Match Reports

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Yeovil Town suffered late heartbreak for the second weekend in a row as Carlisle United snatched a point with the final kick of the game at Huish Park on Saturday.

The Glovers had taken the lead through striker Stephen Walker’s first goal for his new club in the first half, but were reduced to ten men when defender Joe Gubbins picked up his second yellow card and got his marching orders after 65 minutes.

Carlisle, who are the bookmakers’ favourites for the National League title, pressed and it looked like heroic defending would keep them out until defender Harvey Bunker flicked in a header at the death.

First half

The headline for the team news was that striker Stephen Walker was handed his league debut having been an unused substitute against Scunthorpe United on the opening day of the season. Slavi Spasov was named on the bench.

Carlisle, who were beaten by newly-promoted Worthing in their first game last weekend, showed they were ready to press Yeovil whenever we had possession.

After just three minutes, it almost paid dividends with a cross from Kenton Richardson turned towards goal before Ben Radcliffe got a foot on it to clear the danger. At the other end, former Carlisle man Archie Davies tried an effort from just outside the box on seven minutes, but it sailed over the bar.

Having had to watch the visitors dominate possession for the opening exchanges, it was a quick break which saw Yeovil take the lead after 19 minutes. A stumble from Carlisle defender Ryan Galvin presented Ryan Jones with an opportunity to put Stephen WALKER through on goal and he made no mistake to open his account in green-and-white.

Stephen Walker celebrates his opener. Picture courtesy of Jayden Tate/Tate’s Photography.

The impetus was Yeovil’s having taken the lead on a number of occasions they broke dangerously with Jones and Davies linking up well down the right side. But, a Brett McGavin effort wide and a offside call which went against Walker was as near as it came to finding a second goal.

With three minutes remaining until half-time, McGavin bent a free-kick around the wall which keeper Adam Desbois got down to parry away.

Half-time: Yeovil Town 1 Carlisle United 0

Second half

The second half started in a similar fashion to the first with Carlisle enjoying much of the pressure as they probed the Yeovil back line, but a Richardson header over the bar after 54 minutes was as near as they came in the opening exchanges.

The first substitution of the match saw goal scorer Walker replaced by Slavi Spasov with 56 minutes played. In terms of efforts on either goal, Radcliffe pulled one past the post and at the other defender Tom Mullarkey headed on to the roof of the net.

Joe Gubbins disappears down the tunnel. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

But, with 65 minutes on the clock, Joe Gubbins hauled back Georgie Kelly on the ease of the area. Second yellow card and the defender was off and Carlisle had a dangerous free-kick on the edge of the box. Jos Barker did well to push out the resulting free-kick out and then pulled off a brave second stop to keep out the rebound.

The red card brought about a reshuffle with Joy Mukena and Johl Powell replacing Jones and McCormick. It feels like we are going to need to find a way to try and keep possession for the remaining 20 minutes with Carlisle continuing to probe for an opening.

Further changes from Billy Rowley saw defender Loick Ayina and James Daly replace Archie Davies and Mason Obeng.

The defending from the ten men in green-and-white was heroic but the with the final kick of the game, Carlisle found an equaliser. Brad Nicholson’s crows in the sixth and final minute of added time was met by a flicked header from Harvey BUNKER which found the net.

Utterly heartbreaking for Yeovil who conceded an 89th minute equaliser at Scunthorpe seven days earlier. Just two points from a possible six, but not losing to two teams who will undoubtedly be in the promotion mix come the end of the season.

Full time: Yeovil Town 1 Carlisle United 1

Match Details

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

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Stephen Walker 19 (1-0), Harvey Bunker 90+6 (1-1)

Pitch: Looking perfect
Conditions: Hot and sunny

Attendance: 3486 (345 away supporters)

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Joe Gubbins 45+1, Ben Radcliffe 49
Carlisle United: Regan Linney 49

Sendings off

Yeovil Town: Joe Gubbins

Referee: Lewis Sandoe

Yeovil Town

Substitutes: Slavi Spasov (for Stephen Walker, 56), Joy Mukena (for Luke McCormick, 68), Johl Powell (for Ryan Jones, 68), Loick Ayina (for Mason Obeng, 79), James Daly (for Archie Davies, 79), Hayden Muller (not used), Charlie Lennon (not used).

Carlisle United: Adam Desbois, Ryan Galvin, Toby Mullarkey, Harvey Bunker, Miguel Azeez, Cameron Harper, Leo Duru, Regan Linney, Brad Nicholson, David Ajiboye, Georgie Kelly.

Substitutes: Hayden Atkinson, Jack Ellis, Jonah Lowe, Archie Mair, Kenton Richardson, Luke Skinner, Josh Williams.

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A late equaliser saw Yeovil Town have to settle for a point from a trip to Scunthorpe United on the opening game of the season.

After an even first half, the Glovers took the lead when winger Mason Obeng stroked the ball home three minutes in to the second half.

Scunthorpe, who finished in the National League play-offs last season, pressed hard for an equaliser and eventually found one when substitute Luke Brennan lifted the ball in to the net with a minute of normal time playing.

Despite the tinge of disappointment at not being able to hold out for three points, there was plenty to feel positive from Yeovil about in their first competitive outing of the season.

First half

Manager Billy Rowley gave a league debut to nine players with captain Luke McCormick and Ryan Jones the only members of the starting XI who were at the club last season. One of the recent arrivals Slavi Spasov was preferred to Stephen Walker up front whilst Hayden Muller started in midfield in place of Brett McGavin. Both Walker and McGavin were named among the substitutes.

The opening 15 minutes did not create a chance worthy of a mention but a definite desire from both sides to play the way a beautiful surface at the Attis Arena deserved. The joy Yeovil found came mostly down the right side with Archie Davies delivering a couple of crosses from the box and a jinking run from Ryan Jones leading to an effort which Scunthorpe keeper Louis Jones needed to be sharp to get down low to deny.

On 33 minutes, McCormick ran on to a ball forward and looked to be through on the Iron goal, but lifted his effort over the bar. The linesman flagged him as offside although the Yeovil bench’s protests would suggest the call was closer than it looked from the away end.

First half action at Scunthorpe.

The first meaningful chance of the game fell to the home side a minute later. Winger Pat Jones skipped past Archie Davies and found himself one-on-one with Yeovil keeper Jos Barker who stuck a strong left hand to make an impressive stop to deny him. That save will give the young keeper huge confidence.

Then with five minutes of the first half remaining, another good chance for Scunthorpe. Declan Howe got a ball in from the left, it clipped off the heel of Joe Gubbins and landed invitingly to Jordan Richards but his effort over the bar.

