Callum Gould (Page 9)

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The first round of the FA Cup is upon us and it will see Yeovil Town host possibly their hardest opponent yet, in high flying National League team Gateshead FC. (Storm Ciaran dependent)

The inform Town will be looking to upset the odds against a very strong Tynesiders team, but the prospect of extending the winning streak to 11 games as well as the Huish Park faithful should be enough to spur on the Mark Coopers men.

Gateshead recently lost manager Mark Williamson to MK Dons and have been under the stewardship of ex-Newcastle United keeper Rob Elliot. In his two games in charge so far, Elliot has one point from six.

Yeovil Town News

Manager Mark Cooper believes Gateshead will pose a difficult test. He said: “I like watching them in my spare time. I would say they’re the one of best if not the best pure football teams in the National League.

“They’re very similar to Notts County…If you take Chesterfield out of it, they’re the toughest test we could have got from the National League.”

The former Darlington man is hoping for a result either at the weekend. He said: ” We just spoke to the staff and if it’s nil-nil then one of us is going to run on to the pitch to score an own goal. It will be the worst thing for both teams with the amount of games coming up.”

A slight dilemma for Cooper could be up front where the recent purple patch from Jake Hyde has seen him rise into contention among the front line. With the likes of Rhys Murphy and Frank Nouble also competing for a similar role it will be a nice problem to have for the 54-year-old.

Jake Hyde
Picture courtesy of Iain Morland.

Jordan Young also spoke about the upcoming tie. He said: “We know how good they are but it’s similar to the Southend game, it’s a good chance to show what we can do.” Young also spoke about how “good a feeling” it would be to get to the second round of the Cup and compared the Cup fixtures to a “nice day out” as it takes your mind away from the league.

Jamie Sendles-White is the only player missing through injury.

Gateshead News

Rob Elliot feels the FA Cup will provide the perfect challenge for his young side as they make the long trip down to Somerset. He said: “By no means are we taking them lightly, it’s probably one of the toughest games we could’ve got, in terms of the travel, their form and the potential conditions. But I like that.”

The former Premier league shot stopper has “a lot of respect for Yeovil” and feels the Glovers are a “very good team” with “good, experienced players.”

Town fans will know all about the exploits of the majority of this Gateshead squad after that fateful Tuesday night last season. The danger man so far this season for the Tynesiders has once again been frontman Marcus Dinanga who has netted 12 goals so far. Other key men for the National League side include Luke Hannant and Louis Storey. Greg Olley returns after sitting out his one game suspension.

Gateshead are without Carl Maganay (Injury), Robbie Tinkler (Injury).

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Yeovil Town will want to carry on their good form on Tuesday night as they play host to local rivals W*ymouth in the National League South. 

The Glovers are currently on an eight game winning streak, and three points against The Terras could see them potentially open a six point gap on second place Bath City.

Weymouth will be a tough proposition for the Somerset side as they haven’t lost in the league since the fifth of September. However they have only won two of their last five league games.

Yeovil Town News

Mark Coopers men have looked dangerous over the last 10 games and their current form is up there with the best in Europe. Another win for the Somerset team will see them join the likes of Fenerbahce and PSV Eindhoven on a nine game winning streak.

The in form player for Yeovil has been striker Rhys Murphy, who after rejoining the club in the summer has gone on to score six goals in twelve games.

Rhys Murphy slots home his penalty.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Another player who has found form in the early part of the season is Jordan Young. The young forward, who joined in January, found it difficult to adjust to life in the National League. However the Scotsman has relished his role playing off the wing or in behind the striker so far this campaign.

Yeovil have no new injuries or suspensions to worry about, however Murphy and Alex Whittle both sit on four yellow cards so will need to be careful.

W*ymouth Team News

Weymouth will be relishing the chance to get one over their bitter rivals, especially if it means putting an end to Yeovil’s incredible run of form.

Manager Bobby Wilkinson has called on his supporters to make themselves heard at Huish Park. He said: “ The fans have always been a 12th man since the day I came in… I’m calling on the fans to be loud and proud.”

