Match Previews

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After a disappointing performance at bottom club Ebbsfleet United in midweek, Yeovil Town are back in action on Friday evening when Gateshead are the visitors to Huish Park.

Form Guide…

It’s not been the best start to 2025 for the Somerset side, with two draws and a loss in the first three games in 2025. 

Last time out was disappointing with Mark Cooper’s side succumbing to a 1-1 draw with bottom of the league Ebbsfleet United. The result has seen the club set up a fans’ forum after backlash from a section of supporters. 

The Tyneside team have been in a purple patch recently, losing two of their last five, which was to York City. Last time out saw, the North East side lose 1-3 to FC Halifax. 

After the departure of manager Rob Elliott who joined Crawley Town in October many would have worried for Gateshead, but the return of former goalkeeper and coach Carl Magnay has kept the team in the play-off places. 

Magnay was named the National League Premier Division Manager of the Month for December after The Heed won four out of four, but their form has dropped off in recent weeks and they arrive at Huish Park on the back of three defeats.

After a 1-0 loss away at York City, they were dumped out of the FA Trophy at the hands of Boston United before going down 3-1 at home to FC Halifax Town on Tuesday night.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Sean McGurk

The on loan Swindon Town man has shown what a forward can and should do during his time on loan. It’s not only his two goals in four games that has been impressive. 

Sean McGurk. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

The Scouser has worked hard and shown quality when in possession. His goal against Ebbsfleet in midweek proved his talent (check it out here).

Gateshead – Regan Booty

Gateshead haven’t had the best January with players leaving. Booty has however stayed so far. The central midfielder has been crucial in the creative areas for the Tynesiders this season, with nine assists to his name.

With striker Owen Oseni and midfielder Callum Whelan having departed this month , Booty will be hoping to link up with frontman Jovan Malcolm, like he did with Oseni.

Thats what he said…

Yeovil Town boss Mark Cooper gave his thoughts to the Press ahead of Friday night’s game. He said: “They play a brilliant brand of football, total domination of the ball, they take some risks but they have lost players.

But the way the play is really difficult to play against, you’ve got to get your press right, you have to make sure you’re spot on out of possession, while implementing our game on them.”

Gateshead manager, Carl Magnay also gave his thoughts before making the long trip south. He said: “It’s a tough game. Yeovil are a massive club in comparison to us, let’s not forget that. This a proper football club, a proper football league club, so they’ll be disappointed to what’s happened to them over the last few seasons.

“They’ve got some tidy footballers in midfield…it’s a tough game and a tough journey.”

We’ve met before…

The two teams have been evenly matched over the years with Yeovil taking seven wins, Gateshead have eight and there being four draws. 

The clubs last met in August last year, when the Tyneside’s ran out 3-1 victors, Yeovil’s goal coming from striker, Aaron Jarvis.

Yeovil vs Gateshead in the FA Cup. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.
Yeovil Town celebrate their third goal against Gateshead. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Don’t I know you…

Just two ex-Glovers players thus weekend Brandon Haunstrup and Tyneside’s assistant Liam Bridcutt.

Haunstrup technically never signed for the Glovers but was a trialist during pre season ahead of the start of the current campaign. He has not featured for Gateshead since mid-November.

Brandon Haunstrup.

Yeovil were the first senior team of Bridcutt’s career back in 2007/08. Coming on loan from Chelsea making nine appearances in total.

Who’s been naughty then…

No Yeovil players missing through suspension to talk about this week.

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Having been pegged back to settle for a draw at home to Woking last weekend, Yeovil Town travel to bottom club Ebbsfleet United looking to get back to winning form on Tuesday night.

Form Guide…

The story of Yeovil’s form going in to this match is very similar to their league position – somewhere near the middle. The Glovers’ 1-1 draw at home to Woking last Saturday means they have not won in their last four matches, but they did pick up wins in the two matches prior to that run.

If you’re a Yeovil fan, you’ll not be surprised to hear our away form looks a lot better than at Huish Park, but if you are an Ebbsfleet fan then form is the same whether at home or away.

The Kent outfit’s only win this season has come on home soil exactly four months to the day – a 1-0 victory over Hartlepool United. But the division’s bottom club has lost four and drawn two of their last six matches at Stonebridge Road.

They have conceded 62 goals in their 26 matches to date, scoring just 19 times.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Kofi Shaw

The Bristol Rovers’ loanee had to sit out the Woking match through suspension following his red card at Forest Green Rovers on New Year’s Day.

But, news that he has extended his stay in Somerset until the end of the season was greeted with unanimous joy by Glovers’ fans who will be hoping he is straining at the leash to take on the division’s leakiest defence.

Kofi Shaw returns for the trip to Ebbsfleet United. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Ebbsfleet United – George Moncur

The on loan Leyton Orient midfielder made an immediate impression having arrived in Kent last week following his recall from a similar loan at Southend United.

He played the full 90 minutes, put in a Team of the Week-worthy performance and scored an 84th minute equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw at fellow strugglers Boston United on Saturday.

At 31 years old, Moncur brings a lot of Football League experience at clubs including Luton Town, Colchester United and Barnsley and, if they can keep him fit and firing, could be crucial as Ebbsfleet look to do the impossible and beat the drop.

