Callum Gould (Page 2)

It’s some more midweek action for Yeovil Town as they travel to Wealdstone for a crucial game in the league.


FORM…

YEOVIL TOWN

For all the criticism that I have put in recent weeks around the Glovers form, I think it’s only fair to praise them when we are coming off the back of a  3-2 win. It felt a bit a night and day watching Yeovil against Morecambe than it did watching them in the game prior at Woking. The players showed fight something their boss, Billy Rowley, has been crying out for. We scored goals, another thing we have struggled for this season and finally the match was an entertaining watch. And for all those plaudits there is some areas we could improve, especially in the quality of the game but if this how we beat the teams around us to stay up, I’ll take it any day.

The upcoming match will be a different kind of test for the Glovers as they face a tough to beat Wealdstone FC side.

Yeovil Players celebrating the opening goal. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

WEALDSTONE

Now, The Stones have hit the skids over the last two games with defeats to Forest Green Rovers and Gateshead respectively, but before that loss to the North-East side they had won three on the bounce. Last time out for the Londoners, was that defeat to Forest Green, but that 2-0 loss can be taken with a pinch of salt as the Gloucestershire side have been one of the more classier outfits in the league this season.

Another factor for the Stones coming into this fixture will be their semi-final against Marine in the FA Trophy. So, will they be putting a full strength side out knowing they have to be at their best on Saturday, time will tell.


KEY PLAYERS…

YEOVIL TOWN – JAMES DALY

Who needs a striker when you have James Daly. The winger has been exceptional in the back half of the season, contributing effectively with Josh Sims and Ryan Jones to build a formidable attacking three behind the striker. As well as the bond he seems to struck up with them, Daly is finding the net when others maybe have not. The winger has looked a real class act now he’s had a run of games after time out with an injury.

Saturday also showed his desire to work for the team, which was highlighted by his closing down of the Morecambe keeper in the 99th minute of the match. If we had a team full of James Daly’s, I don’t think we would be where we are in the league.

James Daly | Photo by Gary Brown

WEALDSTONE – NATHAN TSHIKUNA

The midfielder has been integral to the Stones this season with key performances dotted through out the league campaign. And although above par in the two losses recently it was in Wealdstone’s last win against Solihull that the 27-year-old stood out. And for all his good work off the ball, a goal and two assists is enough for any player to be seen as an influential.

Over the course of the season, Tshikuna has contributed well with eight goals to his name, as well as those two assists. Yeovil will need to be on high alert to keep the lively midfielder at bay.


THE GAFFER…

Gary Waddock is the manager in the home dugout, as Yeovil travel to the capital. In fact, the 64-year-old is no stranger to London, having spent the majority of his playing days in the city. The former midfielder, will be most know for his time at QPR, where he played over 200 times for the R’s. He would then go to play in Belgium for Charleroi before heading back to London, playing for Millwall. Waddock, is also no stranger to the West Country, having played 71 games for Bristol Rovers.

As a manger however, the ex-Ireland international started a QPR in 2006 but quickly left the same year. Two years at Aldershot then followed, before he left in 2009 for the bright lights of Wycombe Wanderers. After three years at the Chair Boys, Waddock was relieved of his duties. Short stints at Oxford and Pompey followed before he retuned to Aldershot in 2016, where stayed until 2019, which was his last job as a permanent manager.

The Londoner has faced the Glovers four times, losing on all four occasions.


LAST TIME WE MET…

It was a tough going for Yeovil when the sides last met in November. On a cold day at Huish Park, the Stones ran out 0-2 winners, with their goals coming from Dominic Hutchinson and Max Kretzschmar.
When the two sides last met.

You then have to go back to October of 2024 for when the two sides faced off at Grosvenor Vale. That day the Glovers took all three points in a 0-3 win thanks to goals from Brett McGavin, Aaron Jarvis and Ciaran McGuckin.


DON’T I KNOW YOU…

A couple of names for travelling fans to keep an eye out for. First of which is Anthony Georgiou played two games for Yeovil in 2022/23 when on loan from Leyton Orient.

Another Yeovil old boy that now plays for the Stones is Olufela Olomola. The forward was a bit of fan favourite during his first spell at Huish Park in 17/18, coring seven goals, whilst on loan from Southampton. Olomola would return a season later bagging three goals. He came back for a third loan spell in 21/22 scoring just the once. Across his three spells the 28-year-old would make 57 appearances in all competitions.

