Match Previews

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The National League Premier Division season comes to a close with a trip to FA Trophy finalists Aldershot Town on Bank Holiday Monday.

Form Guide…

Neither side are finishing the season in style with Yeovil Town picking up seven points in their last six matches, and Aldershot Town getting just four.

Last time out Yeovil went down to a 2-1 defeat in their final home game of the season against Sutton United. Aldershot were defeated 4-0 at champions Barnet, a result which secured the title for the Bees.

In fact, The Shots have not picked up a win since they clinched a place in the FA Trophy final. Four defeats in their last five matches have seen them ship 17 goals, including a 7-2 defeat at York City.

Conceding goals has been their issue this season. They have let in 82 goals in their 45 games and only the division’s bottom two, Ebbsfleet United (96) and AFC Fylde (82) have let in as many.

Aldershot will be without a key  player in full-back Ryan Jones who suffered a broken leg in the 3-0 defeat at local rivals Woking on Easter Monday. The former Bristol Rovers youngster has been a stand out performer for them this season.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Finn Cousin-Dawson

The form of the summer signing in the second half of the season has been largely overlooked, but he has impressed stepping forward in to midfield.

His aerial ability and calmness on the ball has been important as he has both filled the voids left by injuries to first choice central defenders Morgan Williams and Jake Wannell, and when he has moved up the pitch.

He’s also a player who remains under contract for next season having signed a two-year deal when he arrived from Bradford City in the summer.

James Henry tries to find a way past Ollie Wright in the 1-1 draw at Huish Park in September. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Aldershot Town – James Henry 

At the age of 35, James Henry should be slowing down but the former Millwall player has proved vital for Aldershot since joining last summer.

He has contributed 15 goals this season playing mostly in a wide position, just one goal behind top scorer Josh Barrett who will be another one to watch.

But Henry’s consistency and experience has added even more for our hosts on Bank Holiday Monday. 

That’s what he said…

You may have heard that Aldershot Town are in the FA Trophy final with Spennymoor United their opponents six days after they take on Yeovil.

But Glovers’ boss Mark Cooper is under no illusions that Aldershot will be taking it easy with a trip to Wembley next weekend.

Speaking ahead of the Bank Holiday fixture, he told BBC Somerset reporter Jack Killah: “I think they will be full strength and trying to get a bit of form going in to the final and they will want to get this sorted on Monday. I do not buy in to talk about that they will rest players, people told me that about Sutton United (before the 2-1 home defeat at Huish Park last time out) because they had (the National League Cup) final the following Tuesday and none of that happened. It is about on the day, you have to be up for it because otherwise you will get beaten.”

Aldershot assistant manager Hugo Langton stepped in front of the camera following the 4-0 defeat at champions Barnet in their last match and admitted his side had not been good enough recently.

He said: “We can’t hide the fact we have not been on a great run lately. We have got nine games until the next game, so we have a good week ahead of us and sometimes we have to be brutally honest with each other.

“The things that have been disappointing recently, we have got to get right. They are things we have been working on and we just have to work harder at it and that is what we will do.”

We’ve met before…

This is the tenth meeting between Yeovil Town and Aldershot Town and the previous nine results have ended in three wins, three draws and three defeats for each.

The last two meetings have ended up in 1-1 draws with Ciaran McGuckin levelling after Josh Barrett’s opener at Huish Park in this season’s reverse fixture at the end of September.

Ciaran McGuckin celebrates his first Yeovil goal against Aldershot back in September. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Last time we met at The Recreation Ground was on Yeovil’s way out of the National League Premier Division on Good Friday in 2023. Callum Harriott (remember him?) equalised in the second half  for the Glovers.

Don’t I know you…

Shots’ central defender Christian Maghoma had a loan spell at Huish Park in 2015 – but failed to make a single appearance. He joined a Yeovil side bottom of League Two as an 18-year-old on loan from Premier League Tottenham Hotspur.

Who’s been naughty then…

Aldershot midfielder Cameron Hargreaves, son of ex-Glovers’ boss, Chris, is available again having served a three-match ban for his sending off in the 7-2 defeat at York City.

There are no suspensions affecting Yeovil Town.

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It’s the final home game of the season for Yeovil Town, as they take on Sutton United at Huish Park on Saturday.

Form Guide…

Yeovil have been in good form compared to their upcoming opponents over the last five games, with two wins, two losses and a draw.

Last time out, the Glovers lost 1-0 away to Eastleigh on Easter Monday, Mark Cooper’s side went behind half an hour into the game, and things weren’t helped when on loan winger Otis Khan got sent off seven minutes later.

Otis Khan heads down the tunnel after 36 minutes.

For Sutton, it’s been tough going over their previous five fixtures, with two losses, two draws and one win. United faired similarly to Yeovil on the last match day, losing at home to table topping Barnet 3-1, with Sutton too, having a defender Tyler French sent off.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Morgan Williams

The centre back has been pivotal to defensive solidity in recent seasons for the Glovers and it has been no different this campaign.

