Match Reports

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

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.

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

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.

 

 

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

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)

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

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.

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

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.

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

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)

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

Yeovil Town went within six points of the National League Premier with a 3-0 thrashing of Torquay United, two goals from Jahmari Clarke and one from Jordan Young separated the sides in a feisty encounter in the Somerset sun.

First half

Matt Worthington lost the toss to kick start the Bank Holiday weekend, it meant the Glovers were attacking the Thatchers End first up and the first coming together was just seconds in.

Jordan Young was subject to a tough 50/50 in the opening seconds, a Torquay player seemingly falling on to the winger who needed medical attention and a concussion test.

Young was booked… for getting a headache.

Tom Lapslie gave Charlie Cooper a clattering, and Jude-Boyd earned himself a booking for barging through Morgan Williams… the game barely four minutes old and the Gulls had set their stall out early.

Brad Ash and Jake Wannell tried to swap shirts as a long ball cleared them both, eight minutes on the clock and very little actual football had actually broken out. Cool heads from the Glovers needed, Torquay out to ruffle feathers as much as play football.

It took as much as 11 minutes before some football happened, ironically, from a free kick too, Torquay lofted the ball into the box, Jake Wannell dealt with the first ball before Joe Day took care of the rest.

Torquay found themselves into the attack with 15 minutes gone, but their move down the right was thwarted.

The Glovers quickly countered with Charlie Cooper who played the ball right to Brooklyn Genesini, his cross was just out of reach of the on rushing Jordan Stevens, the first glimpse of the attacking YTFC we’d all been hoping for.

Cooper gave away a free kick in the right back area with less than a quarter of the game gone, the ball, whipped in right footed never troubling anyone other than the away fans in the open terrace.

The Glovers were comfortable in possession, Frank Nouble popping up on both sides of the pitch trying to get the game going. 

Jahmari Clarke, who hadn’t really got much of a touch was finally in the game on 20 minutes, he got on the end of a long ball forward from Morgan Williams, but Clarke’s knock down couldn’t quite find Nouble in a good position.

Nouble, a former Torquay man, was proving instrumental. The referee played an excellent advantage when Cooper was clattered in the Glovers’ area with Nouble and Young linking up down the right hand side, the ball squirmed away, but shortly found its way to Clarke.

Clarke wound up a shot from distance… it might still be in orbit… do let us know if you see it.

More scrappy football in the middle, more unpunished Torquay challenges and more lumped balls forward from the visitors, finally lead to Austen Booth being given a booking for a rugby tackle on Clarke. 

Some lovely football between Genesini and Young led to the ball falling to Matt Worthington on the edge of the box, his shot was deflected wide and Young’s corner evaded everyone.

Yeovil were started to up the ante, Frank Nouble twisted and turned into a shooting position but his effort was blocked, Nouble then laid the ball right to Genesini who saw the headlines as his shot rose just too high.

Clarke and Stevens were next to team up down the left hand side, Stevens’ cross couldn’t find a green shirt.

No sooner did that happen did Torquay find themselves with their first sight at goal, but Brad Ash was muscled away from goal by Morgan Williams as Joe Day mopped up the ball.

Brad Ash had another flop about on the floor to win a free kick with just shy of 45 minutes on the clock, the resulting free kick was almost misjudged by Jay Foulston, who ended up flicking the ball out for a corner.

Brett McGavin’s looping header causing no danger for Joe Day.

The final five minutes became quite breathless with both sides making opportunities, Morgan Williams stretching to clear a cross, Jake Wannell breaking out some yoga move to stop an attack whilst Frank Nouble and Jordan Stevens was causing havoc.

Charlie Cooper benefitted from a great run from Stevens, his shot was blocked but fell nicely to Jahmari CLARKE who tapped home into an open net.

1-0 to the Glovers!

Jahmari Clarke opens the scoring – Pic Gary Brown

Yeovil weren’t switched on from the restart though and Tom Lapslie was inches away from equalising, Joe Day managing to get enough on Stobbs’ cross to force a corner. Nothing came from the resulting set piece. 

