Latest Yeovil Town News (Page 405)

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With the FA now confirming that Yeovil Town’s  number one Grant Smith will be out for the next two games after his sending off after the final whistle in the 3-0 defeat at Torquay United on Boxing Day, manager Darren Sarll has a choice to make.

Max Evans has been the back-up keeper for the past two years with his starting appearances limited to the Somerset Premier Cup and then the recent FA Trophy win over Woking, and is the obvious choice to fill in for Smith – but there’s also the option of bringing in a loan keeper.

We got BBC Somerset’s Yeovil Town reporter Sheridan Robins and Gloverscast regular David Coates to put forward the arguments for both options…

Max Evans

 

Going with Max

Nineteen-year-old Max Evans has been in and around the first team for two full seasons now, under the watchful eye of excellent goalkeeping coach Craig Wight and has worked with some excellent goalkeepers in Adam Smith and Grant Smith.

His professional debut against Woking in the FA Trophy was uneventful, but as a goalkeeper that is all you can really ask for. He has been consistently on the bench in the National League, and with how many sides do not even use a substitute spot for an additional goalkeeper, he is clearly well sought after.

In my view, if he is good enough to be the backup, he is good enough to take to the field for an FA Cup match and National League clash.

Grant Smith has been outstanding this season, but I am sure he would be the first to say his actions on Sunday fell short of his standards. A loan signing might be sensible to provide cover, but with the loans we already have in, and the bodies we have cover for elsewhere in the side, I am not sure it is necessary.

They always say a goalkeeper is better for having competition – and if Max Evans plays these games and impresses then Smith will have to force his way back into the team and that can only be a good thing for this ever-improving Yeovil side.

I was struck by Darren Sarll’s post-match comments about how he doesn’t think we are short for next week. A few weeks ago, that would not have been the case.

I do hope we see Evans take to the field – and impress. What a moment it would be for him to start against the Championship winners-elect in the FA Cup.

And if the worst did happen and Evans got injured, there is always Luke Wilkinson who can come in to save the day…. ?

Sheridan Robins, BBC Somerset 

Getting in a loan

In Max Evans we clearly have a goalkeeper of some promise and his selection in the FA Trophy tie recently makes it clear Darren Sarll has faith in him.

Yeovil Town goalkeeper Grant Smith. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

But – you knew one was coming – I do not believe that Darren Sarll has it in his DNA to write off matches as lose-able and therefore chucking Evans in feels like a risk.

We’re still smarting from a loss at Torquay on Boxing Day and the Gulls made it clear that they have the gamesmanship (let’s be polite about it) you need a bit of in this division.

The likes of Danny Wright will undoubtedly target an inexperienced keeper.

In the FA Cup tie with AFC Bournemouth in the second match of Smith’s suspension, there will be some very good players in opposition and a Red Button audience watching on.

Should things start to go against us, the last thing Max needs for his confidence is to be repeatedly picking a ball out of the net.

Let’s assume for the sake of this scenario that the finance is in place to get a loan keeper in, and his parents club (assuming they are still in the competition) are willing to let him be Cup tied.

For his own protection, my view is we should look to bring a more experienced keeper in on loan even if it is just for a couple of matches.

We are at the midway point of the season and undoubtedly there are some good number two (and probably number three) goalkeepers kicking their heels in the Football League.

There will be chances for Max Evans in the near future and I have no doubt he’s capable of challenging for the number one jersey – but is now really the time for a novice?

David Coates – Gloverscast

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Yeovil Town remained in 11th place in the National League table despite the cancellation of their derby game with W*ymouth today.

Seven games did go ahead with Torquay United – our next opponents who also inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Darren Sarll’s men – losing 2-1 at Eastleigh with goals from former Glovers’ midfielder Tom Whelan and striker Tyrone Barnett.

The results leave us five points off the play-off places and 16 points off W*ymouth, who occupy the final relegation place.

In other fixtures, a late equaliser from, Jack Clarke, who had a brief unsuccessful spell with Yeovil at the start of the 2019-2020 season, saw Chesterfield draw 1-1 with second-placed FC Halifax Town.

