Match Reports

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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.

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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.

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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.

 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Yeovil Town’s recent good form came to a juddering halt at the hands of an impressive Boreham Wood side who ran out comfortable winners at a blustery Huish Park on Saturday.

The visitors started the match in fifth place in the National League Premier Division and quickly showed why as they took the lead through the impressive Abdul Abdulmalik and striker Matt Rush added a second deep in to first half stoppage time.

With the wind at their backs after the break, Yeovil failed to take advantage of the conditions and Boreham Wood continued to toy with their hosts and full-back Femi Ilesanmi was there to turn it home. Game, set, match.

First half

Manager Richard Dryden named an unchanged starting XI for the fourth consecutive match as they went in search of their fourth consecutive win. The visitors attacked the Thatcher’s End with Storm Amy giving them a major advantage with the wind literally in their sales from the start.

It was visiting midfielder Zak Brunt who was the first to try his luck with a wind-assisted shot from distance in the eighth minute with an effort which whistled over the bar.

There was an early blow for Yeovil after Josh Sims suffered an injury after an awkward landing having jumped for a header and the former Southampton man was off the pitch when Boreham Wood took the lead after 20 minutes. Abdul ABDULMALIK cut inside and stroked the ball in to the far corner leaving goalkeeper Jed Ward with no chance. Byron Pendleton replaced Sims before the game restarted. A double blow for the Glovers.

Jed Ward can’t keep out Abdulkarim’s strike. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

For the second week in a row, Yeovil faced a side which played the ball around nicely with the ball spending plenty of time on the deck, similar to the second half against Altrincham seven days earlier. Yeovil changed their formation with Pendleton going across to the left and trying to match their visitors’ 4-2-3-1 formation.

After 34 minutes, experienced full-back Jeff King fired in a free-kick which was tipped around the post by Jed Ward who was at full stretch to deny the visitors a second. The windy conditions definitely helped that one on its way.

Abdulmalik had another effort four minutes before half-time which deflected off team-mate Charles Clayden and went behind for a Yeovil goal kick, and Brunt put an effort in to the side netting in the second minute of seven minutes of first half injury time.

Just as it looked like we would go in at the break just one goal down, Boreham Wood grabbed a second with just seconds remaining. Abdulmalik skipped away from Morgan Williams with ease down the left side, fed Clayden and he played a cross in to Matt RUSH was there to double the visitors’ advantage.

Boreham Wood thoroughly deserve their half-time advantage, they have taken full advantage of the windy conditions and Yeovil will have to do the same in the second half if they are to get anything out of this one.

Half time: Yeovil Town 0 Boreham Wood 2

Second half

Richard Dryden made three changes at half-time with Brett McGavin, Aaron Jarvis and Alex Whittle replacing and Finn Cousin-Dawson, Junior Morias and captain Jake Wannell. McGavin in particular was needed to bring some control in the middle and hopefully get Yeovil’s attacking players who have proved some potent in the previous three matches involved in the second half.

It looks like we are starting with a 4-4-2 (cue Mike Bassett quote) formation with Jarvis and Tahvon Campbell paired together up from. Within eight seconds of the restart, Aaron Jarvis was penalised by referee Niall Smith. What does that man have to do to get a decision from a match official?!

Andrew Oluwbori. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

It was Boreham Wood who had the first chance of the second half after seven minutes of the restart, Clayden exploited the space left by Yeovil’s change in formation and curled a wonderful shot in. Luckily, Jed Ward was able to pull off an equally impressive save to deny him. The on loan Bristol Rovers’ man could have a busy half if we are going to push to get back in to his game.

James Plant became the second enforced change of the match of the match on 55 minutes. The on loan Port Vale player appeared to injure his shoulder and was replaced by Harvey Greenslade. That is all our substitutes made with only ten minutes of the second half played.

Campbell had an opportunity to set Andrew Oluwabori away but the striker could not get the ball under control and Wood defender Chris Bush stole the ball off him to start an attack which led to Zak Brunt dragging a chance wide. That could easily have been 3-0.

On 64 minutes, it was 3-0 to Boreham Wood after 63 minutes. It all started with Abdulmalik again, he skipped past a couple of players and the Yeovil defence were statuesque as Femi ILESANMI turned it home. You cannot say the visitors do not deserve this scoreline.

It took until the 72nd minute for Yeovil to have a meaningful effort on goal. McGavin’s ball forward was cleverly stepped over by Campbell and Greenslade coming in from the left side tried to caress it in to the corner but Finn Herrick in the visitors’ goal did well to turn it around the post. 