The scrappiness continued – Brad Ash scuffed a shot goalwards after Charlie Cooper was bundled off the ball. 

Genesini continued to find space down the right hand side, he and Nouble combined to whip a ball in, but Jordan Stevens couldn’t rise highest.

The visitors fizzed a shot wide as the game entered four minutes of added on time in the first half, 

It was feisty, scrappy, at times a little naughty, but the half ended with the Glovers a goal to the good… and Jake Wannell rattling the Torquay players.

Half time: Yeovil Town 1 Torquay United 0
Second half

No changes by either side at the break, but the visitors had started with a new formation, a more traditional back four and a two-man front line.

Torquay started the game in the ascendancy, a throw in found it’s way to Ash in the box, but his effort was never going to trouble anyone as the ball trickled out.

Yeovil’s first attack was once again the product of a smooth passage of play down the right hand side, Genesini and Young combined to earn a number of attacking throw ins, one of which found it’s way to Frank Nouble who’s smashed cross went right across goal.

The Glovers were back in possession soon enough, the Jordans were teaming up on the edge of the box, and it was Stevens who had the chance to fire a cross in, but Clarke couldn’t quite get to the ball ahead of the visitors goalkeeper.

Torquay, to their credit, were playing some football this half and Boyd’s cross caused a moment of danger, but with the Glovers back on the front foot with Young, Cooper and Genesini all trying to get into the game from an attacking point of view.

Frank Nouble was on a mission, he locked onto a long ball, skipped past another reckless challenge and gets his head up, to see Jordan YOUNG flying towards the edge of the area, his left footed strike cannoning off the bar and into the back of the net to double Yeovil’s advantage.

Huish Park was now rocking, another National League South attendance record announced and every one of them were enjoying their day out in the glorious sunshine.

Jahmari CLARKE was back in the action, a quite sensational turn saw the Reading loanee close down on goal and slot the ball under the on rushing keeper to give the Glovers a third – a really lovely goal – and one that might have prevented him from being taken off, Olly Thomas was ready to come on and had to sit back down!

He got a couple of more minutes before making way for the Bristol City man.

He was soon into the action, causing trouble in the box as Cooper whipped a free kick in, the ball bobbled to Jake Wannell’s left foot, his traction engine of a shot was blocked for a corner.

The corner was defended well, but the Green shirts were all over the ball, possession back with the home side within seconds. 

Thomas and Young were interchanging some very nice passes and Thomas was hauled down by a defender 20 yards from goal… Jordan Young territory.

Apart from the fact that Jake Wannell stood over the ball, not the most likely taker. 
There was a mix up, and another free kick, which was once again set up for Wannell – it didn’t work, move on, let’s not worry about that.

Jordan Stevens was next to try his luck, benefitting from more good work by Olly Thomas, he struck a ball towards towards the top corner, rising just too far.

With 15 minutes gone, Jenkins-Davies was booked for another foul on Charlie Cooper, the possession was once again with the Glovers, the Jordans were causing all kinds of bother with Wannell, Morgan and Day mopping up everything at the other end.

With the clock ticking down, the game had a bit of a lull.

Jordan Young got another clattering, he was replaced by Dylan Morgan with 12 minutes left. 

Olly Thomas was determined to get in on the goal scoring, chasing down lost causes and having a shot blocked with ten minutes to go.

Jake Wannell got booked for slowing the game down – I’m pretty sure a few worse things went unpunished.

Thomas was again causing all kinds of chaos, he nipped into the area down the left hand side, his shot was blocked for a corner, when the slightly better option might have been to find Jordan Stevens in the six yard box.

The resulting corner saw Dylan Morgan have a shot blocked, everyone was in on the act.

At the other end, Archer made progress down the left and fired a shot at goal, Joe Day was well placed, but it was nodded behind by Worthington nonetheless.

Jay Foulston was being treated for a knock, with only six minutes left.

