Match Previews (Page 6)

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Yeovil will get back to league action this weekend as they travel to the capital to face Wealdstone at Grosvenor Vale on Saturday.

Form Guide…

The Stones haven’t been in the best form this season as they sit one place above bottom in 23rd. Last time out they won in the FA Cup beating Gosport Borough 4-1. However, the last time they pick up three points in the league was on the 26th August at home against Fylde. Although not winning many they got five draws, including against Southend and Halifax.

Mark Cooper’s side has been very up and down this season with five wins, five losses and three draws. Last time out was disappointing for the Glovers as they were knocked out of the FA Cup against lower league opposition. They have picked up over the last five games in the league however with just one loss against Oldham Athletic but with only win as well when facing Dagenham & Redbridge

Players applaud the away supporters at the final whistle at Chesham United.

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Key Players…

Wealdstone – Callum McFarlane

Callum McFarlane in action for Fulham. Picture courtesy of Fulham FC

The striker has played eight time for the Stones this season, after joining on from Fulham on deadline day. His return has been decent as well with three goals which got him the Wealdstone fans player of the month for September. In a team that has been down on its luck in this season McFarlane has definitely been a bright spark.

Another player to watch out for is Alex Reid. Joining on loan just before their FA Cup fixture Gosport, Reid then went on to score a hat-trick on debut, showing his goalscoring prowess.

Yeovil – James Plant

The right winger has started two games for the Glovers assisting one goal. In those two games the Port-Vale loanee has shown his quality playing out on the right. At 19-years-old there is room for improvement but that will come with time. He will need help from a struggling striker department though if he is to show how valuable he can be to the team in creating goals.

James Plants a cross.
Pic GARY BROWN

That’s what he said…

The Stones boss Matt Taylor spoke club media about the upcoming match with Yeovil. He said: “I’m expecting a really good team that got promoted last season. They’ve got a really good core of players, experienced both on and off the pitch with their management [staff]. I think it will be a difficult game for us.

Yeovil boss Mark Cooper spoke to local media ahead of Wealdstone on Saturday. He said: “It’s been a tough week in terms of analysis, leg work, tactics, you know,  but we just want a reaction. I need an angry reaction, I need a group of players that want to show and we aren’t too far away from the team which played really well against Dagenham & Redbridge a week before.”

The Glovers boss also gave insight into his opponents as well. He said: “They have a real culture of being heavily possession based and trying to dominate the opposition with the ball, so if you get your out-of-possession stuff wrong against them they can really hurt you.”

We’ve met before…

These two teams have met six times before, with Yeovil winning one, Wealdstone winning one and there being four draws as well. The last time these sides met it was a 0-0 draw at Huish Park with Owen Bevan being sent off. This picture has seen its fair share of goalless draws with the last three games all finishing 0-0. Thos three games have also seen three players sent off, twice for The Stones and once for the Glovers.

Don’t I know you…

The London side have two ex-Glovers in their squad with Cypriot Anthony Georgiou and Midfielder Craig Eastmond. Georgiou was one of Mark Coopers first signings when he joined Yeovil in November 2022 on loan. He only lasted a month in Somerset playing just the two games.

Anthony Georgiou. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Craig Eastmond was way before Cooper however, as he joined the club in the winter of 2015 after being released by Colchester United. The midfielder, made just one appearance which was against Colchester, playing just seven minutes as a sub. He did appear on the bench for the Glovers 11 other times without stepping on the pitch.

Who’s been naughty then…

Yeovil have been very naughty with four players currently one yellow card away from being suspended, those four are Frank Nouble, Aaron Jarvis, Charlie Cooper and Dom Bernard. Wealdstone will be able to bring both Adrian Mariappa and Jaydn Mundle-Smith after they both served their suspension.

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The FA Cup is back, as Yeovil Town travel to Chesham United in the Fourth Qualifying Round this Saturday, as they look to carry on winning ways.

Form Guide…

The Glovers  took all three points last time out, as they beat a tough Dagenham & Redbridge team. Yeovil were impressive throughout, with the only goal of the game coming through on-loan striker Ciaran McGuckin. It was the first time the Somerset side had won since a 4-3 win over AFC Fylde on September the 7th.

Ciaran McGuckin celebrates his second goal in green and white
Pic Gary Brown

Chesham United got through to the Fourth Qualifying Round on Tuesday evening as they defeated Bishops Cleeve in their replay 4-0. Their five games before that saw them win two, draw two and lose one which was at home to Bath City.

Key Players…

Chesham United – Nathan Minhas

The centre-forward has been in good form this season across the league and cup scoring five goals in nine games for The Generals. The 27-year-old joined form Slough in the summer and has been an instant hit. After missing games against Welling and Salisbury his goalscoring has slowed down in recent weeks with one goal in three.

Nathan Minhas goal celebration. Picture courtesy of @cheshamutdfc on X.

Callum Adebiyi has also been impressive for the Buckinghamshire side playing every minute so far this term. The full-back has also contributed to with one goal and three assists.

Yeovil Town – Ciaran McGuckin

The Northern-Irish frontman has proved his worth so far with impressive performances in his first three games. The on loan Rotherham United youngster bagged his first goal at the weekend in the 1-0 home win against Dagenham. Although the Glovers signed Aaron Jarvis and Harvey Greenslade in the summer they have been in need of a presence up top and McGuckin provides that.