Since his comeback from injury a couple games ago, Williams has been a presence that will have been missed by players and fans alike. Although the deputising Frankie Terry has done a great job, Williams brings the experience needed for closing out a season.

Morgan Williams
📸 Gary Brown

Sutton United – Will Davies

Centre-Forward Davies has been in fine form for The U’s this season bagging 18 goals in total. He is however in somewhat of a ‘down patch’ with no goal in his last four games.

As well as scoring up top, he has also been a consistent figure head at the top of the pitch, playing 42 games (3,556 minutes). This has led to him scoring a goal every 195 minutes. Davies has also contributed with three assists as well.

That’s what he said…

Yeovil boss Mark Cooper gave his thoughts on Saturday’s opposition. He said: “Knowing Steve (Morison, the Sutton manager), I’m sure he will be desperate to win every game.

“They’re a good team, they’ve got some good players. I think it will be really difficult game, but that’s every week and I expect they’ve watched us over the last few weeks and will be expecting the same.”

Mark Cooper speaks to BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah ahead of the fixture with Sutton United.

Sutton boss Steve Morison made plenty of references to Tuesday night’s National League Cup final against Leeds United.

Like Yeovil, the Us are playing their second game in the week after a 3-1 home defeat to champions elect Barnet on Easter Monday, a match marred by a sending off of defender Tyler French – a decision Morison revealed he had got an apology for.

Speaking to the club’s YouTube channel ahead of the game, the former Millwall striker said: “We have had the necessary conversations and had an apology from the official for the way the situation was handled, I had a personal phone call about it which I appreciated. It doesn’t put points back on the board but it does at least show you that you’re not going mad!

“My big focus is to get energy and enthusiasm in to the game and for it not to become just a testimonial-type fixture where two teams are just going through the motions. 

“Yeovil will be really pleased with how they have done this season, they have lost some big players which are hard to deal with financially. They have been excellent, they have a really good manager and they are a really good team.”

We’ve met before…

Yeovil and Sutton have faced off a total of 20 times over the years with the head to head being fairly even. Sutton sneak the most wins with nine, whilst Yeovil have the eight, with the teams drawing four times.

When the Glovers and U’s last met, it finished a goalless draw at Gander Green Lane back in September.

Aaron Jarvis also thinks Frank is not far away there.

Don’t I know you…

Lewis Simper is the only ex-Glover to note. The midfielder, was on loan from Cambridge United at Huish Park during the 2021/22 season making just the one appearance.

Who’s been naughty then…

Due to Otis Khan’s sending off in the last game, he is now missing for the final two games.

Defender Tyler French is suspended for Sutton as his own sending off on Easter Monday.

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Yeovil Town are back at Huish Park with strugglers AFC Fylde in town, the Lancastrians sit just inside the relegation zone. With bottom club Ebbsfleet United now mathematically gone, there are now three spots to avoid, and probably six teams to battle it out. 

Form Guide…

Yeovil Town are back on home soil. After a tough run of fixtures and results, they put Solihull Moors to the sword last weekend with a 3-0 rout in the Midlands, a result which could have been even more convincing.  Meanwhile, in Lancashire today’s opponents, AFC Fylde, were putting high-flying Forest Green Rovers to the sword by the same scoreline.

On home soil, the Glovers’ form is the fourth-worst in the National League Premier with only sides in the division’s drop zone, Ebbsfleet, Boston United and Maidenhead United, having worst records. The last two matches have seen them go down to big-spending York City a fortnight ago and Boston, but before that they were unfortunate to only get a point off Southend United and picked up maximum points against Tamworth.

On the flip side, only Ebbsfleet have a worse record away from home than Fylde. The Coasters have scored just 12 (the worst in the league) and conceded 38 goals (2nd worst) in games on the road, it’s fair to say they don’t travel well.

In their last two matches, the Lancashire side have gone down 1-0 at Ebbsfleet and drawn 1-1 at Gateshead.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Sonny Blu Lo Everton

Sonny Blu Lo Everton has been at the heart of everything Yeovil Town have done well since his return to the side.

He made the game against Solihull tick from start to finish and has earned plaudits for his effort and endeavour in recent defeats, he made a big impact in the reverse fixture, scoring the third goal for the Glovers. 

He can pull the strings in a dynamic and young front line that can get the Glovers going.

Sonny Blu Lo Everton on the run. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

AFC Fylde- Nick Haughton

The Coaster’s Number 10 will have the weight of his team on his shoulders for this game, the talented playmaker, got the third goal against Forest Green last week and the opening two goals in the 4-3 thriller when these met in September.

The 30-year old has had his suitors from teams higher up in the table, but he’s stayed loyal to his side and produced a return of 17 goals and plenty of assists in 37 league appearances this campaign.