The half-time whistle sounded with the home side having had the better of the opportunities to go ahead, but Yeovil acquitting themselves well. There’s definitely a fans’ favourite being made in Jordan Norville-Williams who has not given an inch against Howe whilst Gubbins and Ben Radcliffe in the middle have managed to keep Scunthorpe danger man striker Danny Whitehall nullified.

Half-time: Scunthorpe United 0 Yeovil Town 0

Second half

The half-time break saw Brett McGavin replace Hayden Muller in the heart of midfield.

A Ryan Jones free-kick from out in the right found its way to Mason OBENG on the far post and he was the coolest man inside the penalty area to confidently stroke Yeovil ahead. The away end of 260 travelling supporters erupted as the players celebrated in front of them.

Mason Obeng puts Yeovil into the lead with just three minutes of the second half played

Just five minutes after going ahead, McCormick found himself through on goal again but (again) was denied by the offside flag. The skipper, much like the visiting bench in the first half, had serious questions about the call. VAR might have had a different opinion – but we don’t want that at this level of the game…….right? Soon after that Ryan Jones forced his namesake Louis Jones in the Scunthorpe goal in to a fine stop.

As we reach the middle of the second half, the home side are turning up the pressure as they search for an equaliser. Archie Davies does well to block an effort from Pat Jones and Ryan Jones took a heavy blow scrambling a Tyler Denton effort off the line from a corner. Jones needed to come off and was replaced by Johl Powell whilst James Daly replaced Slavi Spasov in the forward line with 64 minutes played.

Scunthorpe made changes on their own bringing on winger Luke Brennan, experienced midfielder Jacob Butterfield and striker James Gale as they looked for an equaliser. On 70 minutes, Whitehall had his first opportunity but his header from a Butterfield free-kick was blocked by a Yeovil shirt. The Glovers are standing up well to intense pressure and defensively looking impressive.

With 20 minutes left to play, Billy Rowley made his final two substitutions of the permitted five changes and it is a defensive change. McCormick is removed in place of Joy Mukena whilst Jack Kingdon replaces Archie Davies in the right wing-back position.

In the 73rd minute, a long ball forward from Barker is helped on by Obeng in to the path of James Daly. The substitutes powered in to the box and was only denied by a superb tackle from Tyler Denton. The Iron defender picks up an injury for his troubles.

Scunthorpe were dominating possession and continuing to press and we found ourselves dropping deep to try and repel the danger. Then with a minute of normal time, Joe Gubbins tries to clear a ball in from the left but can only as get it as far as Luke BRENNAN on the left left of the box and he lifts the ball over the head of Jos Barker to snatch a draw.

Full time: Scunthorpe United 1 Yeovil Town 1

Match Details

Venue: Attis Arena
Date: Saturday 8th August, 3pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Mason Obeng 48 (1-0), Luke Brennan 89 (1-1)

Pitch: Like a snooker table
Conditions: Sunny in Scunny

Attendance: 5,111 (260 away supporters)

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Ben Radcliffe 72
Scunthorpe United: Pat Jones 31, Callum Howe 54,

Referee: Michael Barlow

Yeovil Town

Substitutes: Brett McGavin (for Hayden Muller, 46), Johl Powell (for Ryan Jones, 64), James Daly (for Slavi Spasov, 64), Joy Mukena (for Luke McCormick, 70), Jack Kingdon (for Archie Davies, 70), Jack Lennon (not used), Stephen Walker (nor used).

Scunthorpe United: Louis Jones, Ross Barrows, Alfie Beestin (for James Gale, 64), Tyler Denton (for Branden Horton, 76), Will Evans, Callum Howe, Declan Howe (for Luke Brennan, 64), Pat Jones (for Kyle Hurst, 83), Jordan Richards, Joe Rowley (for Jacob Butterfield, 64), Danny Whitehall.

Substitutes (not used): Maison Campbell, Jean Belehouan.

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Yeovil Town wrapped up pre-season for the 2026/27 season with a 2-1 defeat to League Two side Newport.

Luke McCormick gave the Glovers the lead in the very early stages, but Newport hit back through two bits of quality from set pieces. Goals from one time rumoured Glovers’ target Shaquille Gwengwe and Lee Jenkins sent the visitors, playing under new manager Hayden Mullins for the first time, back to South Wales with a win.

First half

After a quiet first few moments, Brett McGavin won the ball back and a combination of excellent work from Archie Davies down the right hand side to find Slavi Spasov who laid the ball into the path of Luke McCORMICK who struck the opening goal with pretty much the first chance of the match in only the fourth minute.

The Glovers were in control for most of the first ten minutes, McGavin had a shot deflected wide from distance and Slavi Spasov forced a chance from the resulting corner.

Yeovil Town celebrate Luke McCormick’s opening goal. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

It took until almost 20 minutes ticked over on the clock before County found some attacking impetus, a free kick from Matt Smith was cleared, as was the recycled ball in from Smith after, with Spasov doing his defensive duties in his own penalty area.

Another free-kick for the EFL side caused slightly more concern for the Glovers a few minutes later, but Shaq Gwengwe’s effort was charged down by Skipper Luke McCormick.

Newport were just starting to get their movements going and Christian Doidge linked up with Yahya Bamba who was pressured by Jos Barker into making a decision and the effort was skewed wide.

The equaliser did come on the half hour mark with another free kick causing some hassle for the Glovers at the back and Shaquille GWENGWE bundled home at the back post.

A half of two halves came to a close with just a single additional minute added on. All square at 1-1, with both sides having their chances to find a second.

Half-time: Yeovil Town 1 Newport County 1

Second half

Zain Westbrooke and Ryan Jones were introduced at the break with James Daly and Brett McGavin taking the second half off.

Five minutes into the second half, another set piece caused problems for Yeovil. A cross whipped in from Matt Smith, Jos Barker didn’t claim the ball and LEE JENKINS tapped home at the back post to give the League Two side the lead for the first time in the fixture.

The clock had ticked towards the hour mark before Yeovil managed to impose themselves in the second half, Archie Davies once again proving to be the out ball. His right hand sided cross evading both McCormick and Spasov in the area.

Davies was causing trouble down the right hand side, he and Ryan Jones combined to play Westbrooke in, who’s cross was unable to find a green shirt and then calls for a penalty as Davies came together with a Newport defender, but appeals were waved away.

A couple of changes for Newport saw Ciaran Brennan and a trialist entered the fray.

It wasn’t long before the Glovers were again looking at the bench; Spasov, Gubbins and Radcliffe made way, with Ste Walker, Joy Mukena and Jack Kingdon coming on for the final 25 minutes.

The Glovers tried a training ground move for a free kick in a dangerous area, but McCormick’s effort was wayward.

