has been to give him the ball, but more players like Ajiboye have come a light in that time.

Positionally, AJiboye has been often deployed on the right hand side of the front line. His heat map shows he sits just off the right side of the 18-yard box with not much tracking back. The former Peterborough man will be one to watch on Saturday.

THE GAFFER…

It’s none other than Mr Wales himself, Mark Hughes, in the opposition dugout this weekend. A superstar in his playing days, Hughes turned out for Manchester United, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich  and famously played for both Wales and Bayern on the same day in 1987.

Now 61, Hughes has managed at the highest level with Wales, Manchester City, and Stoke. After a tough spell at Southampton in 2018, he returned to management with Bradford City in 2022, earning Manager of the Month before being dismissed a year later.

Following another short break, he took charge at Brunton Park, staying on despite Carlisle’s relegation to the National League. Hughes, has guided Carlisle to third in the league and will be looking for instant promotion this season. He is also an idol of Yeovil boss Billy Rowley.

Hughes has faced the Glovers once in his managerial career drawing that game.

LAST TIME WE MET…

The last time the two side met was in the return fixture earlier this season when they played out a 1-1 draw at Huish Park. No Yeovil player scored that day as Morgan Feeney put the Glovers ahead with an own goal in the 15th minute. Carlisle did get their equaliser in the 68th minute however through Harvey Macadam.
Morgan Wiliams the last time we faced Carlisle United.
Pic C/O Gary Brown

DON’T I KNOW YOU…

Just the one  recognisable face for the travelling Glovers on Saturday with centre-back Bevis Mugabi now plying his trade in Cumbria. Mugabi made 102 appearances for Yeovil during his two-year spell at the club.

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…

Greg Rollason is the man in charge for this fixture. For more information on him and his team for Tuesday night check out Ben’s article – here.

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A game under the lights is in store for Yeovil Town as they face Aldershot Town at Huish Park on Tuesday night.

FORM…

YEOVIL TOWN

The Glovers form has been solid for at least least a month now, since the 2-1 loss to Brackley. In that time Yeovil have played four games winning two drawing one and losing one. On paper a draw might not seem like the obvious high point form wise but for Billy Rowley‘s men it is one of best results this term.

That draw was last time out against now second placed Rochdale, where it finished 1-1. Going into the fixture many would have been forgiven for just hoping for loss where we showed fight and quality, what we got was much more. The game came to life early on through Aidan Barlow’s 13th minute strike for the visitors. However, the Glovers responded quickly, netting an equaliser through a Finn Cousin-Dawson header only two minutes later. Although there was no more goals to be had in the match, it was an entertaining watch for the home faithful. Hopefully more of that to come against Aldershot.

A worry for Rowley will be the discipline over the last two games, as he has now lost Aaron Jarvis and Kyle Ferguson through suspension.

ALDERSHOT TOWN

The Shots have also been in a rich vein of form over the last five games as well. With three wins, one draw and a loss in that time. The Hampshire side have been bagging a lot of goals in that time too with 12 goals scored. The downside has been that they’ve conceded heavily as well, as they have let in nine goals during that time.

That said, in their most recent fixture The Shots also drew 1-1, with their result coming against a stubborn Tamworth team. The Lambs were down to 10 men early on after a Dan Creaney was shown red, not to be upstaged by the home team, Aldershot saw their own Keane Anderson dismissed in the 45+3 minute.

Tamworth broke the deadlock soon after the break, through Oliver Lynch. The Shots looked destined to lose, before Charlie Warren popped up with an injury time equaliser to split the points.

KEY PLAYERS…

YEOVIL TOWN – DAKARAI MAFICO

It’s fair to say Mafico has been magnificent since he arrived on loan from Cardiff City. The midfielder has produced in all areas of the pitch, whether it be his ability to break up play or his attacking intent. He has been one of our better loan signings in recent years that’s for sure. And although he may not score like Luke McCormick does, he is the player that allows a McCormick-esque midfielder to push forward and get those crucial goals.

Still only 19-years-old, Mafico looks like a high level EFL player in the making. Let’s just hope our Welsh counterparts will let him stay for another year at least.

Dakarai Mafico
Pic c/o Gary Brown

ALDERSHOT TOWN – CHARLIE WARREN

The striker joined on loan from Bolton a just before Christmas and has been a dominant force up top for the Shots. With six goals in eight game, he has definitely repaid the faith John Coleman has put in him.

The 19-year-old has already become a fan favourite and the EBB Stadium and with a goal record like his it’s not hard to see why. Of those six scored three have been in the last two games, with a brace against Halifax a highlight. Shot fans will love him even more though after his last minute equaliser against Tamworth on Saturday. Yeovil defenders will have to be in top form to keep this in form youngster off the scoresheet.

THE GAFFER…

A familiar lower league name has taken charge at The EBB Stadium and will be in the dugout on Tuesday night, in the shape of John Coleman. The 63-year-old is best known for being Accrington Stanley’s former boss, where he spent 23 years as boss across two spells.

Outside of his long stints in the North-West, Coleman has managed Ashton United, Rochdale, Southport, Sligo, Gillingham and Waterford for a total of five years.