 

That’s what he said…

Yeovil Town boss Mark Cooper is not reading too much in to Fylde’s victory against Forest Green Rovers last weekend and realises that his own side’s result will only be what they are judged by until 5pm on Saturday.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah, he said: “At this stage of the season you get so many strange results. York went to Braintree and lost, we could easily have beaten York the week before, we try not to look at other results, we just get our heads down and do what we need to do. It is a great result for Fylde, they played really well, they were aggressive, pressed and looked really organised and sometimes you catch teams like Forest Green on an off day. But we are at home and if we play anything like we did at Solihull we have a big chance, if we run like we did against Solihull and get after the opposition, we can get a result.

“There is another argument to say that if they were coming here and they were safe they could come here and go and play their stuff. It is about fully respecting the opposition, they have some good players, but they are in the relegation zone for a reason. We have to fully respect them and the fact they had a good result last week, we will be organised and on the front foot and look at how we can hurt them with our weapons and I am sure we will give them some problems.”

 

Fylde sacked former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips in a bid to arrest their plunge towards relegation in February and his assistant David Longwell was placed in interim charge. The former Burnley academy manager only arrived at the Lancashire club in January and was given the top job until the end of the season alongside goalkeeping coach Chris Neal.

In his pre match chat with their club media, Longwell said: “It’s a tough game, it’s going to be a tough trip down for us, to put the same level of effort in, application that we’ve done (vs Forest Green).

“Yeovil have come off the end of having a little sticky patch, they had a really good result the other day and deservedly won the game (at Solihull), their tails will be up. I think they’ve done a great job, and the manager’s done a great job in replacing the players that have left, I’ve been impressed with them, I’ve seen some of the Solihull game, a fantastic result and showed some really good moment in there.”

 

We’ve met before…

We have, and it’s rarely been dull! In the post 2018-Non League era, we’ve met three times, sharing 16 goals.

The 4-3 earlier this season and a 2-2 draw combined with a 3-2 win in the 2019/20 season. 

Dom Bernard celebrates his winner at AFC Fylde. Picture courtesy of Bekah Harper.

Don’t I know you?…

Winger Gavin Massey and defender Corey Whelan both head to Huish Park able to navigate their way around the gaff.

Whelan had a very short stint as a loanee back in 2017/18, playing half a dozen times on loan from Liverpool.

You have to go back to the 2011/12 season to find Gavin Massey in a Yeovil shirt.

Having arrived from Watford, he played 16 times in green-and-white, scoring three times before heading to Colchester United.

Who’s been naughty then…

No one is suspended for the game. However, referee Ross Martin has already booked Ciaran McGuckin and the gaffer, when taking charge of the 1-0 win over Dagenham and Redbridge

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Yeovil Town are back on the road in search of points to pull them away from the relegation mire at the foot of the National League Premier table and travel to a Solihull Moors side…..*checks notes*…..in search of points to pull them away from the relegation mire at the foot of the National League Premier table

Form Guide…

After two wins on the bounce in the middle of February, the Glovers’ form has dropped significantly, with no win in their last five fixtures. Yeovil’s only point during this period has been a 2-2 draw at home to Southend United.

The caveat would be that the Somerset side has predominantly trams in the playoffs over that period, as well as the 3-0 loss at home to a resurgent Boston United, one of those sides looking to swap places with them below the dotted line.

Last time out for the Glovers was a spirited 1-0 defeat to promotion-chasing York. Yeovil rarely threatened but can’t take confidence in the fact they didn’t concede more than the one goal.

Mark Cooper.

Solihull’s form hasn’t been particularly glamorous either over the last five games with just the one win, they have drawn two games as well alongside two losses.

In their last league game, they drew 1-1 at Hartlepool United, another club in crisis off the field which is impacting them on the field, on North-East coast. Their goal coming through striker Manny Duku, who has proved a vital boost since joining on a short-term deal at the start of the month following his departure from Hednesford Town in February.

The loss of manager Andy Whing, who departed the Midlands to join League Two Barrow in January, has turned Solihull’s season from one looking to once again compete for play-off places, to looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone. Since his replacement, former Portsmouth and Bolton Wanderers player Matty Taylor quit Wealdstone to join them, they have won just once, the 2-1 home win over bottom club Ebbsfleet United a fortnight ago – with Duku on the scoresheet twice.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Brett McGavin

We have said his name a lot this season and for good reason, McGavin is our top scorer. As a team that has lacked goals in all areas, McGavin has popped up with a few important ones and some just sublime ones too.

The wonderfully haired midfielder does more than just score goals however, alongside Charlie Cooper, he controls the midfield. In recent games it might not have clicked for the pair but we have seen what happens when it does, we win.

All we can hope is that injury which saw him limp off against York last weekend was not as serious as it looked.