Trialist Brad de Jesus. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

McCormick would be replaced by Johl Powell with 20 minutes of the game left, whilst Davies made way for the Glovers’ own trialist (Brad De Jesus).

Ryan Jones and Ste Walker linked up well after the break in play, De Jesus created space for Jones to cut inside and take a shot which was well saved for a corner.

From the resulting set piece, Mukena had a chance cleared close to the line by Joe Thomas.

Plenty of Newport subs continued to break up the flow of the final stages, but the likes of De Jesus, Powell and Walker were all looking lively, in attacking areas.

Powell had a shot blocked in the final stages following a delightful dummy from Ste Walker after Norville-Williams had whipped a cross in down the left hand side.

That was all she wrote for the Glovers, as the clock ticked 90 minutes, the whistle brought the pre-season schedule to an end.

Yeovil head to Scunthorpe United to get their National League Premier Division season underway next weekend.

Full time: Yeovil Town 1 Newport County 2

Teams:

First half – Yeovil Town: Jos Barker, Jordan Norville-Williams, Joe Gubbins (for Joy Mukena, 66), Ben Radcliffe (for Jack Kingdon, 66), Hayden Muller, Brett McGavin (for Zain Westbrooke, 46), Archie Davies (for trialist Brad De Jesus, 76), James Daly (for Ryan Jones, 46) Luke McCormick (for Johl Powell, 72), Mason Obeng, Slavi Spasov (for Stephen Walker, 66).

Newport County: Jordan Wright, Cameron Norman, Lee Jenkins, Kyle Cameron, Joe Thomas, Cameron Evans, Matt Smith, Harrison Biggins, Yahya Bamba, Christian Doidge, Shaquille Gwenge.

Scorers: Luke McCormick 4 (1-0) Shaquille Gwengwe 31 (1-1), Lee Jenkins 50 (1-2)

Attendance: 980

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A Brett McGavin free-kick in the first half earned Yeovil Town a draw in their penultimate pre-season friendly of the campaign at National League South new boys Farnham Town.

The midfielder bent in a trademark set piece after 24 minutes and went on to dominate the first half creating a number of chances which they did not take and they were punished when Sam Evans turned home soon after the restart.

There was the usual flurry of substitutes from both sides in the second half including one new face in former Fulham youngster defender Bradley de Jesus, and the game petered out in to a draw.

First half

Defenders Joy Mukena and Dan Ellison were both handed starts by manager Billy Rowley who started with striker Stephen Walker alongside fellow attackers Luke McCormick and Johl Powell.

There was no much to write home about in the opening 20 minutes as Farnham quickly made it clear they were looking to contain the visitors and hit them on the break as Yeovil dominated possession in the opening exchanges. An early long range effort from Brett McGavin and then an attempt to loft the ball over James Shaw in the Farnham goal were about as close as either side got to threatening.

When Yeovil were awarded a free-kick slightly to the left of goal and fully 30 yards out, there was only one man who was taking it. Brett McGAVIN range is Brett McGavin range. The midfielder stepped up and bent a(nother) beautiful set-piece in to the corner of the net after 24 minutes. Did anyone doubt he could?

McCormick tried to goal one better with ten minutes of the first half remaining when he tried an audacious scissor kick from a Johl Powell cross. Unfortunately, the Glovers’ captain could not find a connection. Five minutes later, Powell curled one just past the post with Yeovil thoroughly in control and pressing for a second goal as the game pressed towards half-time.

Half-time: Farnham Town 0 Yeovil Town 1

Second half

Within three minutes of the second half starting, Farnham levelled after Trae Appiah-Cook tricked his was past Dan Ellison and got a cross in which found Sam EVANS who got enough on it to turn it in to the net. The hosts had been looking to hit Yeovil on the counter attack in the first half and right at the start of the second half, they did it.

Just before the the hour mark, James Daly replaced McCormick and Joe Gubbins replaced Mukena before the hosts made a number of changes bringing on five new faces including the experienced midfielder Sam Hutchinson and striker Rakish Bingham.

Bingham almost made an immediate impact when he tried a spectacular chip after Yeovil give up possession, fortunately it goes just wide. Stephen Walker pulled an effort just wide before a flurry of substitutions after 68 minutes.

The new arrivals included ex-Arsenal academy defender William Lannin-Sweet or Will Sweet, depending how formal you want to be, and an unknown face. In his post-match interview, manager Billy Rowley revealed him to be ex-Fulham defender, Bradley de Jesus. To read what Rowley said about the former Portugal youth international – click here.

The 20-year-old was released by the Premier League club after a decade when his contract expired this summer. He joined the academy at Craven Cottage at under-12s level before going on to sign a professional contract in 2024 and played regularly for them at Under-21s level in Premier League B but did not make a first-team appearance.

Trialist Bradley de Jesus departs the pitch following a pre-match warm-up at Farnham. Picture courtesy of Jayden Tate | Tate’s Photography.

Other than Bingham’s audacious effort there was not a huge amount to worry Yeovil goalkeeper Jos Barker, a fairly even affair but probably did not take the chances we created when we were on top in the first half.

Full time: Farnham Town 1 Yeovil Town 1

Teams:

First half – Yeovil Town: Jos Barker, Loick Ayina (for Jack Kingdon, 68), Joy Mukena (for Joe Gubbins, 56), Dan Ellison (for Jordan Norville-Williams, 68), Archie Davies (for Trialist B/William Lannin-Sweet, 68), Mason Obeng (for Trialist A, 68), Zain Westbrooke (for Hayden Muller, 68), Brett McGavin, Johl Powell (for Ryan Jones, 68), Luke McCormick (for James Daly, 56), Stephen Walker (for Slavi Spasov, 68).

Farnham Town: James Shaw (for Michael Eacott, 60), Kai Tanner, Ryan Kinnane, Dan Bayliss (for Jack Dean, 11), Trialist A, Tom Leggett, Billy Clifford (for Darryl Sanders, 60), Trae Cook-Appiah, Owen Dean (for Bobby-Joe Taylor, 60), Miles Obodo (for Sam Hutchinson, 60), Sam Evans (for Rakish Bingham, 60).

Substitutes: Brandon Mason, Erion Zabelli.

Scorers: Brett McGavin 24 (1-0), Sam Evans 48 (1-1)

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An early goal from striker Stephen Walker earned Yeovil Town a win in their first pre-season friendly at Huish Park on a warm Saturday afternoon.

The frontman, who took his tally to three goals in his three friendly appearances, curled home a beautiful strike with just two minutes on the clock in front of a crowd of 772 in the Somerset sunshine.

There were some impressive attacking moves from the Glovers throughout the performance with Ryan Jones looking particularly effective with many of the starting line-up given an hour rather than the wholesale changes we have seen in the opening two friendlies.

