Match Reports

By:
On:
In: Match Reports, Latest Yeovil Town News

Goalkeeper Jed Ward was Yeovil Town’s hero again as he saved two penalties in a shoot-out against Maidstone United to book a place in the fourth round of the FA Trophy.

The Bristol Rovers loanee saved the first two spot kicks he faced from Antony Papadopoulos and David Sesay and saw his team-mates convert all their efforts to seal the victory after a thoroughly forgettable 90 minutes at Huish Park.

The game did not burst in to life until one minute from the end of normal time when substitute midfielder Josh Tobin, signed on loan during the week, headed home a James Daly cross and looked to have sealed the win, only for a defensive lapse from the Glovers to gift visiting substitute Hamzad Kargbo an equaliser to force the shoot out.

First half

With ten minutes gone, Aaron Jarvis got his first sight on goal. James Daly showed good persistence to keep a lost cause alive, but Jarvis could not get enough power on it to trouble Lenny Holden in the visitors’ goal. Daly has had a lively started and is repeatedly screaming at his team-mates for the ball.

The ‘press’ adopted by Maidstone was evident from the off as they regularly tried to press the Yeovil backline as they continued to play the ball out from the back. There is a noticeable patience for a patient start from the home side in the Huish Park stands which would certainly not have been there with a different manager in the dug-out – but the opening half-an-hour has been…..quiet! Get McCormick on the ball, Yeovil!

Aaron Jarvis doesn’t get the decision | Pic by Gary Brown

On the half-hour mark something happened. Alex Whittle, who appeared to have taken a knock in a collision earlier in the game, was replaced by Michee Efete with Daly swapping from the right to the left. 

The best move of the game (not that that is saying much) came shortly after. Efete knocked the ball inside, Luke McCormick back-heeled it to Brett McGavin who hit it left-footed towards goal, it took a deflection and went out from a corner. From the resulting corner, grappling inside the box led to a free-kick for Maidstone. 

Aaron Jarvis got a booking in the 38th minute and then seemed to want to ‘get involved’ with the Stones’ defence for the remainder of the half. Referee Lewis Sandoe did not exactly cover himself in glory either breaking up an already bitty first half and that gave the home crowd something to shout about – or shout at, really – until the half-time whistle sounded. A very 0-0 0-0.

Half time: Yeovil Town 0 Maidstone United 0

Second half

Perhaps unsurprisingly the second change of the game came at the start of the second half as Tahvon Campbell replaced Jarvis, who was one tackle, grapple or comment away from getting his second booking.

Campbell was almost gifted a goal when the Maidstone defence, which had been organised and solid throughout the first half, allowed the ball to box inside the 18-yard box and the striker almost got in. The visitors managed to scramble it away. A brighter start to the second half.

Things have definitely picked up from Yeovil this half – and the Thatcher’s End has responded – and just before the hour mark Kyle Ferguson headed wide from a McGavin free-kick. On 63 minutes, manager Billy Rowley made two changes with loanees Andrew Oluwabori and Josh Tobin, signed on loan from Bromley during the weekend, replacing Harvey Greenslade and Leo Ramirez-Espain.

On 64 minutes, James Daly had a good run and flashed a shot from the edge of the box just past the post. There’s still not been a meaningful chance from either side and, as the game rolls on, the spectre of a penalty shoot-out is looming. No extra time in this one.

Neither Oluwabori or Tobin have really made any kind of impact on this game, it all been not quite there and lacking some positivity against an opponent who appears to 

Then on 85 minutes, chances at either end. Hamblin got a good ball in towards substitute Hamzad Kargbo who could not get his header on target and the ball broke to Jephte Tanga who went down under a tackle from Ferguson. Shouts for a penalty, nothing given. At the other end, McCormick was picked out by an Efete ball but his shot went wide.

Josh Tobin opens the score | Pic by Gary Brown

Then suddenly a breakthrough and a goal with one minute of normal time remaining. A great run down the left from Daly who put a high cross in to the back post and there was Josh TOBIN whose header bundled its way past a couple of Maidstone defenders on the line.

That’s it right? Wrong. Two minutes in to five added on at the end of the game, the Yeovil defence switched off at the back post and a good ball in from Maidstone found Hamzad KARGBO who could not miss from inches out. Ugh.

After 90 minutes of basically nothing, all the action came in the final six minutes of the game. Penalties. Double ugh.

Full time: Yeovil Town 1 Maidstone United 1

Here’s how the penalties went…..

  • Maidstone United – Antony Papadopoulos – SAVED by Jed Ward (0-0)
  • Yeovil Town – Brett McGavin – SCORED (1-0)
  • Maidstone United – David Sesay – SAVED by Jed Ward (1-0)
  • Yeovil Town – Luke McCormick – SCORED (2-0)
  • Maidstone United – Deon Moore – SCORED (2-1)
  • Yeovil Town – Tahvon Campbell – SCORED (3-1)
  • Maidstone United – Hamzad Kargbo –  SCORED (3-2)
  • Yeovil Town – Andrew Oluwabori – SCORED (4-2)

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Date: Saturday 13th December, 3pm kick-off

Competition: FA Trophy, Third Round Proper

Scorers: Josh Tobin 89 (1-0), Kargbo 90+2 (1-1)

Pitch: Holding up well considering the recent bad weather

Conditions: Dry but cool

Attendance: 1,691 (88 away supporters)

Bookings:

Yeovil Town: Aaron Jarvis 38,
Maidstone United: Dajon Golding 38, John Gilbert 57

Referee: Lewis Sandoe

Yeovil Town (3-5-2)

Substitutes: Michee Efete (for Alex Whittle, ), Tahvon Campbell (for Aaron Jarvis, 46), Josh Tobin (for Leo Ramirez-Espain, 63), Andrew Oluwabori (for Harvey Greenslade, 63), Dan Ellison (for James Daly, 90), Josh Sims (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Maidstone United: Lenny Holden, David Sesay, Leo Hamblin, Lexus Beeden, George Fowler, TJ Bramble (for Hamzad Kargbo, 71), Jephte Tanga, John Gilbert (for Sam Corne, 64), Dajon Golding (for Deon Moore, 64), Riley Court, Antony Papadopoulos.

Substitutes (not used):  David Agontohoma, Taylor Foran, Nathan Harness.

By:
On:
In: Match Reports, Latest Yeovil Town News

Yeovil Town turned in a textbook away performance as they picked up their first win at Hartlepool United since 2011.

The Glovers took the lead after 14 minutes when a burst down the left from Luke McCormick picked out Aaron Jarvis in the middle to sweep home the opener.

They had to withstand intense pressure for much of the game, but sealed three points in style when the persistence of McCormick to attack down the left and curled a sumptuous strike in to the net with four minutes of second half injury time played.

There were chaotic scenes at the final whistle with an enormous melee in front of the dug out leading to both Glovers’ defender Morgan Williams and Pools’ substitute Jermaine Francis being sent off after the final whistle.

Disgracefully these fracas included a Hartlepool fan running on to the pitch and swinging a punch at Finn Cousin-Dawson who was forced to push away his attacker with no Victoria Park steward in sight!

First half

Billy Rowley made four changes to the starting XI which won 2-1 over Boston United in his first match in charge seven days earlier. Aaron Jarvis and Harvey Greenslade was restored to the forward line, Finn Cousin-Dawson returned to bring midfield stability and Michee Efete replaced the injured Josh Sims at right wing-back.

After an even opening ten minutes, the first meaningful opportunity of the game fell to the home side on 12 minutes as striker Adam Campbell laid ball off to Matt Daly whose low shot was turned aside by Jed Ward.

But three minutes later, Yeovil took the lead. Luke McCormick burst away down left side and squared the ball to Aaron JARVIS who stroked the Glovers in front with 14 minutes. You can’t help but think that a few weeks ago McCormick might have checked back and played a pass back to his defence. It appears Rowley’s promise of ‘front foot football’ (a line often parroted but rarely delivered by his predecessors) is starting to come true. 

Three minutes later Jarvis, who had been making a nuisance of himself from himself the start, was brought down on the edge of the box by Maxim Kougoun who earned himself the first booking of the game. From the resulting free-kick, Brett McGavin curled on just wide of the post.