That’s what he said…

Player-caretaker manager Josh Wright is hoping another fixture straight off the back of a 2-2 draw at Boston United last weekend will be just what his players need.

The long-serving midfielder, who has been with Ebbsfleet since the summer of 2022, has been in charge since the sacking of Danny Searle in September, but has not made an on-the-pitch appearance since the middle of December.

Speaking at the weekend, he said: “I am a massive believer that games are what you want. They are where you build confidence, you can train all week but it is not the same as games.

“Having a positive result like this and now going back to our patch with our fans, who were are going to need with us, and the beauty of football is that there is always another game coming around quickly and that is even quicker with a midweek game.

“We have to dust ourselves down, recover right (on Sunday) and come in Monday and see what we have got and pick a squad to get another big result against Yeovil.”

There were no words from Glovers’ boss Mark Cooper about the quick turnaround in fixture. What with all the chat about the referee’s performance against Woking there…..errr……wasn’t time!

 We’ve met before…

Back in August it was a late Harvey Greenslade goal which earned Yeovil Town their first win on home soil having survived a scare against Ebbsfleet United.

The Glovers went 2-0 up courtesy of goals from Brett McGavin and Michael Smith before they were pegged back by two quick goals from the visitors, only for substitute Greenslade to secure the three points nine minutes from time.

Prior to that we faced each other back in the August 2019 at Stonebridge Road when goals from Rhys Murphy, Remeao Hutton and Tom Whelan saw Darren Sarll’s men run out 3-1 winners in our first season back in the non-League. The reverse fixture at Huish Park did not take place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before that you have to go back to when Ebbsfleet were known as Gravesend & Northfleet in January 2003 when an Andy Lindegaard hat-trick and one from Kirk Jackson saw Gary Johnson’s side to a 4-2 win in Kent.

 

Michael Smith celebrates his goal in front of the Thatcher’s. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Don’t I know you…

It’s fair to say that Callum Harriott probably does not have the happiest memories of his time as a Yeovil Town player. You might remember him as the one sat a good metre away from any team-mate in the Huish Park documentary as we bombed in to National League South.

That’s him hidden behind the flip chart on the left of the picture.

 

Having been one of a number of players signed during the soap opera that was the ‘stewardship’ of Matt Uggla’s SU Glovers in March 2023, Harriott never really showed much other than an equalising goal in a 1-1 draw at Aldershot Town.

Unsurprisingly, he departed quickly after the end of the season and followed Uggla up to York City making just seven appearances last season and six more this season before being released and arriving at Ebbsfleet in at the start of December.

He has started five games for the division’s bottom club scoring on his debut in a 3-3 draw at Sutton United in the FA Trophy, before missing a penalty in a shoot-out which Ebbsfleet lost 4-2.

Who’s been naughty then…

There are no suspensions for either side for tonight’s game.

 

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Yeovil Town will be back at home for the first time since a Boxing Day draw, as they take on Woking at Huish Park.

Form Guide…

The Glovers form was shaky to say the best over the festive period, two losses and the previously mentioned draw. However, after a week and a half off, boss Mark Cooper will be hoping the rest will put his side in good stead against an inform Cards side. 

Last time out, Yeovil let slip a 0-1 lead to Forest Green in the closing minutes to end up losing 2-1. After a frustrating result the players will be hoping to put things right in front of a home crowd.

The Cards have been in decent form since last playing the Glovers in late November. With only one loss in the five matches since.

That loss was against the ever impressive Gateshead. With victories against Altrincham and Maidenhead and a 2-2 draw vs Aldershot, new manager Neal Ardley will be pleased.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Matt Worthington

It could only be Worthy for this weekend. With the game marking his 250th game for the Glovers it’s hard not to love the ‘Ginger Pirlo’. The 27-year old may not got the praise of his midfield counterparts but he does the not so glamorous side of the game for the team.

Matt Worthington fires a shot off
Pic Gary Brown

 Worthington deserves credit not only for this season but for sticking out was has been a tough six years at the club. No matter what has happened on or off the pitch he has been with the club through thick and thin and is a modern day great for the club. Well done on 250 Worthy.

Woking – Innih Effiong

Effiong is now 33-years old but that hasn’t stopped him finding the net for his new club.

The striker joined Woking in December from fellow National League team Braintree Town. Since then the big man has bagged three goals in four games with two coming in their last game against Maidenhead. 

In truth, since Ardley was appointed not long after we played them in the reverse fixture Woking have been one of the inform sides, so a host of players could turn up at Huish Park at the weekend and make the difference.

Thats what he said…

Yeovil Town boss Mark Cooper gave his thoughts on what he expects from Woking on Saturday. He said: “He’s gone into Woking, he’s changed a little bit about the way that they play, he’s tried some rotations and from what I’ve seen, they’re trying to play a lot more football and they’ve had some good results, so it’s going to be a tough game.

But we’re playing really well at the minute and our last few games we’ve performed really well and we’ve not got the points total that we’ve deserved.”

Woking gaffer Neal Ardley shared his thoughts with Woking club media earlier in the week. He said: “Coops has done a great job at Yeovil and it’s always a tough place to go and get a result. We’re enjoying the fact we have won games and we’re scoring goals which hopefully gives us confidence…but we expect tough games every week.”