In keeping with pre-season tradition, there was an appearance from three trialists including former Arsenal academy defender William Lannin-Sweet, Bristol Rovers academy player Kian Hill and a new face in Brentford B attacker Kyrie Pierre, who played down the left side for the final 30 minutes.

First half

The Glovers, wearing their new pink away shirt despite being at home, started with a full complement of permanent players – with the exception of loanee defender Loick Ayina, who on loan from Salford City until the end of the season – with trialists left on the substitutes’ bench. Read more about the team news – here.

The game did not take too long to warm up on the pitch with Stephen WALKER opening the scoring with the Glovers’ first attack. Brett McGavin won the ball fed Ryan Jones who picked out the striker and he curled home his third goal of pre-season with a beautiful effort after just two minutes.

Yeovil Town celebrate Stephen Walker’s goal against Cardiff City Under-21s.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz

Mason Obeng tried to get in on the act two minutes later as the winger made a driving run before trying a low effort which went just wide. A bright start in their first pre-season outing in front of their own supporters from the Glovers.

On 16 minutes, Archie Davies went on a run from inside his own half and made it in to the Cardiff area and found Walker inside the six-yard box, but his effort came off the post but was cleared away. We look strong in wide positions with Obeng and Jones particularly dangerous and that was a sign of what Davies can do going down the right side.

There was another good run from Davies shortly after the first half hydration break which led to Obeng’s effort being tipped wide for a corner which Loick Ayina headed wide with 28 minutes on the clock.

On 34 minutes, Luke McCormick pushed forward and had a deflected effort turned wide by visiting keeper Jake Dennis and Walker had the ball in the net four minutes later, but was denied by an offside flag. McCormick tried a audacious long range effort after spotting Dennis off his line, but he was a couple of feet over the bar and the ball landed on the top of the net.

Cardiff’s first chance fell to Roko Simic with five minutes of the half remaining when some sloppy Yeovil defending from gifted the young Croatian the opportunity who did not enough contact on it, before McGavin’s free-kick was pushed behind by Dennis. Good save.

Half-time: Yeovil Town 1 Cardiff City Under-21s 0

Second half

There were only two changes for Yeovil at half-time rather than the entire change of eleven we have seen in the previous two friendlies. Johl Powell and Slavi Spasov replaced Luke McCormick and goal-scorer Stephen Walker for the second half with Westbrooke taking the captain’s armband from McCormick.

Five minutes after the restart, a beautiful passage of passing from Yeovil saw Jones and Davies link up well for the latter to get a cross which picked out Spasov inside the box, but the summer signing could not get the ball under control. Two minutes later, Jones curled an effort just wide. A bright start for the Glovers.

Goalkeeper Jos Barker, playing his first second half minutes since arriving in pre-season, made a great save with his legs to deny Mannie Barton after a swift break from Cardiff. Powell broke away down the right soon after and found Jones who put it just wide and then (yet) another burst forward from Jones squared it to McGavin on the stretch but his effort was straight at Dennis in the Bluebirds’ goal.

Brett McGavin fires in a shot. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz

On the hour mark the wholesale changes usually reserved for half-time came from Yeovil boss Billy Rowley with only keeper Jos Barker, defender Joe Gubbins and midfielder Zain Westbrooke remaining from the starting XI, the revised line-up is:

Jos Barker, Hayden Muller, Jack Kingdon, Joe Gubbins, Dan Ellison, Zain Westbrooke, Johl Powell, Slavi Spasov, Kian Hill (Trialist A), William Lannin-Sweet (Trialist B), Kyrie Pierre (Trialist C).

Pierre, described as “an attacker” by his parent club Premier League Brentford, played down the left wing. He joined the Bees from Aston Villa last summer on a free transfer and played for them in the Premier League 2 last season.

There were a raft of changes from Cardiff and one of them, Hayden Allmark, was denied by a good stop from Barker after 67 minutes and a hydration break which followed saw Gubbins replaced by Joy Mukena.

On 74 minutes, Spasov found Powell whose effort went just wide before Barker was called in to action to keep out substitute Gabriel Keita with ten minutes remaining.

Full time: Yeovil Town 1 Cardiff City Under-21s 0

Teams:

First half – Yeovil Town: Jos Barker, Jordan Norville-Williams, Loick Ayina, Archie Davies, Joe Gubbins, Brett McGavin, Zain Westbrooke, Ryan Jones, Mason Obeng, Luke McCormick (for Johl Powell, 46), Stephen Walker (for Slavi Spasov, 46).

60 minutes – Yeovil Town: Jos Barker, Hayden Muller, Jack Kingdon, Joe Gubbins (for Joy Mukena, 70), Dan Ellison, Zain Westbrooke, Johl Powell, Slavi Spasov, Kian Hill (Trialist A), William Lannin-Sweet (Trialist B), Kyrie Pierre (Trialist C).

Cardiff City Under-21s: Jake Dennis, Charlie O’Brien (for Caden Voice, 77), Jesper Daland (for Alyas Debono, 46), Thierry Katsukunya (for Gabriel Keita, 77), Luey Giles (for Logan Cartwright, 77), Issac Davies (for Hayden Allmark, 62), Trey George (for Tiger Tobin, 77), Troy Perrett (for Ellis Yorke, 77), Mannie Barton (for Mannie Barton, 77), Herbie James (for Jake Davies, 46), Roko Simic (for Dan Ola, 46).

Scorers: Stephen Walker 2 (1-0)
Attendance: 772

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Second half goals from summer signings Mason Obeng and a Stephen Walker penalty cancelled out a brace from old boy Sam Pearson to earn Yeovil Town a draw against National League North side Merthyr Town on Tuesday night.

The Glovers were undone by nearly identical goals with two former players, midfielder Jacob Maddox and Pearson, combining to put the hosts ahead on the stroke of half-time before doubling the advantage on the hour mark.

But, with the visitors’ XI change completely at half-time, fresh legs began to tell in the second half with the impressive Obeng reducing the advantage with a fine finish before trialist Kian Hill, the Bristol Rovers academy player, was brought down inside the box with ten minutes remaining and Walker stepped up to convert from the spot.

The trialists on display in South Wales were three of the four which we saw in the victory at Melksham, namely:

Trialist D – Kian Hill, a product of the Bristol Rovers academy who featured in the second half at the weekend, started at Merthyr and then came on again late in the second half to win the late penalty.

Trialist A – Jonathon Page, the midfielder who had an injury-plagued spell at Huish Park last season, appeared in the second half.

Trialist B – former Arsenal academy defender William Lannin-Sweet who was among the changes at half-time.

There was no place for Trialist C, experienced striker Rhys Healey, who went off with what looked like a knee injury at Melksham and was not risked on an artificial pitch at Penydarren Park. We will see if he re-appears when Cardiff City Under-23s come to Huish Park for the next friendly on Saturday.

