A long trip to the North West coast is in store for Yeovil this weekend as they take on Morecambe on Saturday in what looks like an important game for both sides.
FORM…
YEOVIL TOWN
The Glovers’ poor form continued as they conceded a late goal to Southend United, stretching their winless run to six National League games. Their attacking issues persisted, with no shots on target for the second time in five matches. Yeovil have lacked a goal threat all season, and Aaron Jarvis, who misses out this weekend through suspension, Junior Morias, and Tahvon Campbell have struggled.
The last five fixtures have followed the same pattern: goalkeeper Jed Ward keeps Yeovil in the game until constant opposition pressure breaks through. With no real attacking outlet, the team can’t relieve pressure, and the midfield has failed to control possession.
MORECAMBE
Having come within a whisker of going out of business in the summer, The Shrimps haven’t had the best season. Two draws, two losses and a win, is the record for Morecambe over the last five games, and although not impressive, it has been solidifying for the Lancashire outfit.
Morecambe earned their first win in five in midweek, beating Brackley Town 2–0 at home. They will worry the Glovers with their goal threat, scoring eight times in their last five matches – the same number Yeovil have conceded in that span.
But, defensively they have conceded nine goals in that same five-game run suggesting there are frailties for the Glovers to exploit – IF our forward players can fire.
KEY PLAYERS…
YEOVIL TOWN – JED WARD
It’s hard to pick a stand-out Yeovil player right now, but Jed Ward is the clear exception. The on loan Bristol Rovers’ goalkeeper has consistently kept Yeovil in games longer than they deserved. His numbers prove his value: he averages 4.1 saves per match and has made 73 this season.
Match ratings aren’t everything, but Sofascore gives Ward an impressive 7.42 average. He earned a 9 against Southend, the second time he’s hit that mark this season. Despite his efforts, he can only do so much behind a defence that has been well below average.
Pic Gary Brown
MORECAMBE – JACK NOLAN
Nolan has been in strong form for the Shrimps this season. Naturally a left winger, he has played on the right and even filled in up front against Brackley. He remains Morecambe’s main attacking threat, producing four goals and four assists so far.
The 24-year-old plays like a traditional wide midfielder, staying on the touchline and influencing the game from out wide. He is Morecambe’s key outlet, averaging 4.3 successful dribbles per match at an 80% success rate.
THE GAFFER…
Ashvir Singh Johal leads the opposition this weekend. The 30-year-old made history at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium as the first Sikh man to manage a professional club in England and the youngest manager in the top five leagues.
This is Johal’s first role in senior men’s football. He began coaching in Leicester’s academy before becoming Kolo Touré’s assistant at Wigan. After leaving the Latics, he returned to youth football, serving as assistant to former Arsenal and Chelsea player Cesc Fabregas in Italy at Como U19s and later managing Notts County’s U21s.
He was the pick of Morecambe’s new owners, Panjab Warriors, following the summer takeover when experienced manager Derek Adams was given his cards.
Johal’s early record as a manager has been tough, with four wins, four draws, and 11 losses, though none of those defeats have come against the Glovers.
LAST TIME WE MET…
The sides last met six years ago, when Yeovil won 3–2 at Huish Park. The Glovers trailed for most of the match before a Tristan Abrahams brace gave them their first lead. Morecambe equalised in the 83rd minute, but Ryan Seager hit the winner soon after.
Earlier that 2018 season, Yeovil lost 2–1 on the northwest coast. Ryan Oates and AJ Leitch-Smith put Morecambe ahead, and Olufela Olomola pulled one back in the 68th minute.
DON’T I KNOW YOU…
For those with sharp memories, Morecambe’s only ex-Glover is George Thomas. The 28-year-old spent a brief loan spell at Yeovil in the 2015/16 season from Coventry City, making five appearances in two months.
THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…
Declan Brown takes charge of the fixture, and as usual read Ben’s full article here.