Match Reports

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

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

York City: 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

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

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.

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

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

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

A goal in each half saw Yeovil Town go down to an Easter Monday defeat at Eastleigh on the same day their safety in the National League Premier Division was confirmed.

Spitfires’ striker Aaron Blair opened the scoring on the half-hour mark with a poacher’s finish before adding the second on 57 minutes when he chipped visiting keeper Jed Ward before Glovers’ defender Dan Ellison, making his first start, added a late consolation goal.

But results elsewhere mean Brackley Town, who occupy the top of the division’s relegation places, now cannot match Yeovil’s 50 points in their remaining three matches.

First half

Unsurprisingly goalkeeper Jed Ward was in the thick of the action inside the first 30 seconds. Firstly the on loan Bristol Rovers man air kicked an attempted clearance and almost let Eastleigh striker Aaron Blair in, before diving at his feet to turn the ball out for a corner. From the resulting flag kick, the ball was worked back to defender Jayden Moore whose header was acrobatically tipped over the by Ward. The warning signs are there early.

Seven minutes in Blair was brought down by Kyle Ferguson right on the edge of the area and received a yellow card. Ward was the hero again saving the first effort from Jake Vokins and then got up in time to deny Temi Eweka from the rebound. “Jed Ward, in the middle of our goal…” sings a busy-looking away end.

The next moment in Ward’s one-man crusade to save Yeovil in this match (season?) came on 22 minutes. Blair burst through and was one-on-one with the keeper who stayed upright and made himself big to block the shot. Yet another glorious opportunity for Eastleigh and another glorious save for Ward.

On 32 minutes, the Ward wall could not hold any longer. A lovely through from Eweka found Harvey Saunders who bombed in to the box and laid it across for Aaron BLAIR to poke home. It was nothing less than the hosts deserved, we look every inch the patched up side we are. Blair is everything we have missed in a striker for so long – relentless in his pressing and give him a chance and he’ll take it……except if Jed Ward is in his way, see above for explanation.

Blair and Saunders, who is on loan from League Two Tranmere Rovers, are causing us all kinds of trouble with their running in behind our back line. A shot from Delano McCoy-Splatt after about 20 minutes which I didn’t mention before because it didn’t really seem worth mentioning, is as near as we have come to troubling the Eastleigh keeper. Will Merry looks like one of the few players with the desire to go forward on the rare occasion he receives possession, but the rest look either knackered or uninterested – or both.

Half time: Eastleigh 1 Yeovil Town 0

Second half

Billy Rowley made three changes at the interval – perhaps agreeing with much of the paragraph above – with defender Joy Mukena, winger James Daly and young midfielder Ollie Hughes coming on. Off when McCoy-Splatt, Millar Matthews-Lewis and Alex Whittle. In his pre-match comments, the Glovers’ boss described Hughes and his Under-19s’ team-mates Jaydon Biss and Liam Nardiello, who are also on the bench, as “not quite ready” for the cut and thrust of the National League. It says something about the first half display that he has felt compelled to bring on an untested youngster.

One thing you cannot question is the commitment of the travelling supporters. For a game which means little, they have made the trip to Eastleigh in numbers and they have not stopped making a racket all half.

The first ten minutes was better from Yeovil, but on 57 minutes the home side took the lead and it was all about Aaron BLAIR. The striker seemed to have lost possession, but did not give up and won it back off Mukena before chipping Ward from an angle. What we would give for a player like him. Those fans I just spoke about are still jumping up and down and singing – heroes, 582 of you!
582 heroes. Picture courtesy of Luca Manley.
Perrett’s shot on 70 minutes looped comfortably in to the hands of the Eastleigh keeper before Harvey Greenslade had a shot well blocked by Jack Baldwin, but that’s about all we have offered going forward all match.
With 78 minutes played, Jaydon Biss became the second Under-19s player to join the fray as he replaced Mukena. Rowley described Mukena as “patched up to the brim” in his pre-match comments and his arrival at half-time may have been more about trying to spare Biss the nightmare of managing Blair and Saunders.
Five minutes from time, Rowley completed added the third and final youngsters from his bench as Liam Nardiello came on in place of Brett McGavin.
Two minutes in to second half stoppage time, Yeovil got a consolation goal back. Ryan Jones lifted a ball towards the back post and there was Dan ELLISON to head home. Nothing more than those travelling supporters deserved, but not enough to trouble getting a point.

Full time: Eastleigh 2 Yeovil Town 1

Match Details

Venue: Silverlake Stadium
Date: Monday 6th April, 3pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Aaron Blair 31 (0-1), Aaron Blair 57 (0-2), Dan Ellison 90+2 (1-2)

Pitch: Bare in places
Conditions: Beautiful Spring day

Attendance: 2,682 (582 away supporters)

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Kyle Ferguson 7, Harvey Greenslade 79
Eastleigh: None

Referee: Ross Martin

Yeovil Town

Substitutes: Joy Mukena (for Alex Whittle, 46), James Daly (for Delano McCoy-Splatt, 46), Ollie Hughes (for Millar Matthews-Lewis, 46), Jaydon Biss (for Joy Mukena, 77), Liam Nardiello (for Brett McGavin, 85), Jonathon Page (not used), Matt Gould (not used)

Eastleigh: Josh McNamara, Josh Lundstram, Temi Eweka, Jack Baldwin, Jayden Moore, Archie Harris, Ricky Aguiar, Jordan Cousins (for Richard Brindley, 84), Jake Vokins (for Kieron Evans, 20), Harvey Saunders, Aaron Blair.