Wilkinson feels his team will have to play “good football” to get the fans going and “will try everything to make them proud on the night”.

The key man for the South coast side will be striker Dan Roberts who found himself in the National League South side team of the week for his performance against Eastbourne Borough.

Another player of note for The Terras is 19-year-old Italian forward Ezio Touray, who has impressed since joining. The ex-Watford player has scored three goals in four games so far this season.

The ex-Bracknell boss will have a full squad to pick from as well. Wilkinson himself is back on the touch line after serving a one game suspension.

Note from writer: I’d like to formally apologise to the readers. Unfortunately I was unable to write this article mentioning that teams name without asterisk. Please forgive me.

 

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Yeovil Town play host to Southend United in what is arguably the tie of the FA Cup Fourth qualifying round this weekend.

The game see’s the top team in the National League South take on a Shrimpers team that will be looking to show their potential new owners what they can do.

The Glovers who are on a six game winning streak will be hoping the home crowd advatage will play in their favour once more.

The Essex side come into their first cup game of the season off the back of two straight wins, with their previous a 2-0 victory over ex-Glover boss Darren Sarll.

Yeovil Town News

Manager Mark Cooper is hoping to “ride the momentum” created at Huish park this season. He said: “There’s a good feel about the place and a really good atmosphere when we play (at Huish Park) and we have to keep that going and ride the momentum and see how far it will take us. I am sure they have looked at us and are thinking ‘they’re not bad’.”

Cooper is under no illusion how difficult a game this will be for his team. He was keen to point out that the National League side will be boosted by fans who have “got their club back.”

The 54-year-old also made it clear that The Shrimpers wont be bothered by coming to Huish Park. He said: “Their fans have been magnificent throughout all the recent troubles, similar to Yeovil. But they can get 7,000 without trying and I would suggest they are on the way back now.

“They won’t be fussed about coming to Huish Park, we have to make it a really uncomfortable afternoon for them on the pitch.”

Mark Cooper speaks after the Aveley win.

The Somerset sides longest serving player, Matty Worthing also gave his thoughts on the upcoming fixture. He said: “We are more than capable [of beating Southend]. A lot of the squad have played in that league [National League] and higher, so there is no fear from our perspective. 

“We are looking forward to it and if we play the way we have been, it will be a great game.”

The game also see’s Rhys Murphy and Jake Hyde go up against their former team.

The only player to miss out for Yeovil is Jamie Sendles-White with an achilles injury. Jordan Stevens and Charlie Cooper return.

Southend Team News

Boss Kevin Maher was complimentary of the Glovers when speaking to the clubs YouTube channel. He said: “Yeovil are doing ever so well and we know we’ve got to perform. They’re in a different place to when we went there last year and they’ve got some continuity with the manager.”

The Shrimpers legend has experience with teams in the South West as he was coach and caretaker manager at rivals Bristol Rovers for a couple of seasons.

The ex-Ireland youth team player was also happy to see two of his former players doing well. He said: “They’re both great lads. I’m glad to see Murph’s scoring goals and Hydey’s off the mark as well so I’m really pleased for them and it’ll be good to see them.”

Southends very own stalwart Jason Demetriou also spoke to club media ahead of the game. He said: “It would’ve been nice to get a nearer draw. We know some of the boys.

“We haven’t been as confident going into the FA Cup becasue of league form. But where we have good form now, everyones looking forward to the weekend, so it’s a positive and if we beat them will see what happens after that.”

The key man for the Essex club will be striker Harry Cardwell who has bagged 10 goals in 15 games this season, which see’s him tied for second in the goalscorer standings.

Southend will be without Mauro Vilhete and Brooklyn Kabongolo who are both cup tied. Luis Lomas, Collin Adeng-Ndi, Dan Mooney and ex-Town full-back Nathan Ralph are all out with injury. Midfielder Noor Husin is unavailble after being called up for internationl duty and Defender Wesley Fonguck is touch and go.

 

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Yeovil Town Badge on huish park

Yeovil Town return to league action this weekend in a top end of the table clash, as they face Aveley at Huish Park.

