It’s some more midweek action for Yeovil Town as they travel to Wealdstone for a crucial game in the league.
FORM…
YEOVIL TOWN
The upcoming match will be a different kind of test for the Glovers as they face a tough to beat Wealdstone FC side.
WEALDSTONE
Now, The Stones have hit the skids over the last two games with defeats to Forest Green Rovers and Gateshead respectively, but before that loss to the North-East side they had won three on the bounce. Last time out for the Londoners, was that defeat to Forest Green, but that 2-0 loss can be taken with a pinch of salt as the Gloucestershire side have been one of the more classier outfits in the league this season.
Another factor for the Stones coming into this fixture will be their semi-final against Marine in the FA Trophy. So, will they be putting a full strength side out knowing they have to be at their best on Saturday, time will tell.
KEY PLAYERS…
YEOVIL TOWN – JAMES DALY
Who needs a striker when you have James Daly. The winger has been exceptional in the back half of the season, contributing effectively with Josh Sims and Ryan Jones to build a formidable attacking three behind the striker. As well as the bond he seems to struck up with them, Daly is finding the net when others maybe have not. The winger has looked a real class act now he’s had a run of games after time out with an injury.
Saturday also showed his desire to work for the team, which was highlighted by his closing down of the Morecambe keeper in the 99th minute of the match. If we had a team full of James Daly’s, I don’t think we would be where we are in the league.
WEALDSTONE – NATHAN TSHIKUNA
The midfielder has been integral to the Stones this season with key performances dotted through out the league campaign. And although above par in the two losses recently it was in Wealdstone’s last win against Solihull that the 27-year-old stood out. And for all his good work off the ball, a goal and two assists is enough for any player to be seen as an influential.
Over the course of the season, Tshikuna has contributed well with eight goals to his name, as well as those two assists. Yeovil will need to be on high alert to keep the lively midfielder at bay.
THE GAFFER…
Gary Waddock is the manager in the home dugout, as Yeovil travel to the capital. In fact, the 64-year-old is no stranger to London, having spent the majority of his playing days in the city. The former midfielder, will be most know for his time at QPR, where he played over 200 times for the R’s. He would then go to play in Belgium for Charleroi before heading back to London, playing for Millwall. Waddock, is also no stranger to the West Country, having played 71 games for Bristol Rovers.
As a manger however, the ex-Ireland international started a QPR in 2006 but quickly left the same year. Two years at Aldershot then followed, before he left in 2009 for the bright lights of Wycombe Wanderers. After three years at the Chair Boys, Waddock was relieved of his duties. Short stints at Oxford and Pompey followed before he retuned to Aldershot in 2016, where stayed until 2019, which was his last job as a permanent manager.
The Londoner has faced the Glovers four times, losing on all four occasions.
LAST TIME WE MET…
You then have to go back to October of 2024 for when the two sides faced off at Grosvenor Vale. That day the Glovers took all three points in a 0-3 win thanks to goals from Brett McGavin, Aaron Jarvis and Ciaran McGuckin.
DON’T I KNOW YOU…
A couple of names for travelling fans to keep an eye out for. First of which is Anthony Georgiou played two games for Yeovil in 2022/23 when on loan from Leyton Orient.
Another Yeovil old boy that now plays for the Stones is Olufela Olomola. The forward was a bit of fan favourite during his first spell at Huish Park in 17/18, coring seven goals, whilst on loan from Southampton. Olomola would return a season later bagging three goals. He came back for a third loan spell in 21/22 scoring just the once. Across his three spells the 28-year-old would make 57 appearances in all competitions.
THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…
George Laffin will be the man with the whistle on Saturday afternoon. For more on him and his team read Ben’s article here.