Ward had to pull off another great save to deny Jeff King after 75 minutes. We have struggled to cope with the pace of this Boreham Wood side all afternoon and that was the case again there. The visitors had the ball in the net three minutes later when substitute Lewis Richardson had a shot saved by Ward and Rush was there to put the ball in the net, but the offside flag was up.

McCormick had a shot well saved by Herrick with ten minutes remaining. The wind which was gusting towards the Thatcher’s in the first half appears to have dropped, but we have simply not been allowed to play in anything like the attacking style we have seen in the last three matches. Credit has to go to Boreham Wood for standing up to us better than we have had a go at them.

Richard Dryden. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

There was still time for the visitors to cut through Yeovil like a hot knife through butter and Brunt fired in another dipping shot which Ward tipped over the bar. The keeper picked up another sponsors’ Man of the Match award and it’s hard to argue with it.

It was one way traffic all afternoon and it looks as if it was a game too far for our small squad.

Full time: Yeovil Town 0 Boreham Wood 3

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Date: Saturday 4th October, 3pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Abdul Abdulmalik 20 (0-1), Matt Rush 45+7 (0-2), Femi Ilesanmi 64 (0-3),

Pitch: Still looking good
Conditions: Blowing a gale towards the Thatcher’s End in the first half, dropped a little after the break

Attendance: 2,660 (48 away supporters)

Bookings: 

Yeovil Town: Luke McCormick 90+2
Boreham Wood: Tom White 90

Referee: Niall Smith

Yeovil Town (3-4-1-2)

Substitutes: Byron Pendleton (for Josh Sims, 21), Alex Whittle (for Jake Wannell, 46), Brett McGavin (for Finn Cousin-Dawson, 46), Aaron Jarvis (for Junior Morias, 46), Harvey Greenslade (for James Plant, 55), Ben Wodskou (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Boreham Wood: Finlay Herrick, Femi Ilesanmi, Chris Bush, Charlie O’Connell, Zak Brunt, Abdul Abdulmalik (for Jon Benton, 87), Jeff King (for Cameron Coxe, 79), Callum Reynolds, Charles Clayden (for Lewis Richardson, 64), Tom White, Matt Rush.

Substitutes (not used): Erico Sousa, Junior Dixon, Joe Newton, Aaron Henry.

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Yeovil won their third match in a row since Richard Dryden was appointed manager in a 2-1 win at Sutton United.

Andrew Oluwabori scored the opener for the Glovers in second half, before Charlie Bell equalised for the hosts. Aaron Jarvis converted an 82nd minute penalty to clinch another three points as Yeovil climbed to 8th in the table.

First half

Richard Dryden named an unchanged side for the third match in a row, with the Glovers boss hoping the momentum continues.

The first half-chance fell to Junior Morias on the edge who, after a sharp one-two with Tahvon Campbell, struck a weak effort at Jack Sims’ goal.

Yeovil should have been 1-0 up in the 8th minute through Andrew Oluwabori. Yeovil broke at pace through Oluwabori, Morias and Luke McCormick but the Exeter loanee could only strike straight at Sims.

Yeovil continued the pressure, attempting to work an space in front of goal, with Sutton just about managing the clear their lines. Good pressure from Dryden’s side.

On the 22nd minute it was only the frame of the goal keeping the game scoreless. Another bursting run from Oluwabori saw him get the ball to McCormick who opened his body and shot a left-footed looping effort from outside of the box that struck the bar. So close!

James Plant was given a yellow for hauling down a Sutton player outside the box as the hosts broke. Former Yeovil loanee Lewis Simper’s low free kick was comfortable for Jed Ward.

Simper tried another curling effort in the 29th minute which didn’t stretch Ward.

If that didn’t stretch Ward, the save moments later did. Yeovil’s number one somehow managed to get a foot on the ball to scoop Ashley Nadesan’s ball over the bar. Unbelievable save. 

Sutton had the next chance, this time through Simper. A well worked move down the left saw a cross come into the box that the Glovers failed to deal with before Simper hooked an effort fairly wide of the goal.

Simper had another chance to test Ward from the edge of the box in the 39th minute. He could only volley into the houses behind the stand.

McCormick fired a free kick over the bar from a promising position just before the half time break.

Half time: Sutton United 0 Yeovil Town 0

Second half

Tahvon Campbell made way for Aaron Jarvis at half time, refreshing the Glovers’ frontline.

It was Ward who was called into action first though, saving low from Nadesan.

Yeovil could have had a chance at goal moments later but the referee blew up rather than play the advantage with the red and black shirts outnumbering the amber ones.

