Match Reports

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For the second time in just a few days, Yeovil Town fell short against EFL opposition as the Glovers lost 3-1 to Exeter City at Huish Park in front of a cracking crowd of over 2,500 – it wasn’t that long ago that would have been an impressive league attendance!

The Glovers found themselves 1-0 down at half time, thanks to a goal from former Huish Park loanee, Sonny Cox.

The second half was more of a goal fest, with Santino Ohanaka and Kieran Wilson notching for the Grecians, Frank Nouble did pull a goal back and Dylan Morgan saw a late penalty saved by the Exeter ‘Keeper Joe Whitworth.

Both Charlie Cooper and Frank Nouble picked up the lesser-spotted pre-season booking (it’s only a friendly, ref, chill out) and both ‘keepers were forced into more than a couple of good saves.

Gloverscast Ian was there at Huish Park, but was trying to keep a small child entertained so a full match report might not have been possible, but I’m sure we’ll chat about the game in full on the next podcast.

The general consensus from Gloverscast sources was that the second half was better than the first, Brett McGavin and Dylan Morgan both impressed from the bench and there more minutes for young Glovers Corey Koerner and Krystian Woods.

Here are a couple of headlines:

We have a new trialist, Brandon Haunstrup. Haunstrup, 27, was introduced in the 70th minute, predominantly a left back with SPL experience and played for Cambridge and Gateshead (loan) last season, his time with the U’s came to an end at the end of last season. 

We won a penalty (yay!). We missed a penalty (boo). Dylan Morgan missed the chance to get the Glovers back in the game with a spot kick, his effort was saved by the Exeter ‘keeper.

 

That’s Huish Park done until Hartlepool. Just the two friendlies were scheduled in for Huish Park this summer, with Farnborough (Sat 27th), Buckland (Tues 30th) and Weston super-Mare (Sat 3rd) all away from Somerset’s Premier football venue.

Yeovil Team:

Wright (Gould ’70), Smith (Williams ’45), Wannell (Stevens ’45), Cousin-Dawson, Whittle (Haunstrup ’70), Cooper (McGavin ’62), Lo-Everton, Worthington (Koerner ’70), Pearson (Morgan ’70), Nouble (Woods ’85), Jarvis (Greenslade ’70)

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Yeovil Town fell to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of  League One side Bristol Rovers in their first pre-season friendly at Huish Park in front of a crowd of 1,715 on Tuesday evening.

The visitors took the lead through an impressive finish from veteran Scott Sinclair before defensive sloppiness and some friendly refereeing from W*ymouth resident James Durkin gifted substitute Kofi Shaw a second right before half-time.

Another defensive mistake – a rare one from Morgan Williams – allowed Luke McCormick in to make it 3-0 just before the hour mark and that signalled the traditional flurry of substitutions we expect from pre-season, including the arrival of trialist Jacob Roddy and another appearance of Jordan Stevens.

One of the changes, last season’s top-scorer Jordan Young, put in a lively performance in his 30-minute run-out but in fairness Rovers looked every inch their status two divisions above Yeovil.

 

First half

The opening 15 minutes was a fairly tame affair with some good spells of possession from Yeovil and Dylan Morgan looking to be creative from his wide position.

The first shooting opportunity fell to Glovers’ captain Matt Worthington who dragged shot wide after 20 minutes. That was probably about it for somewhere near the goal mouth action in the opening exchanges.

But, it was the visitors who took the lead on 28 minutes through a moment of magic from Scott SINCLAIR, whose CV includes Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester City. A good move down the right involving Joel Senior saw him lay a ball back to the 35-year-old who put his shot in to the top corner in front of the Thatcher’s Gold Stand. 

Immediately after taking the lead, Rovers made a change with experienced striker Chris Martin replaced by youngster Kofi Shaw.

On 32 minutes, a loose bit of play by Jake Wannell gifted the ball to Issac Hutchinson and good defending by Morgan Williams who did well to see it out for a corner. The resulting flag-kick from Hutchinson was fizzed in with venom but no-one in a grey shirt (yes, Rovers are in grey) could get a touch.

Ollie Wright is a big lad. Picture courtesy of Nick May.

The goal saw the visitors step up a gear and with ten minutes of the half remaining Bilongo released Luke McCormick whose impressive ball was aimed at Senior but was just too high.

Aaron Jarvis had a header in to the hands of Rovers’ keeper Griffiths on 38 minutes, but a minute before half-time Rovers doubled their advantage. Following sloppy defending from the Yeovil defence, Michael Smith got caught on the ball but appeared to be fouled before substitute Kofi SHAW broke away and fired home from a tight angle.

Ever been to a pre-season friendly where the referee is booed off at half-time? If you were at Huish Park tonight, you have. Referee is James Durkin…….from Portland…….that’s near W*ymouth, by the way. Just putting that out there.

Even the Bristol Live reporter thought it was a bit suspect…..

Half time: Yeovil Town 0 Bristol Rovers 2

 

Second half

There were no changes at the break and it was the visitors who had the first opportunity as Senior got his head on to a Bilongo cross, but it was straight at Ollie Wright.

Shaw fired one over on 57 minutes and then Yeovil proved the architects of their own downfall, Morgan Williams gave possession away cheaply to Luke McCORMICK and he fired in a third.

The first meaningful action from Rovers’ keeper Griffiths came on the hour mark. Smith and Jarvis linked up to play the ball through to Worthington whose effort was saved by the boot of the visiting stopper.

That led to a flurry of changes for both sides with the Yeovil changes being the departures of Alex Whittle, Morgan Williams, Matt Worthington, Aaron Jarvis, Dylan Morgan and Charlie Cooper, who were replaced by Finn Cousin-Dawson, Sam Pearson (who was ‘welcomed’ as an ex-Bristol City player by the visiting fans), Frank Nouble, Jordan Young, Jordan Stevens, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton and trialist Jacob Roddy.

