Callum Gould

Yeovil Town will travel to Gloucester (I’ll get to that part) to face Truro City on Thursday night, in their rearranged league fixture.

The Glovers will be finally looking to get over the line and win the league after they failed to beat Worthing in their last match. With only one point now needed to win the National League South a draw will do for the Somerset side.

The Cornwall outfit have now been advised by the league to play their remaining games at Gloucester after their back up home ground (Wordsworth Drive) is unplayable due to damage from water logging. Thursday nights game will see the White Tigers play for the second time in 24hrs, after playing Eastbourne on Wednesday.

Yeovil Town News

Manager Mark Cooper seemed irked by having to play at changed venue. He said: “At the start of the season, you are told who you have to play against and where you have to play, then when it comes to that game, they are playing at a different place at a stadium which is in a different regional league, on a different surface. I am not sure it is right, but that is the way it is and we have to obey by the National League rules.”

Cooper briefly spoke about how “we can enjoy everything that comes with (winning the league) when it is done.”

The ex-Swindon man wants to make sure his team get the performance right. He said: “That is our work for this week, keeping everyone level-headed and looking forward to Thursday. We have to be really cold and calculated, forget the noise and make sure we get a performance on the pitch.”

Striker Rhys Murphy spoke openly about the teams current mindset. He said: “You just have to keep going, nothing is given to you in life, you have to take it.

“We are still in a fantastic position. We have to dust ourselves down and to have that resilience is crucial, so we go again.”

Injury wise for the Glovers, Jordan Stevens is back in contention after short spell on the sidelines. Full-Back Michael Smith is back in training. However, Jahmari Clarke and Will Dawes are both out for the season. Jake Hyde is ruled out due to 3G pitch.

TruroCity FC Team News

Truro boss Paul Wotton was keen to keep his side encouraged in the lead up to a busy week. He said: “I’ve told the boys don’t worry about it, keep believing, there is six games to go. Every points a prisoner.”

Players To Watch

Centre Forward Andrew Neal is the White Tigers biggest threat having scored 12 goals this season. “Rocky” as he is known has been prolific in goal scoring for the majority of his career. Before his first spell at Truro, Neal scored 60 goals for Bodmin Town. Having spent two season in Cornwalls only city, the forward left for Taunton where he scored 42 goals across two campaigns. Then in 2020 he rejoined the White Tigers.

Tyler Harvey is another name to look out for with the forward/attacking midfielder contributing 10 goals in 30 games. Harvey started his career the other side of the Cornish border at Plymouth Argyle where he made 5o appearances. The front man is well thought of at Truro having been the clubs top scorer in both the 21/22 and 22/23 seasons.

Crossing Paths

Matt Buse will be a familiar name to fans with the Truro midfielder the older brother of current Glovers keeper Will Buse. Buse had stint as trials in the summer with the Yeovil but was not successful in getting a contract, like his brother he was also born and raised in the Town.

The White Tigers boss Paul Wotton played 45 games across a loan spell then permanent transfer between 2010-2012 for the Glovers. Playing as a Centre-Back/Defensive midfielder Wotton was very much a leader on the pitch having joined form Championship side Southampton.

Ryan Law is another name in the Truro ranks who once plied his trade in South Somerset. The fullback spent the back end of last season on loan from Plymouth at Hush Park.

Yeovil Town will face off against Worthing FC on Saturday at Huish Park as they look to clinch the league title.

The Glovers will win the league if they match or better Chelmsford’s result against Slough Town. With the potential of securing a first league title since the 04-05 season, Mark Coopers men will be looking to out on a show for a packed Huish Park.

Worthing will also be looking to secure all three points as they continue their push for the playoffs. The Rebels are currently sitting fifth in the league and haven’t lost in three games, so will prove tough opponents for the home side.

Yeovil Town Team News

Boss Cooper reiterated his season long stance of this game being the same as any other. He said: “It’s very rare you get an opportunity to win a league with five games to go, it shows how well the players have done…It’s important we see it as another game, it has to be like that.”

The 54-year-old spoke highly of Saturdays opposition claiming them to be “the best footballing side in the league”. Cooper also batted away any suggestion he may be approached by other clubs by stating he is “Happy here”.

The former Swindon manager also talked about the dangers the Rebels may pose. He said: “They are the top scorers in the league and you can see why, they got some great players that have no fear, who just want to pass the ball and run forward and they’ve got the top marksman in the league [Ollie Pearce] who has done brilliantly well.”