High flying Town have been in good form, going unbeaten in the month of September after a somewhat difficult start to the season. The Glovers will be looking to take their winning streak to six in all competitions, with a win over the visitors.

The Millers, promoted from the Isthmian League Premier Division in last May’s play-offs, have enjoyed a great start to life in the National League North. Since winning promotion, they won six of their first eight matches including beating Gary Johnson’s Torquay United on home soil (Gloverscast rules prevent us from saying what kind of surface Aveley play on – but rubber crumb may be more prevalent than soil!) and winning 1-0 away at Maidstone United.

Of the three teams relegated out of the National League Premier, only the Glovers remain – can the new boys make it 3/3 on Saturady?

Yeovil Town FC News

Boss Mark Cooper is expecting a tough game against a team who he suspects will be up for it after making the FA Cup fourth qualifying round with a 2-1 win at local rivals Hornchurch in a midweek third qualifying round replay on Tuesday night.

He said: “They’ve had great start… we’re expecting a tough game, they’ll try to play on the front foot.

“They had a good win in extra time midweek to get through [in the FA Cup] and play Barnet in the next round.”

However the Glovers’ boss wants his side to “keep the home run going” and to give the home faithful “another performance to cheer about.”

Cooper doesn’t feel the extra minutes played in midweek will mean much. He said: “They would have been training anyway. I think when they turn up here, see the stadium, the pitch and the crowd, it will give them a lift.”

Mark Cooper speaks to the media.

Striker Frank Nouble spoke about the teams desire to keep their current purple patch going. He said: “We are on a run of five games in row we have won. We want to keep that going.

“It’s just another game for us to showcase what we can do. But keep winning is the most important thing for us.”

The Glovers have no players suspended with Matt Worthington expected to return and striker Jake Hyde available after missing the FA Cup win over Didcot Town last weekend.

Cooper was not giving anything away in his pre-match presser on Thursday, but said his squad have “some bumps and bruises.”

He was without defender Jamie Sendles-White and midfielder Jordan Stevens through injury against Didcot and revealed after the match that Michael Smith and Charlie Cooper had been injury doubts.

Aveley FC

The man to watch for The Millers is midfielder Siju Odelusi who has scored five goals in the league from midfield this season. Former Southend United striker Matt Rush is another player to keep a close eye on. Rush has been in good form recently scoring the winner in midweek win at Hornchurch

There are no suspensions for the visitors, but club Media Manager Joe Stackable told us that captain Harry Gibbs took “a few knocks” in the first match against his former side, Hornchurch, seven days ago. Whether that makes him a doubt for the match at Huish Park or not remains to be seen.

He said: “We’ve had pretty much the same team since the start of the season with a few changes here and there, but it doesn’t matter if you start or do not feature, you are a part of the club.

“For us the game starts on the coach, there’s going to be a lot of games of Monopoly being played, Uno and whatever!”

If you are looking for a bit of hope going in to this game, after their 1-0 win at Maidstone at the start of September, Aveley have lost 2-0 at Slough Town and draw 1-1 at home to Braintree Town in their last two National League South matches.

Around those they had two games to see off King’s Lynn Town in the FA Cup second qualifying round, before dispatching Hornchurch on Tuesday night after drawing the first match 2-2 last weekend.

You can hear our chat with Joe on our new Saturday morning feature ‘In the opposition camp’ which you can find wherever you get your podcasts.

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Yeovil Town are back in FA Cup action this week as they play host to Premier South team Didcot Town in the third qualifying round.

With the Gloversl looking to make it five wins on the bounce for the first time since the start of the 2019/20 season, the Huish park faithful will be hoping Didcot don’t spoil the party.

Unfortunately the same can’t be said for The Railwaymen, who have only won one league game so far this campaign, so will be looking to the cup for some respite.