 We’ve met before…

The two sides have played 34 times with Yeovil running out winners 17 times previously, with Woking taking 12 wins and there being five draws.

When the teams last met in November, the Glovers won 0-2 with a spectacular goal from Brett McGavin and a back post tap in for Finn Cousin-Dawson.

Finn Cousin-Dawson. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Don’t I know you…

There are more than a few players who have been inside the Huish Park home dressing room now lacing up for Woking. Dale Gorman,Jamie Andrews, Dan Moss and Rohan Ince have all had spells in Somerset. 

Dan Moss. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Gorman made 42 appearances during his year long spell in Somerset, contributing with five goals before leaving for Barnet.

22-year-old, Andrews, was on loan at Yeovil from West Bromwich Albion for a short period between November 2022 and January 2nd 2023. During that time he played a total of eight games.

Full back, Moss made a name for himself at Yeovil  whilst on loan from Millwall. During that loan spell the English man played 23 time for Darren Sarll’s side.

Lastly is Ince, who will be name less familiar with newer Glovers fans. As a Chelsea academy prospect the midfielder can to Somerset on loan back in 2012, going o to make two appearances for Yeovil.

Who’s been naughty then…

It is just Kofi Shaw suspended for Yeovil.

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It’s New Year’s Day and we hope you enjoyed as much turkey and pigs in blankets as you could because non-League’s favourite (only?) vegans, Forest Green Rovers, are our opponents.

Form Guide…

On the face of it, Forest Green Rovers are a formidable foe to be kicking off 2025 against. They are unbeaten at home in the league and have only lost twice all season with the most recent defeat coming on the 24th September at Oldham Athletic.

Their other defeat was at the hands of the current league leaders, Barnet, back in the third game of the season, and they sit in third in the National League Premier Division table going in to this fixture.

But, there’s always a but, they have dropped points in their last two league matches with a 1-1 draw at Tamworth on Boxing Day albeit courtesy of a 90+2 minute equaliser from the home side, and were held by the same scoreline by Aldershot Town on their last outing at the New Lawn. 

Tamworth celebrate their Boxing Day equaliser against Forest Green – somewhere.

They have managed six points from their last four matches whilst Yeovil Town have managed one more than that. 

The Glovers make the trip to Gloucestershire having fallen foul to their own late equaliser – the 90+3 goal from Eastleigh in the 2-2 draw at Huish Park on Boxing Day. Prior to that there was a 2-1 loss at Hartlepool on December 20th which followed back-to-back league wins at home to Braintree Town and away at Woking.

Despite being unbeaten on home soil, Forest Green ‘only’ have the fourth-best home record in the league (P10 W7 D3) mainly virtue of the fact they have played fewer home games than those above them. Yeovil have the fourth-best away record in the division (P12, W6, D2, L4). Who has the best away record, you ask? Why, it’s Forest Green (P13, W6, D5, L2).

 

Key Players…

Yeovil – Sean McGurk

Can a player who has only played 70 minutes be described as a key player? Well, why not, eh? Sean McGurk, who arrived on a one-month loan deal from Swindon Town on Christmas Eve, showed plenty of promise in the 2-2 home draw with Eastleigh on Boxing Day.

He will probably not score an easier goal than the tap in which saw him open his account in front of the Thatcher’s End five days ago, but he displayed enough quality on the ball and energy to suggest that he will only get better as his match fitness and sharpness grows.

Sean McGurk

 

Forest Green Rovers – Kyle McAllister

There is no shortage of players to score goals in an expensively-assembled Forest Green forward line, but Kyle McAllister will be one of the biggest danger men.

The Scotsman, signed from St Mirren in 2022, is described on the club’s own website as “a Swiss Army Knife” of a player having played out wide, as a number ten and a false nine – oh, and a wing-back as well – this season.

What we can tell you is he has seven goals to his name – including one against Tamworth on Boxing Day – which makes him joint second-highest scorer this season alongside Charlie McCann and behind Christian Doidge who has nine. 

That’s what he said…

There are few more experienced managers at this level than Forest Green Rovers’ boss Steve Cotterill. He was winning this division with his current club’s biggest rivals, Cheltenham Town, back in 1999, clinching it with a ‘play until Cheltenham score’ win over Yeovil at Whaddon Road.

Since then he’s been in charge with differing levels of success at Stoke City, Burnley, Bristol City, Birmingham City, and arrived at the New Lawn around this time last year but could not save the club from relegation back to the non-League. Anyway, you want to know what he said about Yeovil, don’t you?

Speaking to the club’s YouTube channel, Cotterill said: “I have looked at (Yeovil) in a couple of game this week and they have mixed it up a bit, so I think that is the art of it, you have to be able to mix your game up. If you only play one way, you are easy to play against, so I am not a big fan of ‘we have to do it a certain way’, you have to do a bit of everything.

“It is about how we do and how we can impose ourselves on the game. In one of the first interviews I had when I came here, I said ‘there are many ways to win a football match’, it can be possession, it can be a counter attack, a set piece, many, many things. Your team needs to have a clear idea more than a clear identity.”

Forest Green Rovers’ manager Steve Cotterill.