Other ex-Glovers on the scoresheet today include Paddy Madden who struck a late winner for Stockport County at Solihull Moors and Angelo Balanta scored the only goal in Dagenham & Redbridge‘s win over Aldershot Town.

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On loan midfielder Sonny Blu Everton has had his suspension confirmed by the FA following his red card vs Torquay.

The FA have confirmed that the 64th minute sending off has been classed as ‘Violent Conduct‘ and as such comes with a three game, cross competition suspension.

He will miss games with Torquay and Southend in the league and also the FA Cup 3rd Round tie with Bournemouth.

The attacker is back for the FA Trophy tie with Needham Market on January 15th. His original loan deal was due to expire on January 16th.

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On loan Millwall defender Dan Moss will be absent for the January 2nd game against Torquay United after getting his 5th yellow of the season on Boxing Day.

As expected, the FA’s Club Discipline site has been updated to show the full back’s upcoming spell on the sidelines. 

He’d already been booked against; Wrexham, Bromley, Eastleigh and Solihull.

Following the match on Sunday, Manager Darren Sarll said;

“Mossy is always going to get five bookings in his season, he tackles more than anyone, that’s a tackle, that’s what he does, that’s why we play him, because he puts in those tackles.”

“That’s part of the season of having Dan Moss, the other stuff, the two sendings off, if they are for what I think they are, we will deal with that internally.”

The full back will be available for the FA Cup tie against Bournemouth the following Saturday.

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Yeovil Town goalkeeper Grant Smith. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Grant Smith looks set to miss the upcoming games against Torquay and Bournemouth following his post match red card against Torquay on Boxing Day.

Multiple reports suggested the Goalkeeper was shown a red card following the conclusion of the 3-0 defeat, an incident which has now been confirmed as an act of “Foul and Abusive Language”, something which Darren Sarll seemed to assume after the game;

“I don’t know what happened with Grant (Smith), I can make an assumption that he has said something to the referee after the game. If he has and that is the reason why, then I don’t condone that, I’m all for tackling, competing, I’m not great defending players for dissent, if it’s dissent, but we’ll find out.”

We face Torquay and Bournemouth in the next two games which, unless there are any appeals, will see Max Evans (or a loan replacement) between the sticks.

 

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Midfielder Mitch Rose has joined Northern Premier League Premier Division side South Shields after his short-term contract at Huish Park expired.

The former Notts County and Grimsby player was a free agent when he joined at the end of September and made three appearances with his only start coming in the goalless draw with Maidenhead United.

Mitchell Rose in action for Yeovil Town.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

His signing is not without controversy after he was given a nine-month suspended prison sentence in July having been found guilty of an assault which left a 26-year-old woman with a fractured cheekbone.

The brother of former Tottenham Hotspur full-back Danny Rose was known to Glovers’ boss Darren Sarll from their time together at the Rotherham United academy and is understood to have been on a month-to-month contract.

When we last heard about him, the manager made it clear he would like to keep the player, but said his budget would not allow it.

Rose was named in the South Shields side in their league match at Whitby Town on Monday afternoon, alongside Jack Bodenham, the former Cardiff City player who has a trial with Yeovil in pre-season.

By by the looks of some of the responses to the tweet issued by the club, there’s some discontent among their fans, as there was at Huish Park.

At the Gloverscast, we never made any secret of the fact we did not agree with Rose’s signing – see Ian’s Five Conclusions on his only 90 minutes for us as an example – and it had absolutely nothing to do with his playing ability.

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The run had to come to an end at some point – but yesterday’s Boxing Day match unravelled following a crazy five-minute period. Here five conclusions from a Boxing Day to forget from BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins.

It had been an even game up until the 65th minute but at that point our inexperience finally told. Throughout the good run of form, things have gone Yeovil’s way and they have stood firm well and except for the Woking game, they have avoided too much frustration on the pitch. But tempers were flaring early doors in this match and Torquay were street smart – while Yeovil lost their heads. Sonny Blu Lo-Everton can feel aggrieved he wasn’t given a yellow – but he gave the linesman and referee a decision to make and with how things were going, a red card at some point was inevitable – and it was against Yeovil. It was clearly not with intent to hurt his opponent – but it was reckless and silly none the less.

