Match Reports (Page 14)

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A second half strike from midfielder Josh Owers saw Yeovil Town keep their unbeaten home run intact with a 3-2 win over Eastbourne Borough at a sweltering Huish Park.

The Glovers took the lead when Frank Nouble rose unmarked inside the box to power home a 13th minute header.
But, the visitors, led by winger Leone Gravata stunned the home crowd with a quickfire double from Jack Paxman.

Nouble added his second with an audacious goal two minutes in to first half stoppage time, lifting a ball over Eastbourne keeper Ben Dudzinski after he had come racing off his line.

The conditions took their toll in a scrappy second half but it was a moment of quality which won it when Owers lashed an unstoppable winner in on 69 minutes.

First half

A slip from Morgan Williams gave Decarrey Sheriff the opportunity to come forward and Josh Staunton committed what referee Neil Pratt considered a foul. A lot of the rest of Huish Park disagreed.

Two unbelievable saves from Joe Day, at first when he had to get down at the feet of the visitors’ Fletcher Holman to clear it before pulling off a super save to turn an effort from Leone Gravata aside moments later. Absolutely world class saves from the on loan Newport County man.

But immediately at the other end, it was the home side were ahead. A corner from Jordan Young, who did superbly to win the flag kick, found the head of Frank NOUBLE who powered home his second in as many matches.

Frank Nouble scored his second in as many matches to give the Glovers a 13th minute lead.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

The first of an anticipated many drinks breaks on the UK’s hottest day of the year so far came after 15 minutes when Eastbourne defender Freddie Carter went down injured. He was replaced by ex-Swindon Town man Yaser Kasim four minutes later.

The first of an anticipated many drinks breaks on the UK’s hottest day of the year so far came after 15 minutes when Eastbourne defender Freddie Carter went down injured. He was replaced by ex-Swindon Town man Yaser Kasim four minutes later.

Nouble and Young combined superbly on 23 minutes for the big frontman to power forward by a great last ditch tackle saw his effort blocked. Matt Worthington lifted his effort over the bar from the rebound. Great bit of play from Yeovil.
Another slip by Williams saw Gravata find Holman whose angled effort went wide. The offside flag was up but it was a great opportunity.

Moments later, Holman had another great opportunity as Bell lost possession and Gravata’s ball in from the left found Holman who was denied by a superb block from Josh Staunton.

Following another drinks break (told you there would be a few), Eastbourne exploited space down the left again and this time they got the equaliser their dominance had threatened.

It was Gravata again who had a low drive blocked and it landed to the feet of Jack PAXMAN whose shot from the edge of the area flew past Joe Day after 36 minutes.

And two minutes later he was at it again. Paxman found Holam inside the area, the young striker had an effort blocked and again it was PAXMAN who hammered his second.

The threat down the left was clear with Gravata targeting Bell to good effect and Eastbourne overloaded down that side.

Yeovil were shell-shocked but responded with three minutes of normal time remaining when Nouble fed Young and his effort was saved well by Dudzinski in the visitors’ goal.

But the keeper was beaten when he came racing off his line to try and win the ball ahead of NOUBLE who superbly lifted the ball over him from fully 30 yards out and it bounced in to the net. Big Frank looks a man reborn playing through the centre.

Wow. What a first half.

Half time: Yeovil Town 2 Eastbourne Borough 2

 

Second half

Manager Mark Cooper introduced midfielder Charlie Cooper and striker Jake Hyde at the start of the second half with Bell, who had been given a torrid time by Gravata, and Lo-Everton making way.

That meant a back three of Wannell, Staunton and Williams with Alex Whittle and Matt Worthington given licence to press forward on the left and right respectively.

It was a scrappy opening to the second half, the first chance came for Yeovil as Cooper’s free-kick in from the left found Staunton whose header was superbly turned away by Dudzinski. The flag was up.

The next opportunity fell to the visitors and it was no surprise it was Gravata whose 56th-minute effort was blocked by the face (Eastbourne argued hand) of Staunton.

With neither side dominating possession, Mark Cooper made his third change (he did say pre-match that he expected to use them all) as Jordan Stevens replaced Young during another drinks’ break on 63 minutes.

With his first touch, Worthington and Stevens linked up down the right. The substitute jinked away from his man, but Worthington’s cross was not good enough to find Hyde inside the box.

But the hosts took the lead for a second time on 69 minutes with a goal that was all about Josh Owers.

The midfielder did superbly to pick up a sloppy pass from Hyde, fed Worthington who got away down the right, the ball was cleared as far as OWERS whose shot screamed in to the net. The second the ball left his foot it was going nowhere other than past Dudzinski.

The pace of Stevens was tangible when the ball broke down and the substitute was impacting in all the places we wanted him to be.

The visitors spurned a gilt-edged chance on 83 minutes. Good play between substitutes Emmerson and Vigar found Sheriff in acres of space on the edge of the box, but the forward put his shot wide. A big opportunity.

Eastbourne, a full-time outfit themselves, were not giving up and when seven minutes of stoppage time were put up the temperature rose at a time when it really did not need rising.

Players from both sides dropped to the floor at the final whistle and the Glovers will be pleased not to have a midweek match coming up after a draining performance.

Full time: Yeovil Town 3 Eastbourne Borough 2

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Saturday 9th September – 3pm kick-off

Pitch: Slippy (from watering)
Conditions: Scorching

Attendance: 2,728 (62 away supporters)

Scorers: Frank Nouble 13 (1-0), Jack Paxman 36 (1-1), Jack Paxman 38 (1-2), Frank Nouble 45+2 (2-2), Josh Owers 69 (3-2)

Bookings: 
Yeovil Town: Charlie Cooper 88
Eastbourne Borough: Scott Leslie 57

Referee: Neil Pratt

Yeovil Town (4-3-3)

Substitutes: Charlie Cooper (for Zac Bell, 46), Jack Hyde (for Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, 46), Jordan Stevens (for Jordan Young, 63) Jordan Maguire-Drew (not used), Rhys Murphy (not used)

Eastbourne Borough: Ben Dudzinski, Scott Leslie, Archie Proctor, Brad Barry, Jack Paxman, Decarrey Sheriff, Imran Uche (for Billy Vigar, 73), Freddie Carter (for Yaser Kasim, 19) , Fletcher Holman (for Zak Emmerson, 46), Leone Gravata, Sam Beard.

Substitutes (not used): Daniel Quick, Jay Beckford.

 

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Goals from Jordan Young, Jamie Sendles-White and Frank Nouble saw Yeovil Town pick up three points away at Somerset rivals Weston-super-Mare in a five-goal thriller at Winterstoke Road on Tuesday night.

The Glovers raced in to a 2-0 lead after just 18 minutes after Young fired home a sublime free-kick and then Sendles-White headed his first goal for the club from a corner.

But the visitors did not have it all their own way with James Morton pulling one back with a stunning strike before the break as Weston piled on the pressure.

Nouble headed home for the third after ten minutes of the second half and substitute Jason Soule headed a late second for the hosts to set up a nervy ending.

 

First half

The first chance of the match fell to the visitors, shooting towards the packed away end in the first half. Jordan Young picked up possession on the edge of the box and played right to Frank Nouble, who hammered his effort in to the visiting supporters after three minutes.

At the other end hosts’ captain Dayle Grubb warmed the palms of Yeovil keeper Joe Day moments later, but after sharing the opening exchanges it was Yeovil who took the lead in style on 15 minutes.

Having been felled on the edge of the box, YOUNG stepped up to bend a free-kick in to the top right-hand corner, in off the post. An absolute beauty.