Yeovil Town News

The big news coming out of Somerset this week is the uncertainty of midfield stalwart Matty Worthington’s availabilty to play. Having been given a red card in least week against Hampton & Richmond, Yeovil boss Mark Cooper said he would be appealing the decision. A week on Cooper is still none the clearer on whether the club have been successful. He said: ” We’ve appealed but we still have not heard (if we’ve been successful). So I am trying to prepare a team for Saturday and we still don’t know if Matt Worthington can play.

“We have to wait until Thursday night before we find out if Matt Worthington can play.”

Matt Worthington.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

As with previous games, the Yorkshiremen is “leaving no stone unturned”. He said: “I know exactly what their coaching staff will be telling their players because I have been there. I went to watch them on Tuesday night against Merthyr…our due diligence will be the same as any league game.”

Cooper also know Didcots goalkeeper, Leigh Bidwell, well having coached the shot stopper at Swindon, with the Town boss complementing Bidwell on his “footwork.”

Charlie Cooper echoed his dad’s sentiments with “paying full respect” to the Oxfordshire side. However the 26-year-old didn’t hide the fact he wants to go as far as possible in the cup. He said: “It’s massive to go as far as you can and getting to the First Rounf Proper when a few more teams come in is great.”

Jake Hyde will miss out through suspension along with Matt Worthington.

Didcot Town News

After what has been a turbulent start to the FA Cup for his team, Didcot manager Jamie Heapy doesn’t want the game to be branded as a “nice day out” for his side. He said: ” I get the enjoyment factor and the clubs going to have a day out, but I don’t see that and the players certainly wont see that. We set ourselves up to win a game of football.

“Saturday will be difficult but we want to give a good account of ourselves and not get caught in the moment.”

On a personal level, Heapy expressed his desire to “better himself” as a manager “by going up against the likes of Mark Cooper” so he can learn from guys that “been there and done it.”

One player to keep an eye on is ex-Swindon keepeer Leigh Bidwell, who was infamously subbed on by Paolo Di Canto in the 21st minute of game for now Premier League starter Wes Foderingham. Up the other end of the pitch Pat Osborne is one to watch.

Injury wise Jack King, formely of Preston North End, is out but everyone else is fit to play.

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AFC Stoneham will be looking for a “giant killing’ as they take on notorious FA Cup slayers Yeovil Town in the Second qualifying round of the cup.

The Glovers will be looking to make it three wins from the last three in all competitions. The Somerset side have been in impressive goalscoring form recently scoring seven goals across the past three fixtures, with goals coming from all areas of the pitch. The game will also mark the earliest Town have entered the FA Cup since 1997 when they played Witney Town in the First qualifying round.

AFC Stoneham come into the game in superb form, having started the season winning all four of their games so far in the Velocity Wessex Football League, sitting fourth due to teams above having played more games. The game is also monumentus for South Coast side as it is the furthest they have gotten in the FA Cup in their history.

Yeovil Team News

Yeovil boss Mark Cooper is not taking the game lightly even if his team are considered favourites. He said: “It’s a ‘no-win’ for us and it’s a ‘win-win’ for Stoneham because everyone expects us to win. For us, it’s about paying total respect to Stoneham.

“It’s about them, it’s their day but we have a job to do and our only job is to make sure we try and get in the next round.”

The 54-year-old also talked about his desire to take the club on a long cup run. He said: “ I’d love to be in charge of Yeovil to take them on a really good cup run…it breeds confidence, you win games and most importantly you can earn a lot of money.”

Cooper won’t be changing the lineup to much though as “we’re trying to win a game” and so the “strongest team will be played.” The former Darlington manager wouldn’t go into detail on whether new signing Michael Smith would make his Huish Park debut only stating “he was ready.”

Michael Smith signed on Tuesday

Forward Jordan Young was keen to reiterate Mark Cooper’s message of it being a “tough game”. The ex-Chippenham Town man also explained that the squad was looking forward to the cup. He said: “ It’s an exciting week, FA Cup week. I think it’s a massive competition…This week we’ve been really looking forward to having an exciting cup game.

Cooper will have a full squad to pick from with the exception of Jamie Sendles-White, who misses out.

