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It’s back to Huish Park for Yeovil Town on Wednesday evening, as they take on Brackley Town in the league.

Form Guide…

Yeovil Town

It hasn’t been a great start to the season for the Glovers with no wins from their opening two games. Although only being two games in, which wouldn’t normally be a cause for concern, it has been the manner of performances that has worried some fans. A goalless draw against Hartlepool and a disappointing 2-0 loss to Forest Green isn’t the start many would have predicted.

Substitute Junior Morias collects the ball inside the Forest Green half. Picture courtesy of Andy Craig.

The performances have been a continuation from last seasons poor ending, with many now asking about whether Mark Cooper‘s position has become untenable.A game against a newly promoted Brackley Town could just be what the Somerset side need to kick-start the season.

                                                                                                                                          Brackley Town

The Saints have played only one league game this season, as their fixture against Morecambe was postponed. That match came on the opening weekend against Eastleigh which they won 1-0. Their National League Cup campaign got underway with a 2-0 win over Blackburn’s Under 21s. Outside of the league the Northampton side lost their last two friendlies to Stratford and Stourbridge.

Key Players…

Yeovil Town – Morgan Williams

The centre back is a crucial cog in the team. Williams will likely lead the side out as captain in the absence of Jake Wannell, who misses the game through suspension.
A new central defensive partner in either Finn Cousin Dawson or Kyle Ferguson is likely, with the latter poised for his second Yeovil Town debut.

Williams will need to be the organiser of the defence and be a danger in the opposition box too.

Morgan Williams with a cast on his right hand.
Morgan Williams. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Brackley Town – Shane Byrne

The Irish man rejoined the Saints last summer after he left the club in 2021 for Boston United. During his first stint at Brackley, Byrne made over 150 appearances for the club.

It was the centre midfielder who got Brackley the win on the opening day, with goal in the 40th minute. Byrne has made over 330 games in the National League North, and has also represented Ireland at youth level.

The Gaffer….

Gavin Cowan is the man who will go up against Mark Cooper on the touchline on Wednesday evening. Born in Hanover, Germany, the 44 year old has been at Brackley since 2023.

Cowan had a long playing career in the lower divisions of the English pyramid starting at Braintree Town 2001 and hung up his boots at AFC Telford in 2018, whilst player coach. The Bucks was were Cowan played most of his career with two spells at The New Bucks Head.

After retiring fully from playing, the ex-Shrewsbury man became manager of Telford where he spent four years in the technical area. It was in 2023 when he caught the attention of Brackley and was appointed manager. Outside of football Cowan has a podcast called ‘In The Stiffs’ alongside former teammates Dave Edwards and Sam Aiston.

Last Time We Met…

The two sides have never met before, which astounding with both clubs being over 130 years old.

Don’t I Know You?

It’s a pair of centre midfielders that have plied their trade in down at Huish Park in the form of Scott Pollock and Jack Price.

Scott Pollock – The more recent member of Yeovil town, Pollock played for the Glovers under Cooper between 2023/2024. A bit of a mystery man to many of the fans as it seemed he quickly fell out of favour with the manager (who hasn’t). It was after his release from Yeovil that he joined Brackley where he has enjoyed a more fruitful spell.

The 24-year-old is most known for his time at internet football side Hashtag United.

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

Jack Price – Price started his career at Wolves, which where he got the chance to come to Huish Park on loan. A season after we had been relegated from the Championship, the 32-year-old seven appearances.

The midfielder would go on to play 115 time for Wolves before going to the MLS. This is where he spent most of career to date, with the Colorado Rapids playing 130 times in a five year period.

Man In The Middle…

The man in black will be Matthew Russell, who’s last game was in the League Cup as he officiated Bromley vs Ipswich. Read more here: Match Officials: Brackley Town (Home)

 

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Yeovil Town will make the relatively short trip up to the New Lawn in Gloucestershire on Saturday, as they face one of the National League Premier Division’s pre-season promotion favourites, Forest Green Rovers.

Form Guide…

Yeovil Town

With only one game so far this season, the form table should very much be taken with a pinch of salt. After last weekend’s opening fixture, the Glovers record is a goalless draw at home to Hartlepool United. The game itself was a fairly drab affair, with Yeovil’s best chance falling to loan striker Ben Wodskou after 83 minutes.
Aaron Jarvis leaps for a header.
A Hartlepool defender tries to swap shirts with Glovers’ striker Aaron Jarvis during last weekend’s opening day fixture. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Forest Green Rovers

Forest Green also drew their opening game of the season, as they faced Solihull Moors in the Midlands. The game finished 2-2 with the visitors’ goals coming from striker Christian Doidge and summer signing Nick Haughton.

