Callum Gould (Page 5)

Saturday sees Yeovil Town play their second of three games in six days as they make the long trip north to Gateshead in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday.


Form Guide…

Both sides have found their feet early on in the season, with Gateshead in second place in the National League Premier table and the Glovers in eighth.

The Tynesiders haven’t lost yet winning twice and drawing once with their most recent result being a 1-1 draw at FC Halifax Town on Tuesday night.

The big news of the Heed’s season has been the loss of two key players to injury with captain Greg Olley suffering a horrific leg break in their second match at Woking a week ago, and defender Joe Grayson, who injured his knee in their opening game of the season, a 5-1 home win over Ebbsfleet United.

The Glovers have been in good form as well after a spirited loss on the opening day they bagged six points from the last two games. The Somerset side dug in on Tuesday night to win 3-2 against Ebbsfleet United.

Charlie Cooper assesses his options – Pic – Gary Brown

Key Players…

Brett McGavin

Captain Matt Worthington was our pick for key player for Tuesday night’s fixture at home to Ebbsfleet and for this game I want to look his midfield partner in Brett McGavin.

Brett McGavin salutes the Thatchers Stand after scoring v Ebbsfleet

McGavin joined in the summer after leaving Torquay United. He has since proven a valuable asset, playing 70 minutes or more in all three games so far this season. He also contributed in Tuesday nights game with a goal that saw the Glovers go 1-0 up.

Regan Booty

Booty has so far been the stand out player for Gateshead. The central midfielder has got four assists in three games so will be crucial to the home side in the final third.

His battle with Worthington/McGavin will be interesting as whoever has the task of marking him will have there work cut out. Whoever wins this battle I feel will win the game.


 That’s what he said…

Glovers manager Mark Cooper had only positives to say about Saturday’s opponents when speaking to the media ahead of the Bank Holiday Weekend. He said: “They’re the most pure football team in the league, in terms of the way they play. They’re really easy on the eye…they really test you and ask you questions.”


Cooper has mixed feelings to playing Gateshead away with a game on Monday as well.

We’re going when the weather’s decent and it’s not freezing cold, it is a write off of two days however due to the travel.

The love-in between these two sides was reciprocated by Gateshead manager Rob Elliot who said he expects Yeovil to be the strongest of any of the teams promoted last season.,

He said: “They have a very experienced manager, experienced players, they have a good system and a really good shape, they are really solid and can dominate the ball, but they are also very compact in the way they hold the mid-block.

They have a lot of threats, big Nouble up front, a big personality and a big player, so we expect this to be our toughest test of the season. We have to make sure we are ready for it and make sure we attack the game and do not fall in to being passive because if we just pass it around without intent, you can find it really hard to gain momentum.


We’ve met before…

There has been three meetings between these two sides, with Yeovil leading the head-to-head with two wins to Gateshead’s one.

The last time they met was in the F.A Cup last year when the Glovers ran out 3-1 winners, with goals coming from Rhys Murphy, Jake Stevens and an own goal from Joe Grayson.


Don’t I know you…

Mark Beck. Remember that name, if you don’t I can’t blame you, his time at Yeovil wasn’t memorable (sorry Mark).

Joining in 2015, the Scottish striker made nine appearances for a Paul Sturrock side scoring no goals and getting just the one assist. He was soon loaned out to a then non-Hollywood Wrexham team.

There’s also Brandon Haunstrup who possibly makes this list having had a complete of substitute appearances at left-back for Mark Cooper’s side in pre-season this summer. He did not make the grade at Huish Park, but has got a deal on Tyneside, where he had a brief spell on loan last season whilst a Cambridge United player.


Who’s been naughty then…

Neither Yeovil or Gateshead have anyone suspended for the game.


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Yeovil Town Badge on huish park

It’s time for our first evening game of the season. Yeovil will face Ebbsfleet at 7.45pm Tuesday night in what will be hopefully a noisy Huish Park.

Here’s what you need to know…..


Form Guide…

After two games the Glovers have won one and lost one which has them sitting mid-table. Their win on Saturday was solid and should provide some building blocks for the Somerset side. 

Morgan Williams wheels away as the ball nestles in to the Braintree net.

Ebbsfleet have lost both games to start the season but they have had to face two of the favourites for promotion in Barney and Gateshead. In their last game against Barnet they only lost 2-1, so will provide a stern contest for the home side.


Key Players…

Yeovil – Matty Worthington

So we have looked at forwards and defenders in the last two weeks, so let’s now look at a midfielder. Matty Worthington is a stalwart, he does the things many don’t want to do, he is the definition of box-to-box and above all else he is a bloody good captain. 

The “Ginger Pirlo” has been a mainstay in the midfield since he joined the Glovers permanently in 2019. Last season he started to add goals to his game which has been what’s missing for him. If he can carry that on this season he’ll be even more of an asset to Mark Cooper. 

Matt Worthington.
Picture Courtesy of Gary Brown

As captain he doesn’t need to do much else, Worthy is a modern Yeovil great, who has green and white running through his blood.

Ebbsfleet United – Dominic Poleon

The striker has been at The Fleet since 2021 after leaving Newport County. Poleon has bagged one goal in his only game so far this season. 