First half

On a glorious night in South Wales, Yeovil shuffled the pack from the starting XI which began the 4-1 win at Melksham Town in the opening friendly on Saturday. Defenders Jack Kingdon and Loick Ayina, midfielders Johl Powell and Hayden Muller and striker Slavi Spasov all started alongside Bristol Rovers’ youngster Kian Hill, going under the codename ‘Trialist D’.

There were also plenty of familiar faces in the Merthyr line up with former Glovers Jay Foulston, Sam Pearson and Jacob Maddox all starting for the home side.

The first meaningful opportunity for either side fell to Luke McCormick who tried to catch out the Martyrs’ keeper Jaimie Cogman with a quick direct effort on 20 minutes and Pearson forced Jos Barker in to a save just before the half-hour mark and the winger flashed another effort wide a couple of minutes later.

Sam Pearson takes on Johl Powell Picture courtesy of FMJ Sporting Visuals

Hill/Trialist D came off with 32 minutes on the clock, replaced by Ryan Jones and then five minutes later it was McCormick who was replaced by Jonathon Page, aka Trialist A. Zain Westbrooke took the armband and it appears nothing more than protecting the star midfielder who missed a chunk of the end of last season with a groin injury on a very dry artificial surface.

With five minutes of the first half remaining, Kane Simpson hit an effort just wide and moments later Johl Powell burst through and forced a good stop from Cogman. No shortage of chances for both sides here.

But it took until the stroke of half-time for the deadlock to be broken and, no surprise, it was one of the former Glovers. In fact it was two who combined, midfielder Jacob Maddox caught Yeovil in possession on the halfway line and fed a well-timed pass through to Sam PEARSON who finished well for his first Merthyr goal.

Half-time: Merthyr Town 1 Yeovil Town 0

Second half

There was another shake-up of the starting XI with only trialist Jonathon Page remaining from the side which ended the first half for the Glovers. One of the new arrivals Mason Obeng showed his intent within five minutes of the restart as he got past the Merthyr defence and curled an effort which Cogman pushed behind for a corner.

Johl Powell went close soon after before Will Spiers caught trialist William Lannin-Sweet napping and his half-volley was tipped over the bar by goalkeeping coach Matt Gould, who was on Jos Barker at the interval.

But, on the hour mark the visitors created an repeat of the goal at the end of the first half to double the advantage. It was from a Yeovil attack and there was a lot of space down the left side for Maddox to feed Sam PEARSON and the Welshman coolly finished past Gould. The goal was against the run of play with Yeovil having started the half the stronger, but perhaps a sign of a defensive unit getting to know each other for the visitors.

Merthyr made a flurry of substitutions just after doubling their advantage making five changes before both Pearson and Maddox departed in separate changes.

Mason Obeng celebrated his goal with trialist Kian Hill
Picture courtesy of FMJ Sporting Visuals

With 71 minutes played, Yeovil pulled a goal back. A  great move down the right with Ryan Jones making a beautiful driving run and picking out Mason OBENG who shot first time to put a beautiful curling effort in. Great move, great finish, that was what the visitors have been trying to do all night.

Eight minutes later, the Glovers were awarded a penalty after Kian Hill, who appeared to have snuck back on to the pitch without even the club’s social media noticing (got to love pre-season!), found himself inside the Merthyr area and was brought down inside the box. Stephen WALKER stepped up and fired it straight down the middle with Cogman diving.

The home team had the better of the first half, but the changes in both teams just after the hour mark saw Yeovil make the most of their fresh legs.

Full time: Merthyr Town 2 Yeovil Town 2

Teams:

First half – Yeovil Town:Jos Barker, Jack Kingdon, Loick Ayina, Hayden Muller, Jordan Norville-Williams, Zain Westbrooke, Johl Powell, James Daly, Kian Hill (for Ryan Jones, 32), Luke McCormick (for Jonathon Page, 37), Slavi Spasov.

Second half – Yeovil Town: Matt Gould, Dan Ellison, William Lannin-Sweet, Joe Gubbins, Archie Davies, Brett McGavin, Jonathon Page, Ryan Jones, Johl Powell (for Kian Hill, ??), Mason Obeng, Stephen Walker.

Merthyr Town: Jaimie Cogman, Callum Ryan-Phillips (for Matthew Harris, 62), Jay Foulston, Aneurin Livermore (for Trialist 2, 62), Ben Margetson (for Jay Williams, 62), Jacob Maddox (for Charlie Caswell, 73), Kane Simpson, Sam Pearson (for Trialist 1, 68), Jack Evans, Kian Evans (for Morgan Wigley, 62), Jamie Spiers (for Lee Lucas, 62), .

Scorers: Sam Pearson 45 (0-1), Sam Pearson 60 (0-2), Mason Obeng 71 (1-2), Stephen Walker pen 79 (2-2)

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A first half double from midfielder Luke McCormick and a first goal for striker Stephen Walker saw Yeovil Town start their pre-season campaign with a win at Melksham Town on Saturday.

McCormick, who wore the captain’s armband, gave the Glovers the lead after just nine minutes before the home side pulled level just two minutes later before Walker made it 3-1 before the break.

There was the traditional full change to the starting XI for the second half and midfielder Brett McGavin fired in a trademark free-kick with 75 minutes gone to complete the scoring.

Another pre-season tradition saw a game of ‘Guess the Trialist’ with those turning out for Yeovil understood to be:

  • Jonathon Page (Trialist A) – the midfielder who has been pre-season training with the Glovers having been released at the end of last season.
  • William Lannin-Sweet (Trialist B) – an Arsenal academy defender who came on when Joy Mukena went off injured in the first half.
  • Rhys Healey (Trialist C) – an experienced striker who has suffered with injury in a career which has seen him play for the likes of Cardiff City, MK Dons and Huddersfield Town.
  • Kian Hill (Trialist D) – a youngster from Bristol Rovers who appeared late in the game after Healey took a knock.

First half

The starting XI saw six of the new summer signings given their first outings in green-and-white with goalkeeper Jos Barker, defenders Jordan Norville-Williams, Archie Davies and Salford City loanee Loick Ayina, midfielder Zain Westbrooke and striker Stephen Walker all in the line-up. Midfielder Jonathon Page, who was released at the end of last season having been signed in the middle of the campaign, returned under the name Trialist A.

First half action from Melksham Town. Picture courtesy of Rob Manley.

The Glovers began with a back three of Norville-Williams, Joy Mukena, and Ayina with James Daly at left wing-back and Archie Davies at right wing-back, a midfield of Zain Westbrooke and Trialist A/Page with Luke McCormick, who took the captain’s armband, and Ryan Jones in behind Walker.

