Latest Yeovil Town News (Page 4)

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Yeovil Town’s two-goal hero Dylan Morgan has spoken to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins about the part he played in Yeovil’s 3-1 win over Dover.

“We started really well, the boys came out like a house on fire, I am buzzing to get two goals, it’s two great assists from Sam and Fish, I was really, really trying to get the third, but we had to control the game, so it wasn’t the day for that overall, I’m just buzzing for the boys, it’s been a great season.

Another unbelievable turn out from our fans, so, overall a great day.

The gaffer always talks about pull backs, so every time the ball goes out wide, I know where to be and the boys know where the players are, so as long as I get myself in those areas, I’ll score goals, I always back myself in front of goal, so I’ve just got to get myself in those areas.”

“I am buzzing to get two goals, I was really, really trying to get the third!”

With the game having not a lot riding on it, Morgan spoke about how he himself and the club as a whole attacked the game.

“All the players have got personal pride, we want to win all the time, if it was a thumb war, or a football match, everyone wants to win, we’e a team full of winners and that what you need if you want to achieve in football.”

Dylan Morgan gets past his man
📸 Gary Brown

The former Taunton winger also spoke about how his team mates have helped him settle in to a new club and settle back into a Full Time schedule after moving to Huish Park.

“For me, it’s been massive, coming in half way through the season, I was a bit nervous, the boys got me on board with the program straight away, they got their arm around me, I thank them all for that, to help me find my feet here.

It’s been brilliant, I’ve worked so hard to try and get back and try and take the opportunity, I’m forever thankful to Yeovil and the gaffer to give me the opportunity to come back, now it’s up to me to make it work it again.

I’ve only been here four or five months, so there’s loads to learn, and with a manager like that I can push on and push on, I’m happy to pick up some form, and hopefully I can come back next season and start really well.”

With a title in the bag and a flight to Barcelona waiting for Morgan and some of the squad, the winger simply left his final thoughts with the fans.

“I’m buzzing for the fans, they can see this club succeed again, it’s been a rough couple years, they can enjoy this more than anyone, to see Yeovil back doing well.”

 

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Mark Cooper spoke to Sheridan Robins after the Glovers wrapped up a Championship winning season with a 3-1 win over Dover and the gaffer was pleased with the way his side went about the ‘dead rubber’ fixture.

“To say there was nothing on the game, I thought we gave it total respect, I thought we played some brilliant football and dominated the game, but when it’s 3-0 it difficult to keep it going, isn’t it?

I was really pleased with the ruthlessness of the team”

Cooper was being serenaded by Glovers’ fans as the chat went on and he had a special word for the Yeovil Town following.

“It’s been an amazing following today, to say that we’ve already won the league and it’s so far, they’ve followed us throughout the league, they’ve followed us through thick and thin this year – well, there hasn’t been much thin – it’s been quite a lot of thick, but we’ve given them lots to shout about and they’ve got right behind us.”

Yeovil Town’s two-goal hero Dylan Morgan came in for praise, not just for his goals, but also for making the transition from Part Time, back to Full Time football.

“Dylan has come from Taunton, part time, it took him a while to get accustomed, I still think he’ll be better after a pre-season, the one thing about Dylan is that he’s desperate to be a footballer, he trains his socks off every day and that so valuable for us.”

Picture Courtesy of Gary Brown

Cooper spoke of the mentality of his team, who were visibly disappointed to concede late on, despite the match (and season) being wrapped up long before and how the team and the club as a whole can benefit from what he calls a ‘winning mentality’.

“You have to, you can’t turn it on and off, you have to have that ruthlessness, that needs to run throughout the club and we showed that today.

It’s been really enjoyable, we’ve given everybody a lift, we’ve given them some good times, there was no need for us to be in this league, we said that at the time, but lessons need to be learned from that”

“…we have the momentum and we have to not waste that”

With a big summer on the way, Cooper suggests he now gets down to work on moulding a team to take on the National League.

“I think [this summer] is really important, we have to make a decision, are we going to kick on? Are we going to attack a wide open National League Premier next year? are we going to consolidate, or something we don’t want to think about?