Brett McGavin is helped from the pitch. Picture courtesy of Debs Curtis.

Boston United – Manny Duku

The centre forward has been a lightning rod (almost literally, he’s 6’2″ tall) since arriving at Damson Park at the start of the month.

Having departed Northern League Hednesford Town (where he’d scored 19 times this season) the previous month, the former Dutchman has scored three in as many games. His double at home to Ebbsfleet a fortnight ago proved the difference to lift the gloom over Matty Taylor’s reign, and he equalised to grab at point up at Hartlepool last weekend.

If Yeovil are going to get anything from this one, they will need to pay him close attention.

 

That’s what he said…

Yeovil manager Mark Cooper spoke positively about his hopes of the return of some the club’s missing injured players including defenders Jake Wannell and Michael Smith

On their next opponents, he added: “They’ve had lots of change, obviously, change of the Manager [who] went to the EFL to Barrow, done a great job.

“They brought in Matty [Taylor] from Wealdstone. It’s always tough, when you go into a team that are used to a manager’s way, you have to try and change and adapt to the way you want it.

“They’ve had a turn around of players, they’ve had some injuries, so it’s been tough, but they’ve had a little run, I think, three unbeaten. Like I always say, there’s never any easy games at this level, never. And we’re expecting a really tough game, but I’m sure they would have watched us against York, and they’ll be expecting a really tough encounter as well.”

Solihull Moors boss Matty Taylor.

In his pre-match interview, Matty Taylor said he expects to be going again with the same group of players which earned Solihull a point up at Hartlepool last weekend. But, he was pleased to see some fringe players get minutes in the 4-1 defeat at Tamworth in the Birmingham Senior Cup on Tuesday night.

The manager said: “It’s been a week where we’ve been able to rest players that needed a rest because we have had a few injuries and managed to get minutes in to players that needed it on Tuesday night, so the majority of the boys have done all the four training sessions we have had this season.

“We know it is going to be another difficult game. Our form has been better, unbeaten in three, but we have to start getting clean sheets. We know Yeovil are not on the run they would want to be on, but we know they have some very good technical players, they have a very good, experienced manager in Mark Cooper.”

 

We’ve met before…

The two teams have met 12 time throughout history with, the first game only being played in November 2016 when Darren Way’s Glovers crashed out of the FA Cup in a second round replay at Damson Park – on penalties! Out of those 12 fixtures, Yeovil have come out on top only three times, with Solihull winning four and there being five draws.

The most recent game between the two was back in September at Huish Park, when Solihull won 1-0 with Connor Wilkinson, who is injured for the return fixture this weekend, scoring the only goal.

Don’t I know you?…

There are a couple old Glovers in The Moors squad with some being more recent than others.

Ollie Wright will be a name you all know. The goalkeeper spent the majority of this season on loan at Huish Park before Southampton decide to recall him then send straight back out on loan again. Weird we know.

Ollie Wright returned to Southampton at the start of February.
Picture by FRANK REID

 

 

Tahvon Campbell is a name that maybe familiar to the older match preview reader. The striker joined Yeovil first back in January 2016 on loan from West Brom. He returned to Yeovil in the august of the same year, again on loan until January 2017. Across his two spell Campbell played 42 games (still his most capped club) scoring three goals. That said, he has missed most of this season through injury, so is unlikely to feature.

Who’s been naughty then…

No one is suspended for the game.

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It’s the last game under the lights for Yeovil Town on Tuesday night as they face Boston United at Huish Park.

Form Guide…

It’s been very up and down over the last five games for Yeovil. After winning the first two games of this period it has stagnated a bit with a draw and two losses. It should be noted that the last two loss have been against tough opposition, in Barnet and FC Halifax respectively.

In fact last time out against The Shaymen, Yeovil were unlucky to not come away with at least a point. Unfortunately for Mark Cooper and his men, the Yorkshire side were just that bit better.

FC Halifax vs Yeovil

Boston’s league position may be a red herring for home fans. Although sitting second bottom of the league over their last five fixtures, they have two wins, two draws and one loss.

Their two wins came against Dagenham & Redbridge as well as AFC Fylde in impressive style. But it’s the draws that will grab the attention with scoreless draws against Oldham and a (Desmond) 2-2 draw when facing Woking last time out. They are definitely not a team to take lightly.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Frank Nouble

Well since I stopped choosing Nouble as the key player, he stopped scoring, so I’m picking him again for good luck.

Ignoring the mystic wisdom that the Gloverscast brought, the forward showed why he is crucial to Yeovil winning. Not only did he score vital goal that helped his team to a win, his experience and knowledge of the league showed.

It’s no slight on the other players but they are younger and on loan, performing well for this club may not be as important to them than it is to Nouble. However, he understands what the fans been through in the last couple of years at that will rub off.

