It’s back to league action this weekend as Yeovil Town travel Brackley Town on Saturday afternoon.
FORM…
YEOVIL TOWN
Pic C/O Gary Brown
Since last Saturday however, manager Billy Rowley has made three strong signings. Midfielder, Troy Perrett caused a stir on social after people realised he sounded like Ireland hero Troy Parrott, when he was announced. Joy Mukena was then announced as a permanent transfer, with Terrell Works joining Perrett as another loanee, this time from Fulham. Those signings should make the Glovers stronger for the back end of the season.
BRACKLEY TOWN
Brackley Town haven’t played a league game since December 30th after two their two games against Rochdale and Eastleigh got postponed. The Saints have played one game in that period in the FA Trophy however, which they lost 1-0 to Yeovil manager’s old side, Walton & Hersham.
Over their last five games, the Northamptonshire side have won three and lost two. Altough sitting 18th in the league, the Saints did beat Forest Green Rovers on Boxing Day. That win shows they are better than their position in the table, and will be a tough game for Yeovil on Saturday.
KEY PLAYERS…
YEOVIL TOWN – JED WARD
It’s back to one of the old faithful this week as Jed Ward showed his class once again last time out. We all know the qualities that the young shot stopper possesses, but we as fans may have started to take them for granted.
The 22-year-olds shootout heroics in the FA Trophy once again reaffirmed his importance to the side. Three saves from a possible four in the shootout isn’t just a fluke but shows a quality keeper. Not only does her have to confidence in knowing where the opposition takers are going but to also follow that conviction and time his dive.
I think we will only realise how great Ward has been this season when he isn’t here next season.
Pic C/O Gary Brown
BRACKLEY TOWN – SHANE BYRNE
Byrne is a bit of a club legend at the Saints. The 32-year-old played for Brackley from 2016-2021, amassing over 220 appearances. The Irishman left Northamptonshire for three years before rejoining Brackley.
The midfielders has vast experience, not only in the league for Brackley, but also at international youth level. It doesn’t matter what level of international football you play, you have to be a high class player to get to there. This season Byrne has bagged three goals for the struggling Saints side making him their second top scorer.
He is also a machine defensively, making 13 recoveries a game and 7 successful dribbles.
THE GAFFER…
Gavin Cowan is the man in the home dugout. The 44-year-old started his managerial career at AFC Telford in 2018, he would stay the midlands gaffer for just over three years before leaving. The German born man, then had two years out of the game before being appointed as manager at St James’ Park in 2023.
Cowan was a player in his younger days, spending his time in the lower reaches of the English football pyramid. As a defender he played for 11 clubs during his career making over 350 league appearances. Cowan has played one game against Yeovil, losing that fixture.
LAST TIME WE MET…
The two sides have only met once in their history, which was earlier this season. That game was played back in August when the Glovers ran out 2-1 winners at Huish Park.
The goals that day were scored by Josh Sims and Tyler Wodskou before the Saints got a consolation through Tyler Little.
DON’T I KNOW YOU…
The other former loanee is Byron Pendleton, who seems to follow Wodskou (or vice versa). The defender also was at Huish Park this term playing 14 games.
Pic Gary Brown
The final former Glovers is Scott Pollock, remember him. Pollock came to Somerset after a good season at Boston, but was followed by his widely known agent Seb Carmichael-Brown. The midfielders time at Huish Park was fraught by injury only making seven appearances.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.
Another ex-Glover for the slightly older supporter, midfielder Jack Price – remember him? No, you can be forgiven it was a one month loan spell whilst he was a Wolves player in a forgettable 2014-15 season as we were relegated out of League One. Magnificent beard though.
THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…
George Laflin is the man in charge for this fixture. For more information on him and his team for Saturday check out Ben’s article – here.