Matthew Worthington shared his thoughts on being named captain after Josh Stanton‘s departure. He said:“I’m massively proud to be captain of this club and this team.

It’s new to me and I’m enjoying it, I’m grateful to the gaffer for giving me the opportunity.”

There are no fresh injury concerns for the Glovers.

Worthing FC Team News

First team coach Darren Budd spoke after the Rebels’ win over Hampton & Richmond. He said: “It was a great set of results this weekend which we now have to take into the Yeovil game. That’s going to be a tough test, they’ve shown their quality with where they are in the league but the boys will be relishing it.”

Budd also talked about Hush Park being a “great place to play” and how the “size of the pitch and grass” will suit the Worthing side.

The Worthing boss Aarran Racine knows Mark Cooper well, being managed by the Yeovil boss whilst at Forest Green Rovers. Racine should still be in the dugout for the match even after receiving a red card in Monday’s fixture . Kodi Lyons-Forster could be a doubt for the game after going off with a knock on Monday.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

One player for home fans to keep an eye on is Ollie Pearce. The emphatic talisman has scored 36 goals in the league this season for the East Sussex side. Having started his career at Bognor Regis Town, Pearce made the step up to Worthing in 2018. It wasn’t until last season that the striker made a name for himself scoring 25 goals, assisting 14.

Ollie Pearce just WOW 🤯🔥

A brace today means that is now 𝟑𝟔 𝐠𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝟑𝟗 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 for the forward 👏

This means he averages a goal every 96 minutes 🎯#TheVanarama | #WorthingFC pic.twitter.com/Qrum4kxsRW

— Vanarama (@Vanarama) March 29, 2024

Another player to keep a look out for is youngster Brad Dologhan who bagged a brace against Hampton & Richmond.

Yeovil Town could win the league away to W*ymouth on Easter Monday if they take all three points and Chelmsford City lose to Dover.

After an emphatic win on Good Friday against relegation threatened Torquay, the Glovers have the chance to end their stay in regional football after one season. New signing Jahmari Clarke showed glimpses of what he can offer in the run in with two well taken chances, Jordan Young also got back on the score sheet.

The team from South-Dorset will be looking to spoil the party of their rivals with a win. The Terras have bigger issues, after Manager Bobby Wilkinson left the club last week. Interim boss Jason Matthews got a point in his first game in charge with a 1-1 draw against Bath City last time out.

Yeovil Town News

Manager Mark Cooper is only interested in what his team can do on Monday. He said: “We have to focus on what we’re going to do. We have to respect them and their players but it’s important we concentrate on we can do.”

The former Forest Green boss did have some words to say about the departure of Wilkinson. He said: “What I will say is Bobby has done great job there in the last few weeks, getting the safe.”

In terms of injuries for the Glovers there isn’t any new ones to worry about. Rhys Murphy was on the bench Friday so could be in for some minutes against W*ymouth.

W*ymouth Team News

Jason Matthews wasn’t shy in hyping up the game on Monday. He said: “There is no bigger game for W*ymouth than Yeovil. I’m sure my boys will give me their best shot on again on Monday.”

Matthews feels that the short time in-between games will be “best used for recuperation” as his team is a part time outfit.

A familiar name to Yeovil fans is Brandon Goodship who had two underwhelming spells at the club before moving onto the South Dorset side.One player to keep an eye on for the traveling away fans is Ezio Touray, the Italian striker has netted eight times for the Terras this season with two in his last two games.

Yeovil Town recent poor form will be somewhat of a worry ahead of their trip to the in-form Braintree Town on Saturday.

With just the one win in the last five, the Glovers will not be relishing their trip to Essex to face the side in third in National League South table. What makes for even less appetising viewing is that in the last two visits to the county the Somerset side have picked up one point from a possible six.

Braintree on the other hand are very much the in-form team in the division, having not lost a game in their last 14. Making this the first time Mark Cooper’s men go into a game as the so-called “underdogs” this season.

Yeovil Town Team News

Cooper knows how difficult this game will be, having faced a tough challenge earlier in the season. He said: “They are one of the best teams we have played here and they are one of the only teams which have not changed how they play when they came here. Full credit to Angelo (Harrow, the Braintree manager) and his team for that.

” I am hopeful it is two teams that go and have a go at each other and it is a good spectacle rather than last week which was not a great spectacle.”

The Glovers’ boss also feels today’s opponents won’t be treating us as the underdogs “considering we’re 12 points in front of them”.

