Gloversblog (Page 34)

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Morning readers!

It’s a weird feeling this isn’t it? Unbeaten in 12 (the Somerset Premier Cup counts dammit!) and confidence is running through these players. You have to go back to 2012/13 under Gary Johnson to remember a spell where we exuded such swagger on the pitch which was felt in the stands. The dark days of October are well and truly forgotten and it’s actually quite nice going to Huish Park at the moment – quagmire behind the Thatchers aside.

In my Five Conclusions yesterday, I wrote that Adi Yussuf changed the game when he arrived. He did, but those conclusions were written before undertaking Gloverscast Rule #2 (sleep on it) and it’s fair to say all three of the subs made a difference. Critics will say Sarll got his selection wrong, but he had to give time to Reuben Reid, Alex Bradley and Max Evans. With the little depth we have at our disposal, they deserved a chance. In the case of Reid and Bradley, those two need to get some proper match fitness as we need to take advantage of the limited bodies we have.

Yussuf made the most obvious impact with his two goals, but Josh Staunton was calmness personified (as always) when he was introduced. When we lost Luke Wilkinson against Chesterfield we fell apart but that fear of a team without Wilkinson wasn’t there on Saturday. If and when Luke Wilkinson feels his time at Yeovil Town is up, we have a ready-made leader to take the armband. I think we can all agree that we need this lot all signed up as soon as possible though.

Jaheim Headley enjoyed a strong start to his loan spell in green and white, but it wasn’t until we brought on Jordan Barnett that we saw the best of Headley. Headley’s cross for Yussuf’s first was inviting but the decoy run of Barnett allowed him the time and space to deliver. The on-pitch chemistry he and Barnett seem to have already is surprising given he only trained with the Glovers on Friday.

Today we’ll see the FA Trophy 4th Round draw take place. It’d be good to get a draw against a lower level team, just to keep things interesting more than anything. But with fixtures scheduled for January and with cases of covid rising, it feels like most fixtures the other side of Christmas will be in jeopardy.

At the top of the game, the Premier League are talking about having a round of fixtures off between the 28th and 30th of December. These are clubs with multi million (and some billion) pound assembled squads who have ridiculous depth and talent at their disposal. It’s hard to feel sorry for them when we’ve had four on the bench this season, including Ollie Haste and a keeper. Clubs in our position, especially with our off-field situation, don’t have the luxury of being able to take a game off. If our fixtures against Weymouth and Torquay, which should be box office, are postponed, that’s a massive hole in the finances of the club. Let’s hope we, and our opponents do the right thing and we get to enjoy some festive football.

Have a good Monday and try and hold onto this weird winning feeling!

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Adi Yussuf. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Another Yeovil Town fixture, another win. What are these feelings we’re feeling? Here’s Ian’s take on a pleasant afternoon at a chilly Huish Park.

This one’s a bit obvious, but Adi Yussuf changed the game. His arrival just after the hour for Reuben Reid gave the Glovers an injection of ramshackle chaos at the top end of the pitch. He just bumps into to people and wreaks havoc and it’s brilliant to watch – when it ends in goals. He was in the right places and took his chances superbly, a brilliant finish with his left and then one with his right in stoppage time. Sleep well Adi – we need a lot more of them!

It wasn’t the return for Reuben Reid we all dreamed of, but people need to show patience. This was Reid’s first start since injuring his hamstring in pre-season and while Darren Sarll may not have helped manage expectations by hyping him as the ‘best back to goal striker’ in the National League and League Two, we do have to remember he’s a 33-year-old returning from a pretty serious injury. I don’t think we played to Reid’s strengths in our first half display yesterday. We know he’s better with the ball in at his feet and we just didn’t give him that service. We’ve been patient with Yussuf as he’s gained fitness and we need to do the same with Reid.