The play which created the goal almost repeated itself on 28 minutes as McCormick got away down the left again and this time forced a good stop out of Hartlepool keeper George Evans.

At the other end a nice move involving Campbell and Daly found Alex Reid inside the six yard but he put his chance wide of the post with the offside flag up anyway. A minute later, McCormick came even closer to doubling the advantage as he beat Evans but not the post.

Hartlepool were starting to see more of the ball as the half wore on and with ten minutes remaining of the first half, Jay Benn was found in space on the right of the box and his driven ball was pushed away from danger by Ward inside a crowded penalty area. Daly flashed a good opportunity past the post on 37 minutes and moments later another driven ball from Benn was cut out by Michee Efete.

We are definitely standing firm, but the Hartlepool are turning the screw. Possession stats will be in favour of the hosts in the final 20 minutes of the first half, but other an Ward’s stop to deny Daly – which was ultimately offside – there have not been any meaningful stops for the keeper to make.

The half-time whistle was met by a roar from the away supporters who had been non-stop in their support from the opening whistle. Amazing what attacking football and solid and sensible defending can do for a fan base!

Half time: Hartlepool United 0 Yeovil Town 1

Second half

The second half started with the home side dominating possesion again. There were chances for Hartlepool with Ward having to be alert to keep out Daly’s chance before a towering header from giant Pools’ centre half Tom Parkes flying just past the post.

The pressure was all Hartlepool’s in the opening 15 minutes of the second half, but the next chance fell to Yeovil. On 63 minutes, it was another attack down the left led by James Daly who forced a stop out of Evans. 

On 65 minutes, Billy Rowley made his first substitution with Tahvon Campbell replacing Aaron Jarvis with Alex Whittle coming on for Harvey Greenslade after 73 minutes.

Hartlepool, who were unbeaten in the previous seven matches going in to the game, enjoyed much of the play but Yeovil’s hard work held them at bay. As in the first half, the home side saw most of the ball but never really seriously troubled Ward in to one of his trademark stunning stops. The 98 travelling fans in the Victoria Park away end – bravo, we were non-stop in support of the team throughout!

It was left to Luke McCORMICK to seal the win. He showed amazing persistence to not give up on a ball in the fourth minute of injury time before curling a shot around the keeper and in to the bottom corner to send the away end in to delirium. Even with four minutes of second half injury time played, the thought was to attack and get a second goal and not hold the ball in the corner. You love to see it!

As the final whistle sounded, a huge melee involving what seemed like every player and member of staff from both sides exploded in front of the dug outs. From the distance of the away end it was difficult to tell exactly what happened, but the result was sendings off for both Yeovil’s Morgan Williams and Hartlepool’s Jermaine Francis after the final whistle.

This was a black mark on an otherwise faultless away performance for Yeovil at a ground which has not made for happy hunting for many Glovers sides in years gone by. The Rowley revolution rolls on – bring on the FA Trophy next weekend!

Full time: Hartlepool United 0 Yeovil Town 2

Match Details

Venue: Victoria Park
Date: Saturday 6th December, 3pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Aaron Jarvis 14 (1-0), Luke McCormick 90+4 (2-0)

Pitch: Didn’t look too bad 

Conditions: Cold, wet. It’s December in Hartlepool.

Attendance: 3,014 (98 away supporters)

Bookings:

Yeovil Town: Aaron Jarvis 37, Jake Wannell 58, Kyle Ferguson 66, Luke McCormick 86.

Hartlepool United: Maxim Kougoun 17

Sendings off:

Hartlepool United: Jermaine Francis – after the final whistle

Yeovil Town: Morgan Williams – after the final whistle

Referee: Dean Watson

Yeovil Town (3-5-2)

Substitutes: Tahvon Campbell (for Aaron Jarvis, 65), Alex Whittle (for Harvey Greenslade, 73), Max Jolliffe (for Brett McGavin, 82), Dan Ellison (not used), Leo Ramirez-Espain (not used), Andrew Oluwabori (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Hartlepool United: George Evans, Jay Benn, Cameron John, Tom Parkes (for Besart Topalloj, 74), Maxim Kougoun, Adam Campbell, Nathan Sheron (for Danny Johnson, 74), Jack Hunter (for Jermaine Francis, 54), Jamie Miley, Alex Reid, Matty Daly (for Pharrell Brown, 62).

Substitutes (not used): Adam Smith, Nathan Ferguson, Joseph Aungiers.

By:
On:
In: Match Reports, Latest Yeovil Town News

Luke McCormick secured Yeovil’s first win since late September, and the first win of the Billy Rowley era following his double in front of the Thatchers terrace as Yeovil Town defeated Boston United at Huish Park.

The Glovers looked nervy in the opening 15-20 minutes or so, making mistakes at the back that Boston looked to punish, but to no effect. The hosts grew into the game, showing glimpses of what life could be like under the new management team, but the game remained goalless at half-time.

Yeovil came out all guns blazing in the second half, and they were rewarded when McCormick scored his first of the game not long after the game got back underway. The hosts continued to push for their second, and found their goal when McCormick buried the second following a loose ball from a defensive error by Boston.

The visitors bagged a consolation, but it wasn’t enough as the Glovers saw out an impressive win to kick off the Rowley era in style.

First half

The visitors got things underway, as they kicked towards the Thatcher’s End for the first 45 minutes, and just 90 seconds in, first shot in anger was taken as Lenell John-Lewis found space towards the back post, his shot lead to nothing though as he was flagged offside.

Yeovil’s new high line was immediately noticeable, trying to catch the Pilgrims with offside traps and keeping patient with possession. A lovely turn from Tahvon Campbell almost released James Daly into space but the tricky number 11’s touch was too heavy, sending the game back into a back and forth affair.

Campbell once again was involved just minutes later, receiving the ball from Josh Sims inside the box, but his touch let him down and Boston cleared their lines, eventually winning a free kick just inside their own half.

Billy Rowley’s new ideas were evident, as a high press allowed the visitors to counter attack, Dylan Hill’s poor touch allowing Kyle Ferguson to recover in time to block his shot for a throw-in.

A sequence of poor passes almost allowed Boston a chance, but the Glovers scrambled to block any opportunities, Daly winning a free kick that led to nothing.

Josh Sims. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

The ten-minute mark came and went, with both sides looking to move forwards with little success, however Yeovil looked the stronger of the two sides, some intricate patterns between Daly and Campbell once again almost unlocking the Boston defence.

A tidy set-piece just inside the Yeovil half almost led to an opportunity for the visitors, patiently working their way forwards but each and every shot was closed down well by a green and white body, Yeovil eventually clearing their lines and re-setting their shape.

Just as twenty minutes hit the clock, Yeovil had another positive spell, Kyle Ferguson finding Sims with a long ball down the right hand side, eventually leading to a throw-in. The Glovers enjoyed a sustained spell of pressure outside the Boston box, a succession of crosses across the box unable to find a Yeovil player, before Brett McGavin snatched at a loose ball outside the box, catapulting it into the top field.

Boston enjoyed possession for the next five minutes or so, but were unable to fashion any chances for themselves. A long ball over to the right hand side for James Daly almost led to something, but he fouled Matty Carson in the process, ending the move.

Yeovil’s first real chance of the game came 27 minutes in, Josh Sims being released down the right hand side and getting the better of Matty Carson, his cross into the box almost found Tahvon Campbell but was cleared by the visitors, James Plant’s shot was well saved though by Killian Barrett.

The resulting corner allowed Yeovil to continue applying pressure, but the Pilgrims’ defence was resolute, and after multiple crosses and shifts in direction, the ball was cleared for a Yeovil throw in.

Just before the half hour mark, a free kick was swung in from the left hand side, finding the head of Kyle Ferguson; his header looped high into the sky and was on target, but it was a simple enough save for the Boston ‘keeper.

A few minutes later, Boston almost found the back of the net; a tidy ball from John-Lewis made its way to Frankie Maguire, who was flagged offside before missing a peach of a chance from just outside the six yard box.

Yeovil made their way down the left hand side with a good bit of link up play between McCormick and Campbell, the number 8’s cross looped towards the back of the box; Daly won the header, but Boston once again cleared their lines well.