Asked what he would like from the Forest Green home support on Boxing Day, he added: “We have been to plenty of hostile grounds this season and that atmosphere can influence (refereeing) decisions. I do not think we have been on the good side of too many decisions this year and that is probably down to the surroundings. I would say to our supporters, get behind the lads, no matter what. I think the players earned it.”

Glovers’ boss Mark Cooper was not asked about New Year’s Day following the home draw with Eastleigh back on Boxing Day, but we will assume he knows plenty about his opponents, not least because he played for them for a season and managed them for five years. 

He will forever have a place in the club’s history having guided them to the Football League for the first time in their history via the National League play-offs back in 2017. If he had been asked, he’d probably have mentioned that.

 

We’ve met before…

Many times. Our record – if you include friendlies – against Forest Green Rovers goes back to 1981, but our last two outings saw us come out on the wrong side of the result.

The last meeting was in February 2019 as we were tumbling towards the exit door out of the Football League when a Forest Green side managed by Mark Cooper beat us 3-0 in Gloucestershire. That same season they also ran out 2-1 winners at Huish Park in early December 2018 with Rhys Browne the scorer for Yeovil that day.

You have to go back to Boxing Day 2000 to find a competitive victory for the Glovers at the New Lawn when a Barrington Belgrave goal sealed a 1-0 win. There was a friendly win there back in July 2013 when even Michael Ngoo (remember him?) got on the scoresheet in a 5-3 thriller.

Don’t I know you?…

If you are like our Ian, please look away now. There’s a fair few familiar faces in the Forest Green Rovers line-up and one of the most painful is Mr #DFILWF himself, Tom Knowles. 

The 26-year-old was a bright spark during some very dark times at Huish Park between November 2020 and August 2022 when he was flogged to League Two Walsall on the eve of the new season by <NAME REDACTED>. He was one of a number of big money signings made by Forest Green in the summer and has been a fairly regular starter for Steve Cotterill, scoring twice already this season.

We’re not crying, you’re crying! *sobs* Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

In the attacking positions, striker Joe Quigley – another one flogged by <NAME REDACTED> whilst at Huish Park – has been appearing mostly from the substitutes’ bench since joining the Vegan Legion from Chesterfield in September. He is yet to score for his new club. Don’t even think it!

In defence there are more familiar faces, Ryan Inniss had a six-game loan spell at Huish Park in 2014-15 and Ben Tozer, he of the long throws, played the 2015-16 season in green-and-white.

Who’s been naughty then?…

There are no suspensions for either side.

 

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Put that dry turkey down and get down to Huish Park, Eastleigh are coming to town.

Form Guide…

Eastleigh are coming into this game off the back of a six-match unbeaten streak. They beat Maidenhead United 1-0 on Saturday with a single goal from Guadeloupean Ludwig Francillette earning the points.

Their last defeat came at the hands of Braintree Town back on November 9th with the Iron coming from behind to pick up all three points.

The Glovers have been on a win-one-lose-one pattern of games stretching back to the defeat to Barnet in late November.

Should that plan keep going, Yeovil Town should be down to win this after falling at the feet of Hartlepool United on Saturday.

When last seen at Huish Park, Yeovil ran out 3-1 winners against Braintree.

Yeo-Ho-Ho!!! (Picture courtesy of Gary Brown)

Key Players…

Yeovil – Kofi Shaw

Is it too much to be calling a barely 18-year-old a key player? But after scoring his first goal in green and white at Hartlepool, Kofi Shaw has put together a couple of eye catching performances in a row now for the Glovers.

The Bristol Rovers loanee is edging towards the end of his (initial) loan spell and will hoping for a couple more influential games before returning to the Gas (or staying for longer?).

His direct style might give the Eastleigh defence some hassle and his ability to find the space between midfield and frontline might give Aaron Jarvis more support as he leads the line.

Kofi Shaw. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Eastleigh – Paul McCallum

Paul McCallum has a record of four goals in 11 games against the Glovers including one for Chesterfield when he last came up against the green-and-whites, and vital one for Barnet in Yeovil’s only play-off campaign in the National League Premier in 2019/20.

He has already found the net eight times in 19 league games this season… albeit not since the 22nd of October.

He returned to the Spitfires’ squad after serving a one-match ban on Saturday and will be desperate to get his goal tally up and running again soon.

Paul McCallum scores from the spot

Thats what he said…

Eastleigh gaffer Kelvin Davies had few words to say about the game after their fixture on Saturday telling club media: “I think Boxing Day games are one of the best games of the season, you always look out for that, we’re happy to go down there and if we perform to levels we’ve been performing of late it’ll be a tough challenge for Yeovil.”

Glovers’ boss Mark Cooper agreed telling BBC Somerset reporter Chris Sykes after the defeat at Hartlepool: “They’re all tough, mate.”

Gunna be a toughie, then.

We’ve met before…

The last meeting between these sides went the way of Yeovil, a single Matt Worthington goal was all that was needed to separate the two teams in a game which saw Ousseynou Cisse shown two yellows and a subsequent red late on. We’ve watched it back and it still is absolutely not a foul… at all, not a chance.

Yeovil have won four of the last eight head to heads with two draws and two wins for the boys in blue. Three of those wins have come at Huish Park.

