This weekend sees the Somerset Premier Cup champions travel to Altrincham for the final National League game of the season and the long-awaited legends game at Huish Park.
Ian, Dave and Ben try to stay on topic, but between the three of them they just about manage. Dave also speaks to Erin from the Golf Road Goals.
Southend 0 Yeovil Town 1 – Saturday 30th April 2005
2004/05 was a rollercoaster of a season which went right down to the wire. It turned into a four-way title race between Yeovil, Scunthorpe, Southend and Swansa, and right up until the end, all results were possible. On the last day, any of the top four could have been either Champions or missed out on automatic promotion altogether.
Under Brian Laws, Scunthorpe had proved to be early pace-setters, although Yeovil briefly took over in September with a 2-1 win at Shrewsbury. Swansea led the way for a few weeks in October, following which Scunthorpe took over again, and were top from the end of October to the end of December. Before Christmas, they held a seven point lead over the Glovers, before a dramatic contrast in fortunes for the two clubs saw Yeovil erase that lead with a run of seven consecutive wins, taking over top spot on 3rd January with a 4-2 win at home over Shrewsbury. The Glovers then held top spot for over three months, although they did not have everything their own way, as the run to the FA Cup Fourth Round was possibly proving to be something of a distraction – after the big third and fourth round games, they lost the next league games. The huge 4-3 win over Scunthorpe in February appeared to have settled the title race in Yeovil’s favour, but this also seemed to signal a downturn in form. Goals dried up somewhat, as there followed a period of only two wins in eight including home defeats against Bury and Notts County, and an incredibly poor performance in a 2-0 defeat at Rushden.
Scunthorpe were not faring much better, but it was at this time that Southend became the form team – mid-table in October, the Shrimpers were unbeaten in 17 league and cup games at the time the Glovers were critically losing form. When Yeovil lost consecutive games against Notts County and Rushden in April, it seemed like they might miss out not only on the title but promotion altogether, as Southend took advantage and took the lead at the top of the table.
Fortunately, that defeat at Rushden would prove to be as bad as it got – the following week, Gary Johnson switched to a 4-3-3 formation with Jevons, Davies and Gall as a front three, which worked like a charm as the goals returned and the Glovers stormed to a 5-2 win over Mansfield. As luck would have it, Southend were involved in the LDV Final that day and Yeovil re-gained first place. Defeat at Wembley also seemed to knock the previously unstoppable Shrimpers, as their form stumbled right at the last.
On the last away game of the season, Yeovil faced Southend at Roots Hall. The Glovers really could not afford to lose, as they led the League 2 table with 77 points, ahead of Southend on goal difference, one point ahead of Scunthorpe and three ahead of Swansea in fourth.
After two very attacking performances against Mansfield and Wycombe, Gary Johnson took the rare and sensible decision to play more cautiously in such a huge game. Not losing was probably more important than winning, as a draw would still mean that Southend had not overtaken them and promotion would be in their own hands on the last day. He also faced some injury problems which may have affected his approach to the game – Darren Way pulled out before the game with food poisoning, and although Bartosz Tarachulski was able to start, he only made it 30 minutes as both he and his replacement Marcus Richardson were taken off due to injury before half time.
It was a game mainly of half-chances, as Yeovil came closest with a Davies header that was clawed out by Flahavan, while at the other end Freddie Eastwood cut inside but dragged his shot wide. For the most part Yeovil were content to absorb pressure as at the back, the new signings made in time for the run-in, Efe Sodje and in particular Kevin Amankwaah, were absolutely immense as Southend struggled to get through.
It was as tense an afternoon as I have ever experienced in football, as the losses due to injury put Yeovil on the back foot, but we appeared to be standing up to the home side’s pressure – in front of a sell-out 12,000 crowd including 1600 or so travelling Yeovil fans.
Just as the match ticked over into the last ten minutes and it looked like we might be able to hang on for a much needed point, Steve Collis gathered a cross and hurled it out 40 yards to Jevons on the wing – Jevons passed inside to Davies, then kept on going as Davies took a shot form outside the area, which was deflected but fell right into the onrushing Jevons’ path, who slid home with is left foot. The way Jevons collapsed with the effort when he made it back to the half way line, showed how much the game had taken out of him and how much of a relief it was after all that effort to be ahead on 83 minutes. Southend did have one last chance, as substitute and former Yeovil target Lawrie Dudfield dragged his shot wide.
The final whistle came and brought with it the best possible outcome – a win, a cushion at the top, and a clean sheet, only the third since Christmas. Gary Johnson’s team that season didn’t really do clean sheets, but proved that they could keep it tight at the back when they really needed to.
Going into the last game Yeovil were in pole position but by no means safe – one point ahead of Scunthorpe and three ahead of Southend and Swansea, the title was in their own hands, but if they lost to play-off bound Lincoln they could potentially miss out altogether – it was that close.