Robbie Savage’s side looked strong and seemed to have wrapped up all three points against a Solihull side which had been reduced to ten men in the sixth minute before Moors late on through James Clarke.

Key Players…

Yeovil Town – Jed Ward

The on loan Bristol Rovers goalkeeper proved last week why having a good goalie can keep a side in the game. Outside of Wodskou’s late chance Yeovil didn’t offer much going forward. However, at the back Ward kept Mark Cooper’s team in the game. Hartlepool were the more attacking side with multiple opportunities to score, but for Ward being a brick wall at the back. Looking at the firepower in Forest Green’s squad it could be a busy afternoon for the 22-year-old, who started last season on loan at The New Lawn.

Jed Ward holds a shot during pre-match warm up.
Jed Ward. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

In recent seasons Yeovil haven’t had the best of luck with keepers as Cooper seems to fall out with them often. In the past though the Somerset side have always had a strong shot stopper including Marek Stech, Wayne Hennessey and Nathan Baxter. Will Ward join the list? Only time will tell, but the early signs look good.


Forest Green Rovers – Christian Doidge

Christian Doidge is the obvious choice,  with the striker being a scoring machine. The Welshman has bagged over 80 goals for Rovers alone across two spells with the Gloucestershire side.

Doidge rejoined Forest Green last summer and scored 12 goals in the National League. Before that he spent five years north of the border with Hibernian. During his entire career, the 32-year-old has bagged 158 goals, with his most recent being last weekend in their opening day draw at Solihull Moors.

The Gaffer….

Another well-known face in the opposition dugout this weekend as former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage takes charge of his first competitive game at the New Lawn.

Well known for his blonde locks and outspoken style as a pundit, Savage has taken to management well. Starting his managerial career with Macclesfield, the former Leicester City, Birmingham City and Derby County player got them promoted to the National League North last season.

Savage had a few interesting things to say about Yeovil boss Mark Cooper who guided Forest Green to the Football League back in 2017.

He told the Stroud Times: “I’ve got to emulate what Mark did here, getting promotion – Mark’s got nothing to prove, he won promotion in a play-off final, it’s me that’s got to prove something. I’ve got huge respect for all managers, especially now being one now.

“He’s (Mark Cooper) done something I’ve never done here and that’s won promotion at Forest Green, so I will give him that huge respect, but I want to win, my team want to win.”

Robbie Savage is interviewed by Forest Green's social media.
Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage, the human equivalent of a clanging bell in a cathedral — loud, relentless, and impossible to ignore.

Last Time We Met…

When the two sides last met last season the game finished 1-1 at Huish Park on Good Friday, with Yeovil’s goal coming from the now departed Sonny Blu-Lo Everton. It looked like Mark Cooper would get a win over his former club until defender Ryan Inniss scored in stoppage time to level it late.

Yeovil Town celebrate Sonny Blu Lo-Everton’s opener against Forest Green on Good Friday at Huish Park last season.

The last time they met at the New Lawn, Rovers ran out 2-1 winners. The Glovers looked like they had the game wrapped up after a Kofi Shaw goal, until again Inniss scored in stoppage time before a Kyle McAllister goal secured all three points. Shaw was sent off in the 75th minute of the game.

Don’t I Know You?

There are a couple of familiar faces who are likely to feature for Forest Green today: 

Ryan Inniss – The defender played for Yeovil six times on loan from Crystal Palace in the 2014/15 season.

Tom Knowles – sorry Ian, but obviously the Forest Green forward spent a successful spell at Huish Park between October 2020 and August 2022, when <NAME REDACTED> flogged him to Walsall. Fair to say TK has looked sharp for his current employers in pre-season. 

Man In The Middle…

The referee for Saturday’s fixture will be Andrew Humphries. Read all about him here in Ben’s write up.

 

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Welcome back to life as a Yeovil Town fan. It’s been a long and sometimes stressful summer for us Glovers, however here our  first preview of the season with Hartlepool United visiting Huish Park on the opening day.

Form Guide…

Nice and simple this week, in competitive action both teams are equal, as it is the first game of the new season. However, let’s take a look at both teams fared in their final pre-season friendlies.

Yeovil Town

Last weekend’s pre-season friendly result against Somerset rivals Weston Super-Mare was one that wont live long in the memory. Yeovil rarely offered anything up front, which has been an issue since manager Mark Cooper joined the club, and seemingly ran out of ideas by the time the second half kicked off.