Substitutes (not used): Lloyd Humphries, Angel Wariuhm, Inih Effiong, Barney Stone, Niall Maher.

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

A late moment of magic from on loan striker Will Merry saw Yeovil Town snatch a Good Friday win to relegate Truro City back to National League South at Huish Park.

The game where the division’s bottom side had looked the better side for the majority of the match was settled when the Southampton Under-21s forward made a great run before finishing coolly past former Glovers’ keeper Aidan Stone.

But whilst three points pushed Yeovil past the mythical 50 point mark, there was concerning news as captain Jake Wannell and striker Aaron Jarvis both went off with injury to place more strain on an already ravaged squad.

First half

Having gone behind after four minutes at Southend on Tuesday night, Truro almost repeated the trick at the same time when former Glovers’ loanee Ryan Law spurned a glorious opportunity. A ball in from the right found the ex-Plymouth Argyle man in space inside the six yard box, but amazingly his header was off target. A huge let off.

Truro are pressing well in the opening ten minutes but are misplacing passes with the blustery conditions causing issues for both sides. The visitors seem far more able to have control of the ball much better and succeeding by keeping it on the deck, whereas whenever we try and go through the middle of the pitch there is no space for either Brett McGavin or Delano McCoy-Splatt.

Just before the 20 minute mark, McGavin lifted a shot over the bar after a good run from Will Merry, before the visitors had two good opportunities. The first on 27 minutes saw Charsley head wide before the frontman was denied by a fantastic save by Jed Ward just a minute later. That is three clear opportunities for Truro and we have offered nothing to counter their press. We look tired again, no energy to win it back and none to press ourselves.

Will Merry | Photo by Gary Brown

Five minutes from half-time, a good move from Aaron Jarvis saw him lay it off to Merry, but his effort rolled safely in to the hands of another Yeovil old boy, Truro keeper Aidan Stone. It is difficult to pick a Yeovil player who looks up for this contest, whereas bottom of the table Truro look up for it, just without the quality to do much about it.

Goalless at the break and another Rowley half-time rocket required.

Half time: Yeovil Town 0 Truro City 0

Second half

One minute in to the second half, Terrell Works burst in to the box fed the ball across to McGavin whose effort was blocked by the body of a Truro defender. Moments later, good play by Daly fed the ball out to Ryan Jones on the right side and his ball to the near post was bravely challenged for by Jarvis who needed treatment after colliding with Stone.

Much like the defeat at Southend (and the defeat at Woking a few weeks back), we have offered more in the opening two minutes of the second half than we did in the entire first half.

But, in the 50th minute a long throw was unwittingly flicked on by Jarvis to Luke Jephcott who unbelievably lifted the ball over the bar. Another glorious chance for the visitors.
Just before the hour, a great forward run by Merry fed Jarvis who made a good run but hit his shot straight at Stone who did well to deny him. Harvey Greenslade replaced McCoy-Splatt on the hour and it looks to have gone to right wing-back with Ryan Jones switching to the left allowing Daly to press further forward.
Having made the change to try and give Jarvis some support up front, the striker went down feeling his calf and was replaced by Millar Matthews-Lewis. He was walking down the tunnel when Wannell went down holding what appeared to be his hamstring, the medical team is back on the pitch and is replaced by Dan Ellison, recently returned from his loan spell at Weston-super-Mare. With an already threadbare squad, further injuries are another blow. Daly is operating in the middle of midfield following the tactical reshuffle and wherever he plays he gives so much effort.
A scramble in the box | Photo by Gary Brown
With Eastleigh winning at Woking, Truro knew they needed a win to prevent being relegated and with five minutes to go they came agonisingly close when a free-kick whipped in from the left flicked off the head of Max Kinsey and rattled off the crossbar and away from danger. With the woodwork still shaking, news came through that Woking had equalised and Truro live to fight another day…..maybe.
With four minutes of seven minutes of injury time played, a moment of magic from Will MERRY sealed the victory. The Southampton Under-21s loanee ran forward and fired past Stone to surely win it and relegate Truro back to National League South. You can’t say we deserve it, but with our misfortune with injuries, Lady Luck has looked kindly on us.

Full time: Yeovil Town 1 Truro City 0

Match Details

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

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Will Merry 90+5 (1-0)

Pitch: Almost there.
Conditions: Dry but a bit blowy

Attendance: 4,020 (286 away supporters)

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Harvey Greenslade 77, Kyle Ferguson 85
Truro City: Will Dean 70

Referee: Lewis Sandoe

Yeovil Town

Substitutes: Harvey Greenslade (for Delano McCoy-Splatt, 61), Millar Matthews-Lewis (for Aaron Jarvis, 64), Dan Ellison (for Jake Wannell, 67), Alex Whittle (not used), Jaydon Biss (not used), Ollie Hughes (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Truro City: Aidan Stone, Connor Riley-Lowe, Tom Harrison, Will Dean, Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain (for Zac Bell, 78), Ryan Law, Luke Jephcott, Max Kinsey-Wellings, Frederick Issaka (for Tom Dean, 78), Jack Stretton (for Kieran Wilson, 86), Harry Charsley.

