Latest Yeovil Town News (Page 35)

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Mark Cooper was disappointed with Yeovil’s 2-1 loss to Sutton United this afternoon, saying the result gave him “clarity”.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Josh Perkins, the Yeovil boss said: “We’re obviously disappointed with the result. I thought we were in a good position to win it. Obviously 1-0 at half time. And then we conceded two goals. I think they had two efforts on target, and they both went.

“They had bits and pieces across the box, but I can’t remember, Aidan making any saves. So they have two. A header from 18 yards, and a shot from 25 yards. So yeah, we’re disappointed because we wanted to finish at home on a high. Just gives me a bit of clarity of where where we need to be.”

“It’s a game we shouldn’t lose, in my opinion, and we’ve conceded two speculative efforts and lost the game.”

Cooper added that Brett McGavin was back in training and could make an appearance on the final day at Aldershot.

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Yeovil Town have made three changes to their starting XI for today’s final home match of the season against Sutton United (3pm kick-off).

Defender Dom Bernard, midfielder Charlie Cooper, and striker Ciaran McGuckin all return to the line-up with Marcel Lavinier and Kyrell Wilson dropping to the substitutes’ bench having started the 1-0 defeat at Eastleigh on Easter Monday.

Otis Khan is unavailable following his red card five days ago which effectively ended his season-long loan spell from Oldham Athletic with just two games of the National League Premier Division season remaining.

But the real team news comes on the substitutes’ bench where defender Jake Wannell returns having been missing from the squad for the past two games, and striker Aaron Jarvis, who has not featured since injuring his hamstring in January, also on the bench.

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It’s the final home game of the season for Yeovil Town, as they take on Sutton United at Huish Park on Saturday.

Form Guide…

Yeovil have been in good form compared to their upcoming opponents over the last five games, with two wins, two losses and a draw.

Last time out, the Glovers lost 1-0 away to Eastleigh on Easter Monday, Mark Cooper’s side went behind half an hour into the game, and things weren’t helped when on loan winger Otis Khan got sent off seven minutes later.

Otis Khan heads down the tunnel after 36 minutes.

For Sutton, it’s been tough going over their previous five fixtures, with two losses, two draws and one win. United faired similarly to Yeovil on the last match day, losing at home to table topping Barnet 3-1, with Sutton too, having a defender Tyler French sent off.

Key Players…

Yeovil – Morgan Williams

The centre back has been pivotal to defensive solidity in recent seasons for the Glovers and it has been no different this campaign.

Since his comeback from injury a couple games ago, Williams has been a presence that will have been missed by players and fans alike. Although the deputising Frankie Terry has done a great job, Williams brings the experience needed for closing out a season.

Morgan Williams
📸 Gary Brown

Sutton United – Will Davies

Centre-Forward Davies has been in fine form for The U’s this season bagging 18 goals in total. He is however in somewhat of a ‘down patch’ with no goal in his last four games.

As well as scoring up top, he has also been a consistent figure head at the top of the pitch, playing 42 games (3,556 minutes). This has led to him scoring a goal every 195 minutes. Davies has also contributed with three assists as well.

That’s what he said…

Yeovil boss Mark Cooper gave his thoughts on Saturday’s opposition. He said: “Knowing Steve (Morison, the Sutton manager), I’m sure he will be desperate to win every game.

“They’re a good team, they’ve got some good players. I think it will be really difficult game, but that’s every week and I expect they’ve watched us over the last few weeks and will be expecting the same.”

Mark Cooper speaks to BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah ahead of the fixture with Sutton United.

Sutton boss Steve Morison made plenty of references to Tuesday night’s National League Cup final against Leeds United.

Like Yeovil, the Us are playing their second game in the week after a 3-1 home defeat to champions elect Barnet on Easter Monday, a match marred by a sending off of defender Tyler French – a decision Morison revealed he had got an apology for.

Speaking to the club’s YouTube channel ahead of the game, the former Millwall striker said: “We have had the necessary conversations and had an apology from the official for the way the situation was handled, I had a personal phone call about it which I appreciated. It doesn’t put points back on the board but it does at least show you that you’re not going mad!

“My big focus is to get energy and enthusiasm in to the game and for it not to become just a testimonial-type fixture where two teams are just going through the motions. 