As it happened, Yeovil would win 3-0 to secure the title, although it took until half time to break the deadlock. Scunthorpe got the draw they needed to keep them in second, while a 1-0 win at Bury was enough to see Swansea jump up to third and consign Southend to the play-offs. Fortunately for them, they beat Lincoln in the final and even went on to win League One at the first attempt in 2005/06.
Team that day: Steve Collis, Kevin Amankwaah. Colin Miles (sub. Kevin Gall 73), Terry Skiverton, Efe Sodje, Paul Terry, Lee Johnson, Arron Davies, Bartosz Tarachulski (sub. Marcus Richardson, 30 (sub. Andrejs Stolcers 45)), Phil Jevons
Max Hunt seems certain to miss the club’s final game of the season after suffering a reoccurrence of the ankle injury which kept him out for three-and-a-half months.
The central defender limped off after 25 minutes of the Somerset Premier Cup final win over Bath City on Tuesday night.
Speaking afterwards, caretaker manager Charlie Lee confirmed the injury was to the same ankle.
He told BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins: “It is the same ankle, we are hoping it is not as bad, but I said to him it is the best time to do it (at the end of the season) because it just ruins your holiday.
“He will be fit and ready to go in pre-season, he’s done brilliantly this year, 30-odd games with a long period out through injury.
“He and Staunts (Josh Staunton)!have both put their bodies on the line to come back and play, most places they might have seen the season out and concentrated on next season.
“That shows you the type of character (Max) is and he’s going to be a great player for Yeovil in the future.”
The win over old rivals Bath seems likely to be Lee’s penultimate in charge with him expected to be in charge for Sunday’s trip to Altrincham for the final match of the National League campaign.
Speaking two-and-a-half weeks ago club owner Scott Priestnall said the caretaker boss would be spoken to as part of the recruitment process for the club’s next boss.
Lee said: “If tonight is my last game or the next one is my last game, I don’t know, but it’s been an unbelievable journey and I am expecting to be thereb for the last game at the weekend.”
Ben Seymour and Jordan Dyer, who both spent short loan spells at Huish Park earlier this season, have been released by their parent club, Exeter
The Grecians were promoted to League One this season.
Seymour played a handful of games including *that* game against W*ymouth with the loan front man missing one of the spot kicks in the shootout.
Jordan Dyer managed about 3 minutes in a Glovers shirt before returning to Exeter.
They both would spend time on loan at Bath City towards the end of the season.
All the best to both in their hunt for a new club.
Remember where you were on the night Yeovil Town’s first team won their first silverware since 2013. Ian was at Huish Park to witness the 3-0 victory over Bath City, and here are his Five Conclusions…
We won a trophy!! Firstly, congratulations to Charlie Lee and his team. As the professional side, they had to get the job done against Jerry Gill’s Bath City. Morgan Williams early goal showed the gulf between the two sides early on, but as the first half wore on, Bath City certainly showed they were no pushovers. Lee’s side had work to do in that first half, with Tom Smith getting a lot of the ball and Bath had three decent chances to hit back. The early second half goal from Knowles really put the game beyond doubt, as the Glovers eventually clinched their 25th Somerset Premier Cup in comfort.
It was a shame to not see some of youngsters last night. Our younger players have had a lot of minutes in the SPC and have played a huge part in getting us to the final. I understand the desire to treat it as a first team game and make sure of the trophy, but it would have been nice to have seen Toby Stephens, Ollie Haste (who has signed professional terms), Max Evans get their chance. It was great to see them front and centre of the celebrations at the end as they played an important role in getting us to the final.
It wasn’t the best night for Reuben Reid. The halcyon days of March and Reid’s signs of ‘what could be’ in green and white seem to have long gone. At points in March he was unplayable but last night was one of those frustrating evenings which can give the impression of lack of effort and lack of quality. He didn’t win many (if any) headers, he was out of sync with his teammates, passes were misplaced and nothing seemed to work for the striker.
We can do worse than signing Ben Barclay in the summer. If we are to lose Luke Wilkinson (if you believe the social media rumour mill) and sweat on Max Hunt’s fitness – he was helped off with what looked to be a bad injury – we have a ready-made signing who will slot in perfectly in Barclay. His poise on the ball and reliability have shone through since his loan from Stockport. With Stockport on course for promotion to the EFL, you would presume he will be deemed surplus to requirements. Hopefully his time at Yeovil has made enough of an impression for all parties to want to extend it.
I’ll have what Morgan Williams is having. I said on Monday’s Gloverscast that I expected Morgan Williams to start because he’s a machine, and he proved it again. His signing last summer was met with cautious optimism, which quickly faded when it was revealed he was suffering with an injury and having to wear a special boot. What a season he’s had, however. Another 90 minutes last night, a goal, a solid defensive performance and a trophy to boot. After the season he’s had, it’s actually a bit of relief to know we’ll have him next season.