After 140 minutes of football so far for the Glovers it finally feels that they may have a natural goal scorer in the 20-year-old.

That’s what he said…

Yeovil boss Mark Cooper spoke to local media about how seriously he is taking the game. He said: “We want to pay full respect to Chesham, they have got through some rounds to get to this stage and we have to respect that. I would not disrespect them by giving people minutes for the sake of it, we are going to pick the strongest team we can.

We want to get to the third round and pull a Premier League team and we have to dream, but I am sure Chesham are doing the same. They got promoted last year, they are brilliant, lovely people and they got me a cup of tea and a bit of cake the other night, so we will give them our full respect.”

The Generals joint manager, Michael Murray spoke to the clubs media after his side win against Bishops Cleeve. He said: “It’s a big thing for the football club, to play Yeovil at home. We are going to have our supporters out in numbers like we did with Maidstone last year.

Our boys will compete, our boys will be ready…we know we’re going to have to hit our maximums to compete and to get a right result against them.”

We’ve met before…

These two sides have only met three times before, once back in 1982 in an FA Cup fixture at The Meadow. The result that day was a 1-0 victory for the Glovers, seeing them progress to the second round proper. That day it was Yeovil striker Andy Bell who grabbed the winning goal in front of 1,433 fans in Bucks.

 

The second time we met was in 1986 in the League Cup which the Yeovil won 7-1 with a hat-trick from John McGinlay, two from Carl Zachhau and just one a piece for Mickey Tanner and Phil James.

The last time Yeovil played Chesham was a year later in 1987 again in the league cup which the Glovers again ran out winners, winning 3-0, two form Phil Ferns and one for Paul Randall.

Don’t I Know you…

No we don’t, as there is no ex-Glovers in the Chesham United side. There isn’t even a tenuous link we can make which is a first.

Who’s been naughty then…

No one has been naughty for either Chesham or Yeovil. Glovers boss Mark Cooper was also cleared of his red card last week which he got against Oldham Athletic.

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Yeovil Town will be back home action on Saturday as they play host to Dagenham & Redbridge at Huish Park.

Form Guide…

The Glovers have found wins hard to come by recently with no wins in their last five, over that period Mark Cooper‘s side have four draws and one loss. Goals have also been even fewer and farther between with just the one goal scored.

The Somerset side picked up that one in last outing which was a 1-1 draw at home to Aldershot Town with on-loan Rotherham United man Ciaran McGuckin’s equaliser being that only goal in the last five.

Ciaran McGuckin celebrates his first Yeovil goal. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

The Daggers have been very much the opposite of Yeovil over their last five games with four wins and a draw from those outings. The wins have been emphatic as well against good opponents, the run of results include a 7-1 victory over Gateshead and a 3-0 win against Sutton United. Both those wins came on home soil where Dagenham have the sixth best record in the division (P6, W3, D2, L1), but they sit 18th out of 24 in the away form table (P6, W1, D3, L2) after 12 matches.

In their latest fixture they took a very good point from a decent Solihull Moors side, with the match finishing 1-1, albeit manager Ben Strevens described himself as “very disappointed” after seeing his side waste a hatful of chances to make it three points.

The Daggers sit two places and two points ahead of Yeovil going in to the match in tenth place in the National League Premier table. 

Key Players…

Yeovil Town – Ollie Wright

I myself have been sceptical about the shot-stopper with some of his mistakes at the start of the season. But over the last couple of matches the young keeper has made some important saves to keep his side in with a chance of a result.

Wright is still learning his trade so mistakes are more than expected, but with the Glovers’ attackers struggling to find the net, the team need the defence and especially goalie to keep the opposition from scoring at the other end. If Yeovil want to get results at the moment they have to rely on the keeper.

Ollie Wright saves low. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Dagenham & Redbridge – Dion Pereira

For the Essex side it’s been former Huish Park loanee Dion Pereira who has blossomed this season. The left winger has contributed seven goals so far this season and has also chipped in with three assists.

The Luton Town loanee, who had a forgettable one-match spell under Darren Sarll in October 2021, has already shown what an asset he can be in his 12 games so far, so will hand full for whoever is chosen to mark him.

Another recognisable name in the lower leagues that is a worth mention is striker Junior Morias, formerly of Peterborough United, who have a knack of picking up talented players.

That’s what he said…

Yeovil Town boss Mark Cooper is wary of the attacking talents the Essex side have at their disposal. He said: “They have some good, experienced players and they can cause problems on their day with Junior Morais and Josh Umerah up front, they are a handful at this level.”

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

Daggers’ manager Ben Strevens, who knows Yeovil assistant Chris Todd from their playing days and managerial days together at Eastleigh, said he believed the Glovers should have won their last match at home to Aldershot Town.

Speaking to Daggers’ TV, the former midfielder said: “We know we are going to have to be at our best, whenever you go away from home in this league, you do not get any points if you are anything but your best.”
 
The boss also spoke about new signing defender Romoney Critchlow, the transfer-listed central defender who has joined on loan from Peterborough United ahead of the trip to Somerset.
 
Strevens added: “He will add to the balance of the side. When we signed Trent (Randall) in the summer we expected him to be a right-sided centre half, but he did so well for us at right back in pre-season that he stayed there. So we always felt we were one centre half light, so bringing Rom in to the group helps us with a number of players being out injured. He is a good player who has become available and if there are players who we think will help us improve, we are going to try and do that.”
 