There were changes for Rovers as well. Lots of them.

There’s the Bristol Rovers changes, if you care.

The changes had an immediate impact with Young and Nouble combining, but the big striker’s ball in to the box was easily cleared after 64 minutes before Wright did well to get down to well to pull off a smart save from one of the visitors’ substitutes Ollie Dewsbury.

Five minutes later good harrying from Young, who has looked lively since coming on, who then picked out Greenslade who was fouled. Set piece specialists Young and Brett McGavin stood over it, but it was Young who took it straight in to the defensive wall.

Jordan Stevens showed some of the blistering pace we know he has shortly after and, whilst his efforts did not lead to anything meaningful, it showed what we all know he is capable of.

With ten minutes later, Under-18s full-back Corey Koerner replaced Brett McGavin.

With a minute of normal time remaining, Rovers had a good opportunity to make it four. Finn Cousin-Dawson gave away possession to Dewsbury  and Lo-Everton busted a lung to get back and help out Wright to get it away for a corner. Sloppy again from Yeovil at the back and they have been punished by a side two divisions higher than them.

Next up it is more League One opposition in the form of Exeter City who visit Huish Park on Friday night.

Picture courtesy of Debs Curtis.

Full time: Yeovil Town 0 Bristol Rovers 3

Yeovil Town (4-2-3-1): Ollie Wright, Michael Smith (for Jordan Stevens, 61), Alex Whittle (for Jacob Roddy, 61), Jake Wannell, Morgan Williams (for Finn Cousin-Dawson, 61), Charlie Cooper (for Jordan Young, 61), Brett McGavin (for Corey Koerner, 80),  Dylan Morgan (for Sam Pearson, 61), Matt Worthington (for Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, 61), Harvey Greenslade, Aaron Jarvis (for Frank Nouble, 61). 

Substitutes (not used): Matt Gould..

Bristol Rovers (3-4-3): Josh Griffiths, Taylor Moore, Mola, Michael Forbes, Joel Senior, Isaac Hutchinson, Kamil Conteh, Bryant Bilongo, Scott Sinclair, Chris Martin, Luke McCormick.

Substitutes: Jed Ward, Jack Hunt, James Wilson, Dan Ellison, Brooklyn Leipus, Kofi Shaw, Jerry Lawrence, Luke Thomas, Jevan Brown, Ollie Dewsbury, Trialist.

Goals: Scott Sinclair 28 (0-1), Kofi Shaw 44 (0-2), Luke McCormick 57 (0-3)

Attendance: 1,715 (222 away supporters)
Referee: James Durkin (Portland, Dorset)

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Yeovil Town picked up another comfortable victory as an impressive first half display saw them sweep aside Frome Town in their second pre-season friendly at Badgers’ Hill on Saturday.

Winger Dylan Morgan was the star of the show for the Glovers in the opening 45 minutes and he opened the scoring direct from a corner on 15 minutes before Sam Pearson, Harvey Greenslade and then Morgan again capped a convincing display with a 4-0 scoreline at half-time.

The start second half saw eight changes made by manager Mark Cooper, who introduced youngsters Corey Koerner and Josh Ansell later in the half, and was a more even affair.

Ross Staley reduced the arrears from the penalty spot after a foul from Finn Cousin-Dawson on 77 minutes before a late header from Aaron Jarvis completed the second 5-1 win over Yeovil after winning by the same scoreline at Melksham Town on Tuesday night.

Cooper replaced his entire starting XI over the course of the game with trialist Jacob Roddy substituted at half-time before returning to the fray on 70 minutes. Only new signing full-back Jordan Thomas, who did not feature in midweek, was not used off the bench.

First half

The early chances fell to the visitors with Dylan Morgan at the heart of everything shooting over the bar after six minutes and then seeing his corner headed over by Morgan Williams soon after.

Frome’s first chance fell to midfielder Sam Teale who headed over from a corner on ten minutes, but it was Yeovil who took the lead on 15 minutes when a corner from MORGAN went straight in perhaps with a bit of help from Robins’ keeper Kyle Phillips.

Dylan Morgan was at the heart of Yeovil’s impressive first half display.
📸 Gary Brown

Morgan was in the thick of it again soon after when his free-kick was punched by Phillips as far as Matt Worthington whose shot was easily dealt with by the keeper, and he continued a virtuous start to the game by setting up the Glovers’ second. A superb pass picked out Sam PEARSON after 20 minutes and the young Welshman burst forward to fire home the second.

On 38 minutes, Jayden Nielsen beats Roddy down the right and drilled a low effort towards the near post that was turned aside for a corner, and five minutes later Harvey GREENSLADE made it 3-0. The summer signing pounced on a mistake from Frome, moved forward and rolled it in to the net.

Then, with a minute of the first half remaining, Morgan tried his luck from a corner again, but this time Phillips was able to push it out as far as Worthington whose shot was blocked. But, a minute later, a beautifully worked move involving Greenslade and MORGAN saw the latter collect a pass and roll the curl in a sumptuous effort.

Half time: Frome Town 0 Yeovil Town 4

 

Second half

Manager Mark Cooper made eight changes at half-time with goalkeeper coach Matt Gould replacing Ollie Wright between the posts. The other arrivals were Alex Whittle, Finn Cousin-Dawson, Aaron Jarvis, Jordan Young, Brett McGavin, Jordan Stevens and Charlie Cooper, replacing Jake Wannell, Worthington, Frank Nouble, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, trialist Jacob Roddy, Michael Smith and Harvey Greenslade.

Within four minutes of his arrival, Young had an effort saved by Phillips before Pearson came close to adding in a fifth only to see it blocked on the line. The Frome keeper was in action again on 59 minutes as Pearson found Jarvis who made contact with the ball but Phillips did well to deny him, taking a knock in the process.