But, that will depend on what kind of budget we set, which will determine which way we go.

I think momentum is massive and we have the momentum and we have to not waste that, I think the best time for us to compete is next year, to really push and have a crack it.”

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Yeovil Town wrapped up the 2023/24 season with a convincing 3-1 win at Dover. 

Who was your Man of the Match? Sadly, you can’t vote for the Crabble Burger.

Who Was Your Man of The Match v Dover (A)

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A first half double from Dylan Morgan sealed a comfortable win for Yeovil Town in the top-versus-bottom clash at Dover Athletic on the final game of the National League South season.

The midfielder netted two almost identical goals in the 16th and 29th minute before a calamitous own goal from Dover keeper Matt Rowley made it 3-0 early in the second half.

There were minutes for both striker Jake Hyde and midfielder Will Dawes, who appeared off the bench after long injury lay-offs, before Luke Baptiste pulled a late consolation goal back for the already relegated home side.

First half

The opening 15 minutes was something of an non-event with the possible exception of an effort from Luke Baptiste in to the the gloves of Joe Day and a Sam Pearson header wide.

But, with 16 minutes gone it was Pearson’s cut back which found Dylan MORGAN who smashed the home side in front.

The 13 minutes which followed could probably be best described as passing practice up until the 29th minute when Alex Fisher cut in from the right, fed the ball through to Dylan MORGAN who doubled his tally with a carbon copy of the first goal.

After that, Pearson warmed the palms of Matt Rowley in the Dover goal after 37 minutes, before George Nikaj hammered a half-decent opportunity over the bar three minutes later for the home side.

But, aside from that, if you had told me this was a pre-season friendly, I would not have argued. 2-0 up in a non-event.

The Crabble Burger

Half time: Dover Athletic 0 Yeovil Town 2

 

Second half

With five minutes of the second half gone, Jordan Young did what Jordan Young does. Weaved in to the box with great trickery, but then took one touch too many and played the ball back to Rowley.

Rowley repaid his gratitude on 54 minutes when Jay Foulston’s corner saw the keeper pat the ball in to his own net. As own goals go that was as clear an OWN GOAL as you can get – sorry Jay.

Dover keeper Matt Rowley has had a nightmare there.

On 57 minutes, a nice moment as Jake Hyde, not seen since the end of 2023, replaced Alex Fisher, who received a warm round of applause himself.

Just after the hour mark Pearson forced a smart stop out of Rowley before Charlie Cooper and Will Dawes replaced Pearson and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton.

In the away end, it was nothing but a celebration of the end of the most successful season in more than a decade for the club. Even a late consolation goal for BAPTISTE in the final minute of the game could not dampen that spirit.

Champions again, champions again, champions again ole oleeeeeee!

Full time: Dover Athletic 1 Yeovil Town 3

Match Details

Venue: Crabble
Date: Saturday 20th April, 3pm

Competition: National League South

Pitch: Sloped in every which way imaginable, but not in bad nick for the final game of the season.
Conditions: A lovely Spring day

Attendance: 

Scorers: Dylan Morgan 16 (1-0), Dylan Morgan 29 (2-0), Matt Rowley o.g. 54 (3-0), Luke Baptiste 90 (3-1).

Bookings:
Yeovil Town: None
Dover Athletic: None

Referee: Charles Martland 

 

Yeovil Town (4-2-3-1)

Substitutes: Jake Hyde (for Alex Fisher, 57), Will Dawes (for Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, 68), Charlie Cooper (for Sam Pearson, 68), Matt Worthington (not used), Frank Nouble (not used)

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Yeovil Town have confirmed they are ready to act against a decision to axe replays from the FA Cup from the competition’s decision.

The Football Association and the collection of world football’s richest clubs, also known as the Premier League, announced on Thursday they were making sweeping changes to the sport’s most famous cup competition.

In the 24 hours which have followed, clubs up and down the country have hit out at the lack of consultation about the moves – except for with the rich ones, of course. On Friday, the FA issued a statement insisting they did consult and thousands of other clubs and associations just missed it. 

The Glovers confirmed they only learned of the decision on Thursday.