Substitutes (not used): Will Howard, Tylor Love-Holmes, Shaun Donnellan, Yassine En-Neyah, Saikou Janneh.

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

Yeovil Town fell to defeat after a game of two halves at FA Trophy finalists Southend United on Tuesday night.

The Glovers fell behind after just four minutes when Gus Scott-Morriss fired home to get Root’s Hall rocking and the home side were better in every department in the opening 45 minutes.

But, whatever was said by manager Billy Rowley at half-time, it worked and Yeovil deservedly levelled through a Goal of the Season contender from captain Jake Wannell who stroked a sumptuous effort in with 64 minutes on the clock.

Then with six minutes left Keenan Appiah-Forson headed home from close range for a hotly-disputed winner which the Yeovil players did not think crossed the line.

First half

If there was a nightmare start which Yeovil boss Billy Rowley dreamt about the night before, it could not have been much worse than the one he watched after four minutes.

A great ball in from the left side from Harry Boyes was met by the head of Keenan Appiah-Forson in the middle, Jed Ward made a fantastic stop to push it out but it only went as far as Gus SCOTT-MORRISS who lashed the Shrimpers in front. A lazy tackle to allow Boyes to get the ball in and only Alex Whittle was in the middle of the six-yard box to mark two Southend players. Ward did his best, but he can only do so much.

Jed Ward is helpless to keep out Gus Scott-Morriss’ opener.

We are playing slowly here and Southend are having the opportunity to reset every time we have it, the fatigue we have heard about looks to be kicking in already. We simply cannot keep up with the pace of this game. On 13 minutes, Charley Kendall, who was causing all sorts of issues down the left, broke forward and fired in an effort which Ward had to tip over the bar for a corner and shortly after a ball fizzed across the face of the Glovers’ goal where mercifully there was no-one there to turn it home.

The one way traffic continued as the game progressed and Southend are getting corner after corner whilst we can never get the ball out of our own half. It took more than 20 minutes for keeper Collin Ndeng-Adi to get his first touch, and that was to play the ball out. He did more in the warm-up than his has had to do in the first half of this half.
That man Kendall had time and space down the left cut in to the box and fed it in to Appiah-Forson whose effort went over the bar with two Yeovil in close proximity. Jed Ward goes down for treatment and Rowley screams for his players to come over for a new team talk. Into ’em, Billy!
On the half-hour mark, Wannell tried to head away under pressure from Andrew Dallas before Ward fell on the ball, before the keeper came to the rescue (yet) again this time to deny Kendall. The last few minutes we have at least made it a little more difficult for Southend, but the balls are still coming in from both flanks and we continue to be penned in to our own half. We are doing some of the ugly stuff which we were not doing in the first 25 minutes, but still not cutting off the source of the danger.
38 minutes played, Will Merry presses forward and has what we could charitably call a shot which Ndeng-Adi has to put his hands down to stop, but he barely broke a sweat. It’s a good forward run by the Southampton youngster but that’s about it.
A collector’s item, Yeovil Town in the Southend half.
Five minutes from half-time, a ball in to the box from the left (again) and its going towards Scott-Morriss who gets a hand (maybe two) in the back from Jake Wannell. Referee Abigail Byrne is unmoved, but I think we have got away with one there – and so does the home crowd.
As the clock ticked down to the interval, Rowley will have been hoping to get through to half-time just a goal behind. His heart would have been in his mouth on 43 minutes when Boyes fired in to the six yard box and Andrew Dallas was there to stab it home. Lady Luck was on Yeovil’s side again as the assistant’s flag was raised for an offside.
To say we are fortunate to only be one goal down at the break would be an understatement.

Half time: Southend United 1 Yeovil Town 0

Second half

Aaron Jarvis arrived at the interval, replacing Delano McCoy-Splatt, and playing through the middle. Merry is on the right side and Terrell Works on the left, hopefully to try and get joy in wide positions as they watched

Two minutes in to the second half and Ndeng-Adi had his first work to do. Daly hits a low shot from distance and the keeper has to get down to turn it away for a corner. Five minutes in and we are already looking to compete for the ball more than the supporters who made the trip to Root’s Hall saw in the first half.

Whatever Billy Rowley said to his players at the interval, it has made a difference, we look a completely different side. Brett McGavin sails a free-kick over the bar around the hour mark, but we have shown more effort in this opening 15 minutes.

I told you it was getting better and on 64 minutes, Yeovil drew level – and in some style. A free-kick was easily cleared as far as as Works who gave it to Jake WANNELL inside the area and he caressed a sumptuous shot past Ndeng-Adi. What a finish that is from the central defender. Take a bow!