We’ve met before…

There have been 11 meetings between these two teams since they first met in 2010. Of those 11 matches Yeovil have ran out winners on five occasions and The Daggers have won four, with just the two draws.

The last time they met was in January 2023 when the Glovers took all three points with a 2-0 victory, with goals from a Jordan Maguire-Drew penalty and Matty Worthington after the Daggers’ Harry Phipps was sent off after half-an-hour.

The last time we faced the East London side at Huish Park, Yeovil picked up a rare victory under then-manager Chris Hargreaves with Jamie Reckord’s 34th minute strike the difference in August 2022.

Jamie Reckord scores against Dagenham & Redbridge. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Don’t I know you?…

We have already mentioned the only former Glover in Dion Pereira, who came on loan to Huish Park in 2021 playing just a single game. He’s quite a different player to the one we saw it seems.

On the Daggers’ bench, Lewis Young, who was part of the 2012/13 side which earned promotion to the Championship, is assistant manager to Ben Strevens at Victoria Road these days.

 

Dion Pereira in action against Notts County.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Who’s been naughty then?…

Neither team will have anyone missing through suspension.

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Yeovil Town are back in the comforts of home, the Glovers welcome Aldershot Town to Huish Park on Saturday.

Form Guide…

One of these sides have only scored one goal since August turned to September, the other is on a four-game streak without scoring any… 

That being said, Yeovil Town will be far happier with a battling point at Sutton United in midweek than the Shots will be with a home defeat to Barnet. Bees’ striker Nicke Kabamba (who else?) with the only goal of the game in Hampshire on Tuesday night.

Aldershot sit 17th in the table, 13 points on the board, 16 scored, 16 conceded.

Yeovil a couple of places above them, 14 points secures, 12 scored, 13 conceded.

It’s fair to say the form suggests there really isn’t much between them.

Update: Since the publication of this preview article, Yeovil have announced the signing of Port Vale midfielder James Plant on loan until January and the return of winger Dylan Morgan from his spell on loan at National League side South Weston-super-Mare.

Meanwhile, The Shots have signed Bristol Rovers’ teenage centre-back Dan Ellison, who impressed with Chippenham Town last season, on a one-month loan deal.

Key Players…

Aldershot Town – Joshua Barrett

The man with the finest surname in all the land is the scorer of the Shots’ only goal of September so far, he opened the scoring after 29 minutes against Boston United a couple of weeks ago.

He wasn’t involved against Barnet on Tuesday night, but with important players missing, Barrett might need to be a creative force, particularly down the visitors’ left hand side – against a Glovers right hand side, which might well be missing Michael Smith.

Yeovil Town – Jordan Young

The Glovers need goals. On Tuesday night, only two shots on target were recorded, one of those came from the boot of Jordan Young.

Young already has one goal to his name this season (away at Boston), but a second would do wonders for … well, everyone to be honest.

We know he has the quality to dip the shoulder, cut inside and shoot and equally he’ll be vital at creating chances for others too.

There will be changes to the Shots’ defence and it might be a moment of magic, or a guilt edged opportunity to produce some quality that gets Huish Park rocking, sounds like a job for Jordan Young.

Jordan Young – Pic Gary Brown

That’s what he said…

Aldershot boss Tommy Widdrington said on Thursday: “We will be approaching the next game [vs Yeovil] in the same way we have the last two games, with a group of players that I think can win a football match.

“[Yeovil are] a big football club, a good manager who has been around the block and knows the division inside out, there isn’t an easy game in this division trust me, I don’t know where they are in the league, but ultimately, they’re a team I don’t expect to be at the wrong end of the table at the business end”

Mark Cooper on the other hand is expecting a tough contest against the side managed by the former Bristol Rovers’ caretaker manager.

Cooper said: “They were a whisker off the play-offs last year and if the National League put them up when Gateshead dropped out, they would have been in the play-offs. They have some good players, staff and manager who know what they are doing. Tommy’s team will be on the front foot and trying to get after us, they will be tactically sound and we are expecting a tough game. No-one is going to give you three points which we have done in every game except that Solihull game. If we keep playing with that attitude and enthusiasm we will be fine.“

You can read all the good stuff from Mark Cooper’s Pre Match Presser – HERE

We’ve met before…

The last meeting between these two teams was at the back end of the 2022/23 season (apologies to anyone who had removed that from their memories), a 1-1 draw at their place, goals from Tyler Cordner and Callum Harriott (again, apologies).

The last time we met at Huish Park however, wasn’t a draw – it was a 2-0 Aldershot win – Giles Phillips and Tommy Willard on the score sheet – thankfully none of those four players will be at Huish Park on Saturday.

August 2021 was the last time we beat Aldershot, Joe Quigley was at the double on that occasion in a 2-1 win.

Don’t I know You..?

Does the name Christian Maghoma mean anything to you Yeovil fans? The Congolese defender joined Yeovil in the 2015/16 season from Tottenham on loan and proceeded to play… *checks notes* ZERO minutes in Green and White. 

No, really, he did join us – really… 

Aldershot also have Cameron “son of” Hargreaves, who never did play for us, but you know.