The Scouser joined the Shots in October and has turned the Hampshire side form around. He has also managed against the Glovers nine times, winning twice, drawing three times and losing on four occasions.

LAST TIME WE MET…

As mentioned above, Yeovil had arguably their best performance of the season the last time these two side met. The Glovers ran out 4-1 winners back in September in another midweek night fixture.

A Tahvon Campbell goal opened the scoring before Junior Morias doubled the scoring. Luke McCormick then scored quickly after before Campbell made it four with a penalty in the 64th minute. James Henry bagged a consolation goal in added time for Aldershot.

Yeovil Town celebrate Tahvon Campbell’s second half penalty. Picture courtesy of Mitch Clarke.

DON’T I KNOW YOU…

Just Tristan Abrahams as the only former Glovers in the Shots squad for Tuesday nights game. The striker played for Yeovil in the 2018/19 season, making 15 appearances and scoring three goals.
Tristan Abrahams in a YEOVIL TOWN shirt during his loan spell in 2019-20. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz
Tristan Abrahams in a Yeovi Townl shirt during his loan spell in 2019-20. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…

Greg Rollason is the man in charge for this fixture. For more information on him and his team for Tuesday night check out Ben’s article – here.

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Yeovil Town will play their first game at Huish Park in over a month when they host table topping Rochdale on Saturday afternoon.

FORM…

YEOVIL TOWN

The Glovers suffered a loss  last time out, when they were beaten 3-2 away to Boreham Wood. In what was a tight affair on Wednesday night Yeovil took the lead 1-0 through Jake Wannell before the hosts pulled one back through Zak Brunt.

As the half time break came and went the game ebbed and flowed until Brunt popped up for his brace. At 2-1 down the Glovers then went down to 10 men as defender Kyle Ferguson saw red. James Daly scored a sensational goal however to bring the visitors back to 2-2. The game looked headed for a draw until The Wood bagged a 90+2 winner through Aaron Henry.

The result was the Glovers second loss in five games.

Yeovil Town away to Boreham Wood.
Yeovil Town away to Boreham Wood.

ROCHDALE AFC

The Dale haven’t lost in their last five games, in fact they don’t really lose at all, with only four league defeats all season. The last five games have all been wins as well, with the 4-1 dismantling of Boreham Wood perhaps the most impressive.

In their last game against Forest Green Rovers, the Mancunian side got off to a flying start with Emmanuel Dieseruvwe getting the opener within two minutes. The game then got a bit stagnated until Rovers pulled one back through their own goalscoring machine Kyle McAllister. Not content with just the one goal Dieseruvwe got his brace in the 64th minute to seal the win for his side.

KEY PLAYERS…

YEOVIL TOWN – JAMES DALY

The 26-year-old has had some decent league form since the turn of the year, with two goals and an assist in the four games we have played. That’s a good return no matter which way you spin it. Although it has been a slow start to his career at Huish Park, Daly hasn’t had a good run in the starting 11 to kickstart his season.

James Daly
Pic C/O Gary Brown

It does feel though that the penny may have dropped with the winger though, after a promising rise through the ranks he got lost bit at Harrogate, and Yeovil’s capture was seen as a bit of coup. Hopefully his sublime long range finish against Boreham Wood will give the winger confidence to push on.

ROCHDALE AFC – EMMANUEL DIESERUVWE

Rochdale could have host of players that could be considered their ‘key player’, that’s what happens when you have been as good as they have been. But Dieseruvwe is the name that sticks out, mainly because he is the one who grabs the headlines with his goals. Speaking of his goals he has bagged 16 of them in the league, which is no mean feat.

Another aspect to the 30-year-olds game is his physicality, at 6ft 4in he is tough for defenders to get around to get to the ball. With no Kyle Ferguson the Glovers defenders will need to stick their biggest and strongest defender to combat him.

THE GAFFER…

Jimmy McNulty is in the away dugout this weekend. The 40-year-old has been a revelation this season and although his side have one of the biggest budgets in the league, you still have to deliver the results. With four defeats all season, he is definitely delivering them.

This is McNulty’s first job in management and has been manager at Rochdale, in a full-time capacity, since 2023. In three games against Yeovil, McNulty is unbeaten.

Rochdale boss Jim McNulty.

LAST TIME WE MET…

It was a tough watch from a Yeovil perspective the last time the clubs met in October, as they lost 3-0 at the Crown Oil Arena. Two goals from Emmanuel Dieseruvwe got the Dale off to a great start before Ryan East got the third before half-time. When Rochdale last visited Huish Park back in August 2024 it was a closer game, with it being 0-0 until the 91st minute when Connor McBride nicked a winner.

Last time out against Rochdale.

DON’T I KNOW YOU…

Dan Moss will be a familiar name to Glovers fans. The right-back spent the first half of the 2021/22 season at Huish Park, making 23 appearances during his five-month loan spell.

Dan Moss in action vs Grimsby. Pic Credit @leeblease

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…

Niall Smith is the man in charge for this fixture. For more information on him and his team for Wednesday night check out Ben’s article – here.

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An away game under the lights for Yeovil Town on Wednesday night as they face Boreham Wood in league action.

