Two wonderful strikes from Tom Knowles and Adi Yussuf saw Yeovil Town grind out a 2-1 win at home to Eastleigh.
The win moves the Glovers up to 13th in the National League table, eight points off the play-off places and the relegation zone.
Here are BBC Radio Somerset correspondent Sheridan Robins‘ five conclusions from the victory.
We have been told not to fall in love with footballers, but that ship may have sailed with Tom Knowles looking back to his best. Not only was his opening goal a superb finish from distance, but his hard work off the ball to win it back in midfield showed his character and desire to get the ball and run with it. In the difficult run of form, Knowles wasn’t given the freedom he needs to create these moments of brilliance but in recent weeks he and Wakefield have created space and subsequently look dangerous in every attack.
Luke Wilkinson is the difference between a successful season and a not so successful one. I don’t think his impact on the pitch (and I have no doubt off it as well) should ever be understated. He provides leadership, never misses a header, and provides stability midfielders need to be able to push higher up the pitch and attack. His injury frustrations are hopefully now over, and I don’t think it is any coincidence that we came back so strongly from being pegged back to 1-1, with him back on the pitch leading the defence.
Jordan Barnett will provide a huge amount of assists this season. He seems set for a sustained spell in defence, following the news Jack Robinson will be on the sidelines for 4-6 weeks with an ankle injury, and while Barnett has thrived in a midfield three in recent weeks, his crosses from full back yesterday were fantastic. He is becoming a real fans favourite with his passion but his left-sided balla from set pieces and open play will cause teams problems and, especially with Wilko back in the frame, I expect us to start scoring more from corners and free kicks.
Darren Sarll has created a similar team spirit to the 19/20 season. Much has been said about how young this side is, but their attitude is beyond their years. The work-rate is second to none and for top scorer Joe Quigley to be dropped to the bench for a sustained amount of time, whilst not reacting badly, is credit to Sarll’s man management. Quigley’s appearance for the last 20 minutes was game-changing, and his flick on for Yussuf’s goal was excellent centre forward play.
Huish Park felt like a fortress again. There are clearly still off-the-field issues to be sorted and nothing should distract from that. However, the performance on-the-pitch against Eastleigh spurred the crowd on and the support from the stands was second to none. Huish Park felt like it did before the pandemic – full of optimism and appreciation for the desire of the players. Yeovil are now unbeaten in their past four home matches and need to build on that to look up the table rather than down it.