Yeovil went for the jugular with Worthington winning possession well and feeding in Owers whose shot was deflected wide for a corner. It was Young’s turn to turn provider as his corner found Jamie SENDLES-WHITE rising highest in a crowded area to head home. A goal from a corner and two goals in a match.

That was the urgency which Yeovil fans (well, certainly three Yeovil fans on our Monday podcast) had been calling for and it paid dividends.

Having been stunned, Weston enjoyed a good period of possession and on 22 minutes midfielder Jamie Morton’s long-range effort was held by Day.

Four minutes later, a short corner by Grubb found Lloyd Humphries whose effort was possibly dipping under the crossbar but a combination of Day and Morgan Williams turned it over for a corner.

The possession continued in the favour of the home side with Kieran Thomas’ low effort from the edge of the area well blocked by Day. The visitors’ keeper was being called in to action and it was ex-Glovers’ striker Reuben Reid who forced another save out of him. This time with his legs.

The Seagulls were certainly finding a bit of impetus and they pulled a goal back on 38 minutes. Another spell of possession saw the ball break to MORTON whose effort from fully 30 minutes flew in to the net. Perhaps a deflection on the way in to the net, but if it didn’t, he’ll never score a better one.

It was nothing more than the home side deserved for a sustained period of dominance whilst the visitors lost the urgency which had served them so well in the opening 20 minutes.

The nerves in the away end were palpable as the home side continued to turn up the pressure whilst Yeovil looked nervous in possession.

In the second minutes of three added on, a lose pass from Josh Staunton almost let Reid in, but Day was quick off the mark to clear the danger.

The half-time whistle will have been more of a relief to the travelling support than those in the home end.

Half time: Weston-super-Mare 1 Yeovil Town 2

 

Second half

Yeovil manager Mark Cooper made his first change at the start of the second half with Zac Bell replacing Jamie Sendles-White on the right side of defence.

Weston came out with their tails up after the break and a pot shot from Jason Pope on 50 minutes was as near to an opening as they carved out from the start.

Have picked three yellow cards in the first half, it was more than a little annoying to see Day pick up another for time wasting early in the first half. Sendles-White had picked one up for delaying a throw in the first half. We know referees are going to be picky this season, so why give them the excuse?

Another yellow card, this time for Owers who tripped Grubb on the edge of the box after 57 minutes. The Weston play-maker could not match the technique of Young earlier in the game and his effort went over.

But, on 55 minutes it was visitors who extended their lead. A free-kick in from the left found Staunton rising highest at the back post and NOUBLE who nodded home from close range.

Importantly that picked up a previously nervy away support – a magnificent away support of 850 travelling fans, may I say – and, equally importantly, dampened down a previously boisterous home crowd. That may have been the camera I was watching from being in the stand, however!

With the home side beginning to tire, Cooper introduced fresh legs off the bench with first Jordan Stevens coming on for Murphy and then Jordan Maguire-Drew replacing the excellent Young.

On 69 minutes, Stevens’ first foray forward saw him almost find Nouble only for Thomas to get a vital toe to the ball and then on 74 minute Maguire-Drew almost got on the end of a ball in from the right from Nouble, but hosts’ keeper Luke Purnell was there to deny him.

Having proven himself unafraid to hand out red cards on the pitch, referee Liam Corbett took his cards off the pitch sending off Weston boss Scott Bartlett. What for? Who knows. Rule #1 folks, Rule #1.

With a minute of normal time remaining, a worrying moment saw the play delayed with what appeared to be a defibrillator appearing in the shot, presumably for a member of the home crowd. Our thoughts obviously with that individual.

From the restart, a great ball in from the right by Bell found Worthington the middle but he hammered his effort wide. Should have scored. Didn’t though.

Want some more nerves though? In the seventh minute of second half stoppage time, substitute Jason SOULE headed in Grubb’s free-kick for the home side’s second.

The delay had obviously added a good deal (no idea exactly how much) of additional time on and Soule’s celebration showed he’d not given up.

In that additional time, Reid got the ball in the box and fired it in to ‘the mixer’ where Jackson and Staunton tangled. Luckily it was the skipper who got the better contact.

Let’s just say, the final whistle was a relief. Three points in the bag though and, come the end of the season, no-one will care about anything other than that.

 

Full time: Weston-super-Mare 2 Yeovil Town 3

Match Details

Venue: Winterstoke Road
Tuesday 5th September – 7.45pm kick-off

Pitch: Grass which was a relief.
Conditions: A beautiful summer’s evening……in September.

Attendance: 2,487 (850 away supporters)

Scorers: Jordan Young 16 (1-0), Jamie Sendles-White 18 (2-0), James Morton 39 (1-2), Frank Nouble 55 (1-3)

Bookings: 
Yeovil Town: Jamie Sendles-White 40, Jake Wannell 43, Joe Day 51, Morgan Williams 53,  Josh Owers 57, Matt Worthington 90+8.
Weston-super-Mare: Jason Pope 14, Kieran Thomas 66, Marlon Jackson 90+8

Referee: Liam Corbett

Yeovil Town (5-3-2)

 

Substitutes: Zac Bell for Jamie Sendles-White, 46; Jordan Stevens for Rhys Murphy, 65; Jordan Maguire-Drew for Jordan Young, 71,. Will Buse (not used), Sonny Blu Lo-Everton (not used).

Weston-super-Mare: Luke Purnell, Keith Thomas, Jason Pope, James Morton, Lloyd Humphries, Sam Avery, James Dodd, Marlon Jackson, Dayle Grubb (c), Jordan Bastin, Reuben Reid. 

Substitutes: Jamie Soule (for Jordan Bastin, 65), Harry Lee, Ed James, Jay Murray, Bailey Kempster.

 

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Yeovil Town remain unbeaten at home, Chelmsford remain unbeaten over all, two goals in the final 10 minutes – one for each side – meant the spoils were shared as the Glovers took on the Clarets. Here’s how it unfolded, for Ian Perkins on BBC Somerset

First half

Mark Cooper made five changes from the Glovers 4-3 defeat at Havant & Waterlooville. Joe Day made his debut in place of Will Buse. Morgan Williams, Josh Staunton, Jordan Young and Jake Hyde all returned to the starting line-up.

Josh Staunton’s coin tossing training has clearly paid off, the Glovers shooting towards the uncovered terrace in the first half.

The Glovers dominated the early exchanged, two corners in the first ten minutes came to nothing, with Charlie Cooper forcing a save from a free kick after Barnum-Bobb left a significant indent on the shins of Alex Whittle.

With just ten minutes on the clock, the Glovers got their best of the early opportunities, Jordan Young tried to catch the Clarets keeper out with a smart interception, but the winger’s pass to Frank Nouble couldn’t quite be forced home.

 

Frank Nouble in action against Chelmsford City.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Joe Day, on debut, wasn’t really called into action until the 15 minute mark, Callum Jones’ effort was tipped away for a corner, the set piece was eventually cleared after a couple of back and forth moments.

It wouldn’t be long before another corner was forced as the visitors started to get a foot hold in the game, Huish Park was muted as Frank Nouble gave away a free kick, again, coming to nothing, but the game needed a spark.

With a quarter of the match gone, Jazzi Barnum-Bobb was forced off with an injury, Adam Mills was brought on for the visitors.

The break did the Glovers a favour, Jake Hyde tried to flick a free kick into a dangerous area before Jordan Young unleashed a wayward strike a few minutes later. 

Young was starting to get into the game, his attack down the left was full of quality, but Jake Hyde had strayed offside – the subsequent free kick lead to a Chelmsford attack, but Whittle snuffed it out. 

Joe Day was back in action, another fantastic save in amongst a melee in the area, getting down low to paw a shot away at point blank range, following the chaos, Sonny Blu Lo Everton was shown a yellow card for… something or another.