What a finish, Jake Wannell.
On 70 minutes, Boyes smashed a fantastic shot in from outside the box and Ward does superbly to tip it over the bar and from the resulting corner Golding has an effort punched away by the on loan Bristol Rovers keeper. Southend are rallying and they make a quadruple change with Jack Bridge, Tom Hopper, Sam Austin and Alfie Massey came on with 73 minutes played.
There is a second wind blowing in this Southend side, but Rowley and his assistant Darren Simpson have got his tactics spot in this half, they are stopped the hosts coming through the middle of the pitch as they were doing at will in the opening 45 minutes.
But, with six minutes of remaining, Southend’s pressure told and they regained the lead. A ball bouncing around the box and substitute Austin heads it to the back post where Keenan APPIAH-FORSON headed it goalwards, Ward seems to claim it but the assistant insists he can see through a crowd of bodies to tell it is over the line. Wannell goes in to the book for his protests, the Yeovil players are furious. That is harsh on the visitors, who have looked much better in this half.
Millar Matthews-Lewis was thrown on as an 87th minute substitute and in second half stoppage time, the on loan Burton Albion man did well to make time for himself inside a crowded area and thrashed an effort just the wrong side of the post.

Full time: Southend United 2 Yeovil Town 1

Match Details

Venue: Root’s Hall
Date: Tuesday 31st March, 7.45pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Gus Scott-Moriss 4 (0-1), Jake Wannell 64 (1-1)

Pitch: Patchy in places
Conditions: Cold

Attendance: 7,793 (68 away supporters)

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Jake Wannell 85
Southend United: Oli Coker 11, Gus Scott-Moriss 38, Harry Boyes 89

Referee: Abigail Byrne

Yeovil Town

Substitutes: Aaron Jarvis (for Delano McCoy-Splatt, 46), Harvey Greenslade (for Terrell Works, 81), Millar Matthews-Lewis (for Will Merry, 87), Jaydon Biss (not used), Ollie Hughes (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Southend United: Collin Andeng-Ndi, Gus Scott-Morriss, Harry Taylor, James Golding, Joe Gubbins (for Jack Bridge, 73), Harry Boyes, Keenan Appiah-Forson, James Morton (for Alfie Massey, 73), Oli Coker (for Sam Austin, 73), Andrew Dallas (for Ben Goodliffe, 90+1), Charley Kendall (for Tom Hopper, 73).

Substitutes (not used): Noah Mawene, Josh Walker.

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

Yeovil Town’s longest away trip of the season ended in defeat as two second half goals from Gateshead ended a run of back-to-back wins.

First half

The big pre-match talking point was about the choice of Yeovil’s kit. Red and black striped away shirts, but the black shorts and socks were replaced by the white shorts and green socks worn at home. Presumably a kit clash with Gateshead’s black shorts and socks.

Those kit choices are….interesting.

Within the first three minutes, Gateshead were forced in to a change when Levi Amantchi limped off to be replaced by Ashley Boatswain.

The opening 15 minutes was played almost exclusively in the Yeovil half with then only forayn to the Gateshead half coming when Brett McGavin tried to catch the keeper off guard with a direct free-kick. The keeper was on his guard to collect easily, but still had more to do that Jed Ward at the other end despite all the home side’s possession.
We are definitely looking to find Millar Matthews-Lewis up front with long balls rather than the quick passes which had such at Wealdstone on Wednesday night. Gateshead are doing exactly that albeit without showing much end product.
The first as seen from outer space or the away end at Gateshead as it’s also known.

The 28th minute proved to be the end of an utterly forgettable first start for Matthews-Lewis, who was replaced by Aaron Jarvis. There immediately looks more shape to the side with the number nine offering more of a focal point.

Just after the half-hour mark, a nicely worked move found its way to Brett McGavin whose drilled effort was turned away by a flying save from Adam Desbois.

In the 38th minute, McGavin got caught in possession and the ball got through to Boatswain who dragged his effort wide. Then just before the half-time break, another sustained period of pressure from Gateshead saw Josh Home’s header force a fine reaction save out of Ward.

Though the hosts will undoubtedly dominate the possession stats, we go in level at the break.

Half time: Gateshead 0 Yeovil Town 0

Second half

In the first 15 minutes, the only point of note was the inevitable booking for Aaron Jarvis around the hour mark. An altercation with the Gateshead defence.

Just after the hour, Terrell Works and Delano McCoy-Splatt was replaced by James Daly and new loan signing Will Merry, who joined from Southampton Under-21s ahead of the game.

On 66 minutes, the home side were awarded a penalty. Wannell pulled Boatswain to the floor in the box and the referee needed no second invitation to give the spot kick. Keaton WARD fired Gateshead in to the lead.