The Glovers were then made to pay after a silly challenge from defender Jake Wannell fouled former team-mate Louis Britton inside the box. The resulting penalty was calmly put away by Luke Coulson. Cooper clearly was not happy with the defeat, giving a talking to his team on the pitch after the final whistle.

Players from Yeovil Town and Weston-super-Mare get involved in a major fracas.
The not so friendly friendly at Weston-super-Mare last weekend. Picture courtesy of Michael Stone.

Hartlepool United

The Poolies side did not fare much better in their last game of pre-season last weekend, losing 2-0 at National League North side South Shields, giving up two quick goals inside the first 20 minutes of the game. South Shields broke the deadlock inside 10 minutes as Paul Blackett converted. The second of Blackett’s goals came shortly after, who converted his own rebound.

Manager Simon Grayson fielded a side in an experimental 4-4-2 formation, different to the 3-5-2 they are likely to line up in against Yeovil with first-teamers Jay Benn, Reiss McNally, Besart Topalloj, Jamie Miley and Nathan Sheron all starting on the bench.

Safe to say both teams will be looking to improve on their performances last time out and hit the ground running in the National League Premier Division.

Key Players…

Yeovil Town – Brett McGavin

The Glovers come into the game, after a turbulent off season with a host of last years squad leaving for pastures new. One player who has stayed put is the beautifully bouffant Brett McGavin. The centre midfielder showed last term how critical he is to the team’s performances. Without any prolific strikers in the side, McGavin quickly became a source of goals for the Glovers, contributing seven and assisting three.

Outside of the wonderful goals he scored, the midfielder also brought a presence to the middle of the park, controlling the game and often being the linchpin for starting attacks.

Photo: Gary Brown

Hartlepool – Tom Parkes

The veteran centre half is a stalwart at the lower end of the professional game, having played 339 games in League Two and 106 in the National League ( yes, I am claiming it as a professional league). Now at the ripe old age of 33 Parkes is at the tail end of his career, but still possess the quality to stop forwards from playing.

Reuben Reid of Yeovil and Tom Parkes of Bristol Rovers
📸 Mike Kunz

The former Bristol Rovers and Exeter City player had a brief one-month loan spell at Huish Park at the start of his career, he played twice between December 2010 and January 2011 – including a 4-2 FA Cup defeat for the Glovers against Hartlepool United.

He was confirmed as club captain this week and if the Glovers want to get on the score sheet on Saturday, they will have to get past Parkes first.

The Gaffer….

Simon Grayson will be a name familiar with almost all football league fans. Grayson started at Blackpool, before moving onto Leeds, Huddersfield and Sunderland to name a few.

For the older Yeovil fans, he is a man of great pain, as his Blackpool side defeated the Glovers at Wembley in the 2006/07 League One Playoff Final (it still hurts).

In his 20 years as a manager, Grayson has faced the Glovers 10 times and has not lost a single game. With eight wins and two draws. The most recent was over 10 years ago in the January of 2015, when his Preston North End side drew 1-1 with Yeovil at Deepdale.

Last Time We Met…

The last time the two sides clashed back in December last year, Yeovil fell to a 2-1 defeat. A late goal from Gary Madine sealed the victory after Kofi Shaw had equalised. The first goal of the game came through an Emmanuel Dieseruwerve penalty.

Yeovil also had the pleasure of welcoming Pools to Huish Park for opening game of last season, when the visitors took home all three points thanks to a Jack Hunter goal.

Don’t I Know You?

There are a couple of old Yeovil boys in the Hartlepool team.

Adam Smith – Pools keeper Smith played the Glovers 50 times over the period of two seasons on loan in Somerset.

Tom Parkes – If you thought his name sounded familiar it’s because he also came to Huish Park on loan back in 2010/11. playing two games.

Man In The Middle…

The referee for Saturday’s fixture will be Rob Massey-Ellis. Read all about him here in Ben’s write up.

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It’s the final home game of the season for Yeovil Town, as they take on Sutton United at Huish Park on Saturday.

Form Guide…

Yeovil have been in good form compared to their upcoming opponents over the last five games, with two wins, two losses and a draw.

Last time out, the Glovers lost 1-0 away to Eastleigh on Easter Monday, Mark Cooper’s side went behind half an hour into the game, and things weren’t helped when on loan winger Otis Khan got sent off seven minutes later.

Otis Khan heads down the tunnel after 36 minutes.