FORM…

YEOVIL TOWN

The Glovers have had a very productive last five games with four wins and just the one loss in that time. Two of those wins have come in the FA Trophy, which will have offered a reprieve from a disappointing league campaign. Those four wins however should give Billy Rowley some encouragement heading into the back half of the season.

In fact last time out against Altrincham, the Glovers didn’t show their best stuff but ground out a win against a side who sat one place below them prior to the fixture. The game looked a to a tough 0-0 draw but with three minutes left of regulation time up stepped loanee Terrell Works to win the game 0-1.

The Glovers in action against Altrincham.

The goal came about after Jed Ward played a long ball up top, which got a fortuitous bounce off Ryan Jones. The ball fell to James Daly who found Luke McCormick through on goal but was denied by The Robins keeper. Luckily for the Glovers, Works was in the right place and tucked away the rebound.

The travelling support will be hoping for another three points on Wednesday evening.

BOREHAM WOOD

It will be just over a week since The Wood last played a game after their match against Woking was postponed (that pitch has had a battering). But before we get to Boreham Wood’s last match, let’s take a look at their previous five games. Some good reading for Glovers fans here as although they sit sixth in the league The Wood have only won one of their last five and have lost four. That one win was at Braintree Town on the 17th January, with the London side losing heavily in their next four.  A particular worry will be the 1-3 loss to Altrincham.

When The Wood last played, they got beat 4-1 by Rochdale. That result isn’t really an anomaly for anyone who’s played Dale as they have dismantled most sides at The Crown Oil Arena. Wood fans will be hoping to put an end to this poor vain of form to put them back in the promotion hunt.

KEY PLAYERS…

YEOVIL TOWN – TERRELL WORKS

At 21 this is the Fulham loanee’s second spell in professional football after spending the first half of the season at Braintree. And although he may have only played a handful of games for the Glovers to date, there is something that stuck out to me about the youngster, his attitude.

Loanee Terrell Works playing for Yeovil.

In his post match interview, Works stated that Billy Rowley had asked him to go and score and “that’s what he did”. Some may perceive it as arrogance, I see it as confidence. And ultimately that what separates good players from average players, they believe in themselves no matter what. It’s too early to say what kind of player Works will go on to be but the early signs are good, lets just hope he can carry on doing what he does.

BOREHAM WOOD – MATT RUSH

I mentioned the forward as the man to watch in the first encounter this season and it’s no different four months later. Rush, went on to score in that game, which has helped push to 15 goals this season. The 24-year-old has been quiet in recent games compared to earlier this term but he still poses a threat for the out of sorts London side.

Rush’s last goals came as he bagged a brace against Brackley Town at the end of January in the National League Cup and will be looking to put the last two games behind him.

THE GAFFER…

Luke Garrard is the man who will be welcoming Yeovil to Meadow Park on Wednesday night. The 40-year-old has only ever managed Boreham Wood in his nine year managerial career. First of all between 2015-2024, before the former midfielder was sacked after seeing The Wood get relegated from the National League. Garrard was quickly reinstated as boss at Meadow Park however after the sacking of Ross Jenkins.

As a player Garrard, had spells at Swindon, a first stint at Boreham Wood, Bishops Stortford and AFC Wimbledon before rejoining The Wood on loan in 2009. The Londoner then made the loan spell permanent the following season before retiring to take over as manager in 2015.

Garrard has faced the Glover nine times previously winning four, drawing three and losing two.

LAST TIME WE MET…

When the two sides lat met in October, The Wood ran out 0-3 winners at Huish Park. Goals that day from Abdul Abdulmalik, Matt Rush and Oluwafemi Ilesanmi sunk a then Richard Dryden side.

Tahvon Campbell in action against Boreham Wood for Yeovil Town.
Tahvon Campbell in action against Boreham Wood. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

The result was the same when they last met at Meadow Park at the back end of the 2022/23 season. The home side taking all three points in 1-0 win. Tyrone Marsh grabbing the only goal that day. The Glovers haven’t beaten The Wood since 2021.

DON’T I KNOW YOU…

Boreham Wood are one of the few teams not to have at least one former Glover in their side. Well it is a long way from Yeovil (or Bristol).

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…

Harrison Blair is the man in charge for this fixture. For more information on him and his team for Wednesday night check out Ben’s article – here.

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Yeovil Town are back in league action this weekend with a trip to Greater Manchester, as they face Altrincham on Saturday afternoon.

FORM…

YEOVIL TOWN

The Glovers will be hoping for a win off the back of their FA Trophy progression last weekend when they faced AFC Telford United. The match against The Robins will be Billy Rowley’s men first of nine over the next month. With the amount of games to play in a short period of time a good performance and three points would see Yeovil off to a good start.

As mentioned, in the Glovers last game they faced AFC Telford United in the FA Trophy, which they won 0-2. The game was notable for two of Yeovil’s out form strikers bagging the goals. The first goal will be debated as to whether it was an own goal by Ammar Dyer or not. If you ask Harvey Greenslade though, he will claim it as to give the Glovers a 0-1 lead. The winner came in the 63rd minute when Tahvon Campbell picked up the ball and confidently paced his finish past Telford’s Josh Gracey.