Cooper is hoping that some slight disruption in the Braintree team can help his side. He said: “I am hoping they are tired after that, I know they have had a bit of illness in the camp, but they have recruited some good players.”

Centre back Morgan Williams gave his views on the upcoming fixture. He said: “So every team is going to give it their all against us because we are top of the league and the best team in the league, so we just have take it game by game. We have to respect Braintree, they are doing really well, but we have just got to do our best on Saturday.“

Town will be without full-back Michael Smith, who is missing with a hamstring injury, and long-term injury victims strikers Rhys Murphy and Jake Hyde. Speaking on Thursday ahead of the game, Coopwr said left-back Alex Whittle had “a great chance” of making it on Saturday. He also revealed on-loan Bristol City striker Olly Thomas missed last weekend’s goalless draw on an artificial surface at Slough Town due to issues with his knees caused by ‘growing pains’.

Braintree Town Team News

The Irons manager, Angelo Harrop talked about how his team will prepare for the game. He said: “We will prepare like we always do. I knew this was always going to be tough.”

Harrop, also believes “it’s a tough, tough league” and that “anyone can beat anyone” so fancies his teams chances.

Speaking after his side’s goalless draw at home to W*ymouth on Tuesday night, the 35-year-old knows he has the backing of his fans for the game. He said: “The crowd will be fully behind us, they were unbelievable tonight [vs Wey*outh], so we’re going to need that support Saturday.”

Harrop said is side’s good form and league position puts pressure on his players team, which he encouraged his players to relish. He said: “There should be pressure on our team; we’re in a really good position and we’ve got to enjoy that pressure.

“There’s pressure on my shoulders, the players’ shoulders and we’ve got to embrace that.

“Going back to the Chelmsford home game (the Iron’s last defeat on home soil on Boxing Day) when this place was packed out, we need to learn from those experiences – it’s the time to turn it on and really embrace it.”

Braintree have some notable names in their squad with players including former West Ham United academy graduate, striker Freddie Sears, who has more than 450 EFL appearances to his name for clubs including Ipswich Town and Colchester United. The 34-year-old arrived at the Rare Meats Company Stadium having left National League Premier side Dagenham & Redbridge earlier this month.

Another familiar daces for the travelling Glovers to watch former Yeovil man, winger Charlie Wakefield, who arrived on loan from Woking last month.

We are pleased to announce the signing of Freddie Sears to the Iron. Freddie joins us after mutually terminating his contract with Dagenham and Redbridge pic.twitter.com/aCXARvSyL2

— Braintree Town FC (@braintreetownfc) March 11, 2024

Yeovil Town are back in action on Monday night with an away trip to Aveley FC in store for Mark Cooper‘s men.

Just two days after their 3-1 win over mid-table Farnborough FC, the Glovers are off to Essex as they face the Millers in what could be a difficult way day for the Somerset team.

Aveley currently sit 10th in the league, after a brilliant start to the season, which saw them occupy second place for a while. Recent form suggests they are finding their feet again after three wins from five, however in their last outing against Chelmsford they lost 2-0.

Yeovil Town Team News

Manager Cooper talked briefly about how “tough” it will be facing the Essex side. He said: “They’ve won their last few putting themselves into the playoff picture.

“Which makes it a tough game, it’s a tough pitch [being 3G] it will be difficult.”

The 54-year-old spoke after Saturdays win about “refuelling” for Avely. He said: “It’s about recovery for us now, making sure we get the recovery back in their legs and the bodies the best we can.”

The former Swindon boss also pushed there “there will be no excuses” around playing Saturday-Monday due to Yeovil having “better facilities to prepare in” compared to the teams his squad will face.

Aveley Team News

Aveley analyst Scott Wagstaff (no not that one) spoke to the club media after their eventful loss. He said: “It’s a free hit for us, they’re a massive full time outfit and are expected to win the league, we’re massively over achieving so why not, we can have a go.”

Pictures from yesterday's @TheVanaramaNL South ficture between @OfficialClarets and @AveleyFC are now online: https://t.co/mUMNBHIPiZ

Players DM for images@Sons_of_Aveley @nonleaguevol @NonLeagueRadio @NonLeagueCrowd @NonLeaguePhoto pic.twitter.com/8DWHskA9e8

— Lambpix (@Lambpix1) March 3, 2024

He continued: “We’ve done excellent against the full time teams this year so why not have a go, it’s something we can look forward to as a club and embrace these nights.”