We need to get Charlie Wakefield in the game more. We are most dangerous when he gets the ball, runs with it and creates space. In the first half, it was a defensive masterclass once again, but Wakefield did not get the service he needs. Early in the second half, it was clear Darren Sarll wanted to utilise the right-hand side, but then it was always going to be difficult with 10 men. He is our danger man, and we need to use him more.

Gary Johnson had a game plan – and it worked. Speaking to BBC Somerset pre-match, the former Yeovil manager spoke about ‘shenanigans’ and while I don’t think Yeovil were cynical, the way Torquay won their free kicks was much more impressive than us – and they frustrated us. They have some talented players, but so do we and their work in midfield to win the ball back was one of their strengths. We must be aware of that in the return fixture.

Following Dan Moss’ fifth yellow card, Lo Everton’s red and Smith’s post-match dismissal, there will be several changes for next Sunday, but we do have some strength in depth now. Don’t get me wrong, we cannot afford many more suspensions or injuries, but with Mark Little on his way back, Jack Robinson recovered, Joe Quigley working towards fitness, and Alex Bradley, Reuben Reid, Jaheim Headley and Max Evans all available, it might not be the unmitigated disaster it could have been a couple of months ago. It is a huge chance for the squad players to stake a claim on a team which has been in wonderful form.

Lastly, in true Yeovil Town fan style, there is no need to panic. The manner of the collapse was concerning, but this group have a huge amount of character and desire – and for spells they kept Torquay at bay, who are in decent nick in league. I have no doubt they will bounce back – and what better way than against the same opponents? I will mention that I had to wait a long time for the post-match interviews but – as ever – both Sarll and Staunton assessed the performance honestly. It may well be a blessing in disguise that there is a full week for next week’s new-look side to gel and get back to winning ways.

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Yeovil Town may have Bournemouth and Needham Market on their minds in cup competitions in January, but in February, the Somerset Premier Cup comes back into the schedule with the Glovers playing away at Cheddar FC.

Cheddar have confirmed to the Gloverscast the expected date and details of the 3rd round tie which will be played on February 15th, squeezed in between Eastleigh away on Feb 12th and Dagenham at home on February 19th.

If anyone fancies a Valentines trip to the Cheesemen, details can be found below…

Cheddar FC v Yeovil Town
Somerset Premier Cup Third Round
Tuesday 15th February – 19:45pm

Tickets: £6 Adults, £3 OAPs, £1 Under 12s.

Address:
Bowdens Park
Draycott Road
Cheddar
BS27 3RL

Directions:
From M5 Junction 22 follow signs for A38- Bristol Airport, turn right onto A371 signposted Axbridge/Cheddar.
Follow through village and club is located on the right of the A371 heading towards Wells.
From Wells follow signs for A371 Cheddar/Weston Super Mare, club is located on left just before entering village.

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Josh Staunton.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Yeovil Town midfielder Josh Staunton fronted up to the media after the 3-0 Boxing Day defeat to Torquay United and couldn’t hide his disappointment  at the result or performance.

He told BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins: “We weren’t anywhere near our best today, but we were still competing for probably 65 minutes, and then we’re disappointed at the ending, because we’ve been finishing games so strongly, the way we’ve come to the end of the run is really disappointing.

“I think it’s important as a group, we don’t feel like it’s the end of the world, it gives us a chance to start a new run. We’ve got a chance to put it right after New Year’s Day”

When asked about the impact of Sonny Blu Lo-Everton’s red card on 64 minutes with the game still goalless, he said the team could have responded better.

He added: “I think that’s where we have to take a bit more responsibility, remain calm, I think we lost our composure and that’s something which we haven’t done the last two months even when we’ve faced a bit of adversity, we’ve stood up to it, and today we didn’t.

“We let the red card (for Lo-Everton) really affect us, not in terms of numerical advantage, but in terms of mentality on the pitch. It’s something which we can’t allow to happen again.”

