Match Reports (Page 3)

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One of the many Forest Green attacks on the Yeovil Town defence gets underway.

It tells you everything you need to know about this game when I say that Yeovil Town were very lucky to be walking away from Forest Green Rovers with a 2-0 defeat.

Here’s some full time statistics:

Shots on target: Forest Green Rovers 6 Yeovil Town 0
Shots off target: Forest Green Rovers 10 Yeovil Town 1

It took until the 75th minute for substitute Jili Buyabu to put the home side ahead before striker Kairo Mitchell doubled the advantage in the second minute of injury time, but in reality Forest Green could have won by a much, much higher number. To add insult to further insult, captain Jake Wannell was sent off with four minutes remaining.

First half

Within a minute of the kick-off, Forest Green had won two corners one of which led the hosts’ striker Yahaya Bamber curling one past the post. The pre-match predictions of Robbie Savage’s side going all out attack seem to be coming true.

Having weathered the early storm, Yeovil managed to take a bit of a sting out of their hosts’ attack and, in even more surprising news, it appeared that Tahvon Campbell, handed his first competitive start following an injury to James Daly, was partnering Aaron Jarvis.

On 17 minutes, the first warning sign came as Isaac Moore fizzed a shot past the post and then three minutes later Glovers’ keeper Jed Ward, who started last season on loan at The New Lawn, was called in to action to deny Kyle McAllister. Both McAllister and Laurent Mendy have got a lot of space in the last five minutes and it is no surprise that Forest Green are looking threatening.

Tahvon Campbell grapples with a Hartlepool United player.
Tahvon Campbell was handed his first competitive start at The New Lawn. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Jordan Taylor-Moore was the next to go close after a flurry of corners fell first to Kairo Mitchell who could not get an effort on target before Taylor-Moore’s effort was deflected wide for another corner. It has been a bit like the Alamo – and Yeovil Town are Davy Crockett and his mates fighting off an onslaught. Mendy fired over just after the half-hour mark and the signing who joined Savage from Macclesfield in the summer is running the show.

At half time, the only meaningful statistic which Yeovil Town lead on is yellow cards with Jake Wannell and Charlie Cooper both picking up one to Forest Green’s zero.

Possession: Forest Green Rovers 61% Yeovil Town 39%
Shots on target: Forest Green Rovers 2 Yeovil Town 0
Shots off target: Forest Green Rovers 3 Yeovil Town 0
Corners: Forest Green Rovers 6 Yeovil Town 1

The statistical definition of one-way traffic, but still goalless.

Half time: Forest Green Rovers 0 Yeovil Town 0

 

Second half

The start of the second half saw Yeovil undo the only change to their starting XI with James Daly, who started the opening day draw with Hartlepool United, replacing Campbell with Daly filling in alongside Sims behind Jarvis. Quite different to the wing back position 

It took Forest Green 30 seconds to get their first shot in on goal with Jayden Clarke fizzing one past the post, whilst at the other end Sims looked to have got away for Yeovil a few moments later – but he was denied by the offside flag.

On 53 minutes, great play from McAllister fed one through to Mitchell whose effort was well blocked by Morgan Williams. A minute later Brett McGavin replaced Luke McCormick, but more worryingly for the home side some heavy hitters came off the bench for Forest Green with striker Christian Doidge, playmaker Nick Haughton and wing-back Jili Buyabu. Doidge almost made an instant impact a minute after arriving as he was gifted a free header at the near post from a Forest Green corner, luckily for Yeovil he did not get it on target.

Just after the hour mark Trey Pemberton’s low cross from the right side just missed Mitchell before Haughton had two glorious opportunities to open the scoring with the second rattling Jed Ward’s woodwork after 65 minutes and then five minutes later Doidge put a header wide. How Forest Green are not ahead in this game is a complete mystery.

Buyabu is having a field day down the wing and, to add even more creativity, Savage introduced former Yeovil favourite Tom Knowles (#DFILWF) after 71 minutes. Another corner for the home side, their tenth of the game, came to Taylor-Moore whose effort was pushed away by Ward.

Eventually the pressure paid, you knew it was going to happen. Jili BUYABU got the better of Byron Pendleton and whipped a ball in to the near post, it might have come off a Yeovil player, but it doesn’t matter the dam has been breached. A minute later it could have been a second after another fantastic moving involving Pemberton who cut the ball back to McAllister, who lifted his shot over the bar.

Substitute Junior Morias collects the ball inside the Forest Green half. Picture courtesy of Andy Craig.

Junior Morias and Harvey Greenslade replaced Charlie Cooper and Josh Sims and then on 83 minutes Knowles spotted Ward off his line and tried a chip from the halfway line – only the post denied him. Incredible.

As if it was not bad enough, Yeovil Town were reduced to ten men after 86 minutes. Wannell handled the ball and picked up his second yellow card. The inevitable second goal – it could have been far more – came as the game crept in to second half injury time after a short corner routine dropped to Kairo MITCHELL who fired home.

Third minute of second half injury time, Morias and McGavin combined and the latter shot wide. 93 minutes of football and that is our first shot and it is off target.

Full time: Forest Green Rovers 2 Yeovil Town 0

Match Details

Venue: The New Lawn
Date: Saturday 16th August, 3pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Jili Buyabu 75 (0-1), Kairo Mitchell 90+2 (0-2)

Pitch: Stunning.
Conditions: Sweltering.

Attendance: 2,118 (486 away supporters)

Bookings: 
Yeovil Town: Jake Wannell 22, Charlie Cooper 35, Byron Pendleton 81, Finn Cousin-Dawson 90+5
Forest Green Rovers: Jili Buyabu 75

Sendings off:
Yeovil Town: Jake Wannell 86
Forest Green Rovers: None

Referee: Andrew Humphries

Yeovil Town (5-2-2-1)

Substitutes:  James Daly (for Tahvon Campbell, 46), Brett McGavin (for Luke McCormick, 54), Junior Morias (for Charlie Cooper, 81), Harvey Greenslade (for Josh Sims, 81), Kyle Ferguson (not used),  Ben Wodskou (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Forest Green Rovers: Luke McNicholas, Neil Kengni (for Jili Buyabu, 55), Laurent Mendy, Kyle McAllister (for Ryan Inniss, 87), Jayden Clarke (for Tom Knowles, 71), Jordan Moore-Taylor, Isaac Moore (for Nick Haughton, 55), Yahaya Bamba (for Christian Doidge, 55), Tre Pemberton, Kairo Mitchell, Abraham Kanu.

Substitutes (not used): Fiachra Pagel, Harry Whitwell.

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Josh Sims misses out on a 50-50 ball to Hartlepool keeper Harvey Cartwright.

Yeovil Town and Hartlepool United played out the only goalless draw of the National League Premier Division’s opening day at Huish Park.

But it was familiar story of the Glovers not taking the chances which came there way with a glorious opportunity for young loan striker Ben Wodskou with just seven minutes remaining.

The first half belonged to Hartlepool with the home side indebted to new goalkeeper Jed Ward on a couple of occasions, they showed more attacking intent after the break, but could not find the goal.

First half

Yeovil lined up with three central defenders in the shape of captain Jake Wannell, Morgan Williams and Alex Whittle with summer signings James Daly and Byron Pendleton, signed on a season-long loan from Birmingham City, playing as wing backs. New owner Prabhu Srinivasan was in the Thatcher’s End with the home supporters at kick-off and the National League season was underway.