The big man has been what you’d call prolific for the Kent side, scoring 71 goals across 131 games. Originally a Leeds United academy product the St Lucian has bounced around the leagues and will be a handful for the Glovers defense on Tuesday.


Thats what he said…

Ahead of Tuesday night’s game Yeovil boss Mark Cooper spoke to the clubs social media.

“I haven’t thought about it yet…but we’ll have some tired bodies.  I’ll have to pick the freshest best team we can to try and get the three points in tough game on Tuesday.”

Speaking to BBC Radio Kent Danny Searle was looking at the good his side has done so far this season. He said: “Let’s get ourselves back on the training pitch, let’s go to Yeovil and take the positives from today, and we’ll look at the negatives and address them.”


We’ve met before…

Yeovil have the head to head record in this match having only played one game against each other in the covid hit 2019/20 season.

That year Darren Sarll’s side romped to a 3-1 win. With goals coming from Rhys Murphy, Remeao Hutton and Tom Whelan. Aswad Thomas was scored Ebsfleet’s only goal.


Don’t I know you…

For the second week in a row there is no former Glovers who now ply their trade in Kent. 

However last season, they did have Billy Clifford. Technically he never actually played a game for us but he did have a loan to Somerset in 2013, that’s the best link we can get.


Who’s been naughty then…

Although neither team has players  missing through suspension, both sides had yellow cards in their last games.

What makes this noteworthy is Ebbsfleet received five bookings throughout the game so there maybe some hotheadedness within their ranks if Yeovil can find the right buttons to push.

The Fleet will be without first-team coach Grant Basey who was sent off against Barnet.


HOW CAN YOU KEEP ACROSS THE GAME?

IN PERSON

Get to Huish Park! Tickets are available for the game here.

ON THE RADIO

Ian is back on the mic with Jack Killah for BBC Somerset and Three Valleys Radio will have full match coverage too.

ON THE TV/ STREAM

National League TV has this game listed as available to watch. Match Passes are £9.99

ON THE GLOVERSCAST.CO.UK

We’ll have team news, match report, Five Conclusions and our usual reaction podcast to follow on Monday.

 

Yeovil travel east this weekend, as they play their first away game of the season against Braintree Town. Here’s what you need to know.


Form Guide…

With just the one game having been played so far this season form can be taken with a pinch of salt. However, both sides find themselves toward the bottom end of the table after suffering defeats on the opening day. 

Alex Whittle rises highest. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Yeovil fell victims to the far travelling Hartlepool team. After staying solid for the first half, it wasn’t until the 65th minute where the Glovers conceded the only goal of the game, consigning them to a 0-1 loss.

Braintree didn’t fair much better either, with the Essex side losing away to newly relegated Oldham Athletic, 3-0. Oldham will prove difficult for most teams this season, so it’s hard to say whether Braintree themselves will be difficult for Yeovil on Saturday.


Key Players…

Yeovil – Jake Wannell

Last week we looked at the attacking talents of Jordan Young. Defending is just as an important asset for a team though and with Jake Wannell we have a very good centre back. Last season he proved to be instrumental alongside defensive partner Morgan Williams.

In what that will be a cagey affair, with both teams looking to get all three points, a solid defensive base will be key against The Iron. Wannell will need to be on top form to keep John Akinde and Inih Effiong at bay.

Jake Wannell gets the better of Hartlepool striker, Emmanuel Dieseruvwe. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.
Jake Wannell gets the better of Hartlepool striker, Emmanuel Dieseruvwe. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Braintree – John Akinde

John Akinde will be a threat. At 35-years-old, Akinde is not what he once was, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be a handful. Dropping down from the football league to join Braintree is definitely a coup for The Iron, who will be hoping he can find his old form.

Last season wasn’t the best for the centre-forward only bagging two goals, albeit for a struggling Colchester United side. At his peak however the ex-Bristol City man was a 26 goal a season striker.


That’s what he said…

Angelo Harrop spoke to the Braintree social media team on Thursday, following their opening day loss to Oldham, he said he was hoping for a bounce back to form.

“We’re disappointed with the result against Oldham, but we are a different animal at home and I’m hoping to see a big, big reaction from our players on Saturday.”

He then spoke about the need to have the ‘Iron Army’ behind him and his team as they, like us, try and get our first National League points on the board.

Whilst Mark Cooper was wary of the challenge that a physical Braintree side will pose. 

“I think Saturday will be even harder (than last Saturday), as they’ve recruited really well, they’ve signed Inih Effiong, they’ve signed John Akinde, which are immense forwards for this level, they did a remarkable job getting promoted last year, they were one of the best teams we played…

We know it’s going to be a tough job, but I’m sure Angelo will be expecting a tough game from us.”

 


We’ve met before…

The two teams know each other well having faced off twice last season. With two wins from two for the Glovers, you wouldn’t blame the travelling fans for thinking all three points may be a certainty here.

The first game was at Huish Park last October where the Glovers ran out 2-0 winners, with goals coming from Jake Hyde and Matty Worthington. The second of our two previous fixtures is where fans can be cautiously optimistic as Yeovil won 0-1 in Essex. This time Frank Nouble bagging the only goal of the game.