Pic From @yeovilcollege
Yeovil Town youth prospect Ollie Haste has signed a professional contract with the club ahead of next season.
Interim manager Charlie Lee said after the Somerset Premier Cup win that Haste has signed on pro terms having seen the English college youth player impress in the competition
“I think the Somerset Cup has been a massive success for the club this year… we’ve had youngsters play, boys from the college scheme play, do well and then we has Hastey sign a contract, it’s just been brilliant”
BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins followed up to confirm the deal had been done and after a sly glance at Media Officer Sam Collard, Lee confirmed it was all signed and sealed.
“Yep, hopefully I didn’t let anything go too early, he’s done really well, he’s come through the college scheme, he’s been involved and he’s signed a contract!”
Haste has spent time on loan with Barnstaple Town this season and has been an unused sub for the Yeovil first team on a couple of occasions including at Wrexham away.
A huge congratulations to Ollie from everyone at the Gloverscast!
Venue: Huish Park
Tuesday 10th May, 8pm Kick Off
Conditions: Clear
Pitch: “Won’t need much work over the summer” Perkins, I. May 10th, 2022
Attendance: 1016 (351 away)
Scorers: Williams ‘6 (1-0), Knowles ’47 (2-0), Barclay ’85 (3-0)
Bookings:
Yeovil: Neufville ’85
Bath City: Delaney ’14, Clarke ’85, Richards ’87, Gill ’89
Referee: Scott Jackson
Yeovil Town : (3-5-2)
Grant Smith
Morgan Williams, Ben Barclay, Max Hunt (for Worthington ’25)
Tom Knowles, Lawson D’ath, Josh Staunton, Sonny Blu Lo Everton (for Robinson ’71) Jordan Barnett
Josh Neufville, Rueben Reid (for Wakefield ’85)
Substitutes: Max Evans, Matt Worthington, Alex Bradley, Charlie Wakefield, Jack Robinson
Bath City:
Clarke, Raynes, Delaney, Fletcher, Holness, Cooke, Smith, Frear, Jones (for Sims-Burgess) Ball, Richards
Substitutes: Fuller, Sims-Burgess
Championés, Championés, Olé, Olé, Olé!
Yeovil Town captured the Somerset Premier Cup after a beating Bath City on Tuesday night in the final at Huish Park.
Our man, Ian Perkins was there, here’s his match report.
It took six minutes for the Glovers to open the scoring. Bath City failed to clear their lines and Morgan WILLIAMS nicked the ball off a Bath City defender to beat Ryan Clarke, despite the keeper’s best efforts. There was no doubt about this one being Williams goal.
Yeovil took control of the early proceedings and had a decent effort through Tom Knowles, although the player of the season fired over.
Bath City had an opportunity to level the score moments later through Tom Smith. Bath’s number 10 pulled his effort wide of Smith’s post into the side netting.
On 24 minutes Max Hunt picked up an injury, forcing Charlie Lee into a first half replacement bringing on Matt Worthington.
Yeovil kept up the momentum and Reuben Reid, released by Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, couldn’t wrap his foot round the ball enough to get his effort in target.
City nearly hit back in the 31st through Elliot Frear on Smith’s back post again. His effort was bundled wide for a corner.
Bath had another chance to equalise in first half stoppage time but Cook’s effort from just inside the 18 yard box was straight at Smith.
Three minutes into the second half, Tom KNOWLES doubled the Glovers lead. Knowles was released on the right and in vintage fashion he cut inside and fired home past the helpless keeper.
Bath came close to hitting back in the 54th minute, forcing Smith into an important block.
Both sides took their foot off the gas, althiugh the Romans had the better possession and a decent half chahce though Tom Richards, who acrobatically shot over.
It wasn’t until the 68th minute when the game came alive again through Knowles. He picked up the ball on the half way line and surged forward beating four men before shooting over the bar. He probably should have passed to Neufville, but after that run, who could blame him for having a go.
The Glovers kept Bath at arms length and Ben BARCLAY scored the third with a free header onto the top corner from Lawson D’Ath’s corner. Handbags ensued after the goal, with Baths keeper getting a booking after an altercation with Neufville.
The Glovers saw out the remainder of the game against their old rivals to be crowned Somerset Premier Cup champions for the 25th time.
Yeovil Town player Jordan Barnett has been charged by the Football Association with regards to betting on football matches.
According to the FA’s April Charges, Barnett is alleged to have place “138 bets” on football matches from December 2018 to 10th January 2022.