Another short free kick from Boston led to another chance for the visitors soon after, former Glover Marcel Lavinier danced his way down the right hand side into the box, but his cross was cleared back into his path, the following header went over the bar leading to a Yeovil goal kick.

Soon after, Josh Sims found his way into the referee’s book for a seemingly innocuous challenge, leading to another Boston free kick that led to nothing.

Campbell found himself involved in positive play once again just after the forty minute mark, his cute flick behind his legs almost allowing Daly into the box unchallenged, but Boston just about recovered possession.

Kyle Ferguson was back in the starting XI. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Soon after, a ball from Max Jolliffe found Campbell, who lost his footing but still managed to prod a ball through to Luke McCormick, his shot was well blocked by the Boston defence for another corner, which was much less successful than our previous efforts.

The final chance of a high-energy first half fell to Boston, as a soft free kick was given in their favour against Kyle Ferguson. Boston’s number 10 whipped the ball into the danger zone but Yeovil’s defence dealt with it well once again, Josh Sims clearing for a throw in. From the throw, the ball fell to Adam Crowther, who’s fierce shot was tipped over the bar well by Jed Ward, leaving both sides headed down the tunnel goalless at half time.

Half time: Yeovil Town 0 Boston United 0

Second half

The hosts got us underway for the second half, and immediately went on the attack, James Plant causing Lavinier and Teale to crash into each other, working some space for a cross that drifted over everybody, but the intention was made clear from the off that Yeovil weren’t going to lift their foot off the gas.

Another ball through for McCormick almost allowed Yeovil a chance, but it was well dealt with by Adam Crowther. Boston eventually sent the ball downfield, however it ended up straight in the arms of Jed Ward.

Yeovil had another chance soon after, as Brett McGavin carried the ball a good forty yards before releasing Plant down the left hand side; the Port Vale loanee worked his way into the box, before squaring it for McCormick, who miscommunicated with McGavin and the chance went begging.

The Glovers continued on the front foot though, with another dangerous looking cross coming in, this time from the right side of play, half-time substitute Michee Efete almost finding the head of James Daly.

Boston found themselves scrambling once again, as a well weighted ball through for Tahvon Campbell forced Killian Barrett to clear, only for the Yeovil frontman to block his clearance. Unfortunately, no Yeovil bodies were able to capitalise, but the first five minutes were almost entirely in Yeovil’s favour (yes, all of that happened in five minutes!)

Boston whipped a good cross in from the left hand side soon after, but it was an easy collection from Jed Ward to get the Glovers on their way once again.

Luke McCormick. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

And with 53 minutes on the clock, Yeovil finally had their just rewards, as Michee Efete came down the right hand side following a great ball to him. He charged with intent towards the box, his cross cleared just about by the Boston defence, but it fell to Luke McCORMICK to bury it in the back of the net for the opening goal of the Billy Rowley era.

Yeovil were almost in again just a few minutes later, as a ball was dinked over Barrett by James Daly, but Tahvon Campbell couldn’t quite get on the end of it, Boston were hanging on by a thread…

The visitors won a free kick inside the Yeovil half but wasted their chance, as the Glovers barrelled forwards once again – James Plant almost released McCormick, but the visiting defence once again scrambled back to deal with the threat. Incisive balls for Campbell were slightly mistimed, but the green and whites were purring with nearly an hour on the clock.

Boston lashed an effort over the bar before normal service was resumed, Campbell once again involved in positive linkup among the front line, before James Daly won a free kick just inside the Boston half. The ball forwards troubled the amber and black back line, with Morgan Williams laying the ball off for Jake Wannell, his shot cannoned into the wall of Boston bodies and away from danger.

A low driven shot was well collected by Jed Ward soon after, and in amongst all the action, former Glover Jordy Hiwula entered play as Boston’s first substitute.

Marcel Lavinier and James Plant had a brilliant battle down Boston’s right hand side, the former Glover winning out just about, but his cross couldn’t find a Boston head, and the Glovers cleared their lines. Soon after, Aaron Jarvis replaced the excellent Tahvon Campbell.

Any positives for the visitors all came from Lavinier, as his through ball troubled the Yeovil defence once more; Jake Wannell had enough about him to see the ball out of play for a Yeovil goal kick though.

Yeovil came forward once again following a free kick, asking further questions of the Boston defence, but the ball was eventually put out of play following a good spell of play around the box.

Jarvis was getting involved once again following his introduction, successfully chasing a lost cause of a ball, before earning a free kick just outside the box on the left hand side for the Glovers, and earning Adam Crowther a booking on his debut for Boston United. The resulting free kick was hammered in by McGavin, but a Boston body headed the ball away from danger.

A double substitution took place for the hosts, as McGavin and Plant gave way to Finn Cousin-Dawson and Harvey Greenslade respectively, before Aaron Jarvis found himself in space on the right hand side this time round. He made himself a yard to work with and put in a good cross, but it was just over the head of Luke McCormick; roles reversed, and we could’ve been celebrating a second…

More involvement for Aaron Jarvis came soon after a Boston free kick, as he earned the Glovers another free kick just five yards inside the Boston half, Daly’s ball was cleared but only into the path of Efete, who’s ball back in towards the box caused panic. Yeovil recycled the ball and almost worked a chance, but the cross from the left floated by everybody for a Boston goal kick.

Soon after Boston made a second substitution, it was a second goal for the Glovers! A free kick from inside the Yeovil half made its way onto the head of Wannell, who found the head of Greenslade, who found the boot of a Boston man. He was pickpocketed by Morgan Williams though, his ball found the number 8 of Luke McCORMICK in space inside the box, and his shot found the bottom right of the net. Two for Yeovil, two for McCormick, and joy spread across Huish Park!

Boston looked to respond following the second goal, but their chance went wide of the post, not troubling Jed Ward.

A series of weak chances came for the visitors, before a poor header from Jake Wannell allowed Sloggett to capitalise, his shot blocked by Williams but not cleared, before the ball bounced and fell to Dylan HILL to get a goal back for the Pilgrims with eight minutes remaining.

Yeovil weren’t down though, as the Thatchers terrace kept singing, and the players came forward once again, Aaron Jarvis’ switch of play unable to find a green and white shirt but still the Glovers looked positive.

Lavinier’s cross-come-shot almost looked to cause more trouble, but Jed Ward collected comfortably to ease supporter’s nerves.

More attacks came down the Boston right hand side from Lavinier, who floated past Daly and McCormick, and almost left Williams and Wannell on the floor, his shot was fortunately wayward, but he looked night and day to what we saw from him in a green shirt last season!

Harvey Greenslade received the ball as Yeovil looked to counter once again, going down inside the centre circle to win a free kick for the hosts, which unfortunately led to nothing. Efete almost danced past three Boston bodies before being brought down, but the referee wanted nothing to do with it, and the Yeovil press continued following a poor ball for Lavinier, as he was hounded by Jarvis and McCormick, the latter eventually winning Yeovil another free kick.

Three minutes into the five added on by the officials, Harvey Greenslade almost worked himself a chance, before ending up penned in the corner by two Boston players, his hard work led to a corner for the Glovers which he celebrated like he’d scored!

From the corner, Boston won the ball back and Greenslade went from the high of the corner to being booked for a sporting foul. The free kick was wasted by their ‘keeper, before Morgan Williams won a free kick following a clash with Marcel Lavinier, fist pumping in front of the Boston fans to rub the salt into the wounds. From the free kick, the referee blew for full time on a frenetic second half, as Yeovil Town secured their first win in eight games!