Torquay continued to have  possession in key areas, but set pieces and final balls weren’t causing the Glovers any trouble.

Yeovil were happy to see the game out by this point, winning possession at regular intervals and marshalling the game, 

In a final change, Sonny Blu Lo Everton came on to give Charlie Cooper the chance to put his feet up.

The referee decided SEVEN additional minutes were required, Jake Wannell and Lo Everton were still happy to show their quick feet in the middle of the park, the Glovers were enjoying themselves.

It was some lovely simple passing from the Glovers to finish the game off, the ball moving far more than any Torquay player, both sets of players happy to wait for the ref to blow his whistle, 

Full time: Yeovil Town 3 Torquay United 0

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Date: Friday 29th March, 3:00pm

Competition: National League South

Pitch: Amazing considering the weather
Conditions: Beautiful Sunny Day with showers.

Attendance: 6,462

Scorers: Clarke 39 (1-0), Young 57 (2-0), Clarke 62 (3-0),

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Jordan Young 1,

Torquay Uniteds: Jude-Williams 4, A Booth 26, A Hall 68, J Davies 74.

Referee: Matthew Norton

Yeovil Town

Substitutes: Dylan Morgan (for Young 78), Sonny Blu Lo Everton (for Cooper 89), Sam Pearson, Rhys Murphy, Olly Thomas (for Clarke 65)

Torquay United: M.Halstead, A Jude-Boyd (for Tomlinson 76), T Lapslie (for Ofori-Acheampong), A Booth, A Hall (C), B Ash, B McGavin, W Jenkins-Davies, D Moxey, J Stobbs (for Collins 79), E Archer.
Substitutes (not used): , R Lovett,

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

A first half Frank Nouble goal was enough to get Yeovil Town back to winning ways with a hard-fought win at Braintree Town.

The striker flicked in a near post header to give the visitors a 14th minute lead at a side which had not lost in National League South action since New Year’s Day.

The three points maintain a seven-point advantage at the top of the league after Taunton Town capitulated to defeat to second-placed Chelmsford City.

First half

The kick-off was delayed by the notable absence of Braintree keeper Jack Sims, who disappeared pre-kick-off, only appearing at 3.05pm. <Add reference to non-League here>

The opening 15 minutes were lacking in goalmouth action with Jahmari Clarke having a half chance and a couple of balls in to the Yeovil box, but the first meaningful attempt led to the opening goal. A flicked header from Frank NOUBLE directed the ball past Sims after 14 minutes.

But, at the other end, Shaq Coulthirst spurned a glorious opportunity when he put a point blank header from a Lewis Miccio straight in to the hands of Joe Day with 16 minutes gone.

It took another 20 minutes before there was any meaningful action and that consisted of a ball in to the box by Sonny Blu Lo-Everton and a blocked shot from Charlie Cooper.

At the other end, the clearest cut opportunity fell to Miccio lifted an effort over the bar after Freddie Sears had looked dangerous inside the box.

Half time: Braintree Town 0 Yeovil Town 1


Second half

A cagey start to the second half produced about the same amount of action as the first. On 52 minutes, Aaron Blair took advantage of a loose bit of play by Matt Worthington but lifted his shot over the bar. 

Substitute Jayden Davis fizzed a shot just over the bar  after 57 minutes. 

Olly Thomas replaced Jahmari Clarke with an hour gone and in his first involvement he ran on to a ball forward after a powerful run from the effervescent Nouble.

From then on, there was pressure from the home side but without forcing a meaningful stop out of Day.

On 84 minutes it looked like Yeovil were about to go 2-0 up when a beautiful cross from the left Dylan Morgan found Jordan Young in the middle of the box, seemingly certain to head home. To his credit, Sims pulled off a stunning save to turn the ball over the bar.

Aside from a flurry of bookings for the visitors, there was little to talk about from the final stages of the game, except to say we saw it out.

The final whistle felt massive and even the fact Taunton threw away a 2-1 lead to lose 3-2 at home to second-placed Chelmsford could not extinguish the fire which will undoubtedly be sparked back in to this Yeovil side.