On 72 minutes, a great break set Ryan Jones free down the right, accompanied by three Gateshead defenders, the winger tried his trademark twists and turns inside the box but could not get his shot away.
But a minute later, Gateshead doubled their advantage. A fantastic block by Joy Mukena inside the box to deny Harry Chapman bounced back to the hosts’ winger and he was able to lift it over as far as Mark BECK and the former Glover had the easy job of heading in from close range. A soft goal to concede and signs of fatigue are clearly showing in the Yeovil defence.
McGavin fizzed an effort just over the bar from the edge of the box on 77 minutes before Ward had to make a great reaction save to deny Chapman.
A disappointing day ended when Finn Cousin-Dawson was sent off for a wild challenge on Richardson and then in the final move of the game Kyle FERGUSON head a corner home for a late consolation goal for the visitors.

Full time: Gateshead 2 Yeovil Town 1

Match Details

Venue: Gateshead International Stadium
Date: Saturday 28th March, 3pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Keaton Ward pen 66 (0-1), Mark Beck 73 (0-2), Kyle Ferguson 90+6

Pitch: Massive
Conditions: Sunny but cold

Attendance: 1546 (148 away supporters)

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Jake Wannell 42, Aaron Jarvis 60, James Daly 62
Gateshead: Harry Chapman 29

Referee: Dean Watson

Yeovil Town

Substitutes: Aaron Jarvis (for Millar Matthews-Lewis, 28), James Daly (for Delano McCoy-Splatter, 62), Will Merry (for Terrell Works, 62), Harvey Greenslade (for Alex Whittle, 84), Jaydon Biss (not used), Ollie Hughes (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Gateshead: Adam Desbois, Sam Bowen, Brad Nicholson, David Ferguson, Kenton Richardson, Fenton John, Keaton Ward, Josh Home, Jacob Butterfield, Harry Chapman, Levi Amantchi.

Substitutes (not used): Louis Storey, Billy Chadwick, Josh Anifowose, Zak Gilsenen, Mark Beck, Ethan Moore, Ash Boatswain.

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

Yeovil Town got another big three points on the board courtesy of goals from Terrell Works and another from James Daly to pick up a win at Wealdstone.

The Glovers’ performance was all the more impressive as we played the final 40 minutes of the game with ten men after Cardiff City loanee Troy Perrett was red carded.

There are now nine points between us and the relegation places at the foot of the National League Premier Division and just three from the top half of the table.

First half

With an eye on their FA Trophy semi-final at the weekend, Wealdstone made seven changes to their starting XI whilst Yeovil kept their line-up changed from the 3-2 home win over Morecambe on Saturday. The only change came on the bench where young midfielder Ollie Hughes was missing with the Glovers naming just six substitutes.

But if anyone thought the changes would mean a slow start from the home side, they were proven wrong within seconds as Wealdstone had two half-chances on the Yeovil goal within the opening seconds.

Then in the second minute former Glover Olufela Olomola had an effort well blocked by Joy Mukena and at the other end a good ball through to Terrell Works set James Daly through and his shot across goal was well saved by Dante Baptiste in the Stones’ goal.

Picture courtesy of Ollie Marsh.

Yeovil looking to be more considered when they have the ball against their more fast and furious opponents. With ten minutes gone, Jake Wannell found himself on the edge of the box and he dragged a shot wide.

Five minutes later, Sims created a great opening having been played into the box by Troy Perrett, Sims pulled off a great bit of skill to beat his defender but his effort flew past just past the post. The best opening either side have created in the opening 15 minutes. We are starting to take the game to Wealdstone after the hosts’ frenetic start, plenty of energy and attacking purpose.

On the 23rd minute, Yeovil had the ball in the net as Brett McGavin’s corner found its way to a crowd of heads and the ball went in to the net. Referee George Laflin seemed to point to the centre circle before deciding it was a foul on Baptiste. The keeper will be breathing a sigh of relief as he looked weak from that one.

The next opportunity came just before the half-hour mark when a beautifully weighted ball from Works found Daly running forward, he lifted it but a Wealdstone defender got a foot to it and turned it away for a corner.

Yeovil were in the ascendancy and on 38 minutes they took the lead. Ryan Jones did superbly to nick the ball off a Wealdstone player, burst forward and fed it in to Terrell WORKS who showed some great footwork to fire in to the net. A great move and a great finish and thoroughly deserved it. This first half performance could not be more different to the opening 45 minutes at Woking seven days earlier.

Nice one, Terrell, nice one, son…..

Half time: Wealdstone 0 Yeovil Town 1

Second half

Wealdstone came out brighter in the second half and you felt the next goal was going to be crucial – and it came for Yeovil just three minutes after the restart. A ball over the top towards James DALY on the right wing saw the in-form frontman have a great first touch, beat his defender and slot it under the keeper.

He’s done it again. James Daly celebrates his seventh goal of the season.

But, just when you thought this was going to be an easy night, Perrett was given his marching orders. The Cardiff City loanee challenged for a high ball with Connor McAvoy and referee Laflin saw it as malicious and got his red card straight out. One can only assume the referee felt Perrett led with an elbow, but interestingly assistant Anastasiya Voloshchuk did not put her flag up and the referee did not talk to her. Either way, we are down to ten men for the rest of this.

On 53 minutes, there was a great opportunity for Olomola who was found on his own inside the box by a ball forward from Enzio Boldewijn, but his header was high over the bar.