AFC Stoneham News

Mark Stupple, AFC Stenham Chairman, was very upbeat about his side and the trip to Huish Park. He said:” It means everything to a small club like us, we put a post up saying how nine years ago we were playing County League football and Yeovil were in the Championship. Thats the magic of the FA Cup.

“It will be the biggest game of our players’ career and as a club we have to make sure it’s a day they never forget.”

In terms of attendances this season The Purples get “80 fans on a good day” but Stupple hopes they will have a good showing Saturday. He said: ” We have two coaches, some fans coming by train and others driving so maybe 200-250, which for us is massive.

The key man for Stoneham will be Portuguese forward Duarte Martins who has scored five goals already this season. Another player Town will have to watch is Martins’ strike partner Liam Callaghan who’s netted four goal so far in the league.

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Yeovil will face a Somerset side for the first time this season, as they make the short journey to Weston Super Mare in midweek.

The game will mark the first time the two teams have met in a league game, with previous matches being either cup or friendly fixtures. The travelling Glovers faithful will be hoping to see their side win for this time away from Huish Park this season.

The Seagulls come into the game in poor form having not won since a 2-6 win against Bath City on the 15th August. Yeovil’s form going into the game at the Optima Stadium has been patchy to say the least, having lost to bottom of the league Havant & Waterlooville and rescuing a late draw to Chelmsford in their last two games.

Yeovil Town News

Mark Cooper knows his side have to “turn up” against Weston. He said: “It’s just another game for us…we know we have to turn up and perform. We have to be better than we were at Havant.”

The 54-year-old feels that the Seagulls will “raise their game” to play Yeovil as it will be a “big game for them”.

The former Notts County manager is wary of the talents that Weston possess. He said: “They have got some good players, Dayle Grubb is a fantastic technician, [Lloyd] Humphries and Reuben Reid… fantastic players, which we have to respect.”

Defender Morgan Williams also spoke about his excitement of playing in the first league fixture between the teams. He said: “We’ve sold over 850 tickets which is massive…the fans back us everywhere we go, so i really cant wait for that.”

Morgan Williams.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Charlie Cooper is still unavailable through suspension, whilst Matt Worthington could also miss out through the calf injury that forced him off againts Havant.

Weston Super Mare News

Speaking to Weston Super Mare AFC after their loss to Eastbourne manager Scott Bartlett, is looking forward to the game. He said: “We have got a great game coming up Tuesday night and one we’re looking forward too.”

The former Forest Green man went talked about the number of diffulculties that lay ahead. He said: “We have a number of injuries and suspensions, but we will knwo more over the next 24-48 hours, but whoever we got we’ll be ready for the challenge.”

Weston Super Mare have a few key players but captain Dayle Grubb could be the one to watch. As Mark Cooper said, he is a fantastic technician who plays off the left wing. The 32-year old has spent the majority of his career at The Optima Stadium but had a spell under Cooper at Forest Green from 2018-2021.

The Seagull skipper will be available after being sent off against Hemel Hempstead, but the suspension was rescinded and he played in Weston’s last match. Rex Mannings is still suspended for the game. Jacob Jagger-Cane and Opi Edwards both were subbed off during the first half against Eastbourne.

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Yeovil Town Badge on huish park

Yeovil Town travel to Havant & Waterlooville on Bank Holiday Monday, looking to go five games unbeaten for the first time since the start of the 2019-20 season. A win could also see them go top of league, if other results go their way.

The Glovers go to Hampshire looking to get their first away win of the season, having lost their only other game away from home this season against Hemel Hempstead Town on the opening game of the National League South season.

The Hawks do not come into this game in good form, with only one point from a possible 15 which sees them rooted to the bottom of the league.

Yeovil Town News

Manager Mark Cooper dismissed Havant & Waterlooville’s recent form, believing Monday’s game will be as difficult as any this season.

Speaking after the 2-0 home win over Tonbridge Angels on Saturday, he said: “I have been a manager for 19 years and I’ve never had an easy game yet.” He continued: “It will be a difficult game, they’re losing but only by the odd goal and they will feel a win is only around the corner.”