On 70 minutes, Pearson and Morgan were replaced by Roddy, who manager Cooper presumably wanted to see more from, and Under-18s full-back Corey Koerner.

Phillips denied Jarvis on 72 minutes and then denied Young moments later. The keeper is definitely playing his part in keeping the scoreline respectable and when Cousin-Dawson swept the legs out from under a Frome attacker, the home side were awarded a penalty. Former Bristol Rovers’ youngster Ross STALEY converted it nicely past Gould, who guessed the right way but could not quite get it.

That was unfortunate for Cousin-Dawson who otherwise turned in a solid performance, in particular looking comfortable on the ball.

Jarvis and Whittle were the next to have a go at the Frome goal without any joy for Yeovil, who were kept quieter by their hosts who improved considerably in the second half.

With 79 minutes gone, Under-18s central defender Josh Ansell replaced Morgan Williams in the heart of defence before Charlie Cooper tried an audacious effort from the halfway line which went well wide of goal.

It was left to Aaron JARVIS to complete the scoring with just two minutes of the match remaining when great play from Alex Whittle gave the striker the chance to  challenge Phillips and he headed home his second of pre-season

It was a job was done in the first half with a great performance, before a more even second half capped by the late fifth goal.

Next up will be a sterner test for the Glovers in the former of League One Bristol Rovers who travel to Huish Park on Tuesday night.

Full time: Frome Town 1 Yeovil Town 5

Yeovil Town (4-3-2-1): Ollie Wright (for Matt Gould, 46), Michael Smith (for Alex Whittle, 46), Morgan Williams (for Josh Ansell, 79), Jake Wannell (for Finn Cousin-Dawson, 46), Jacob Roddy (for Jordan Stevens, 46), Matt Worthington (for Brett McGavin, 46), Sonny Blu Lo-Everton (for Charlie Cooper, 46), Sam Pearson (for Jacob Roddy, 70), Frank Nouble, Dylan Morgan (for Corey Koerner, 70), Frank Nouble (for Jordan Young, 46), Dylan Morgan, Harvey Greenslade (for Aaron Jarvis, 46).

Substitutes (not used): Jordan Thomas.

Goals: Dylan Morgan 15 (1-0), Sam Pearson 20 (2-0), Harvey Greenslade 43 (3-0), Dylan Morgan 45 (4-0), Ross Staley pen 75 (4-1), Aaron Jarvis 88 (5-1).

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Two goals from new signing striker Harvey Greenslade and another from fellow frontman Aaron Jarvis saw Yeovil Town get their pre-season campaign underway with a comfortable victory at Southern League Division One South side Melksham Town on Tuesday night.

Manager Mark Cooper fielded two different XIs in each half which included trialist left-back Jacob Roddy and the son of former Exeter City manager and Glovers’ midfielder, Paul Tisdale, Sam. Pre-season is all about a bit of guess work on who some of these players are, isn’t it?

It was last season’s top-scorer Jordan Young who gave the visitors the lead after six minutes before Jarvis added a second just before the half-hour mark. Melksham pulled one back after new signing goalkeeper/goalkeeper coach Matt Gould parried an effort to their striker, before a double from Greenslade sandwiched a great effort from Dylan Morgan.
 

First half

The starting XI included first outings in green-and-white for on-loan Southampton goalkeeper Ollie Wright, defender Finn Cousin-Dawson and striker Aaron Jarvis, who were all additions to the summer. There was also an appearance for trialist defender Jacob Roddy, who was released by Charlton Athletic’s academy in the summer after a spell on loan at Oxford City in the National League Premier last season, starts at left wing-back.

Under-18s’ defender Jacob Shore was also in the starting line-up as part of a three-man defence alongside Cousin-Dawson and Alex Whittle, playing as a left-sided central defender. Michael Smith was the wing-back on the right side with Roddy on the left. Defender Jordan Thomas, signed from Hampton & Richmond in the summer, was a notable absentee in the squad, but he was at the game.

It was a bright start from the Glovers with Charlie Cooper fizzing an effort wide after just four minutes before Jordan YOUNG put them ahead on six minutes. He beat his defender with a burst of pace and fired an effort which went under the Melksham keeper and in to the bottom corner.

Shore was forced off after just 13 minutes following a collision and was replaced by a trialist Tisdale.

Yeovil Town in action against Melksham Town. Picture courtesy of Rob Manley.

There was no team-sheet available from the home side, so best we can say is one of the Melksham players dragged an effort wide on 19 minutes before Young had an effort turned around the post by the keeper following good work from Alex Whittle, player as a left-sided central defender alongside Cousin-Dawson and then Shore/Tisdale.

On 27 minutes, Jarvis worked the keeper with an effort before JARVIS got his first goal in green-and-white when he was on the end of a stinging shot from Michael Smith which snuck past two Melksham defenders.

There was an effort for the home side which Wright comfortably dealt with before Charlie Cooper whipped in a corner which became more like a shot.

Half time: Melksham Town Yeovil Town 2

 

Second half

The only survivor of the XI which started the first half was Tisdale, with goalkeeper/goalkeeper coach Matt Gould taking over in goal, Koerner coming in as left-back, Brett McGavin made his first outing in midfield and Harvey Greenslade came in up front. There was also a place for Jordan Stevens.

Greenslade, the Glovers’ first summer signing following his release by League One Bristol Rovers, made an immediate impression after cutting in from the right side and forcing a smart stop out of the Melksham keeper after 50 minutes.

Dylan Morgan was the next to test the keeper two minutes later and the home side pulled a goal back on 57 minutes. Gould parried an effort straight back to the Melksham NUMBER NINE (still no name) and he turned home the rebound.

But, just after the hour mark, Greenslade restored the two-goal advantage for the visitors. Sam Pearson broke away rapidly following a Melksham corner before picking out GREENSLADE who made a great finish.