“Yeovil will be really pleased with how they have done this season, they have lost some big players which are hard to deal with financially. They have been excellent, they have a really good manager and they are a really good team.”

We’ve met before…

Yeovil and Sutton have faced off a total of 20 times over the years with the head to head being fairly even. Sutton sneak the most wins with nine, whilst Yeovil have the eight, with the teams drawing four times.

When the Glovers and U’s last met, it finished a goalless draw at Gander Green Lane back in September.

Aaron Jarvis also thinks Frank is not far away there.

Don’t I know you…

Lewis Simper is the only ex-Glover to note. The midfielder, was on loan from Cambridge United at Huish Park during the 2021/22 season making just the one appearance.

Who’s been naughty then…

Due to Otis Khan’s sending off in the last game, he is now missing for the final two games.

Defender Tyler French is suspended for Sutton as his own sending off on Easter Monday.

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Full back Michael Smith has suffered a calf injury which rules him out of Yeovil Town’s final home game of the season this weekend.

Manager Mark Cooper confirmed the Northern Irishman picked up the injury in the Easter Monday defeat at Eastleigh when he came off after 53 minutes and will not be fit to face Sutton United.

Defender Jake Wannell is expected to train before the match, but the boss is not sure whether he will be fit to feature.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah on Thursday, Cooper said he was expecting a tough game against a visiting side which has a National League Cup final against Leeds United Under-21s next Tuesday night.

Asked if he expected a below strength opposition, the Glovers’ boss said: “They have had the massive disappointment of coming out of the Football League and the hangover that brings and they have recovered from that well. I am sure they will be looking to kick on next year. Knowing Steve (Morison, the Sutton manager), he will be desperate to win every game. I think they were quite close (to staying in the League), but once you come down it is difficult. You lose players and have to recruit. Steve has steadied the ship well there and they have some really good players.”

The manager added he expected midfielder Charlie Cooper to “get more minutes” at the weekend having featured off the bench in the past two games as he works his way back from tendonitis in his Achilles.

Mark Cooper speaks to BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah ahead of the fixture with Sutton United.

Results elsewhere in the National League Premier Division on Easter Monday confirmed Yeovil’s place with two games to spare and the manager believes the having the pressure off them in recent weeks has led to improved performances. The Glovers have won three and drawn one of their last six matches.

Cooper said: “We have had to concentrate more as a team without the ball because we have had so many disruptions (with injuries) to the squad, so we have had to concentrate more on winning the ball back higher up the pitch and having to get after teams. I just think when they are in that moment they understand they have to run and win their battles and if we have seven or eight players that do that, we win the game. We have at times let ourselves down because we have had a disjointed team and that is understandable and at the moment we are on the front foot and having a go.

“If you are not playing for anything, the pressure is off a bit and you can play a bit more freely, so you have to factor that in. You have to respect the boys that keep winning when they are at the top, like we did last year, because there is so much expectation and pressure to win games. We have not had pressure on us for a couple of games and you can see that in our performances.”

Saturday’s game marks the final fixture at Huish Park and Cooper has called on the home supporters to get behind his side as they have done in recent games.

He said: “Whether you win at home or away it is just about getting enough points and we are starting to pick up points at home. At the club we all have a part to play. I think we can make this place a really difficult place for opposition teams to play, like we did against Forest Green and Oldham, and the fans have the biggest part to play in that, because when they get behind the players it is a really tough place to play for the opposition. Hopefully we have a good summer, recruit well, and get more players that understand what it means to win and the more you win, the happier everyone is.”

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Yeovil Town host Sutton United this Saturday and the match represents a first National League appointment for our referee, Emily Heaslip.

That’s not to say she isn’t experienced, she’s vastly experienced and has refereed at the top level of the Women’s game in the WSL. She reffed the 2025 Women’s League Cup Final and led a trial of having referee’s wearing microphones in the WSL. 

She’s taken charge of 11 games in the National League regional divisions, all since the turn of the year. She’s dished out 24 yellow cards and two reds.

As you might have guessed this is the first time she’s officiated either Yeovil or Sutton. 

She will joined by Jack Clench and Daniel Flynn with Kevin Morris in charge of marshalling the dug outs. 