It was a decent debut for Jaheim Headley. The youngster was thrown straight into it on his debut and he grew into the game as it wore on. Yeovil did get exposed on the left in the first half but Headley gained confidence in the second half and showed real intent to get forward and influence the game. He looks to be a powerful runner with energy to spare. It’s early days in his Yeovil career but, once again, Darren Sarll seems to have done some good business in the loan market. Side note: Dan Moss was sensational again. What a tremendous player he is.

Yeovil Line Up vs Weymouth

We had to show character. It’s become a cliché and we do say it a bit tongue in cheek at times, but the first half performance wasn’t great – presumably down to the changes we made. But, after the break we were a different team. Woking resorted to slowing it down wherever they possibly could, but it felt like we were always likely to get something as the game progressed. We got back to doing what we’ve been good at this season, we got the ball down and we played and Woking didn’t have an answer to it.

Don’t Fall In Love With Footballers. Back along, I said this because players always break your heart when they eventually leave. I said it at the start of the 2021 when Tom Knowles was scoring for fun (Nice header Tom!) and just becoming our talisman. This mantra is becoming increasingly difficult with this team. Every single one of them is playing for the shirt and for the club and it’s brilliant to see. As we’ve said ad nauseum, the manager is working miracles with his stretched squad and these players look like they’ll run through walls for our club. It’s painful to see how many could leave at the end of the season. Time for someone to start drafting contracts up, or we’ll all end up with broken hearts.

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So, we have some guidance from Yeovil Town about what to expect with regards COVID-19 restrictions when they turn up at Huish Park for the FA Trophy match against Woking.

In summary:

  • You will not need to show evidence of your COVID-19 status;
  • If you are indoors, not sat at a table and not exempt, you will be expected  to wear a face mask;
  • If you are outdoors, wearing a face mask is up to you;
  • Finally, the club is advising that fans take a Lateral Flow Test before they arrive at Huish Park and presumably only attend of it is negative.

Having checked with Torquay United, where we travel on Boxing Day, there are no further restrictions or advice in place at Plainmoor – but that could change.

So, that appears to be the position off the pitch for the next couple of game at least but, with a large number of Premier League and EFL matches being postponed this weekend, what are the rules on it?

Ciderspace’s own Huish Hugh has taken a look at what the protocols are for the National League……

 

At present there appears to be a glaring discrepancy the number of Premier League / EFL games off – over 50% – and FA Trophy games cancelled – just two at time of writing.

Now the FA Trophy comes under the auspices of the FA not the National League but it did get me thinking what protocols are in place across the three divisions of the National League.

As one suspected would be the case, there’s nothing visible from the National League on its Official Website. However it appears the NL is following the EFL, so: 14 registered players, including a goalkeeper, still available and fixtures are expected to go ahead.

However several points could do with some clarification. As the NL registration list is permanently open, there being no transfer window restrictions at this level:

is there an expectation that clubs will continue to do all in their power to keep games on – for example under the emergency goalkeeper loan rules a club without one available would in normal circumstances be expected to bring a keeper in, even as late as the morning of a match;

for those clubs which have them, what is the status of academy players? Will they count towards the 14? This would be problematic from the level playing field point of view, with clubs with academies potentially playing matches with a number of youths in the side while clubs in a similar situation without academies being allowed to postpone theirs.

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A 1-0 win over Barnet in miserable conditions with a referee who wanted to be centre of attention was far from a classic, but it did move Yeovil to within two points of the play-off places with a game in hand over many teams above them.

Here are Ian’s Five Conclusions on an eleventh match unbeaten….

Dale Gorman’s importance to this team is understated. I touched on this during last Monday’s

Dale Gorman is fouled
Credit: Weymouth Flickr

podcast. Like many of this team, Gorman has taken a bit of time to make his mark but he’s well and truly doing it now. His assist for Yussuf was a deliciously-flighted cross to the back post with his weaker foot and it invited the Tanzanian to head home. He played, in match where he really had to concentrate, on a yellow card from the 22nd minute. He moves the ball nicely, keeps the game flowing and he has the edge that Darren Sarll likes his players to have. We can’t afford to be without him, and I think if we were to lose him for a game or two, we’d really notice his absence.