For Sutton, it’s been tough going over their previous five fixtures, with two losses, two draws and one win. United faired similarly to Yeovil on the last match day, losing at home to table topping Barnet 3-1, with Sutton too, having a defender Tyler French sent off.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Morgan Williams

The centre back has been pivotal to defensive solidity in recent seasons for the Glovers and it has been no different this campaign.

Since his comeback from injury a couple games ago, Williams has been a presence that will have been missed by players and fans alike. Although the deputising Frankie Terry has done a great job, Williams brings the experience needed for closing out a season.

Morgan Williams
📸 Gary Brown

Sutton United – Will Davies

Centre-Forward Davies has been in fine form for The U’s this season bagging 18 goals in total. He is however in somewhat of a ‘down patch’ with no goal in his last four games.

As well as scoring up top, he has also been a consistent figure head at the top of the pitch, playing 42 games (3,556 minutes). This has led to him scoring a goal every 195 minutes. Davies has also contributed with three assists as well.

That’s what he said…

Yeovil boss Mark Cooper gave his thoughts on Saturday’s opposition. He said: “Knowing Steve (Morison, the Sutton manager), I’m sure he will be desperate to win every game.

“They’re a good team, they’ve got some good players. I think it will be really difficult game, but that’s every week and I expect they’ve watched us over the last few weeks and will be expecting the same.”

Mark Cooper speaks to BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah ahead of the fixture with Sutton United.

Sutton boss Steve Morison made plenty of references to Tuesday night’s National League Cup final against Leeds United.

Like Yeovil, the Us are playing their second game in the week after a 3-1 home defeat to champions elect Barnet on Easter Monday, a match marred by a sending off of defender Tyler French – a decision Morison revealed he had got an apology for.

Speaking to the club’s YouTube channel ahead of the game, the former Millwall striker said: “We have had the necessary conversations and had an apology from the official for the way the situation was handled, I had a personal phone call about it which I appreciated. It doesn’t put points back on the board but it does at least show you that you’re not going mad!

“My big focus is to get energy and enthusiasm in to the game and for it not to become just a testimonial-type fixture where two teams are just going through the motions. 

“Yeovil will be really pleased with how they have done this season, they have lost some big players which are hard to deal with financially. They have been excellent, they have a really good manager and they are a really good team.”

We’ve met before…

Yeovil and Sutton have faced off a total of 20 times over the years with the head to head being fairly even. Sutton sneak the most wins with nine, whilst Yeovil have the eight, with the teams drawing four times.

When the Glovers and U’s last met, it finished a goalless draw at Gander Green Lane back in September.

Aaron Jarvis also thinks Frank is not far away there.

Don’t I know you…

Lewis Simper is the only ex-Glover to note. The midfielder, was on loan from Cambridge United at Huish Park during the 2021/22 season making just the one appearance.

Who’s been naughty then…

Due to Otis Khan’s sending off in the last game, he is now missing for the final two games.

Defender Tyler French is suspended for Sutton as his own sending off on Easter Monday.

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It’s the last game under the lights for Yeovil Town on Tuesday night as they face Boston United at Huish Park.

Form Guide…

It’s been very up and down over the last five games for Yeovil. After winning the first two games of this period it has stagnated a bit with a draw and two losses. It should be noted that the last two loss have been against tough opposition, in Barnet and FC Halifax respectively.

In fact last time out against The Shaymen, Yeovil were unlucky to not come away with at least a point. Unfortunately for Mark Cooper and his men, the Yorkshire side were just that bit better.

FC Halifax vs Yeovil

Boston’s league position may be a red herring for home fans. Although sitting second bottom of the league over their last five fixtures, they have two wins, two draws and one loss.

Their two wins came against Dagenham & Redbridge as well as AFC Fylde in impressive style. But it’s the draws that will grab the attention with scoreless draws against Oldham and a (Desmond) 2-2 draw when facing Woking last time out. They are definitely not a team to take lightly.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Frank Nouble

Well since I stopped choosing Nouble as the key player, he stopped scoring, so I’m picking him again for good luck.

Ignoring the mystic wisdom that the Gloverscast brought, the forward showed why he is crucial to Yeovil winning. Not only did he score vital goal that helped his team to a win, his experience and knowledge of the league showed.

It’s no slight on the other players but they are younger and on loan, performing well for this club may not be as important to them than it is to Nouble. However, he understands what the fans been through in the last couple of years at that will rub off.

Frank Nouble. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Boston United – Jacob Hazel

Jacob Hazel has been something Yeovil has been a missing, a goal scoring centre forward. The St Kitts & Nevis native has bagged 10 goals this season for his side. He has also contributed with three assists as well.