Yeovil Town celebrate Tahvon Campbell’s goal at Telford.

ALTRINCHAM FC

The Robins have played twice in the league since the Glovers last had a league fixture. The first was a 3-1 defeat away to Carlisle. Altrincham capitulated within an eight minute period when they conceded all three goals between the 25th and 34th minute. Jimmy Knowles then got one back but proved a little to late with 20 minutes to go.

The Greater Manchester side then met a struggling Morecambe on Tuesday night at the J.Davidson Stadium. The Robins didn’t look great in the 1-1 as they again conceded first. It was then an Ollie Crankshaw goal that rescued a point.

Altincham currently sit one place below the Glovers in 16th with one win, two draws and two losses over their last five games.

KEY PLAYERS…

YEOVIL TOWN – JED WARD

The keeper has been the Glovers standout performer this season, keeping his side in games and making a silly amount of saves (103 to be precise). The Somerset side haven’t really had a this good a player in goal since maybe Arturo Krysiak and if not him your looking at Wayne Hennessy or Marek Stech.

Jed Ward enjoying celebrating | Pic by Gary Brown

Any pundit or manager will say a good side begins with its spine and a goalkeeper is the base that keeps it together, and  although Yeovil may be missing the other three players in that spine, Ward is definitely a good start. And with his Bristol Rovers boss, Steve Evans, not paying attention to his scintillating form, he may be looking to catch the eye of his parent club’s gaffer.

ALTINCHAM – JIMMY KNOWLES

The forward has been The Robins’ biggest attacking threat this season, with six goals and five assists to his name. His form, if anything does not mirror that of his clubs. Whilst The Robins’ form over the last four games has seen only one win, Knowles’ performance have been his best over the season. During that time, he has a goal and two assists, and has been his sides best player in those games as well.

Although throughout his career he has probably been considered a striker, this season he has been deployed on the left wing. This change in position has led to a good season for the forward, which he will hope to take into the games against the Glovers.

THE GAFFER…

Neil Gibson is the man in the home dugout this weekend. The 46-year-old took over in November after a brief spell as caretaker manager. Gibson, has previously managed Prestatyn Town on three operate occasions, between 2007 and 2020. He then had two year spells at Flint Town United and Connah’s Quay Nomads before a very short spell at Wealdstone United.

In Gibson’s one game against the Glovers during his managerial career, he won.

LAST TIME WE MET…

The two sides last met in September last year when Yeovil took all three points in 1-0 victory at Huish Park. The Glovers goal that day came through now former player, Morgan Williams (it still hurts we know).

Yeovil Town vs Altrincham
Last time out vs Altrincham.

However, when the two sides last met in Greater Manchester, The Robins’ ran out 2-1 winners. That fixture was played April last year, with the home side taking the lead in the 30th minute through Tyler Golden. The Glovers then equalised two minutes later through centre back Frankie Terry. However, Altrincham took all there points late on, as Lewis Baines bagged the winner in the 88th minute.

DON’T I KNOW YOU…

Three names that will be recognisable to Glovers fans to look out for. The first is defender Billy Sass-Davies, who made 22 appearances whilst on loan from Crewe Alexandra back in 2022. The former Welsh youth player scored one goal in that time.

The second player to look out for is Otis Khan. The winger has had two spells at Huish Park, first of all between 2016-2018. The 30-year-old then rejoined Yeovil on loan at the back end of last season. Across his spells Khan has made 92 appearances.

Otis Khan returned to Huish Park having had a spell at the club between 2016 and 2018

The last of the trio is Josh Grant, who played for the Glovers at the. back end of the 18/19 season from Chelsea, he would play eight games.

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…

Gareth Thomas is the man in charge for this fixture. For more information on him and his team for Saturday night check out Ben’s article – here.

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It’s back to FA Trophy action as Yeovil Town travel to the Midlands to face AFC Telford United in the fifth round of the competition.

FORM…

YEOVIL TOWN

The Glovers haven’t played since the 17th January after their last two fixtures were postponed due to waterlogged pitches. With the extra time off the squad should be feeling fresh and will be looking to put in a better performance than when they lost at Brackley Town.

The 2-1 loss to Brackley was probably one of the worst performances Glovers fans have seen this season. However, credit where it is due, the Saints were good value for money and had Yeovil on the back foot for the majority of the game. However, it was clear to see how much Yeovil missed Morgan Williams at the back, with neither, Jake Wannell, Finn Cousin-Dawson or Kyle Ferguson looking capable at the back.

Brackley’s Danny Newton rises highest for a header whilst the Yeovil defence look on.

There was news of the departures of on loan midfielder Max Jolliffe, who returned to his parent club Colchester United, and defender Michee Efete ahead of the match.

TELFORD UNITED

The Bucks are in the division below Yeovil, in the National League North. They currently sit 8th in the league but that doesn’t tell half the story for the Midland side. Over their last five games they have only been beaten once and won the remaining four fixtures. The stand-out result being an 0-8 away win at Curzon Ashton earlier this month.