Also, David Smalley their goalkeeper coach is listed on the Aldershot staff page as having played professionally for the Glovers, so now you know. 

Who’s been naughty….

Aldershot have two players missing, Theo Wriddrington picked up his fifth yellow of the season on Tuesday so sits out and prevents us from from having the Father-Son-Derby of Wriddringtons v Coopers. Selfish.

He had played nearly every minute of every game until then and will be a big loss in midfield, as will defender Aaron Jones who saw a straight red card on Tuesday night – he’s got three games to think about how naughty he’s been. 

For Yeovil, Charlie Cooper is on four yellow cards, he stands to miss a game if he picks up one more.

I want to get involved….

Great, you can.

Go to Huish Park – Mark Cooper has said he wants to get the home fans going again – that means YOU!
Tickets Available HERE

Can’t go? Listen
Our man Ian Perkins is front and centre for the game on BBC Somerset. 

Want independant news, views and reaction all in one place?
Your MULTI-TIME Award nominated Gloverscast will have you covered on Monday morning. 

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Yeovil Town are on the road again as they travel to the capital to face Sutton United in midweek in clash between 10th and 16th.

Form Guide…

The home side have a mediocre last five games with three losses and two wins. However, they have found some form in recent weeks as they picked up six points in their last two fixtures, which included an impressive 3-1 victory away to Southend United. Currently sitting 10th in the league the U’s will be hard to beat.

It’s a similar story for the Glovers over their last five games as they have taken seven points from an available fifteen. The Somerset side last won against AFC Fylde at the start of the month. Since that win Yeovil’s form has taken a slight dip with two losses and a draw, with their latest result being a 1-0 loss to Oldham.

Key Players…

Sutton United – Josh Coley

Coley joined The Amber and Chocolates at the start of last season where he didn’t have his most productive year contributing to 11 goals in 48 games many of which were assists. After staying with the London club after their relegation the former Exeter man has found his feet scoring four goals in eight games from right midfield.

Another player who maybe worth keeping an eye on is Ashley Nadesan who has scored in the last two games.

Yeovil Town – Michael Smith

The evergreen fullback has played every game for the Glovers this season, amassing 738 minutes of game time. At 36-years-old, Smith is no spring chicken but the experience, professionalism and quality in play will be vital for Yeovil this season and to get them out of this “mini-slump”.

The right-back clearly has the backing of Mark Cooper (and our very own Ollie Marsh) and it’s not hard to see why, he is one of the most if not the most consistent player in the team who always gives his all.

Michael Smith in action for Yeovil.

That’s what he said…

Sutton boss Steve Morrison spoke to their clubs Youtube channel on his thoughts ahead of the midweek clash. He said: “They’re a really good team, a food solid group of players…there is no point trying to work out whether you think some games will be easier than overs because they’re not, so yeah it’s going to be a tough test.”

Assistant manager Chris Todd talked to the media about the upcoming fixture after the loss at Oldham. He said: “The players are really disappointed, we could’ve come away with a point…but we’ll pick ourselves up and go again with a big game against Sutton.”

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

We’ve met before…

The two clubs have met a four times previously, with Sutton winning on three of those occasion and Yeovil taking the spoils only once. When the pair last faced off in 2021 it was The U’s who took all three points as they ran out 2-1 victors, with Harry Beautyman and Isaac Olaofe scoring for Sutton and Reuben Reid bagging for the Glovers.

Don’t I know You…

The Yellows have a few familiar faces for travelling fans to spot. Currently on the books is former Cambridge loanee Lewis Simper, the midfielder spent a couple months at Huish Park in 2021 playing just the one game in a 2-0 loss to Grimsby.

Another ex-loanee in Edwin Agbaje also now plays for the U’s. The Irish man had a spell at the Glovers at the start of 2023, where he went on to make 10 appearances for the Somerset side.

Edwin Agbaje. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Who’s been naughty….

Neither Yeovil or Sutton have anyone suspended for the game. Mark Cooper‘s potential suspension is unknown after he received a red card against Oldham.

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Yeovil are back in the road this weekend, as they make the trip to Greater Manchester to play Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park on Saturday.

Form Guide…

The Latics have been the kings of 1-1 draws this season with five results ending with that score line, with four of those coming in their last five games.

However, their latst result against Woking saw them triumph 3-1 winners away from home.

Over the last five games the Glovers have picked up seven points with wins on the road at AFC Fylde and Boston United, and two defeats and a draw on home soil against Rochdale, Solihull Moors and Altrincham respectively. 

Away from home, Yeovil go in to the weekend with the third best record in the division, facing the 15th-best home record in the division in Oldham, who have not won since a 3-0 success over Braintree Town on the opening day of the season.

With the Somerset side currently sat in 12th in the National League it has been a steady start to the new campaign, however, on paper, Premier League founder members Oldham will provide a much sterner test than the past couple of weeks.

Key Players…

Oldham – Mike Fondop

Fondop has been the Greater Manchester side biggest threat this season with three goals and two assists in nine games. The striker has started 67% of games for The Latics, becoming someone they have heavily relied upon.

He will be a familiar face for all the wrong reasons for Glovers’ fans having scored against us both home and away in the 2022-23 season, including a brace in a 3-0 win for Oldham in the penultimate game of a forgettable season (for us) at Huish Park.

Michael Fondop on an Oldham Athletic X post.