The opening ten minutes did not muster a clear opportunity for either side with Charlie Cooper’s free-kick in to a defensive wall the closest Yeovil got troubling visiting keeper Harvey Cartwright.

Hartlepool were definitely the more attacking and physical in the opening exchanges with Yeovil preferring to sit behind the ball and let the visitors come on to them.  The more things change, the more they stay the same. The rapidity of James Daly and Byron Pendleton, the ‘wingers’ or ‘wing backs’ in the Glovers’ line-up depending on your definition, did not seem to cross the halfway line in the opening 25 minutes.

The biggest cheer of the opening 25 minutes came when the visitors’ Jamie Miley booked for a foul on Finn Cousin-Dawson after 26 minutes.

On 29 minutes, a long ball forward from Jed Ward was flicked on by Aaron Jarvis and a slip by the visitors’ Cameron John gave Josh Sims an opportunity to race towards goal, but Cartwright raced out of his area to get to the ball first. Moments later, Alex Reid flashed one wide for Pools at the other end.

Jed Ward during his pre-match warm up.
Debutant Jed Ward saw plenty of action in the first half. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

Reid got himself in to a good position with seven minutes of the first half remaining as he broke in to the box, but shot wide of goal with Wannell sliding in to provide enough of a distraction and a minute later Yeovil were indebted to Whittle as Danny Johnson found himself with a clear sight of goal. The defender put his body in front of the shot.

At the other end there was the occasional break forward and Yeovil got the ball in to the box on a few occasions, but mostly it was Jarvis ploughing a lone furrow with little support up front.  Can’t recall Cartwright having a save to make in the opening 45 minutes.

If you watched us at Huish Park last season, it was like that.

Half time: Yeovil Town 0 Hartlepool United 0

 

Second half

Within the opening two minutes of the second half, Yeovil forced Cartwright in to two impressive stops. On 47 minutes, a high ball in to the box from Cousin-Dawson picked out Daly on the far post, but his header was pushed away by the Pools’ keeper. Moments later the on loan Hull City keeper did superbly to tip another effort over the bar.

More attacking intent in the opening five minutes of the second half than in the first 45 minutes for Yeovil.

On 53 minutes, Ward was called in to action at the other end when Johnson got another sight of goal, but the Bristol Rovers loanee dealt with it comfortably.

He had a far harder task two minutes later when a surging attack from Pools ended up with Reid whose shot was turned around the post by Ward.

Reid had another opportunity when he was gifted the ball by Charlie Cooper, sped towards goal as the Yeovil defence tried to get back before Ward dropped on the ball. After a bright start from the home side, it is the visitors who are taking control again and our mistakes are giving them the opportunity.

In the 63rd minute, Yeovil made their first substitution with Tahvon Campbell replacing Luke McCormick. With his opening two touches, the striker almost got behind the visitors’ defence, denied by a last ditch header from Miley to concede a corner, and then almost got on the end of a Pendleton cross moments later.

Yeovil Town striker Tahvon Campbell cannot quite connect with a cross as Hartlepool keeper Harvey Cartwright misses his punch.
Yeovil Town striker Tahvon Campbell cannot quite connect with a cross as Hartlepool keeper Harvey Cartwright misses his punch. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

On 70 minutes, the attack was bolstered further by the arrival of Junior Morias, replacing Daly. The two substitutes took up the positions vacated by Daly and McCormick with Sims moving to left wing-back/wing.

There was a bit more attacking intent being shown by the home side and after 79 minutes Morgan Williams tried an acrobatic effort which went over before two further changes for the Glovers saw Ben Wodskou and Brett McGavin replace Jarvis and Whittle. Cousin-Dawson dropped in to defence.

The best chance of the game fell to Wodskou after  83 minutes. Sims got past his defender down the left and slid a perfect ball through to the substitute, but his shot was straight at Cartwright who was able to parry it away. Great move, great ball, great position from the Birmingham City youngster, just the finish was missing.

There were some good signs in the closing stages as Yeovil pressed for a goal with Morias showing a hunger to get forward and down the left side, but the points were shared when the final whistle sounded. No-one is getting that bag of potatoes just yet.

Full time: Yeovil Town 0 Hartlepool United 0

Match Details

Venue: Huish Park
Date: Saturday 9th May, 3pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: None

Pitch: Perfect as you would expect on the opening day of the season
Conditions: Dry and bright

Attendance: 3,438 (199 away supporters)

Bookings: 
Yeovil Town:  James Daly 60, Jake Wannell 67, Charlie Cooper 86
Hartlepool United: Jamie Miley 27, Jermaine Francis 45+2

Referee: Rob Massey-Ellis

Yeovil Town (4-2-3-1)

Here’s our guess at the Yeovil Town starting line-up.

Substitutes:  Tahvon Campbell (for Luke McCormick, 63), Junior Morias (for James Daly, 70), Ben Wodskou (for Aaron Jarvis, 79), Brett McGavin (for Alex Whittle, 79), Kyle Ferguson (not used), Harvey Greenslade (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Hartlepool United: Harvey Cartwright, Jay Benn, Tom Parkes, Cameron John, McNally, Besart Topallaj (for Maxim Pierre Kouogun, 72), Nathan Sheron, Jamie Miley, Jermaine Francis (for Luke Charman, 87), Danny Johnson (for Matt Daly, 72), Alex Reid. Substitutes (not used):  Jack Hunter, Nicky Featherstone, Brad Walker, Adam Smith.

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A second half penalty saw Yeovil Town go down to defeat in their final pre-season friendly of the campaign in a feisty all-Somerset affair at Weston-super-Mare.

Seagulls’ midfielder Luke Coulson sent new loan goalkeeper Jed Ward the wrong way from the spot in the 67th minute after Jake Wannell fouled former Glovers’ striker Louis Britton inside the box.

In a game marked by a few feisty challenges by both sides, there was the worrying sight of full-back Alex Whittle going off in what appeared to be a precautionary move with a groin injury early in the first half and little else to write home about for the visitors.

Yeovil were largely nullified by the National League South side who took their opportunity from the spot when it came. Not a great way to sign off pre-season.

First half

Early chance for Yeovil saw Finn Cousin-Dawson plant a header straight in to the midriff of Weston keeper Max Harris after three minutes, and the keeper did well to punch clear after Charlie Cooper’s good free-kick in to the box.

The next action was more worrying for the visitors with Alex Whittle going down with an injury after 15 minutes. The left-back received treatment but played on for further five minutes before he was replaced by Brett McGavin. One assumes the substitution was precautionary just seven days before the opening National League fixture and Whittle appeared to be moving okay as he departed for the dressing room, albeit clutching an ice pack. Tight groin, apparently.

On the pitch, Wannell moved to the left side of defence with Cousin-Dawson shifting back in to defence from a deep lying midfield role which was filled by McGavin. On 22 minutes, James Daly had the ball in the net with a beautiful curling shot only denied by an offside flag before a great flick on from Aaron Jarvis  landed to the feet of trialist Luke McCormick who took his shot early but pulled it wide.

Picture courtesy of Rob Manley.

