Match Previews (Page 3)

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Yeovil Town will make the relatively short trip up to the New Lawn in Gloucestershire on Saturday, as they face one of the National League Premier Division’s pre-season promotion favourites, Forest Green Rovers.

Form Guide…

Yeovil Town

With only one game so far this season, the form table should very much be taken with a pinch of salt. After last weekend’s opening fixture, the Glovers record is a goalless draw at home to Hartlepool United. The game itself was a fairly drab affair, with Yeovil’s best chance falling to loan striker Ben Wodskou after 83 minutes.
Aaron Jarvis leaps for a header.
A Hartlepool defender tries to swap shirts with Glovers’ striker Aaron Jarvis during last weekend’s opening day fixture. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Forest Green Rovers

Forest Green also drew their opening game of the season, as they faced Solihull Moors in the Midlands. The game finished 2-2 with the visitors’ goals coming from striker Christian Doidge and summer signing Nick Haughton.

Robbie Savage’s side looked strong and seemed to have wrapped up all three points against a Solihull side which had been reduced to ten men in the sixth minute before Moors late on through James Clarke.

Key Players…

Yeovil Town – Jed Ward

The on loan Bristol Rovers goalkeeper proved last week why having a good goalie can keep a side in the game. Outside of Wodskou’s late chance Yeovil didn’t offer much going forward. However, at the back Ward kept Mark Cooper’s team in the game. Hartlepool were the more attacking side with multiple opportunities to score, but for Ward being a brick wall at the back. Looking at the firepower in Forest Green’s squad it could be a busy afternoon for the 22-year-old, who started last season on loan at The New Lawn.

Jed Ward holds a shot during pre-match warm up.
Jed Ward. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

In recent seasons Yeovil haven’t had the best of luck with keepers as Cooper seems to fall out with them often. In the past though the Somerset side have always had a strong shot stopper including Marek Stech, Wayne Hennessey and Nathan Baxter. Will Ward join the list? Only time will tell, but the early signs look good.


Forest Green Rovers – Christian Doidge

Christian Doidge is the obvious choice,  with the striker being a scoring machine. The Welshman has bagged over 80 goals for Rovers alone across two spells with the Gloucestershire side.

Doidge rejoined Forest Green last summer and scored 12 goals in the National League. Before that he spent five years north of the border with Hibernian. During his entire career, the 32-year-old has bagged 158 goals, with his most recent being last weekend in their opening day draw at Solihull Moors.

The Gaffer….

Another well-known face in the opposition dugout this weekend as former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage takes charge of his first competitive game at the New Lawn.

Well known for his blonde locks and outspoken style as a pundit, Savage has taken to management well. Starting his managerial career with Macclesfield, the former Leicester City, Birmingham City and Derby County player got them promoted to the National League North last season.

Savage had a few interesting things to say about Yeovil boss Mark Cooper who guided Forest Green to the Football League back in 2017.

He told the Stroud Times: “I’ve got to emulate what Mark did here, getting promotion – Mark’s got nothing to prove, he won promotion in a play-off final, it’s me that’s got to prove something. I’ve got huge respect for all managers, especially now being one now.

“He’s (Mark Cooper) done something I’ve never done here and that’s won promotion at Forest Green, so I will give him that huge respect, but I want to win, my team want to win.”

Robbie Savage is interviewed by Forest Green's social media.
Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage, the human equivalent of a clanging bell in a cathedral — loud, relentless, and impossible to ignore.

Last Time We Met…

When the two sides last met last season the game finished 1-1 at Huish Park on Good Friday, with Yeovil’s goal coming from the now departed Sonny Blu-Lo Everton. It looked like Mark Cooper would get a win over his former club until defender Ryan Inniss scored in stoppage time to level it late.

Yeovil Town celebrate Sonny Blu Lo-Everton’s opener against Forest Green on Good Friday at Huish Park last season.

The last time they met at the New Lawn, Rovers ran out 2-1 winners. The Glovers looked like they had the game wrapped up after a Kofi Shaw goal, until again Inniss scored in stoppage time before a Kyle McAllister goal secured all three points. Shaw was sent off in the 75th minute of the game.

Don’t I Know You?

There are a couple of familiar faces who are likely to feature for Forest Green today: 

Ryan Inniss – The defender played for Yeovil six times on loan from Crystal Palace in the 2014/15 season.

Tom Knowles – sorry Ian, but obviously the Forest Green forward spent a successful spell at Huish Park between October 2020 and August 2022, when <NAME REDACTED> flogged him to Walsall. Fair to say TK has looked sharp for his current employers in pre-season. 