A great leap (definitely not a push, ref!) by Matt Worthington for the opener.

Don’t I know you?…

You’d think given the relative locality of the two sides there might be some more cross over, but as far as I can tell, only Wes McDonald currently lines up as a former Glover.

McDonald signed a short-term deal in the summer of 2018 and despite attempts to elongate his stay he departed in January… clearly saw the ship was sinking ahead of time and wanted to get off, sharpish. 

He played 12 times, scoring a grand total of zero goals, (I’ll be honest, I had to check he actually did play for us!)

Sub goalkeeper Tommy Scott did have a spell in the Glovers Under 18s, but that was also a fair while ago.

Who’s been naughty then?…

There is no players suspended for the Glovers, but we are yet to hear the outcome of Mark Cooper’s sending off against Braintree.

 

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It’s a long trip up north this weekend, as Yeovil Town travel up to Hartlepool United in the league.

Form Guide…

Hartlepool have been in impressive form over their last five as they have gone unbeaten in the league, with the only blemish being a penalty shoot-out loss to Tamworth in the FA Trophy. Last time out saw Pools draw 0-0 at Southend United and prior to that they were held by leaders Barnet.

The Glovers continued their good uptick in form last time out with a resounding 3-1 win over Braintree Town. Goals from Aaron Jarvis, Ed James and Brett McGavin sealed all three points for Yeovil. Over the last five games Mark Cooper’s men have been inconsistent with three losses and two wins, albeit the victories have been in their last two league outings.

Kofi Shaw goes close against Braintree Town, last time out.. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown. 

Key Players…

Yeovil – Brett McGavin 

It seems like we say his name every other week in this segment but that shows how integral he has been for Yeovil this season.

Without the midfielder the Glovers would be much worse off. The stats back this up with McGavin contributing to 22% of Yeovil’s goals. Only Aaron Jarvis has contributed more.

McGavin and Ed James for the Glovers (Pic C/O Gary Brown)

Hartlepool – Emmanuel Dieseruvwe

Another centre forward for Yeovil defenders to be wary of. Dieseruvwe, has bagged nine goals for The Pools this campaign, putting him top of their goalscoring charts. Which is impressive especially when considering they have former Championship front man, Gary Madine in their ranks.

The forwards form has earned him an England C team call up. If Yeovil are to get anything out this long away trip they’ll have to keep him quiet.

Morgan Williams grapples with Hartlepool United striker Emmanuel Dieseruvwe. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Thats what he said…

Hartlepool head coach, Anthony Limbrick, gave his thoughts on Yeovil before Saturday. He said: “ I’ve been really impressed with Yeovil this season. 

As a newly promoted team they have threats in their side…they play in a fluid formation. I think they come to try and play, which will open it up to be a good game.”

Yeovil manager, Mark Cooper spoke to press about Hartlepool manager Lennie Lawrence ahead of this weekend’s game. The 77-year-old, who includes Cardiff City, Middlesbrough and Charlton Athletic, took the job until the end of the season after taking temporary charge following Sarll’s dismissal. Cooper said: 

“Lennie Lawrence, what a career as a manager. He’s a lovely guy, he’s managed massive clubs and been a mentor for some really good managers.

“He is experienced and he will have people running about for him doing coaching bits. They have some real warriors and they have every right to get results at this level, but we have won our last two league games and we want to make it three.”

We’ve met before…

The two clubs have met 25 times before this weekend, with only six wins going the way of Yeovil. Hartlepool however have fourteen wins with there being five draws between them. 

What will be worrying for Glovers fans is that they haven’t beaten United since in their last 11 games, last winning in 2012. The scorer in that game was Joe Edwards. The last time they met the three points went Hartlepool’s way, winning 0-1.

Don’t I know you?…

Goalkeeper Adam Smith now plays for the North East team. Smith had two spells on loan at Huish Park in 19/20 and 20/21 seasons under Darren Sarll, who took him to Hartlepool when he arrived (and subsequently departed) in the summer.

Another former player of ours who now plays for The Pools is defender Billy Sass-Davies. The 24-year old joined the Glovers 20/21 on loan, playing 22 times.

The club also share an ex-manager in Darren Sarll, who was in charge of our hosts this weekend on our opening day defeat at Huish Park, but was sacked after just six months.

Darren Sarll, who took lost his job in October. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Who’s been naughty then?…

There is no players suspended for the Glovers.

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Yeovil Town will be back in league action this weekend as they host  fourth-from-bottom Braintree Town at Huish Park.

Form Guide…

It has been a tough week for the Glovers after they were beaten by local rivals W*ymouth on Tuesday night in the FA Trophy. Our focus will now solely be on the National League Premier having been knocked out of both cup competitions.

Yeovil vs Weymouth – a bad night at the office

Even if Yeovil’s form in the cups hasn’t been great their league form has been more stable, they sit 10th  in the table after 21 games. Over their last five games in the National League three have been losses and two have been wins although their last victory came in their last league outing, a 2-0 win away at Woking.

It has been a difficult start to life at this level for Braintree, who came up alongside us from National League South after winning a dramatic play-off final against Worthing. They currently lie 21st in the table, just the wrong side of the relegation places dotted line on goal difference and sacked manager Angelo Harrop a few weeks ago.