The 30-year old has also been a consistent player in the side, which by this point of this season is quite remarkable. Hazel has played a total of 33 games and over 2,000 minutes so far. The expected Michael Bostwick is another name to look out for.

That’s what he said…

Yeovil boss Mark Cooper had no comments ahead of the game.

Boston manager Graham Coughlan, gave his thoughts to club media before the fixture. He said: “We go away Tuesday , it’s a long journey, but it’s about looking after the players between now and then and get as much rest and recovery into them as possible.”

We’ve met before…

The two sides haven met a total of 41 times, the majority of which came before the turn of the millennium. Out of those 41 Yeovil have only won 11 compared to Bostons 20 wins, meaning the remaining 10 games have been draws.

The last time they played against each other, in August of last year, the Somerset side were 1-3 victors. The three goals being scored by Brett McGavin (x2) and Jordan Young. Both teams also had players sent off, Yeovil’s being Jake Wannell.

Don’t I know you…

For the second game in a row there is no Yeovil links to the Boston squad.

However, our number one Aidan Stone was on loan at Boston this season.

Aidan Stone had a decent debut between the posts yesterday.

Who’s been naughty then…

No one is suspended for the game.

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Yeovil play their second away game of the week as they travel to Yorkshire to take on FC Halifax Town.

Form Guide…

Halifax have been in solid form over the last five games, with some big wins. The Shaymen have had two wins, two draws and a loss, with that defeat coming to Southend United.

Last time out the Yorkshire team picked up a good three points against promotion rivals York City. Sitting in sixth was enough to warrant some fear for Yeovil fans but after that last result, it could be a long night for travelling supporters.

Yeovil have had been in good form, if you take into account the teams they have faced. Over their last five games there has been two wins, two losses and a draw. The two wins, although against teams the Glovers should be beating, were much needed. The draw was, should’ve and could’ve been a win against a decent Southend side and our first loss, well the less said about that the better.

Barnet vs Yeovil

Last time out for Yeovil was a heavy defeat, to top of the league Barnet. Although it should not be ignored completely, the Bees are champions elect so the result should probably be taken with a pinch of salt.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Charlie Cooper

A polarising figure within the fans base, Cooper has stepped up since the departure of long time fan favourite and captain Matt Worthington.

Charlie Cooper celebrates his goal vs Maidenhead

The midfielder has blossomed into the hole left by the “Ginger Pirlo”. With Brett McGavin and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton alongside him the centre of the park looks settled for Mark Cooper. Cooper Jnr, has helped, with leadership and performances that have been beneficial to the team.

FC Halifax Town – Jamie Cooke

It’s unusual for a team in the playoffs not to have a prolific goalscorer of note, but The Shaymen are that team. However, it clearly hasn’t mattered to Halifax as they have such a strong team, with the foundation of team being centre-midfielder Jamie Cooke.

Cooke has played 32 games this season, totalling 2,360 minutes for his side. At 23 years old it’s fair to say he has the legs to play that role. But it’s not just the consistency his manager, Chris Millington, can count on, as Cooke is the top scorer as well, with seven goals. The all-rounder will look to control the game against the Glovers, so it should be an interesting battle in midfield.

That’s what he said…

Halifax boss, Chris Millington spoke to press about the upcoming fixture. He said: “When we played them down there, we won the game but maybe didn’t deserve to, it was a very good performance late on from them. They dominated the second half , so we have got to prepare really well for them.”

Yeovil manager Mark Cooper had made no comments regarding the game.

We’ve met before…

There haven’t been many games between the sides throughout history with just 10 games being played. The head to head is even, with four wins for Yeovil and four wins for Halifax, with the two other games being draws.

The last time the two teams met was in November when The Shaymen beat the Glovers 0-1 at Huish Park, with the only goal of the game coming from Florent Hoti.

Florent Hoti’s effort flies past Ollie Wright to put FC Halifax Town in to a 1-0 lead. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Don’t I know you…

There is no one. No one who has even played a single minute for Yeovil in the FC Halifax squad, what a rarity.

Who’s been naughty then…

No one is suspended for the game.

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It’s back on the road for Yeovil on Tuesday night as they face the tough task of going to top of table Barnet in the league.

Form Guide…

The Bees have been superb over their last five fixtures with four wins and a draw. In fact, the London side haven’t been beaten in the league in 20 matches, their last loss coming to York on the 22nd October.

If a 20-game unbeaten streak in the doesn’t suggest a tough challenge for the travelling Yeovil side, then Barnet’s last match should. The Bees won comfortably away at Oldham Athletic, beating the former Premier League side 3-0 at the weekend.