It was not pretty, but it was a massive three points. Do not underestimate how massive it was.

Full time: Braintree Town 0 Yeovil Town 1

Match Details

Venue: The Rare Breed Meats Company Stadium
Date: Saturday 23rd March

Competition: National League South

Pitch: Bit bobbly, but not the mud bath we had feared.
Conditions: Mostly dry but blustery.

Attendance: 1,985

Scorers: Frank Nouble 14 (1-0).

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Dylan Morgan 80, Jake Wannell 82, Matt Worthington 86.

Braintree Town: Alfie Payne 20, Baris Altinthorp 80.

Referee: Adrian George

Yeovil Town (5-2-1-2)

Substitutes: Olly Thomas (for Jahmari Clarke, 61), Dylan Morgan (for Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, 70), Sam Pearson (for Jordan Young, 87), Josh  Owers (not used), Alex Fisher (not used).

Braintree Town: Jack Sims, Lewis Miccio, Baris Altintop, Joe Grimwood, Ben Tompkins (for Charlie Wakefield, 76), Tom Blackwell, Alfie Payne (for Reggie Lambe, 70), Aaron Blair, Shaq Coulthirst (for Jayden Davis, 46), Freddie Sears, Dominic Odusanya.
Substitutes (not used): Leon Davies (not used).

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

A balanced game saw both Slough and Yeovil share the points on a dark and grey Saturday afternoon.

A fairly even first half, with no real chances for either side. Yeovil looked solid, if unspectacular, and the same could be said for Slough, who defended vigilantly.

The second half had a few real chances, but neither side could find a breakthrough as Yeovil ended their two game losing run.

First half

With big games on the horizon, and perhaps looking to spark a response from his side, Mark Cooper shuffled the pack with four changes to the lineup. Brooklyn Genesini, Jay Foulston, Jordan Stevens and Frank Nouble come into the starting XI, with Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, Jordan Young and Sam Pearson dropping to the bench, and Olly Thomas missing out entirely.

The first chance of the game came for Yeovil just a couple of minutes into the game, as Stevens knocked a ball forward in the middle of the park, with Alex Fisher finding himself on the edge of the box, his audacious lob just bouncing wide of the post.

Shortly after, Slough got them in and around the Yeovil box, before Nathan Minhas found his way into the official’s book after just four minutes for a heavy challenge on Jordan Stevens.

Ten minutes in, and Yeovil had their next chance, as Jake Wannell played a great ball downfield under pressure from the Slough attack. He found Frank Nouble, who dominated Temi Eweka physically before some fancy footwork got him out of further trouble. He found Jordan Stevens in space who attempted a shot from distance, winning Yeovil a corner, resulting in a Williams header that landed comfortably in the hands of Dan Lincoln.

Both sides continued to feel each other out, with both defences doing a good job of snuffing out any chances at goal. The first corner of the game came on the 20 minute mark, with Nouble clearing initially before a good cross from Matt Lench forced an important defensive header for another corner.

There were calls for a penalty just a minute later, as a ball forward clipped Charlie Cooper’s shoulder, but his arms were down and the referee promptly gave the visitors a free kick for a foul on the aforementioned.

Charlie Cooper battling in midfield.
Charlie Cooper battling in midfield.

A cagey few minutes followed, and it wasn’t until the 27th minute where we saw the first proper Yeovil chance, a backheel from Jordan Stevens feeding Alex Whittle on the wing, his cross being blocked by player-manager Scott Davies and cleared for a throw. Yeovil began to stamp their authority on the game, as a ball forward for Alex Fisher allowed him into the box, his shot being blocked for a corner.

Yeovil found themselves on the attack once again, as Nouble started a counter-attack following a successful press in midfield, his ball failing to find Fisher, before Stevens picked up the loose ball and tried to find Fisher once again – unfortunately he was off balance and the ball petered out for a goal kick.