His replacement is well-known in Essex having been Harrop’s assistant at Cressing Road and has immediately put his mark on the team with the departure of big name strike Inih Effiong, sold to Woking less than 24 hours after Harrop’s departure. That exit could have as much to do with the shaky state of the finances at the club with chairman Lee Harding telling BBC Radio Essex the club were 50% over budget approaching the midway point of the season.

In their last five National League Premier fixtures, Braintree have won two, lost two, drawn one. With wins coming against Eastleigh and fellow strugglers AFC Fylde, but the defeats came second-from-bottom Boston United and Maidenhead United.

Pitt took charge of his first match last weekend when he saw his side exit the FA Trophy on penalties to Forest Green Rovers at Cressing Road, before winning 1-0 at home to Nottingham Forest’s kids in the world’s most pointless cup competition on Tuesday night.

On Friday, the club announced former Plymouth Argyle player Karl Duguid as Pitt’s assistant manager along with the appointment of an analyst and goalkeeping coach.

Key Players…

Yeovil – James Plant

The winger has been integral to Mark Cooper’s plans since coming in on loan from Port Vale. Out of his 10 league matches so far for the Glovers, Plant has started 90% of this games, whilst also bagging four goal contributions in that time.

James Plant puts a cross in. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

The 20-year-old has consistently looked like the Somerset sides biggest threat when going forward, creating multiple chances including Brett McGavin‘s goal against Woking. Plant will be missed when his loan ends in January.

Braintree – Kyrell Lisbie 

The winger has been Braintree’s bright spark in what has been a tough season so far. The 21-year-old has scored four times across 20 matches since joining from Cray Valley Paper Mills in the summer.

He has outscored big name summer signings like John Akinde and the now departed Effiong this season including a spectacular strike last weekend against Forest Green Rovers in the FA Trophy.

The 21-year-old will be looking to make his mark at Huish Park this weekend, although manager Steve Pitt has said he has told his wide players to improve on service to their frontmen.

Thats what he said…

Yeovil boss Mark Cooper spoke to media ahead of the upcoming fixture. He said: “We know they’re going to work really hard, they have got a new manager…they are going to try and impress him. The previous manager did a terrific job getting them promoted with us last year. They have chose now to go a different route and Steve [Pitt] will want to put his stamp on them.”

Manager Mark Cooper with assistant Chris Todd. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Newly-appointed Braintree manager Steve Pitt gave his thoughts ahead of Saturday following last weekend’s FA Trophy exit to Forest Green. He said: “We will train Thursday and Friday, prepare for Yeovil away. We will go there in a positive frame of mind to get a positive result.”

We’ve met before…

Having spent the last two seasons in the same division the two clubs have acquainted themselves with each other well. The head-to-head over that time has been played three, won three for Yeovil. 

They last met in August of this year when the Glovers headed to Essex and returned with maximum points after 0-1 win. The sole goal coming from centre-back Morgan Williams.

Don’t I know you…

There are no ex-Glovers in the Braintree Town squad. Charlie Wakefield turned out for The Irons last season when getting promoted alongside Yeovil, but has since departed for pastures new.

Who’s been naughty then…

Jake Wannell, and Dom Bernard both return from suspension for Yeovil Town.

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It’s back to Huish Park on Saturday as Yeovil Town take on derby rivals W*ymouth in the FA Trophy third round.

Form Guide…

The Glovers were back on song last weekend as they beat Woking 2-0. A superb finish from midfield maestro Brett McGavin and a back post tap in for defender Finn Cousin-Dawson secured Yeovil’s first win after three consecutive league defeats. 

As mentioned outside of last weekends dominant display Mark Cooper’s men have struggled to pick up points, however these games were against good opposition in the form of Barnet, York City and FC Halifax Town. Cooper will be hoping for another good win today, to be in with the chance of winning some silverware this season.

For the team from down the road it has been a tough month or so with no win in three and the sacking of manager Mark Molesley. The Terras last win came in a 3-2 victory away at Weston Super-Mare in the last round of the Trophy. Their last National League South win came over a month ago on the 2nd of November when beating Aveley 0-1.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Brett McGavin

A lot can be said when you have a midfielder who loves to find the back of the net. With a wonder long range finish against Woking the 24-year-old now has five goals in the season. As well as having a knack for scoring, McGavin also controls the tempo of the game alongside midfield partner Charlie Cooper.

With the Glovers strikers seeming to be afraid of bagging some goals it helps to have a a player being able to pick up the slack.

Brett McGavin celebrates his opener.

W*ymouth – Euan Pollock

This was a hard one to pick as W*ymouth’s best player this season has been the one Yeovil have sent on loan there in goalkeeper Will Buse. However, Bush is not allowed to play against his parent club so the next best player in a struggling Terras side is Centre Forward, Evan Pollock.

Even if hasn’t scored for the south-coast club this campaign he has contributed with two assists. He has also found himself getting regular game time this season ahead of the likes of Brandon Goodship, Malachi Linton and Ezio Touray to name a few. Pollock is only 22 so has had lot of pressure put on his shoulder in his first season in senior mens football.