On the trialist front, former Bristol Rovers’ striker Jevani Brown was named on the bench continuing his seemingly endless role as a trialist, but there was a new face in the form of Birmingham Under-21s striker, Ben Wodskou. The St Andrews’ team-mate of signed loanee Byron Pendleton came through the Blues’ academy and had a spell on loan at Northern Premier League side Rushall Athletic last season. The 18-year-old signed his first professional contract, a two-year deal, in the summer of 2024.

New goalkeeper Jed Ward, signed on a season-long loan from Bristol Rovers during the week, was called in to his first action in a Yeovil shirt to collect a header from James Dodd before two former Glovers, Sam Pearson and Louis Britton (remember him?), combined with the former crossing for the latter to head over the bar.

There was another slightly worrying moment when Morgan Williams ran in to a barrier at the side of the pitch, he seems okay to continue. Pearson’s deflected effort, tipped over the bar by Ward, in the 43rd minute was the final action of the half.

Half-time:  Weston-super-Mare 0 Yeovil Town 0

 

Second half

The half-time break saw a change for Yeovil with Kyle Ferguson replacing Charlie Cooper and six minutes after the restart a McGavin corner was headed away by Wood with a number of green-and-white shirts queuing up to turn home the looping ball.

With an hour gone and Yeovil seemingly out of ideas, strikers Tahvon Campbell and trialist Wodskou replaced Josh Sims and Aaron Jarvis before Ward had to be quick off his line to prevent Britton getting on the end of a good ball from Pearson.

On 67 minutes, Weston were awarded a penalty for a foul on Britton on the edge of the area. Luke COULSON stepped up and sent Ward the wrong way. The goal sparked a further Yeovil change with Harvey Greenslade coming on for trialist McCormick. There were four changes for the home side including another former Glover, Will Dawes, replacing Britton.

Trialist Jevani Brown replaced Byron Pendleton after 77 minutes before Tahvon Campbell got involved in an off-the-ball fracas after a shirt pull from Weston’s Emlyn Lewis. The majority of the on-the-field personnel from both sides got involved in the ‘afters’. Still not sure we can call this a ‘derby’, an all-Somerset match at best, but that was definitely not friendly.

Players from Yeovil Town and Weston-super-Mare get involved in a major fracas.
The not so friendly friendly. Picture courtesy of Michael Stone.

There were a few other snaps by both sides between that major melee and the final whistle but, with just seven days remaining until Hartlepool United visit Huish Park for the opening National League fixture, it ended with a poor performance and poor result.

At the final whistle, manager Mark Cooper gathered his players on the pitch for a ‘talking to’ and you have to wonder what was said by all those involved. Whatever it was, it needs to lift the level considerably in the next week.

Full time: Weston-super-Mare 1 Yeovil Town 0

Teams:

Yeovil Town: Jed Ward, Byron Pendleton (for Byron Pendleton, 77), Alex Whittle (for Brett McGavin, 20), Morgan Williams, Jake Wannell, Finn Cousin-Dawson, Charlie Cooper (for Kyle Ferguson, 46), Luke McCormick (Trialist) (for Harvey Greenslade, 69), Josh Sims (for Ben Wodskou, 60), James Daly, Aaron Jarvis (for Tahvon Campbell, 60).

Substitutes (not used): Matt Gould.

Weston-super-Mare: Max Harris, Michael Smith, Dylan Mitchell, Callum Wood, Sam Avery, Luke Coulson, James Dodd, Louis Britton, James Waite, Sam Pearson, Emlyn Lewis.

Substitutes: Jacob Jagger-Cane, Jakob Glover, Jason Pope, Jake Hicks, Josh Salmon, Oliver Jenkins, Daniel Martin.

Scorers: Luke Coulson 67 pen (0-1),

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The ball runs out of play for Bath's Ewan Clark with Byron Pendleton and Morgan Williams in close attendance.

Three first half goals from Yeovil Town saw them get their pre-season campaign back to winning ways with a victory at National League South side Bath City on Saturday.

The Glovers took the lead through defender Morgan Williams after 14 minutes before summer signing James Daly opened his goal-scoring account for his new side and then Josh Sims added a third with trialist Luke McCormick providing assists for all three goals.

A fairly uneventful second half saw Will Jenkins-Davies reduce the deficit for the hosts, managed by former Yeovil player and manager, Darren Way, with nine minutes remaining.

First half

The starting line-up gave the first talking point with just four substitutes, including youngster Ollie Hughes, named by manager Mark Cooper, who had told supporters concerned about the lack of transfer activity to “have a little patience” on Friday. There was no Jake Wannell, missing due to “personal reasons“, or Brett McGavin and Tahvon Campbell, both not being risked due to injuries. Campbell had looked to be struggling in the defeat to Bristol Rovers seven days earlier with a heavy strapping on his knee.

In the starting XI, goalkeeper/goalkeeping coach Matt Gould was named in goal with last season’s first choice, Aidan Stone, named on the bench. The visitors started with Finn Cousin-Dawson lined up in defensive midfield positions alongside Charlie Cooper and trialist Luke McCormick playing behind Aaron Jarvis.

James Daly had the first effort on goal with an effort from distance after just three minutes before former Glovers’ loanee Ewan Clark found Joe Raynes inside the box but his two efforts were blocked by Kyle Fergsuon. Clark forced Matt Gould in to the first save of the match after five minutes, the home side have dominated the opening exchanges.

However, it was Yeovil who opened the scoring through Morgan WILLIAMS after 14 minutes. Good pressure from Byron Pendleton found Josh Sims who could not release anyone until he picked out McCormick whose cross was met by a flick from Williams to put the Glovers ahead against the run of play.

Byron Pendleton and Ewan Clark eye each other during a break in play.
Byron Pendleton keeps a close eye on Bath City’s Ewan Clark. Picture courtesy of Mike Hudson.

Bath continued to dominate with Clark, who failed to get much action during his time at Huish Park, but Yeovil found their composure and doubled their advantage on 27 minutes. Pendleton and Sims linked up well down the right-hand side to get the ball to McCormick whose sliced shot landed on a plate to James DALY who slid home his first goal since arriving in the summer.

Just before the half-hour mark, a great ball from Cousin-Dawson found Pendleton whose cross from the right was towards McCormick who could not quite get to the ball. Good move, but the trialist did not quite have the legs for it.

McCormick was involved again in Yeovil’s third goal with seven minutes of the first half remaining. Nicely worked by McCormick on the left, he found Josh SIMS who turned his man and finished coolly to extend the advantage for the visitors. Having had to weather an early storm, Yeovil have taken this game by the scruff of the neck with McCormick at the centre of it whilst Bath looking unsure what to do.

Bath keeper Harvey Wiles-Richards had to scramble back after a clearance deflected off the knee of Sims just after and from the resulting corner Williams forced the keeper in to a save. But at the interval, get the open top bus booked – we’re winning the lot!

Half-time:  Bath City 0 Yeovil Town 3

Second half

Yeovil Town's four substitutes warming up at half-time in the pre-season friendly at Bath City.
“The depth” warming up at half-time at Twerton Park. Picture courtesy of Mike Hudson.

There were two changes for Bath with last season’s top scorer Scott Wilson entering the fray at the interval, he replaced former W*ymouth frontman Brad Ash. Unsurprisingly given the lack of options, there were no changes for Yeovil.

Bath came out the brighter but the nearest either side got to adding to the scoreline saw Jenkins-Davies try to chip Matt Gould under pressure from the Yeovil defence after 56 minutes. Not much end product from the home side here.