Trialist Jacob Roddy, who appeared in both halves. Picture courtesy of Mark Kelly.

Stevens showed his pace on 63 minutes charging down the right before picking out Frank Nouble whose effort went just wide. On 71 minutes, Jacob Roddy replaced Tisdale Junior going to left centre-back, before Dylan MORGAN made it 4-1 with a great bit of skill to beat his defender and then fired home.

On 80 minutes, it was 5-1 when McGavin’s free-kick cannoned back off the bar (we knew he can hit them!) and GREENSLADE was on the spot to fire home the rebound.

A good run-out for the majority of the first-team squad along with a couple of trialists and a couple of Under-18s players. Mark Cooper takes his side to Frome Town for their second pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Full time: Melksham Town 1 Yeovil Town 5

First half – Yeovil Town (3-5-2): Ollie Wright, Jacob Roddy, Alex Whittle, Michael Smith, Jacob Shore (for Sam Tisdale, 13), Finn Cousin-Dawson, Matt Worthington, Charlie Cooper, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, Jordan Young, Aaron Jarvis.

Second half – Yeovil Town (3-5-2): Matt Gould, Sam Tisdale (for Jacob Roddy, 71), Morgan Williams, Jake Wannell, Corey Koerner, Brett McGavin, Dylan Morgan, Jordan Stevens, Sam Pearson, Frank Nouble, Harvey Greenslade.

Goals: Jordan Young 6 (1-0), Aaron Jarvis 27 (2-0), Number Nine 57  (2-1),  Harvey Greenslade 61 (3-1), Dylan Morgan 74 (4-1), Harvey Greenslade 80 (5-1).

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Yeovil Town Women capped off their league season in style as they thrashed Wellington by ten goals to nil. This result ensured that the Glovers’ perfect record in the league was complete, as they earned 54 out of 54 points in the league.

Paul Knight made three changes to his final league lineup of the season as Jess Hodge, Niamh Nicholls and Chloe Bateman came in for Chloe Davenport, Jess Gold and Les Spearing.

It took seven minutes for Yeovil to open the scoring on their last league outing, as Hodge scored her 15th goal of the season to give the Glovers an early lead.

As Yeovil began to control the affair they doubled their lead courtesy of Abbie Carslake, as she fired the ball into the net. A trusted scorer from midfield for Yeovil this season. Yeovil went in at the break two goals to the good.

Paul Knight’s side had the match wrapped up in the space of ten minutes after the restart, as they scored three quickfire goals. Substitute Davenport quickly made it three in the 46th
minute, which was followed by Carslake netting her second of the match and Becky Miles scoring from distance moments later.

Three minutes after her effort from distance, a solo goal by Miles gave Yeovil six. After beating her defender on the left wing, Miles, as she has done so often this season, finished impressively for her 14th of the league season.

As Yeovil continued to take charge of the match a Wellington own goal gave them seven. This was quickly followed by Les Spearing scoring her first goal of the season, as she converted from a corner for eight.

Two goals in additional time saw Yeovil reach double figures in the league for the third time this season. Carslake completed her hat-trick as she headed in from a Niamh Nicholls corner and Davenport confirmed a brace from the bench as she scored from distance to give Yeovil ten on the final day.

The match finished 10-0 and brought Yeovil Town Women’s excellent returning season to an end. The Glovers finish the league campaign with 54 points from 18 matches, having scored 98 goals and conceded just 5. Niamh Nicholls finished the season as the club and league top scorer with a total of 22 goals. Paul Knight’s side now switch their focus to the league cup, as they chase the double.

Yeovil Town Women return to action for the final time next Sunday 19th May as they face Paulton Rovers Reserves in the league cup final 14:30 KO at Somerton Recreation Ground.

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Yeovil Town Women were defeated by step four outfit Keynsham Town in the final of the Somerset Cup on Thursday evening. It was four goals from set-pieces which undid Yeovil on the day, following a spirited performance against higher level opposition.

Paul Knight once again named an unchanged starting eleven as the same lineup played together for the third consecutive match.

The first chance of the final came to Niamh Nicholls in the early exchanges, as she forced a strong save out of the Keynsham goalkeeper within the first ten minutes.

Following this, Keynsham dealt the first blow as an unlucky own goal punished the Glovers. The ball cannoned off the crossbar and deflected off a Yeovil body into the back of the net after a Keynsham corner to give the Ks an early lead.

Keynsham doubled their lead in the 17th minute courtesy of another scramble in the box following a corner, placing them in firm control of the tie, just over a quarter of the way through.

As half-time approached Keynsham had their third via a penalty kick in the 38th minute. After an unlucky tangling of legs on the edge of the box, the referee pointed to the spot to rub salt in Yeovil wounds. The penalty was confidently converted into the bottom left corner to give Keynsham a three goal lead going into the half-time break.

As the second half progressed Yeovil grew into the game and exerted some dominance over Keynsham, however were unable to make the most of the chances they made.

A competitive second half finished with Keynsham scoring their fourth of the match from a free-kick, which turned out to be the last kick of the final and of the Somerset Cup, a performance and campaign which Yeovil can be proud of.

The player of the match was awarded to Abbie Vernon for a fighting performance in Yeovil’s backline.

After the match Yeovil Town Women manager Paul Knight reflected on his side’s performance: “I’m so proud of the players, their mental and physical state was tested and as a coach I needed to see how far they can be pushed. The players’ mileage covered last night was a testament to their ability. We conceded from three very unlucky set-pieces and a penalty, the girls have done exactly what I have asked; if we lose we ensure we come off the pitch having played our best football.”

Yeovil Town Women return to action this Sunday 28th May as they travel to Portishead Reserves in the league 14:00 KO.

 

 

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A first half double from Dylan Morgan sealed a comfortable win for Yeovil Town in the top-versus-bottom clash at Dover Athletic on the final game of the National League South season.