Frank Nouble. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Boston United – Jacob Hazel

Jacob Hazel has been something Yeovil has been a missing, a goal scoring centre forward. The St Kitts & Nevis native has bagged 10 goals this season for his side. He has also contributed with three assists as well.

The 30-year old has also been a consistent player in the side, which by this point of this season is quite remarkable. Hazel has played a total of 33 games and over 2,000 minutes so far. The expected Michael Bostwick is another name to look out for.

That’s what he said…

Yeovil boss Mark Cooper had no comments ahead of the game.

Boston manager Graham Coughlan, gave his thoughts to club media before the fixture. He said: “We go away Tuesday , it’s a long journey, but it’s about looking after the players between now and then and get as much rest and recovery into them as possible.”

We’ve met before…

The two sides haven met a total of 41 times, the majority of which came before the turn of the millennium. Out of those 41 Yeovil have only won 11 compared to Bostons 20 wins, meaning the remaining 10 games have been draws.

The last time they played against each other, in August of last year, the Somerset side were 1-3 victors. The three goals being scored by Brett McGavin (x2) and Jordan Young. Both teams also had players sent off, Yeovil’s being Jake Wannell.

Don’t I know you…

For the second game in a row there is no Yeovil links to the Boston squad.

However, our number one Aidan Stone was on loan at Boston this season.

Aidan Stone had a decent debut between the posts yesterday.

Who’s been naughty then…

No one is suspended for the game.

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Yeovil play their second away game of the week as they travel to Yorkshire to take on FC Halifax Town.

Form Guide…

Halifax have been in solid form over the last five games, with some big wins. The Shaymen have had two wins, two draws and a loss, with that defeat coming to Southend United.

Last time out the Yorkshire team picked up a good three points against promotion rivals York City. Sitting in sixth was enough to warrant some fear for Yeovil fans but after that last result, it could be a long night for travelling supporters.

Yeovil have had been in good form, if you take into account the teams they have faced. Over their last five games there has been two wins, two losses and a draw. The two wins, although against teams the Glovers should be beating, were much needed. The draw was, should’ve and could’ve been a win against a decent Southend side and our first loss, well the less said about that the better.

Barnet vs Yeovil

Last time out for Yeovil was a heavy defeat, to top of the league Barnet. Although it should not be ignored completely, the Bees are champions elect so the result should probably be taken with a pinch of salt.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Charlie Cooper

A polarising figure within the fans base, Cooper has stepped up since the departure of long time fan favourite and captain Matt Worthington.

Charlie Cooper celebrates his goal vs Maidenhead

The midfielder has blossomed into the hole left by the “Ginger Pirlo”. With Brett McGavin and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton alongside him the centre of the park looks settled for Mark Cooper. Cooper Jnr, has helped, with leadership and performances that have been beneficial to the team.

FC Halifax Town – Jamie Cooke

It’s unusual for a team in the playoffs not to have a prolific goalscorer of note, but The Shaymen are that team. However, it clearly hasn’t mattered to Halifax as they have such a strong team, with the foundation of team being centre-midfielder Jamie Cooke.

Cooke has played 32 games this season, totalling 2,360 minutes for his side. At 23 years old it’s fair to say he has the legs to play that role. But it’s not just the consistency his manager, Chris Millington, can count on, as Cooke is the top scorer as well, with seven goals. The all-rounder will look to control the game against the Glovers, so it should be an interesting battle in midfield.

That’s what he said…

Halifax boss, Chris Millington spoke to press about the upcoming fixture. He said: “When we played them down there, we won the game but maybe didn’t deserve to, it was a very good performance late on from them. They dominated the second half , so we have got to prepare really well for them.”

Yeovil manager Mark Cooper had made no comments regarding the game.

We’ve met before…

There haven’t been many games between the sides throughout history with just 10 games being played. The head to head is even, with four wins for Yeovil and four wins for Halifax, with the two other games being draws.

The last time the two teams met was in November when The Shaymen beat the Glovers 0-1 at Huish Park, with the only goal of the game coming from Florent Hoti.

Florent Hoti’s effort flies past Ollie Wright to put FC Halifax Town in to a 1-0 lead. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Don’t I know you…

There is no one. No one who has even played a single minute for Yeovil in the FC Halifax squad, what a rarity.

Who’s been naughty then…

No one is suspended for the game.

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It’s back on the road for Yeovil on Tuesday night as they face the tough task of going to top of table Barnet in the league.

Form Guide…

The Bees have been superb over their last five fixtures with four wins and a draw. In fact, the London side haven’t been beaten in the league in 20 matches, their last loss coming to York on the 22nd October.

If a 20-game unbeaten streak in the doesn’t suggest a tough challenge for the travelling Yeovil side, then Barnet’s last match should. The Bees won comfortably away at Oldham Athletic, beating the former Premier League side 3-0 at the weekend.