Full time: Yeovil Town 2 Boston United 1

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Date: Saturday 29th November, 3pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Luke McCormick 53 (1-0), Luke McCormick 79 (2-0), Dylan Hill 85 (2-1)

Pitch: Tidy, slippery and soft

Conditions: Intermittent downpours, very chilly hands…

Attendance: 2,921 (129 away supporters)

Bookings:

Yeovil Town:Morgan Williams 38, Josh Sims 41, Jed Ward 85, Harvey Greenslade 90+4

Boston United: Adam Crowther 69

Referee: Harry Wager

Yeovil Town (3-4-1-2)

Substitutes: Substitutes: Michee Efete (for Josh Sims, 46), Aaron Jarvis (for Tahvon Campbell, 65), Finn Cousin-Dawson (for Brett McGavin, 73), Harvey Greenslade (for James Plant, 73), Dan Ellison (not used), Junior Morias (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Boston United: Killian Barrett, Matty Carson (for Jordy Hiwula, 60), Oisin Gallagher, Adam Crowther (for Tommy Fogarty, 77), Connor Teale, Greg Sloggett, Jordan Richards, Dylan Hill, Frankie Maguire, Marcel Lavinier, Lenell John-Lewis.
Substitutes (not used): Ben Grist, Deji Sotona, Liam Waldock, Rhys Lovett.

By:
On:
In: Match Reports, Latest Yeovil Town News

Striker Tahvon Campbell missed a second half penalty as Yeovil Town drew another blank to end a run of three straight defeats but extend their run without a win to eight matches at fellow strugglers Morecambe on Saturday.

With 11 minutes of normal time remaining, substitute Campbell fell under pressure from Mo Sangare inside the box and the referee pointed to the penalty spot, but the frontman saw his spot kick tipped on to the post by Shrimps’ keeper Jamal Blackman.

First half

The opening ten minutes suggested two sides who wanted to keep possession, but Morecambe seemed to have a clearer idea of what they were going to do with it when they had it. There was a distinct lack of willing runners when we had the all instead relying on Morecambe to making mistakes. James Daly, playing in the middle of a front three for the second match in a row, is still not a number nine.

On 22 minutes, corner from Jack Nolan in to a congested six-yard box created pandemonium inside the Yeovil penalty area with Jed Ward coming and not getting anywhere near it. Shots rained in, a claim for a handball from the Morecambe players after a shot from Yann Song’o and eventually it is Ward who hacks it clear.

It took half-an-hour to see some attacking intent from Yeovil when Luke McCormick won a challenge in midfield, played a one-two with Junior Morias, and the midfielder burst forward but his ball into the box was cut out by Ludwig Francillette before it could get to Daly. From the resulting corner, our first of the match, Josh Sims’ effort was effectively a pass to the opposition defender. Chance over.

On 33 minutes, another moment of Yeovil pressure saw a long free-kick in to the box drop to Jake Wannell on the edge of the box but his effort was blocked by the head of Francillette. Three minutes before the break, Ward came to the edge of his area to punch a free-kick clear and it dropped to Gwion Edwards who could only put his shot over the bar.

Goalless at half-time and probably one of the most nil-nil games you have seen in a long time. Both teams tried to play the ball, but there was very little threat on either goal in the opening 45 minutes.

Half time: Morecambe 0 Yeovil Town 0

Second half

Two minutes after the break, Morecambe’s half-time substitute George Thomas put a ball in from the left and it was just ahead of Harry Panayiotou who could have forced Ward in to action if he had slid in.

On 51 minutes, a great ball in from the left from James Plant found the head of James Daly, who has a remarkable leap and forces a great save out of Jamal Blackman who turns it around the post. The linesman’s flag was up for offside, but the goalkeeper did not know that. 

Two minutes later, Song’o brought the ball forward before laying it off to Nolan who drove in to the right side of the box and fired in an effort which Ward had to get down well to. The on 62 minutes, a ball down the right flank set Morias away, his effort could not find Daly but did find Sims whose effort was over the bar.

On 65 minutes, manager Richard Dryden made his first substitution with Harvey Greenslade coming on for Sims. A striker, thank goodness. The former Bristol Rovers’ striker went in to the middle of the front three but less than two minutes later Plant went in for a tackle with Thomas and the Port Vale loanee appeared to take a flailing arm to the face which led to him having to be replaced. Tahvon Campbell replaced him and Greenslade went out wide. Sigh.

With 77 minutes on the clock, another Yeovil opportunity as the ball found its way out to Morias who burst in to the right side of the box, but his effort was high and not that handsome. The striker went for glory and does not hit the tackle. What do we have to do to get a shot on target? Well, we found out a minute later as Morias played Campbell in to the box and he was pushed over by Mo Sangare inside the area. Penalty.

Morias, who scored a penalty at Halifax earlier in the campaign, asked about it, but the responsibility was taken by Campbell, who scored from 12 yards at Aldershot as well. The substitute stepped up and put it to the keeper’s right, but the 6’5″ frame of Blackman stretched out a hand and turned it on to the post. I ask again, what do we need to do to score a goal?!

There were opportunities for both sides before the final whistle with McCormick’s shot from distance with five minutes of normal time remaining looking like a poor decision when he could have fed Morias. Then, with two minutes of second half injury time played, Francillette almost broke Yeovil’s hearts with a back post header from a corner.

The final whistle was met by boos from both the home and away end suggesting that neither group of supporters were unhappy with the lack of quality going forward from either side. Having had a glorious opportunity to have taken all three points with Campbell’s penalty, this feels like two points dropped more than one gained.

Full time: Morecambe 0 Yeovil Town 0

Match Details

Venue: Mazuma Mobile Arena
Date: Saturday 22nd November, 3pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: None

Pitch: Slippery

Conditions: Misty and cold 

Attendance: 2,586 (110 away supporters)

Bookings: 

Yeovil Town: James Daly 41, Luke McCormick 75, Morgan Williams 90+4

Morecambe: Yann Songo’o 32, Harry Panayoitou 33

Referee: Declan Brown

Yeovil Town (3-4-3)

Substitutes: Harvey Greenslade (for Josh Sims, 66), Tahvon Campbell (for James Plant, 71), Andrew Oluwabori (not used), Brett McGavin (not used), Dan Ellison (not used), Leo Ramirez-Espain (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Morecambe: Jamal Blackman, Maldini Kacurri, Ludwig Francillette, Mo Sangare, Emi Sutton, Yann Songo’o, Jake Cain (for Miguel Azeez, 72), Gwion Edwards (for George Thomas, 46), Ben Tollitt, Jack Nolan, Harry Panayiotou (for Rolando Aarons, 86).

Substitutes (not used): Makel Campbell, Lewis Payne, Arjan Raikhy, Archie Mair.

By:
On:
In: Match Reports, Latest Yeovil Town News

Yeovil Town were on the wrong end of a 92nd minute sucker punch as Southend United scored in the dying minutes of the game to stretch Yeovil’s winless run to seven.

The Glovers failed to register a single shot on target and Jed Ward pulled off multiple saves to keep the visitors at bay.

An improved performance from the home side, but another defeat and another blank in front of goal. 

First half

There were three changes from the 1-0 defeat at Scunthorpe United last weekend with Finn Cousin-Dawson, James Daly and Junior Morias returning to the starting XI. There was no place in the squad for defender Kyle Ferguson, who started in Lincolnshire, but on loan Exeter City winger Andrew Oluwabori returned on the bench alongside midfielder Leo Ramirez-Espain, who signed on loan from Watford during the week.

Daly lined up in the middle of a front three alongside Morias and Josh Sims, not exactly your archetypal number nine. The opening exchanges at Huish Park were dominated by Southend and when Yeovil got hold of the ball they looked to try and hold on to possession. There was also an early booking for Southend captain Nathan Ralph, who had a spell at Huish Park around a decade ago, for a foul on Sims after just ten minutes.

The visitors had a golden opportunity to open the scoring on 14 minutes when Jake Wannell totally misjudged a header back to goalkeeper Jed Ward and presented Southend top scorer Andrew Dallas with a glorious chance which he inexplicably put wide. The Glovers had another let off seconds later when a loose pass out by Ward almost let Southend in, but fortunately Cousin-Dawson was there to clear it up. Almost a fatal mistake of our own making – twice!

There’s lots of energy and running from Yeovil’s front three, but there’s definitely not a focal point. There’s definitely a desire to try and keep the ball as much as we can, but James Daly is struggling to get much change out of the visitors’ giant defence.

Morgan Williams vs Nathan Ralph | Photo by Gary Brown

With 35 minutes, great pressure from Max Jolliffe won possession and a good turn by Morias in the middle of the pitch saw him feed Josh Sims who burst forward down the right side but lifted his shot over the bar. Better intent from Yeovil.