The midfielder netted two almost identical goals in the 16th and 29th minute before a calamitous own goal from Dover keeper Matt Rowley made it 3-0 early in the second half.

There were minutes for both striker Jake Hyde and midfielder Will Dawes, who appeared off the bench after long injury lay-offs, before Luke Baptiste pulled a late consolation goal back for the already relegated home side.

First half

The opening 15 minutes was something of an non-event with the possible exception of an effort from Luke Baptiste in to the the gloves of Joe Day and a Sam Pearson header wide.

But, with 16 minutes gone it was Pearson’s cut back which found Dylan MORGAN who smashed the home side in front.

The 13 minutes which followed could probably be best described as passing practice up until the 29th minute when Alex Fisher cut in from the right, fed the ball through to Dylan MORGAN who doubled his tally with a carbon copy of the first goal.

After that, Pearson warmed the palms of Matt Rowley in the Dover goal after 37 minutes, before George Nikaj hammered a half-decent opportunity over the bar three minutes later for the home side.

But, aside from that, if you had told me this was a pre-season friendly, I would not have argued. 2-0 up in a non-event.

The Crabble Burger

Half time: Dover Athletic 0 Yeovil Town 2

 

Second half

With five minutes of the second half gone, Jordan Young did what Jordan Young does. Weaved in to the box with great trickery, but then took one touch too many and played the ball back to Rowley.

Rowley repaid his gratitude on 54 minutes when Jay Foulston’s corner saw the keeper pat the ball in to his own net. As own goals go that was as clear an OWN GOAL as you can get – sorry Jay.

Dover keeper Matt Rowley has had a nightmare there.

On 57 minutes, a nice moment as Jake Hyde, not seen since the end of 2023, replaced Alex Fisher, who received a warm round of applause himself.

Just after the hour mark Pearson forced a smart stop out of Rowley before Charlie Cooper and Will Dawes replaced Pearson and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton.

In the away end, it was nothing but a celebration of the end of the most successful season in more than a decade for the club. Even a late consolation goal for BAPTISTE in the final minute of the game could not dampen that spirit.

Champions again, champions again, champions again ole oleeeeeee!

Full time: Dover Athletic 1 Yeovil Town 3

Match Details

Venue: Crabble
Date: Saturday 20th April, 3pm

Competition: National League South

Pitch: Sloped in every which way imaginable, but not in bad nick for the final game of the season.
Conditions: A lovely Spring day

Attendance: 

Scorers: Dylan Morgan 16 (1-0), Dylan Morgan 29 (2-0), Matt Rowley o.g. 54 (3-0), Luke Baptiste 90 (3-1).

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: None
Dover Athletic: None

Referee: Charles Martland 

 

Yeovil Town (4-2-3-1)

Substitutes: Jake Hyde (for Alex Fisher, 57), Will Dawes (for Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, 68), Charlie Cooper (for Sam Pearson, 68), Matt Worthington (not used), Frank Nouble (not used)

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The coronation of Yeovil Town as National League South champions was completed with a comfort win over a Dartford side who were relegated out of the division after a 3-1 defeat at Huish Park.

It was the visitors who stunned a packed home crowd by going ahead after just five minutes when Luke Coulson headed home, but Sam Pearson got the Glovers back on level terms soon after turning home after good work from Fisher.

A Dylan Morgan effort took a wicked deflection from Ronny Nelson three minutes from half-time which put Yeovil in front and, despite Frank Nouble having a penalty saved in the second half, the game was wrapped up when Alex Fisher tapped home the third with 70 minutes gone.

But all of the home fans in the 5,701 crowd were only there for one thing – to see their heroes lift the championship trophy at the full-time whistle.

First half

But, if the script was supposed to be a title-winning parade for the Glovers, Dartford had not read it and took the lead after just five minutes. A good move down the right by Olly Box and got the ball in to captain Luke COULSON who got in between Morgan Williams and Jake Wannell to put a superb header past Joe Day.

Luckily, it did not take long to spark a response from the home side as Sam Pearson levelled the scoring three minutes after going behind. Great play by Alex Fisher found Brooklyn Genesini whose cross was flicked on by Fisher, but PEARSON bravely dived in to get on the end of it and felt the force of the post on his shoulder. Let’s start again, then.

As their early goal suggests, Dartford, who could be relegated if they lose and Eastbourne Borough win, set off determined to go for it this afternoon, but their front foot approach is leaving space with Genesini almost unmarked on the right side.

Another good bit of build-up play involving Frank Nouble saw the ball come to Pearson who instinctively hit it first time and found Dartford keeper Rhys Byrne equal to it and parry it away.

Dylan Morgan showed quick feet to get his shot away on 24 minutes but Byrne was level to it again as “stand up if you’ve won the league” rings around Huish Park.

Byrne was back in action after 34 minutes after great play by Morgan down the left got a ball in to Fisher whose header was clawed away by the keeper and almost immediately after Morgan was at it again cutting in to the box again and this time finding Genesini, only for the keeper to push it away with his foot. You feel a goal is coming.

Then, with three minutes remaining until half-time, it arrived. Nouble found Morgan who unleashed a great shot and the ball took a deflection off Ronny Nelson and crept in to the net. It was an OWN GOAL but no doubt that Yeovil had deserved it for their domination.

Having gone behind early, it has been all the champions since Pearson’s equaliser. Manager Mark Cooper told his players on Thursday night that he still wanted to win this game and you can tell that has got through to his players.

Half time: Yeovil Town 2 Dartford 1

 

Second half

The opening ten minutes at Huish Park was without much incident until Sonny Blu Lo-Everton had an effort XX minute tipped over the bar by Byrne. From the resulting corner the ball was worked out to Charlie Cooper whose effort was going towards the keeper, Morgan Williams challenged with Byrne and went down. Referee Harry Wager gave the penalty, which looked very soft. Frank Nouble stepped up and Byrne redeemed himself with a save. Justice done there, I think.