That FA Cup atmosphere wasn’t there. What a difference seven days make. A gate of 2024 (with 98 away fans) meant there were less than 2000 Yeovil Town supporters in the ground. That electrifying atmosphere wasn’t there. There’s a new variant in town which might ruin Christmas, thus people could be taking extra precautions, but this is an in-form team without a loss in 11 matches who are on the verge of the playoff positions and in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup. We all know what needs to happen, though.

As matches go, this wasn’t the most enthralling. It was pretty bleak conditions at Huish Park, with two teams looking to break each other down. Barnet were restricted by our ever-resilient defensive unit and our huff and puff attack didn’t create many clear cut chances. It made for a rather drab affair which was made entertaining (apologies for the Rule #1 break here) by a referee who insisted on being the centre of attention. Ephram Mason-Clark’s red card and the subsequent booking of four members of the Barnet coaching team was the pièce de resistance of refereeing performance art from Ryan Atkin.

We should have killed the game off. Yussuf’s opener was the perfect start, and our performance in the first

Adi Yussuf. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

part of the match suggested we might do something special. As it happened, things evened out and it was a tough game. While we didn’t create and clear cut opportunities at goal, there were moments when we could have put the game to bed. Worthington teed up Gorman centrally, on the edge of the box, but Gorman miscontrolled and couldn’t get a shot away. Knowles could have put Lo-Everton in on goal but didn’t get his pass right. Lo-Everton was put through by Yussuf and worked a decent effort into the side-netting. Those moments would make things a little less stressful if they resulted in goals.

We are unreal at defending. I don’t recall ever being comfortable with Yeovil Town defending a one goal advantage. Come to think of it, I don’t recall being comfortable with Yeovil Town defending a two goal advantage either. But, this lot can defend. Luke

Max Hunt, Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz

Wilkinson, Max Hunt, Dan Moss, Morgan Williams and Josh Staunton were the obvious standouts in their defensive duties yesterday. But the  way Yussuf, Wakefield, Lo-Everton, Worthington and Gorman press is a real difference maker. We know this team work hard for each other, but the confidence they’ve given supporters when we’re 1-0 up is remarkable.

 

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Well, what a night under the lights and on the Beeb that was. Here’s are Ian’s Five Conclusions from a special night at Huish Park…

That was a proper FA Cup match. Huish Park was bouncing from kick-off with the supporters right behind the boys in green and white. There’s something special about FA Cup ties at Huish Park and last night was no different. The atmosphere was electric throughout and when Charlie Wakefield smashed the ball home, the roof came off.

Can we keep Dan Moss forever? Another man of the match performance, a goal-saving tackle and a performance far beyond his years. Our history of developing loanees is continuing with Moss. He’s falling into the category of Steven Caulker, Connor Roberts, Shaun MacDonald and others as loanees who are ‘ours’. Moss has been impressive from his debut and he’s just growing in this team. If we can’t get his loan extended, there’s going to be a massive hole in our squad without him.

Reuben Reid. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Reuben Reid is going to improve us. Reid’s return from injury feels like it’s coming at a pivotal time. Adi Yussuf struggled to make an impact in the first half. He put himself about but didn’t really produce. He was key in for Charlie Wakefield’s goal though, keeping the ball away from Stevenage’s defenders and moving the ball to Sonny Blu Lo-Everton. Reid’s introduction, cheered by the Huish Park faithful, was welcome and in the short time he was on the pitch he showed what he was about. He held the ball up when we needed to kill time, he out-muscled defenders and he was always looking for the ball.

