Match Report: Yeovil Town Women 0-4 Keynsham Town
2024-04-26
Yeovil Town Women were defeated by step four outfit Keynsham Town in the final of the Somerset Cup on Thursday evening. It was four goals from set-pieces which undid Yeovil on the day, following a spirited performance against higher level opposition.
Paul Knight once again named an unchanged starting eleven as the same lineup played together for the third consecutive match.
The first chance of the final came to Niamh Nicholls in the early exchanges, as she forced a strong save out of the Keynsham goalkeeper within the first ten minutes.
Following this, Keynsham dealt the first blow as an unlucky own goal punished the Glovers. The ball cannoned off the crossbar and deflected off a Yeovil body into the back of the net after a Keynsham corner to give the Ks an early lead.
Keynsham doubled their lead in the 17th minute courtesy of another scramble in the box following a corner, placing them in firm control of the tie, just over a quarter of the way through.
As half-time approached Keynsham had their third via a penalty kick in the 38th minute. After an unlucky tangling of legs on the edge of the box, the referee pointed to the spot to rub salt in Yeovil wounds. The penalty was confidently converted into the bottom left corner to give Keynsham a three goal lead going into the half-time break.
As the second half progressed Yeovil grew into the game and exerted some dominance over Keynsham, however were unable to make the most of the chances they made.
A competitive second half finished with Keynsham scoring their fourth of the match from a free-kick, which turned out to be the last kick of the final and of the Somerset Cup, a performance and campaign which Yeovil can be proud of.
The player of the match was awarded to Abbie Vernon for a fighting performance in Yeovil’s backline.
After the match Yeovil Town Women manager Paul Knight reflected on his side’s performance: “I’m so proud of the players, their mental and physical state was tested and as a coach I needed to see how far they can be pushed. The players’ mileage covered last night was a testament to their ability. We conceded from three very unlucky set-pieces and a penalty, the girls have done exactly what I have asked; if we lose we ensure we come off the pitch having played our best football.”
Yeovil Town Women return to action this Sunday 28th May as they travel to Portishead Reserves in the league 14:00 KO.
Glovers to visit Melksham in pre-season
2024-04-25
Yeovil Town have confirmed their first friendly of pre-season with a trip to Melksham Town on Tuesday 9th July.
Tickets will be available in due course with a kick off time of 19:45.
The Glovers opponents thanked Mark Cooper and the club for agreeing to the friendly.
@MELKSHAMTOWNFC are pleased to announce @YTFC will be playing their first preseason game at the Oakfield Stadium,Tuesday 9th July KO 7.45. Tickets will be announced in due course. We would like to thank Mark Cooper and the club for agreeing to this friendly.
— Melksham Town FC (@MELKSHAMTOWNFC) April 25, 2024
Gloversblog: Loyalty finally pays off for Worthington
2024-04-25
On a sunny, celebratory afternoon in April, Matt Worthington hoisted the National League South trophy above his head. After five years at Huish Park and two relegations, the energetic midfielder (an understatement if there ever was one) had finally clinched silverware for Yeovil Town Football Club.
If there is a player who’s seen everything at Yeovil Town, Worthington is that player. Signed on loan by Darren Way in 2017 before making it permanent in January 2019, Worthington is one of two players who were at the club when Yeovil fell back into non-league after 16 years in the EFL. He’s seen three owners, seven managers – including the interims – and became the skipper after Josh Staunton’s departure this season.
Worthington has always been a leader without the armband, fronting up to the media, setting standards on the pitch and with the arrival of Mark Cooper, has become the relentless endeavour in a title-winning midfield. There was no one more worthy than Worthy to lift the clubs first (men’s first team) league title since 2005.
“I am just so happy that I stayed.”
It wasn’t for certain that Yeovil’s number eight would remain after the turmoil of the 2022/23 season. Yeovil travelled to Boreham Wood for the final match of that season with players unpaid and the future of the club in serious doubt. Martin Hellier stepped in and completed the purchase and set about giving Mark Cooper the resources to build a squad that could return to the National League at the first attempt.
Speaking after the unforgettable night in Gloucester when the Glovers clinched the title, Worthington told BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins: “Last summer was very difficult and I had a decision to make whether to stay or whether it was my time to stay on and I am just so happy that I stayed.”
When Worthington re-signed in the summer, Cooper said: “I’m delighted we have persuaded to get Matt to stay with us, especially as there were numerous clubs after him. I think like the existing core group of players, he feels a duty to try to get us back up.
“He is someone who is local, he understands the club, he understands the town and it is important we show fans that we have that on our minds.”
The duty has been fulfilled and now for the first time in his career at Yeovil, Worthington is at a club with positive momentum and a mountain of goodwill behind it.