In their previous game, it was another away three points for the Bucks as they put Merthyr Town to the sword, winning 1-4. That was an impressive victory in itself, with the Welsh side sitting in third. Although Telford do seem concede most games they tend to score a lot more goals than their opponents.

KEY PLAYERS…

YEOVIL TOWN – DAKARAI MAFICO

The young midfielder has shown how good he is since joining on loan from League One side Cardiff City, and was one of the only bright sparks in the defeat to Brackley. The full back does everything you want in a defender, which was shown last time out with:

  • 14 recoveries
  • Five ground duels won
  • Three interceptions
  • Two clearances

That is an impressive stat line for anyone let alone a 19-year-old, who is getting his first real taste in senior football. Offensively he is also prolific, with the headline stat from the Brackley game being his 95% pass accuracy. The Glovers will need Mafico on top form again against the Bucks.

Dakar Mafico for YEOVIL TOWN
Dakarai Mafico. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown

AFC TELFORD UNITED – MATTY STENSON

With 55 goals scored this season in the league, The Bucks players are all chipping in, but none more so than their centre-forward, Matty Stenson. The 31-year-old is an experienced player who has travelled around the level all his career but seems to have found his place in Shropshire, he netted 32 goals in the 2024/25 season and already has 13 this campaign.

The big man was also nominated as The National League Player of the Month for December for his five goals in the month. The former Kidderminster man is also Telford’s top scorer of all time (since 2004 reformation) with 60 goals from just over 100 games.

The striker will no doubt cause trouble for the Yeovil defence and they will have to be at their best to stop Stenson. One hope is that he does appear to have a short fuse with eight bookings and a red to his name this season.

THE GAFFER…

Kevin Wilkin is the Bucks boss, and will pit his managerial wit against Danny Rowley on Saturday afternoon. The 58-year-old is a former striker, most notably playing for Northampton Town, Cambridge United and Nuneaton.

As a manager, Wilkin has taken charge of four clubs with considerable time spent at the three of them. In the last two years of Wilkins playing career he also took charge of Nuneaton, with his time as manger there going from 2006-2014. He then took over at Wrexham before the money and quickly left again in 2015.

The next seven years for Wilkin were spent at Brackley Town before he took the job Telford in 2022. The 58-year-old has never faced the Glovers.

LAST TIME WE MET…

The two sides technically have never met, due to the reformation of AFC Telford United in 2004. However, we did have met the “original” Telford United FC on multiple occasions. With the last fixture between the two clubs being played just under 23 years ago in 2003.

That day the Glovers ran 3-0 on their way to league success that season. The game will be remembered by most for the fact we still hadn’t mathematically won the title due to a Chester win, although the players did do a lap of honour at Huish Park.

The squad that day was full of Yeovil legends with the likes of Chris Weale, Terry Skiverton and Kevin Gall in the starting line-up. A brace from Michael McIndoe and a Kirk Jackson header secured the win for the home side.

The last time the two sides met in Telford was earlier in the season in 2002, when the Glovers won 0-5 thanks to goals from Nick Crttenden, Adam Lockwood, Andy Lindegaard, Howard Forinton and Gavin Williams.

DON’T I KNOW YOU…

There will be no former Glovers to look out for this weekend.

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…

Aaron Farmer is the man in charge for this fixture. For more information on him and his team for Saturday night check out Ben’s article – here.

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A game under the lights is in store for Yeovil Town as they face Aldershot Town at Huish Park on Tuesday night.

FORM…

YEOVIL TOWN

It’s two wins, two losses and a draw for the Glovers over the last five games, carrying on their up and down form this season. One of those two wins was in the league, an emphatic 3-1 home over Braintree Town. I highlight that game as that is probably the most complete performance’s Yeovil had this campaign, alongside the last time the Somerset faced Aldershot.

Last time out, was the opposite of complete, in fact it was one of if not the worst games many have seen, a 2-1 loss to Brackley Town. Credit where it is due, the Saints were good value for money and had Yeovil on the back foot for the majority of the game. However, it was clear to see how much Yeovil missed Morgan Williams at the back, with neither, Jake Wannell, Finn Cousin-Dawson or Kyle Ferguson looking capable at the back.

All in all the Glovers will have to a lot better than Saturday afternoon.

Brackley’s Danny Newton rises highest for a header whilst the Yeovil defence look on at the weekend.

ALDERSHOT TOWN

The Shots have been much improved since we last met, and sit two places below the Glovers in the league. Over the last five games, the Hampshire side have hit a purple patch, with three wins, one draw and a loss to their name. Two of those wins have been by a scoreline of 4-1.

In their previous fixture, the Shots ran out 4-1 victors over Eastleigh. It was a dull affair on the South-coast for the first 45 minutes with neither team scoring. The game then sprung into life in the second half with all five goals being scored. Will Nightingale scored the first on the 49th minute before Eastleigh equalised. The Shots then pulled away thanks to goals from Cameron Hargreaves, Charlie Warren and Ryan Hill scoring within 10 minutes of each other.