There were a couple of half chances for Raynes and then substitute Wilson around the hour mark, but nothing in the way of meaningful opportunities for either side.

The first change for Yeovil came after 71 minutes with Harvey Greenslade replacing Aaron Jarvis followed six minutes later by trialist Jevani Brown who came on for Daly.

It took an error from Williams to add to the goal-scoring tally. The defender’s attempted clearing header landed at the feet of Will JENKINS-DAVIES who rifled past Gould to reduce the deficit.

Charlie Cooper tried a spectacular effort which did not trouble Wiles-Richards who then kept everyone entertained with a bicycle kick outside his box with three minutes remaining.

Under-18s’ defender Ollie Hughes replaced Kyle Fergsuson in the 88th minute and then, as the game ticked in to injury time, a dangerous cross by Jordan Alves picked out fellow substitute and officially the Nicest Man In Football, Alex Fisher, whose header forced a good save from Gould to touch it over the bar.

Another good ball in to the box from Alves in the flying moments of the game was turned aside by Whittle with Fisher lurking again, but it was Yeovil who ran out winners.

Full time: Bath City 1 Yeovil Town 3

Teams:

Yeovil Town: Matt Gould, Alex Whittle, Kyle Ferguson (for Ollie Hughes, 88), Morgan Williams, Finn Cousin-Dawson, Byron Pendleton, Charlie Cooper, James Daly (for Jevani Brown, Trialist, 77), Josh Sims, Luke McCormick (Trialist), Aaron Jarvis (for Harvey Greenslade, 71).

Substitutes (not used): Aidan Stone.

Bristol Rovers: Harvey Wiles-Richards, Joe Raynes, Danny Greenslade, Ollie Tomlinson, Kieron Parselle, Will Jenkins-Davies, Ewan Clark (for Jordan Alves, 77), Brad Ash (for Scott Wilson, 46), Jordan Tillson, Mitch Beardmore (for Jack Batten, 46), Luke Russe.

Substitutes (not used): Massimo Sardo, Louis Sweeten, Owen Pritchard, Alex Fisher, Trialist, Trialist.

Scorers: Morgan Williams 14 (1-0), James Daly 27 (2-0), Josh Sims 38 (3-0), Will Jenkins-Davies 81 (1-3)

Attendance: 853

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The scoreboard at Huish Park beamed a thankyou message to Marcus Stewart at the final whistle.

Two second half goals saw Yeovil Town go down to defeat at the hands of Bristol Rovers in the ‘Match for Marcus’ pre-season friendly at Huish Park on Saturday.

A crowd of 2,236, including a healthy 512 from Bristol, turned out to recognise Marcus Stewart, the legendary striker who played for both sides. All gate receipts are being donated to raising money and awareness of Motor Neurone Disease, the condition which the forward was diagnosed with in 2022.

It was an impressive first half for the Glovers which saw them take the lead when Rovers’ goalkeeper Brad Young punched a Brett McGavin corner in to his own net after 21 minutes, but the League Two opposition moved up a gear after the break and goals from ex-Glovers’ loanee Kofi Shaw and Luke Thomas wrapped up the result.

First half

The Glovers lined up with trialist Bristol City Under-21s goalkeeper Josey Casa-Grande in goal with ex-Rovers’ striker Jevani Brown also named in the starting line-up alongside Birmingham City Under-21s defender Byron Pendleton, playing at right-back. Midfielders Teo Kurtaran and Luke McCormick, a former trialist and first-team player for The Gas, were the other trialists named on the substitutes’ bench for the match.

Pendleton is under contract at St Andrews until the summer of 2027 so would be a loan if he is the man Mark Cooper is looking to fill the boots of Michael Smith. 

Before kick-off, there was a one-minute silence in memory of  all those who were injured and affected by the coach crash which killed a ten-year-old boy near Minehead on Thursday.

The opening exchanges saw former Glovers’ loanee Kofi Shaw have a shot deflected away for a corner, but it was Yeovil who took the lead after 21 minutes. An in-swinging corner from Brett McGavin was punched in to his own net by Rovers’ keeper Brad Young. The goal was credit to Morgan Williams, but in reality is was an OWN GOAL from the keeper.

On 29 minutes, those in green-and-white thought Yeovil had doubled their lead when trialist Pendleton got away down the right with only Young to beat, but his shot went in to the side netting. The rippling of the net proved to be an illusion for those in the Main Stand and Thatcher’s End – but those away fans in the Screwfix Stand had a far better view of what had really happened.

Trialist Byron Pendleton, who captains Birmingham City's Under-21s, sinks to his knees after coming close.
Trialist Byron Pendleton sinks to his knees after hitting the side netting. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

At the other end, a quick move from Rovers saw Micah Anthony found in space on the left side of the box, he fired an effort in but it was well blocked by Williams after 32 minutes and the only other action in Yeovil’s favour saw Young have more problems with corners from McGavin. For the visitors Ollie Dewsbury almost took advantage of a lax header back to Casa-Grande, but put his header wide.

Overall, the first half offered many reasons to be impressed with for Yeovil. Pendleton looked a threat going forward down the right with McGavin impressing and Harvey Greenslade and Aaron Jarvis linking up well in the forward line.

Half-time:  Yeovil Town 1 Bristol Rovers 0

Both sides made two changes at half-time with James Daly and Brett McGavin replacing by trialist Luke McCormick and Josh Sims for Yeovil.

The visitors found an equaliser just three minutes in to the second half as Kofi SHAW was awarded the freedom of Huish Park’s midfield to stride forward and smash a shot from outside the box past Casa-Grande. A fantastic strike and it appears the curse of the old boy exists in pre-season as well.

Bryant Bilongo had a great opportunity to put them ahead after 56 minutes after a one-two with substitute Luke Thomas saw him saunter in to the Yeovil penalty area and flash a shot past the far post.

Yeovil Town striker Harvey Greenslade tussles for the ball against a Bristol Rovers player.
Harvey Greenslade tussles with a Bristol Rovers defender Taylor Moore. Picture courtesy of Gary Brown.

The warning signs were there and on 62 minutes Rovers went ahead. This time Shaw was the provider as he picked out Luke THOMAS who had the easiest job of tapping home. A simple goal for Rovers who have stepped up a gear after the break and Yeovil are getting pulled out of position and cut apart. 

There was the usual flurry of changes with trialist Teo Kurtaran appearing alongside Finn Cousin-Dawson, Kyle Ferguson, Lewys Twamley and Tahvon Campbell in the second half. On 75 minutes, Kurtaran forced a good save out of Jed Ward, who replaced Young at the break, with a free-kick from the edge of the box.

In the 82nd minute, we got a first look at the new rule of referees awarding a corner for a team holding on to the ball for too long, awarding Yeovil a corner kick. It has been a flat second half, so that could be among the highlights of this 45 minutes.

Williams’ flicked header was easily saved by Ward from a nice cross from Twamley as the game ticked in to injury time. A nice move from Yeovil, but Morgan did not get enough of a connection on it.

Reasons to be positive in the first half, but reasons to be negative in the second half.