A double change for Yeovil with Alex Whittle and Delano McCoy-Splatt coming on for Josh Sims and Terrell Works with 55 minutes on the clock. Billy Rowley looking to shore it up as we have a numerical disadvantage. Five minutes later, Wealdstone responded with a quadruple change, presumably these are their more regular starters sensing blood.

On 70 minutes, Olomola was in the thick of it against his old employers again. Cook’s ball in was deflected in to the path of the striker and Jed Ward did well to go down bravely to turn it out for a corner.

Olomola had another opportunity turned over three minutes later and from the resulting corner Yeovil had to defend well to get it away. Wealdstone are knocking on the door and we are going to have to be focused and organised to keep them out. It is one-way traffic and a big test of our resolve.

Wealdstone have been going for it ever since the red card and Baptiste is out to the centre circle to get it forward. But it took until a minute from normal time for the next chance, great footwork from substitute Terrell Agyemang whose effort just crept the wrong side of the post for him.

From the resulting corner, Daly made a typical lung-busting run as he got on the end of McCoy-Splatt’s ball and burst in to space, rounded Baptiste only for Boldewijn to get back and deny him. What a run from that man Daly in the final minute of normal time. Immediately after McCoy-Splatt was replaced by Harvey Greenslade.

Delano McCoy-Splatt is not sure why he has been subbed.

Five minutes in to the nine added on, a breath-taking bit of skill from Jones who spun past two Wealdstone players and put a ball forward to Greenslade to chase one in to the corner. It’s been mostly defending for Yeovil here, but those were two great moments.

Those were two very different halves. The first was full of effort and attacking play, but we had to dig deep for much of that second half with ten men. Clean sheet and three points. Real character.

Full time: Wealdstone 0 Yeovil Town 2

Match Details

Venue: Grosvenor Vale
Date: Wednesday 25th March, 7.45pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Terrell Works 38 (1-0), James Daly 48 (2-0)

Pitch: Plenty of slope, but plenty of grass as well
Conditions: To put it mildly (no pun intended), it’s on the chilly side

Attendance: 1,165 (135 away supporters)

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Jake Wannell 82
Wealdstone: Dominic Hutchinson 81

Sendings off:

Yeovil Town: Troy Perrett 50
Wealdstone: None

Referee: George Laflin

Yeovil Town

Substitutes: Alex Whittle (for Josh Sims, 56), Delano McCoy-Splatt (for Terrell Works, 56), Harvey Greenslade (for Delano McCoy-Splatt, 90), Jaydon Biss (not used), Millar Matthews-Lewis (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Wealdstone: Dante Baptiste, Mason Barrett (for Jack Cook, 62), Connor McAvoy (for Michael Adu-Poku, 77), Junior Tiensia, Enzio Boldewijn, Jack Wells-Morrison (for Terrell Agyemang, 62), Jack Hinchy (for Shay Spencer 62), Dylan Kadji, Dominic Hutchinson, Olufela Olomola, Sean Adarkwa (for Micah Obiero, 62).

Substitutes (not used): Endurance Johnson, Charlie Waller.

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

Yeovil Town picked up a crucial three points in the battle to drag themselves away from the foot of the National League Premier Division table with victory over Morecambe on a glorious day at Huish Park.

The Glovers showed plenty of the fighting spirit supporters have been calling for in recent weeks and three goals with Brett McGavin opening with a thunderous strike after just ten minutes before Gwion Edwards levelled ten minutes before half-time.

First James Daly and then another goal for Ryan Jones’ scrap book gave Yeovil a 3-1 advantage with just over an hour played before a penalty from Jack Nolan after 76 minutes ensured a nervous end to proceedings.

As the game entered the ninth minute of second half injury time (no idea where that came from!), James Daly saw a ball out for a goal kick and thumped his chest screaming before the final whistle sounded and players dropped to their backs. They had given everything for three points which puts seven points between them and the relegation places.

On a day where all of the bottom four – with the exception of bottom club Truro City – lost and Sutton United, Aldershot Town and Eastleigh all dropped below them, this was a big result for the Glovers.

First half

The first real chance of the game led to an opening goal for the Glovers courtesy of midfielder Brett McGAVIN after ten minutes. From fully 25 yards out, he found space to take a shot from range and his effort hit the inside of the post and Morecambe keeper Jamal Blackman on its way in to the net. A slice of good fortune maybe, but it’s what happens when you have a shot.

Morecambe keeper Jamal Blackman can’t believe his misfortune. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

A good work from Terrell Works after 23 minutes saw him play it to James Daly down the left who fired a cross in to the area but there was no-one there to do anything with it, before Yann Songo’o tried an acrobatic effort to turn a Jack Nolan free-kick towards goal, only for it to be blocked by the Yeovil defence.

But, with ten minutes of the first half remaining, the visitors equalised. A well-worked corner from Morecambe saw them move it past a sleepy Yeovil defence and it fell to the experienced Gwion EDWARDS whose effort deflected through a Yeovil players’ legs and in to the net.
McGavin had a free kick deflected for a corner, Troy Perrett put one in to the side netting, but there was nothing which constituted a meaningful effort on Blackman’s goal as 45 minutes of attacking the Thatcher’s End – which included owner Prabhu Srinivasan – came to nothing more. Level at the break.