Yeovil Town FC (First Team) v Sutton United FC (First Team)
National League – Premier    
Referee: Heaslip, Emily
Assistant Referee: Clench, Jack
Assistant Referee: Flynn, Daniel
Fourth Official: Morris, Kevin

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With thanks to Michael West of the Yeovil Town Heritage Society for allowing us to reproduce his tribute to former Yeovil Town manager Cec Irwin who died on Easter Monday at the age of 83.
 
𝐈𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐞𝐜 𝐈𝐫𝐰𝐢𝐧 (𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟐–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓)
 

We are deeply saddened to share the news that Cecil Irwin – known fondly to many as Cec – passed away peacefully on Easter Monday at the age of 83.

Born in the small mining village of Ellington in Northumberland in 1942, Cec was a proud Sunderland supporter from boyhood who lived the dream of playing for the club he loved. Turning down a move to Arsenal, he made his debut for the Black Cats at just sixteen against Ipswich in 1958. He would go on to make 348 appearances for Sunderland, earning a reputation as one of the game’s early overlapping full-backs – tough in the tackle, yet always fair, and blessed with an exceptional positional sense. He also represented England at youth level on six occasions.

In June 1972, having turned down opportunities with Reading and South Shields, Cec was appointed player-manager of Yeovil Town at the age of thirty. With a young family in tow and a house included in the deal, Cec embraced life in Somerset wholeheartedly.

He succeeded the popular Mike Hughes and inherited a squad brimming with talent. Though faced with early challenges – including the task of rebuilding a side after key departures – Cec’s Yeovil made an immediate impact. The 1972/73 season saw thrilling football and an FA Cup run remembered fondly for the dramatic 2–1 win over Brentford at Huish. That season, Yeovil finished just one point behind Kettering in the Southern League – a near-miss that still evokes “what ifs” today.

Picture courtesy of Michael West, YTFC Heritage Society.
 

Although the following campaign brought setbacks – including early cup exits and disappointment in the FA Trophy – Cec remained dignified, dedicated and respected by all. He convinced the board to invest in promising talent and worked tirelessly for the club, both on and off the pitch. The 1974/75 season saw Yeovil again battle for top spot, but a shock Trophy defeat to Canterbury City proved a turning point. In April 1975, it was announced that Cec’s contract would not be renewed.

Despite the disappointment, Cec remained the consummate professional, continuing to manage the side with commitment and grace. His final appearance as a substitute against Bath City was met with a warm ovation from the Huish faithful, and a presentation by his players – a silver salver given with genuine affection and respect.

After leaving Yeovil, Cec returned to the North-East, going on to manage Gateshead and Ashington while also running a newsagent in his native Ellington. Ever loyal, he would continue to help Yeovil with scouting reports when the Glovers played in his region. Until recent years, Cec remained an active presence at Sunderland, attending matches at the Stadium of Light and enjoying rounds of golf whenever he could.

Remembered fondly by those who played under him and those who watched from the terraces, Cec Irwin was a kind-hearted gentleman and a dedicated football man. As the late Stuart Housley once said, “a lovely man and a very good manager.”

Cec leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, integrity and warmth that will be cherished both in the North-East and in Yeovil, where he is still held in the highest regard..

Our thoughts are with his family. Rest in peace, Cec.

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The Easter double header came to a close in similar fashion to the Christmas double header, as a narrow defeat at Eastleigh left Yeovil frustrated. Let’s see what else went on across the division…

There were goals galore across the league on Monday, and we’ll begin with two 3-2 thrillers – Solihull Moors came from behind to defeat Boston United, with a 97th minute winner from James Clarke sealing three important points for the Moors – former Glover Tahvon Campbell came off the bench to equalise for the hosts during the comeback. In the other result, Hartlepool United put a massive dent in Gateshead’s playoff hopes, despite the best efforts of the visitors, to climb into the top half of the table.

Next, we head to Kent, where last placed Ebbsfleet United were swept aside by a purring Southend United in a 4-0 game, three goals in the last half hour burying the game well and truly. Top of the table Barnet took a giant leap towards the National League title in a 3-1 win away at Saturday’s visitors Sutton United; the Bees need just a single point from their remaining two games to secure the silverware.

