Five Conclusions – Yeovil Town 1 Dagenham & Redbridge 0

As many of you will know, I haven’t been able to watch much of my beloved Glovers this season, but of the three games I have managed to get to – that was easily the best of the bunch. It was controlled, assured and entertaining.
In truth, 1-0 flattered Dagenham and particularly in the first half, we should have been a couple up. I watched a lot of us last season, and it was a joy, but yesterday it was clear how big the step up in level is (with the greatest of respect to last season’s opponents).

We can’t afford to make mistakes, and minus a few nervy moments at the end (I think genuinely down to not having won at home in a while) we looked more than competent at this level – and I say that talking about every area of the pitch. 

 

 

He scored the winner, yes, and what a header it was! But, he dictated play well, he made things happen when driving forward, he has pace and creativity – what a find he has been by Mark Cooper.

Two in his past two games and he could have had more! He came upstairs after the game to answer some questions and he was asked about his time here so far. He said ‘can I swear? I ******* love it here!’ It got a big laugh, but Ciaran, we ******* love it too!

 

 

I have spoken countless times about how I believe over the past few years Charlie Cooper has been one of our most consistent and important players.
Well, he was near faultless in this game. Won his duels, forced fouls when he nicked the ball off his opponents and read the game to switch play on either wing. I know exactly what it is like to have your surname hang heavy over you – but he is getting on with the job and playing so well this season. Long may it continue. 

 

Last time I watched the Glovers, they were lacklustre and lost 1-0 to Solihull.
The crowd didn’t have much to cheer about. In this game, it was different and the crowd played their part. Understandably, there were some nerves when the fourth official raised the board for six minutes added time. But, whether it was Ollie Wright’s catch, or Morgan Williams hoofing the ball away, the green and white faithful got behind the lads to secure the elusive – and deserved – home win.
Make this place a fortress again, and we might just be able to dream. 

 

 

I said to Mark yesterday, if I told you when I interviewed you at Gateshead away back in April 2023, you would manage 100 games for Yeovil Town would you have believed me?

He said no, and I wholeheartedly agreed. There were points where it looked like we would be left wanting by what might have been for a Mark Cooper Yeovil side. But, he stuck by us, and we stuck by him, showcasing that loyalty and belief can be crucial in football – even if we don’t see it in the game much.
I am so grateful for what he has done for our football club and it was fitting he won his 100^th game in charge.
The future is bright and I think we might yet see another great achievement from Coops, and I for one can’t wait!