“I have been here four or five years now and the fans have always been with us through good and bad. This season they have been unbelievable home and away. So it is just so nice to give them back something to enjoy,” Worthington said in his interview with Sheridan.
The Yeovil faithful, who travelled in their droves to Gloucester and revelled back in Somerset two days later, certainly enjoyed the first pressure free weekend in a season where every week the Glovers were expected to win. Mark Cooper masterminded 29 victories this season, surpassing the 28 achieved in 2002/03. Worthington played in 43, scoring 4, assisting 5 with a points per match of 2.10. He’s had a good season, in which he made his 200th appearance for the Glovers. His sumptuous Braintree lob as it poured it down in pink, the sidefooted opener against Slough and the stoppage time cushioner at Tonbridge stick out in the memory as key goals in important matches this season.
With the release and retained list now confirmed and with Matt Worthington at the core of this successful Glovers team, once again it feels like there’s more to come from him. Perhaps next year, with the club on an upward trajectory and a trophy in the bank he’ll step up again and captain the club to another successful season.
Playoff Round-Up 2023/24 – Quarter Finals
2024-04-25
Yeovil Town fortunately don’t have to face the dreaded playoffs, as they finished 11 points clear of 2nd-placed Chelmsford City. Of course, there is only the one automatic spot for promotion from the National League South, and it’s the same for the North, as well as the National League itself. A lot of you will be familiar with how this playoff system works, but for those of you who may not be, here’s a quick explanation of who’s qualified in which league, and how they work!
Participants
| Final Position | National League | National League North | National League South |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (Champions) | Chesterfield | Tamworth | Yeovil Town |
| 2nd | Barnet | Scunthorpe United | Chelmsford City |
| 3rd | Bromley | Brackley Town | Worthing |
| 4th | Altrincham | Chorley | Maidstone United |
| 5th | Solihull Moors | Alfreton Town | Braintree Town |
| 6th | Gateshead | Boston United | Bath City |
| 7th | FC Halifax Town | Curzon Ashton | Aveley |
In the National League, there has been some confusion as to who is taking part in the playoffs. In a perfect world, it would actually be Southend United in the playoffs, with Gateshead dropping to 7th and Halifax missing out entirely, however their 10-point deduction means that is not the case. Gateshead are another team who should be partaking, yet aren’t. Their well publicised banishment from the playoffs, thanks to the EFL and their council, means they can’t compete this season. They will not be replaced by 8th placed Aldershot Town. Barnet and Bromley took the two ‘bye’ positions, with Altrincham receiving a ‘bye’ by virtue of being the highest placed side to take part in the first round – Solihull Moors will face Halifax Town on Wednesday night instead.
Up in the National League North, and it’s Tamworth who will be joining Yeovil in the National League next season, as they won their division in similarly impressive fashion, finishing 8 points clear. The two teams receiving ‘byes’ are fellow fallen giants Scunthorpe United, and perennial playoff contenders Brackley Town, who have made the playoffs in each of the last 6 seasons (make of that what you will). Following rumoured financial troubles, Chorley have powered through for a playoff spot, while Alfreton Town added a playoff finish to their joint-longest FA Cup run this season. Boston United are hoping to end a 14 year absence from the National League, and Curzon Ashton registered their first top half finish in the National League North to snag the final playoff spot.
Finally in the National League South, the most familiar to us this season, we are fairly up-to-date on the contenders to join us in the National League next season. Chelmsford City emerged as late title contenders before falling away, finishing ahead of earlier title chasers Worthing. Maidstone United are looking to make a quick return via the playoffs, having been relegated alongside the Glovers last season; Braintree Town improved on their 7th place last season with their 5th place spot, Bath City looked pretty competitive all season long, and secured their spot in the last week of the season, and Aveley proved to be the shock of the season, as they secured their highest finish in the club’s history, in their first season at this level – having been favourites to go straight back down pre-season.
How does it work?
These aren’t your standard EFL playoffs, where 2nd plays 6th home and away, 4th plays 5th home away, and then the winners go to Wembley and have a one-off game to win promotion.
2nd and 3rd will receive a ‘bye’ to the semi-finals, leaving 4th to host 7th, and 5th to host 6th. These are one-off, 90 minute games, that go to extra-time and then penalties if the two contenders can’t be separated.
In the semi-finals, 2nd will host the winner of 4th vs 7th, and 3rd will host the winner of 5th vs 6th. In the National League, the two winners will go to Wembley to duke it out, but in the National League North and South, the highest remaining team will host the final (if 3rd and 4th make the final, 3rd will host the game).