Anthony Wordsworth followed him onto the referee’s shopping list soon after after a challenge on Charlie Cooper. That levels that up.

It wasn’t for long though, Ebuzome scythed down Jordan Young has he headed towards goal… 2-1 to Chelmsford in the note book, but Young couldn’t make it 1-0 on the score sheet from the free kick, he forced a good save and a corner.

Jake Wannell was within touching distance of putting the Glovers’ ahead, but he couldn’t quite get to the flicked on corner… Morgan Williams not quite able to direct his header either goalwards, or to someone in green.

Young was continuing to cause problems, his delivery could easily have been heading in, but neither Hyde or Nouble could make sure, the keeper nudged it round the post. 

With less than five minutes of the normal 45 on the clock, the game opened up, both sets of defenders, particularly from Jake Wannell, prevented clear cut chances as the pace livened up.

There was (only) four minutes added on at the end of the half, as the tentative opening half came to a close, a stalemate… for now.

Half time: Yeovil Town 0 Chelmsford City 0

Second half

The second half started off with a bang, Zac Bell flung a cracking ball into the box, the visiting Goalkeeper, Josh Oluwayemi was brave as Jake Hyde flew in to try and make a decisive touch, there was a clash and both physio teams were called upon.

Those two were back in the headlines again, Jake Hyde forcing a chance for himself after coming straight back onto the pitch to dispose Brookes of the ball.

Lo- Everton was next to try his luck, he and Nouble combined well, but the effort from the front-man skewed wide.

Chelmsford’s first half chance of the second half came just before the hour, Morgan Williams lost his footing at an inopportune time, Ebuzoeme couldn’t take advantage.

Their second wasn’t far away, Lo-Everton had to do some clearing after some good possession, Zac Bell would find himself in then referee’s note book for a heavy challenge. Everything was beginning to feel very level once again. 

Rhys Murphy was ready to go as the clock struck the hour, he had to watch as Jordan Young and Zac Bell tried to make something happen, eventually Murphy was introduced in place of Nouble.

The former Chelmsford man was quickly in the action, he chased a long ball over the top before finding Lo-Everton who teamed up with Young to force the corner.

The corner was only partially cleared, Hyde tried to recycle the ball, he, Cooper and Bell all tried to keep the momentum… the Thatchers Stand trying to suck the ball into the net.

Murphy struck a free kick, but to no avail, Wannell landed a header onto the roof of the net, the Chelmsford defence was deepening.

The Clarets’ Adam Mills had a couple of busy minutes, he was within touching distance of a fierce cross, but was shortly after in the referee’s notebook for a foul.

From the free kick – Jordan Young hit the cross bar. It was getting closer.

Chelmsford made their final two subs, Jones and Ruff were hooked with Bettamer and Hockey brought into the attack.

With the game entering the final 15 minutes (well, of the 90…) Jake Hyde couldn’t make the most of the break away, he had options with both Young and Murphy in close contention.

Jordan Stevens was promised some minutes as he makes his return from injury, he was brought into the game at the expense of Lo-Everton.

This brought about a slight change in formation, moving to a 4-2-3-1, Cooper and Williams holding, every one else given the freedom to attack.

Stevens was soon in a great space, with options in the box, just as he was ready to make the pass, he slipped. Time starting to run out.

Young was still trying down the left hand side, he forced a 84th minute corner, Mills though more than equal to it.

Then, the sucker punch.

Josh Staunton sliced a clearance, Joe Day pulled off a wonderful save to prevent the own goal, but Adam MILLS tapped home. 

In response, Jordan Young was replaced by Jordan Maguire-Drew. Time was running out.

Six minutes of added time, it was now or never.

It was now, as it seems! Morgan WILLIAMS’ shot may have taken a deflection, of someone, after good work from JM-D and Cooper. It was back level…

Jake Hyde tried to flick a Joe Day goal kick into a dangerous area, Sami Carruthers tried to get attacks going… neither side totally happy with a point. 

JM-D whipped a dangerous corner in, Rhys Murphy and Jake Wannell tried to get a vital touch. Wannell stayed forward, but he was unable to force the score away from One-All… 

The final six minutes had a bit of everything, but neither side could break the deadlock. 

The stats are all fairly even, including the most important one of all, points shared at Huish Park

Full time: Yeovil Town 1 Chelmsford City 1

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Saturday 2nd September – 3pm kick-off

Pitch: tbc
Conditions: tbc

Attendance: 2933

Scorers: Adam Mills, 86. (0-1), M Williams (1-1)

Bookings: 
Yeovil Town: Lo-Everton (33), Bell (56)
Chelmsford: Wordsworth (36), Ebuzoeme (37), Mills (68)

Red Cards:
Yeovil Town: 
Chelmsford: 

Referee: Steven Hughes

Yeovil Town (4-1-2-1-2)

 

Substitutes: James Sendles-While, Josh Owers, Rhys Murphy (For Nouble 60), Jordan Maguire-Drew, Jordan Stevens (For Lo-Everton 80)

Chelmford City: Oluwayemi (GK), Brookes, Wordsworth, Winfield (c), Ebuzoeme, Carruthers, Jenkins, Jones, Ruff, Barnum-Bobb, Francis

Substitutes (not used): Dabre, Bettamer (for Jones 72), Mills (for Barnum-Bobb, 22), Hockey (for Ruff 72), Watts

 

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Yeovil Town fought back from 2-0 down and 3-2 down, but left Hampshire with nothing as the Glovers fell the wrong side of a 4-3 scoreline.

The hosts had their manager sent off, the Glovers had Charlie Cooper sent off for a second bookable offence in the dying seconds.

Dave Coates was in the away end for the rollercoaster fixture, here’s how it unfolded.

First half

The opening chance of the game came after six minutes when James Roberts found Mo Faal who got his shot away.

But just a minute later, the big frontman, allegedly a target of Matt Uggla during SU Glovers’ ‘stewardship’ at Huish Park, made no mistake with FAAL heading home a left wing cross from Roberts.

They was at least a suspicion of foul play by Faal, with Charlie Cooper getting a booking for informing the referee of this.

Faal had the ball in the net again soon after only to be adjudged to have fouled his man on this occasion, but on 12 minutes the home side doubled their advantage. A quick throw by Tom Mehew and Callum KEALEY spun to shoot and double the advantage.

And at the other end, Yeovil were yet to manage five yard pass let alone an effort on goal. The pace of the artificial pitch seemed to completely go against the team who was less familiar with it.

Faal seized on to another loose pass on 19 minutes, the big striker broke through but was denied by a great save from Will Buse.

It took the Great Escape to strike up from the away end at Westleigh Park to inspire the visitors. What were we saying about who inspires who? But they inspired a goal in the 26th minute from a corner as Charlie Cooper’s ball in was bundled in by Jake WANNELL. Was there a hand involved? Probably (/definitely) but who cares?

At the other end the threat had not stopped as Havant continued to press ahead. Faal caused Jamie Sendles-White all kinds of problems and the ball broke to Roberts whose effort went over.

Cooper put a shot over from a 34th minute corner before on 41 minutes a great run down the right by Thomas saw him jink in to the box but scuffed his shot wide. For a side which can’t seem to control a ball or play a pass on an artificial search, two chances is nothing to be sniffed at.

Worthington had a header tipped over by Worner in the Havant goal with a minute of normal time remaining and then Yeovil were handed a lifeline as Maguire-Drew was bundled over in the box. MAGUIRE-DREW stepped up to coolly fire home the penalty and the game was level.