The goals kept coming too, as there were three 3-0 results; Altrincham kept their playoff ambitions alive with a huge win away to a depleted FC Halifax Town, a double from Regan Linney contributing to the Shay’s third loss in five, while a 13 minute blitz at The New Lawn for Forest Green Rovers all but ended Tamworth’s late playoff charge. In the lunchtime kickoff, it was a FA Trophy semi-final replay, and this time Woking ensured they were victorious, leading 3-0 within 20 minutes against a shell-shocked Aldershot Town.

York City were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Oldham Athletic, all but ending their title hopes as even their chairman admitted on the platform formerly known as Twitter… the draw did confirm the Latics’ place in the playoffs at the very least. At the other end of the table, Wealdstone and Maidenhead United played out a nervy 1-1 draw, a result that changed nothing in the grand scheme of things, as Dagenham & Redbridge contested a 0-0 draw at Braintree Town. Finally, Rochdale followed their touching tributes to former player Joe Thompson with a 0-0 draw at home to relegated AFC Fylde.

National League results – in full

Woking 3-0 Aldershot Town
Braintree Town 0-0 Dagenham & Redbridge
Eastleigh 1-0 Yeovil Town
Ebbsfleet United 0-4 Southend United
FC Halifax Town 0-3 Altrincham
Forest Green Rovers 3-0 Tamworth
Hartlepool United 3-2 Gateshead
Rochdale 0-0 AFC Fylde
Solihull Moors 3-2 Boston United
Sutton United 1-3 Barnet
Wealdstone 1-1 Maidenhead United
York City 1-1 Oldham Athletic

National League table

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It’s time for a bumper Easter edition of the Loan Watch, strap in, there’s lots to get through.

Let’s start in the National League South, where Torquay are one of SIX, yes, SIX teams who can still win the league with a single game to go, bonkers.,

Jordan Thomas started both of their Easter weekend games against high flying Truro and low lying W*ymouth, the Gulls won them both.

On the other hand, Will Buse had a less enjoyable time for The Terras.

Firstly, on Friday, our claret and blue friends gave up a 2-0 lead against Salisbury, before getting a pasting from Torquay on Monday. That said, Buse didn’t do much wrong.

Into the regional league now and as the headline suggests, Sherborne and Yeovil have continued their relationship with plenty of minutes for plenty of young Glovers across  plenty of games.

The Zebras played on, Sat 12th, Mon 14th, Weds 16th and Saturday 19th since the last update, a bonkers final week.

All of Joe Crisp, Ollie Hughes, Corey Koerner, Jaydon Biss & Blake Watts got time both from the start and the bench, plenty of moments to highlight, but I’ll pick out Blake Watts getting MOTM in one of the game, here’s a picture of the 17-year old being presented with a bottle of (Non alcoholic – honest, guv’) bubbly.,

After the final game of the season at the weekend, Sherborne Town 1st Team Manager Neil Waddleton told the Gloverscast:

“I truly value my relationship with Matt Percival at YTFC. Together we have created a pathway at Sherborne Town for young lads at YTFC to develop and gain valuable experiences within the game. The lads we have had this year have been fantastic. They have shown great aptitude and attitude. Their development is visible and they have been a great for us at Sherborne Town. We are looking forward to many of them returning to preseason and going again”.
Isn’t that nice!? There’s been a steady stream of young Glovers dipping in and out of the sides at Sherborne, including plenty getting time in their reserves, I’ve tried to cover as many as I can, and apologies if I’ve missed any but it’s been great to see the young YTFC players getting competitive game time.
 
We keep going, To Wellington, where Jacob Shore played twice over the Easter weekend, including in a 2-0 win on Monday to wrap up their season.
The defender has chipped in with a couple of goals this season.
 

Over at Bridport, Sol Padmore and George Geraghty were both in their first team squad for a 4-2 win over Axminster on Good Friday to wrap up their league campaign.

Padmore has been involved pretty much the entire season, whilst Geraghty’s goals for the U18s has seen his progression into the first team come as the campaign grew on.

Moss Jackson-Collis, just a 17-year old, was used from the bench as Shaftesbury and Larkhall played out a draw, which was enough to secure them both safety in that division.

And that’s just about it, there have been so many cool moments of young players getting out on deals and playing locally, many of the regional divisions are now finished with the National League South duo still with work to do.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading these updates, they’re not always easy to put together, so I’d like to say thanks to the people that have helped along the way, including Daniel Shore, John Hallett and Sam Bowers who have sent information, and line ups and to those who have allowed us to use images of the lads in action.