Cooper also discussed the quick turnaround in fixtures saying his team “will be in training on Sunday” so they are ready for the trip to the South Coast.

Jordan Young, who scored his first goal for the club at the weekend, also feels Monday’s game will be “tough” for the Glovers.

He said: “I was at Chippenham last year and they (Havant) were a really good team last year, the year before we just beat them to the play-offs, so we know they’re a good team, they’ve started not great, I’ve got a friend there and he’s saying they’re doing the right things, it’s going to be a tough game.”

Jordan Young celebrates his first goal for the club in the 2-0 home win over Tonbridge Angels.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

The forward has confidence in the squad to go again Monday in what he described as a “crazy and tough” fixture list.

Although Cooper feels the artificial surface at Westleigh Park is better than at Hemel, he has ruled out forward Jake Hyde‘s involvement against The Hawks. Captain Josh Staunton also misses out due to the surface. Midfielder Jordan Stevens is also not expected to feature as he continues “the last bit of his rehab” after an injury sustained in pre-season. 

Havant & Waterlooville News

The Hawks are only team to have not won a game in the National League South to have not won a game this season. Jamie Collins is currently player-manager of the Hampshire side. He stepped up from a coaching role to take over from Paul Doswell in March after the former Sutton United and Eastleigh boss was given a 12-match touchline ban for comments made about an opposition manager. That saw Doswell move ‘upstairs’ into a Director of Football position last season and he  recently departed the club after five years.

To add further to the upheaval at Havant, the club announced the resignation of assistant manager and former Bristol City striker Ian Baird on Sunday. The departure was perhaps not a shock as Baird had joined the club at the same time as Doswell having been together at Sutton and Eastleigh.

The Westleigh Park side have former Glover Oscar Gobern in their ranks, who will be relishing the chance to play against one of his former sides. Forward Faal Muhammadu has scored two in the last two for Havant and will be the one to watch.

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

The Hampshire team also have defenders Brendan Wilson and Jake McCarthy returning from suspension.

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Yeovil Town Badge

Yeovil Town will be looking to build upon their impressive start to the season as they play host to another team from Kent in Tonbridge Angels.

After four games this season the Glovers are sitting sixth in the league having not lost since the opening fixture. Goals have been hard to come by though for the Somerset side, only finding the net five times so far this season, but Town have found strength in wearing teams dowm, to score late on.

However, Saturdays opposition, Tonbridge Angels, are no lightweights and will be wanting to extend their winning run to three games with a victory at Huish Park.

Yeovil Town News

Manager Mark Cooper feels his team are “heading the right way” after the last three fixtures. He said: “If you’re taking seven points from every three games you’re on target. So if we do that over the season, you’ll probably win the league, so we have to keep perspective.”

He continued: “We’re getting enough points…if we had got over the line last Saturday we’d have been top of the league, so were one win from being top of the league.”

The ex-Swindon town boss believes The Angels will be “just as fit as his players” but feels the “sharpness of being a full time team will show” as it has done in the latter stages of previous games.

The 54-year-old, also gave a call to supporters to stay positive during games. He said: “The most difficult thing for a fan to do is be positive, I understand that. But the more they can get behind the players the more positive outcome they will get.”

All players will be available for selection with the exception of Jordan Stevens who is in the last stages of rehab.

Tonbridge Angels

Tonbridge boss Jay Saunders spoke to Angelstv, after their win at Chippenham Town, about the long trip down to Somerset. He said: “I don’t mind the away games, the support will be fantastic…It will be a different task Yeovil, obviously they’re one of the fancied sides but today my team looked good. We just have to keep improving.”

Angels midfielder Lewis Gard also spoke to Angelstv about the bank holiday weekend fixture. He said: ” I know a few of the boys they’ve signed, they’re some big signings. But at the end of the day anything can happen, so we’ll go there and give them a good game.”

Tonbridge will be without midfielder Tommie Fagg after dissmissal for an off the ball incident against Chippenham Town last weekend.

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Yeovil Town will want to extend their winning streak to three games, as they welcome Maidstone United to Somerset on Saturday.