KEY PLAYERS…

YEOVIL TOWN – DAKARAI MAFICO

The youngster has shown since joining on loan how good he is, and was one of the only bright sparks in the defeat to Brackley. The full back does everything you want in a defender, which was shown last time out with:

  • 14 recoveries
  • Five ground duels won
  • Three interceptions
  • Two clearances

That is an impressive stat line for anyone let alone a 19-year-old, who is getting his first real taste in senior football. Offensively he is also prolific, with the headline stat from the Brackley game being his 95% pass accuracy. The Glovers will need Mafico on top-form again against Aldershot.

Dakarai Mafico
Pic C/O Gary Brown

ALDERSHOT TOWN – JOSH BARRETT

The forward has been in scintillating form for the Shots in his last five games in the league stretching back to the 6th of December. When looking at Sofascore the Irish man has had a rating of 8 or more in all of those five games.

This form has coincided with an uptick in goal contributions for the 27-year-old who has claimed six goal/assists in since the start of December. Four of those six contributions have been assists, but that shows how important a playmaker can be in this league. Against Eastleigh, Barrett can claim to be the man who propelled his side to victory with his two assists.

The forward will prove difficult to stop for the Glovers defenders.

THE GAFFER…

A familiar lower league name has taken charge at The EBB Stadium and will be in the dugout on Tuesday night, in the shape of John Coleman. The 63-year-old is best known for being Accrington Stanley’s former boss, where he spent 23 years as boss across two spells.

Outside of his long stints in the North-West, Coleman has managed Ashton United, Rochdale, Southport, Sligo, Gillingham and Waterford for a total of five years.

The Scouser joined the Shots in October and has turned the Hampshire side form around. He has also managed against the Glovers nine times, winning twice, drawing three times and losing on four occasions.

LAST TIME WE MET…

As mentioned above, Yeovil had arguably their best performance of the season the last time these two side met. The Glovers ran out 4-1 winners back in September in another midweek night fixture.

A Tahvon Campbell goal opened the scoring before Junior Morias doubled the scoring. Luke McCormick then scored quickly after before Campbell made it four with a penalty in the 64th minute. James Henry bagged a consolation goal in added time for Aldershot.

Yeovil Town celebrate Tahvon Campbell’s second half penalty. Picture courtesy of Mitch Clarke.

DON’T I KNOW YOU…

Just Tristan Abrahams as the only former Glovers in the Shots squad for Tuesday nights game. The striker played for Yeovil in the 2018/19 season, making 15 appearances and scoring three goals.
Tristan Abrahams for Yeovil Town
Tristan Abrahams in a Yeovil shirt during his loan spell in 2019-20. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…

Richie Watkins is the man in charge for this fixture. For more information on him and his team for Tuesday night check out Ben’s article – here.

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It’s back to league action this weekend as Yeovil Town travel Brackley Town on Saturday afternoon.

FORM…

YEOVIL TOWN

Last time out it was another struggle for Glovers in the FA Trophy as they went to penalties against Alvechurch. That was the second time in as many games in the Trophy that Yeovil have gone to penalties. The game was very much a nutshell of the Glovers season, quite boring, a few positives and ultimately doing just enough to get by.
Josh Tobin
Pic C/O Gary Brown

Since last Saturday however, manager Billy Rowley has made three strong signings. Midfielder, Troy Perrett caused a stir on social after people realised he sounded like Ireland hero Troy Parrott, when he was announced. Joy Mukena was then announced as a permanent transfer, with Terrell Works joining Perrett as another loanee, this time from Fulham. Those signings should make the Glovers stronger for the back end of the season.

BRACKLEY TOWN

Brackley Town haven’t played a league game since December 30th after two their two games against Rochdale and Eastleigh got postponed. The Saints have played one game in that period in the FA Trophy however, which they lost 1-0 to Yeovil manager’s old side, Walton & Hersham.

Over their last five games, the Northamptonshire side have won three and lost two. Altough sitting 18th in the league, the Saints did beat Forest Green Rovers on Boxing Day. That win shows they are better than their position in the table, and will be a tough game for Yeovil on Saturday.

KEY PLAYERS…

YEOVIL TOWN – JED WARD

It’s back to one of the old faithful this week as Jed Ward showed his class once again last time out. We all know the qualities that the young shot stopper possesses, but we as fans may have started to take them for granted.

The 22-year-olds shootout heroics in the FA Trophy once again reaffirmed his importance to the side. Three saves from a possible four in the shootout isn’t just a fluke but shows a quality keeper. Not only does her have to confidence in knowing where the opposition takers are going but to also follow that conviction and time his dive.

I think we will only realise how great Ward has been this season when he isn’t here next season.

Jed Ward
Pic C/O Gary Brown

BRACKLEY TOWN – SHANE BYRNE

Byrne is a bit of a club legend at the Saints. The 32-year-old played for Brackley from 2016-2021, amassing over 220 appearances. The Irishman left Northamptonshire for three years before rejoining Brackley.

The midfielders has vast experience, not only in the league for Brackley, but also at international youth level. It doesn’t matter what level of international football you play, you have to be a high class player to get to there. This season Byrne has bagged three goals for the struggling Saints side making him their second top scorer.

He is also a machine defensively, making 13 recoveries a game and 7 successful dribbles.