Full time: Yeovil Town 1 Bristol Rovers 2

Teams:

Yeovil Town: Josey Casa-Grande (Trialist), Alex Whittle, Morgan Williams, Jake Wannell, Byron Pendleton (Trialist), Charlie Cooper, Brett McGavin,  Jevani Brown (Trialist), Harvey Greenslade, Aaron Jarvis (for Tahvon Campbell, 69).

Substitutes:  Luke McCormick (for James Daly, 46), Josh Sims (for Brett McGavin, 46), Teo Kurtaran, Trialist (for Charlie Cooper, 60), Finn Cousin-Dawson (for Alex Whittle, 64), Kyle Ferguson (for Jake Wannell, 64), Lewys Twamley (for Jevani Brown, Trialist, 64), Aidan Stone (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Bristol Rovers: Brad Young (for Jed Ward, 46), Joel Senior, Taylor Moore, Isaac Hutchinson, Luke Thomas (for Jack Sparkes, 63), Dan Ellison, Josh McEarhran (for Ryan Howley, 46, for Kamil Conteh, 73), Micah Anthony (for Ruel Sotiriou, 63), Bryant Bilongo, Kofi Shaw, Ollie Dewsbury.

Substitutes (not used): Alfie Kilgour, Shaq Forde, Promise Omochere, Connor Taylor.

Scorers: Brad Young o.g. 21 (1-0), Kofi Shaw 48 (1-1), Luke Thomas 62 (1-2).

Attendance: 2,236 (512 away supporters)

Referee: James Durkin (Portland, W*ymouth)

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Yeovil Town defend the Thatcher's Stand in the pre-season friendly against Cardiff City Under-21s.

A late winner from substitute Morgan Wigley saw Yeovil Town suffer their first friendly defeat of pre-season campaign at the hands of Cardiff City’s Under-21s in their first outing at Huish Park.

The Glovers led 2-0 by the half-hour mark with goals from Josh Sims and Harvey Greenslade before Mannie Barton pulled a goal back before the interval.

The young Bluebirds, managed by former Yeovil loanee defender Darren Purse, made wholesale changes at half-time and a goal just after the hour mark from Trey George pulled them level before Wigley won it late on.

Ian was among the 1,226 supporters, including a sizeable vocal following from South Wales, on Tuesday night and here’s how he saw it.

First half

The pre-match chat was all about the changing shape of the Huish Park pitch – a topic discussed at length on our latest podcast, click here to listen – which looked significantly shorter and narrower.

On the smaller surface, trialists Jevani Brown started and midfielder Teo Kurtaran was named among the substitutes bench. However, there was no sign of either ex-Bristol Rovers midfielder Luke McCormick, who scored in the 3-2 win at Chippenham Town three days earlier, ex-Swindon Town striker Abu Kanu or Plymouth Parkway frontman Kieran Edworthy. All three have featured in the previous three friendlies of pre-season.

An image of the pitch at Huish Park ahead of the first home pre-season friendly of the season which has been significantly shortened and narrowed.
The shorter and narrower surface at Huish Park was there for all to see.

The first opportunity of the match fell to Cardiff’s youngsters as Yeovil defender Kyle Ferguson lost the flight of the ball on the edge of the box allowing Mannie Barton room to pick out strike partner Luke Pearce whose effort was deflected wide for a corner. From the resulting corner, Charlie O’Brien’s header went over the bar.

At the other end, Harvey Greenslade  worked himself a lovely opening five minutes later before striking over the bar and the forward, who scored in the win at Chippenham Town at the weekend, fired in a stinging shot which was parried by Cardiff keeper Matt Turner after 20 minutes, but no-one could follow up in the ensuing scramble.

Two minutes later Jevani Brown, aka Trialist A, combined with the lively James Daly but the summer signing from Harrogate Town couldn’t hook his cross back into the danger area, landing the ball harmlessly on the roof of the net.

Yeovil took the lead on 26 minutes when Josh SIMS, who started the match at right wing-back, caught a Cardiff defender napping and had time and space in the box to fire into the roof of the net. 

The visitors almost levelled direct from the kick-off as Luke Pearce’s effort was saved by Aidan Stone, but it was Yeovil who added the next goal on the halfway line. Harvey GREENSLADE with a brilliant finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Well done that man. 

Yeovil Town defend the Thatcher's Stand in the pre-season friendly against Cardiff City Under-21s.
Yeovil Town defend the Thatcher’s Stand in the pre-season friendly against Cardiff City Under-21s. Picture courtesy of Chris Fox.

Cardiff made another fast restart and this time it paid dividends. Issac Jefferies played in Mannie BARTON who capitalised on  space in behind Sims and confidently putting the ball past Stone. 

There was a nice  passage of play from the Glovers saw Alex Whittle pop up in the box but his right footed effort was too tame for the keeper who got down low to tip wide.

Half time and overall some nice bits of play from the Glovers.

 

Half-time:  Yeovil Town 2 Cardiff City Under-21s 1

The visitors made seven changes at the start of the second half with only goalkeeper Matt Turner, Matthew Apter and striker Luke Pearce remaining from the first half, whilst Finn Cousin-Dawson replaced Morgan Williams for Yeovil.

Brett McGavin would have scored Yeovil’s third just after half-time had he been just a little bit taller. Sims whipped cross from the right very nearly found the midfielder but he could not stretch his neck long enough to head home.

Cardiff levelled it up on the hour mark after Trey GEORGE was given freedom of the penalty box to fire home. Cue lots of pointing from the Yeovil players as to who was marking the attacking midfielder.

Trialist midfielder Teo Kurtaran replaced Charlie Cooper after 69 minutes before Daly worked a nice opening on the left side of the box and hit a shot a comfortable height for the keeper.

Substitutes chaos from the young Bluebirds saw lots of change and it became rather bitty with the odd pot shot here and there with Lewys Twamley replacing Sims after 76 minutes.

Five minutes from the end, Kurataran shot over the bar from the edge of the box after Twamley and Aaron Jarvis combined in the box.

Cardiff took at the death with a quick breakaway and a neat finish from Morgan WIGLEY over Stone to a rapturous ovation from the noisy Cardiff following.

Next up, League Two side Bristol Rovers visit Huish Park on Saturday in the ‘Match for Marcus’ which will see both clubs honour former striker Marcus Stewart and raise money and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease, the illness which the legendary frontman has been diagnosed with. If you can make to Huish Park, please do so.

Full time: Yeovil Town 2 Cardiff City Under-21s 3

Teams:

Yeovil Town: Aidan Stone, Alex Whittle (for Corey Koerner, 79), Josh Sims (for Lewys Twamley, 76), Morgan Williams (for Finn Cousin-Dawson, 46), Kyle Ferguson, Charlie Cooper (for Teo Kuratarn, Trialist, 69), Brett McGavin, James Daly, Jevani Brown (Trialist), Harvey Greenslade, Aaron Jarvis.

First half – Cardiff City Under-21s: Matt Turner, Charlie O’Brien, Gabriel Keita, Trialist, Josh Beecher, Cody Twose, Matthew Apter, Issac Jefferies, Mannie Barton, Chris Willock, Luke Pearce.

Second half – Cardiff City Under-21s: Matt Turner, Will Spiers, Alyas Debono, Trialist, Jac Thomas, Matthew Apter (for Jacob Hobson, 69), Troy Perrett, Trey George, Sekou Kaba, Luke Pearce, Morgan Wigley.

