Yeovil Town are back in FA Cup action this week as they play host to Premier South team Didcot Town in the third qualifying round.
With the Gloversl looking to make it five wins on the bounce for the first time since the start of the 2019/20 season, the Huish park faithful will be hoping Didcot don’t spoil the party.
Unfortunately the same can’t be said for The Railwaymen, who have only won one league game so far this campaign, so will be looking to the cup for some respite.
Yeovil Town News
The big news coming out of Somerset this week is the uncertainty of midfield stalwart Matty Worthington’s availabilty to play. Having been given a red card in least week against Hampton & Richmond, Yeovil boss Mark Cooper said he would be appealing the decision. A week on Cooper is still none the clearer on whether the club have been successful. He said: ” We’ve appealed but we still have not heard (if we’ve been successful). So I am trying to prepare a team for Saturday and we still don’t know if Matt Worthington can play.
“We have to wait until Thursday night before we find out if Matt Worthington can play.”
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.
As with previous games, the Yorkshiremen is “leaving no stone unturned”. He said: “I know exactly what their coaching staff will be telling their players because I have been there. I went to watch them on Tuesday night against Merthyr…our due diligence will be the same as any league game.”
Cooper also know Didcots goalkeeper, Leigh Bidwell, well having coached the shot stopper at Swindon, with the Town boss complementing Bidwell on his “footwork.”
Charlie Cooper echoed his dad’s sentiments with “paying full respect” to the Oxfordshire side. However the 26-year-old didn’t hide the fact he wants to go as far as possible in the cup. He said: “It’s massive to go as far as you can and getting to the First Rounf Proper when a few more teams come in is great.”
Jake Hyde will miss out through suspension along with Matt Worthington.
Didcot Town News
After what has been a turbulent start to the FA Cup for his team, Didcot manager Jamie Heapy doesn’t want the game to be branded as a “nice day out” for his side. He said: ” I get the enjoyment factor and the clubs going to have a day out, but I don’t see that and the players certainly wont see that. We set ourselves up to win a game of football.
“Saturday will be difficult but we want to give a good account of ourselves and not get caught in the moment.”
On a personal level, Heapy expressed his desire to “better himself” as a manager “by going up against the likes of Mark Cooper” so he can learn from guys that “been there and done it.”
One player to keep an eye on is ex-Swindon keepeer Leigh Bidwell, who was infamously subbed on by Paolo Di Canto in the 21st minute of game for now Premier League starter Wes Foderingham. Up the other end of the pitch Pat Osborne is one to watch.
Another rocket for the #PO11 reel tonight ?
Take a bow Patrick Osborne pic.twitter.com/sv5fGbBbOF
— Didcot Town Football Club (@DidcotTownFC) September 26, 2023
Injury wise Jack King, formely of Preston North End, is out but everyone else is fit to play.