The Glovers have picked up their form over the last five games with, two wins, two draws and a loss. The last three games in particular have been where the Somerset side have really changed the fortunes around, after two month period without a win. Those three games have seen wins against Tamworth, Maidenhead and an unlucky draw at home to Southend United.

The game against the Shrimpers was the most recent for Yeovil, and after going behind early they quickly responded to go level, and then take the lead. The three points looked secured before a 94th minute equaliser from Southend scuppered thoughts of three wins on the trot.

Yeovil Town vs Southend United

Key Players…

Barnet – Callum Stead

With a team top of the league, every player they have will cause danger, but none more so than Callum Stead for Barnet. Stead has been a prolific frontman for the Bees, in the 32 games he has played this season he has bagged 11 goals and assisted on six occasions.

Having signed on free transfer from Brackley Town in the summer of 2023, he has been a bit of a find for London team. In his time at Barnet he has made 69 appearances scoring 26 goals. Whoever is at the back for Yeovil, Stead will be tough to handle.

Yeovil – Alex Whittle

When Alex Whittle has played this season his quality has been on show. The Scouser isn’t your Andy Robertson type of left-back with 10 assists a season, but he defends extremely well. What has let the 31-year old down is his ability to stay fit this season, but since coming back from his last set back in January, Whittle has played every game.

Since joining from York nearly two years ago, the Scouser has been a key asset to Mark Cooper and will hopefully be key in the run for the Glovers.

Photo: Gary Brown

That’s what he said…

Barnet boss Dean Brennan gave his thoughts ahead of the game to club media. He said: ” It’s going to be a difficult game, Mark Cooper is a top manager and they’re well organised. We will focus on what we have got to do and we think we can halt them, it will be a tricky game.”

Yeovil manager Mark Cooper spoke to press after Saturdays draw, where he gave his thoughts on the midweek fixture. He said: ” It will be tough, but the boys that have put their hand up today to march forward, were incredible and they’ll have to do it again on Tuesday.”

Mark Cooper speaks to BBC Radio Somerset’s Jack Killah after the 2-2 draw with Southend United.

We’ve met before…

Yeovil and Barnet have met each other many a time over the years. The first game between the two clubs was in 1967 when the side drew 1-1. Since that first encounter the Glovers and Bees have battled it out a further 63 times, with Yeovil winning 26 times and Barnet winning 25 times, with another 12 draws.

Danny Collinge’s header finds the far corner

Last time the two sides came together was November last year when Barnet took home all three points in a 1-2 win at Huish Park. Yeovil’s goal came through James Plant and the Bees two coming from Yeovil-born Ryan Glover and Danny Collinge.

Don’t I know you?…

Billy Clifford is the first of a couple of former Yeovil players in the Barnet squad. Clifford graced Huish Park back in the 13/14 season, playing a total of one game whilst on loan from Chelsea.

Another ex-player of ours is Rhys Browne, the Antiguan and Barbudan international spent two year in Somerset from 2017 to 2019. During his time in Yeovil, Browne played 71 times, his most appearances for a single club.

Somebody who has isn’t an ex-Glover but is still a Glover, if name only, is Ryan Glover. Besides the sharing of names the 24-year-old has another connection to Yeovil, the fact he was born here. Lets hope he doesn’t play to well in front of his hometown team – again!

Who’s been naughty then?…

Another game with no one suspended.

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It’s back to Huish Park for Yeovil on Saturday as they host an in-form Southend United side.

Form Guide…

The Glovers have picked up two valuable wins in as many weeks, which fans will be hoping carries on past Saturday.

The 2-0 win at Maidenhead United last weekend moved the Glovers up to 11th in the National League table, seven points off the division’s play-off places with teams having played an uneven number of matches, but 12 points off the relegation zone.

Prior to the last two wins though, Mark Cooper’s side hadn’t picked up three points for two months. Even with a potential new wave of confidence around Huish Park, feet should still be on the ground about Yeovil’s form.

Yeovil celebrate the opening goal at Maidenhead United last weekend.

For the Shrimpers it has been a decent last five games. They have picked up two wins, two draws and a loss in that period. The loss as came five games ago to last week’s opponents Maidenhead United, however since that 1-0 loss the Seasiders have picked up eight points.

In their most recent match the Essex side drew 1-1 at Tamworth last Saturday in a game they probably should have won, if league position was to be believed.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Frank Nouble

A second week in row we are picking out Frank as Yeovil’s key player. After another good performance against Maidenhead scoring the opener in the 38th minute.

For a player looked destined to leave Somerset for pastures new not that long ago, Nouble has shown why he should be kept around. With youngsters and loanees making up a big chunk of the squad, having his presence will only benefit the team. And if he keeps scoring, he will be helping Cooper out a hole.

 

Southend United – Gus Scott-Morris

Scott-Morris is having a blinding season at right back. Most would think it would be down to his defensive attributes which are good but just not as good as his attacking prowess.