But five minutes in to injury time a trip on Faal in the box by Wannell saw the hosts get the chance to restore their lead. FAAL’s initial effort was saved by Buse but the forward was there to turn in the spot kick.

Half time: Havant & Waterlooville 3 Yeovil Town 2

Second half

Half time saw Morgan Williams replace Sonny Blu Lo-Everton and five at the back was….well, back.

The highlight of the opening exchanges of the second half was Havant manager James Collins being sent off, presumably for something he said to the referee after Faal went down under a challenge whilst Yeovil played on.

A minute later a flicked header from Williams was superbly clawed out by Worner, and on 54 minutes good play from Nouble saw the ball break to Cooper and his chance was well saved by the legs of Worner.

But the threat at the other end was not over proven by Roberts putting an effort just wide after 58 minutes.

An injury to Worthington saw him replaced by Jordan Young after 62 minutes.

A minute later Faal had a long range shot against the post and the rebound fell to Rory Deacon whose shot flew over the bar and two minutes later former trialist Tom Blair had an effort rattle back off the post.

With a goal seemingly lacking and greatly needed, manage Mark Cooper introduced Rhys Murphy with 69 minutes gone. He replaced Olly Thomas, who may well be more of a threat coming off the bench.

With ten minutes gone, Faal, who was turning in the perfect big frontman performance, turned Sendles-White and fed in Roberts who bent another one just over the bar.

As the game ticked in to the final ten minutes when the fitness and discipline was supposed to be in the favour of the full-time side, it was Havant who appeared to have the upper hand. At the other end, it all felt aimless and uncoordinated.

It was hard to see where an equaliser was coming from – and then one came. Maguire-Drew fed MURPHY who broke away and slotted home.

But, if this afternoon had taught us anything, it’s not over til it is over. Faal drove down the left, played it in to KEALY who spun to turn home his second of the day.

But there was just time for it to go from bad to worse. Cooper went down under a tackle inside the box and got a second yellow for simulation and that was the end of his afternoon.

Full time: Havant & Waterlooville 4 Yeovil Town 3

Match Details

Venue: Westleigh Park
Monday, 28th August, 3pm kick-off

Pitch: Stupid Plastic
Conditions: Dull but hot.

Attendance: 1744 (658 Yeovil fans)

Scorers: M Faal (1-0), C Kealy (2-0), J Wannell (2-1), J Maguire-Drew (2-2), M Faal (3-2), R Murphy (3-3), C Kealy (4-3)

Bookings: 
Yeovil Town: C Cooper, 15. Maguire-Drew, 64. Whittle, 99
Havant & Waterlooville: Deacon, 54. Kealy, 69. Worner, 72. Busari, 82, Faal, 94)

Red Cards:
Yeovil Town: C Cooper (96)
Havant & Waterlooville: Jamie Collins (off pitch, 51)

Referee: Joe Booksalot

Yeovil Town (4-3-3)

 

Substitutes: Morgan Willams (for Lo Everton, 46), Jordan Young (for Worthington, 62) Rhys Murphy (for Thomas, 69) Josh Owers, Jake Hyde.

Havant & Waterlooville: Worner, Innocent, McNerny, Mehew, Kealy, Faal, Busari, Willson, Blair, Deacon, Roberts
Substitutes (not used): Jewitt-White (for Busari, 86) Oastler (for Faal, 94)

 

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First competitive goals from Jordan Young and Frank Nouble were enough to earn Yeovil Towna third win of the season against Tonbridge Angels at Huish Park on Saturday.

Young, who was called in to the starting XI having sat out the first four games of the season, opened the scoring having broken in to the box after 13 minutes minutes to lash an effort under visiting goalkeeper Jonathan Henley.

Henley proved to be the difference between the Glovers and a more comprehensive lead not least on 63 minutes when he saved a penalty from Rhys Murphy having been booked for appearing to scuffing up the spot in front of the away end. He was not alone with referee Robert Ablitt handing out nine yellow cards in a game which could not be described as dirty.

Nouble, on as a substitute in the second half, sealed the win with five of nine minutes of second half injury time gone. The big frontman was set away by fellow substitute Olly Thomas and fired in at a near post.

Here’s how it went down at Huish Park…..

First half

There were three changes for Yeovil Town going into the match, with manager Mark Cooper citing Bank Holiday Monday’s trip to Havant & Waterlooville as a factor in team selection. Jordan Young, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton and Rhys Murphy came into the side in place of Frank Nouble, Jordan Maguire-Drew, who were on the bench, and Jamie Sendles-White who dropped out of the squad altogether.

Rhys Murphy.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

It was the visitors came firing out of the starting blocks bombarding the Yeovil box with crosses and the opening exchanges made it clear that Tonbridge were happy to come to dig in for a result. In the initial exchanges, the diamond in midfield led to the inevitable lack of width with neither Alex Whittle or Morgan Williams getting forward to stretch the visiting back line.

The hosts did manage to enjoy much of the possession as the rain hammered down on Huish Park and their dominance paid off as they took the lead after 13 minutes. Jake Hyde held the ball up, played it out to Matt Worthington on the right and he found Jordan YOUNG on the edge of the box. The forward moved in to the box and hammered a low shot across the skiddy surface under visiting keeper Jonathan Henley.

On 19 minutes, Morgan Williams appeared to be bundled over in the box but referee Robert Ablitt was unmoved and the ball broke to Hyde whose close range effort was superbly denied by Henley.

Three minutes later, the match official was in the the spotlight again. Williams and Joseph Turner went in for what looked like a 50-50 challenge on a wet pitch which the Yeovil man came off the worse in, but he was the one who got the booking. The home crowd certainly thought that Turner should have also seen a yellow.

Tonbridge’s first chance came on 23 minutes when Lewis Gard’s ball in to the box was flicked on by Jamie Fielding almost found ex-Bristol Rovers’ man Stefan Payne, but he was unable to make contact and his effort went in to the side netting.

The 31st minute was met with a round of applause in memory of Yeovil supporter Craig Leader, who tragically lost his battle against bowel cancer at the age of 31. A big thankyou to all those from Tonbridge who joined in this moment. Class.

A minute’s applause in memory of Yeovil Town supporter Craig Leader after 31 minutes.
Picture courtesy of Amy @craw1304.

With eight minutes to play before half-time, a Great move from Jordan Young, who was impressing on his first start of the season, out wide saw him cut in and his ball in was flicked on by Hyde, but Henley was up to it again. 

Referee Ablitt was back in the action on 41 minutes. Murphy tussled with his marker and the referee adjudged the striker to have fouled. Let’s just say the official is 

Young and Hyde combined with half-time closing in and it was Young who clipped a ball in to the box but Murphy could only turn it wide. Once again, the chances were there for the home side, it was the goals that were missing. 

With the final kick of the half, a free-kick from Charlie Cooper forced another good save out of Henley and (again!) the keeper came out on top.

It was Yeovil who undoubtedly dominated the first half and were well worth their advantage, but, given the chances they created, will be disappointed it was only by a single goal.

Half time: Yeovil Town 1 Tonbridge Angels 0

Second half

The second half started in a similar fashion to the first with Tonbridge having the better of the early exchanges and had the first chance. After 48 minutes,  a  simple straight ball forward found Turner who brought the ball down well and his effort had Will Buse scrambling, but went wide.

Not long after visiting striker Ibby Akanbi broke in from the left and got his shot away but again wide in front of the Thatcher’s Stand. Cue the expected ripple of frustrated noises from the home crowd and the rallying cry from captain Josh Staunton to his Yeovil team-mates.