Clarity is needed. Prior to the match, social media was awash with rumour and speculation. Scott Priestnall has obviously checked out of Yeovil Town Football Club. He hasn’t been seen at a match since Chesterfield. The sooner he comes and out says he wants out the better. What this small squad of players and manager are doing with finite resources is nothing short of miraculous, but the lack of leadership from Priestnall is seeping it’s way into the manager’s press conferences now and that’s not right. Is he hanging on for a plum FA Cup tie? Is there a third group? Is Glenn Collis still at the table? What’s happening with Simul Sports? No one really knows except the people negotiating.

I think I was wrong. At the end of October, after our torrid run of results at Huish Park that culminated in the draw with Weymouth and I thought the writing was on the wall. We looked lost, we lacked identity and ideas. Since then, it’s been unbelievable. Darren Sarll has turned it around in a huge way and I’ll gladly eat humble pie. These players have struck form and are an infectious group. Well done Darren – and sorry!

 

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Yeovil Town completed an unbeaten November with a fantastic 2-0 win away at Wrexham, two thirds of the Gloverscast were there, with Ben Barrett keeping up his record this season of not seeing the Glovers even concede, let alone lose!

He was alongside Sheridan Robins in the commentary box and here are his five conclusions from a brilliant night in North Wales!

Five Conclusions: Wrexham 0 – 2 Yeovil

I think I’ve just about made it back down to earth following Yeovil’s 2-0 win over Wrexham, a night that I think will go down as a special night for the 103 Yeovil fans who made the journey.

When we first got the team sheet, there was a look of realisation that hadn’t maybe sunk in properly before, but we are down to the barest bones, and it’s not going to get any easier.

Sorry to start with a negative, I’ll get to the good stuff in a bit, but our bench had a Goalkeeper with nothing more than a couple Somerset Premier Cup games to his name, a 17-year old college student, an experienced pro who was touch and go for a game a couple days ago, was ill overnight and probably shouldn’t have been there and Mr Versatile – Alex Bradley.

Bradley, who has done nothing wrong in his minutes so far, was probably the ONLY option for Darren Sarll. He came on for Adi Yussuf which meant a reshuffle tactically, but we need some bodies in the squad… and quickly.

Right, OK, onto the good stuff.

Morgan Williams, a bit like Alex Bradley has had to wait for his chance, but he got it last night… albeit out of position at left back… and grabbed it with both hands.

Nothing phased him, with Reece Hall-Johnson a constant threat, the ever dangerous Paul Mullin drifting onto his side to avoid Josh Staunton’s back pocket he dealt with everything brilliantly.

Not just defensively either, he took chances to move forward, to play brave passes, to try and start attacks and get involved with Barnett and Wakefield further forward.

This was the best I’ve seen from him, and to have him pushing Wilko, Hunt and co for positions can only be a good thing. 

I think it’s time to add Paul Mullin to the long list of highly influential players Yeovil have kept quiet.

Let’s get this right, he’s a League One striker, he’s better than this division by at least 24 places, but arguably so is Paddy Madden, so is Jordan Slew, so is Matt Warbuton, so is Tavhon Campbell, so is Michael Cheek, so is Joe Sbarra, so is Paul McCallum, you get the picture.

What is it about the league’s best that just cannot get the job done against Yeovil?
The only common denominators are Messrs Wilkinson, Hunt, Staunton, Worthington and Gorman.

At this level, maybe teams have a few stars with everyone else at a similar level, maybe Darren Sarll has cottoned on to that it can be just as simple as keeping those players quiet.

Wrexham fans sung Paul Mullins’ name time and time again almost as if to ask when he was going to do what he ALWAYS does.

But that didn’t happen, and opposition players will know that.

It’s Elliot List of Stevenage on Saturday, Adam Marriott at Barnet followed by… someone… maybe… at W*ymouth. Bring ’em on.

Loan signing Dan Moss in action
Pic: Mike Kunz.

A special word for Dan Moss.

With an elbow to his head, followed a target on his back, the 21-year old Millwall loanee had to play like a 31-year old YTFC veteran for 60 something minutes.

Not only was he in something of a makeshift defence, but he was an attacking outlet with Tom Knowles missing from that right hand side.