David Ogbonna showed off his frightening pace against Alex Whittle, forcing a free kick just a few yards outside the box, Matt Lench only able to find the head of Morgan Williams, before the follow-up shot was blocked by Cooper’s chest. Slough continued to apply pressure on the Yeovil defence, but to no avail.

A counter-attack from Slough was swiftly cut out by the debutant Genesini, the ball then falling to Matt Worthington who had a shot from distance, however he could only find the hands of Dan Lincoln, following a deflection.

A wonderful flick-on from Alex Fisher fed through Matt Worthington in the 41st minute, he was brought to ground inside the box by a Slough defender but the referee wanted none of it. Yeovil continued to press, earning a corner shortly afterwards; it was a dangerous ball from Charlie Cooper but it was well cleared by Bayliss. The resulting throw-in had bodies scrambling, the bouncy artificial surface causing issues for both teams, before Jay Foulston found himself with the ball, his shot bouncing wide.

A weak foul from Genesini resulted in a free-kick for Slough just before half-time, but Slough couldn’t capitalise, leading to a Yeovil Town counter. Jordan Stevens charged downfield, but a heavy touch meant the ball trickled out of play, and the half-time whistle brought an end to the first half.

 

Half time: Slough Town 0 Yeovil Town 0


Second half

There were no changes at half time as things got underway, with the first meaningful action coming a few minutes in. A free kick to Yeovil by the edge of the pitch on the line of the 18 yard box was whipped in by Charlie Cooper, but Scott Davies got to it first and put it out for a corner.

Slough’s first chance of the half came in the 52nd minute, as Scott Davies stood over a free kick from about 25 yards, however it cannoned over the bar and out of the stadium. Not one for the highlight reel Scott…

Yeovil followed up with their first proper chance of the half, as Worthington took a ball into midfield, layed it off for Genesini. He danced past his man and found Stevens in a gap between the midfield and defence, he then surged forward before arrowing a shot just over the bar.

A sequence of free-kicks followed for Slough, with a great ball from Gabe George finding the head of Temi Eweka, but his header was tame and landed straight in the hands of Joe Day.

Minute 59 ticked over, and the first substitution of the game was made by Yeovil, with Jahmari Clarke replacing Jordan Stevens, who had a good showing when he did get himself on the ball.

Slough earned their second yellow of the game when Jeanmal Prosper made a cynical foul on Charlie Cooper on the 61st minute. Yeovil continued to demonstrate their impressive ball-playing abilities, drawing the press from Slough and making their way into the opposition half, before Alex Whittle went down requiring treatment. He was helped off the field, and was replaced by Jordan Young in the 65th minute.

Clarke’s first involvement in the game came just a couple of minutes later, as he beat the offside trap and his cross was blocked for a corner. From the resulting corner, Jordan Young found the head of Wannell, but his header was scuffed and it floated over the bar.

Slough’s first substitution came on the 70 minute mark, as David Ogbonna was replaced by Slavi Spasov. A couple of minutes later, Yeovil found themselves on the attack once again, a great bit of linkup between Worthington and Genesini creating space for Jahmari Clarke, who battled past two Slough players, his dangerous cross being cleared for a throw.

Shortly afterwards, Jake Wannell found himself in the book for stopping a counter-attack inside Slough’s half. Slough’s second substitution came on 74 minutes, as Nathan Minhas was replaced by Trae Cook-Appiah, as they looked to take something from the game. Another dangerous attack came for Yeovil when play got underway, in similar fashion to the previous, this time Nouble leading the charge.

Alex Fisher became the second player to be booked for Yeovil for remonstrating with the referee following an elbow to the head after the whistle had been blown for a free kick, it didn’t make any impact as he was substituted immediately afterwards for Sam Pearson.

Slough took the opportunity to grab a couple of chances on goal, including a cannon of a shot from Scott Davies forcing a good save from Joe Day. A bitty few minutes followed, with some offisde calls and sloppy long balls from both sides bringing us to the 83rd minute where Sam Pearson danced around a couple of Slough players, feeding it to Young but the attack died out.