Siju Odelusi is Aveleys key man with, with the midfielder top scorer for the Millers with 14 goals in the league, he has also made the most appearances with 36 games (35 starts) across all competitions.

Charlie Hughes is another name for Glovers fans to look out for, the forward has nine goals so far this season playing over 2,000 minutes this season.

The Millers will still be able to play Garret Kelly and Ryan Carr even though they were both sent off during Saturdays loss to Chelmsford. Manager Danny Scopes also saw red in that game but will also be allowed on the touchline alongside his physio who was given his marching orders in the same game.

For fans who can’t make the game it is available to stream on National League TV.

Yeovil Town face the tough prospect of traveling up the M3 to Farnborough this weekend as they look to stabilise their recent form with a win.

The Glovers have been hit and miss lately with three wins and two losses from their last five games. The trip to Hampshire will not be easy, with Boro putting together some good results over the last couple of weeks.

Farnborough have not lost in their last five, winning two and drawing their last three fixtures. The Yellows currently sit 14th in the league.

Yeovil Town Team News

Manager Mark Cooper was in a buoyant mood after the his sides fifth loss of the season. He said: “We move onto next weekend, we’re looking forward to a really big game, with a big following and we’re ready to go.”

Cooper, 54, was complimentary about the Saturdays opposition, saying: “They played really well here, they have a good set up and weather permitting it will be cracking game.”

The former Darlington boss “appreciates the teams away following” and feels it will “only get bigger over the remaining games”.

Captain Matt Worthington discussed what went wrong in Saturdays loss. He said: “Our attacking play didn’t really click as it has done, so that what we’ve been focusing on this week. We know where we wrong and we’re losing to put it right.”

Cooper confirmed that Jordan Young, Rhys Murphy, Jake Hyde and Olly Thomas miss out.

Farnborough FC Team News

Boro boss Spencer Day was also in a complimentary mood when talking about going up against the Glovers on Saturday. He said: “There’s nothing tougher than playing a fabulous football club, a great side and they’ve almost won the league.

They’re the best team in the league by some distance but in a one off game it allows us to take our shackles off a bit.”

Day also made a rallying cry for “fans to turn up” as the game is being promoted as a family fun day by The Yellows.

Midfielder Millar Matthews-Lewis is player for travelling fans to look out for, having joined the Hampshire side in January from Premier League team Luton Town on loan. In terms of a goal threat, Boro have forward Hady Ghandour, on loan from Aldershot, who has bagged six goals in nine games.

Another ⚽ for the goal machine 🥅

Quick thinking from JT ⚡🧠
Cool finish from Hady 😎🎯 pic.twitter.com/ubM3IUmOMm

— Farnborough FC (@FarnboroughFC) February 28, 2024

No suspension or new injuries for Farnborough to worry about after Joe Haigh returned in midweek from his suspension.

Yeovil Town are on their travels again this weekend as they go up against Tonbridge Angels in the league.

The Glovers will be fired up to win this match after coming off a 2-1 loss to Maidstone a week ago. That game was the Somerset’s side fourth defeat of the season and will be dismissed in what has so far been a glittering season for them.

The Angels form is similar to that of a lot of Yeovil’s opponents this season, very patchy, but they are coming off of a 2-0 win vs Chippenham. The Kent side currently sit 11th in the table 22 points behind the Glovers.

Yeovil Town Team News

Manager Mark Cooper was in a complimentary mood when speaking about Tonbridge ahead of the game. He said: “[They’re] Very energetic, they press very full on and aggressive, which I like. I would think they have limited resources but what they do, they do very well.”

Cooper was very cautious on who was available and who wasn’t, only saying ‘we may have a couple back for Saturday”.

The former Swindon boss seem too worried about the loss to Maidstone. He said: “It happens, we’re allowed to lose a game, we are human. We just didn’t turn up for 15 or 20 minutes and never recovered from it, but we move on.”

Dylan Morgan shared how the squad reacted to Saturdays loss. He said: “We have looked at it both ways, obviously you never want to lose a game of football especially when you’re doing well. 

“But taking the positive’s out of it, we lose now it gives everyone a kick to get on another run, so that’s what will try and do.”

Michael Smith and Charlie Cooper are the concerns for the Glovers ahead of Saturday. Whilst Jordan Young and Frank Nouble are still at risk of suspension with both a yellow card away from suspension.

Tonbridge Angels Team News

Angels boss Jay Saunders hopes his side can build on their previous fixture on Saturday. He said: “They’re coming of a defeat last week and we come into after winning, so hopefully we can build on that performance and it’ll be good test for us.”