Results
In the quarter finals, we have the following fixtures:
National League
Solihull Moors vs FC Halifax Town
(Altrincham received a bye, and Gateshead are eliminated)
National League North
Alfreton Town vs Boston United
Chorley vs Curzon Ashton
National League South
Braintree Town vs Bath City
Maidstone United vs Aveley
On Tuesday night, both second-tier ties went to extra time, with only one going to penalties – it was Boston United who proved triumphant during penalties; Harry Perritt’s spot kick was saved by Boston ‘keeper Cameron Gregory, before Michael Gyasi converted the winner to set up a clash with Scunthorpe United.
In the other game on Tuesday, Braintree Town and Bath City played out a tense thriller, however it was the hosts who ultimately took the win, with Tom Blackwell scoring a 118th minute winner to ensure one last Essex derby between Chelmsford City and themselves.
On Wednesday night, there were three games, all taking very different turns! In the National League, Solihull Moors raced into a 3-0 lead within the first half, before Jack Evans grabbed a goal for visiting FC Halifax Town just before the half-time whistle. They pulled a second back to make it interesting, before Jamey Osborne put the hosts out of sight to book their spot in the semi-finals against Barnet.
In the North, it once again went to penalties, this time between Chorley and Curzon Ashton. Both sides missed their opening kicks, but the hosts kicked on (no pun intended) to put their remaining four spot kicks away, whereas the visiting debutants had Hayden Campbell’s attempt saved by the keeper; Brackley Town await them in the semi-finals.
In the South, it was Maidstone who confirmed themselves as the final semi-finalists with a dramatic 2-1 win over Aveley at the Gallagher Stadium. Aveley took the lead in the 27th minute via a header from Manny Ogurinde, and the visitors took that lead into half-time. Following the restart, Maidstone continued to probe, and got their reward in the 63rd minute when former Aveley man Matt Rush bundled home the equaliser. And in the 92nd minute, replicating the Yeovil scorers (and scoreline), Mo Faal buried his shot to send the home fans delirious, and ensuring they face Worthing in the semi-finals.
Final Scores
Solihull Moors 4-2 FC Halifax Town
Alfreton Town 0-0 Boston United (Boston win 5-4 on pens)
Chorley 0-0 Curzon Ashton (Chorley win 4-2 on pens)
Braintree Town 1-0 Bath City
Maidstone United 2-1 Aveley
Murphy offered new terms as Fisher, Stevens and Hyde depart
2024-04-24
Yeovil Town have announced their retained and released list for the end of the 2023/24 season and confirmed the departures of eight contracted players including Alex Fisher, Jake Hyde and Jordan Stevens.
Rhys Murphy and Sam Pearson have been offered new deals for next season and Michael Smith, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton and Charlie Cooper have all had 12-month extensions triggered.
Jordan Maguire-Drew, listed as under contract for next season, is currently on-loan at Barnet, who declared that they had the option to sign the play maker on a ‘free permanent’ deal at the end of this current season.
The loanees, including Joe Day, have returned to their parent clubs. Jay Foulston has returned to Taunton, but Foulston’s deal was described as being “with a view to a permanent move” upon his arrival. Whether he has done enough to earn a permanent is unclear at the moment.
Below is who have been announced as having contracts into next season, as well as the released, and options being activated.
Under contract for next season
- Will Buse
- Jordan Maguire-Drew
- Dylan Morgan
- Frank Nouble
- Jake Wannell
- Alex Whittle
- Morgan Williams
- Matt Worthington
- Jordan Young
12-month extensions triggered (staying)
- Sonny Blu Lo-Everton
- Charlie Cooper
- Michael Smith
Offered new contracts, in talks with the club
- Rhys Murphy
- Sam Pearson
Not been offered new deals/released
- Benjani Jr
- Will Dawes
- Ollie Haste
- Jake Hyde
- Alex Fisher
- Malachi Linton
- Josh Owers
- Jordan Stevens
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.
Loanees returning to parent clubs
- Jahmari Clarke
- Joe Day
- Jay Foulston
- Brooklyn Genesini
- Olly Thomas
National League South Wrap Up – Matchday 46
2024-04-22
A final day to remember for Yeovil fans, as a 3-1 win away in Dover meant the Glovers finished on 95 points, their highest points tally since the infamous 2002-03 season! Let’s see how the rest of the league got on in their final day clashes, with the final playoff spot up for grabs!
One team that came out poorly in that playoff clash was Hampton & Richmond Borough. They started the day inside the playoff spots, but a thumping 5-1 defeat away at an already-confirmed playoff side, Maidstone, meant they would have to wait another year to compete for a spot in the National League. Another team that were already confirmed for the playoffs were Worthing, who booked their spot in the playoff semi-finals with a 4-2 win at home to Weston-super-mare, ending their regular season on 104 goals.