The Glovers have picked up their form over the last five games with, two wins, two draws and a loss. The last three games in particular have been where the Somerset side have really changed the fortunes around, after two month period without a win. Those three games have seen wins against Tamworth, Maidenhead and an unlucky draw at home to Southend United.

The game against the Shrimpers was the most recent for Yeovil, and after going behind early they quickly responded to go level, and then take the lead. The three points looked secured before a 94th minute equaliser from Southend scuppered thoughts of three wins on the trot.

Yeovil Town vs Southend United

Key Players…

Barnet – Callum Stead

With a team top of the league, every player they have will cause danger, but none more so than Callum Stead for Barnet. Stead has been a prolific frontman for the Bees, in the 32 games he has played this season he has bagged 11 goals and assisted on six occasions.

Having signed on free transfer from Brackley Town in the summer of 2023, he has been a bit of a find for London team. In his time at Barnet he has made 69 appearances scoring 26 goals. Whoever is at the back for Yeovil, Stead will be tough to handle.

Yeovil – Alex Whittle

When Alex Whittle has played this season his quality has been on show. The Scouser isn’t your Andy Robertson type of left-back with 10 assists a season, but he defends extremely well. What has let the 31-year old down is his ability to stay fit this season, but since coming back from his last set back in January, Whittle has played every game.

Since joining from York nearly two years ago, the Scouser has been a key asset to Mark Cooper and will hopefully be key in the run for the Glovers.

Photo: Gary Brown

That’s what he said…

Barnet boss Dean Brennan gave his thoughts ahead of the game to club media. He said: ” It’s going to be a difficult game, Mark Cooper is a top manager and they’re well organised. We will focus on what we have got to do and we think we can halt them, it will be a tricky game.”

Yeovil manager Mark Cooper spoke to press after Saturdays draw, where he gave his thoughts on the midweek fixture. He said: ” It will be tough, but the boys that have put their hand up today to march forward, were incredible and they’ll have to do it again on Tuesday.”

Mark Cooper speaks to BBC Radio Somerset’s Jack Killah after the 2-2 draw with Southend United.

We’ve met before…

Yeovil and Barnet have met each other many a time over the years. The first game between the two clubs was in 1967 when the side drew 1-1. Since that first encounter the Glovers and Bees have battled it out a further 63 times, with Yeovil winning 26 times and Barnet winning 25 times, with another 12 draws.

Danny Collinge’s header finds the far corner

Last time the two sides came together was November last year when Barnet took home all three points in a 1-2 win at Huish Park. Yeovil’s goal came through James Plant and the Bees two coming from Yeovil-born Ryan Glover and Danny Collinge.

Don’t I know you?…

Billy Clifford is the first of a couple of former Yeovil players in the Barnet squad. Clifford graced Huish Park back in the 13/14 season, playing a total of one game whilst on loan from Chelsea.

Another ex-player of ours is Rhys Browne, the Antiguan and Barbudan international spent two year in Somerset from 2017 to 2019. During his time in Yeovil, Browne played 71 times, his most appearances for a single club.

Somebody who has isn’t an ex-Glover but is still a Glover, if name only, is Ryan Glover. Besides the sharing of names the 24-year-old has another connection to Yeovil, the fact he was born here. Lets hope he doesn’t play to well in front of his hometown team – again!

Who’s been naughty then?…

Another game with no one suspended.

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It’s back to Huish Park for Yeovil on Saturday as they host an in-form Southend United side.

Form Guide…

The Glovers have picked up two valuable wins in as many weeks, which fans will be hoping carries on past Saturday.

The 2-0 win at Maidenhead United last weekend moved the Glovers up to 11th in the National League table, seven points off the division’s play-off places with teams having played an uneven number of matches, but 12 points off the relegation zone.

Prior to the last two wins though, Mark Cooper’s side hadn’t picked up three points for two months. Even with a potential new wave of confidence around Huish Park, feet should still be on the ground about Yeovil’s form.

Yeovil celebrate the opening goal at Maidenhead United last weekend.

For the Shrimpers it has been a decent last five games. They have picked up two wins, two draws and a loss in that period. The loss as came five games ago to last week’s opponents Maidenhead United, however since that 1-0 loss the Seasiders have picked up eight points.

In their most recent match the Essex side drew 1-1 at Tamworth last Saturday in a game they probably should have won, if league position was to be believed.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Frank Nouble

A second week in row we are picking out Frank as Yeovil’s key player. After another good performance against Maidenhead scoring the opener in the 38th minute.

