Mark Cooper praised AFC Stoneham following the Glovers 7-1 win in the FA Cup this afternoon. Goals from Jordan Young, Jake Wannell, Frank Nouble, Rhys Murphy (x3) and Jordan Maguire-Drew saw Yeovil run out comfortable winners and the boss was pleased that his side scored seven but lamented the Duarte Martin’s consolation goal.
Speaking to BBC Somerset following the victory, Cooper said: “It’s about Stoneham today. It’s their day, it’s about them and how well they’ve done to get the results they’ve had to get to get to this stage.”
Despite the comfortable score line and the dominant performance Cooper was disappointed with the “schoolboy defending” for Stoneham’s goal and felt his side should have scored more.
“We had a job to do, we did it. Like I said, it was a no-win situation for us. But we were professional enough. I’m devastated about the goal we conceded, that should never happen. But, to score seven in any game is obviously pleasing.
“I’m pretty selfish, I thought we could have won by more”
“We started off really well, the keeper made some unbelievable saves in the first few minutes. I’m pretty selfish, I thought we could have won by more. but I’m really angry about the goal we conceded and if that’s a league game we probably concede two or three late on.”
Rhys Murphy earned himself the match ball with a second half hattrick of archetypal Murphy finishes and Cooper was pleased with the contribution of his substitutes.
There's the ? we've been wanting. #ytfc https://t.co/86Pt7P1JLq
— Gloverscast ?⚽️? (@gloverscast) September 16, 2023
“The boys that are not playing, when they come on the pitch [they]need to contribute and that’s been the case so far for us this season. Our subs have contributed and they did again today.”
It’s three wins in a row for Yeovil now, and the Glovers face a visit to 21st place Hampton & Richmond Borough next weekend hoping to find the a fourth.
“Whatever level you play at, to win three games on the bounce is hard. It’s hard to win a game of football because there are so many variables. The opposition have 11 players that are trying to stop you so to win three games at any level is good. We’ve got to try and make that four next week.”