Two more fixtures involving playoff sides, with one coming on the south coast – W*ymouth had their final day of the season spoiled by playoff-chasing Farnborough, who found themselves down to 10-men shortly after half-time, but that wouldn’t stop them from coming from behind to win 2-1. Ultimately, their win wasn’t enough, as Aveley defeated Bath City in front of a club-record crowd to confirm their place in the post-season. A 2-3 classic was played out at Braintree Town, who were defeated by 9-man Eastbourne Borough with a 91st minute winner by Imran Uche, while the final playoff side to feature saw Chelmsford City and Chippenham Town play out a 1-1 draw.
Torquay United celebrated their survival with a stonking 5-0 win over relegated side Havant & Waterlooville, with Austen Booth’s 35 yard screamer helping cap off a turbulent season for the Gulls. Tonbridge Angels and St Albans City played out a 2-2 draw to close out their seasons, while Truro’s busy end to the season finished with a 2-1 defeat away to Dartford. It was a good end to the season, including the preservation of their fantastic home form, for Slough Town, as they drew 1-1 with a resurgent Welling United, and in the final game of the season, and what proved to be Rob Dray’s final game as Taunton Town manager, they drew 0-0 with Hemel Hempstead in Bobby Wilkinson’s first game in charge.
National League South results – in full
Aveley 2-0 Bath City
Braintree Town 2-3 Eastbourne Borough
Chippenham Town 1-1 Chelmsford City
Dartford 2-1 Truro City
Maidstone United 5-1 Hampton & Richmond Borough
Slough Town 1-1 Welling United
Taunton Town 0-0 Hemel Hempstead Town
Tonbridge Angels 2-2 St Albans City
Torquay United 5-0 Havant & Waterlooville
W*ymouth 1-2 Farnborough
Worthing 4-2 Weston-super-mare
National League South table (look at that gold!)
Final tables from across the leagues 📊
Rate your season out of 🔟!#TheVanarama | @Vanarama pic.twitter.com/MmIVfE53yt
— The National League (@TheVanaramaNL) April 20, 2024
Dylan Morgan in Team of the Week
2024-04-22
Yeovil Town’s two goal hero Dylan Morgan has been named in the final Vanarama Team of the Week for the regular season.
He bagged twice against Dover on the final day in a 3-1 win.
Good work, Dylan!
Gloverscast #337 – “He shed, she shed”
2024-04-22
Well, that’s it. The Glovers wrapped up the 2023/24 season with a 3-1 win, finishing with 95 points. Ian, Ben and Dave chat about the final match with a very end of season feel.
If you have an idea for the website, want to contribute or just want to send us a message, feel free to email ian@gloverscast.co.uk.
Loan Watch: Dorchester’s slim play off hopes ended
2024-04-21
The Yeovil Town first team might be on the first flight out of Gatwick bound for Barcelona, but there are still some Glovers still with games to play.
In the National League – Jordan Maguire-Drew wasn’t involved in Barnet’s final league game, they beat relegated Kidderminster 4-1. They get their play-off campaign underway this coming week.
As do Bath City, they along with Will Buse will head to Braintree on Tuesday after finishing the regular season in 6th after a final day defeat to Aveley.
83′ Buse makes a big save at his near post to keep the score down.
— Bath City FC (@BathCity_FC) April 20, 2024
Dorchester had a double header of a week, beating Tiverton on Tuesday 2-0 (say that three times fast!) and then falling to defeat in their final away day of the season against Basingstoke.
Ollie Haste played in both, the latter result ended a wonderful run of results and ended their fairly slim chances of extending their season into the play offs.
Melksham lost 3-0 to Bristol Manor Farm on Saturday, Benjani was on the bench, information is light as to if he came on or not.
Shepton Mallet pulled off a wonderful 2-0 win over Falmouth on Saturday, the only team to beat the 2nd placed side home and away.
Charlie Bateson started and played an hour before coming off, he also played… and scored in midweek, in a 2-1 defeat.
34. GOAL! Long ball forward from Jepson finds Bateson on the edge of the area who Cooley lobs the ball over the keeper 1-1 @swsportsnews
— Shepton Mallet AFC (@Mallet_AFC) April 18, 2024
There are few busier teams than Gillingham at the moment, a number of games last week and three more this week;
They lost 2-1 to Wincanton, drew 1-1 with AEK Bocko and were beaten comfortably by league winners Portishead with only 10men.
The numerous young Glovers; Harry Lock, Harrison Foster, Jack Bareham and Josh Haskett were involved throughout, with Lock scoring in the Wincanton game.
Welton Rovers got their first win since October with a 3-2 victory over Millbrook, Max Dyer, Jacob Shore and Mason Alden all playing in the game and getting a much deserved result.