The FA Cup threatened drama, but a professional performance from the Glovers saw them reach the first round proper for the first time in three seasons. Here are Ian’s Five Conclusions from Huish Park.
We got the job done. After all the excitmenent and cup magic of Saturday, coming back to Huish Park and putting on a professional performance showed the genuine gulf in the teams was imperative. Despite the early hiccup, Billy Rowley’s team did what we’ve come to expect and executed the plan. The style, tempo and ruthlessness in front of goal ensured Yeovil dominated the game, entertained and bagged another five goals to add to this seasons ever-growing tally.
It wasn’t without drama. Over the course of 180 minutes this has to be one of the more dramatic cup ties in recent memory. Leatherhead took the lead in the 2nd minute silencing the Glovers faithful and giving the travelling 198 supporters a great moment. There was a point, where after conceding a sloppy second goal, Leathered had a chance to make it 4-3 and really spook Huish Park. The visitors were already struggling with Yeovil’s dominance and that task was made even harder when a reckless challenge by Charlie Kennett was punished with a red card.
Spasov’s back in the goals. Slavi Spasov is slowly becoming the ultimate poacher. He made up for his mistake on Leatherheads opener by scoring a great header to level things up and was a nuisance in the box. He pounced on Johl Powell’s saved effort to make it 3-1 before half time and earned himself the sponsors man of the match. He’s an interesting player, who seems to go from wandering about and looking somewhat ineffective to suddenly coming alive. Billy Rowley waxed lyrical about the strikers performance and Spasov himself said how his fellow strikers are always pushing eachother to do better.
Liam Nardiello got his moment. There’s nothing purer than ‘one of your own’ getting some first team action at Huish Park. Since the days of the Green Machine in late 90s those moments are few and far between in modern Yeovil Town, but for Nardiello to get a good chunk of time on the pitch and get an assist to his name was a great moment. Even better was Brett McGavin ensuring Nardiello took the plaudits from the Thatchers and made the most of his input to this cup match.
We’ve got a real test in the next round. If we put aside the Danny Webb narrative, there’s a huge footballing test here for this group and a chance to live up to our giant-killing history. While it’s not the most glamourous draw as we’ve recenlty been at the same level, it is a chance to show where we are as a team and an opportuity to rekindle the fire of those famous cup upsets against Blackpool, Northampton, Rotherham and have this group produce their own FA Cup Magic. Bring it on!