It’s back to Huish Park for Yeovil on Saturday as they host an in-form Southend United side.
Form Guide…
The Glovers have picked up two valuable wins in as many weeks, which fans will be hoping carries on past Saturday.
The 2-0 win at Maidenhead United last weekend moved the Glovers up to 11th in the National League table, seven points off the division’s play-off places with teams having played an uneven number of matches, but 12 points off the relegation zone.
Prior to the last two wins though, Mark Cooper’s side hadn’t picked up three points for two months. Even with a potential new wave of confidence around Huish Park, feet should still be on the ground about Yeovil’s form.
For the Shrimpers it has been a decent last five games. They have picked up two wins, two draws and a loss in that period. The loss as came five games ago to last week’s opponents Maidenhead United, however since that 1-0 loss the Seasiders have picked up eight points.
In their most recent match the Essex side drew 1-1 at Tamworth last Saturday in a game they probably should have won, if league position was to be believed.
Key Players…
Yeovil – Frank Nouble
A second week in row we are picking out Frank as Yeovil’s key player. After another good performance against Maidenhead scoring the opener in the 38th minute.
For a player looked destined to leave Somerset for pastures new not that long ago, Nouble has shown why he should be kept around. With youngsters and loanees making up a big chunk of the squad, having his presence will only benefit the team. And if he keeps scoring, he will be helping Cooper out a hole.
Southend United – Gus Scott-Morris
Scott-Morris is having a blinding season at right back. Most would think it would be down to his defensive attributes which are good but just not as good as his attacking prowess.
The 27-year old has bagged himself 14 goals this campaign, yep you definitely read that correctly. Alongside his goalscoring form Scott-Morris has also assisted four times taking his goal contributions up to 18 for the season.
That’s what he said…
Yeovil manager Mark Cooper talk to the press ahead of Saturdays fixture. He said: “ They have got good players, they know what they’re doing, but it is always about what we do on the day. It’s about momentum. When you’re asking me these questions two weeks ago when we couldn’t win a game, I was telling you it’s about momentum and it’s about bad things come to an end.
“That’s what it will come down to on Saturday, to which team win the most individual duels.”
Southend boss, Kevin Maher spoke to his clubs media before travelling to Somerset. He said: “Yeovil is always a tough place to go, the crowd get behind them ever so well, and Mark’s got a really well organised team.
“Everyone has a blip and they’ve come out of it so I’m sure they’ll be full of confidence.”
We’ve met before…
Yeovil and Southend have met each other 24 times in the past with Saturdays home side coming out on top in the head to head.
The Glovers have 13 wins to their name, whilst the Shrimpers have 8 wins, with the pair drawing on three occasions.
The last time they faced off in November last year, Mark Cooper’s side took home the spoils as they left Roots Hall 0-1 winners. The only goal of the game through loanee James Plant, who has now gone back to his club due to injury.
Don’t we know you?…
Defender Nathan Ralph is a name most fans will remember. Now captain of Southend, the 32-year-old, played for the Glovers from 2012-2015 making 41 appearances in his time at Huish Park.
The left-back will be fondly remembered for being a part of the side that won promotion to the Championship in 2012/13.
Who’s been naughty then…
No one is suspended for the game.
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