Moments later, Dallas had another good opportunity after jumping on a sloppy attempted pass from Luke McCormick gifted the on loan Barnsley striker a chance, which he put straight in to the hands of Ward. Then it was Morias’ turn to have a shot at goal, he thundered a dipping shot in from 25 yards just over the bar with 36 minutes played,

Two minutes later there was another good chance for Yeovil. Morias broke away down the left and fed it in for McCormick whose shot was blocked by Ralph and broke to James Plant who had an open goal to shoot in to but Ralph got a fantastic block in to deny him.

Yeovil’s tails were up and again it was the tenacity of Jolliffe which won possession, Morias was involved feeding Sims and he managed to get it out to McCormick on the right of the box but his angled effort was blocked by Ralph again.

With four minutes of the half remaining, Yeovil almost became masters of their own downfall – again – when Cousin-Dawson’s poor pass saw Dallas set away, his effort was well saved by Ward who got up in time to push Oli Coker’s follow-up shot out. Four great opportunities for Southend in this match and they have all come from our mistakes.

A big improvement from the disappointing displays in the last outing at Huish Park against Wealdstone and the last match at Scunthorpe United. Our biggest threat seems to be ourselves with sloppy passes gifting Southend all their opportunities, but there’s some energy going forward and it is creating chances.

Half time: Yeovil Town 0 Southend United 0

Second half

It took just two minutes for the first chance of the second half and it came from another (yes, another) loose pass this time from Cousin-Dawson which gave Southend the chance to float a ball in to Dallas who rose highest to head it down in to the six yard box who was joined by Cousin-Dawson who managed to get it away. Big appeals for hand ball from the away end, but the referee uninterested.

McCormick had his own penalty appeal after 52 minutes following a run the full length of the pitch which ended with him tumbling under pressure inside the box. Three minutes later, we were grateful to Ward again when Guss Scott-Morriss’ superb cross found James Walker inside the area, but his header was superbly kept out by the on loan Bristol Rovers man. 

With an hour played, Andrew Oluwabori came on replacing Alex Whittle with Plant going to the left wing-back with Sims going right wing-back and the substitute moving in to the forward line. On 72 minutes, Aaron Jarvis replaced Sims.

There’s not been much for either side since the opportunity for Walker earlier in the half, but Southend are certainly dominating possession. On 76 minutes, Southend substitute Keenan Appiah-Forson had a shot saved by Ward, before Jarvis spun his man from a long ball forward, got past keeper Nick Hayes, and had a huge shout of a handball as he tried to shoot towards goal.

Luke McCormick tries to get the Glovers ahead | Photo by Gary Brown

Some great defending from Harry Taylor denied Jarvis with nine minutes of the match remaining. A great run and cross from Oluwabori down the right saw him play it in to the middle, but Taylor won out over the Yeovil substitute.

With time ticking, Southend continued to be comfortable on the ball, but for all their possession, numerous blocks and tackles kept the Shrimpers at arm’s length.

Junior Morias was replaced by Harvey Greenslade for the final couple of minutes, the front man feeling the effects of a busy afternoon and a couple of robust challenges.

Jarvis entered the book for a ‘strikers challenge’ before the sucker punch landed.

Jed Ward made his umpteenth save of the game but instead of keeping the ball safe in hands, the effort from Leon Parillon squirted out to Slavi SPASOV who made the telling touch to break Yeovil hearts.

A final minute corner for the Glovers was calmly claimed by Nicholas Hayes in the Southend goal. 

With players stretched, Chambers-Parillon skied a breakaway chance. 

Full time: Yeovil Town 0 Southend United 1

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Date: Saturday 15th November, 3pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Slavi Spasov 90+2 (0-1)

Pitch: Held up well

Conditions: A chilly early winters day

Attendance: 3,060 (530 away supporters)

Bookings: 

Yeovil Town: Max Jolliffe 45+5, Luke McCormick 51, Junior Morias 62, Jarvis 90+1, Jake Wannell 90+6

Scunthorpe United: Nathan Ralph 10, Guss Scott-Morriss 44

Referee: Scott Jackson

Yeovil Town (3-4-3)

Substitutes: Andrew Oluwabori (for Alex Whittle, 60), Aaron Jarvis (for Josh Sims, 72), Harvey Greenslade (for Junior Morias, 90), Dan Ellison (not used), Ramirez-Espain (not used), Tahvon Campbell (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Southend United: Nick Hayes, Guss Scott-Morriss, Nathan Ralph, Ben Goodliffe, Andrew Dallas (for Tom Hopper, 90+3), Josh Walker (for Slavi Spasov, 64) , Harry Taylor, Cav Miley, Sam Austin (for Leon Parillon, 78), Oli Coker (for Keenan Appiah-Forson, 64) , Harry Boyes.

Substitutes (not used): Collin Anden-Ndi, Jack Bridge, Joe Gubbins.

By:
On:
In: Match Reports, Latest Yeovil Town News

Yeovil Town extended their run without a win in all competitions to six matches as they lost to a first half goal at Scunthorpe United on Saturday.

The only goal of the game came from a mistake from defender Kyle Ferguson after 22 minutes. His loose back pass put goalkeeper Jed Ward in trouble and allowed Tyrell Sellars-Fleming to tap home.

It performance was an improvement on the dismal display in a 2-0 home defeat to Wealdstone four days earlier, but the Glovers leave Lincolnshire with the same amount of points.

First half

Manager Richard Dryden made four changes from the 2-0 home defeat to Wealdstone on Tuesday night with Kyle Ferguson and Alex Whittle coming in at the back with Harvey Greenslade and Josh Sims returning up front. Strikers Aaron Jarvis and Tahvon Campbell dropped to the bench whilst loanees Andrew Oluwabori and George Nurse were out of the squad completely.

 
It took three minutes for Ferguson to get involved with a booking in his first altercation with Scunthorpe striker Danny Whitehall, a player who the Iron’s fans warned is about before kick-off. A minute later a nice move down the right saw the ball break to captain Jake Wannell on the edge of the box and his effort flew just wide of the post.

At the other end, it took a further minute for Declan Howe to have an opportunity when he was slotted through with just Jed Ward to beat, but he lost his footing and could not get the connection to trouble the keeper.

It was a goal entirely of Yeovil’s own making which saw them gift Scunthorpe the lead. Ferguson confidently let the ball run through his legs unaware Tyrell SELLARS-FLEMING was breathing down his neck. The on loan Hull City player forced Ferguson to play a ball back to Ward who could not get to it before Howe who squared to Sellars-Fleming who tapped home with 22 minutes gone.

Scunthorpe celebrate Tyrell Sellars-Fleming’s opening goal.

It was a mistake which was harsh on Yeovil who had at least put in the type of effort we as supporters had been calling for after the lacklustre display at home to Wealdstone four days earlier.

The next 15 minutes saw Scunthorpe dominate the possession, probing at the Yeovil defence with the left side where Sellars-Fleming was a constant threat. For the most we did well to prevent anything turning in to a meaningful opportunity, but whilst we were defending there was little threat going forwards.

It was not until the 43rd minute that hosts’ keeper Rory Mahady was called in to action when James Plant’s effort from the edge of the box was tipped over the bar.

Speaks volumes for our confidence – both players and supporters – that I am thinking that 1-0 down at half-time is not a bad performance.

Half time: Scunthorpe United 1 Yeovil Town 0

Second half

Yeovil made a double substitution at the start of the second half with Aaron Jarvis and Dan Ellison replacing Josh Sims and Kyle Ferguson.

Ellison playing his first action since joining on a permanent deal from Bristol Rovers last month took less than two minutes to get his first booking in green-and-white. He fouled Alfie Beaton in the middle of the pitch.

On 50 minutes, Plant made a good move down the left and swung a ball in with Jarvis met but  could not direct his header towards goal and it sailed harmlessly over the bar.

Around the hour mark, a chance out of nothing saw Jed Ward make one (possibly two) saves to keep out a scramble on the edge of his area before the ball dropped to Zain Seabrooke lifted his shot over the bar with the keeper racing back to his line.