Man In The Middle…

The referee for Saturday’s fixture will be Andrew Humphries. Read all about him here in Ben’s write up.

 

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Welcome back to life as a Yeovil Town fan. It’s been a long and sometimes stressful summer for us Glovers, however here our  first preview of the season with Hartlepool United visiting Huish Park on the opening day.

Form Guide…

Nice and simple this week, in competitive action both teams are equal, as it is the first game of the new season. However, let’s take a look at both teams fared in their final pre-season friendlies.

Yeovil Town

Last weekend’s pre-season friendly result against Somerset rivals Weston Super-Mare was one that wont live long in the memory. Yeovil rarely offered anything up front, which has been an issue since manager Mark Cooper joined the club, and seemingly ran out of ideas by the time the second half kicked off.

The Glovers were then made to pay after a silly challenge from defender Jake Wannell fouled former team-mate Louis Britton inside the box. The resulting penalty was calmly put away by Luke Coulson. Cooper clearly was not happy with the defeat, giving a talking to his team on the pitch after the final whistle.

Players from Yeovil Town and Weston-super-Mare get involved in a major fracas.
The not so friendly friendly at Weston-super-Mare last weekend. Picture courtesy of Michael Stone.

Hartlepool United

The Poolies side did not fare much better in their last game of pre-season last weekend, losing 2-0 at National League North side South Shields, giving up two quick goals inside the first 20 minutes of the game. South Shields broke the deadlock inside 10 minutes as Paul Blackett converted. The second of Blackett’s goals came shortly after, who converted his own rebound.

Manager Simon Grayson fielded a side in an experimental 4-4-2 formation, different to the 3-5-2 they are likely to line up in against Yeovil with first-teamers Jay Benn, Reiss McNally, Besart Topalloj, Jamie Miley and Nathan Sheron all starting on the bench.

Safe to say both teams will be looking to improve on their performances last time out and hit the ground running in the National League Premier Division.

Key Players…

Yeovil Town – Brett McGavin

The Glovers come into the game, after a turbulent off season with a host of last years squad leaving for pastures new. One player who has stayed put is the beautifully bouffant Brett McGavin. The centre midfielder showed last term how critical he is to the team’s performances. Without any prolific strikers in the side, McGavin quickly became a source of goals for the Glovers, contributing seven and assisting three.

Outside of the wonderful goals he scored, the midfielder also brought a presence to the middle of the park, controlling the game and often being the linchpin for starting attacks.

Photo: Gary Brown

Hartlepool – Tom Parkes

The veteran centre half is a stalwart at the lower end of the professional game, having played 339 games in League Two and 106 in the National League ( yes, I am claiming it as a professional league). Now at the ripe old age of 33 Parkes is at the tail end of his career, but still possess the quality to stop forwards from playing.

Reuben Reid of Yeovil and Tom Parkes of Bristol Rovers
📸 Mike Kunz

The former Bristol Rovers and Exeter City player had a brief one-month loan spell at Huish Park at the start of his career, he played twice between December 2010 and January 2011 – including a 4-2 FA Cup defeat for the Glovers against Hartlepool United.

He was confirmed as club captain this week and if the Glovers want to get on the score sheet on Saturday, they will have to get past Parkes first.

The Gaffer….

Simon Grayson will be a name familiar with almost all football league fans. Grayson started at Blackpool, before moving onto Leeds, Huddersfield and Sunderland to name a few.

For the older Yeovil fans, he is a man of great pain, as his Blackpool side defeated the Glovers at Wembley in the 2006/07 League One Playoff Final (it still hurts).

In his 20 years as a manager, Grayson has faced the Glovers 10 times and has not lost a single game. With eight wins and two draws. The most recent was over 10 years ago in the January of 2015, when his Preston North End side drew 1-1 with Yeovil at Deepdale.

Last Time We Met…

The last time the two sides clashed back in December last year, Yeovil fell to a 2-1 defeat. A late goal from Gary Madine sealed the victory after Kofi Shaw had equalised. The first goal of the game came through an Emmanuel Dieseruwerve penalty.

Yeovil also had the pleasure of welcoming Pools to Huish Park for opening game of last season, when the visitors took home all three points thanks to a Jack Hunter goal.

Don’t I Know You?

There are a couple of old Yeovil boys in the Hartlepool team.

Adam Smith – Pools keeper Smith played the Glovers 50 times over the period of two seasons on loan in Somerset.

Tom Parkes – If you thought his name sounded familiar it’s because he also came to Huish Park on loan back in 2010/11. playing two games.

Man In The Middle…

The referee for Saturday’s fixture will be Rob Massey-Ellis. Read all about him here in Ben’s write up.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.