Another notable name is James Norwood who hasn’t been his prolific self but his qualities at this level could be on show if he finds form. Norwood rose to prominence with an impressive goal-scoring record at Tranmere Rovers which earned him a move to Ipswich Town and then Barnsley, before arriving at Oldham in the summer of 2023. He scored 18 times last season and has just one in five appearances so far this campaign.

Yeovil – Sam Pearson

The winger has been very productive this season with four assists and one goal in nine games so far this season.

The Welsh youth international has contributed mainly when playing on the left  with one goal and two assists coming from when playing in that position. But the ex-Bristol City man has found himself more often than not on the right where he has been far less effective.

Pearson will need to be outlet this weekend for Yeovil as attacking opportunities may be hard to come by against a recently relegated team.

Sam Pearson on the attack – Pic – Gary Brown

Thats what he said…

Glovers boss Mark Cooper talked to the press about the talent Oldham have at their disposal. He said: “They have a squad of players that are probably above the level and at a club like Oldham they know they have to win games of football, otherwise the crowd are not happy.”

Latics’ manager Micky Mellon spoke to the club’s website about the weekend, he said: “We are definitely competing with the better teams in the division and we need to turn these draws in to victories, we are certainly creating chances and the next stage is being more clinical and ruthless.

“This is the most balanced National League I have known, every game seems to be contested evenly, there’s loads of quality players in to this division and every week is a tough challenge and the next game (against Yeovil) will be that.

“There’s loads of Football League experience, loads of players that have been schooled well at Under-23s level, but we believe we have a really good group that can handle that.”

We’ve met before…

Oldham and Yeovil have met 22 times in their history with The Latics winning eight of those, the Glovers have also won eight with the other six fixtures being draws.

The last time these two side met was in 2019 at Huish Park with the away side winning 0-3. In fact Yeovil haven’t won a game in this fixture since 2015 when they won 2-1 at home.

Don’t I know you…

The former Yeovil players don’t stop as former Glovers man Otis Khan is now in Micky Mellon’s squad. Khan played 87 times for the Glovers netting 18 times and setting up 15 goals. The Pakistan international was at Huish Park for two years between 2016 and 2018.

Otis Khan in action for Yeovil Town. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Since leaving Somerset the winger has gone to play for Mansfield, Newport and Tranmere to name a few.

Who’s been naughty then…

Neither team will have anyone missing through suspension.

How can you keep across the game?

In Person

If you fancy the 500-mile round trip from Somerset to Greater Manchester, tickets are available – check the Huish Hugh Ciderspace Away Travel Guide for full details.

On the Radio

BBC Somerset will have full coverage of the match with Josh Perkins the man with the mic.

On the TV/ stream

National League TV has this game listed as available to watch outside of the UK

On the Gloverscast.co.uk

We’ll have team news, match report, Five Conclusions and our usual reaction podcast to follow on Monday.

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Following a less than satisfactory Tuesday night at Huish Park, the Glovers are back and this time it’s Altrincham who make the long trip south from Greater Manchester.

Here’s our preview of an important game at Huish Park, our final home game before two more trips on the road to Oldham  Athletic next weekend and Sutton United three days after that.

Form Guide…

Yeovil Town are looking to get back to winning ways after falling to Solihull Moors 1-0 on home soil Tuesday night.

The Glovers have now lost three of their four home games this season (all by a 1-0 scoreline) so will hoping to get their Fortress Huish Park plans back on track.

Overall though, eight games and a record of four wins and four losses isn’t to be sniffed at. Yeovil sit ninth going into the weekend’s games.

Altrincham are sat in 16th at time of writing, but such is the nature of the table this season, they could overtake the Glover with a win, they have ten points from eight games and lost against Barnet on Tuesday night.

That game ended 2-1 to the Bees – Alty were 1-0 up on the night through striker Justin Amaluzor, but Barnet clawed back into the game and bagged a 92nd minute winner.

Their last win was last Saturday a 4-0 thrashing of Ebbsfleet United, a result which ended a three match run without a win, 

Key Players…

Yeovil – Aaron Jarvis

The Glovers’ frontman has done a lot of huffing and puffing over the last few weeks and has already scored twice, but both of those goals have come away from home.

The former Torquay striker is yet to find the net on home soil this season and with Mark Cooper challenging his forward players to show more quality in the final third, Jarvis might be the one to step up as he’s looked the most dangerous and likely to get on the end of something in the opposition box.

Altrincham – Alex Newby

Alex Newby is a midfielder who can do a bit of everything.

The 28 year old, joined Alty from Colchester United in January and has been at the likes of Barrow and Chorley before – he played against the Glovers twice for Chorley in the 2019/20 season.

This season he’s been one of their best players in terms of ratings and involvements at the business end of the pitch.

He scored (and picked up an assist) against Ebbsfleet in a 4-0 demolition job last Saturday and assisted Tyler Golden’s opening day winner at home toWoking. He can operate on either flank and either Michael Smith or Alex Whittle (or both) will have to have their wits about them.

That’s What He Said…

Mark Cooper told BBC Somerset on Thursday that Altrincham are a “very good football team” and was looking forward to the challenge.

“[They’re] very good to watch, they’ve got some really good forwards, some good players all over the pitch and they try and play real football, they try and pass the ball, rotate and it’ll be a difficult game. But listen, we’re at home, we’ve lost three home games 1-0…we have to put on a performance at home, our fans need to be invigorated and energised, we have to give them that.”