THE GAFFER…

Gavin Cowan is the man in the home dugout. The 44-year-old started his managerial career at AFC Telford in 2018, he would stay the midlands gaffer for just over three years before leaving. The German born man, then had two years out of the game before being appointed as manager at St James’ Park in 2023.

Cowan was a player in his younger days, spending his time in the lower reaches of the English football pyramid. As a defender he played for 11 clubs during his career making over 350 league appearances. Cowan has played one game against Yeovil, losing that fixture.

LAST TIME WE MET…

The two sides have only met once in their history, which was earlier this season. That game was played back in August when the Glovers ran out 2-1 winners at Huish Park.

The goals that day were scored by Josh Sims and Tyler Wodskou before the Saints got a consolation through Tyler Little.

Moments before Josh Sims scored. Photo Andy Craig

DON’T I KNOW YOU…

There are three former Yeovil players in the Brackley squad and that includes to loanees from this campaign. Ben Wodskou is one of the former Glovers, the Birmingham man made nine appearances for Yeovil earlier this season.
Former Birmingham City loanee striker Ben Wodskou.

The other former loanee is Byron Pendleton, who seems to follow Wodskou (or vice versa). The defender also was at Huish Park this term playing 14 games.

Pendleton on the charge
Pic Gary Brown

The final former Glovers is Scott Pollock, remember him. Pollock came to Somerset after a good season at Boston, but was followed by his widely known agent Seb Carmichael-Brown. The midfielders time at Huish Park was fraught by injury only making seven appearances.

Scott Pollock in action for Yeovil Town last season.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Another ex-Glover for the slightly older supporter, midfielder Jack Price – remember him? No, you can be forgiven it was a one month loan spell whilst he was a Wolves player in a forgettable 2014-15 season as we were relegated out of League One. Magnificent beard though.

Jack Price as a Yeovil Town player in 2014. Still don’t remember him?

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…

George Laflin is the man in charge for this fixture. For more information on him and his team for Saturday check out Ben’s article – here.

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A pause in league action for Yeovil Town this weekend as they host Alvechurch in the Fourth Round of the FA Trophy.

FORM…

YEOVIL TOWN

Across their last five games, the Glovers have won two, lost two and drawn one. The performances have been ok, but the loss to Truro is a tough pill to swallow.

The Glovers picked up a win in their last fixture, their first since they last played in the FA Trophy against Maidstone United. The victory was an emphatic one as the Somerset side put Braintree to the sword in a 3-1 win for the hosts. After a rather dire first 45 minutes, Billy Rowley’s men came out for the second half and put the Essex team to the sword. Goals from Luke McCormick, James Daly and Brett McGavin (via huge deflection). The home fans will be hoping for a similar performance this weekend.
Yeovil Town celebrate Luke McCormick’s opener.

ALVECHURCH

The Worcestershire side currently ply their trade in the Southern Premier League. The Church haven’t had the best season to date and will be looking to the FA Trophy as a reprieve. The Church lie one place above the relegation zone in the league with seven wins from 21 games. However, over their last five games Alvechurch have had the exact same form as Yeovil, two wins, two losses and a draw.

In their previous game, the Church lost to Stratford 2-1 away from home. That day, Alvechurch conceded the first goal in the 35th minute and were quickly down two when Josh Hawker doubled the lead in the 39th minute. The Worcestershire side then got their consolation goal in the 56th minute through Jez Abbey,

KEY PLAYERS…

YEOVIL TOWN – JAMES DALY

We know, someone who isn’t Jed Ward or Luke McCormick. Since coming back from a minor niggle in the middle of December, the 25-year-old has put in a string of great performances. It was against Braintree where Daly showed his class in his all round game and that was topped off with his first goal of the season.
James Daly. Picture courtesy of Tom Bailey.

For a winger, Daly has contributed rather largely defensively as well, with five balls recovered a game, seven dual wins per game and he also wins 53% of headers he goes for. Under Rowley, it feels that Daly will be an integral part of his squad going forward, especially with Aaron Jarvis looking like the preferred number nine for the wingers to target.

ALVECHURCH – JEZ ABBEY & KRYSTIAN PEARCE

I have chosen two players as I feel both are important to their side. Abbey, is a Dutch midfielder whose career started at Wolves and hasn’t strayed far from the Midlands since. So far this season, the 22-year-old has bagged six goals for the Church making him their top scorer.

Although at the ripe age of 36, Kristin Pearce has a wealth of experience to his name, with 579 appearances throughout the football pyramid. The majority of his games came in League Two for Mansfield Town. The Bajan has played Yeovil 10 times in his career with four wins, three draws and three losses to his name.

THE GAFFER…

Kyle Storer is the opposition gaffer this weekend, as he pits his wits against Billy Rowley. The 38-year-old was appointed boss at the beginning of December after an interim spell of three matches. The midfielder has took over from former England international goalkeeper, Tim Flowers.

The Nuneaton man has been a recognisable face in the lower levels of English football, with over 630 games. Only a handful of those games have been at League Two level with Cheltenham Town in 2016.

This is Storer’s first full time foray into management.

LAST TIME WE MET…

The two sides have never met in a competitive match.