The 27-year old has bagged himself 14 goals this campaign, yep you definitely read that correctly. Alongside his goalscoring form Scott-Morris has also assisted four times taking his goal contributions up to 18 for the season.

That’s what he said…

Yeovil manager Mark Cooper talk to the press ahead of Saturdays fixture. He said: “ They have got good players, they know what they’re doing, but it is always about what we do on the day. It’s about momentum. When you’re asking me these questions two weeks ago when we couldn’t win a game, I was telling you it’s about momentum and it’s about bad things come to an end.

“That’s what it will come down to on Saturday, to which team win the most individual duels.”

Southend boss, Kevin Maher spoke to his clubs media before travelling to Somerset. He said: “Yeovil is always a tough place to go, the crowd get behind them ever so well, and Mark’s got a really well organised team.

“Everyone has a blip and they’ve come out of it so I’m sure they’ll be full of confidence.”

We’ve met before…

Yeovil and Southend have met each other 24 times in the past with Saturdays home side coming out on top in the head to head.

The Glovers have 13 wins to their name, whilst the Shrimpers have 8 wins, with the pair drawing on three occasions.

The last time they faced off in November last year, Mark Cooper’s side took home the spoils as they left Roots Hall 0-1 winners. The only goal of the game through loanee James Plant, who has now gone back to his club due to injury.

Don’t we know you?…

Defender Nathan Ralph is a name most fans will remember. Now captain of Southend, the 32-year-old, played for the Glovers from 2012-2015 making 41 appearances in his time at Huish Park.

The left-back will be fondly remembered for being a part of the side that won promotion to the Championship in 2012/13.

Nathan Ralph Yeovil Town. Picture Courtesy of Yeovil Town.

Who’s been naughty then…

No one is suspended for the game.

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After a W on home soil in midweek, Yeovil Town are back on the road this weekend visiting Maidenhead United.

Form Guide…

Whilst Yeovil were picking up a 2-1 home win over Tamworth on Tuesday night, Maidenhead came away from Oldham Athletic with three points of their own. 

The Berkshire club are in a decent run of form with the 1-0 win in the North West being their third in their last five matches with a creditable goalless draw at Hartlepool United in there for good measure.

It appears The Magpies are making their annual push away from the National League Premier Division drop zone and find themselves in the top ten in the division’s form guide over the past six games. They have also won their last three home matches – against Southend United, AFC Fylde and Wealdstone.

For Yeovil, a hard fought win over Tamworth lifted some of the grey clouds which hung over Huish Park after more than two months without a victory.

Manager Mark Cooper and goalkeeper Aidan Stone have both said that the result needs to be the foundation upon which they can pick up their form between now and the end of the season.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Frank Nouble

We haven’t mentioned Frank Nouble’s name much this season, mostly because his winning goal in midweek was his first in almost a year.

The forward returned to the starting XI against Tamworth and showed just how crucial he can be to the team. It’s under appreciated how valuable Nouble’s experience can be in tough times, and with young squad around him, hopefully he can show his worth over the next couple of games.

If the 33-year-old can find his goal-scoring form, in the closing straight of this season, it will be a welcome boost.

Maidenhead United – Tristan Abrahams

If you don’t remember Tristan Abrahams’ time as a Yeovil Town player, you’re probably not alone. He had a fairly forgettable spell on loan from Norwich City in the ill-fated 2019-20 season which saw us drop out of the Football League – albeit one memorable two goal appearance in a home win over Morecambe.

But, the forward has made a name for himself in the lower leagues and he is a player in form going in to this match. Over the last ten games, the 26-year-old has scored three times and got five assists. In total, he has eight goals and six assists, and his strike-partner Shawn McClousky is a goal ahead of him.

Expect those two to be a test for the Glovers’ defence in Berkshire.

A collector’s item. Tristan Abrahams scoring one of his two goals in a home win over Morecambe during his loan spell in 2019-20. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

 

That’s what he said…

Yeovil Town manager Mark Cooper spoke to BBC Somerset on Thursday and said he was expecting a tough game at York Road. 

The Glovers’ boss said: “It is a tough game because they have some physically big players, they play five at the back who are tough and have two lads up front who are a threat in (Shawn) McClousky and Tristan Abrahams. The other night (against Tamworth) we had to deal with untold numbers of balls in our box which we had to head, cleared and blocked and we will have to do that against (at Maidenhead) on Saturday. The work-rate and the endeavour has to be the same, that has to be the starting point. You have to match whatever they bring and we have to do that on Saturday. They are a team which fight and stay in the league every year, so it will be a tough game.”

Speaking after Maidenhead’s win at Oldham on Tuesday night, Maidenhead assistant manager Ryan Peters said: “It’s really important because we are looking at that dreaded line (just above the relegation zone) but this is a chance for us to push up. We have got a couple of wins together now and we can start to look at 14th place.”