Scorers: Josh Sims 26 (1-0), Harvey Greenslade 29 (2-0), Mannie Barton 30 (2-1), Trey George 61 (2-2), Morgan Wigley 90 (2-3).

Attendance: 1,226

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A Yeovil Town player launched a ball forward in the pre-season friendly at Chippenham Town.

A late goal from Aaron Jarvis seconds before the final whistle saw Yeovil Town keep their 100% pre-season friendly record with a narrow victory at Chippenham Town on Saturday.

The Glovers trailed to a Tom Owen-Evans goal at half-time before trialist Luke McCormick pulled them level two minutes in to the second half. Former W*ymouth player Ezio Touray put the National League South side ahead again on 51 minutes before Tahvon Campbell spurned a great chance to make it level as he rolled a penalty kick in to the chest of Chippenham keeper Will Henry five minutes later.

The hour mark led to a flurry of changes from both sides and it was two of the Yeovil substitutes who got the goals which won it as Harvey Greenslade pulled Yeovil level in the 83rd minute heading home a corner from trialist Teo Kurtaran before Jarvis nodded in another Kurtaran corner to win it late on.

The starting line-up saw trialists former Bristol Rovers pair striker Jevani Brown (Number 20) and McCormick (Number 8) paired together with former Swindon Town striker Abu Kanu, Plymouth Parkway forward Kieran Edworthy and midfielder Kurtaran all appearing on the hour mark.

All five substitutes have featured in both the Glovers’ first two pre-season friendlies, the 1-0 win at Exmouth Town last weekend and Wednesday night’s 2-1 win at Sherborne Town. You can find about them all in our Spot the Trialist special feature – here.

First half

With no recognised right back in the Yeovil squad, the visitors started with a back three of Morgan Williams, Kyle Ferguson and Jake Wannell with James Daly – a recognised forward/winger – and Alex Whittle playing as wing-backs from the kick-off. Tahvon Campbell played as a lone striker with trialists Jevani Brown and Luke McCormick behind him and Charlie Cooper and Brett McGavin in the centre of midfield. 

The temperature was well about 30 degrees Celsius when this match got underway and only likely to get hotter, so expecting regular drinks breaks and lots of personnel changes.

The first opportunity fell to Yeovil after four minutes as Campbell intercepted the ball on the halfway line, beat the final Chippenham defender but dragged his shot wide. Three minutes later, Charlie Cooper got caught in possession from a corner to allow a breakaway led by Harry Parsons who took his run wide and was denied by Aidan Stone.

Stone was in action again on 12 minutes when Wannell failed to make a clearance giving 13 time and space to get a shot away. A comfortable save by the keeper.

The better opportunities were going the way of the home side and they took the lead a minute later. Tom OWEN-EVANS was allowed to make a run in to the area and hit a low shot in to the far corner, it looked as if Stone thought it was going wide but it kissed the post on its way in.

On 19 minutes, Brett McGavin’s ball was met by a great header from Wannell which turned on to the post by Will Henry. Great cross, great header, great saved – but the offside flag was up. Five minutes later McCormick was denied by another smart stop from Henry before having a follow-up effort blocked.

A Yeovil Town player launched a ball forward in the pre-season friendly at Chippenham Town.
Check out the dust kicking up off the pitch in the first half. Picture courtesy of Callum Hallett.

There was another great opportunity for Chippenham who found Owen-Evans and one of their own trialists two on one with a Yeovil defender just before the half-hour mark, but the trialist got it all wrong and it went high over the bar.

Stone had to make another fine stop with seven minutes of the half remaining after Parsons’ shot from point blank range. Campbell had a good opportunity minutes later after McCormick jumped on a Chippenham mistake and fed the striker whose effort was not enough to test Henry.

There was a pre-season collectors’ item on 44 minutes when McCormick was brought down who got a booking. McGavin’s effort from the resulting free-kick looked to be dipping under the bar but Henry made a great two-handed save to deny him.

Some great saves made by both goalkeepers, but Owen-Evans’ goal divides the two sides at the half-time break on a sweltering afternoon in Wiltshire.

 

Half-time: Chippenham Town 1 Yeovil Town 0

There was only one change at half-time with goalkeeping coach Matt Gould replacing Stone in goal whilst former W*ymouth and Poole Town forward Ezio Touray replaced Parsons in the only change for Chippenham.

Two minutes after the restart the trialists, Brown and McCormick, combined with Brown moving down the left and feeding Luke McCORMICK whose effort went past Henry. 

Luke McCormick celebrates with Tahvon Campbell, right, and Jevani Brown.

But the lead lasted just four minutes when Kyle Ferguson got himself in a tangle, there was a suggestion of handball from the defender but the referee waved play on. A good ball in to Ezio TOURAY who fired past Gould. 

On 56 minutes, Yeovil were awarded a penalty after Cooper went down in the box, Campbell stepped up, stuttered his run up and rolled the ball tamely in to the chest of Henry. Oh dear.

On the hour mark, both teams made a flurry of changes with only Morgan Williams surviving the cut for Yeovil. Under-18s captain Corey Koerner and Josh Sims took up the left and right back positions with Finn Cousin-Dawson and Williams making up a back four. Abu Kanu, who was wearing no number, played up front with Aaron Jarvis with Greenslade, trialists Teo Kurtaran (Number 15) and Kieran Edworthy (Number 16) in midfield, and Harvey Greenslade and Lewys Twamley in wide positions.

On 64 minutes, one of the Chippenham substitutes Olaf Koszela had an effort deflected over the bar, but the only threat on goalkeeper Josh Sawyer, who replaced Henry after 81 minutes, came from Greenslade who was denied by the keeper and the offside flag.

The forward did get himself on the scoresheet with seven minutes remaining though. A corner from trialist Kurtaran was headed home by GREENSLADE from inside a crowded penalty area.

Since arriving on the hour mark, Greenslade looked lively and almost added a second on 85 minutes, but just before the final whistle went (literally) Yeovil took the lead. Another corner from Kurtaran was headed home by Aaron JARVIS. Literally seconds after the ball crossed the line, the final whistle blew.

The stadium announcer had to confirm the final score over the public address system. Peak pre-season.

Full time: Chippenham Town 2 Yeovil Town 3

Teams:

First half – Yeovil Town: Aidan Stone (for Matt Gould, 46), Morgan Williams, Jake Wannell, Kyle Ferguson, Alex Whittle, James Daly, Charlie Cooper, Brett McGavin, Luke McCormick (Trialist), Jevani Brown (Trialist), Tahvon Campbell. 

From 60 minutes – Yeovil Town: Matt Gould, Corey Koerner, Josh Sims, Morgan Williams, Finn Cousin-Dawson, Lewys Twamley, Teo Kurtaran (Trialist), Kieran Edworthy (Trialist), Aby Kanu, Harvey Greenslade, Aaron Jarvis.

Chippenham Town: Will Henry, Lewis Colwell, Ethan Vaughan, Canice Carroll, Freddie Grant, Jake Evans, Caine Bradbury, Quevin Castro, Tom Owen-Evans, Harry Parsons (for Ezio Touray, 46), Trialist.

From 60 minutes – Chippenham Town: Will Henry (for Josh Sawyer, 71), Harry Messenger, Freddie Grant, Luke Haines, Fleet, Tom Mehew, Trialist (for Ollie Smith, 70), Trialist, Olaf Koszela, Harlee Vozza, Enzio Touray.