Oluwabori should have headed Yeovil in front shortly after with another golden opportunity spurned after combining with Jarvis.

Thankfully, Oluwabori finally made the breakthrough on the 51st minute with a low strike from the right side of the six yard box beating Sims in the Sutton goal! 1-0

Yeovil came close to doubling the lead afer a scintillating run from Sims saw him skip through the Sutton team before teeing up Morias who’s shot was deflected wide for a corner.

Sutton had an opportunity from a free kick, which after a long build up was high wide and handsome into the supporters behind the goal.

McCormick had half a sight at goal after Jed Ward’s free kick was knocked down into his path but he couldn’t connect cleanly to test Sims in the Sutton goal.

The hosts levelled it up in the 71st minute with a sumptuous left-footed finish from Charlie Bell leaving Ward helpless. 1-1

Yeovil very nearly fell behind minutes later with Brandon Njoku only able to direct his header over the bar  after getting on the end of a Vincent cross from the left.

Sutton looked to have all the momentum – and the legs – but in their quest for a winner were leaving spaces for Yeovil to exploit. Harvey Greenslade was released by Brett McGavin but could only fire over.

All that momentum was worth nothing, as Josh Sims earned the Glovers a penalty with his cross striking the arm of the Sutton defender and Aaron Jarvis fired the penalty home to restore Yeovil’s lead. 2-1 

With 8 minutes added on from who knows where, there was a nervy conclusion to hold on to all three points and make it the third win on the spin for Richard Dryden’s Glovers!

Full time: Sutton United 1 Yeovil Town 2

Match Details

Venue: Gander Green Lane
Date: Tuesday 30th September, 7:45pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Andrew Oluwabori 51 (1-0), Charlie Bell 71 (1-1), Aaron Jarvis 80 (2-1)

Pitch: Lovely but cutting up a little
Conditions: Cold but dry with a strong wind going towards the away end

Attendance: XXXX (188 away supporters)

Bookings: 

Sutton United: Lewis Simper 48, Jayden Harris 67
Yeovil Town: James Plant 25, Cousin-Dawson 62

Referee: David Rock

Yeovil Town (3-4-1-2)

Substitutes: Alex Whittle, Aaron Jarvis (for Tahvon Campbell, 46), Brett McGavin (for Finn Cousin-Dawson, 65),  Harvey Greenslade (for Junior Morias, 61), Byron Pendleton (not used), Ben Wodskou ( for Andrew Oluwabori 86), Matt Gould (not used).

Sutton United: Jack Sims, Lewis Simper, Ashley Nadesan, Edon Pruti (for Vincent), Will Tizzard, Jack Taylor, Aaron Jones (for Ogbonna), Mo Dabre (for Bell), Noa Boutin (for De Silva), Brandon Njoku

Substitutes (not used): Aziaya, Odelusi, Eccleston

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A Morgan Williams header in the first half saw Yeovil Town pick up three points against Altrincham at Huish Park.

After a slow start, the Glovers were driven forward by a front three of Andrew Oluwabori, Junior Morias and Tahvon Campbell who were in scintillating form and it was the Exeter City loanee whose ball was nodded home by Williams.

The second half saw the home side tire as they fought for everything against an impressive Altrincham whose passed the Glovers to death with Jed Ward pulling off a number of critical saves at vital moments.

Huish Park was rocking at the final whistle with around 2,600 home supporters playing their part in ensuring that a difficult week ended with six points – who saw that coming? 

First half

The visitors started at a furious pace with panic inside the Yeovil area from an early corner which saw Jed Ward fail to deal with a corner played deep to his back post and the ball landed to Altrincham’s Keaton Ward who fortunately could not get a decent strike in and our Ward was able to parry it away.

The opening quarter-of-an-hour was played at a million miles with both sides keen to press their opponents whenever they had the ball and it was the lively Andrew Oluwabori who was the big threat for Yeovil. On 16 minutes, he picked the ball up on the right side, cut inside and fired a beautiful shot dipping over the head of Luke Hutchinson in the visitors goal, but it rattled the crossbar. 

Great running by Junior Morias after a wonderful touch from Tahvon Campbell, Morias sped forwards, put it through the legs of an Altrincham defender and was felled by visiting captain Lewis Baines, who was booked for the foul. It was Brett McGavin range, but sadly he was on the bench and Luke McCormick put the free-kick in to the defensive wall.

