Yeovil’s first friendly at Huish Park ended in defeat at the hands of Forest Green Rovers this afternoon.
A 14th minute strike from Jamille Matt was enough for Forest Green although Yeovil put in a decent performance against the League Two side and had some good opportunities.
Forest Green Rovers kick off the EFL campaign next Saturday and will probably be a little disappointed with the performance against the Glovers, given it was only the second friendly of the Glovers season preparation.
First Half
The Glovers should have had the lead when Reuben Reid set Charlie Wakefield through on goal, but Yeovil’s new signing couldn’t get the ball under control as he was closed down by Rover’s keeper, Luke McGhee.
Reid had the ball in the net for Yeovil in the 11th minute, but it was disallowed after he pretty much caught the ball before finishing.
Jamille Matt gave Forest Green the lead in the 14th minute with a simple finish from a cross on the right hand side. Matt snuck in front of his marker to leave Grant Smith rooted to the spot.
Reid another effort ruled out in the 38th minute. A signature Tom Knowles strike drew a good save from McGhee and Reid was given offside after putting the rebound away.
Half Time: Yeovil Town 0 – 1 Forest Green Rovers
Second Half
Yeovil were forced into a 55th minute change as an injury to Mark Little saw him make way for Alex Bradley.
Reid should have equalised for Yeovil just after the hour. Luke Wilkinson’s pressure on McGhee saw the Forest Green keeper spill the ball to the feet or Reid who could only find the Thatchers stand.
Jordan Barnett very nearly lobbed his own keeper with a sensational effort in the 64th minute. Grant Smith saved his left back’s blushes, heading the ball wide.
Glovers’ boss Darren Sarll made 5 changes in the 70th minute with three trialists entering the fray. Two of the trialist Harlain Mbayo and Deshane Dalling also played against Stratford Town last weekend.
Yeovil did have a late opportunity to equalise after a good cross from Wakefield found Dalling in the box. He laid the ball off to Simper whose shot was charged down.
Full Time: Yeovil Town 0 Forest Green Rovers 1
YTFC: Grant Smith, Mark Little (55, Alex Bradley), Luke Wilkinson (Trialist – Mbayo), Max Hunt, Jordan Barnett (Trialist), Josh Staunton (Lewis Simper), Charlie Wakefield, Dale Gorman (Matt Worthington), Tom Knowles, Joe Quigley, Reuben Reid (Trialist – Dalling)
Subs: Max Evans
Forest Green Rovers: Luke McGhee, Kane Wilson, Dominic Bernard, Ben Stevenson, Jack Aitchinson (Young), Allen (Sweeney), Jamille Matt (March), Jordan Moore-Taylor, Hendry, Udoka Godwin-Malife, Sadio Diallo (Stevens)