The full charge reads as follows:
“INCIDENT OF MISCONDUCT IN RELATION TO BETTING
Jordan Barnett, Player, Yeovil Town FC
Breach of FA Rule E8 – Misconduct in respect of 138 bets placed on football matches between 02 December 2018 to 10 January 2022.
The Participant has until 12 May 2022 to provide a response.”
There is nothing more, and nothing to suggest it involves any matches including Yeovil.
Barnett signed for the Glovers in Summer 2021 from Notts County where he made 12 appearances.
There are strict FA rules with regards to betting on football, which can read here if you feel like it.
A statement from the club reads: “Yeovil Town can confirm that a member of the first team squad is under investigation for an incident of misconduct in relation to betting. Due to an ongoing investigation into the matter, the club cannot comment any further.”
In a similar fashion to Yeovil Town, it has been a season of underachievement for Bath City this season.
The Romans finished their National League South season with a 3-3 draw at Twerton Park last weekend and ended the campaign fourth from bottom – which is even more disappointing than the (anticipated by most people – see last week’s poll) mid-table finish the Glovers are heading for.
The Somerset Premier Cup therefore offers them something to finish the campaign with a flourish having beaten Clevedon Town (definitely nowhere near Bristol!), Portishead, Welton Rovers and Frome Town on their way to the final.
It has been more than 20 years since the sides last met when a double from Demba and a goal from Michael McIndoe earned Gary Johnson’s Yeovil a 3-1 FA Cup replay win having drawn 1-1 in the first game.
You have to go back to January 1996 to find the last time Bath were victorious in a competitive fixture, a 3-2 win in the FA Trophy, but in SPC finals they have won the last four encounters between these two sides – the last being in March 1994. If you’re interested, you can see the full history of results between the sides – here.
But, if you thought W*ymouth was the only historic rivalry we had, think again. Bath have visited Yeovil more than any other town in their history with more than 130 visits albeit only four in the past 26 years.
The two sides also share the record for the most successful SPC campaigns with 24 wins each. Bath’s last coming in 2008 with Yeovil’s three years earlier.
Are we making this sound more like there’s something to play for?
Bath manager Jerry Gill is a man with a foot in both camps having made the move from Twerton to Huish Park back in 1996, spending a successful season in Somerset before getting his big move to Birmingham City.
His post-match comments after the weekend’s final league fixture suggest Romans’ fans have not let him forget it, he said: “Back in the day, this was a huge rivalry when I was playing here and I know I got my move from here to Yeovil and a lot of people don’t thank me for that.
“It’s a wonderful club down there as well, so I am going to enjoy it first and foremost, but we are going down there to win.
“I have spoken to a lot of fans here and a lot of people are going down to watch the game, and we’ll be competitive, it’s no good going to a cup final if you don’t go and win it.
“So we’ll give it everything we have got to go and win that game and hopefully get some good backing.”
As you’d imagine given the proximity, there’s been quite a few down the years. The most obvious one is Bath City manager Jerry Gill.
Gill was a star player at full-back for City in the mid-1990s when he made the switch along with midfielder Rob Cousins joining Graham Roberts’ Yeovil in the summer of 1996.
Both players went on to be the a major part of the side which romped to the ICIS League Premier Division (now National League South) title and returned to the Conference in 1997.
His form that campaign caught the eye of Birmingham City, then a First Division (now Championship) side, and made the move for £30,000 with a further £10,000 payable after he played ten first-team games.
Both he and Howard Forinton, the star striker whose goals first Roberts’ side to the title that year, moved to St Andrews but it was Gill who was more successful, playing 60 times for the Blues.
He returned to Twerton Park as manager in 2017 after a spell in charge at W*ymouth (oh Jerry, how could you?) and coaching roles at Kidderminster Harriers and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Cousins stayed at Huish Park upon promotion back to the Conference and remained until the summer of 2001 when he moved to Forest Green Rovers.
Another player from that era who made the move south was striker Dean Birkby who joined Roberts’ revolution earlier than Gill and Cousins, joining midway through the 1995-96 campaign.
Having signed for £10,000 he went on to score 31 goals in 90 appearances alongside the likes of Warren Patmore and Forinton before leaving to join Forest Green in the summer of 2000.
More recently, Exeter City defender Jordan Dyer has had spells with both clubs. His time with Yeovil consisted of the final minute of the 2-0 home win over Woking in October, but he did have two spells with Bath making 21 appearances.
It’s time for the weekly YeoGov poll. This week we want to know: If season ticket prices are held at the same price they were this season, will you be buying one next season? Let us know your reasoning the comments.
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.
Last week we asked if you if you felt Yeovil had overachieved, underachieved or performed as you expected this season.
124 people cast their vote with 62 (50%) saying they’ve performed as expected, 55 (44%) feel they’ve underachieved and 7 (6%) think Yeovil have overachieved.