Oluefela Olomola playing for Yeovil Town. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.
Oluefela Olomola playing for Yeovil Town. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…

George Laffin will be the man with the whistle on Saturday afternoon. For more on him and his team read Ben’s article here.

An unhappy Billy Rowley

Yeovil Town are back at Huish Park on Saturday afternoon as they take on fellow strugglers Morecambe in the league.


FORM…

YEOVIL TOWN

The Glovers haven’t been at their best over the last month or so with performances dropping off. Those bad performances have resulted in losses and a slip down the table. In their last games against Woking it was more of the same for Yeovil as they lost 1-0.

The game was marred on the Glovers behalf at least by striker Aaron Jarvis receiving his 10th yellow card of the season meaning a suspension. With Jarvis out and Tahvon Campbell on loan, Billy Rowley now only has new recruit Millar Matthews-Lewis to rely on up top.

Yeovil Town players after the 1-0 defeat to Woking.
Yeovil Town players after the 1-0 defeat to Woking.

Speaking of Rowley, his damming post match interview, where he questioned his players mentality and pleaded for “some more passion” will hopefully get a spark out of his squad.

An unhappy Billy Rowley

MORECAMBE

If this was a month or so go it would be a different story. A team that was minutes away from being extinct, languishing near the bottom of the table with poor result after poor result. However, they have since parted ways with Ashvir Johal and brought in Jim Bentley, who has done a good job in getting a more consistent tune out of the side.

Over the last five games, the Shrimps have won twice, drawn twice and lost once (to York). It was a 1-1 draw for the Seasiders last time out as they faced Braintree at home, but it has been the scoring prowess of the Lancashire side that has been impressive. In the last five games they have scored 15 goals, a cause for concern for the Glovers defence.


KEY PLAYERS…

YEOVIL TOWN – MILLAR MATTHEWS-LEWIS

I feel bad for putting him in the position of key player when he has only played a handful of minutes on Tuesday night. But it shows the level of desperation we are now at that we have to rely on a very new loanee to get us going. As mentioned with Aaron Jarvis now suspended. Matthews-Lewis will need to step up in a big way on Saturday.

Millar Matthews-Lewis.

A big problem for the Glovers all season has been goals, so the hope of bringing the 21-year-old in is that he can hit the ground running. In his 24 appearance in the National League South this season the Burton Albion youngster has bagged 12 goals, something he can hopefully transfer in the step up.

MORECAMBE – JACK NOLAN

There was only one man that I could pick for this after doing some research and that is Jack Nolan. The 24-year-old is a midfielder that every manager dreams of. Technically very good, can set up a goal and even finishes them himself. In fact so far this season the midfield master has found the net 15 times, yep you read that correct.

Although performing at a good level before the arrival of Jim Bentley, Nolan has stepped it up a gear for his new boss with 10 goals in that time, six of which have come in his last three games. And what is perhaps even more impressive for you geeks out there is that he hit a match rating of 10 (on Sofascore) when Morecambe beat Sutton 5-0 two games ago.

It could be a long day for Yeovil if they don’t set up well against the tricky winger.


THE GAFFER…

As I have mentioned a couple of time already the Shrimps now have Jim Bentley in charge after dismissing Ashvir Johal. The 49-year-old is no stranger to Morecambe though serving as their manager from 2012-2019, before leaving for AFC Fylde. After three years at the Mill Farm, the Scouser was dismissed. He then went on to manage Rochdale and Southport.

Bentley also played professionally only playing for two clubs, Telford and Morecambe. It was with the Shrimps that he was most associated with playing over 300 games for the club.

As a manager Bentley has faced Yeovil nine times, winning five, drawing two and losing two.


LAST TIME WE MET…

When the two sides last locked horns the game was dull to say the least. With the match finishing 0-0. When they last faced off at Huish Park, back in 2019, however it was a much more exciting fixture, with the Glovers winning 3-2.
Yeovil went 1-0 down early on thanks to a Richie Bennett goal. They did get themselves back into the game after halftime, as a quick fire double from Tristan Abrahams put them on top. The Shrimps then equalised in the 83rd minute as Steve Old looked to have secured a share of the points, before Yeovil boy, Ryan Seager put the game to bed four minutes later.
A collector’s item. Tristan Abrahams scoring one of his two goals in a home win over Morecambe during his loan spell in 2019-20.