In a statement issued on Friday, the club said: “On 18th April 2024, the Club first learned of the decision to remove the provision of replayed fixtures in the FA Cup.

“Yeovil Town Football Club is renowned for its giant-killings in the FA Cup and has a rich history in the competition. Part of the magic of the competition comes from these replays.

“FA Cup replays are also of vital financial importance to non-league clubs. The decision appears to have been taken without any consideration for non-league clubs and without consultation, based on the further statement made on April 19.

“We are considering what steps to take and will liaise with other clubs as to the appropriate way forward.”

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Captain Matt Worthington has said his Yeovil Town team-mates will be looking to maintain their winning mentality when they finish their National League South campaign this weekend.

The champions travel to already relegated Dover Athletic on Saturday knowing that victory will see them reach 95 points and 29 wins for the campaign and, despite the game not having any influence on either side’s season, the skipper is still looking for the win.

Speaking on Thursday, he said: “We have built a winning mentality all season and that is not just something you turn on and off and that has helped us win the league.

“So we will be looking to win another game of football. As players you always want to win, it does not matter if you safe, not playing for anything or you are promoted, you still want to win a game of football. That leads on to next season, if you finish on a high, we can all go and enjoy our summer.

He added: “It starts from the training ground and then leads to on a Saturday. A winning mentality has been built up all season and we will be looking to take that in to next season.”

Worthy began last weekend’s win over Dartford on the bench.
📸 Gary Brown

Worthington, who started last weekend’s 3-1 home win over Dartford which ended with him lifting the championship trophy on the substitutes’ bench, completed a full training session on Thursday and said he will be available for selection.

Asked about next season back in the National League Premier, the 26-year-old said he believes that the team is capable of pushing towards the top of the league.

He said: “With the team we have got we are capable and if anyone comes in, it strengthens it more. We have got a really good core signed on for next season and there is no reason we cannot be pushing for play-offs and to go again, that is the target for everyone. We have winners in the changing rooms and that will carry on next season.

“Looking at the league, it is anyone’s league, there will be lots of teams pushing for those top places and it will hopefully be an exciting season.”

He admitted he was looking forward to taking a well-earned break over the summer and said he would begin his personal preparations for the next campaign from the middle of May.

Worthington was speaking on Thursday, a year to the day since Yeovil were relegated out of the National League Premier with a 3-0 defeat at Wrexham, and reflected on the changes at Huish Park since the past year.

He said: “It is crazy how much this club has come on over that year. It has been a fun day back in training today and preparing for Saturday and everyone has been in high spirits. The club has come so far in that year, it is complete change and something everyone is really enjoying.”

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Yeovil Town boss Mark Cooper has said his National League South title-winning squad must evolve if it is going to be competitive next season.

The Glovers finish their campaign with a long trip to already relegated Dover Athletic this weekend with the boss saying it will be “a big jump” back in to the National League Premier next season.

Ebbsfleet United, the team who Cooper’s men replaced as champions, are still not quite safe and could do with something from their final game at fellow strugglers Boreham Wood this weekend, whilst last season’s play-off winners Oxford City finished bottom with 33 points from their 45 matches to date.

Speaking to Three Valleys’ Radio’s Si Thyer on Thursday ahead of the trip to Kent, Cooper said: “This is the first step. All we have done this year is do what we should have done. We celebrated over the weekend and it’s now about next season for me and wanting to go again.

“When you taste success you want every season to be like that, so as a group we want to put things in place which means we have a chance to do that next year.

“But, we need to give the owner (Martin Hellier) a chance to get the finances in line as to what money we have to use to try and help this really good squad we have got.

“I do not think we would have got relegated, but looking at the teams who came up from the South last year, Ebbsfleet are just about safe, and Oxford City are relegated.

“You have to strengthen because there is a big jump. We have to be ruthless and make sure we improve and, even more importantly, bring in the right characters.”

Super Cooper’s Greens are gunna blind you…
📸 Gary Brown

He suggested that there will be exits as well as (hopefully) arrivals at Huish Park in the summer, but praised the spirit which has been forged between his players this season.

The boss added: “You can’t win a league without the squad without the team spirit being really tight. Even when we have had a couple of little blips along the way, they have remained tight and navigated it without too much trouble.