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An image showing Bristol City defender Joseph James, wearing number two, in action during a pre-season friendly for Yeovil Town at Exmouth Town.

An early first half goal from summer signing striker Tahvon Campbell was the difference between Yeovil Town and Southern League Division One South side Exmouth Town in the opening pre-season friendly on Saturday.

The frontman, who returned to Huish Park following the expiry of his contract at Solihull Moors, turned home a cross from Alex Whittle after eight minutes to earn the victory and it could have been more but for the heroics of Exmouth keeper Aaron Dearing.

As ever in pre-season, the appearance of trialists and the inevitable guessing game as to their identities was a major feature of this fixture. In the starting XI, ex-Bristol Rovers players striker Jevani Brown and midfielder Luke McCormick were joined by young Bristol City full-back Joseph James, who all played the opening 45 minutes.

With a complete change of the XI, trialist strikers Abu Kanu (ex-Swindon Town), Kieren Edworthy (Plymouth Parkway) and midfielder Teo Kurtaran, who played in Poland last season, all took to the field in the second half.

You can find out more about these players in our Spot the Trialist special feature – here.

First half

With the travelling Yeovil fans still trying to figure out who the summer signings – both Tahvon Campbell and James Daly started – and trialists were, the Glovers opened the scoring when a left wing cross from Alex Whittle found Tahvon CAMPBELL who looped one over the keeper.

On 15 minutes, recent signing James Daly hit the crossbar before Mike Landricombe headed over a minute later before Campbell fired another effort wide on the half-hour mark.

On 32 minutes, a free-kick in prime Brett McGavin territory was denied by a stop from Exmouth goalkeeper Aaron Dearing who got down smartly to deny…..well, Brett McGavin. Who else?

With six minutes remaining of the first half, Campbell showed good ability to get past his defender but his touch let him down and the ball went straight to Dearing, then two minutes from time Daly headed one wide.

Yeovil Town's players do some running exercises during the half-time break in their opening pre-season friendly at Exmouth Town.
No rest for Yeovil Town’s players who were put through their paces with more running at half-time at Exmouth Town. Picture courtesy of Rob Manley.

Half-time: Exmouth Town 0 Yeovil Town 1

The start of the second half saw the traditional full change of the starting XI from Yeovil Town and a number of changes from the home side as well. Winger Lewys Twamley found himself playing at right back from the kick-off.

It took until the hour mark for one of the new arrivals,  Twamley, to get an effort to test Dearing in the hosts’ goal before Harvey Greenslade was denied by two sharp stops from the keeper five minutes later.

There was another chance on 66 minutes when trialist midfielder Teo Kurtaran picked out Kieran Edworthy whose effort was saved by Dearing before Twamley had a tame effort from the edge of the box which was easily held by the keeper.

Aaron Jarvis and then Twamley saw efforts blocked by Dearing after 73 minutes and it felt like just a matter of time before another goal was coming for the visitors.

An image showing Yeovil Town under-18s' defender Corey Koerner in action in a pre-season friendly at Exmouth Town.
Under-18s’ captain Corey Koerner, wearing 18, was among the Yeovil Town changes in the second half. Picture courtesy of Rob Manley.

With ten minutes to go there was an unusual substitution as the referee was replaced by the fourth official. Presumably the Devon FA had seen enough from the first man in black. A minute later Greenslade curled an effort which looked like it was going in to the top corner, only for Dearing to get there to turn it wide. He is having quite an afternoon the Exmouth keeper.

Josh Sims had an opportunity to become the latest player to be denied by Dearing with four minutes remaining, but it was not really much to trouble him.

Full time: Exmouth Town 0 Yeovil Town 1

Teams:

First half – Yeovil Town: Aidan Stone, Joseph James (Trialist), Morgan Williams, Jake Wannell, Alex Whittle, Charlie Cooper, Brett McGavin, Luke McCormick (Trialist), Jevani Brown (Trialist), James Daly, Tahvon Campbell.

Second half – Yeovil Town: Matt Gould, Lewys Twamley, Kyle Ferguson, Finn Cousin-Dawson, Corey Koerner, Josh Sims, Harvey Greenslade, Teo Kurtaran (Trialist), Kieran Edworthy (Trialist), Abu Kanu (Trialist), Aaron Jarvis.

Exmouth Town: Aaron Dearing, Sam Morcom (for B Steer, 46) , Ollie Knowles, Mike Landricombe, Aaron Denny (for Slater, 46), Callum Shipton (for Cann, 46), Ben Griffith (for Kennell, 46), Jacob Shore (for Butcher, 46), Issac McCue (for Rowe, 46), Joe Belsten, Matt Wright.

Attendance: 676

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Yeovil Town’s first season back in the National League Premier Division ended in defeat at FA Trophy finalists Aldershot Town.

The Glovers spurned three gilt-edged chances to open the scoring with winger Lewys Twamley and loan striker Ciaran McGuckin guilty of missing great openings before a breakaway from hosts’ striker Jack Barham saw him fire home the opener after 39 minutes.

Tyler Frost doubled the advantage four minutes in to the second half before Dom Bernard pulled one back on the hour mark. Yeovil made a number of changes with Aaron Jarvis, Brett McGavin and Michael Smith all appearing off the bench. The cavalry spurred a strong response, but the visitors could not find an equaliser.

The result means we finish 18th in the division, four points off the division’s relegation places and 12 points off the play-off spots.

First half

Ahead of kick-off Yeovil manager Mark Cooper slammed the state of the pitch at The Recreation Ground which he said would embarrass a Sunday League team. From the kick-off the long grass was obvious with both team seeming likely to not play much on the deck.

It took until the 17th minute for Yeovil to fashion an opening, but then they created three clear-cut opportunities to open the scoring in the space of as many minutes.

The first fell to Lewys Twamley, making his first start since joining in January. The winger exchanged passes with Sonny Blu Lo-Everton and had only keeper Marcus Dewhurst to beat, but he pulled his shot wide.

Lewys Twamley drags his effort wide.

Seconds later, Ciaran McGuckin was played in by Harry Kite inside the box, but he pulled his effort wide. Then, moments after that, McGuckin broke clear, lifted the ball past the stranded Dewhurst, but fired in to the side netting.

Aldershot’s defence is all over the place and on 22 minutes Yeovil captain Jake Wannell seemed to be infected by the same problem.
He dallied on the ball on the edge of the box and was caught by hosts’ striker Jack Barham who poked it towards goal and Aidan Stone had to scramble back to claw it around the post for a corner. How is this game goalless?

On 35 minutes, Shots’ midfielder Cameron Hargreaves, son of ex-Yeovil manager, Chris, had to be replaced after a coming together with Charlie Cooper, son of current Glovers’ boss, Mark. He was replaced by Dejen Tetek.

Four minutes later Aldershot took the lead. A long clearance forward from Theo Widdrington, son of Aldershot manager, Tommy, found Jack BARHAM out on the left wing, he out-muscled Morgan Williams and fired past Aidan Stone, who should have done better as well. Wasteful finishing and poor defending, a goal that sums up why we are finishing where we are this season.

Jack Barham opens the scoring for Aldershot.

As four minutes of first half injury time were announced, Aldershot threatened again. Frost fed substitute Tetek in on the left side of the Yeovil area and he fired the ball in to a dangerous area where Wannell was on hand to clear off the line. Moments later Frost sliced through the Yeovil defence and poked the ball in to James Henry who could not turn it in.