We’ve met before…

Yeovil do not have fond memories of their visits to York Road and have only taken one point in their three visits there in recent years with the last coming with a 2-1 defeat in February 2023.

In all their four previous visits, the Glovers have picked up one point – a 1-1 draw in February 2022.

However, they did pick up their first win against Maidenhead back in October when an Aaron Jarvis double secured a 3-1 win in the reverse fixture. Miss you, Jarv.

 

Don’t I know you…

As previously mentioned, Tristan Abrahams had a spell on loan at Huish Park in the second half of the 2019-20 season which proved to be Yeovil’s last in the Football League – for now, at least!

Then in the Norwich City youth set-up he was brought to the club by then-Glovers’ boss Darren Way on loan on transfer deadline day in January 2019. He scored twice in a 3-2 home win over Morecambe that season – a game capped by a memorable late Ryan Seager winner – but otherwise did not do too much to make his spell in Somerset a memorable one with three goals in 15 appearances.

However, since leaving Norwich he had spells at Newport County and Carlisle United before dropping in to non-League with Eastleigh, Welling United before joining Maidenhead in February 2024. 

Tristan Abrahams in a Yeovil shirt during his loan spell in 2019-20. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz

Who’s been naughty then…

No-one.

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Yeovil play at Huish Park for the first time in a month on Saturday as they host relegation threatened Wealdstone.

Form Guide…

The home side comes into the game off the back of some poor performances, having not won in eight games.

Last time out the Glovers faced an out of form Dagenham & Redbridge but went 1-0 down early on. However, Brett McGavin saved the day when equalising just before halftime. If things don’t improve Mark Cooper will have some difficult questions to answer.

Yeovil taking on Dagenham & Redbridge

For Wealdstone it has been a season of difficulty. Currently sat in 22nd the London club are on a similar run of form to that of Yeovil. With no wins in their last seven, they have won a game more recently than their counterparts on Saturday.

In their last game, The Stones were comfortably beaten by a very good Gateshead side 0-4.

With the form of both teams this will either be a brilliant game of football or very dull.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Brett McGavin

Another week, another McGavin write up on being our key player. At this point we are am running out of things to say about him.

McGavin has been superb in midfield this season. With 15 G/A, he leads the club in goal contributions, ahead of the likes of Aaron Jarvis, Ciaran McGuckin and James Plant.

McGavin not only is an asset going forward but he also is a rock solid midfielder who can do the dirty stuff when needed. He also gets bonus points for a brilliant head of hair.

Brett McGavin. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Wealdstone – Adrian Mariappa

The Jamaican defender joined The Stones in the summer and has been key part of their defence. At 38 years old the centre back has a lot of experience across the football pyramid, including 168 appearances in the Premier league.

Mariappa has led by example using his experience to help guide the team through a difficult season. This experience has also led to him being named Wealdstone captain. The defender has played 26 games so far this season in the league so has shown age is just a number.

He will provide tough opposition for Yeovil’s attacking players.

That’s what he said…

Yeovil boss, Cooper, gave his thoughts to the BBC ahead of the game. He said: “It is about 90 minutes and performing and doing the best that we can. You cannot always control the result, but what we do try and do is control our performance.”

Wealdstone manager, Neil Gibson spoke ahead of his sides visit to Huish Park. He said: “The preparation has been really positive.

“Yeovil is a club with Football League history and they will have set their sights on promotion at the start of the season. They’ll be looking to reignite their campaign, but we’ve done our due diligence. We’ve analysed their games and I’ve watched them live a couple of times. We have a game plan and now it’s about execution.”

We’ve met before…

Yeovil and Wealdstone have been very evenly matched since their first meeting in 1974. Since that game Yeovil have gone into win nine games with Wealdstone also winning nine games, the two sides have drawn ten time however.

Last time the two teams met was in October last year when Yeovil won 0-3. That game saw McGavin open the scoring in the 26th minute, with Jarvis bagging the second and McGuckin finishing the off with the third goal.

Don’t I know you…

Craig Eastmond is a player that will a familiar name to the Huish Parl crowd, even if did only make one appearance for the Glovers. This season hasn’t been great for Eastmond having joined from Sutton on a free he has only played in seven games so far this campaign with his last coming against Yeovil in October.

Anthony Georgiou will be another known name. The Cypriot came to Somerset on loan in 2022 for a month, making two appearances. Georgiou has faired better at Wealdstone this year playing 26 times assisting twice.

Anthony Georgiou. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Who’s been naughty then…

Charlie Cooper is still suspended.

SUPPORT THE GLOVERSCAST

The Gloverscast is a volunteer run website which costs money to maintain. If ever you feel like supporting with our running costs, which include our website hosting, Zoom subscription, The Daily Glove, we’d be extremely grateful for your donations.