“There has to be evolution and as will happen at every club, some will move on, some will stay, but the ones that move on leave with a promotion on their CV. That gives them a better opportunity to get a better club next year.”

One of Cooper’s former clubs, Forest Green Rovers, who he led to promotion to the Football League via the play-offs in 2017, were relegated back to non-League this week, and the Glovers’ boss expects the Gloucestershire side to be among those challenging at the top next season.

He said: “It is sad that Forest Green fought so hard to get out of non-League. I think they were the longest-serving members of the National League when they got promoted. It looks like they have spent a massive amount in the last two years and got relegated twice.

“There will be a lot of frustration and anger and they will be looking to bounce back, so I expect them to have a top budget for the level. Straight away they will be favourites and it looks like Sutton and Colchester for the other team coming down.

“What we have been looking at is the logistics because it is a heavily southern-based feel to the league next year which is good for us. Looks like there could be 16-17 southern-based teams which is great for us.”

It was a brace from on loan Exeter City striker Sonny Cox which sealed a 2-0 win over Dover at Huish Park in November.

The trip to Dover appears the most dead rubber of any dead rubber match with the visitors already having their hands on the league title and the home side consigned to relegation three weeks ago.

But you’ll not be surprised to hear Cooper is looking for three points which would see Yeovil finish the season with 95 points and 29 wins – which would be one more than Gary Johnson’s Conference-winning side managed in the 2002-03 campaign.

The manager said: “I will be picking a team to win the game. I will not be handing out minutes for the sake of it, it will be players that I think can win us the game.

“I want to go out with a win, the players want to go out with a win. In my first press conference this season I said ‘whether we are playing in the car park, on top of a mountain, on whatever surface, whether it’s three-a-side, five-a-side, Tiddlywinks – we want to win every competitive battle we go in to and Saturday will be no different.”

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We’ve jumped a few matchdays since our last roundup, and a lot has happened since then… one game was abandoned entirely, with Yeovil being “defeated” by W*ymouth, and something else happened… what was it? Oh yes, Yeovil won the damn league with their 2-0 win away at Truro (Gloucester)! Following the crowning of the champions on Saturday, after Yeovil relegated visitors Dartford with a 3-1 win, let’s see what else went down on a day to remember for the Glovers.

In what feels like a frequent feature with these round ups, we begin with Worthing as they ticked over to 100 goals scored in this league campaign. They sunk St Albans City at their own ground in a 4-2 cracker as they continued their hunt for a top 3 finish. Following Thursday’s defeat, Truro City bounced back with a 3-1 win at home to playoff side Maidstone to all but confirm their safety. There were two 3-0 wins in the east, as Chelmsford City hammered Tonbridge Angels, while Eastbourne Borough secured a vital three points at home to Chippenham Town.

Slough Town sunk Hemel Hempstead closer to the drop zone, as they secured the victory in a 3-2 thriller; Aveley kept their playoff hopes alive with a 2-1 win away at Weston-super-mare, while a Shaquile Coulthirst double gave Braintree Town the three points on their travels to already-relegated Havant & Waterlooville in a 2-1 win. Torquay United’s relegation fears deepened in an uninspiring 1-0 defeat at Bath City, while 10-man Taunton Town claimed a huge three points with their 1-0 win away at Farnborough.

Hampton & Richmond continued their playoff charge with a 1-0 win over bottom side Dover Athletic, and in the final game of the weekend, Welling United and W*ymouth played out the only draw of the weekend in a drab 0-0 affair.

 

National League South results – in full

Bath City 1-0 Torquay United
Chelmsford City 3-0 Slough Town
Eastbourne Borough 3-0 Chippenham Town
Farnborough 0-1 Taunton Town
Hampton & Richmond Borough 1-0 Dover Athletic
Havant & Waterlooville 1-2 Braintree Town
Hemel Hempstead Town 2-3 Slough Town
St Albans City 2-4 Worthing
Truro City 3-1 Maidstone United
Welling United 0-0 W*ymouth
Weston-super-mare 1-2 Aveley

National League South table (look at that gold!)