Norville-Williams was in the heart of the action as Yeovil took the lead after just nine minutes. The wing-back burst down the left side and cut it back to Luke McCORMICK who fired home the opener, but that lead lasted just two minutes as the home side levelled when Dan McBEAM scored the equaliser.

In the 22nd minute, Ryan Jones showed he is aiming to start the new campaign in the same way he finished the last with some great touches to break in to the box and force a good save from Melksham keeper Adam Forster. A minute later the referee called a World Cup-style hydration break with temperatures topping 30 degrees in Wiltshire.

When play restarted Joy Mukena came off with a knock and was replaced by Trialist B, believed to be Arsenal academy defender William Lannin-Sweet, and moments later Yeovil were back in front. Stephen WALKER found his way through the Melksham and fired home an instinctive striker’s finish to bag his first goal for his new club with 29 minutes on the clock.

Norville-Williams was in the heart of the action again on 34 minutes setting up McCormick to pull an effort just past the post before Westbrooke became the first Glover to pick up a booking in pre-season with five minutes of the first half remaining. Do refs even do bookings in pre-season? It appears so.

McCormick had the ball in the back of the net with 42 minutes played when he latched on to a ball over the top and lifted the ball in to the net, but could not beat the offside trap. Luke McCORMICK did get his second just before half time when he headed home a Ryan Jones free-kick to make it a 3-1 lead at half-time.

Half-time: Melksham Town 1 Yeovil Town 3

Second half

There was an entire change of personnel for the start of the second half with only Trialist B/Lannin-Sweet remaining from the team which finished the first half. with defenders Jack Kingdon and Joe Gubbins, the versatile Hayden Muller in midfielder and forwards Johl Powell, Mason Obeng and Slavi Spasov all getting their first outings.

Trialist C, former Cardiff City, MK Dons and Huddersfield Town striker Rhys Healey, who has been spotted training with the Glovers, was also in the starter line up and had a great chance to add to the advantage within four minutes of the restart. He met Brett McGavin’s free-kick with a header which was cleared off the line before Joe Gubbins tried to connect with the rebound before it was cleared by Melksham.

On 63 minutes, a great ball from McGavin found Mason Obeng who charged down the left and side and picked out Johl Powell barrelling in to the box, but it was blocked and landed in the hands of Forster in the Melksham goal.

The hydration break midway through the second half saw Healey receive some treatment to an injury he sustained in an earlier altercation. The 31-year-old has a history of injury

With 15 minutes remaining, Brett McGAVIN curled home a trademark free-kick to make it 4-1. Despite the number of goals this half compared with the first, Yeovil have undoubtedly been in charge of this half with both Powell and Obeng impressing in particular.

Healey was replaced with the game with a minute of normal time remaining, replaced by Trialist D, understood to be Bristol Rovers youngster Kian Hill.

Full time: Melksham Town 1 Yeovil Town 4

Teams:

First half – Yeovil Town: Jos Barker, Jordan Norville-Williams, Joy Mukena (for William Lannin-Sweet, 26), Loick Ayina, Archie Davies, Zain Westbrooke, Jonathon Page (Trialist A), Luke McCormick, James Daly, Ryan Jones, Stephen Walker.

Second half – Yeovil Town: Matt Gould, Jack Kingdon, Joe Gubbins, William Lannin-Sweet (Trialist B), Dan Ellison, Hayden Muller, Brett McGavin, Johl Powell, Mason Obeng, Slavi Spasov, Rhys Healey (Trialist C) (for Kian Hill/Trialist D, 89).

Melksham Town: Adam Forster, Jack Carter, Wayne Nderemani, Archie Milne, Alex Hallett, Dave Thompson, Kyle Witt, Max Williams, James Ollis, Dan McBeam, Kitan Jaiyeoba.

Scorers: Luke McCormick 9 (1-0), Dan McBeam 11 (1-1), Stephen Walker 29 (2-1), Luke McCormick 45 (3-1), Brett McGavin 75 (4-1)

Attendance: 683

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Yeovil Town lost their final game of the season in a frantic opening 45 minutes, with Solihull Moors winning 4-1 at Huish Park. A brace from Jacob Wakeling, Scott High and Joe Sbarra were punctuated by a consolation from Terrell Works, leaving the Glovers shell-shocked going into half-time.

Yeovil came out in the second half and huffed and puffed, but the visitors sat deep and held firm, leaving the half-time decimation as the full-time result.

First half

Both sides came flying out the blocks from kickoff, as Ryan Jones drove centrally from the right hand side, firing off a shot in space from outside the box that stung the palms of Laurie Walker. The resulting corner didn’t come to much, and from the counter-attack, Solihull Moors took the lead just 90 seconds courtesy of Jacob WAKELING striking from outside the box.

Solihull almost made it two following the goal, forcing a good stop down low from Jed Ward just six minutes into the game, before Yeovil started to settle into the game after a frantic opening 10 minutes.

13 minutes in, and it was two, as Scott HIGH burst through the defensive line to strike from the right hand side – despite the best efforts of Jed Ward, who got a hand to the shot, it left Yeovil with a mountain to climb.

Three minutes later, it was three. Solihull carved through the makeshift Yeovil defence with ease, as Jacob WAKELING bagged his second, and Solihull’s third of the game, with a low strike into the bottom right hand corner.

Finally, Yeovil managed to make themselves a couple of chances, with shots from Will Merry and Terrell Works being saved and blocked respectively.

25 minutes in, and Yeovil forced another corner out of Laurie Walker, as Will Merry drove inside from the left hand side and fired a shot towards the bottom left hand corner. Page and Works almost linked up following the corner being cleared, but a foul was called and a drink’s break took place.

Following the break, Yeovil got one back, as a long ball down the right hand side found Terrell WORKS – he cut past two Solihull defenders and stuck the ball in the left side of the goal to pick up his fourth goal in green and white.

Solihull almost restored their three goal lead soon after kickoff, as a brilliant cross from Oscar Rutherford found the head of a Solihull man, but their header went just wide of the post.

36 minutes in, and it was four – a ball over the top of the Yeovil defence allowed Joe SBARRA through on goal in a one-on-one with Jonathon Page, his shot was well-taken, finding the bottom right corner to reset the lead to three.

Dakarai Mafico was then forced off with an injury, being replaced by Harvey Greenslade, marking the end of his loan spell with Yeovil – best of luck with whatever you do next Dakarai!

Just after the six additional minutes had been announced, Ryan Jones hit another fierce shot from the edge of the box, but the knuckle on the ball caused it to lift and whizz over the bar. Half-time finally arrived, with a smattering of boos met the players as they left the field.