Slough had the next chance a couple of minutes later, as a shot from Josh Jackman whizzed past the post.

The artificial turf caused some issues for both sides once again on the 89th minute, as a long kick forward from Joe Day bounced over the midfield, and the two banks of Yeovil attackers and Slough defenders. Sam Pearson nearly got on the end of it but Dan Lincoln beat him to it, not that it would’ve mattered as Temi Eweka was down nursing an injury anyways.

A probing long ball from Charlie Cooper forced a corner for Yeovil as the game entered extra time, but Yeovil couldn’t capitalise. Cooper then found himself in the book, assumedly for some not-so-nice words to the referee, before Slough made their final substitution, with Matt Lench being replaced by Christie Ward.

For all their huff and puff, neither side could find a breakthrough as the final whistle blew.

Full time: Slough Town 0 Yeovil Town 0

Match Details

Venue: Arbour Park
Date: Saturday 16th March

Competition: National League South

Pitch: Bouncy and plastic
Conditions: Mild, breezy at times

Attendance: 1,533 (469 away)

Scorers: None.

Bookings:
Yeovil Town:  Jake Wannell 72, Alex Fisher 77, Charlie Cooper 90+1
Slough Town: Nathan Minhas 4, Jeanmal Propser 61

Referee: Rob Ablitt

Yeovil Town (5-2-1-2)

 

Substitutes: Jahmari Clarke (for Jordan Stevens, 59), Sonny Blu Lo-Everton (not used), Jordan Young (for Alex Whittle, 65), Sam Pearson (for Alex Fisher 77), Dylan Morgan (not used).

Slough Town: Dan Lincoln, Josh Jackman, Gabe George, Dan Bayliss, Jeanmal Prosper, Matt Lench, Nathan Minhas, Johnny Goddard, Scott Davies, Temi Eweka, David Ogbonna.
Substitutes: Joe Dandy, Christie Ward (for Matt Lench, 90+2), Leon Chambers-Parillon, Trae Cook-Appiah (for Nathan Minhas, 74), Slavi Spasov (for David Ogbonna, 70).

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

A second half horror show saw Yeovil Town fall to their second home defeat in succession (and this season) as Chippenham Town stunned Huish Park on Tuesday night.

The Glovers had bossed the first half and taken the lead when Alex Fisher headed home Olly Thomas’ cross with five minutes of the half remaining, but things began to unravel when visiting defender Aaron Amadi-Holloway levelled from a corner on 58 minutes.

After that, Yeovil did not offer a great deal going forwards and were punished as the visitors’ Matt McClure and Craig Fasanmade hit them with two goals in three minutes to snatch the three points for Chippenham, leading to boos from inside Huish Park at the final whistle.

The only saving grace was that second-placed Chelmsford City went down 2-0 away at Maidstone United, meaning the nine-point lead at the top of the National League South remains, but that was scant consolation for Yeovil.

First half

The opening exchanges saw Yeovil dominate possession, but the first chance of the game fell to the visitors. There were a couple of occasions where the ball was given away cheaply in midfield and Ed Williams laid it to Luke Spokes whose effort whistled just past the post.

The visitors’ bright start continued when a well-worked corner saw Williams have a shot well saved by the feet of Joe Day in Yeovil goal, before Jake Wannell cleared a follow-up effort off the line. From the clearance, Olly Thomas broke away down the left and fed the ball in to Sonny Blu Lo-Everton and then Alex Fisher, but the striker was beaten by the offside flag.

As is often the case, the visitors came in with a game plan to play a defensive style and wait for Yeovil to make a mistake and, when the Glovers have, they have created chances. You could hear the frustration coming from the Huish Park stands, even though they were watching their side largely dominate the game despite having blue shirts around them all the time they did.

Despite losing the possession game, it was Chippenham who had the game’s next chance after 22 minutes. Tyreke Johnson’s ball in from the was in towards Tom Owen-Evans who could not get anything on it, but if he had Day would have been in trouble.

