Yeovil Town managed to drag themselves to three points last night against Truro City. It wasn’t pretty, but 3 points are all that matter. Here’s how Ian saw it from the press box…
That was scrappy. Our attacking play was pretty fluid against St Albans on Saturday, but for all the talent up front we struggled to break down a stubborn Truro defence and failed to get shots at their keeper. We started with wingbacks but quickly reverted to the formation from Saturday when we were struggling to keep the ball. The change saw gain control of the game but it was still a battle to get through. At points I was having flashbacks to last season as Josh Staunton and Charlie Cooper desperately tried to make things happen in the second half.
I thought Truro were good value and can feel hard done by not to have gone in 2-0 up at half time. They made some great chances and had our defence really stretched. Looking at their goal on the highlights, it looks like it could be offside but none of the Yeovil defence throws their arm up to appeal for it. There was a couple of moments where Andrew Neal (who was anything but a Spectator) left Staunton and Jake Wannell for dust on the break. The part timers definitely tired as the game reached the closing stages and thanks to Mark Cooper’s substitutions, we found a away though.
There is competition in this squad. One of the big problems last season was having players to come off the bench and change the game, but last night we saw game-changers make the difference. Against weary legs and tricky of Jordan Young caused issues and the pace and power of Olly Thomas really affected the Truro defence. Charlie Cooper’s pass to Thomas set him free but the finish had to be perfect in that high pressure moment. The main men up front have hungry players breathing down their neck.
A late winner is always so sweet. Honestly, I would take all that stress weekly if we managed to get a result in stoppage time every match. Yes it was scrappy, disjointed and uncomfortable, but Jake Wannell’s late header blew the lid off the Thatchers Stand. It gives added belief to this newly assembled squad and shows that never say die attitude you need to get results.
We have to be patient. Much like the supporters in front of the press box, I was willing the players to get the ball up the pitch at times. Sometimes it feels like were expecting this team (which has played 3 competitive matches) to play like peak Gary Johnson era sides. Last night may have felt like last season at points, but we turned round a one goal deficit to take all three points. We’re on a journey with this team and we’ve got to get behind them and the manager.
How the mighty have fallen