After their game against Barnet on Tuesday – whilst Dean Brennan was having a little rant – Phil Parkinson said that their defeat came down to a lack of concentration rather than a lack of a performance.

With regards to a trip to Somerset, Parkinson said that it was “critical” his side bounced back; “every game is the same, we didn’t come here [to Barnet] hoping to get a win, we believed we could get a win… when your fans have travelled a long way you want to entertain them, our fans demand that when we set the team up we want to win, so like every game, we’ll set up to try and force the issue and Yeovil will be no different.”

We’ve met before…

The last two meetings between the sides have been draws with a 1-1 draw at Huish Park in February 2023 the most recent coming together.

James Jones opened the scoring and was later sent off (he’s still with Alty, now) before some chap called Jordan Maguire-Drew equalised from the penalty spot. Matt Gould was on the bench for Altrincham that day.

Before that, Egli Kaja bagged a 90th minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw in August of the same season up north.

Malachi Linton and Gime Toure (now there’s a name!) the Glovers’ scorers.

Yeovil players applaud the fans after beating Altrincham on the final day of the 2021/22 season.

However the most memorable recent meeting was a 1-0 away win for Yeovil on the final day of the 2021/22 season.

A single Tom Knowles’ (DFILWF) earned the Glovers three points.

It was the first team debut of Max Evans and Ollie Haste and remains the match in which Josh Staunton earned his perfect 100% record as Glovers manager. 

We learned recently that Grant Smith had an outfield shirt printed with “Smith 1” on the back… just in case!

 

 

Don’t I know you?

Right, we won’t lie, we’re struggling here.

We can’t spot any direct YTFC links within the Altrincham squad, which makes this part of the preview quite short.

Matt Gould, the Glovers’ Goalkeeper/Coach joined Huish Park directly from Altrincham this summer though, so here’s a picture of him looking very happy about it.

Matt Gould signing for Yeovil Town. Pic C/O YTFC

Who’s been a naughty boy, then?

Neither club is dealing with any suspensions, but this feels like a good time to mention that five yellows will lead to a one-match ban, both sides have a number of players on three for the season.

Alty will hope that Ed Jones, Lewis Banks and Tom Crawford (all on three) keep their noses clean whilst the Glovers have the same concerns about Aaron Jarvis (also on three).

Here’s a handy graphic explaining the situation with regards to yellow card accumulation.

Our referee is Lee Swabey

How can you keep across the game?

In Person

Get to Huish Park! Tickets are available for the game here.

On the Radio

Ian is back on the mic with BBC Somerset alongside the returning “Stone Cold” Chris Spittles.

On the TV/ stream

National League TV has this game listed as available to watch outside of the UK

On the Gloverscast.co.uk

We’ll have team news, match report, Five Conclusions and our usual reaction podcast to follow on Monday.

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In: Latest Yeovil Town News, Match Previews

Following two away wins on the bounce, the Glovers are back under the lights at Huish Park.

Yeovil Town welcome Solihull Moors to Somerset.

Form Guide…

Yeovil Town are looking for a third win on the spin after fruitful trips up north.

Wins over Boston United and AFC Fylde have been eventful games to say the least, but six points are six points.

Seven goals scored, four conceded and we go into Tuesday night’s games occupying the final play-off spot in the National League Premier Division table – that we’re definitely not looking at yet.

Our visitors Solihull Moors on the other hand are coming off the back of a 1-0 loss at home to big-spending Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.

A second half Teddy Jenks goal saw the Vegans taking the three points from Saturday’s game.

Prior to that a 1-1 draw vs Wealdstone and a single goal win over Halifax have shown that Solihull have been consistently inconsistent.

Moors have eight points from seven games and are 15th.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Sam Pearson

Two impressive performances from the bench in the last two games have Glovers fans clamouring for the former Bristol City man to be given a go from the start.

His first goal of the season against Fylde on Saturday was complimented an assist for both Aaron Jarvis’ equaliser and a more acrobatic assist for the Dom Bernard winner late on.

His pace, trickery and flash of quality might be the key to unlocking a stingy Moors’ defence.

Solihull Moors – Jamey Osborne

The 32-year-old has been a mainstay of the Solihull side since the summer of 2016 – albeit with stray away to Grimsby Town at the end of the 2016-17 season when he followed his then-boss Marcus Bignot north. He was back at Damson Park on loan by December 2017 and signed permanently the following month.

Fans with slightly longer memories may remember Osborne being a thorn in the side of Darren Way’s Yeovil in two notorious FA Cup matches back in 2016 – the latter ending in a penalty shoot-out defeat. If you’ve blocked it from your memory, we don’t blame you.

He’s known for a combative style (three yellow cards already this season) but with the class to unlock defences with a single pass and keeps his team ticking over.

He provided an assist for Moors’ only goal in their 1-1 draw against Wealdstone and will be a significant challenge for the midfield combo of the Glovers.

Sam Pearson on the attack – Pic – Gary Brown

That’s What He Said…

In his post-match presser following the win at AFC Fylde on Saturday, Mark Cooper didn’t really do much talking about Solihull Moors – but there was a lot to talk about.