He was kicked, pushed, tackled late, shoved over and each and every time, he just got up and kept his cool.

That might have been a new experience for the young lad to be booed by nearly 8000 people and we’ve seen plenty crumble under that pressure.

On a yellow card himself, Darren Sarll could have pulled the trigger and taken him off, but he trusted his man to see the game out.

Dan Moss will have learned more in one night than maybe the rest of his short career combined, he passed every test with flying colours and is quickly rising up the loan-hero ranking at YTFC, he’s got Connor Roberts and Remeo Hutton ahead of him in that right back spot… but he’s closing fast.

Good luck to Mark Little who has to try and get him out the team.

Finally, a look at the table and maybe the future.

Darren Sarll said that as long as his Yeovil side were within touching distance of the play-offs come the turn of the year, we maybe have a chance.

Injuries permitting, we could give it a go in the second half of the season.

At the time of writing, we’re 10th on 28 points. Wrexham occupy the final play off spot in 7th on 30 points having played a game more.

We’ve played EVERY ONE of the top 14 sides so far this season, with Barnet (15th), Torquay twice (17th), Weymouth (19th) and Wealdstone (16th) coming up between now and the turn of the year…

This is an opportunity, none of those games are a guaranteed three points, but…

I’d say with a fair chunk of those next 15 points comes a great chance to be more than just within ‘touching distance’.

I enjoyed that one, I hope you did too.

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A point at home to bottom-of-the-table Dover Athletic was what Yeovil Town deserved, according to manager Darren Sarll.

But, the boss and midfielder Dale Gorman were also quick to point out that even two dropped points meant the Glovers had picked up seven points from a possible nine in the past week.

We asked supporter Adam Barrington to give the Gloverscast his view from his vantage point at Huish Park on Saturday – here are his five conclusions.

Wind was a major influence in the game. Both teams struggled to deal with it and within before the second minute was on the clock Dover scored from a cross assisted by whatever remained from Storm Arwen, Smith tried to claw the cross out but with no avail.
In the first half, we just never really got going and when you try long ball into the wind you never going to successful.
Second half with the wind behind us we didn’t really use it to our advantage kept over hitting the ball and only time we took advantage was with the goal which was cross from Jordan Barnett and Adi Yussuf (potentially) claiming the goal.

We need more options going forward. With the news of Quigley out until Christmas, Adi Yussuf is our only fit striker. Both Tom Knowles and Charlie Wakefield are midfield players and Sonny Blu

Adi Yussuf in action against Altrincham.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Lo-Everton is not an out an out striker.Against Dover, Yussuf struggled to have an influence but with no other option Sarll had to keep him on. I know Reuben Reid back in training, but he hasn’t played since pre-season and it will be a while until he match fit. There is no question need a new striker in as soon as possible but, with an apparently limited budget, Sarll may have to  beg, borrow or steal.

Can we sign Dan Moss and Jordan Barnett  for the next 10 years? These two are another level, always driving forward but don’t forget there defensive duties. Moss in the first half while 1-0 down made a

Dan Moss in action vs Grimsby. Pic Credit @leeblease

last ditch challenge to stop Dover from doubling their lead.
Barnett is always a threat down the left and never shies away from a challenge. He thoroughly deserved his man of the match award.

Is it time to panic after not beating a team bottom of the table? No, I don’t think so, this was just bad day at the office. We never dealt with the wind and having picked up wins against two of the league’s top teams in Dagenham and Bromley, I think there may have been a little complacency. But, we have got a point, we’re still unbeaten in our last eight first team matches and move on to Wrexham on Tuesday night. Perhaps we prefer being the underdog?

Was it a bad choice picking a Diet Coke rather than a hot drink? I know you thinking ‘hang a minute’, but seriously when is it too cold for a cold drink? Yes, this is probably not football related but this game was one to forget and this last conclusion is only thing left to say.

Bring on the Wrexham!