For a player looked destined to leave Somerset for pastures new not that long ago, Nouble has shown why he should be kept around. With youngsters and loanees making up a big chunk of the squad, having his presence will only benefit the team. And if he keeps scoring, he will be helping Cooper out a hole.

 

Southend United – Gus Scott-Morris

Scott-Morris is having a blinding season at right back. Most would think it would be down to his defensive attributes which are good but just not as good as his attacking prowess.

The 27-year old has bagged himself 14 goals this campaign, yep you definitely read that correctly. Alongside his goalscoring form Scott-Morris has also assisted four times taking his goal contributions up to 18 for the season.

That’s what he said…

Yeovil manager Mark Cooper talk to the press ahead of Saturdays fixture. He said: “ They have got good players, they know what they’re doing, but it is always about what we do on the day. It’s about momentum. When you’re asking me these questions two weeks ago when we couldn’t win a game, I was telling you it’s about momentum and it’s about bad things come to an end.

“That’s what it will come down to on Saturday, to which team win the most individual duels.”

Southend boss, Kevin Maher spoke to his clubs media before travelling to Somerset. He said: “Yeovil is always a tough place to go, the crowd get behind them ever so well, and Mark’s got a really well organised team.

“Everyone has a blip and they’ve come out of it so I’m sure they’ll be full of confidence.”

We’ve met before…

Yeovil and Southend have met each other 24 times in the past with Saturdays home side coming out on top in the head to head.

The Glovers have 13 wins to their name, whilst the Shrimpers have 8 wins, with the pair drawing on three occasions.

The last time they faced off in November last year, Mark Cooper’s side took home the spoils as they left Roots Hall 0-1 winners. The only goal of the game through loanee James Plant, who has now gone back to his club due to injury.

Don’t we know you?…

Defender Nathan Ralph is a name most fans will remember. Now captain of Southend, the 32-year-old, played for the Glovers from 2012-2015 making 41 appearances in his time at Huish Park.

The left-back will be fondly remembered for being a part of the side that won promotion to the Championship in 2012/13.

Nathan Ralph Yeovil Town. Picture Courtesy of Yeovil Town.

Who’s been naughty then…

No one is suspended for the game.

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Yeovil play at Huish Park for the first time in a month on Saturday as they host relegation threatened Wealdstone.

Form Guide…

The home side comes into the game off the back of some poor performances, having not won in eight games.

Last time out the Glovers faced an out of form Dagenham & Redbridge but went 1-0 down early on. However, Brett McGavin saved the day when equalising just before halftime. If things don’t improve Mark Cooper will have some difficult questions to answer.

Yeovil taking on Dagenham & Redbridge

For Wealdstone it has been a season of difficulty. Currently sat in 22nd the London club are on a similar run of form to that of Yeovil. With no wins in their last seven, they have won a game more recently than their counterparts on Saturday.

In their last game, The Stones were comfortably beaten by a very good Gateshead side 0-4.

With the form of both teams this will either be a brilliant game of football or very dull.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Brett McGavin

Another week, another McGavin write up on being our key player. At this point we are am running out of things to say about him.

McGavin has been superb in midfield this season. With 15 G/A, he leads the club in goal contributions, ahead of the likes of Aaron Jarvis, Ciaran McGuckin and James Plant.

McGavin not only is an asset going forward but he also is a rock solid midfielder who can do the dirty stuff when needed. He also gets bonus points for a brilliant head of hair.

Brett McGavin. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Wealdstone – Adrian Mariappa

The Jamaican defender joined The Stones in the summer and has been key part of their defence. At 38 years old the centre back has a lot of experience across the football pyramid, including 168 appearances in the Premier league.

Mariappa has led by example using his experience to help guide the team through a difficult season. This experience has also led to him being named Wealdstone captain. The defender has played 26 games so far this season in the league so has shown age is just a number.

He will provide tough opposition for Yeovil’s attacking players.

That’s what he said…

Yeovil boss, Cooper, gave his thoughts to the BBC ahead of the game. He said: “It is about 90 minutes and performing and doing the best that we can. You cannot always control the result, but what we do try and do is control our performance.”

Wealdstone manager, Neil Gibson spoke ahead of his sides visit to Huish Park. He said: “The preparation has been really positive.

“Yeovil is a club with Football League history and they will have set their sights on promotion at the start of the season. They’ll be looking to reignite their campaign, but we’ve done our due diligence. We’ve analysed their games and I’ve watched them live a couple of times. We have a game plan and now it’s about execution.”

We’ve met before…

Yeovil and Wealdstone have been very evenly matched since their first meeting in 1974. Since that game Yeovil have gone into win nine games with Wealdstone also winning nine games, the two sides have drawn ten time however.