On 66 minutes, Junior Morias replaced Harvey Greenslade and a minute later a great one two between Kian Scales and Whitehall led to Scales flashing a shot just past the far post.

Plant looks like the only real attacking outlet at the other end and he linked up well with Max Joliffe on the left side but the on loan Colchester man’s cross was well held by the Scunthorpe keeper.

With 15 minutes remaining, a spell of Yeovil pressure saw Jarvis take the ball off the toe of Luke McCormick as he was about to swing a boot at the ball on the edge of the box, before taking a shot himself which went wide.

Yeovil’s final change came on 78 minutes and it was an attacking one with Tahvon Campbell and James Daly replacing Alex Whittle and Joliffe. No idea what the formation is now, but manager Richard Dryden responding to criticism he didn’t make enough changes four days earlier!

Two minutes from the end Westbrook’s linked up with substitute Carlton Ubaezuonu who dragged his shot wide. One parting me feels we have had a go in the second half, but another part feels like Scunthorpe have just kept us where they wanted us.

If the bar set by the performance four days prior against Wealdstone was low, this display offered something extra in terms of commitment, but there was still a lack of confidence and quality compared with Scunthorpe. You only need to look at their league position and form to realise why that is, but you just feel the rut is getting deeper.

Full time: Scunthorpe United 1 Yeovil Town 0

Match Details

Venue: Glanford Park
Date: Saturday 7th November, 3pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Tyrell Sellars-Fleming 22 (0-1), 

Pitch: Cut up as the game went on

Conditions: Cold but dry 

Attendance: 4496 (93 away supporters)

Bookings: 

Yeovil Town: Kyle Ferguson 3, Dan Ellison 47

Scunthorpe United: Kian Scales 90+2

Referee: Richard Aspinall

Yeovil Town (4-4-2)

Substitutes: Finn Cousin-Dawson, Dan Ellison, Junior Morias, James Daly, Tahvon Campbell, Aaron Jarvis, Matt Gould.

 

By:
On:
In: Match Reports, Latest Yeovil Town News

Yeovil Town turned in a performance as damp as the weather at Huish Park as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Wealdstone on a miserable Tuesday night.

The Glovers failed to take advantage of the wet and windy conditions being in their favour as they failed to trouble the visitors’ goal and then in the second half Wealdstone showed them how it should be done and goals from Dominic Hutchinson and Max Kretzschmar sealed the win.

There were boos around the stadium at the final whistle and, having been forced to watch a poor performance in terrible conditions, you cannot blame the home crowd.

First half

The game started in atrocious conditions with strong wind and driving rain working against Wealdstone who were attacking the Thatcher’s Stand from the kick-off.

Jake Wannell was the first Yeovil player to try his luck from distance with a wind-assisted effort from fully 30 yards after seven minutes, it went high over the bar in the away end but worth a goal in these conditions. Wealdstone had a lot more of the ball in the opening 15 minutes with ex-W*ymouth midfielder Omar Mussa dominating in the middle of the park whilst Yeovil tried to play the ball over the top without much success. You’d need rockets on players’ boots to get on the end of those balls.

With 16 minutes gone, Dom Hutchinson got away and it required a good block from Miche Efete to deny Wealdstone an opportunity at the back post. It all feels a bit too easy for the visitors who appear to have played in the wind and rain before, not sure our players have on these opening exchanges.

The first moment came just before the half-hour when Wannell moved forward and took us higher up the pitch, suddenly we had more players in the attacking third and broke to Jarvis and the ball went out for a corner. That’s about the nearest to anything we have managed in this opening 30 minutes. One moment of aggression and something happens. 

To say we have not adapted to the conditions would be an understatement whereas Wealdstone have been dynamic and not been afraid to press higher up the pitch. We have sat back and tried to catch them on the counter attack, but every ball forward has been overhit. Everything we have not been, they have been. That said, there’s not been any real saves from either goalkeeper.

Half-time goalless. Need to something better from us against the wind in the second half than we did with the wind in the first.

Half time: Yeovil Town 0 Wealdstone 0

Second half

In under two minutes of the second half, James Plant drove forward, Luke McCormick clipped the ball in to the box almost found the chest of Aaron Jarvis, just millimetres away. Moments later, a long George Nurse throw broke to McCormick on the edge of the box, his effort flew wide but we are already showing some attacking intent which is an improvement.

On 51 minutes, McCormick squared a ball from the right and picked out Jarvis in front of goal, his effort went wide. As close as we’ve come even if that is a low bar. But we are looking more aggressive and on the front foot.

Aaron Jarvis’ effort goes inches wide. Picture courtesy of Debs Curtis.

But, on 57 minutes the visitors took the lead. Wealdstone won the ball back and Sak Hassan got away down the left, whipped a ball in and it came to Dominic HUTCHINSON on the spin at the far post and he fired a shot in to the near post. A very clever finish and you cannot say Wealdstone do not deserve it.

Richard Dryden did not hang about to respond to going behind with Junior Morias replacing James Plant. The substitute was involved in a good moment on 68 minutes when he fed in Andrew Oluwabori who powered forward, fed the ball out to the right side where Campbell had a shot from a tight angle which was deflected away for a corner.

Moments later, Micah Obiero got away with just Efete between him and Jed Ward and flashed his effort just past the post and then on 70 minutes the ball broke to McCormick inside the box and his powerful effort was pushed away by Dante Baptise in the Wealdstone goal. I think that is the first time I have mentioned the visiting goalkeeper. More of that.

On 73 minutes, it was 2-0 to Wealdstone. Yeovil did not clear the danger and two headers from the visitors landed to the feet of Max KRETZSCHMAR who smashed home the second from point blank range. Heads are down.

A poor back pass from Baptiste gifted the ball to Oluwabori, he weaved towards goal but rather than going further forwards he laid it off to McCormick who tried to find Campbell but lost possession. Sums us up. That was the last action for Oluwabori as he was replaced by James Daly with nine minutes remaining. Pretty late to make any changes.

The second half was an improvement from the first, not that that is saying much. But for many of those 90 minutes there was a lack of intent to either put pressure on Wealdstone or look to take the game to them. They had both those things and were worthy winners.

Full time: Yeovil Town 0 Wealdstone 2

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Date: Tuesday 4th November, 7.45pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Dominic Hutchinson 57 (0-1), Max Kretzschmar  73 (0-2)

Pitch: Wet.
Conditions: “Absolutely soaking sideways rain” – Jack Killah, BBC Radio Somerset

Attendance: 2,337 (52 away supporters)

Bookings: 

Yeovil Town: Morgan Williams 54
Wealdstone: Connor McAvoy 49

Referee: Kirsty Dowie

Yeovil Town (4-4-2)

Substitutes: Junior Morias (for James Plant, 58), James Daly (for Andrew Oluwabori, 81), Alex Whittle (not used), Dan Ellison (not used), Kyle Ferguson (not used), Ollie Hughes (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Wealdstone: Dante Baptiste, Jack Cook (for Steven Turner, 71), Anthony Georgiou, Omar Mussa (for Eddy Nsasi, 71), Enzio Boldewijn, Max Kretzschmar (for Nathan Tshikuna, 76), Sak Hassan (for Olufela Olomola, 90+4), Micah Obiero (for Daniel Nkrumah, 76), Dom Hutchinson, Connor McAvoy, Terrell Agyemang.

Substitutes (not used): Hubert Graczyk, Moussa Diarra.

By:
On:
In: Match Reports, Latest Yeovil Town News

Yeovil Town shared the points against a Carlisle United side who arrived in Somerset in menacing form after an entertaining match at Huish Park on Saturday.

The Glovers took the lead after just 15 minutes when a George Nurse corner ended up in the net, take your pick who got the final touch with the stadium announcer credit Tahvon Campbell and some scores’ apps giving it as an own goal from visiting defender, Morgan Feeney.

Either way, the hosts were well worth their advantage at the break and continued to frustrate Carlisle until the 68th minute when a moment of quality involving the division’s top scorer Regan Linney set up substitute Harvey McAdam who coolly levelled.

A much improved performance from Yeovil after some difficult weeks and they were well worth their point.