Andy Whing, the Moors’ boss, on the other hand was asked about the game against the Glovers after their 1-0 home defeat to Forest Green at the weekend.

He said: “Every game is a tough game, Yeovil, I played against them in the Championship, they’re a big football club, so we know it’s going to be a tough game, but if we keep playing like that [vs FGR] and getting performances like that, when our players come back – no team in our league can deal with the injuries we’ve got – we’ll got onto Tuesday full of confidence in terms of performance and desperate for three points”

 

We’ve met before…

Back in 2022/23 season, Yeovil took four points from the two games against Solihull coming from two goals down away from home, goals from Zanda Siziba (remember him?) and Owen Bevan plucking a point from the grasps of defeat.

Meanwhile, at Huish Park, Chiori Johnson scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win, the Glovers squad on that day had just three members of the current group (Worthington, Williams and Pearson).

Other highlight clashes include back in 2021, where a Joe Quigley hat trick landed a 3-0 win for the Glovers, Solihull won the reverse fixture 5-1 that season, Justin “the lad Donawa” Donawa picking up a match ball of his own.

Way back in 2016, we also crossed paths in the FA Cup, a 2-2 draw at Huish Park, a 1-1 draw in the replay before Ryan Dickson and Tom Eaves missed their spot kicks and Solihull progressed.

 

Don’t I know you?

Tahvon Campbell was a Glover for a short while in 2017, on loan from West Brom, he’s now at Solihull, but hasn’t been involved in a match day squad for a little while.

Matt “Rolls Royce” Warburton was a Yeovil player on loan from Northampton, predominantly in the behind-closed-doors season, scoring once in 17 National League appearances.

Josh Staunton and Matt Warburton in action during ‘The Roller’s time at FC Halifax Town. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Who’s been a naughty boy, then?

Jake Wannell is available for the Glovers after a one-match ban against Fylde, but Solihull are still without defender James Clarke.

The 24-year old was given a straight red card in the 94th minute in the 1-0 win over Halifax.

It was made all the more impressive is that he was only brought on as a sub on 83 minutes.

He sits out the third of a three-match-ban.

Our referee is Reubyn Ricardo

How can you keep across the game?

In Person

Get to Huish Park! Tickets are available for the game here.

On the Radio

Ian is back on the mic with BBC Somerset and Yeovil Town Radio will have full match coverage too.

On the TV/ stream

National League TV has this game listed as available to watch. Match Passes are £9.99

On the Gloverscast.co.uk

We’ll have team news, match report, Five Conclusions and our usual reaction podcast to follow on Friday.

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In: Latest Yeovil Town News, Match Previews

It’s another away day for Yeovil Town as they travel to the Lancashire coast to face AFC Fylde on Saturday afternoon.

Form Guide…

AFC Fylde are not entering this weekend in great form with just one win so far this season, coming with a 3-2 victory at home to Solihull Moors on the opening day of the season. Their last outing was a 1-0 defeat at Wealdstone on August Bank Holiday Monday, meaning they have gone five games without a win. It hasn’t all been bad however with draws away at Oldham Athletic and at home to Maidenhead United in the same five-game run.

The Coasters made the headlines for the wrong reasons last weekend when their home match with Southend United was postponed due to the visitors’ train from the South East to the North West on Saturday morning being cancelled.

Yeovil have had a very up and down start to the season, with three wins and three defeats so far. The three wins have been against teams they would be expecting to get wins against – albeit victories over Braintree Town and Boston United have come away from home – whilst their defeats to Hartlepool United, Gateshead and Rochdale have come at the hands of sides expected to be closer to the promotion race than the relegation battle.  

The Glovers’ last game saw them win away 3-1 at Boston United, which will give the travelling faithful hope of another three points away from home this weekend.

Key Players…

Nick Haughton

Haughton plays in an attacking midfield role for Fylde and although the team’s results has not been great so far this season, it’s been a brilliant start for the former Salford City player. With five goals from five games, 29-year-old is joint top of the National League Premier scoring charts alongside Forest Green’s Christian Doidge and Aldershot Town’s James Henry. Haughton also has one assist to his name. 

Since joining Fylde in 2018, Haughton has scored 85 goals and get 36 assists. He has previously played for other Lancashire clubs including Fleetwood Town in the Football League and Chorley.

Brett McGavin

We have already looked at McGavin as important player, but in recent games he has proven why he might be our most important this season. With our strikers struggling to find scoring form so far, the midfielder has stepped with some important goals.

Last weekend against Boston United the 24-year-old picked up two goals, one of which was a brilliant free kick nestling in the top right corner. The competition between him and Haughton for being a dead ball specialist is one to keep an eye on at Mill Farm this weekend.

Outside of goals-coring McGavin has a more progressive roll than our other midfielders, which offers a different dynamic for Yeovil manager Mark Cooper as he doesn’t have to rely on his strikers as much with McGavin seeming to make late runs onto the edge of the box.

He is one to watch that is for sure.

Video courtesy of Dannholla_ on X.

That’s what he said…

AFC Fylde boss, Chris Beech, gave his thoughts to club media ahead of the game. He said: “They’re a very good team which have got great football league experiences in their playing ranks. Mark Cooper – I played with him at Hartlepool in midfield so I know Mark very well, and he’s done brilliant in regards to his longevity in football, his management career and he’s got his mojo back. He did a brilliant job at Yeovil last season, so I have no doubt he’ll be trying to emulate previous successes of that football club and other clubs he’s worked for and I’m really looking forward to seeing him.”