Last time the two teams met was in October last year when Yeovil won 0-3. That game saw McGavin open the scoring in the 26th minute, with Jarvis bagging the second and McGuckin finishing the off with the third goal.

Don’t I know you…

Craig Eastmond is a player that will a familiar name to the Huish Parl crowd, even if did only make one appearance for the Glovers. This season hasn’t been great for Eastmond having joined from Sutton on a free he has only played in seven games so far this campaign with his last coming against Yeovil in October.

Anthony Georgiou will be another known name. The Cypriot came to Somerset on loan in 2022 for a month, making two appearances. Georgiou has faired better at Wealdstone this year playing 26 times assisting twice.

Anthony Georgiou. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Who’s been naughty then…

Charlie Cooper is still suspended.

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Yeovil Town travel to the Capital to face Dagenham & Redbridge after having two weeks off.

Form Guide…

The Daggers have not been in great from over recent weeks, losing four out of their last five. However, these losses have come against Forest Green Rovers, York City, Southend United in the league and Championship side Millwall in the FA Cup. The one draw during that period came against Forest Green five games ago.

The Glovers have been in as equally poor form across their last five games, with three draws and two losses. Last time out was a particularly tough loss for Mark Cooper’s men, being beaten 4-0 at Rochdale. Not only was the scoreline embarrassing, the performance was also not up to standard, according to Cooper, midfielder Brett McGavin and every one of the travelling supporters.

Brett McGavin faces the media after the 4-0 defeat at Rochdale.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Aidan Stone

Yes, he has just signed, but the goalkeeper will be crucial for the Glovers for the rest of the season. The new shot-stopper has to fill the Ollie Wright shaped hole that was left after his parent club Southampton recalled him (the loaned him out straight away, make of that what you will.) 

Having helped Port Vale to a promotion out of League 2 in 2021-22, he joined Mansfield Town and then Notts County but never really got the game time, and spent time on loan at Boston United in the National League this season. The 25-year-old will hopefully slot into the spine of the team seamlessly.

Aidan Stone

Dagenham & Redbridge – Josh Rees

The Daggers’ second top-scorer – behind ex-Glover Dion Pereria, who is expected to miss this one through injury – is a fine example of a number ten. The former Boreham Wood and Bromley man has been a thorn in Yeovil’s side with some of his former clubs and proved a good foil for strike partner Josh Umerah when the Daggers have looked good this season.

Thats what he said…

Daggers’ gaffer and former Glover Lewis Young spoke to club’s media ahead of Saturday’s fixture. He said: “We have lost three in a row, and no one wants that tag. Yeovil are coming to town having not won in seven, so we are both not in great spaces in terms of results. But in terms of performances we are very similar as well.”

Lewis Young in action for Yeovil in 2012-13. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Yeovil Town boss, Mark Cooper, gave his thoughts ahead of the game. He said: “They’ve showed some good bits. Lewis [Young], the manager, is trying to make his way in the game. He’s brought in a really knowledgeable assistant, Terry Connor, who I know, [is] a brilliant sounding board for Lewis. They’ve had some difficult results, Forest Green twice, York, and been narrowly on the wrong side.

 We’ve met before…

It’s been a pretty evenly matched when the two sides have met (all iterations of Dagenham & Redbridge) with 22 losses, 18 wins and 16 draws.  

When the clubs last met earlier this season, the Glovers ran out 1-0 winners in front of a home crowd. The only goal coming from on loan striker Ciaran McGuckin.

Don’t I know you…

Dion Pereira. The Daggers’ top-scorer – albeit (hopefully) not one featuring in this match – had the briefs of appearances at Huish Park. The tricky winger signed on loan from Luton Town under Darren Sarll in 2021-22, played once and then left.

Dagenham & Redbridge’s boss, Lewis Young is another ex Glover. The recently appointed manager played 17 games for Yeovil in the 12/13 season. Young, will be remembered by many for being a part of the side that got promoted to the Championship in 2013.

Terry Connor, who played for Yeovil in the 1993/94 season, is on the coaching staff at Victoria Road. Picture courtesy of Michael West, YTFC Heritage Society.

On the coaching staff at Victoria Road is Terry Connor, a striker who played for the Glovers in 1993-94 before going to on have a successful coaching career notably as Mick McCarthy’s assistant at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

 

Who’s been naughty then?…

Glovers’ midfielder Charlie Cooper will miss this match having picked up his tenth yellow card in the 4-0 defeat at Rochdale last time out.

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