Half time: Yeovil Town 1 Morecambe 1

Second half

The first half had lacked too much in the way of quality from either side, but a nice combination between Works and Perrett led to the Cardiff City loanee having a low effort stopped by Blackman just five minutes in to the second half.

A minute later, there was a shout for a penalty for the home side when Terrell Works went to the floor as he attempted to turn home a rebound after Ryan Jones’ effort was well-saved. Not given, but it was better for Yeovil.

With 54 minutes played, Yeovil boss Billy Rowley introduced new loan signing Delano McCoy-Splatt (are we going for DM-S?) in to the midfield replacing Perrett. The AFC Wimbledon youngster’s first touch in green-and-white saw him find Works with a nice long ball.

Then on 58 minutes the both DM-S and Works, who had played together in the Fulham academy, were at the heart of a second goal. Initially it was Josh Sims who kept the ball in play, picked out DM-S who worked well with his fellow loanee before playing an excellent through ball to Works on the right of the box and he picked out James DALY who still had a lot of work to do and did it superbly to smash Yeovil back in to the lead.

But anything Daly can do, Ryan JONES can do better. The winger’s corner was cleared and worked back out to him on the right wing, he worked it inside and from just inside the penalty area unleashed a thunderous low effort which screamed in to the corner. 3-1 with 62 minutes played and some vital breathing space.

Ryan Jones celebrates Yeovil’s third. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

McCoy-Splatt and Works continued to link up well and there was plenty of fighting spirit on show from those in green-and-white with no shortage of full-blooded tackles against a Morecambe side who need the points for their own battle to get out of the drop zone.

Huish Park was in good voice with the home supporters more than playing their part to drive their team on. Then with 76 minutes on the clock, Paul Lewis went down after feeling contact from McGavin on the edge of the box and Jack NOLAN fired home a penalty to leave more than a hint of nerves around the stadium.
The biggest groan inside Huish Park (probably) came when the fourth official held up the board to indicate nine minutes of squeaky bum time. Two minutes in to the nine, Jed Ward had to move his feet quickly to deny Morecambe substitute Ben Tollitt whose cross-come-shot almost caught the keeper out, but he managed to push it out for a corner.
Come the final whistle, many of those in green-and-white collapsed on their backs having put in a huge shift to pick up a vital three points on a day when everything else went right for them at the foot of the table. Massive effort, massive win.

Full time: Yeovil Town 3 Morecambe 2

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Date: Saturday 21st March, 3pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Brett McGavin 10 (1-0), Gwion Edwards 34 (1-1), James Daly 58 (2-1), Ryan Jones 62 (3-1), Jack Nolan pen 76 (3-2)

Pitch: You’re almost there, just hang on a little longer!
Conditions: Absolutely glorious

Attendance: 2,715 (66 away supporters)

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: None
Morecambe: Lewis Payne 36, Paul Lewis 39, Ben Tollitt 90+6

Referee: Aaron Farmer

Yeovil Town

Substitutes: Delano McCoy-Splatt (for Troy Perrett, 53), Alex Whittle (for Terrell Works, 67), Harvey Greenslade (for Ryan Jones, XX), Millar Matthews-Miller,  Jaydon Biss (not used), Ollie Hughes (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Morecambe: Jamal Blackman, Kyle Jameson (for Miguel Azeez, 68), Harlee Dean, Liam Hogan, Lewis Payne, Paul Lewis (for Ben Tollitt, 87), Yann Songo’o (for Ben Williams, 68), Mo Sangare (for Dan Ogwuru, 77), Gwion Edwards (for Joe Nuttall, 87), Jack Nolan, Chris Popov.

Substitutes (not used): Tim Akindileni, Miles Boney, Jake Cain.

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

Another game of two halves saw Yeovil Town come away with nothing from Woking as a first half strike from Harry Beautyman sunk the Glovers in Surrey.

The home side were in total control during the first half and could have been ahead before Aaron Drewe cut in from the right flank to pick out the experienced Beautyman inside the area and he stroked his side in to the lead.

Yeovil came out for the second half showing an intensity and intent to go forward which had been lacking in the opening 45 minutes and caused problems for the opening 15 minutes. Perhaps the best chance came eight minutes from time when a thunderous free-kick from Brett McGavin was superbly denied by Will Jaaskelainen.

The gap to the National League Premier Division relegation places now stands at just four points, albeit with a game in hand over the five teams below Yeovil, with one of those sides, Morecambe, coming to Huish Park on Saturday for what feels like a real six pointer.

First half

There was a blow for Woking early on as they lost midfielder Roy Syla with an injury after just nine minutes. He was replaced by substitute Tim Akinola.

With ten minutes gone, Yeovil had a bit of good fortune when Brett McGavin handled on the edge of the area according to referee Richie Watkins, there were plenty in the Woking side who thought it could have been just inside. Jake Forster-Caskey bent one in and Jed Ward did what Jed Ward does and pulled off a great save to keep the chance out and push it away from danger.

