It’s Boxing Day, and Yeovil Town will fight it out with Truro City in Cornwall for the spoil of three points.
FORM…
YEOVIL TOWN
It’s been a good couple of weeks for the Glovers with three wins, a draw and a loss over the last five games. The performances have been strong, goals have been scored and there is a good feeling around Huish Park.
Last time out Yeovil were beat quite convincingly by second place Forest Green Rovers, 0-2, which to be honest was probably expected. It was a bit of a bump to reality but one that may have been needed to show just how far off the top teams we are. They do say you learn more in defeat and Billy Rowley certainly seemed to have learned a lot going by his post-match interview.
Little fact as well, the Glovers haven’t been beat since 2021 on Boxing Day, after a 0-3 loss to Torquay.
TRURO CITY
Life in the National League has been tough for Truro City with just the four wins since winning promotion from the National League South. It was always going to be tough for the newly-promoted side, but their fans would’ve have hoped for a couple more wins.
Over their last five games the Tinners have been far from great, with one win and four losses. That one win, was an impressive 2-0 win over Wealdstone, it was however their first three points in two months.
In their previous fixture, the Cornish side were beaten quite heavily 4-0 away at York City. That shouldn’t be a stick to beat them with though as not many teams have come away from Yorkshire with a point let alone three.
KEY PLAYERS…
YEOVIL TOWN – JAKE WANNELL
The centre back has probably come under more scrutiny than most this season. Although there have been some less than impressive performances, Wannell definitely brings a quality to the back line. Physically, the 31-year-old is imposing and he has the leadership qualities you want in your captain.
At the back he has been Mr Consistent only missing one game to date this season, and playing every minute bar 68 of them. Since Rowley has come in the defender has grown in confidence to that of his previous self and with key partnerships with both centre back partners, Morgan Williams (who misses Boxing Day through suspension) and Finn Cousin-Dawson, Wannell is a key to a strong defensive display.
TRURO CITY – LUKE JEPHCOTT
Jephcott has been the go to man for the Tinners when it comes to needing a goal. With three goals and three assists the ex-Plymouth man has seemed to found his scoring boots once again. It was during his time at Home Park, the striker made a name for himself with 33 league goals in 106 appearances.
Since leaving in 2023 he has a bounced around the leagues with his best goalscoring season being six last season whilst on loan at Truro.
THE GAFFER…
The 61-year-old started his managerial career as interim when taking over at Macclesfield Town in 2003. He was then demoted to assistant after Brian Horton became manager. Askey would then take a 10 year hiatus from first team management before being asked to take over the reign at Macclesfield once again. A position he held this time for five years.
He would then go onto manage Shrewsbury Town and Port Vale before taking backroom jobs as an advisor to the Macclesfield and York. He would then go on to take over at York in 2021 for 53 games. His next role was at Hartlepool where he boss for just 39 games before leaving.
Although amassing over 500 games as a manager, the Stoke man has only ever faced Yeovil twice, winning both games.
LAST TIME WE MET…
Who would forget the last we time we travelled to Truro it was in Gloucester. The Glovers would win the game 0-2 thanks to goals from Alex Fisher and Rhys Murphy. But it was most memorable for Yeovil clinching the National League South title. So hopefully more happy memories this Boxing Day.
DON’T I KNOW YOU…
Shaun Donnellan, is another blast from the Glovers past. The centre back joined on loan in 2018 from West Brom, playing 15 times across all competitions.
Defender Ryan Law was at Huish Park in 2022/23 would make 11 appearances for Yeovil in the relegation season.
Zac Bell is the final face known to travelling supporters. The full back played for the Glovers in 2023 as another loanee, this time from Bristol City. Bell made 33 appearances in the National League South winning side.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.
THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…
Ross Martin takes charge of the fixture, and as usual read Ben’s full article here.
Pic Gary Brown