Following a hard-fought win against Truro City in midweek, the Huish Park faithful will be hoping for a better display of football against one of last seasons other relegated sides from the National League Premier. The Stones, however, are no pushovers sitting two places below Town on goal difference just three games in to the National League South season.

Having won their opening day match over a ten-man Slough Town, they suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at Bath City last weekend before bouncing back with a 2-1 at Braintree Town on Tuesday night.

In the two previous fixtures this century between the clubs both games have ended as score draws. With the most recent game finishing 2-2 at Huish Park last February when a header from visiting defender Jerome Binnom-Williams saw the Kent side snatch a late point – but, fear not, the giant centre-half was released in the summer!

Yeovil Town News

Manager Mark Cooper believes the “attractive football will come” after complaints from some sections of the fanbase, following Tuesday nights dogged victory over Truro. Speaking on Thursday, he said: “It is the way I feel we can dominate teams with the ball and we had spells the other night..we have a lot of work to do, but we will get better.”

Cooper also claimed that Bristol City loanee Olly Thomas may be contention for the starting XI after his super sub performance against Truro. He said: “Every game there is going to be opportunities for someone to stake a claim in the team and Olly [Thomas] certainly did that.” 

Olly Thomas.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

In terms of the opposition, the former Barrow boss made it clear that everyone at the club “respects who they play against“. He went on to say: “They [Maidstone] have their strengths, like every team, but we have to make sure we stick to what were going to do.”

After sustaining a dead leg in the first half against Truro defender Morgan Williams is a doubt for this game, whilst midfielder Jordan Stevens, who Cooper said was previously targeting this game for a comeback, recently underwent a scan which has pushed his comeback date further back albeit by “days rather than weeks.”

Maidstone United News

The long trip from Kent to Somerset is Maidstone’s third away fixture out of a run of four with their Gallagher Stadium home switched to Huish Park due to building work to restore the matchday control room and a toilet block.

Having gone down to a 3-0 defeat at Jerry Gill’s Bath City in their second match, the Stones bounced back with a 2-1 win at Braintree Town in midweek and captain Gavin Hoyte said he believed the drubbing last weekend helped them get a result in their last outing.

He told Kent Online: “It’s a funny thing to say, but it can be a good thing for the team to lose because it brings you back to reality. Sometimes, without meaning to do it, players do get a bit ahead of themselves.” With these words in mind, let’s hope for more of these ‘good things’ from the visitors on Saturday!

Hoyte, who started his career in the Arsenal academy, said he believes the weekend’s clash with Yeovil will be a “good test” for his team-mates.

He said: “They’ve come down, like us, and they’ve got to adapt to the league. I don’t know if they’ve been at this level before [We have, Gav, albeit not for quite a while}.

“I’m not sure how many players they’ve kept from last season but they will be a strong side and they always have been. You do look out for these games a little bit but you put it to the back of your mind because it’s just another game.

“Playing early in the season, there’s perhaps not the same pressure as there might be later on, depending on where we are in the table. It could ease the pressure playing at this stage but that goes for both teams.

“Everyone will still be looking at this game, where we’ve both come down, and saying, ‘Wow, Maidstone are doing well’ or ‘Yeovil are looking strong’.”

Talking to Stones TV after their midweek win at Braintree, manager and former Wolves defender George Elokobi spoke about making sure his players were ready for a tough trip to Somerset. He said: “It’s all about the recovery process now, ensuring that our players will be ready for Yeovil.” The former Premier League defender continued: “We have to show respect to our next opponent [Yeovil Town]… it’s a tough place to go and we have to be resilient and stay organised.”

Elokobi has brought in seven new signings over the summer including striker Ogo Obi, once dubbed “the Nigerian Messi” by a (perhaps over-excited) journalist during his time in Watford’s academy, although he did have a trial with Manchester United having been prolific at youth level for the Hornets. In more recent years, he’s been prolific in the lower reaches of non-League football with spells at Hemel Hempstead, Hanwell Town and Hayes & Yeading.