First half

Manager Richard Dryden made four changes from the 3-0 defeat at Rochdale last weekend with new signing midfielder Max Jolliffe coming in for Finn Cousin-Dawson in midfield, Michee Efete replacing the injured Josh Sims and Harvey Greenslade and Tahvon Campbell coming in up front. There was no place in the squad for Brett McGavin and Junior Morias, but there 

There was no repeat of the horror start of seven days earlier with a composed opening ten minutes for Yeovil, but it was the visitors who had the first attempts on target coming from the talented Chris Conn-Clarke. The Peterborough United loanee was picking up pockets of space in the middle of the park and had two sighters on goal early on, neither of which particularly troubled Jed Ward in goal.

Then on 15 minutes, a strange thing happened – we took the lead! A great corner from on loan defender George Nurse went straight in to a dangerous area and ended up in the next, Tahvon CAMPBELL was awarded the goal but it is difficult to figure out who got the final touch. Campbell appeared to get a head to it but possibly Carlisle defender Morgan Feeney got a touch on it as well. Let’s be honest, who cares?!

Conn Clarke had a 23rd minute free kick punched away by Ward, but the goal lifted Huish Park and the Yeovil players responded. Two minutes later, Efete put a cross in which Feeney had to be quick on his toes to deal with, before Aaron Jarvis had a penalty shout turned away by referee William Davies after he was pulled to the ground by Feeney. Jarvis manhandled by a defender, we’re as (not) shocked as you!

The attacking intent continued from Yeovil with Andrew Oluwabori coming closest with a shot wide four minutes before the break whilst at the other end Ward was equal to another effort from Conn-Clarke.

As poor as the first half at Rochdale seven days earlier was, this was impressive for the Glovers. They frustrated their in-form visitors and showed intent going forwards with the new arrivals, in particular Nurse and Efete, impressing.

Half time: Yeovil Town 1 Carlisle United 0

Second half

Carlisle’s towering frontman Georgie Kelly got on the end of a Conn-Clarke free-kick three minutes after the restart which Ward was again equal to. There’s some big units in this visiting side, none bigger than Kelly, but Yeovil are matching it. Great to hear Huish Park in full voice backing the boys.

Regan Linney bent an effort wide on 54 minutes and the division’s top scorer had another sight of goal before the hour mark and Carlisle responded to the frustration with two changes in the 61st minute. Harvey Mcadam and Junior Luamba replacing Alex Gilliead and Josh Williams.

On 65 minutes, the ball dropped to Glovers’ captain Jake Wannell on the edge of the box and visiting keeper Gabriel Breeze did well to deny him and then bravely dive in at the feet of Morgan Williams to deny him getting to the rebound.

But, on 68 minutes, Carlisle equalised. Linney was at the heart of it turning past Efete and picking out substitute Harvey McADAM who curled a superb effort in to the top corner. Probably the only real chance the visitors have created this half, but they have taken it.

Linney had another effort straight at Ward after 72 minutes and then came agonosingly close of what would have been one of the sweetest strikes Huish Park has ever seen two minutes later. His shot just needed the slightest bit of bend of it, there’s nothing the striker could have done to hit that any better. He’s some player, Linney.

Another positive moment after 76 minutes with the Huish Park return if summer signing James Daly, not seen in league action since the second game of the season, and a minute later he almost served up a goal. His ball in from the left looked like it took a nick off the head of Jarvis and landed to Campbell at the back post. The striker had Aaron Hayden in close attendance and could not get a touch. Great opportunity there. Moments later, Jarvis came close as well. Neither side are giving this one up.

Nine minutes from time, Richard Dryden made further changes with Finn Cousin-Dawson and Byron Pendleton replacing Aaron Jarvis and Harvey Greenslade. Moments later, Nurse had a shot from distance which took a nick on its way through and went out for a corner. Shades of Jordan Barnett against Torquay there.

The closing stages saw Campbell denied by Breeze before Cousin-Dawson picked up his long-awaited fifth booking of the season deep in to seven minutes of injury time before the points were shared.

In truth, Yeovil had the better chances of the second half and were well worth a draw, Carlisle had one moment of real quality and they took it to earn theirs.

After a difficult few weeks, the Glovers showed they can mix it with the division’s big boys and they can take some reassurance from the performance. The changes – both in formation and personnel – clearly made a difference. Time to get some consistency.

Full time: Yeovil Town 1 Carlisle United 1

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Date: Saturday 25th October, 3pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Tahvon Campbell 15 (1-0), Harvey Mcadam 68 (1-1)

Pitch: Pitch perfect
Conditions: Chilly and breezy, but dry

Attendance: 2,933 (459 away supporters – credit to every one of them)

Bookings: 

Yeovil Town: Harvey Greenslade 62, Finn Cousin-Dawson 90+2
Carlisle United: Aaron Hayden 44

Referee: William Davies

Yeovil Town (4-4-2)

Substitutes: James Daley (for Andrew Oluwabori, 76), Byron Pendleton (for Harvey Greenslade, 81), Finn Cousin-Dawson (for Aaron Jarvis, 81), Alex Whittle (for Max Jolliffe, 90+4), Dan Ellison (not used), Kyle Ferguson (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Carlisle United: Gabriel Breeze, Archie Davies (for Jordan Jones, 81),  Cameron Harper, Morgan Feeney, Aaron Hayden, George Kelly, Reagen Linney, Alex Gilliead (for Harvey Mcadam, 61), Josh Williams (for Junior Luamba, 61), Josh Grant, Chris Conn-Clarke.

Substitutes (not used): Harry Lewis, Callum Whelan, Stephen Wearne, Luke Armstrong.

By:
On:
In: Match Reports, Latest Yeovil Town News

Yeovil Town were humbled at the hands of league leaders Rochdale as they capitulated to a 3-0 defeat which could have been by a far greater margin in Greater Manchester.

The Glovers looked rudderless as they fell behind to a goal from the division’s top scorer Emmanuel Dieseruvwe after just five minutes, the big striker added a second after half-an-hour and with two minutes of the half remaining Ryan East added a third.

In fairness, the scoreline at the break could have been far higher and the second half was no better with the visitors spending much of the game defending wave after wave of attacks.

First half

Imagine a terrible start and you could not have imagined one much worse than this. With just five minutes on the clock, Rochdale walked through the Yeovil midfield Ryan East played in wing-back Kyron Gordon and his low cross found top scorer Emmanuel DIESERUVWE who was there to poke home his tenth goal of the season. The big striker will not score many easier this season as he was able to find his way past the Yeovil defence with ease.

Five minutes, Luke McCormick robbed Harvey Gilmour in midfield and fed Aaron Jarvis who drilled a shot just wide of the post and then three minutes Josh Sims whipped a ball in from the right which beat Dale keeper Ollie Whatmuff, but could not beat the Gordon on the line or the offside flag.

In between the two Yeovil chances, defender Kyle Ferguson, who arrived at Huish Park in the summer following his release by Rochdale, endeared himself to his former supporters after a tangle with Dieseruvwe, who got a booking for his troubles. Ferguson was booed at every touch from that point for his theatrics.

The home side were happy to let Yeovil have the ball where it would not hurt them, but when they attacked they did so at will. First East put one over the bar before Allarakhia was denied by a save from Jed Ward and from the resulting corner Dieseruvwe flashed a chance wide.

A second goal was coming and it arrived with half-an-hour played. Devante Rooney was the creator as he was allowed to run unchallenged through the Yeovil midfield before picking out Emmanuel DIESERUVWE whose composed finish saw him double his tally.

Rodney was at the heart of everything playing a one two with Gordon and then seeing his effort tipped on to the crossbar by Ward and then four minutes before half-time Rodney was denied by the keeper again.

But, with 43 minutes gone it was 3-0. A ball in to the box found Dieseruvwe who bundled his way past several half-hearted Yeovil challenges and eventually it dropped to Ryan EAST who struck home a third.

Half time: Rochdale 3 Yeovil Town 0

Second half

Harvey Greenslade and replaced Andrew Oluwabori at half time, but the second half continued as the first had finished with Rochdale in complete control.

With 56 minutes gone, Ward’s punched landed at the feet of Rodney who fed Allarakhia whose effort was deflected before both Dieseruvwe and Allarakhia had efforts on goal. It is complete and utter one-way traffic.