Half time: Yeovil Town 1 Solihull Moors 4

Second half

Right from kickoff, Yeovil looked to press high, and were almost rewarded for doing so as Terrell Works closed down a clearance from Cox; he got the ball to James Daly who got the ball to Page. Nobody looked willing to take the shot but Perrett let fly from the edge of the box, being blocked.
Moments later, Solihull Moors made a triple substitution, including an unforced goalkeeper swap. Will Merry then drove hard from the left hand side shortly after, his shot being closed down and put behind for a corner.
Around the hour mark, both Terrell Works and Dan Ellison found their way into the referee’s book for preventing counter-attacks for Solihull, as well as Brett McGavin unleashing a shot from distance; however it landed comfortably at the feet of sub ‘keeper Will O’Sullivan.
Harvey Greenslade had the next chance for Yeovil, as a good high ball found him on the edge of the box, but his shot blazed over the Thatchers Terrace – not one for the highlight reel.
A couple of minutes later, and it was Terrell Works once more on the run, dancing through the defence and firing from the left side of the six yard box, but O’Sullivan got down well and saved with his legs. Yeovil’s momentum was disrupted soon after, as Scott High limped off with injury, being replaced by Solihull stalwart Jamey Osborne.
Another shot for Greenslade was closer, but still high over the bar from the left side of the box, as Yeovil were unable to get that extra yard of space they needed to shoot centrally.
Further chances came for Yeovil, as Solihull were quite happy to sit deep and let the Glovers attack. Harvey Greenslade cut inside with a nice heel chop, leaving Oli Tipton in a heap on the floor but his shot was blocked for a corner, and Will Merry drove into the box soon after, but his shot trickled just wide of the right post.
The end-of-school feeling was in true force at Huish Park, as Matt Gould made his league debut for Yeovil as the 90 minute mark hit; Alex Whittle also made a late appearance from the bench.

Full time: Yeovil Town 1 Solihull Moors 4

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Date: Saturday 25th April, 12.30pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Jacob Wakeling 2, 16 (0-1, 0-3), Scott High 13 (0-2), Terrell Works 30 (1-3), Joe Sbarra 36 (1-4)

Pitch: Beautiful!
Conditions: Brilliant blue skies and a light breeze

Attendance: 3043 (80 away supporters)

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Terrell Works 58, Dan Ellison 61, Brett McGavin 90+3
Solihull Moors: Fin Howell 86

Referee: Andrew Humphries

Yeovil Town

Substitutes: Matt Gould (for Jed Ward, 90), Joy Mukena, Alex Whittle (for Dan Ellison, 90), Jake Wannell (for Terrell Works, 79), Harvey Greenslade (for Dakarai Mafico, 41), Ollie Hughes, Jaydon Biss

Solihull Moors: Laurie Walker (for Will O’Sullivan, 46), Alex Whitmore, Tobi Sho-Silva (for Fin Howell, 75), Ben Worman (for Callum McFarlane, 46), Darius Lipsiuc, Dan Cox, Scott High (for Jamey Osborne, 71), Oli Tipton, Jacob Wakeling, Oscar Rutherford, Joe Sbarra (for Kian Ryley, 46)

Substitutes (not used): Charlie Watts

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Yeovil Town lost their final away game of the season 3-0 to York City, who thought they had the league wrapped up at the LNER Community Stadium.

Here’s how things fared in North Yorkshire.

First half

Within the opening five minutes, York carved out two chances with Ollie Pearce going close and then Josh Stones stinging the palms of Jed Ward.

The front two harried the Yeovil back line throughout the opening 15 minutes with Stones a physical presence. He picked up a yellow card in the 18th minute for a over-zealous tackle on Dakarai Mafico.

Josh Stones on the turn inside the opening stages.

With 23 minutes played the inevitable happened as the visitors’ defence switched off from a quick throw in and Ollie PEARCE popped up with a header for his customary goal against Yeovil. Controversial though as replays appear to show there were two balls on the pitch just before the ball hit the net.

Ten minutes later, an error from Mafico almost gifted York a second as Malachi Fagan-Walcott tried to showboat inside the area, giving Yeovil the opportunity to clear.

There was a period as the game progressed we at least had a spell of pressure but, aside from a corner thanks to the efforts of James Daly, it did not lead to much. A hush fell around the LNER Community Stadium – which was pretty quiet as it was – as news of title rivals Rochdale taking the lead at Braintree Town filtered through.

But with two minutes remaining until half-time, they were back on their feet as Josh STONES doubled their lead. Unsurprisingly it was all about the power and persistence as he thumped home a second.

Half time: York City 2 Yeovil Town 0

Second half

If the task was not great enough, it got tougher as both Mafico and Delano McCoy-Splatt were withdrawn replaced by Harvey Greenslade and the lesser spotted Jonathon Page.
The first chance of the second half actually fell to Yeovil with Troy Perrett firing over the bar with two minutes gone.
But, with 52 minutes on the clock Jed Ward had the opportunity to show the television cameras what an excellent keeper he is. First making a great stop to push away an effort from Banks and then an even better one to keep out the rebound effort from Stones.
York defender Mark Kitching put an effort in to the side netting on the hour mark before Ward did well to deny another effort from Stones with his feet. Going the other way, Will Merry was against a bright spark down the left side. I like that his first instinct is to go forward whenever he gets the ball.
Will Merry on the attack
As the game pressed towards its conclusion, York brought on four substitutes with quality additions including Joe Grey and Greg Olley coming.
With two minutes of normal time, the previously silent (we’ll put it down to nerves) home support exploded in to life as news came from Braintree that they had pulled level against Rochdale. The title was coming to Yorkshire.
Two minutes in to second half stoppage Joe GREY curled home a third to add to the fervour inside the stadium.
The final whistle sounded with the home crowd waiting expectantly for the final whistle to sound a Braintree – only to hear that Rochdale had got a winner in the ninth minute of stoppage time. The title will be decided next Saturday when the two meet for a winner takes all tie.

Full time: York City 3 Yeovil Town 0

Match Details

Venue: LNER Community Stadium
Date: Saturday 18th April, 5.30pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Ollie Pearce 23 (0-1), Josh Stones 42 (0-2), Joe Grey 90+2 (0-3)

Pitch: Overall good despite the funny blue lines
Conditions: A beautiful Spring day

Attendance: 8219 (209 away supporters)

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Dan Ellison 58
York City: Josh Stones 18, Hiram Boateng 76

Referee: Darren Drysdale

Yeovil Town

Substitutes: Jonathon Page (for Dakarai Mafico, 46), Harvey Greenslade (for Delano McCoy-Splatt, 46), Jaydon Biss (not used), Ollie Hughes (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

York City: Harrison Male, Ollie Banks, Hiram Boateng, Ben Brookes, Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Alex Hunt, Zack Johnson, Jeff King, Mark Kitching, Ollie Pearce, Josh Stones.