Young put an effort wide at the other end after good play from Lo-Everton and then on 55 minutes both Jake Wannell and Rhys Murphy entered the referee’s box. Wannell’s was for what appeared a nothing challenge on Akanbi – presumably one for the ‘totting up’ list – whereas Murphy’s was for having a word with the official. Rule 1, Rhys, Rule 1.

Tonbridge undoubtedly had the better of the opening 15 minutes after the restart, but the best chance of the half fell to Yeovil on the hour. Whittle broke in to the box and got his left foot around it but that man Henley was on hand to deny the hosts from increasing their lead – again!

On 63 minutes, the questionable decisions of the referee finally went in favour of the home side as they were awarded a penalty. Murphy was one-v-one with Kodi Lyons-Foster, there was a little contact but, after a bit of pause, Mr Ablitt awarded the spot kick. After a long delay and more than a suggestion that Henley had scuffed the penalty spot, Murphy went low and hard and Henley did well to keep it out. It must be noted that Henley got a booking for his ‘intervention’.

That proved to be Murphy’s last involvement as he was replaced by Olly Thomas on 65 minutes with Frank Nouble also replacing Hyde.

Payne put an effort over after 72 minutes and a minute later Yeovil manager Mark Cooper made a change as Zac Bell replaced Sonny Blu Lo-Everton with the hosts switching to a back three with Morgan Williams moving in to the middle.

Nouble volleyed an effort goalwards from 50 yards with Henley off his line but that was about as close as the home side came to getting another goal. The keeper was certainly not afraid to come off his line.

There was no surprise when the fourth official put up the board to confirm nine minutes of injury time. In a game which certainly could not be described as dirty, there were eight bookings across the two teams. Well done, ref!

Substitutes Frank Nouble and Olly Thomas celebrate Yeovil’s second goal.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

It took five minutes of added time for the home side to get a second. A well-worked move involving Young in midfield and Thomas set NOUBLE away and the big forward powered forward and drove it hard and low past Henley at his near post. 

Two goals, a first clean sheet of the season and finally, comfortable.

Full time: Yeovil Town 2 Tonbridge Angels 0

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Saturday, 26th August, 3pm kick-off

Pitch: Excellent
Conditions: Intermittent heavy showers.

Attendance: 2,896 (66 away supporters)

Scorers: Jordan Young 13 (1-0)

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Morgan Williams 21, Jake Wannell 55, Rhys Murphy 55, Will Buse, Olly Thomas 75, Charlie Cooper 90+2.
Tonbridge Angels: Jonathan Henley 64, Jernade Mead 75, Scott Wagstaff 81, 

Referee: Robert Ablitt

Yeovil Town (4-1-2-1-2) 

Substitutes:  Frank Nouble (for Hyde, 65), Olly Thomas (for Rhys Murphy, 65), Zac Bell (for Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, 72), Jordan Maguire-Drew (not used), Josh Owers (not used).

Tonbridge Angels: Jonathan Henley, Jamie Fielding, Kodi Lyon’s-Foster, Lewis Gard (for Johl Powell, 82), Jordan Higgs, Ibrahim Akanbi, Joseph Turner (for Gianni Crichlow, 90), Tarim Hinds, Jernade Meade, Scott Wagstaff, Stefan Payne (for Soares-Junior, 73).

Substiututes (not used): Tom Parkinson, Nathan Wood.

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A second half equaliser from substitute Rhys Murphy saw Yeovil Town come from behind to get a draw against Maidstone United at Huish Park on Saturday.

The frontman, who came off the bench after 64 minutes, reacted quickest to stab home a Jordan Young corner kick with seven minutes of normal time remaining.

Yeovil had fallen behind to a header from another substitute, Maidstone’s Levi Amantchi, with 56 minutes on the clock and the hosts were forced to settle for a point.

Here’s how it went down at Huish Park…..

First half

Manager Mark Cooper made just one change from the midweek win over Truro City as Jamie Sendles-White came in to a five-man back line with Morgan Williams overcoming a dead leg to line up as right wing-back.

Striker Rhys Murphy, who had started the previous three matches of the season, dropped to be the bench with Jake Hyde, Frank Nouble and Jordan Maguire-Drew lining up as a front three.

Having won a free-kick within seconds of the start with the team shooting towards a noisy Thatcher’s Stand, Charlie Cooper hammered an effort just wide of the post.

Hyde had a couple of decent chances soon after. On five minutes, he went through on goal, rounded visiting keeper Lucas Covolan, but could not beat the offside flag, and then six minutes the striker headed a great ball from Maguire-Drew just wide.

The possession was certainly in the home side’s favour but, following those early chances, clear-cut opportunities were few and far between with Bivesh Gurung’s run and shot after 24 minutes easily held by Yeovil manager Will Buse.

Two minutes later, a glorious free-kick delivery from Maguire-Drew found the head of Nouble seven yards out from goal but the big forward got under it and it went over. The best chance of the game by a margin.

The visitors’ best chance of the half so far came ten minutes before half-time when Sam Corne’s free-kick was cleared as far as Gurung whose effort fizzed past the post.

On 38 minutes, Covolan was the difference between Yeovil Town a 1-0 lead. A long throw from Sendles-White found the head of Williams whose effort was superbly turned away by the ex-Torquay United stopper.

Better possession, better chances, but still nothing to put Yeovil Town in the ascendancy.

Half time: Yeovil Town 0 Maidstone United 0

Second half

The second half started in a less controlled fashion for Yeovil Town than the first half and, as it was in midweek against Truro City, the visitors took the lead with just ten minutes after the break.

A corner from Corne was flicked on by winger Lamar Reynolds, Buse pushed it away but straight on to the head of striker Levi AMANTCHI, just on as a substitute, and he headed home the opener after 56 minutes.

Looking back on the chances which the Glovers had in the first half and the visitors’ improved performance, it was a case of what could have been. Can’t argue that there’s not enough goal-scoring talent available to the home side.

Yeovil responded with a treble change on 64 minutes and an attacking one. Olly Thomas, Jordan Young and Rhys Murphy came off the bench to replace Jake Hyde, captain Josh Staunton and Jordan Maguire-Drew with the formation switching to a very narrow-looking 4-4-2 with Sendles-White and Wannell flanked by Williams on the right and Whittle on the left.

A weak effort from Nouble, a shot wide of the post by Worthington, it was all a bit powder puff from the home side, but – if you were in attendance at the Truro game, you know what’s coming next – with seven minutes remaining Yeovil were level. A corner from Young was not dealt with by Covolan and the predator that is MURPHY was on hand to stab home the equaliser.

Moments later Maidstone will be wondering how they did not regain their advantage on 86 minutes. A free-kick in to the box found the head of George Fowler whose effort went over the bar. *loud exhalation of breath*

Seven minutes of injury time added by the referee. With a couple of them gone, a corner came to Thomas whose effort was blocked, broke to Young, again blocked. 

It was all Yeovil in the closing stages, but they were left to rue the missed opportunities in the first half as they settled for a point.

 

Full time: Yeovil Town 1 Maidstone United 1

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Saturday, 19th August, 3pm kick-off

Pitch: Excellent
Conditions: Warm and sunny

Attendance: 2,899 (130 away supporters)

Scorers: Levi Amantchi 56 (0-1), Rhys Murphy 83 (1-1), 

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Alex Whittle 63, Matt Worthington 72, Rhys Murphy 90+4
Maidstone United: Ogo Obi 41, Gavin Hoyte 46, George Fowler 90+4

Yeovil Town (5-2-3) 

Substitutes: Olly Thomas (for Jake Hyde, 64), Jordan Young (for Josh Staunton, 64), Rhys Murphy (for Jordan Maguire-Drew, 64), Zac Bell, Josh Owers.