Thats what he said…

Yeovil boss Mark Cooper is aware that form means nothing in a game like this. He said: “We’ve watched their last five, six games. They’re different, now without a manager, they changed their manager last week, Jason Matthews is a great lad, he’s in charge. He’ll have them organised, whatever W*ymouth team turn up, we know, just by the occasion it’s going to give them a lift… We have to play well.”

Cooper post Woking

W*ymouth captain, Tom Bearwish penned a letter to fans ahead of the clash. He said: “We all know what’s happening tomorrow, and just like all of you it’s a massive game for all of us, too. Being lucky enough to play for W*ymouth, I’m always excited about the next game, but even I know this one is different. This is one that the whole squad is looking forward to.

“So, understandably tomorrow is a huge game for everyone. A cup game away to our biggest rivals, it can’t get better than that. But, I’ll be honest, as a player it’s important that I stay as calm as possible.”

We’ve met before…

We have definitely met before with 184 games being played since 1908 between the two clubs. Out of those 184 the Glovers have won 79 games, The Terras taking 67 games and 38 being draws.

The last time the two met was in last season when W*ymouth were awarded a win after the game was called off due to a medical emergency when leading 1-0.

The last time they played at Huish Park was in the same season as the Glovers ran out 2-0 winners, thanks to goals from Jake Hyde and Jordan Young.

Don’t I know you…

There are a whole of host of Glovers past and one present that play for the team from down the road. 

First one to look at the seagull botherers’ loan keeper, Yeovil-born Will Buse. Although the shot stopper won’t be playing tomorrow as Yeovil still own him, he has started the majority of games for the Dorset team and will be gutted to be missing out I’m sure.

Will Buse.
Picture courtesy of Iain Morland.

The next is another Yeovil born player in Brooklyn Genesini. The right back was on loan from Swindon Town at Huish Park at the back end of last season making seven appearances for the Glovers.

Midfielder Calvin Brooks also spent time in Somerset in the early part of his career, joining from Dorchester Town in 2014. Brooks spent most of that season on loan at W*ymouth however, before making his move permanent at the start of the 15/16 season. 

A name familiar with the Glovers fans will be that of Jordan Maguire-Drew who now plays on the south coast. The 27-year-old joined Yeovil in the 22/23 season, making a total of 30 appearances before leaving for the Bob Lucas in September this year.

Centre-forward, Malachi Linton is the fifth player in the Terras squad to have played at Huish Park. His time in South Somerset wasn’t the best with the him being sent on loan to both Taunton Town and W*ymouth. He did however make 35 appearances for the glovers during his time here.

Malachi Linton. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

The last of the former Glovers is another Centre forward in Brandon Goodship. The striker had multiple spells at Yeovil, with the first being on loan from then parent club Bournemouth during the back end of the 15/16 season. He then rejoined the Glovers a year later, this time on a permanent deal, which only lasted six months before he was released and W*ymouth signed him.

Who’s been naughty then…

Glovers’ defenders Jake Wannell, and Dom Bernard are both still suspended.

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It’s that time of the year again, when games come thick and fast, and Saturday sees Yeovil Town go to Woking in the league.

Form Guide…

After a good month or so for the Glovers during October/November, results have taken a turn for the worse.

Over the last five games Mark Cooper’s men have won two and lost threes. Those three losses have been over the last three games however. It must be said all three losses have been against Barnet, York City and Halifax, all very good teams in their own right. Last time out, they were beaten 1-2 at home to Barnet.

It’s been a tough season for Woking, who currently lie 18th in the league. Over their last five league games The Cards have had one win, two draws and two losses. The one victory was against second bottom Boston United. They have also been beaten by two team that the Glovers have been beaten by in Barnet and FC Halifax.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Michael Smith

What’s there to say about the experience full back that hasn’t already been said. The Northern Ireland international has come back from injury at a perfect time for Yeovil, with their defensive suspensions.

Michael Smith will be fit to return for this weekend’s home match with FC Halifax Town. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Having a player with the know how and quality of Smith will prove vital going into the upcoming fixtures.  He will be a player Cooper will be looking to rely on that’s for sure.

Woking – Dale Gorman

A name that is well-known to Glovers’ fans, Gorman joined the Surrey side from Barnet in the summer and has made an impact. The centre midfielder  has picked up five assists so far this season for a struggling team.

The Northern Irishman has already been named captain in his short time at The Cards, which shows his impact as a leader within the squad.

However, he’s become a bit of a pantomime villain (quelle surprise, I know!) of late and had a bit of a bust-up with fans in a 2-0 defeat at Barnet last weekend. He appeared as a second half substitute against Southend United on Tuesday night and it’s fair to say there was a bit of an ‘atmosphere’ when he arrived.

Still loves a booking, he got sent off for two in the opening day and is the proud owner of ten yellows this season. He’s got one goal as well which (even more surprisingly to anyone who saw him in a Yeovil shirt) was a beautiful free-kick to get a consolation goal back in a 3-2 defeat at Tamworth last month.

Dale Gorman.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

That’s what he said…

The Cards manager, Michael Doyle spoke to club media about the his teams upcoming home fixture. He said: “Another home game against Yeovil. They come up last year, they’ve had a good start to the season, so it will be a good test for us, but we’re at home so we got to take the game to them.”