? ?????'? ????!

Sutcliffe returns from parent club, AFC Wimbledon on loan to the end of the seasonhttps://t.co/4XZ38bazf9

— Tonbridge Angels (@tonbridgeangels) February 8, 2024

Saunders isn’t worried by it being a big fixture as he feels “every game is big at this stage of the season” and also hopes the fans “can get behind us”.

The Angels will be boosted by the loan signing of Ethan Sutcliffe from AFC Wimbledon for the rest of the season. Injury wise Goalkeeper Nat Gibbs is touch and go after getting a head injury against Gillingham B, Tariq Hinds misses out due to suspension.

Yeovil Town travel to Kent this weekend as they take on FA Cup giant killers Maidstone United in the league.

The Glovers currently sit a top the league by thirteen points clear of second. However, they face the tough task of winning away from home against a strong George Elokobi side.

Maidstone have dropped off results wise in the league recently only winning two of their last five league games. They have been strong in cup competitions though recently beating Ipswich Town who are second in the Championship.

Yeovil Town Team News

Manager Mark Cooper is expecting a “fully professional” Maidstone side, despite their cup exploits. He said: “We’re really ready for a team whose level will be raised due to playing a team at the top of the league.

“We have to deal with that every week so full credit to our players, so we’re expecting a really tough afternoon.”

The former Darlington man described his dislike for artificial pitches, describing them as “not proper football”, he even quoted Brian Clough in saying “Football is supposed to be played on grass”.

Striker Frank Noble was very open when talking about the clubs lead at the top. He said: “We have talked about it, in the group chat after a glass of wine.

“But as soon as we’re back in training, we’re fully focused on the next game.”

Jake Hyde and Rhys Murphy miss out due to injury, but would have missed out because of the 3G pitch at Maidstone. Jordan Young is still on nine yellow cards.

Maidstone United Team News

Stones boss Elokobi, spoke about the upcoming fixture to the clubs Youtube Channel. He said: “For both clubs it’s a fantastic game to have. 

THIS IS HUGE, THIS IS MASSIVE, THIS UNBELIEVABLE!!!! MAIDSTONE UNITED ARE GOING INTO THE 5TH ROUND OF THE FA CUP!!!!!! I LOVE THIS CLUB!!!!! ??? pic.twitter.com/ZZMitRjaQt

— Maidstone United (@maidstoneunited) January 27, 2024

“Of course they are the league leaders, so we will give them every respect in our preparation, but it’s just another game.”

Having played in a local cup fixture in midweek the Kent side have had a short turnaround in fixtures, so for the ex-Wolves man “recovery is key” for his players.

There a no injuries or suspensions to note. However, Sam Corne who scored the winner against Ipswich, is back available for league action.

Yeovil Town return home on Tuesday evening to face Slough Town in the league.

After what was a difficult away day in St Albans on Saturday the Glovers come back to Huish Park looking to put that lacklustre performance to bed. A draw against a a team unbeaten in five should be seen as a good result, but for this Yeovil squad it will feel like a loss.

The same can be said for Slough as well, who lost to second bottom Dover Athletic. Being consistent has been the struggle for the Berkshire side, with an impressive wins against Bath being followed up with a loss to W*******.

Yeovil Town Team News

Manager Mark Cooper wants to take control of the league with a good result. He said: “We march onto Tuesday, we can put ourselves in a real commanding position with a positive result on Tuesday.”

Disappointing news for Glovers fans is that both Rhys Murphy and Jake Hyde are out with long term injuries. Cooper, 54, did confirm however that he has agreement in place for a “player who will help bolster the attacking line” to come in before the fixture.

Jordan Young is in danger of a suspension, with him collecting nine yellow cards so far, he is one away from being banned.

Slough Town News

Slough boss Scott Davies talked about how he is looking for different performance from their Saturday defeat. He said: “I expect a reaction from us on Tuesday, we’re the type of club that can get a result, we are capable of doing the unthinkable.”

The former Reading player sees the game as “a free hit” and that his players “will go there full of confidence”. 

Davies will be a name a few Glovers fans may remember. Whilst at Reading the 35 year-old came on loan to Huish Park, making four appearances for the club..

One player for Yeovil supporters to keep an eye on is Temi Eweka. The defender has been solid for The Rebels, playing over 2,000 minutes for the Berkshire team. Up front Nathan Minhas has been in decent form, with nine goals so far this season he is top scorer for The Rebels.