 

Lo-Everton ran in to acres of space and had a dipping shot which looked like it was destined for the top corner, but just crept past the box on 63 minutes. Seven minutes later it was 3-1 to the home side.

Cooper’s shot came off Dartford substitute Maxwell Statham and landed at the feet of Alex FISHER who touched it around Byrne and tapped home. He took a glance looking for the offside flag, but (unlike seven days earlier) it was not there. For it to happen almost in the spot where the striker suffered that horrific leg break just over a year ago feels like the script that was written. That’s five goals in 12 games for him, what a time to find his goal-scoring touch.

Jordan Young had an effort just past the post before Charlie Cooper pulled one wide soon after as the game moved in to the closing stages.

Three minutes from the end of normal time, there was a huge ovation for Fisher as he went off the pitch to be replaced by captain Matt Worthington, making his 227th appearance for the club. What a moment for both players.

The final whistle saw the Huish Park flooded by home supporters because, let’s face it, it means everything to them.

“Please do not enter the pi….” Picture courtesy of Debs Curtis.

Full time: Yeovil Town 3 Dartford 1

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Date: Saturday 13th April, 3pm

Competition: National League South

Pitch: Good
Conditions: Good

Attendance: 5,701 (115 away supporters)

Scorers: Luke Coulson 5 (0-1), Sam Pearson 8 (1-1), Ronny Nelson o.g. 42 (2-1), Alex Fisher 70 (3-1).

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: None
Dartford: Olly Wall, Luke Byrne, Taylor Maloney, 

Referee: Harry Wager

 

Yeovil Town (4-4-2)

Substitutes: Jordan Young (for Sam Pearson, 71), Josh Owers (for Dylan Morgan, 79), Matt Worthington (for Alex Fisher, 87) Michael Smith (not used), Jake Hyde (not used).

Dartford: Rhys Byrne, Luke Allen (for Fumnaya Shomotun, 71) , Alex Wall, Joash Nembhard, Paul Rooney, Jack Smith, Jordan Wynter (for Maxwell Statham, 46), Olly Box, Ronny Nelson, Harrison Sodje (for Taylor Maloney, 71), Luke Coulson.
Substitutes (not used): Jordan Greenidge, Tom Wray.

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We’ve only gone and done it – again! Yes, after 19 years of waiting, Yeovil Town are champions again (ole, ole).

It was a goal in each half from strikers Rhys Murphy and Alex Fisher which secured the three points against Truro City which ensured the title and promotion from the National League South at the first time of asking.

There were 1,103 Glovers in Gloucester (yes, that is where Truro play these days) from a crowd of 1,238 to see the title secured.

First half

After some uneventful if totally dominant opening few exchanges, it took Frank Nouble directness with eight minutes played to create anything like a threat in to the home side’s box. His run and cross was cleared away.

Then just a minute later came the first frustrating moment of the game as Jordan Stevens pulled up holding that hamstring again. He had to go off and was replaced by Jordan Young.

But,two minutes later Rhys Murphy was the man on the spot to put the visitors ahead, showing the predatory instincts which have made him such a deadly marksman. Sonny Blu Lo-Everton picked out Charlie Cooper on the right side and he delivered an excellent cross to find the rising MURPHY on the edge of the box to flick a header in to the net. 

Sadly, that proved to be his last action as he went down in the middle of the pitch. Of the three changes made from Saturday’s starting XI against Worthing, two of them were now back in changing rooms. Someone protect Michael Smith!

On 20 minutes, it was only goalkeeper James Hamon stood between Yeovil and a 2-0 lead pulling off a point blank save as Alex Fisher’s header from Cooper’s cross. Nouble blazed over the rebound.

Matt Worthington fizzed one wide from the edge of the box with 28 minutes gone, before another nervy injury moment when Smith went down holding his hamstring. He was fine, don’t worry.

That was about as exciting as it got until we got in to first half injury time. Charlie Cooper’s blasted a free-kick in to the wall before Jake Wannell’s far post header from the resulting corner was blocked.

1-0 up at the interval and the job was half done.

Half time: Truro City 0 Yeovil Town 1

 

Second half

Shooting towards a packed away end in the second half, the Glovers continued to dominate the game without creating too much to test Hamon in the Truro goal.

But, with ten minutes of the second half gone the second goal came from a  source we have not seen recently (and I don’t mean the scorer), it was Smith who delivered a sumptuous ball from the left and Alex FISHER rose to head home. The keeper got a fingertip to it, but it was not enough to stop the ball trickling over the line.

 

From then on it was just a party in Gloucestershire as the sound of “champions again, ole, oleeee” rang around the Tigerturf Stadium. Yes, the last time was 2005, but champions is champions.

On 67 minutes, Smith had a great opportunity to go from goal creator to goal scorer. A lovely cross from Young fell to the full-back inside the box, just begging to be hit. The Northern Irishman definitely hit it, but over the bar.

Dylan Morgan replaced (title-winning) captain Matt Worthington with eight minutes remaining and Charlie Cooper lifted a free kick over the back two minutes after that, but all the masses from Somerset wanted was the final whistle.

When it sounded, fans spilled on to the pitch – we’d done it, folks, we finally, finally done it! 

Full time: Truro City 0 Yeovil Town 2

Match Details

Venue: TigerTurf Stadium, Gloucester
Date: Thursday 11th April, 7.45pm

Competition: National League South

Pitch: Plastic. Not bad for plastic, but plastic.
Conditions: Dry and relatively warm

Attendance: 1,238 (1,103 away supporters)

Scorers: Rhys Murphy 12 (1-0), Alex Fisher 50 (2-0)

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Jordan Young 32, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton 68
Truro City: 

Referee: Ayrton Hursey

 

Yeovil Town: Joe Day, Michael Smith, Jay Foulston, Jake Wannell, Morgan Williams, Charlie Cooper, Matt Worthington, Jordan Stevens, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, Rhys Murphy (for Alex Fisher, 16), Frank Nouble.