On 26 minutes, Morias was involved again flicking the ball up and smash a thunderous shot which Dan Sassi did superbly to step up and block the shot with “a tender area”. James Plant grabbed the ball (the football, that is) but referee Wayne Cartmel stopped the play much to the annoyance of the Port Vale loanee and the Thatcher’s End.

After an opening ten minutes where Altrincham were all over the Glovers, the following 20 minutes has been far more solid defensively from Yeovil and there’s been some great opportunities to get a breakthrough. That breakthrough came on 32 minutes and no surprise it was Oluwabori who was at the heart of it. Great play down the right ended with a delicate ball across the area where Morgan WILLIAMS arrived to flick it at the back post.

Oluwabori was at it again on 42 minutes when he burst forward, taking Altrincham defenders on again and smashed an effort in but it was straight in to Hutchinson. The visitors just cannot cope with the Exeter City loanee when he runs at them.

At the other end, Sassi curled an effort just around the post a minute before half-time. Think that one was closer to creeping inside Jed Ward’s post than it first looked, but it would have been harsh on Yeovil, who have dominated the game since the tenth minute.

Half time: Yeovil Town 1 Altrincham 0

Second half

With four minutes of the second half played, Yeovil had a great opportunity to double their advantage.  Junior Morias found himself in space down the left side bearing down on Hutchinson, but his touch let him down and allowed the Altrincham keeper to deflect it as far as Josh Sims whose effort was hacked off the line by Lewis Banks. That should be 2-0 to Yeovil.

There was a real chance for the visitors when Charlie Kirk put a beautiful ball across the face of Jed Ward’s goal on the hour mark, but none of the Altrincham strikers anticipated to level the scores and Sims hacked it away. It has been a cagey start to the second half in comparison with the blood and thunder way the first 45 minutes ended.

With Altrincham starting to look more of a threat as Yeovil’s legs started to tire, Richard Dryden made two changes with Aaron Jarvis and Alex Whittle replacing Campbell and Jake Wannell. Whittle dropped in to the back line with Jarvis taking Campbell’s place in the forward line.

In the 70th minute, Brett McGavin replaced Morias before Yeovil were indebted to Ward after the defence fell asleep from an Altrincham short corner and Banks found himself in lots of space but was denied by the on loan Bristol Rovers keeper.

Yeovil were indebted to Jed Ward on a number of occasions in the second half. Picture courtesy of Debs Curtis.

McGavin almost made an instant impact when he found himself in space after a deft cushioned touch from Jarvis, but his effort flew over the bar. Shortly after, Finn Cousin-Dawson got caught out of position and Altrincham worked a good opportunity which Jimmy Knowles put millimetres past the post. Jed Ward was not getting to that.

Oluwabori, who had been quieter in the second half after a full speed first half, was replaced by Harvey Greenslade with ten minutes remaining.

Another big opportunity for Altrincham and it was Sassi again who flicked a header which crept just wide of the far post with Tom Crawford arriving. Luckily for Yeovil he was unable to get a touch, but the visitors are passing the ball beautifully here and causing Yeovil real problems.

As the game moved in to three minutes of injury time, the visitors continued to turn the screw. Banks had a great opportunity to get the leveller and then Knowles could not quite get to the loose balls.

When the final whistle eventually blew, Huish Park was in full cry as several Yeovil players dropped to their knees. If anyone ever doubted it, these players gave every last drop of energy to earn those three points and end a crazy week with six points in the bag.

This club, ladies and gentlemen, you’ve got to love it!

Full time: Yeovil Town 1 Altrincham 0

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Date: Saturday 24th September, 7.45pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Morgan Williams 32 (1-0)

Pitch: Lovely but cutting up a little
Conditions: Cold but dry with a strong wind going towards the away end

Attendance: 2,607 (64 away supporters)

Bookings: 
Yeovil Town: Junior Morias 54, Kyle Ferguson 61
Altrincham: Lewis Baines 21, Matty Kosylo 45+1

Referee: Wayne Cartmel

Yeovil Town (3-4-1-2)

Substitutes: Alex Whittle (for Jake Wannell, 67), Aaron Jarvis (for Tahvon Campbell, 67), Brett McGavin (for Junior Morias, 70),  Harvey Greenslade (for Andrew Oluwabori, 80), Byron Pendleton (not used), Ben Wodskou (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Altrincham: Luke Hutchinson, Lewis Banks, Samuel Reed, Lewis Baines, Isaac Marriott, Keaton Ward, Jimmy Knowles, Matty Kosylo (for Elliot Osborne, 70), Tom Crawford, Dan Sassi, Charlie Kirk

Substitutes (not used): Jake Cooper, Owen German, Louis Fallon.