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Yeovil Town recorded their second away win in 72 hours and stretched their unbeaten run to seven with a 2-1 victory over Bromley on Tuesday, on co-commentary duty for the BBC was Marcus Duncomb who penned a few thoughts for us here at the Gloverscast…

This Yeovil team is special. In terms of mentality and fight, they could not be further away from what we’ve had to get used to from Yeovil for the past eight or so years. In years gone by if we’ve taken the lead and then concede an equaliser it seems to have always led to a collapse – and that is unfortunately what Yeovil fans have grown to expect. But not this team. We conceded a soft penalty right before half time away at a team on an 11-match unbeaten run. Charlie Wakefield’s response? Instantly go down the other end bang one into the top corner against his former side. I can get behind that.

Darren Sarll said in pre-season that he was doing things differently this season. The manager said that he had been focussing on making sure they had a solid defensive base before anything else. I think it’s clear to see that this coaching has been effective. The whole team looks so structured and everyone knows their role defensively. Even when Sarll changed things up for the final 20 minutes as he subbed Morgan Williams on, it did not disrupt the team’s cohesion and understanding. It’s not just the structure of the defending which is promising, but it’s also their attitude towards it. These players will do anything to make sure that ball doesn’t end up in the back of the net.

Adi Yussuf scores v Weymouth
Credit: Weymouth Flickr

Adi Yussuf was so good at what he needed to do yesterday. Coatesie mentioned in his Dagenham conclusions that Yussuf is a back to goal striker and he did exactly that against Bromley. It was not an easy job for him. The whole Yeovil team spent much of the second half in and around their own penalty box with Yussuf being the only one staying on the halfway line. Every time Yeovil cleared it, Yussuf would somehow find a way to get onto the ball and keep it for as long as he could. The Bromley fans around me were getting frustrated with how often Yussuf was winning headers and keeping the ball for Yeovil which says it all.

As the players were celebrating jubilantly with the fans at the end (and I wished I was there and not in the press box…) a bitter Bromley fan saw my Yeovil scarf and said to me “Does this win mean a lot to you then? It’s like a cup final celebration!”. I explained to him that we celebrate every win like this and that it doesn’t matter who we’ve beaten. Where would the fun be if after winning a game there was a quick round of applause and then everyone popped home? We’re not going to win every game (sorry), so enjoy these moments and remember them when things aren’t going as well. This squad is down to its bare bones – just look at yesterday’s bench – and is performing ridiculously well considering.

Can we play at Hayes Lane every week? Since relegation from the EFL, Yeovil have enjoyed some great outings to Bromley. A Rhys Murphy 90+7th minute equaliser, a 120+2nd minute winner in the FA Cup, *finally* getting a first league win in December 2020 and now ending their 11-match unbeaten run through a thoroughly professional performance. I’m already looking forward to Luke Wilkinson’s 90+4th minute free kick winner in the FA Trophy semi-final at Hayes Lane in April…

 

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An own goal at the end of the first half was enough to earn Yeovil Town a 1-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday, but scoreline was only part of the story with a performance which had quality and battling qualities written through it. Here’s Coatesie’s conclusions on the win….

We are now unbeaten in six (yes, including Yate and Larkhall!), only one goal conceded in 540 minutes, but perhaps more importantly we beat another team above us in the table. And, let’s not make any mistake, a very good Dagenham side who will likely to be in the play-off places by the end of the season. Last season we spoke a lot about how we could beat those around us and below us, but not those above us. Well, we did it against Eastleigh last weekend and we’ve done it again. Two of our next three opponents are also above us….

It is hardly a conclusion to say we looked solid defensively again, that has become to be expected from this Yeovil Town side. So, I will say – get me Millwall on the phone and name their terms to keep Dan Moss for the season – and possibly the next one! It takes something to pip another great display by Jordan Barnett for most impressive, but Moss did it – just. The loanee was a involved in a lot of what was good about us going forward in the first half and defensively solid in the second. He typified the battling qualities we needed to see the match out, a player older than his years.