Yeovil Town’s pre-match huddle at Woking. Picture courtesy of Ollie Marsh.

With 17 minutes, Aaron Jarvis, who only needed to get through this game without a booking to reset his four yellow cards, got a yellow card for tangling with Timi Odusina. That will see him miss the home game with Morecambe at the weekend.

Moments later, a ball in to the box and Harry Beautyman fired in a shot which the in-form Olly Sanderson tried to flick past Ward, but the keeper was able to collect it. Then Matthew Ward got past Josh Sims down the left side and the ball landed at the feet of Beautyman who fired over the bar. Another big let-off for Yeovil.

On 27 minutes, a beautiful ball from McGavin picked out Josh Sims in space down the right side and he flashed a shot across the face of goal where Jarvis could not quite get a touch. Good move from Yeovil, need to do more of that.

Despite that chance, the first half-an-hour had been Woking’s and they took the lead with 30 minutes on the clock. Aaron Drewe cut in from the right side with ease and picked out Harry BEAUTYMAN who was able to stroke it home with ease. Immediately after the goal, Yeovil boss Billy Rowley called his side over for some instructions.
The Glovers were being pulled apart in wide positions and just three minutes after they suffered on the right, they suffered on the left as Sanderson found space on the edge of the box and laid it back to Beautyman who pulled his effort wide. Another big chance. You just feel Woking are sensing blood here.
The half-time whistle was a relief to everyone in green-and-white. The first 15 minutes was a little more even, but Yeovil will be pleased it is only 1-0 to the home side. It could (should?) have been more and we have not asked enough questions in to the Woking back line.

Half time: Woking 1 Yeovil Town 0

Second half

Was there a Rowley rocket at half-time? Whatever was said, Yeovil came out looking much brighter from the start. Two minutes after the restart former Card James Daly burst forward and looked to curl a shot in to the top corner, it took a deflection off two Woking defenders and Will Jaaskelainen had to stretch to tip it wide for a corner. From the resulting flag kick, the ball dropped to Jarvis inside the box but his effort went wide.

In the opening three minutes there was intensity, desire and intent to put the first half performance to shame. This is what we need more of. On 53 minutes, Woking showed that they still have plenty of threat. Joe Gbode got away down the left, cut inside and found Ward at the near post and he shot wide and three minutes later a corner flashed across the face of Jed Ward’s goal and mercifully there was no-one to turn it in at the back post.

Second half action inside the Woking area. Picture courtesy of Ollie Marsh.
With 65 minutes gone, Terrell Works replaced Harvey Greenslade, who had not really got in to the game. A bit of pace and trickery from the young Fulham loanee being looked to to try and re-inject the energy which had dropped a little after the first ten minutes.
On 68 minutes, Daly got a ball across the face of goal but neither Jarvis or Works looked like they were getting close to being in the position for a touch. You just get a feeling there is something else in this game – either an equaliser, or Woking will get a second goal to kill the contest.
Eight minutes from time, Works was brought down on the edge of the box in McGavin territory. That man stepped up and hammered in a fantastic shot which was matched by an equally fantastic shot from Jaaskelainen to push it out but neither Jarvis or Kyle Ferguson got get enough to turn home the rebound.
Millar Matthews-Lewis and Troy Perrett were thrown on in the closing stages. We need to just go for it and, in an effort to keep spirits high, someone (some weapon) in the away end let off a green pyro. Goodness me.
On two occasions, Terrell works showed the the pace and trickery which he was introduced to bring, but on both occasions he failed to find a team-mate. There was an agonising moment when McGavin’s free-kick was met by the head of Jarvis but flashed across the face of goal.
It was a much better performance in the second half than the first, the exact alternate of last weekend’s defeat at Boston. There was applause from the 436 fans who travelled to support their team at the final whistle, but it’s the same number of points heading back to Somerset.

Full time: Woking 1 Yeovil Town 0

Match Details

Venue: Kingfield
Date: Tuesday 17th March, 7:45pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Harry Beautyman 30 (0-1),

Pitch: “Alright, not great” – Billy Rowley, pre-match. He was being generous.
Conditions: Cold

Attendance: XXXX (436 away supporters)

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Aaron Jarvis 17, Jake Wannell 67, Alex Whittle 83
Woking: Tim Akinola 28, Aaron Drewe 82

Referee: Richie Watkins

Yeovil Town

Substitutes: Terrell Works (for Harvey Greenslade, 65), Millar Matthews-Miller (for Alex Whittle, 83), Troy Perrett (for Kyle Ferguson, 90), Joy Mukena (not used), Jaydon Biss (not used), Ollie Hughes (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Woking: Will Jaaskelainen, Aaron Drewe, Chinwike Okoli, Timi Odusina, Caleb Richards, Roy Syla (for Tim Akinola, 9), Jake Forster-Caskey (for Jamie Andrews, 46), Matt Ward (for Kian Pennant, 84), Olly Sanderson, Harry Beautyman (for Tunji Akinola, 68), Joseph Gbode (for Tariq Hinds, 84).

Substitutes (not used): Dale Gorman, Craig Ross.