DON’T I KNOW YOU…

There is one sole player who has a connection with the Glovers and that is Sam Perry. The 24-year-old midfielder made 12 appearances for Yeovil when Chris Hargreaves was manager. He was on loan at that point from Walsall.
Sam Perry. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…

Elliott Swallow is the man in charge for this FA Trophy fixture. For more information on him and his team for Saturday check out Ben’s article – here.

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Yeovil Town will be looking put their festive faux pas against Truro City behind them as the face Eastleigh under the lights on Tuesday night.

FORM…

YEOVIL TOWN

The Glovers have come unstuck in recent weeks with two losses on the trot, bringing an end to the good start under Billy Rowley. We all knew the good form would end at some point, but it seems the players have slipped into some of the same bad habits that were present in the Mark Cooper era.

Last time out, was probably one of the most disappointing performances this season losing 1-0. With respect to Truro City, Yeovil were very much the favourites going into the match, but Rowley’s men showed their frailties. The Tinners just felt more up for the match with their West Country counterparts.

The Glovers looked a lot stronger for their substitutes, especially once striker, Aaron Jarvis came on, but ultimately could not get back into the match.

Yeovil captain Jake Wannell raises a hand in apology as he leaves the pitch at Truro.

Eastleigh

The Spitfires sit one spot above their opponents in the league in 14th and have shown decent form over the last five games. After losing to both Hartlepool and Rochdale 2-0 at the end of November, things have got back on track. First of all in the FA Trophy, when the beat Aldershot 2-1. That win then followed into the league as the South Coast side brushed aside Gateshead 1-3.

On Boxing Day, the Spitfires went up against Woking, as they drew 1-1 at home.

KEY PLAYERS…

YEOVIL TOWN – AARON JARVIS

I have been very critical of our front line this season, with the feeling they should be providing more goals than they do. Jarvis especially has been somebody I thought was adding much when on the pitch. However, since Rowley has come in, the 27-year-old seems to have found his role in the team.

Aaron Jarvis goes up for a header – Pic Gary Brown

Although he has only found the net twice this season, with his second coming under the new regime, Jarvis showed his importance to the system on Boxing Day. The striker didn’t start the game and only played 25 minutes, but when he came on the Glovers looked a different side.

As one of taller, more physical forwards Jarvis adds a different dynamic for defenders to deal with. His hold up play last time out was the most notable of his attributes which helped bring over players into the game.

EASTLEIGH – NICK TOWNSEND

The Antigua and Barbuda man joined from Newport in the summer, with a good reputation having won PFA Fans Player of the Month for League Two in March. He was also awarded the clubs player of the season award as well. The shot stopper was even offered a new deal at the Welsh side but turned it down in favour of a move to the Silverlake Stadium.

The 31-year-old has shown his worth this season, keeping his side in tough fixtures, arguably making him one of, if not the best Eastleigh player this season. Although he only has three clean sheets to his name this campaign, Townsend has made 83 saves this season with a 73% save rate each game. According to Sofascore’s match rating system he has been invaluable, with an average rating of 7.21.

THE GAFFER…

Eastleigh have a man that should be recognisable to most Glover fans, with Scott Bartlett in the dugout. The 46-year-old will be most known for his time as manager of Weston-Super-Mare, where he spent the last six years as gaffer. During his time on Somerset’s north coast, Bartlett would be known for playing an attractive style of football, which got him noticed by the likes of Yeovil for managerial jobs.

The former Forest Green player, made the switch to the South Coast in September of this year and has overseen nine games to date. With two wins, two draws and five losses to his name.

Bartlett has met Yeovil twice in his career, losing both games.

LAST TIME WE MET…

This will be the first time the two sides have met this season, so we have to go back to last season for their previous fixture. When they last met, the Spitfires ran out 1-0 winners, thanks to a goal from Chris Maguire.

When the pair met at Huish Park in the same season, it was an entertaining 2-2 draw that was played out. That day a goal from Sean McGurk looked to have sealed the Glovers a win, until the last 10 minutes, when the game burst into life. Lloyd Humphries got an equaliser for Eastleigh, before Morgan Williams looked to have again secured Yeovil the three points in the 89th minute. Richard Brinkley then got the Spitfires second equaliser in the 90th +3 minute.

Morgan Williams celebrates goal against Eastleigh.

DON’T I KNOW YOU…

Two former Glovers have made their way to the South Coast’s with one being Sam Pearson. Pearson starred for Yeovil whilst on loan from Bristol City in the 2022/23 season. The winger then joined the Glovers on a free in 2024 before being underutilised by Mark Cooper (like many others). Pearson then joined Bartlett at Weston-Super-Mare nine months later.
Sam Pearson charges forward
📸 Gary Brown

Ciaran McGuckin is the other of the former Glovers in the Spitfires squad. The Northern Irish man first joined on a one month loan at the start of the 2024/25 season, from Rotherham. He then returned on loan in the January of the same season. McGuckin would make 26 appearances for the Glovers scoring four goals.

Photo: Gary Brown

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…

Harrison Blair takes charge of the fixture, and as usual read Ben’s full article here.