Maidstone United: Covolan, Hoyte, Ezennolim, Fowler, Corne, Reynolds (for Wanjau-Smith  80), Aransibia, Obi (for Amantchi, 53), Bone, Sole, Gurung (for Kelly, 84). Substiututes (not used): De Graft, Earle, Amantchi.

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A late winner from defender Jake Wannell earned Yeovil Town a smash-and-grab win as they broke the resistance of a determined Truro City side to record back-to-back wins for the first time since March 2022.

After a goalless first half which saw the Cornish outfit dominate, the visitors took the lead when Rocky Neal broke the offside trap to slot past Will Buse after 55 minutes, stirring rumblings among the home supporters.

Substitute striker Olly Thomas, who replaced Jake Hyde after 68 minutes, pulled one back when he got on the end of a Charlie Cooper through ball with six minutes remaining, before Wannell rose highest at the back post to head the winner as the game ticked in to added time.

Here is how Dave saw it from the Thatcher’s Stand at Huish Park…….

FIRST HALF

The starting XI remained unchanged from the 2-1 home win over St Albans City on Saturday, albeit we lined up with a back three with Josh Staunton, Morgan Williams, and Jake Wannell. Jordan Maguire-Drew and Alex Whittle operating as right and left wing-backs respectively.

The opening 15 minutes saw the visitors carve out the clearer cut chances, the best of which arrived with 14 minutes gone when Williams had to slide in to the box to deny Ed Palmer before the ball broke to Rocky Neal whose effort was blocked by Staunton.

A minute later, they got even closer when on-loan Bristol Rovers youngster Harvey Greenslade’s effort came back off the outside of the post. A minute after that hosts’ keeper Will Buse turned away another effort from Greenslade before captain Connor Riley-Lowe headed narrowly wide.

The visitors, managed by ex-Glovers’ midfielder Paul Wotton, were not here to just make up the numbers. They looked more of a threat going forwards than their hosts , they quickly got back in to a defensive shape to frustrate us. It was going to be a long night with a lot of patience required at Huish Park

The nearest to a goal the Glovers got in the opening half-hour was a speculative effort from Maguire-Drew. Was it a shot? Was it a cross? Either way Truro keeper James Hamon turned it over the bar for a corner.

There was a nervous atmosphere inside Huish Park again (after the second half had been against St Albans) and it seemed to translate on to the pitch.

In a fluid formation, it was Williams who pulled out to the right with Staunton, Wannell and Whittle forming the back line. But Williams proved an effective attacking force with his crosses almost finding Murphy inside the box on 31 minutes and then just missing Hyde at the back post a minute later.

The chances were starting to come with Murphy found inside the box with five minutes of the half remaining but his effort was blocked. That was the theme of the evening as Truro seemed to have something in the way of every effort whilst looking the far more threatening going forward.

Come half-time it was certainly the home side who were grateful to go in goalless at the break.

Half time: Yeovil Town 0 Truro City 0

Thanks to Ollie Marsh for the photography

SECOND HALF

The second half saw Zac Bell replaced Williams, who appeared to be carrying an injury, with the Bristol City youngster going in on the right side of a back four. In the forward line, Murphy seemed to play slightly behind Hyde with Nouble and Maguire-Drew on either flank.

The result was certainly more possession for the home side but it was difficult to say they were was much in the way of chances as a result of it.

At the other end, Truro were continuing to threaten with the pace of Greenslade causing issues for the Yeovil backline and it was no surprise when that led to them taking the lead after 55 minutes. Rocky NEAL broke the offside trap – some in the Screwfix Stand certainly thought he did not break it – and raced clear and slot past Buse.

It could have been 2-0 two minutes later when Greenslade put one wide before Nouble shot wide at the other end. That effort was about all the home side had to offer in the opening 15 minutes after the break with a distinct lack of movement in the forward line.

On 68 minutes, Jordan Young and Olly Thomas replaced Maguire-Drew and Hyde. The changes were like for like and with a narrow formation like the one we were playing, did little to give Truro much to think about whilst the visitors stuck to their task.

With 77 minutes gone, a deep ball to the back post found Thomas at the back post to head it back in to the danger zone. It bounced around and Murphy was unable to bring it down and get a shot away.

It was difficult to see where anything was going to come from for Yeovil – and then an equaliser appeared. A ball through from Charlie Cooper set THOMAS away and he coolly slotted home the equaliser.

That lifted the stagnant atmosphere inside Huish Park and the Thatcher’s Stand burst in to life with the home side responding as Thomas had another effort. Then as the game ticked in to the final minute Worthington lifted a ball in to the box found WANNELL at the back post to head home a winner.

In summary, it was not a pretty win, it was not a convincing win – but it was a win!

Full time: Yeovil Town 2 Truro City 1

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Tuesday, 15th August, 7.45pm kick-off

Pitch: Looking early season good
Conditions: Dry and cool

Attendance: 3,315 (70 away supporters)

Scorers: Rocky Neal 55 (0-1), Olly Thomas 84 (1-1), Jake Wannell 90 (2-1)

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Matt Worthington 51, Rhys Murphy 90+5.
Truro City: Ryan Law 53, Will Dean 66, Dan Rooney 72.

Yeovil Town (4-3-3) 

Substitutes: Zac Bell (for Morgan Williams, 46), Jordan Young (for Jordan Maguire-Drew, 68), Olly Thomas (for Jake Hyde, 68), Jamie Sendles-White (not used), Josh Owers (not used).

Truro City: Hamon, Melhado, Riley-Lowe, Palmer, Sanders, Law, Dean, Porter (for Yeboah, 90), Rooney (for Brett, 74), Neal, Greenslade (for Adelsbury, 90). Substiututes (not used): White, Jones.

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First half goals from strikers Jake Hyde and Rhys Murphy earned Yeovil Town a win on their first National League South outing at Huish Park.

The Glovers made a fast start with Hyde turning home an effort from Jordan Maguire-Drew after just three minutes.

An error from goalkeeper Will Buse gifted the visitors an equaliser after half-an-hour before Murphy pounced to grab the winner just before half-time.

Here’s how Dave saw it from his position on the Thatcher’s…..

First half

If a fast start was what was needed, it arrived after just three minutes. A first foray forward involving Matt Worthington and Rhys Murphy saw the latter tumble in the box under a tackle, only for the ball to break to Jordan Maguire-Drew whose lashed effort rebounded off of JAKE HYDE to open the scoring. 1-0

But if anyone thought that was that (and a few at the back of the Thatcher’s Stand certainly said they did) then St Albans quickly proved them wrong. Mitchell Weiss broke away on the counter attack, switching the ball to James whose powerful effort was superbly turned away by Will Buse after five minutes.

On seven minutes, Murphy dragged a shot wide soon after Maguire-Drew tried to pick out Frank Nouble at the back post but the cross was just too high for him.

The visitors enjoyed a lot of possession and were finding a couple of gaps in the Yeovil midfield. Andronicos Georgiou put a pot shot straight at Buse before another dangerous effort saw Dylan Fage combine with Giorgio Rasulo. This time it was Josh Staunton who was there to block it allowing Buse to claim.

On 21 minutes, a lung-busting run from Nouble down the left wing, he drilled the ball in to Hyde but Saints’ keeper Michael Johnson was equal to it.

But on the half-hour mark the visitors found an equaliser and, for the second week running, it was an error from Buse. A long ball over the top saw the keeper caught in no man’s land as he came out of his area to meet WEISS, but the striker got the better of it and was able to slot in to an unguarded net. 1-1

Two minutes later, Murphy has an opportunity to do exactly the same as Johnson came out of his area to meet him. The striker got the better of that contest, but his effort was high, wide and not so handsome in to the away terrace.