DON’T I KNOW YOU…

There are no former Glovers to look out for on Saturday.


THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…

Aaron Farmer will be the man with the whistle on Saturday afternoon. For more on him and his team read Ben’s article here.

It’s off to the Home Counties on Tuesday night as Yeovil Town take on Woking under the lights in the rescheduled fixture.


FORM…

YEOVIL TOWN

The past couple of games have probably been the worse under Billy Rowley with two poor showings in defeats to both Scunthorpe United and Boston United. Last time out was another Jekyll and Hyde performance, playing well for the first half and making ourselves look like part timers in the second 45, ultimately losing 2-1 to Boston.

The Glovers looked decent after Aaron Jarvis decided to be a striker and score a goal. But once Boston got back into the game through Jake Rooney they slowly took control. Then Yeovil old boy Jordy Hiwula bagged the winner to put claim the three points. In fact the Lincolnshire side should have probably won by more.

Yeovil vs Boston.

WOKING

The Cardinals have been in some good form recently, going unbeaten over their previous four games. In their most recent game, they were by far and away the dominant side winning 4-1 away to Brackley Town (we know how hard that can be). Those four goals carry on the great goalscoring form The Cards have been in recent times too, with 11 goals in the last five games.

Woking sit six places above the Glovers in the league, and haven’t lost at home since the 30th December.


KEY PLAYERS…

YEOVIL TOWN – RYAN JONES

I picked out jones a couple of games ago due to him picking up the slack of some of our strikers. And although he hasn’t scored since for a coupe of games, he is still making an impact.

It was the 23-year-old’s double act with Josh Sims that looked most dangerous against Boston. With the two combining multiple times and always looking a threat. Although their endeavour may have not resulted in a goal, it’s encouraging to see some link up play and the beginnings of pairing that may rival that of Ant and Dec.

WOKING – OLLY SANDERSON

It seems that every club in the league has a striker that finds the back of the net on a regular basis and Woking are no different. The Surrey sides goal threat comes in the shape of the 6ft Olly Sanderson, who is on loan from Fulham. Even at 22-years-old Sanderson has been exposed to a fair bit of senior football, with loans at Oxford City, Sutton, Bradford and Harrogate. This is however his best in terms of scoring with 12 goals to date.

In his last game against Brackley, the striker did bag two goals to add to his season tally.


THE GAFFER…

It’s a bit of a weird one this weekend with three players also taking charge. After Neal Ardley was sacked at the beginning of the month back up keeper Craig Ross has taken charge with his support team being that of two former Glovers Dale Gorman and Jake Hyde.

This is Ross’ first foray into management and it’s fair to say it’s gone well. Since taking over at the beginning of the month, the 36-year-old has overseen the four game unbeaten run and 11 goals scored. Will it be more of the same on Tuesday night.


LAST TIME WE MET…

Games against Woking have been quite fruitful for the Glovers in recent seasons, having not lost since 2023. When the two sides met back in September at Huish Park, Yeovil won 1-0 thanks to a very late goal from Luke McCormick.

It was in November of 2024 when the Glovers last traveled to the Kingfield Stadium. That day goals from Brett McGavin (and what a goal it was) and Finn Cousin-Dawson sealed the win.

The last time we faced Woking at the Kingfield.

DON’T I KNOW YOU…

The Cards love a former Glover, with three of them in the playing squad.

Jamie Andrews will be a name that may resonate with fans as the defender was on loan at Huish Park from West Brom back in 22/23, playing eight games.

Jamie Andrews playing for YEOVIL TOWN
Jamie Andrews. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Who remembers Dale Gorman? I know you all do thanks to writing himself into Yeovil history for that penalty against the team that shall not be named. The Northern Irishman came to Somerset in 2021 and played 43 games across his one season at Huish Park.

Dale Gorman scores his penalty vs Weymouth
Dale Gorman scores his penalty vs Weymouth
Credit: Weymouth Flickr

The final man that travelling Glovers will recognise is striker Jake Hyde. The 35-year-old dovetailed with Rhys Murphy back in 2023/24. In his 21 games he scored five goals on the way to the National League South title.

Jake Hyde, appeared after 70 minutes on Tuesday night.
Picture courtesy of Iain Morland.