Substitutes (not used): Daniel Batty, Ryan Fallowfield, Joe Grey, Callum Howe, Alex Newby, Greg Olley, George Sykes-Kenworthy.

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A slow-burning Yeovil Town worked hard against play-off outsiders FC Halifax Town in what ultimately finished as a goalless draw at Huish Park.

There were no goals in a dull first half, with Jed Ward being called upon just the once to make a good save from Jay Turner-Cooke in an otherwise uninspiring display from both sides.

The second half brought more joy for the Glovers, as narrow misses from James Daly, Brett McGavin and Ryan Jones couldn’t quite get that important breakthrough for the home side. Halifax had good moments themselves, in a pretty even contest that Yeovil will be the happier of the two sides after the full time whistle.

First half

Before the teams had even walked out, there was a change to the starting XI for Billy Rowley, as Kyle Ferguson went down during the warm-up with an injury; his absence paved the way for Harvey Greenslade to retain his starting spot from the defeat at Eastleigh on Easter Monday.

Goalmouth action from Halifax. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

It was Halifax who took kickoff, headed towards the Thatchers Terrace to begin proceedings. The Shaymen had the better of the opening minutes as well, but Yeovil stood firm before settling into the game themselves.

It was a slow start, with the first shot of the game coming 14 minutes into the game. Jay Turner-Cooke took the ball on the turn, found himself in space and let fly from all of 25 yards out, but his shot sailed into the Thatchers terrace.

A few minutes later, following a succession of soft fouls called against Yeovil, the visitors showed what they could do if Yeovil’s attention dropped off – an incisive ball from Turner-Cooke found the on-running Crowe, but his cross was cleared by Dan Ellison before a Halifax boot could find it. Soon after, an Adam Hmami shot was blocked and landed safely in the arms of Jed Ward.

Yeovil’s first real chance of the game came 25 minutes in, as a steady passage of play helped Yeovil creep towards the Halifax box; a delightful ball from Delano McCoy-Splatt found the run of Harvey Greenslade, who played the ball across the box to James Daly, his shot was blocked but the linesman had raised his flag for an offside anyways…

Ten minutes later, another chance came, as Terrell Works successfully pick-pocketed Jevon Mills, charged towards goal and curled a shot just wide of the top corner from the edge of the box.

From the resulting goal-kick, Halifax went down the other end and won themselves a corner thanks to a solid effort from Adam Hmami; his shot took a deflection off of Finn Cousin-Dawson. The corner was taken short, finding Jay Turner-Cooke on the edge of the box, his curling effort was destined for the top right hand corner if not for the strong hand of Jed Ward.

Aside from a dangerous looking cross from Dylan Crowe being cleared, there was little to mention from the rest of the half following two additional minutes, with both sides going into half-time goalless and looking toothless.

Half time: Yeovil Town 0 FC Halifax Town 0

Second half

No changes for either side following the resumption of play, with Yeovil coming out the better of the two teams in the opening minutes.

A good bit of linkup between James Daly and Will Merry forced Halifax midfielder Cody Johnson to stick a foot in to trip the Southampton loanee, earning the Glovers a free kick and Johnson a spot in the referee’s book. The free-kick was just about dealt with by Halifax, forcing a corner which eventually fizzled into nothing of note.

Another free kick followed soon after, as Daly battled off three or four visiting players before eventually winning the free kick in Brett McGavin territory. His hit whizzed narrowly past the left post, punctuating a solid opening to the second half for the Glovers.

Terrell Works goes close. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Just before the hour mark, Halifax had a free kick on their left hand side that was headed away by Joy Mukena, marking their first proper adventure into the Yeovil half since the second half began. Soon after, there were more chances for Halifax, shots from Billy Waters and Jay Turner-Cooke not threatening Jed Ward but certainly asking questions of the Yeovil defence.

Both sides looked to threaten each other’s boxes, with limited success before a stoppage in play was called following an injury to Halifax defender Jevon Mills, with both managers taking the opportunity to make changes to their side.

Halifax had arguably the best chance of the game 76 minutes in, as a misplaced pass from Dan Ellison allowed the visitors to push forwards; important defensive work from Ellison himself, and Jonathon Page did just enough to stop the visitors from a clean effort, sparing the blushes of the young number 15.

Yeovil then went down the other end themselves, with Terrell Works almost through on goal – he went to fire off his shot inside the box, but an excellent block from a Halifax defender saved the day for the visitors.

A well-taken free kick at just before the 80 minute mark from Jay Turner-Cooke from 25 yards out almost gave the Shaymen the lead, but it floated just past the post.

Yeovil fought back, with a shot from Harvey Greenslade floating over the bar, and Ryan Jones and Brett McGavin’s shots were blocked. Shortly after, James Daly went down the right hand side on the counter attack, slipped inside the box but recovered in time to get a shot off – he wrong footed Halifax ‘keeper Sam Johnson, but his effort curled just past the post. 

87 minutes in, a long distance effort from Jay Turner-Cooke almost caught Jed Ward off guard, his speculative shot pinging off the top of the bar, piling pressure upon Yeovil’s defence. More solid defensive work went in, as Ellison and McGavin put in good blocks before eventually getting the ball away. James Daly was released by Troy Perrett down the other end, but his shot went narrowly over the bar from inside the box.

Just after the 90 minute mark, Ryan Jones was unleashed on the right hand side, ignoring the calls for a pass into the box, driving to the 18 yard area himself, dancing past his man and curling a low driven shot… wide. Every single person inside Huish Park couldn’t believe it had gone wide, by the narrowest of margins…

Full time: Yeovil Town 0 FC Halifax Town 0

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Date: Saturday 11th April, 3pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: None

Pitch: Green as always
Conditions: Challenging; sunny but very blustery

Attendance: 2,647 (60 away supporters)

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Harvey Greenslade 87
FC Halifax Town: Cody Johnson 53, Will Smith 80

Referee: Rob Massey-Ellis

Yeovil Town

Substitutes: Troy Perrett (for Will Merry, 72), Jonathon Page (for Delano McCoy-Splatt, 72), Jaydon Biss (not used), Liam Nardiello (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

FC Halifax Town: Sam Johnson, Will Hugill (for Billy Waters, 56), Josh Hmami, Will Harris (for Kieron Morris, 82), Will Smith, Jevon Mills (for David Kawa, 72), AJ Warburton (for Owen Bray, 82), Dylan Crowe (for Tom Lavery, 73), Ash Palmer, Jay Turner-Cooke, Cody Johnson

Substitutes (not used): Nathaniel Ford, Florent Hoti