With five minutes of the half remaining Charlie Cooper came within the width of a goalpost from scoring. A nice move in from the left saw it break to the midfielder on the edge of the box and his effort had Johnson beaten…..but not the woodwork.

A minute before the end of normal time in the first half Yeovil restored the lead. A cross broke in the box to MURPHY who brought it down and drilled the ball home. The type of clinical finishing inside the box which was so sorely lacking last season. 2-1

Half time:  Yeovil Town 2 St Albans City 1

Second Half

St Albans said started the second half taking game to their hosts. After Staunton had cleared a dangerous ball in to the box away, the resulting corner landed to Ryan Blackman who took a swing at it but his effort was well stopped by the diving Buse.

A midfield two of Cooper and Worthington certainly didn’t offer much in the way of protection, seemingly wanting to both go forward at the same time as JM-D and our front three, and the visitors were happy to pick up the pieces.

Chances were fewer and farther between this half but one dropped to Maguire-Drew on the hour mark, but he lifted it in to the Thatcher’s Stand. Three minutes later Hyde had a gilt-edged opportunity as the ball broke to him inside the box, but he pulled it wide with just Johnson in the visitors’ goal to beat.

Nouble broke down the left again on 65 minutes, nutmegged his marker but his effort was turned aside for a corner.

The next opportunity on 71 minutes came to Murphy who took advantage of a misjudgement by Johnson but fluffed his effort inside the box. He claimed he’d been pushed by the keeper and even went off for treatment. Rhys Murphy doing Rhys Murphy things.

Josh Owers replaced Nouble and Olly Thomas came on for Hyde before the end, but the second half was certainly more fragmented.

With four minutes of the ten added on played, a free-kick in to deep was nodded down by Williams to the edge of the box where Thomas struck it towards goal by Johnson was level to it

Full time: Yeovil Town 2 St Albans City 1

 

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Saturday, 12th August, 3pm kick-off

Pitch: Perfect
Conditions: Sunshine and sideways showers

Attendance: 3412 (86 away supporters)

Scorers: Jake Hyde 3 (1-0), Mitchell Weiss 30 (1-1), Murphy 44 (2-1).

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: Will Buse, Morgan Williams, Alex Whittle, Josh Staunton, Jake Wannell, Charlie Cooper, Matt Worthington, Jordan Maguire-Drew, Frank Nouble (for Josh Owers, 84), Ryan Murphy (for Jamie Sendles-White, 90+5), Jake Hyde (for Olly Thomas, 87). Substitutes (not used): Lewis Williams, Jordan Young.

St Albans City: Johnson, James, Brown, Smith, Bowry, Blackman (for Hoddle, 61), Rasulo, Weiss, Georgiou (for Dunn, 77), Fage (for Jeffers 86), Carlyle. Substitutes (not used): Clark, Da Silva.

Referee: Thomas Green

Yeovil Town (4-3-3)

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Yeovil Town’s start to life in National League South began with a rude awakening and defeat at Hemel Hempstead Town on Saturday.

A goal from hosts’ striker Joe Iaciofano ten minutes from time was the difference. He capitalised on an error by Glovers’ keeper Will Buse who was involved in a calamitous mix-up with wing-back Zac Bell.

For their part, Yeovil huffed and puffed but could not find anything approaching the free-flowing play and goal-scoring which they had shown in pre-season.

Two thirds of the Gloverscast were there, and as part of the packed out away end, here’s how Dave saw proceedings.

First half

The opening exchanges showed exactly what an artificial surface was going to be like.

As well as sloping in half-a-dozen different places, there was no doubt the ball moved a lot quicker off this surface, and the home players knew exactly how and unsurprisingly adapted quicker to the conditions.
The first meaningful chance for either side saw Yeovil have the ball in the back of the net after ten minutes. Good play by Rhys Murphy on the left of the box saw his cross headed home by Jordan Maguire-Drew. But the assistant has his flag raised before the ball crossed the line.

The first booking of the match, handed out by Zac Kennard-Kettle, the son of former EFL referee Trevor Kettle (yes, that one), went to Zac Bell presumably for something he said. Three cards in under 30 minutes suggest he is indeed him father’s son.

Nine minutes later a spell of pressure saw Murphy denied by the offside flag again. Matt Worthington lifted the ball back in to the box, Murphy slipped his marker only to have his shot stopped by hosts’ keeper Craig King. The flag also up to deny him.
On 36 minutes, good play by Maguire-Drew who, aside from being denied by the linesman’s flag, had not seen a great deal of the ball, saw it drop to Murphy whose shot went over the bar.
That sparked a spell of sustained pressure with first Jake Wannell and then Charlie Cooper having efforts blocked.
Defender Jake Wannell, who impressed on his debut.
Picture courtesy of Dan Finill.

Maguire-Drew and Murphy combined again just before half-time but again the effort from the striker went over the bar.

The possession count was certainly in the favour of the home side but chances were at a premium although one came when a break forward saw Joe Re fire over.
The end of the first half saw rule changes to try and counter time wasting mean six minutes were added on. It is not an excuse for a fairly pedestrian display, but I would not be surprised if the home side contributed to the vast majority of this additional time.

Half time: Hemel Hempstead 0 Yeovil Town 0

Second half

The first opportunity of the second half fell to the home side who strung together a good passing move which saw Joe Iaciofano one-on-one with Will Buse, who spread himself well to deny the striker.

Yeovil keeper Will Buse does well to save at the feet of Hemel striker Joe Iaciofano.
Picture courtesy of Dan Finill.

On the hour, Montel McKenzie saw an effort tipped over the bar, and on 63 minutes the first Yeovil opportunity dropped to Morgan Williams after a moment of sustained pressure from the visitors. JM-D’s cross dropped to him inside the box but he could not get a decent connection and the effort went over.

Looking for a spark, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton was introduced in place of defender Jamie Sendles-White. That saw him move up front alongside Murphy and Nouble with JM-D dropping back in to the right side of midfield.

But it was Hemel who were creating the better chances with McKenzie flicking an effort over the bar after 70 minutes.

The breakthrough came for the home side came with a complete gift. A mix-up between Buse and Zac Bell saw the keeper a long way out of his goal to meet IACIOFANO who got enough on it to steer it in to the corner of the net. It was nothing more than Hemel deserved having exerted the greater threat, whilst Yeovil looked decidedly lacklustre going forwards.

Hemel Hempstead striker Joe Iaciofano steers home the game’s only goal.
Picture courtesy of Dan Finill.

There was a delay in the game not long after with trouble amongst Glovers fans – it seemed to involve supporters shaking the goal posts, a delay we could all have done without – whilst the referee and stewards tried to deal with the incident.

Once the game restarted, chances continued to come for the Glovers, Alex Whittle combined well with Frank Nouble, but the former Torquay man headed over with the game drifting towards a conclusion.

Yeovil threw on on loan Bristol City striker Olly Thomas for JM-D with ten minutes left and brought Jordan Young into the fray with added on time well underway, but to no effect.

The Glovers will head into four home games in a row with something of a reality check fresh in their minds.

Full time: Hemel Hempstead 1 Yeovil Town 0

Match Details

Venue: Vauxhall Road
Saturday, 5th August, 3pm kick-off

Pitch: Plastic and sloping in at least half-a-dozen places
Conditions: Stopped raining at kick-off but not a minute sooner

Attendance: 1276 (no away number given)

Scorers: Joe Iaciofano 78

Bookings: 
Yeovil Town: Zac Bell (14), Jamie Sendles-White (22)
Hemel Hempstead: Reece Grant (28) George Williams (90+1) Elias Grant (90+8).