Don’t I Know You?

For what might be the first time ever there is no opposition players or staff who have had a spell at Huish Park. Last season Charlie Wakefield was part of the group that was promoted alongside the Glovers, but the silky winger has since departed.

Charlie Wakefield. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Who’s been naughty then!?

Neither Yeovil or Braintree picked up any red cards in the opener, so both sides will be with their full options of players.

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

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

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

Yeovil Town News

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

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

Mark Cooper before Truro

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

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

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

Rhys Murphy.

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

TruroCity FC Team News

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

Truro City manager Paul Wotton.

Players To Watch

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

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

Crossing Paths

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

Matt Buse.
Picture courtesy of Iain Morland.

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

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

 

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

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

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

Yeovil Town Team News

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

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

Mark Cooper after the Weymouth game. Picture Courtesy of Gary Brown

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

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

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

Matt Worthington.
Picture Courtesy of Gary Brown

There are no fresh injury concerns for the Glovers.

Worthing FC Team News

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

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

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

PLAYERS TO WATCH

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

https://twitter.com/Vanarama/status/1773753349264822611

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

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

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

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

Yeovil Town News

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

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

Mark Cooper speaks to Sheridan Robins after the 3-0 home win over Torquay United.

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

W*ymouth Team News

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Yeovil Town Team News

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

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

Picture Courtesy of Gary Brown

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

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

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

Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

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

Braintree Town Team News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yeovil warm up before the game against Farnborough
Pic: Debs Curtis

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

Yeovil Town Team News

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

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

Aveley FC’s Parkside ground.

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

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

Aveley Team News

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

https://twitter.com/Lambpix1/status/1764253954957820278

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yeovil Town Team News

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

Picture Courtesy of Gary Brown

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

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

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

Matt Worthington.
Picture Courtesy of Gary Brown

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

Farnborough FC Team News

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

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

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

Midfielder Millar Matthews-Lewis is player for travelling fans to look out for, having joined the Hampshire side in January from Premier League team Luton Town on loan. In terms of a goal threat, Boro have forward Hady Ghandour, on loan from Aldershot, who has bagged six goals in nine games.
https://twitter.com/FarnboroughFC/status/1762809877184065734

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

Yeovil Town are back in action at Huish Park this weekend as they host a struggling Havant & Waterloville.

The Glovers will be thankful for some home comforts after two weekends in row in the county of Kent (try saying that drunk). The Somerset side come into the game after beating a hardy Tonbridge Angel side 2-4. The boys in green will also be looking to avenge a shock defeat by Havant in the reverse fixture at the start of the season.

The Hawks make the trip to south Somerset after having last weekend off due to a game postponement. Havant did win their previous game however 2-1 against Chelmsford City. That win gave the Hampshire outfit their first three points in three games which will have come as some relief for Caretaker manager Cliff de Gordon.

Yeovil Town Team News

Boss Mark Cooper was happy with his sides showing last time out. He said: “We spoke about the need to react. if we lose a game it’s important that we fight back and we did that…there was never any doubt in my mind we wouldn’t fight back.”

Mark Cooper interviewed after Yeovil Town's 4-2 win at Tonbridge Angels
Mark Cooper interviewed after Yeovil Town’s 4-2 win at Tonbridge Angels

The ex-Swindon man had some kind words about Saturdays opponents. He said: “They have their strengths…they’ve got some good players, with the players they’ve gone through this season they shouldn’t be where they are in the league.”

Cooper confirmed that Jordan Stevens “is available for Saturday” after getting a slight knock against Tonbridge. The 54 year-old was disappointed that forward Olly Thomas is out for “three weeks” after getting injured whilst playing for parent club Bristol City. However, he did state “he’s there player at the end of the day” to not upset the apple cart.

Jordan Young is a man on a personal mission this season, having set himself a goal target. He said: “At the start of the season I wasn’t looking at goal targets due to my game time. But  now I’m getting the playing time, I want 20 [goals] I think I’m on 14 now.” 

Young is still one Yellow card away from suspension.

Picture Courtesy of Gary Brown

Havant & Waterlooville Team News

The Hawks have to ex-glovers in their squad that many Yeovil fans will recognise. Midfielder Oscar Gobern, who spent a season at Huish Park now finds himself on the south-coast where he’s been for the last two seasons. A name more familiar for fans will be that of ex-striker Ryan Seager. Seager, who was born and raised in the town, is also now plying his trade in Hampshire after a move from national league side Dorking Wanderers mid-season.

Oscar Gobern
Oscar Gobern playing for Yeovil. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz

The last time these two teams played, Yeovil were beaten 4-3 in what was a fairly entertaining game, the match also saw Charlie Cooper sent off in added time. Glovers fans will be glad to hear Muhammadu Faal has since left the Hampshire side who netted twice in the reverse fixture. Callum Kealy, who scored the winner that game, however has returned to the club after a brief spell away at Eastbourne Borough.

A player to keep an eye on for home fans is James Roberts, with the forward proving to be one of the Hawks most prolific attackers scoring six goals so far this season.