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…

Richie Watkins will be the man with the whistle on Saturday afternoon. For more on him and his team read Ben’s article here.

It’s the Ian Botham Derby this weekend as Yeovil Town take on Scunthorpe United at Huish Park on Saturday afternoon.


FORM…

YEOVIL TOWN

With the Glovers in the midst of small run of bad form, with one win in five, a victory was needed against Tamworth last time out. And a 2-0 win is just what the Huish Park faithful got. Yeovil grew into the game through the first half with a goal looking likely for the home side. They were then rewarded for their good work when Ryan Jones‘ bagged the opener after a mazy solo run through what seemed the entire Tamworth team, on the 40th minute.

Yeovil vs Tamworth.
Yeovil vs Tamworth.

The Glovers then doubled their lead 10 minutes in to the second period when on loan centre-back, Declan Skura, became the scorer. Not only did Billy Rowley‘s men secure all there points, it was potentially the most complete performance this season from the team. Hopefully this was a little glimpse into what the future could look like under the 43-year-old.

SCUNTHORPE UNITED

The Iron haven’t been in the most scintillating form over their last five games with three losses and two draws in that time. However, they do sit sixth in the table, so will no doubt be a dangerous opposition.

The Lincolnshire side didn’t had a game of two halves last time out as they drew 3-3 with Solihull Moors. The first half was one to forget as Conor Wilkinson put The Moors 0-2 up at halftime. The Iron came out all guns blazing and pulled one back through Danny Whitehall on the 48th minute. The action kept coming when Solihull’s Tyler French was sent off just five minutes later. This gave Scunthorpe hope and they equalised with 10 minutes as Whitehall got his second, before completing his hat-trick on the 85th minute. Then just when the home side looked like they secured all three points, Isaac Moore popped up to spoil the party.

With the shipping of those three goals, that was the third time in as many games that The Iron have conceded three goals.


KEY PLAYERS…

YEOVIL TOWN – RYAN JONES

It feels good to be going a couple of games not saying the same two names for once this season. Although Jed Ward and Luke McCormick have been by far our best players this term, it feels like we are becoming less reliant on them two for our wins, other players are starting to step up. Jones is one of those name and although he hasn’t been able to get the run of games he’d have hoped due to being cup tied, he really showed up on Tuesday night.

Ryan Jones in action for Yeovil Town
Ryan Jones tackles Kwaku Donkor. Picture courtesy of Debs Curtis.

You have to start with that wonderful solo effort. The 23-year-old drifted past the Tamworth players like they were not there before striking it past Jasbir Singh from a tight-ish angle on the corner of the six-yard box. Outside of that goal, Jones created plenty and played like a player who wanted to be here (unlike some). As with many this season, let’s hope it’s not just a one off.

SCUNTHORPE UNITED – DANNY WHITEHALL

Whitehall is one of two players I could have picked for this, with Callum Roberts, being the other. And although, Roberts has more goal involvements this season, I have to pick the man who has been plugging away and scoring goals whilst his side have been far from impressive over the last five games.

As mentioned in the form, last time out for the striker was a memorable day. Not only did he help his team get back into a game and pick up a point, he claimed the match ball in doing so. That hat-trick has put him level with Roberts this season on 13 goals this season, with the two fighting it out to be the Iron’s top scorer.

Will Wannell withstand Whitehall?


THE GAFFER…

Andy Butler will be heading to Huish Park on Saturday to take on Billy Rowley. The 42-year-old  has been in charge of the Iron since 2024, when he replaced Jimmy Dean.

It was as the Doncaster Belles, in woman’s football, where Butler cut his teeth as a manager, before he took over as caretaker boss of the mens side, where he had played 245 times.

As a player Butler started his career at Scunthorpe before going on to play for eight other teams. He would play 675 times during his career.

Butler has only faced the Glovers once as a manager, earlier this season, when he won 1-0.


LAST TIME WE MET…

It’s been quite few dull years when these two side have faced off. When they met earlier this season at the Attis Arena, Scunthorpe secured a 1-0 win thanks to a Tyrell Sellars-Fleming goal.
Scunthorpe celebrate Tyrell Sellars-Fleming’s opening goal.

It was an even more drab affair when the last played at Huish Park in 2022, with the game finishing 0-0, here’s hoping for a more lively encounter this time around.