With 65 minutes gone, Rochdale manager Jim McNulty decided to take pity on his opposite number Richard Dryden and made some substitutions with both Allarakhia and Barlow replaced. Then on 72 minutes, the hosts withdrew another three including Dieseruvwe and the impressive Rodney.

Dryden made changes with new signing Michee Efete coming on for his first minutes in a green-and-white shirt and Alex Whittle replacing Sims with 12 minutes remaining.  

Ward made an impressive low stop to keep out a shot of Connor McBride with a minute remaining and then in the third minute of four minutes added on at the end of the game, Yeovil finally created an opportunity. McCormick’s shot coming back off the crossbar.

Full time: Rochdale 3 Yeovil Town 0

Match Details

Venue: Spotland
Date: Saturday 18th October, 3pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Emmanuel Dieseruvwe 5 (0-1), Emmanuel Dieseruvwe 30 (0-2), Ryan East 43 (0-3)

Pitch: Having previously been patchy, the Spotland surface looked pretty good.
Conditions: Cool and dry

Attendance: 2,716 (107 away supporters)

Bookings: 

Yeovil Town: Byron Pendleton 45+2, Luke McCormick 50, Aaron Jarvis 86, Morgan Williams 86
Rochdale: Emmanuel Dieseruvwe 12

Referee: Jamie O’Connor

Yeovil Town (3-4-1-2)

Substitutes: Harvey Greenslade (for Andrew Oluwabori, 46), Michee Efete (for Kyle Ferguson, 71), Alex Whittle (for Josh Sims, 78), Brett McGavin (not used), Junior Morias (not used), Ben Wodskou (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Rochdale: Ollie Whatmuff, Kyron Gordon, Ryan East (for Casey Pettit, 72), Liam Hogan, Tarryn Allarakhia (for Dan Moss, 64), Harvey Gilmour, Emmanuel Dieseruvwe (for Levi Amantchi, 72), Devante Rodney (for Connor McBride, 72), Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, Aidan Barlow (for Tyler Smith, 65), Sam Beckwith.

Substitutes (not used): Jake Burger,  Bryce Hosannah.

By:
On:
In: Match Reports, Latest Yeovil Town News

Yeovil Town were dumped out of the FA Cup at the hands of a Hemel Hempstead Town side which played more than an hour with ten men in today’s fourth qualifying round tie.

The National League South side were reduced to ten men after forward Isiah Noel-Williams clashed with Glovers’ defender Kyle Ferguson off the ball on 25 minutes, but The Tudors continued to show more desire than their higher division visitors and deservedly took the lead through captain Kyle Ajayi with six minutes of the half remaining.

The game continued in a similar fashion in the second half and it was only after a flurry of Yeovil substitutions that the visitors put up anything approaching a fight with striker Harvey Greenslade pulling them level after 71 minutes.

But, the day belonged to Hemel who got the winner with three minutes of normal time remaining when Finley Wilkinson’s looping header came back off the post, hit Yeovil keeper Jed Ward on the back and went in.

First half

The home side, who started with  former Yeovil trialist Jevani Brown on the right side of attack, looked the brighter without really testing Jed Ward, who was given permission to play in the FA Cup by Bristol Rovers. The desire definitely was with Hemel in the opening exchanges.

For the visitors, there were a few nervy misplaced passes and the occasional bit of overplaying (yes, Jake, I mean you) as we struggled to get to grips with the artificial surface. The impetus came from Andrew Oluwabori and he had the first effort on goal after 15 minutes following good play by Tahvon Campbell, but his effort sailed over the bar.

Jed Ward shepherds Isiah Noel-Williams away after his red card.

The real moment of the first half  came after 25 minutes. Whilst we all looked at Hemel taking a throw in, Isiah Noel-Williams, son of former Yeovil loanee Gifton, clashed with Kyle Ferguson off the ball and was immediately given a red card. I’ll be honest, I did not see it but it happened right in front of the linesman and the referee did not hesitate.

The one man disadvantage did not put Hemel off and the effort and desire they showed from the off was still evident. So, it was no surprise when the ten men took the lead after 39 minutes. Our defence failed  to deal with a Williams corner and captain Kyle AJAYI was there to sweep it home.

With a minute of first half stoppage time played, Hemel came within inches of doubling their advantage. George Williams stepped up to curl a free-kick over the defensive wall and it came rattling back off the post, it flew back across the face of goal with two Hemel players in close proximity. Fortunately, neither player could get to it and Ward dropped on it.

1-0 down at half-time massively flatters us. Where has the attacking flair which won three consecutive games gone?

Half time: Hemel Hempstead Town 1 Yeovil Town 0

Second half

The second half started in a similar fashion to the way the first ended with Hemel on top and it was no surprise when Yeovil manager Richard Dryden made changes. The first came within five minutes of the restart, Byron Pendleton replaced Alex Whittle with Josh Sims switching to the left side with the Birmingham City loanee taking up the right side. On 58 minutes Brett McGavin replaced Cousin-Dawson with the visitors desperately looking for some creative spark.

But it was the home side who created the next opening on the hour mark after a Hemel was allowed to run through the Yeovil midfield unchallenged and play in Joe White whose shot was weak and easily stopped by Ward. 

Next it was Harvey Greenslade who replaced Junior Morias on 65 minutes whilst Hemel keeper Michael Johnson needed at least three separate visits from the physio as the home side tried to slow the game down. Referee Richie Watkins fell for it hook, line and sinker.

Whilst it would be an exaggeration to say Yeovil started to make their one man advantage pay, there was more urgency after the changes with Pendleton getting some deliveries in from the left. On 71 minutes, Pendleton slid a ball through the Hemel defence and Harvey GREENSLADE was there to stroke a calm finish past Johnson from inside the area.

Tahvon Campbell shoots over the bar.

Eight minutes later, Campbell had a great opportunity to put Yeovil after he was found by a Josh Sims corner, but the striker was leaning back and his effort went over the bar.

Even after an hour of playing with a numerical disadvantage, Hemel continued to press for the win. White pulled an effort wide before substitute Devante Stanley had a shot from distance and then with three minutes of normal time remaining the breakthrough their efforts deserved came for the home side. Samuel Adenoa got away down the left and his deflected ball was met by the head of Finley WILKINSON, hit Ward on the back and found the net.

As the match officials indicated ten minutes of time added on, Yeovil pressed for an equaliser to take the tie to a replay at Huish Park. The best opening came four minutes in to stoppage time when Campbell’s ball found Oluwabori at the back post but the Exeter City loanee could not get anything on it to turn the ball home.

Vauxhall Road erupted at the final whistle and it was nothing less than Hemel deserved. We were out fought, out thought and just out of the FA Cup to lower league opponents for the second successive season. Simply not good enough.

Full time: Hemel Hempstead Town 2 Yeovil Town 1

Match Details

Venue: Vauxhall Road
Date: Saturday 10th October, 3pm kick-off

Competition: FA Cup fourth qualifying round

Scorers: Kyle Ajayi 39 (0-1), Harvey Greenslade 71 (1-1), Finley Wilkinson 87 (1-2).

Pitch: Plastic
Conditions: Dry and bright

Attendance: 1,751

Bookings: 

Yeovil Town: Finn Cousin-Dawson 31, Morgan Williams 44
Hemel Hempstead Town:

Sendings Off:

Hemel Hempstead Town: Isiah Noel-Williams 25

Referee: Richie Watkins

Yeovil Town (3-4-1-2)

Substitutes: Byron Pendleton (for Alex Whittle, 51), Brett McGavin (for Finn Cousin-Dawson, 58), Harvey Greenslade (for Junior Morias, 65), Ben Wodskou (for Jake Wannell, 81), Matt Gould (not used).

Hemel Hempstead Town: Michael Johnson, Samuel Adenola, Kyle Ajayi, Jordan Thompson, George Williams, Millar Matthews-Lewis, Joe White, Kyran Wiltshire, Isiah Noel-Williams, Jevani Brown, Devante Stanley.

Substitutes (not used): Darion Dowrich, Jake Gray, Finley Wilkinson, Mathew Achumba, Ade Azeez, Jermaine Anderson, Steve Arnold.