Referee: Zac Kennard-Kettle
Assts: Ryan Dix & Shaun Barry

Yeovil Town (4-3-3)

Substitutes: Sonny Blu-Lo Everton (for Sendles-White 65), Josh Owers, Olly Thomas (for Jordan Maguire-Drew, 81), Will Dawes, Jordan Young (for Nouble 90+5)x

Hemel Hempstead Town: Craig King, Montel McKenzie, Josh Williams, Kyle Ajayi, Jethro Hanson (for Eli Grant, 45+4), George Williams, Joe Iaciofano (for Finlay Corrigan 81), Joe Re, Chris Smith, Reece Grant (for Tyrese Briscoe 75), Arj Krasniqi.

Substitutes: Sayoud, Corrigan, Briscoe, Eli Grant, Carman.

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An injury time equaliser saw Yeovil Town’s pre-season campaign finish with a draw at Plymouth Parkway on Saturday.

A header from the home side’s substitute Dylan Jones saw the Glovers pegged back late on having played the entire second half with ten men after a questionable sending off for defender Morgan Williams late in the first half.

Striker Jake Hyde made it four goals in his four pre-season appearances to open the scoring on 29 minutes before Yeovil keeper Lewis Williams saved a penalty late in the first half with the other Williams departing soon after.

Ben was among the away supporters at Bolitho Park and here is how he saw it…..

 

First half

In a scrappy first couple of minutes, both sides struggled to get the ball down, Parkway found a little joy down their left hand side to force a corner, but it was well dealt with at the second attempt by Jake Hyde.

The first Glovers attempt came just 90 seconds later. Hyde again in the action linking up with Jordan Young who forced a good save from the Plymouth keeper from close range.

There was an urgency to the away side, both Jordan Young and Will Dawes keeping the game moving at a rapid pace.

Sonny Blu Lo-Everton saw a free-kick come to nothing before Plymouth had a set piece of their own.

A training ground manoeuvre failed to come off with Matt Worthington closing down.

Plymouth were having some early success down the Glovers right as the home side looked to take advantage of Young’s more attacking position, but nothing Morgan Williams couldn’t handle.

Dawes was soon back into the action down the left 11 minutes in, linking up with Hyde to produce a cross that Frank Nouble could only nod wide.

With 16 minutes on the clock, Parkway arguably should have taken the lead, a hopeful long ball found hosts’ striker Jack Crago, but Yeovil keeper Lewis Williams’ position forced the striker into a looping shot which fell high, wide and not so handsome.

Yeovil did have the ball in the net on 18 mins, Hyde sliding Young’s through ball under the keeper, but the former Southend man was flagged offside.

After 20 minutes, a Young effort from 20 yards was well cleared, after more good work from Dawes down the left, the Glovers were turning the screw.

Sonny Blu Lo-Everton was a constant menace just in behind the front line, his driving run into the box could only result in a scuffed shot wide with a quarter of the game gone.

Dawes was once again picking off crosses down the left, Hyde just unable to get enough leverage on his header as the away side continued to press.

It was just before the half-hour mark that Yeovil finally found a breakthrough. The ball stuck to Nouble like glue and his whipped cross in was tapped in by HYDE. A goal he had deserved, but down entirely to Nouble’s footwork.

 

Jake Hyde in action.

More good work from Nouble, Hyde and Young forced a couple of free kicks in a game which didn’t lack a little spike. The resulting set piece was straight down the keeper’s throat.

As the half drew to a close, Parkway did grow into the game, the two Josh’s, Staunton and Owers mopping up on multiple occasions.

With 39 minutes in the clock, Plymouth were awarded a somewhat…questionable penalty.

Nouble was adjudged to have fouled Crago in the box, but Williams was equal to the shot from the home side’s captain Ryan Lane diving down to his right with the rebound blazed over.

With minutes left before the break, Matt Worthington was brought down by a rash challenge by Parkway’s Callum Hall.

21 of the 22 were soon engaged in some aggressive cuddling in the centre circle.

Morgan Williams was shown a red card after the melee, following a discussion between assistant and referee. The assistant seemed to suggest ‘punching’ from the Glovers’ number 2.

Yeovil Town manager Mark Cooper and his assistant Chris Todd ‘discuss’ the sending off with the referee.

Half-time: Plymouth Parkway 0 Yeovil Town 1


Second half

The changes started to come after the break, but the Glovers were still intent on keeping their full-backs high.

Dawes on the left combined with Lo-Everton to force a corner whilst Zac Bell had a couple of nice touches early on.

Hyde was proving to be a handful, sheer strength from him saw a ball slide through to Olly Thomas, but the Bristol City loanee couldn’t get the ball out from under his feet.

A Sendles-White long throw caused havoc in the Parkway defence, Zac Bell scuffed a shot wide.

Owers linked well with Thomas, but the ball squirmed away, the Glovers were in no mood to take their foot off the gas.

Jordan Maguire-Drew, Alex Whittle, Rhys Murphy, Charlie Cooper and Will Buse were introduced just before the hour mark.

Jordan Maguire-Drew was introduced after an hour at Plymouth Parkway.

The goalscorer, Jake Hyde was one of those sacrificed. He scored once, but on another day he could have had four.

The changes in personnel did bring about a slight change in formation.

Olly Thomas a lone front man with Murphy and JM-D playing as a duo in behind.

JM-D flung at least one dangerous cross in to force set pieces, but they were snuffed out by a wall of yellow.

At the other end, Will Buse punched a Parkway free kick clear with Josh Owers adopting the role of chief mopper upper.

JM-D’s set pieces were again causing trouble. Olly Thomas not able to capatalise on a ball he wasn’t expecting to get.

Parkway did manage a few forays into the Glovers’ final third, but some sensible defence defending from Jamie Sendells-White and some harmless pot shots were all that the hosts could really offer.

At the right end, Charlie Cooper had a shot closed down after some one touch magic with Rhys Murphy whilst Alex Whittle sent a shot in from distance, it might take some finding.

Charlie Cooper was really in the mood, he and Owers charged forward, but Murphy couldn’t release Thomas as the loanee had strayed offside.

Olly Thomas battles for the ball.

Cooper was playing a box-to-box role in his short stint on the pitch, mopping up on the edge of our 18 yard box and getting forward at every opportunity.

It was Cooper again who had a sniff at goal, JMD and Murphy were exchanging neat touches in around the edge of the box before Whittle whipped in a hard and low cross that Cooper got to, and but for an outstretched boot, may well have scored with.

Yeovil found themselves absorbing a little bit of pressure late on, Parkway getting a couple of corners and free kicks. For the most part, Yeovil were equal to the challenge.

But with a few minutes left on the clock, THOMAS rose highest from a set piece to nod the hosts level.

At the very death, Rhys Murphy was clean through on goal, but his effort was well saved despite the almighty shove he received as he shot.

It was, one of the more dominant 1-1 draws you’ll likely see with the first half penalty the only real chance to fall the way of the hosts before last gasp equaliser.

The Glovers will be happy to have navigated a fair amount of time with 10 players, even if they didn’t take advantage of more opportunities.

Full time: Plymouth Parkway 1 Yeovil Town 1

 

Yeovil Town: Lewis Williams (for Will Buse, 60), Morgan Williams, Josh Staunton, Jake Wannell (for Jamie Sendles-White, 46), Will Dawes (for Charlie Cooper, 65), Jordan Young (for Zac Bell, 46), Matt Worthington (for Alex Whittle, 65), Josh Owers, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton (for Jordan Maguire-Drew, 60), Frank Nouble (for Olly Thomas, 46), Jake Hyde (for Rhys Murphy, 60).