Glovers manager Mark Cooper was very complimentary about Saturday’s opponents. He said: ““They will be really organised, they will be ultra fit, a real process to what they do and they will have something up their sleeve. They have some good players, (midfielder Nick) Haughton is an exceptional player for the level who should be playing League football and they have one or two others.”

We’ve met before…

These two last met five years ago when they drew one and Yeovil won the other. In the first game the Glovers ran out 3-2 victors in a tight game at Huish Park in September 2019. The scorers that game were Rhys Murphy, Myles Hippolyte and Jimmy Smith for Yeovil with Kurt Willoughby getting a brace for Fylde.

The most recent of our meeting was a 2-2 draw in the same season, with a Gabriel Osho own goal and Dan Bradley finding the net for Fylde to put them 2-0 up at Mill Farm. Striker Courtney Duffus grabbed two late goals to see Darren Sarll’s Glovers head home with a point.

Don’t I know you…

AFC Fylde do posses an ex-Glover in their side (I know I’m in shock too) in the form of centre back Corey Whelan. The Chester native played for Yeovil on loan way back in the 2017/18 season, at which point he was captain of Liverpool at Under-23s’level. Making just 11 appearances for the Glovers, Whelan is not an instantly recognisable name.

Since his loan spell in Somerset, the centre-back has played in Major League Soccer in the United States for Phoenix Rising, before returning to the UK to have spells at Wigan Athletic and Carlisle United before making the move to Fylde in the summer.

Who’s been naughty then…

Jake Wannell has been a naughty boy. The centre-back was sent off in the final minutes against Boston last weekend, so will sit out this weekend’s trip to Fylde. With Wannell suspended and central defensive partner Morgan Williams expected to be missing with concussion, Finn Cousin-Dawson will surely make a start for Cooper.

Speaking about his defensive headache on Thursday, the manager said: ““If you had told me ten days ago we’d lose Morgan Williams, Jake Wannell, Alex Whittle, Raph Araoye, and Harvey Greenslade, I would have said ‘wow, we are in a bit of a pickle there.’ But I have faith in the boys we have got, and if we have to shuffle things about, we can, we have Michael Smith and Charlie Cooper who can play centre-half, Matt Worthington can play right-back, so there is plenty of flexibility in the squad.”

Jake Wannell sees red at Boston

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In: Latest Yeovil Town News, Match Previews

Yeovil are back in action on Saturday as they head north to Boston United in a clash that sees two of the newly promoted teams face off.

Form Guide…

The Pilgrims have not started the season well with just one win and draw from five games. The four points that they have picked up however have been in their last two games, with their most recent result being a 2-0 win over York City.

Yeovil haven’t exactly been in a purple patch either having lost their two previous fixtures. Bank holiday Monday saw the Glovers come up against Rochdale who they kept quiet until 90+1 minute, ultimately losing 0-1.

Key Players…

Boston United – Michael Bostwick

The centre back was dropped after the first two games in which Boston got beat 3-0 and 4-0. However, he has been solid over since coming back into the team over the last two games for the Pilgrims, only conceding one goal in that time.

if Yeovil are to get back in the goals they will need to negate Bostwick’s experience and calmness at the back. Now aged 36 he has little in his legs but still provides the back bone to this Pilgrims team.

Yeovil Town – Frank Nouble

Frank Nouble cuts a frustrated figure
📸 Gary Brown

It’s tough when the team hasn’t started great for players to find form and a rhythm to the season.

Nouble hasn’t got off the mark this season but he is still vital for the Glovers on field success this season. Having bagged 11 goals last season, the big man has shown he has the quality to contribute at this level, and if the Huish Parks side want their form to pick up Nouble will be crucial to that.

Thats what he said…

Pilgrims first-team coach, Joe Simpson, is expecting a tough game on Saturday. He said: “Every game is difficult, Yeovil are another full time team that were in the [Football] League  not to long ago, but they’re games we’re going to embrace and enjoy. We know that if we are at it, we give ourselves a good chance to get a result.”

Yeovil boss Mark Cooper gave his thoughts on the Boston game as he spoke to the media on Thursday. He said: “They had a great result at York, but we have to concentrate on the things that make us good. We are not going to throw everything out of the window because Boston beat York and we lost to Rochdale.”

We’ve met before…

We have to go all the way back to 2005 for the last time these two teams met in a League Two fixture. Yeovil won that game 2-1 with both goals scored by captain fantastic, Terry Skiverton. 

The current head to head record has the Glovers with four wins to Bostons two.

Don’t I know you…

We love an ex Yeovil player here at Gloverscast and Boston boast one in their ranks.

Cast your minds back to 2008, Russell Slade in the dugout and a young loanee by the name of Martin Woods was on the team sheet. If you do remember him, you are probably in the minority as he played three games for the us that season on loan from Doncaster Rovers. 

Woods has gone on to have somewhat of a journeyman career however, playing in England and Scotland for the likes of Ross County, Dundee and Halifax Town.

Martin Woods signing for Boston United
Martin Woods signing for Boston United (X:@bostonunited)

Who’s been naughty then…

Neither side has any worries in terms of suspensions or players one yellow card away from suspension.

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