Yeovil boss Mark Cooper spoke to the BBC after the midweek game about the quick turnaround. He said: “We’ve only got two days, so the players will be off tomorrow in Friday then play on Saturday…we won’tYeoviuse that as excuse though.

We will have to freshen up, make sure we have a enough good legs in the team to play at Woking on Saturday.”

We’ve met before…

Out of the 11 games these two teams have played against each other Yeovil have six wins to Woking’s three, with just the two draws. However, the last time the two met the Glovers lost 0-1 in March 2023. The last time they played at Kingfield Stadium, in November 2022  the Somerset side lost again 1-0.

Don’t I Know You…

Has there been a pair of clubs which have swapped players as much as Woking and Yeovil Town down the years? Warren Patmore, Jamie Pitman, Steve Thompson, Kevan Brown, Charlie Wakefield, Luke Wilkinson….errr….there’s probably more….

In fact, there definitely are because there’s a few in today’s match, albeit they have come via other clubs

The previously mentioned Dale Gorman being one and his midfield partner Jamie Andrews also had spell in the South West.

Jamie Andrews. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

The 22-year-old was on loan at Yeovil from West Bromwich Albion for a short period between November 2022 and January 2nd 2023. During that time he played a total of eight games.

Gorman played a total of 42 appearances during his year long spell in Somerset, scoring five goals.

Less likely to be playing is Dan Moss, the all-action full-back who endeared himself to Glovers’ fans during a loan spell from Millwall in the 2021/22 season. He played 23 times in green-and-white before returning to The Den, and was then picked up by his former boss at Yeovil, Darren Sarll, when he quit Huish Park for the Kingfield – yes, it happens with managers as well. Moss was not in the Cards’ squad for their midweek goalless draw (/snooze fest) with Southend United, so may not feature today.

Midfielder Rohan Ince is another player with Somerset connections. He arrived at Huish Park back in 2012 when he was getting his career started in Chelsea’s academy and made two appearances. Since then he’s gone on to represent Brighton & Hove Albion, Cheltenham Town and Maidenhead United with loans at Swindon Town and Fulham. He arrived at the Kingfield in 2021 but fell out of favour in the latter part of Sarll’s time in charge. He is a long-term injury victim this season and therefore will not feature against us.

Who’s been naughty then…

Yeovil will be without defenders Dom Bernard and Jake Wannell.

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Another big game for Yeovil Town in midweek, as they welcome the third placed Barnet to Huish Park on Wednesday evening.

Form Guide…

The Glovers have seemed to come out of their purple patch in recent weeks, with back to back defeats to York City and Halifax. Mark Cooper will be hoping that his side can avoid making it three on the trot.

York City vs Yeovil Town, 24th November.

Barnet have been in good form so far this season with 13 wins so far.

Over their last five fixtures the Bees have won three, drawn one and lost one. The loss was in the FA Cup to Exeter City however. Last time out saw the London side defeat Woking 2-0.

Away from has been where Barnet have lost, with defeats to York and Solihull Moors respectively.

Key Players…

Yeovil Town – Ollie Wright

With a whole host of defenders suspended for the Glovers, the shot stopper will have to be on top form against a team that has scored 40 goals so far this season.

Wright has come under scrutiny in recent weeks from some sections of the fan base, but he has shown he has more than enough quality to turn around performances.

Ollie Wright saves low
Pic Gary Brown

Barnet – Callum Stead

The centre forwards for Barnet have been excellent this season, with Stead’s colleague, Nicke Kabamba bagging nine goals.

We’ve chosen 24-year-old however due to his all round game. In front of goal Stead has bagged two less than Kabamba, with seven goals. He has also two assists as well, showing he can bring player around him into play.

The centre forward will be a handful for make shift Yeovil defence which see sees three starters out with suspensions. Stead and Kabamba will prove hard to keep quiet.

Thats what he said…

Barnets assistant, Connor Smith, spoke to their clubs media before the game. He said: “Every away game is tough at this level, they’re going really well, they had a tough game at the weekend.

They’re a good side, they play good football, with some good youngster and experienced players. Travelling away on an evening game is always tricky so we’ll keep our guard up.”

We’ve met before…

The two teams have met 15 times since 2015 with the Glovers winning six, one more than Barnet who have five wins with the two teams drawing four times.

The last time this fixture was played Barnet ran out winners 2-1 back in March 2023.

Yeovil vs Barnet 2023
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Don’t I know you…

The Glovers have four connections to the Barnet team and staff. Two of the Bees playing squad have spent time in the southwest.

Billy Clifford spent time on loan, from Chelsea, at Huish Park in 2013, making 0 appearances for the Yeovil though.

Rhys Browne is the second of the playing squad to have played for Yeovil, making 63 appearances between 2017-2019.

Barnet assistant manager Connor Smith played alongside Browne between 17-18 when playing 19 games for the Glovers.

Lastly, the Bees analyst,  Danny Hutchins also spent time during his playing days in Somerset. The former midfielder was on loan from Tottenham during the 2009 season, which was made permanent for the 2009-10 season. Hutchins played a total of 27 games for the Glovers.

Who’s been naughty then…

Jake Wannell, Finn Cousin-Dawson and Dom Bernard are all suspended

Jake Wannell is flabbergasted at the decision to send him off.
Pic: Gary Brown

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