Staunton was questioned on what he and the side would take away from the defeat and he was adamant that the team would be stronger for it.

“You learn from every loss and every win, and unfortunately today, we’ve learnt the hard way. It’s a good lesson for us as a group, in terms of – we went behind against Woking but managed to come back – but we just lost our composure and lost our cool and it just goes to show, at this level, you can’t afford to have those days.

“Even for 65 minutes we weren’t at our best, but still competing, and we were in the game. We didn’t agree with things on the pitch and it’s cost us today. It’s important we learn those lessons that not everything is going to go our way, but we remain as a group and stand up and face them head on.”

Attention turned to the reverse fixture with Torquay again in the Glovers’ firing line, this time at Huish Park next Sunday.

“We take every game on it’s merit, but it (playing Torquay again so quickly) adds a bit of fuel to the fire, because, just like when we played Weymouth (in the FA Cup) we’ve got a point to prove.

“It’s disappointing, we haven’t got the game on the 28th to have a quick rebound, so we have got to hang fire for a week, but it gives us chance to right some wrongs in training, work hard and get back to what we have been doing previously.

“The most important thing is that we don’t get too down after today, because over a campaign you have ups and downs and today, we’ve had one of those downs.”

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Darren Sarll spoke to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins regarding the two red cards (and five yellows) picked up by the Glovers during their 3-0 loss to Torquay United on Boxing Day.

In a feisty affair, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton was sent off after 64 minutes, goalkeeper Grant Smith saw red after the final whistle and Adi Yussuf, Matt Worthington, Dale Gorman, Luke Wilkinson and Dan Moss all saw yellow.

This is what the manager had to say on the three players who will be missing as a result of today’s indiscretions.

Sonny Blu-Lo Everton – red card – 64th minute.

Sonny Blu Lo-Everton in action for Yeovil Town.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

“I thought it was petulant, that’s how I saw it, I have no idea what players think they’re ever gaining from those actions, I’ll have to see it again, but at the time it looked petulant. I don’t understand what they get out of it, the team don’t get anything out of it… listen, Sonny doesn’t help us stop those three goals, what Sonny was doing during the game very, very well was stay on the ball for long periods and get far more territory.

“So very disappointing, we’re disappointed in that type of behaviour, but we will keep those thoughts and comments in house.”

If confirmed as ‘Violent Conduct’ the Watford loanee would miss three games; Torquay, Bournemouth (FA Cup) and Southend before being available for the FA Trophy game with Needham Market Town on January 15th, one day before his initial loan spell from Watford is due to elapse.

Grant Smith – red card – after full-time

New Glovers’ ‘keeper Grant Smith

“I don’t know what happened with Grant (Smith), I can make an assumption that he has said something to the referee after the game. If he has and that is the reason why, then I don’t condone that, I’m all for tackling, competing, I’m not great defending players for dissent, if it’s dissent, but we’ll find out.”

If confirmed as being for ‘Foul and Abusive Language’, the Glovers’ number one would be subject to a two-game ban which would rule him out of the games vs Torquay next Sunday and Bournemouth in the FA Cup. Subject to an appeal process.

 

Dan Moss – fifth yellow card of the season – 75th minute.

Dan Moss. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

“Mossy is always going to get five bookings in his season, he tackles more than anyone, that’s a tackle, that’s what he does, that’s why we play him, because he puts in those tackles.”

“That’s part of the season of having Dan Moss, the other stuff, the two sendings off, if they are for what I think they are, we will deal with that internally.”

It is expected that the Millwall loanee will only be absent for the game against Torquay, his loan was recently extended until January 24th which would give him four more games after his suspension whilst with the side.

 

As a side note, Jack Robinson, the loanee from Middlesbrough was seen with the side today after being out of contention with injury since the win over Yate Town. Alex Bradley missed out on the squad together as did youth team graduate Ollie Haste whilst the Gloverscast have asked Hemel Hempstead Town for clarification on the situation with midfielder Toby Stephens as his one month loan spell had been due to end.