At at the other end, a ball in from the Yeovil left from Alex Whittle saw Fisher flash a header across the face of goal and, with 30 minutes gone, Lo-Everton drove forward and fired in an effort which forced a fine stop from Will Henry in the Chippenham goal. That led to a flurry of corners which lifted the home crowd – a little.

With 33 minutes, Charlie Cooper went down in the middle of the park and, after a lengthy period of treatment, he was forced off and replaced by Josh Owers.

Then, with five minutes of normal time remaining, Yeovil took the lead. Good pressure started by an excellent reverse pass by Jordan Young ended up at the feet of Thomas down the right and his superb cross found the head of Alex FISHER who rose like…..well, a fish, to put a superb header in to the net.

Having come through a tricky first half-an-hour, Yeovil began to find their rhythm and took their chance which their opponents did not. That’s football, folks.

Half time: Yeovil Town 1 Chippenham Town 0


Second half

The first meaningful of the effort came after 48 minutes when Young stole the ball off his former team and fed Pearson, the striker bore down on goal but tried to curl it in without much power behind it and the ball went behind for a corner goal.

Following that chance, Chippenham enjoyed a sustained spell of possession as they looked to find a breakthrough and it came on 58 minutes when they drew level. A corner from the left was met by a towering header from defender Aaron AMADI-HOLLOWAY at the back post.

Aaron Amadi-Holloway heads Chippenham level.

On 62 minutes, Thomas was replaced by Jordan Stevens and the substitute combined nicely with Young on the right side to set the former Chippenham man away to break in to the box and fire in an effort which Henry did well to parry away.

Morgan Williams pulled an effort from a Young corner wide soon after before Frank Nouble replaced Pearson with 72 minutes gone.

Everything which Yeovil were doing coming forwards seemed to be coming down the right side with Young in the thick of it. But, it was the first chance created by Chippenham that led to them taking the lead.

Soft defending from the home side substitute Matt McCLURE find space inside the box to fire an easy chance with 83 minutes gone. Too much space given by the Glovers’ defence and, even more concerningly, the body language which followed showed that goal had rocked the hosts.

Matt McClure celebrates his goal for Chippenham Town.

If you thought that was bad, it got worse three minutes later as the visitors took the lead. Craig FASANMADE was the latest player to find space inside the box and he hammered a close range effort past Day. Two quickfire goals and there are people leaving Huish Park.

The only positive we can find from tonight was that second-placed Chelmsford City fell to a 2-0 defeat at Maidstone United. That means the nine point advantage at the top of the table remains, but a poor, poor second half display from Yeovil.

Full time: Yeovil Town 1 Chippenham Town 3

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Date: Tuesday 12th March

Competition: National League South

Pitch: Soft in places, but held up well
Conditions: A cool night with a gentle breeze

Attendance: 2,838 (59 away supporters)

Scorers: Alex Fisher 42 (1-0), Aaron Amadi-Holloway 58 (1-1), Matt McClure 83 (1-2), Craig Fasanmade 86 (1-3).

Bookings:

Yeovil Town: Matt Worthington 66, 
Chippenham Town: Luke Spokes 71, Tyreke Johnson 78, Matt McClure 90+6

Referee: Callum Fisk

Yeovil Town (4-2-3-1)

 

Substitutes: Josh Owers (for Charlie Cooper, 37), Jordan Stevens (for Olly Thomas, 62), Frank Nouble (for Sam Pearson, 72), Jay Foulston (not used), Dylan Morgan (not used).

Chippenham Town: Will Henry, Craig Fasanmade, Aaron Amadi-Holloway, Luke Haines, Tyreke Johnson, Tom Owen-Evans (for Caine Bradbury, 90+5), Tom Mehew (for Jack Evans, 75), Luke Spokes, Dan Ellison, Ed Williams (for Matt McClure, 67), Will King.
Substitutes (not used): Alex Bray, Nathaniel Williams.