Substitutes: Jordan Young (for Jordan Stevens, 9), Alex Fisher (for Rhys Murphy, 16), Dylan Morgan (for Matt Worthington, 82) Brooklyn Genesini (not used), Sam Pearson (not used).

Truro City: Hamon, Melhado, Sanniola, Sanders (for Munakandafa, 62), Hinds, Kavanagh, Brett, Palfrey, Johnson-Fisher (for Yetton, 83), Buse, Law.
Substitutes (not used): Horton, Jones, Fabby.

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Yeovil’s wait for the National League South title continues until at least Thursday, as they were defeated at home by Worthing in a 1-3 result.

The hosts were the better side in the first half, with a littany of chances squandered, before Worthing capitalised on a questionable penalty decision to take the lead. Yeovil continued to probe, with no luck before an unfortunate mistake from Jay Fouslton left the Glovers with a hell of a task.

The second half didn’t fare any better, with even more mistakes from officials, and squandered chances from the Glovers making life hard for themselves. An Alex Fisher goal gave Huish Park hope, before it was so cruelly snatched away in controversial circumstances. Worthing nabbed a late goal with the last kick of the game to leave Huish Park with all three points.

First half

Yeovil kept it consistent with just two changes from Monday’s clash at W*ymouth, with Sam Pearson and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton replacing Olly Thomas and the injured Jordan Stevens.

Sam Pearson can’t believe it
📸 Gary Brown

The first couple of minutes were cagey, with Yeovil and Worthing exchanging long balls and patchy possession, but the first action of note came in the 4th minute, where a wayward pass from Joe Rye inside the Worthing box ended up straight in the path of Sam Pearson, the young Welshman couldn’t keep his shot down as it fired over the Dorset Vehicle Rentals Stand.

Yeovil had the next chance 7 minutes in, where a Frank Nouble run turned into a cross-come-shot, but Ollie Wright collected it comfortably. The wind continued to wreak havoc as a long ball from Joe Day fell just ahead of Pearson, Wright coming to collect and ending the attack, before another shot from Frank Nouble shortly afterwards bounced off his own boot and over.

The hosts continued to show why they were top of the league with another chance 10 minutes in – a nice ball forward from Charlie Cooper found Sam Pearson in space on the left wing, he cut inside and played a dangerous ball into the box, but Jordan Young couldn’t get it in the net. Another good chance for Yeovil, as Worthing struggled to assert themselves early on.

Worthing almost found themselves with a chance just afterwards though, as a Morgan Williams slip gave the visitors a half chance, but Wannell came across well and recovered the ball with ease.

After 14 minutes, Worthing had good fortune come their way, as a weak penalty was handed to the visitors by referee Gareth Thomas. Jake Wannell earned a booking for his protests, and Ollie Pearce tucked the ball into the bottom left corner from the spot to make it 37 league goals for the season.

Polite enquiries are made
📸 Gary Brown

Following the penalty, Worthing took some time to have the ball and get themselves settled into the game, Yeovil defended well and snuffed out any potential attacks they looked to make. Worthing’s high press prevented Yeovil from making any forays into the opposition half when they did have possession, causing concern in the crowd, but there was a vociferous roar 24 minutes into the game when Kane Wills brought Sonny Blu Lo-Everton down just outside the box, the Worthing man finding his way into the referee’s book.

The resulting free kick was a palm stinger from Charlie Cooper, but Worthing got away with it once again – an extremely weak foul was then given against Sonny on Brad Dolaghan, drawing the ire of the Yeovil crowd.

Worthing triggered a press on Yeovil, but the hosts played out of it well, getting the ball forwards – a header from Pearson was wayward, before a long ball from Worthington had just a little bit too much on it for Pearson to reach.

Yeovil came forwards once again, Pearson once again the danger man – coming inside from the left, he laid a ball off to seemingly nobody, and Worthing scampered away once again. The next chance was again, for Yeovil, as a nicely worked run from Lo-Everton made space for him to put a ball into the box for Nouble, but his shot was wayward once again.

The visitors almost bundled the ball into the back of their own net, as Pearson and Colbran battled into the box, but Ollie Wright reacted quickly to stop it trickling into his own net.

Worthing earned themselves a corner following a block from Charlie Cooper, it came to nothing however the ball stayed with Worthing – the passage of play finished with an audacious attempt at goal from all of 40 yards flying wat wide of goal.

Yeovil then found themselves with a corner, some sloppy play allowed Worthing to break down the left hand side with Danny Cashman. He played a ball across the box for Jo Felix, but his shot flew over the bar.

From the resulting goal kick, Yeovil went down the other end and won a free kick, Worthing defender Alfie Young being booked for his cynical foul on Frank Nouble. The free kick was wasted however, as the ball simply floated into the hands of Ollie Wright.

The final five minutes of the first half were relatively uneventful, with the most notable event being a Worthing corner that was palmed away by Joe Day… until the clock just ticked over to the 45 minute mark, where Jay Foulston was pressed into a mistake by Jo Felix, his pass was soft and caught Joe Day off guard, allowing Felix to pounce, round Day and lay it off for Brad Dolaghan to finish into an empty net.

Yeovil went forwards once again but more wasteful work from the Yeovil forwards meant the hosts went into half time with a mountain to climb.

Half time: Yeovil Town 0 Worthing 2

Second half

Before the half got underway, Mark Cooper made a change, Sam Pearson being replaced by Rhys Murphy. Straight off of kickoff, Worthing fired a shot from distance at Joe Day but it drifted wide. Yeovil went on the counter from the goal kick, a Frank Nouble charge earning Yeovil a corner; the resulting corner floating over everybody, allowing Worthing back on the ball.