The first half ended with the home side ahead, but how they are will only be known by the Yeovil forward line.

Half time: Aldershot Town 1 Yeovil Town 0

 

Second half

With just four minutes of the second half played, the home side doubled their advantage. Tetek broke forward unchallenged by a Yeovil played, fed it in to James Henry inside the box, he pushed it out to Tyler FROST and his effort across the face of goal looked like it took a touch off a Yeovil defender on its way in to the net.

Aldershot celebrate their second goal just four minutes in to the second half.

The chances they missed when the game was goalless will be a talking point at the end of this game, but the defending for both goals has been appalling. We’re on the beach – a very grassy beach.

Five minutes later, Aldershot’s mercurial forward Barrett put a free kick over the bar, and then on the hour mark it was Aldershot’s turn to defend poorly as Yeovil pulled a goal back. It was Frankie Terry’s ball in from the left and Dom BERNARD arrived at the far post to head home.

Manager Mark Cooper responded by making three changes with Finn Cousin-Dawson, Aaron Jarvis and Kyrell Wilson coming on to replace Twamley, Kite and Terry. Aldershot, who have an FA Trophy final on Sunday to think about, made their changes in stages.

Barrett clipped an effort just wide on 70 minutes before Yeovil lost McGuckin who had been holding his hamstring. He was replaced by Brett McGavin, returning from an injury which it seemed had put him out for the season.

On 76 minutes, Cousin-Dawson strode forward in midfield and unleashed a shot from fully 25 yards which Dewhurst made a flying attempt to turn over the post. It was adjudged to be a goal kick, but I’m pretty sure the keeper got something on that.

More changes saw Michael Smith replace Dom Bernard, but it was Wilson who was causing the most problems down the Yeovil right. The Swansea City loanee was twice denied by great blocks from the Aldershot defence. We are giving it a right go.

With two minutes of stoppage time, a corner found its way to Morgan Williams at the back post, but his effort was deflected wide for another corner. We have looked much better since the introductions of some of our quality players – as you would expect – but in front of goal, we are the victims of our own downfall.

In the sixth of six minutes of injury time at the end of the game, Yeovil won a free-kick in prime Brett McGavin territory. The midfielder fired in a shot which was winging its way in to the net, only for Dewhurst to get across to pull off an outstanding save to deny him

And with that, the season ended with defeat. It was a performance with summarised our season and sees us finish in 18th place, four points clear of the relegation places.

See you all in August!

Full time: Aldershot Town 2 Yeovil Town 1

Match Details

Venue: The Recreation Ground
Date: Monday 5th May, 3pm kick-off

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Jack Barham 39 (0-1), Tyler Frost 49 (0-2), Dom Bernard 60 (1-2)

Pitch: Would have embarrassed “the bottom of Sunday League football”, according to Yeovil manager
Conditions: Grey but dry

Attendance: 3089 (575 away supporters)

Bookings: 
Yeovil Town:  Harry Kite 54
Aldershot Town: Theo Widdrington 81

Referee: Niall Smith

Yeovil Town (4-3-3)

Substitutes:  Aaron Jarvis (for Frankie Terry, 61), Kyrell Wilson (for Harry Kite, 61), Finn Cousin-Dawson (for Lewys Twamley, 61), Brett McGavin (for Ciaran McGuckin, 76), Michael Smith (for Dom Bernard, 80), Harvey Greenslade (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Aldershot Town: Marcus Dewhurst, Theo Widdrington (for Ollie, Bray, 86), Cameron Hargreaves (for Dejen Tetek, 36), Tyler Frost, Josh Barrett (for Kai Corbett, 78), Aaron Jones, Jack Barham (for Maxwell Mullins, 69), James Henry (for Kwame Thomas, 67), Luca Woodhouse, Dan Ellison, Armitage. Substitutes (not used):  Jordi van Stappershoef, Hady Ghandour.

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Yeovil Town fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Sutton United at the final match at Huish Park this season.

Here’s Ian’s view from under the H…

First half

The early stages of the game saw both sides feeling each other out with very little in the way of action.

In the 13th minute the game came alive with Sonny Blu Lo-Everton and Ciaran McGuckin both having shots at goal. It could have easily been 1-0.

Ten minutes later, Aidan Stone had to tip a wayward Boateng cross over his bar. The left footed cross was destined for the goal though. 

The Glovers broke forward from a Sutton free kick in the 28th minute and Lo-Everton drew a good save from Sims in the Sutton goal.

Two minutes later Sims was caught in no mans land as Ciaran McGUCKIN latched onto Harvey Greenslade’s pass and lobbed the ball over the keeper to put the Glovers ahead. 1-0

On the stroke of half time Charlie Cooper was the width of a goalpost away from doubling Yeovil’s lead. His right footed effort from distance curved just a bit too much and hit the Sutton post.

Half time: Yeovil Town 1 Sutton United 0

Second half

Sutton got back in level terms 5 minutes into the 2nd half. A Lewis Simper free kick was headed in by half time substitute Siju ODELUSI. 1-1.

Lo-Everton was a whisker away from putting Yeovil back in front moments later, poking McGuckin’s cross narrowly wide.

Lewis SIMPER turned goalscorer on the hour Mark, rifling in a left-footed shot from outside of the box having been given all the space in the world. 1-2

Mark Cooper made a triple sub bringing on Jake Wannell, Josh Sims and the returning Aaron Jarvis – who got a very loud reception from the Huish Park crowd.

Morgan Williams made an unbelievable tackle chasing back after Alex Whittle lost the ball on the halfway line, preventing a third Sutton goal.

The visitors should have got their third moments later but Will Davies’ effort was straight at Stone.

Williams was nearly the hero at the other end of the pitch with a headed effort that was too comfortable Sims.

Yeovil huffed and puffed and Williams stung the gloves of Sims late on, but the Glovers couldn’t find an equaliser, finishing off the season at Huish Park with defeat.

Full time: Yeovil Town 1 Sutton United 2

Match Details

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

Competition: National League Premier Division

Scorers: Ciaran McGuckin 30 (1-0), Siju Odelusi 50 (1-2), Lewis Simper 61 (1-2)

Pitch: Green but in need of a rest
Conditions: A mix of sunshine and clouds

Attendance: 3.556

Bookings: 
Yeovil Town:  Harry Kite 31, Harvey Greenslade 79, Alex Whittle, Jake Wannell 90+ 4.
Sutton United: Ashley Nadesen 56

Referee: Emily Heaslip

Yeovil Town (4-3-3)

Substitutes:  Jake Wannell (for Harry Kite, 65), Josh Sims (for Ciaran McGuckin, 65), Aaron Jarvis (for Dom Bernard, 65), Lewys Twamley (for Alex Whittle, 90), Marcel Lavinier (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Sutton United: Jack Sims, Harry Ransom, Lewis Simper, Will Davies, Hayden Muller, Nana Boateng (for Dillon De Silva, 61), Jack Wadham, Ryan Jackson (for Eduino Vaz, 81), Alex Woodyard (for Siju Odelusi, 46), Besart Topallaj, Kain Adom (for Ashley Nadesan, 46). Substitutes (not used): Matt Kerbey,  Vinnie Tume, Henry Sandat.