It is equally not a conclusion to say we lack a killer touch in front of goal, but I think I have figured out what Adi Yussuf is – see Ben’s Five Conclusions v Woking and v Solihull Moors. He’s is there to soften up the defence, hold up play, yes, Adi Yussuf is a back to goal striker. His finish the previous weekend shows he can be a clinical finisher at times, but the instinctive fox in the box we thought we were getting is not him – well, not yet anyway. Only thing is “the best back to goal striker in this division” (D.Sarll, 2021) is back in training on Monday, so how will they work together? Will they work together? Interesting one.

If I can be allowed to use a conclusion on something other than Yeovil, why did Dagenham wait until half-time to bring on Myles Weston? The winger caused all sorts of problems down the right side in the second half and his duel with Jordan Barnett brought out the best in the Glovers’ left-back who was excellent again. I am advised by Daggers’ fans that Weston, at the age of 33, is “getting on a bit” (checks birth certificate) but had he had that threat with 11 men. Who knows?

But, the final conclusion is a simple one. Darren Sarll doesn’t want to call it an identity or a philosophy – but this is a team fights for each other and they really do it. Even when they were pressing forward and looking more free flowing in the first half, they scrapped and battled in the way we are going to need to to get places at this level. In the second half with the home side on top of them for long parts of the half, there was no inch given by this team.

So, next up Bromley on Tuesday night, another team above us in table – do what we did against Dagenham (especially in the first half) and we have nothing to fear.

 

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Two wonderful strikes from Tom Knowles and Adi Yussuf saw Yeovil Town grind out a 2-1 win at home to Eastleigh.

The win moves the Glovers up to 13th in the National League table, eight points off the play-off places and the relegation zone.

Here are BBC Radio Somerset correspondent Sheridan Robins‘ five conclusions from the victory.

We have been told not to fall in love with footballers, but that ship may have sailed with Tom Knowles looking back to his best. Not only was his opening goal a superb finish from distance, but his hard work off the ball to win it back in midfield showed his character and desire to get the ball and run with it. In the difficult run of form, Knowles wasn’t given the freedom he needs to create these moments of brilliance but in recent weeks he and Wakefield have created space and subsequently look dangerous in every attack.

Luke Wilkinson is the difference between a successful season and a not so successful one. I don’t think his impact on the pitch (and I have no doubt off it as well) should ever be understated. He provides leadership, never misses a header, and provides stability midfielders need to be able to push higher up the pitch and attack. His injury frustrations are hopefully now over, and I don’t think it is any coincidence that we came back so strongly from being pegged back to 1-1, with him back on the pitch leading the defence.

Jordan Barnett will provide a huge amount of assists this season. He seems set for a sustained spell in defence, following the news Jack Robinson will be on the sidelines for 4-6 weeks with an ankle injury, and while Barnett has thrived in a midfield three in recent weeks, his crosses from full back yesterday were fantastic. He is becoming a real fans favourite with his passion but his left-sided balla from set pieces and open play will cause teams problems and, especially with Wilko back in the frame, I expect us to start scoring more from corners and free kicks.

Darren Sarll has created a similar team spirit to the 19/20 season. Much has been said about how young this side is, but their attitude is beyond their years. The work-rate is second to none and for top scorer Joe Quigley to be dropped to the bench for a sustained amount of time, whilst not reacting badly, is credit to Sarll’s man management. Quigley’s appearance for the last 20 minutes was game-changing, and his flick on for Yussuf’s goal was excellent centre forward play.

Huish Park felt like a fortress again. There are clearly still off-the-field issues to be sorted and nothing should distract from that. However, the performance on-the-pitch against Eastleigh spurred the crowd on and the support from the stands was second to none. Huish Park felt like it did before the pandemic – full of optimism and appreciation for the desire of the players. Yeovil are now unbeaten in their past four home matches and need to build on that to look up the table rather than down it.