DON’T I KNOW YOU…

There will be no ex-Glovers coming to Huish Park on Saturday.


THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…

Callum Walchester will be the man with the whistle on Saturday afternoon. For more on him and his team read Ben’s article here.

It’s back home for Yeovil Town as they take on Tamworth at Huish Park on Tuesday night.


FORM…

YEOVIL TOWN

The Glovers haven’t been in the best of form over the last five games with three losses, a win and a draw in that time. The only win during that time was last week when the Billy Rowley‘s men hosted Sutton United and scraped a 3-2 thanks to two last stoppage time goals.

Last time out the Glovers were beat 1-1 (4-2 on penalties) by Southport in the FA Trophy. With the travelling Glovers faithful optimistic of a Wembley trip, Yeovil soon repaid the support of the travelling fans with a goal just before the break thanks to the in-from James Daly.

The Somerset side couldn’t hang on a conceded with 10 minutes to forcing a shootout, and the less we say about that the better.

The sun sets on our dreams of a Wembley final.

Tamworth

The Staffordshire side are in a better predicament than their counterparts. Over the last five fixtures they are unbeaten with three draws and two wins. Currently sat in 10th, the Lambs are very much one of the in-form sides in the league, with 11 goals scored during the same stretch of games.

It was perhaps last time out that the midlands team showed their growing confidence and quality with a 3-2 win over fourth place Boreham Wood. That result really cemented the credentials of Tamworth heading into the latter part of the season. In form striker (how nice it would be to have one of them) Oliver Lynch bagged two goals with Stefan Mols grabbing the other in the impressive win.


KEY PLAYERS…

YEOVIL TOWN – JAMES DALY

It could only be Daly after the last week. In what has been a very stop start campaign for the winger, over the last two games Daly has been integral to getting goals where other members of the team haven’t. Now it’s not the 26-year-olds fault that for long parts of the season the whole squad has been underperforming, himself included, but the he is given the chance to play he clearly has quality.

James Daly
Pic c/o Gary Brown

It’s understatement to say that eyebrows were raised when we signed him from Harrogate town in the summer, with many believing he was a better standard than us. With a crucial double against Sutton last week and the opening goal against Southport, Daly has proved he has the ability, but let’s hope he can sustain this to show it’s not just a flash in the pan purple patch.

TAMWORTH – OLIVER LYNCH

If we take the last five games as a sample size for form, Lynch is in great form. For a striker it’s all about scoring goals and Lynch has started to find the net more regularly in recent weeks. Across the five game period I talked about, the 21-year-old has bagged four goals in that time.

Two of those four came last time out against Boreham Wood, the on-loan Luton man scored a brace, helping his team to a 3-2 win over the London side. His uptick in form will be pleasing for Lambs fans, but for Yeovil who have at times had an unsure defence, it could be a struggle to keep Lynch under control.


THE GAFFER…

The man in the away dugout on Tuesday night will be the longstanding Andy Peaks. The 55-year-old has been at The Lamb Ground since 2022 now and has helped Tamworth become a recognised National League club in that time.

Before taking over four years ago, Peaks was at boss down at Rushden & Diamonds for nine years, between 2013 and 2022. that was his first job in management after spells as assistant at Rushden & Diamonds, Daventry Town and AFC Long Buckby in the six years prior.

Peaks’ record when facing the Glovers is that of symmetry, with three games played against Yeovil he has won one, drawn one and lost one.


LAST TIME WE MET…

The teams last played each other way back at the start of the campaign in September when Tamworth won 1-0 at The Lamb Ground. The only goal that day coming from Tyler Roberts in the 75th minute. Coincidently it was the only game in the Danny Webb era.
Danny Webb

When the two sides last met at Huish Park it was just over a year ago, it was Yeovil who took the the three points with a 2-1 win over the Lambs. That day, Tamworth took a 0-1 lead through Ronan Maher just before the half hour mark. It wasn’t until the 49th minute that the Glovers equalised through Charlie Cooper. Before Frank Nouble got the winner 10 minutes later.

James Daly scoring for YEOVIL TOWN against Southport.
James Daly celebrates his opening goal at Southport.

DON’T I KNOW YOU…

There will be no former Glovers making the trip to their old stomping ground on Tuesday night.


THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…

Oliver Mackey will be the man with the whistle on Tuesday night. For more on him and his team read Ben’s article here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.