Yeovil almost found themselves through once again, but Young couldn’t get the ball out from under his feet and Felix covered enough ground to recover the ball for the visitors. Worthing tried playing out but Yeovil pressed well, the ball ending up with Young once again. He cut inside, fired off a shot that got blocked, before Lo-Everton fired a ball over the bar.

Murphy gets stuck in
📸 Gary Brown

Yeovil came forward once again, and on the 50 minute mark, Yeovil themselves were handed a penalty by referee Gareth Thomas, when Rhys Murphy was brought down. The number 39 stepped up, but it was a poor strike and Wright got down well to save it, knocking it over the bar for a corner.

Worthing came forward down the right hand side from a goal kick, but their final ball wasn’t there and Yeovil got away with it. The visitors continued to push, earning a corner shortly after, however their well worked header went over the bar, and out for a goal kick.

Worthing had the next chance too, as Ollie Pearce broke away, almost leaving Williams in a heap on the floor with his frightening pace. He laid a ball off for Felix, but Day did well to read the deflection from Williams and caught it well.

Yeovil countered from there and won a corner, however it was a heavy ball once again and Worthing gained possession. Worthing won themselves a corner when Worthington had to track back and blocked off Dolaghan, however it landed straight on Wannell’s head and was cleared away.

The next bit of action came in the 60th minute, where Matt Worthington worked his way into the referee’s book for a challenge on the halfway line on Danny Cashman. Yeovil tried coming forward again shortly after, with Nouble winning a free kick and Worthing player Joe Rye ending up in the book. What followed was possibly the worst free kick of the season, as Jordan Young launched the ball out of play.

Five or six sloppy clearances followed from Yeovil once Worthing worked the ball into their half, before a brief break in play allowed for Dylan Morgan to replace Brooklyn Genesini.

Jordan Yong pickpocketed the Worthing midfield and came forward, laying the ball off for Rhys Murphy but the ball was wide and caused the attack to lose momentum, the half chance was lost and Worthing got back into possession. Another half chance came shortly after, where more sloppy Worthing play allowed for Nouble to come forward, the ball being blocked and recycled back to Nouble, his cross however ended up straight in the hands of Ollie Wright.

Another Yeovil attack followed, as a ball forward ended up on the right wing with now-right back Matt Worthington, his ball for Nouble weighted well, the following cross blocked out for a corner.

Before the corner was taken, Jack Sprong was replacd by Finlay Chadwick for Worthing’s first substitution, the corner was wasted and allowed the visitors to regroup once again.

More Yeovil possession followed, with intricate play coming from Nouble and Foulston, but nothing came from it, a few more feeble attacks followed before Rhys Murphy was flagged for a foul for… having his shot blocked by Alfie Young. Shortly after, Gregory Luer took to the field to replace Brad Dolaghan for Worthing’s second sub.

Alex Fisher joined the action in the 77th minute, replacing Jordan Young, and his first involvement was good, carrying the ball in Nouble-esque style, before delivering a nice floated cross for Nouble himself, his header was straight at the keeper though.

More horrendous decisions followed, as Ollie Wright handled the ball outside his box under pressure from Rhys Murphy, the Yeovil striker tucked the ball home however Wright’s excellent “goalkeeping” inexplicably won Worthing a foul instead…

Worthing continued to dilly-dally, and they were finally punished, as Morgan took a shot and slipped, his shot being cleared high. Nouble headed the ball back into the danger zone, and Alex Fisher was there to tuck the ball home to make it 1-2.

Yeovil looked positive once again, but Worthing cleared the danger and won a couple of corners, none of which came to anything. The hosts attacked once more, with a nice ball from Foulston finding Dylan Morgan in space, his cross being put behind for a corner, Charlie Cooper’s corner was dangerous, but Wright pulled off some genuinely good goalkeeping this time, to clear the danger.

Joe Felix was replaced by Cameron Tutt as the 7 additional minutes were announced, and Yeovil almost had their equaliser shortly afterwards – Morgan Williams’ header flashed just wide of the post, firing up the Yeovil faithful. What followed was another hideous set of events… Rhys Murphy found his way through, and buried the ball this time, however Frank Nouble (who wasn’t involved in play) was flagged as offside… rule 1 of Gloverscast is about to be obliterated, what a horrific decision (and there were more awful decisions throughout the game, see Murphy’s first “goal”).

Yeovil came forward once again, and a throw in from Charlie Cooper was headed out of the danger zone. Another Yeovil attack followed, cleared away once more, before Worthing finished the game off with another goal to make Yeovil wait a game longer for their crowning moment.

Full time: Yeovil Town 1 Worthing 3

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Date: Saturday 6th April, 15:00

Competition: National League South

Pitch: Good, slippery
Conditions: Blustery and grey

Attendance: 6,034 (143 away)

Scorers: Ollie Pearce 15 (0-1), Brad Dolaghan 45 (0-2); Alex Fisher 82 (1-2); Ollie Pearce 90+7 (1-3)

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Jake Wannell 14, Matt Worthington 60
Worthing: Kane Wills 24, Alfie Young 38, Joe Rye 63, Ollie Pearce 89

Referee: Gareth Thomas

Yeovil Town (4-2-3-1)

 

Substitutes: Rhys Murphy (for Sam Pearson, 45), Dylan Morgan (for Brooklyn Genesini, 66), Alex Fisher (for Jordan Young, 77)

Worthing: Ollie Wright, Joel Colbran, Kane Wills, Joe Rye, Ollie Pearce, Jack Sprong, Dylan Fage, Jo Felix, Bradley Dolaghan, Alfie Young, Danny Cashman
Substitutes: Will Tillman, Cameron Tutt (for Joe Felix, 90), Gregory Luer (for Brad Dolaghan, 75), Josh Chambers, Finlay Chadwick (for Jack Sprong, 70)