A second half Morgan Williams goal earned Yeovil Town a gritty win in the all-Somerset clash with Weston-super-Mare at Huish Park on Tuesday night.
The Glovers made a perfect start when Sam Pearson opened the scoring after 50 seconds but the visitors pulled level when Jacob Cane took advantage of a mix-up between Williams and Joe Day to lift the ball over the keeper with 23 minutes played.
It took until seven minutes from time for Williams to head home a corner to maintain a magnificent home record with yet another win.
Here’s how Ian saw it from his spot in the stands…..
First half
Yeovil Town were forced into changes and named just four players on the bench. Jay Foulston came in for Alex Whittle who missed out completely, Will Dawes came in for Dylan Morgan and Jordan Stevens started in place of Frank Nouble.
It took less than a minute for the Glovers to open the scorning. Neat interplay between Young, Smith and Stevens saw the winger played through into space on the right hand side and his low delivery was flicked home by SAM PEARSON. 1-0
The familiar pattern of patient play emerged following the goal with Yeovil probing their opponents and in the 12th minute green shirts flooded forward and Matt Worthington drew a save from Max Harris after being played through.
In a game Yeovil had total control of, a moment of misjudgment by Morgan Williams allowed JACOB CANE to get in behind the Glovers backline and loop the ball over Joe Day into the back of the net to equalise.
Three minutes later, Jordan Young came close to restoring Yeovil’s advantage after a cross from Will Dawes, but his left-footed effort was wide of the mark.
The equaliser seemed to spark a bit of life into Mark Cooper’s side as they upped the tempo around the Weston box. They had to keep their wits about them though, as a fierce left-footer from Rex Mannings flashed wide of Day’s post.
Yeovil regained control again, with patient play. But as Weston prevented Yeovil playing through the lines, the Huish Park crowd grew restless and the composure began to fade. A loose long pass from Williams allowed Weston to get forward, but the final ball was lacking.
A late set piece after a Jake Wannell foul got the hearts racing a bit, but the header from Humphries was high and wide.
Half time: Yeovil Town 1 Weston-super-Mare 1
Second half
Neither side many any changes at half time and Yeovil came out stronger of the two teams. It wasn’t until the 54th minute when a decent chance opened up. A good ball over the top found Sam Pearson who had to cut back onto his left foot. Pearson sliced his effort wide when he had support from Dawes to his left.
Another chance came soon after with a dangerous ball into the box that a falling Jordan Young couldn’t connect with inside the six yard box.
The gloves of Joe Day were called into action moments later from a stinging Dayle Grubb shot.
On the hour mark, Stevens drew another save from Harris with a low shot, but he had options square to him as well.
Young crept through inside the box and instead of shooting when the chance was there, he tried to round the keeper and couldn’t bundle in. Yeovil’s number 7 appealed for the penalty, but the referee waved them away.
In the 62nd minute, Mark Cooper introduced Frank Nouble for Jordan Stevens and in the 69th, Will Dawes made way for Dylan Morgan.
There was a nervy moment for Yeovil when Wannell conceded a free kick in a promising position for Weston. After what felt like an eternity, Grubb skied it into the away end.
Nouble got the supporters going with a ranger from distance with his left foot that had Harris panicking. He composed himself and parried away as Alex Fisher put on the pressure.
Yeovil regained their lead from another set piece special in the 83rd minute. MORGAN WILLIAMS rose above everyone to power a header past Harris in front for the Thatchers! 2-1
After the goal, Weston took control as they searched for a leveller. Yeovil were penned back and were defending for their lives at times.
The Glovers held on scored another valuable win!
Full time: Yeovil Town 2 Weston-super-Mare 1
Match Details
Venue: Huish Park
Date: Tuesday 20th February – 7:45pm
Competition: National League South
Pitch: Held up in places and showing a little wear and tear in goal-mouth
Conditions: A cold, clear night under the lights
Attendance: 3,390 (208 away supporters)
Scorers: Sam Pearson 1, (1-0), Jacob Cane 23, (1-1), Morgan Williams 83, (2-1)
Bookings:
Yeovil Town: None
Weston-super-Mare: Jacob Cane
Referee: Shelby Elson
Yeovil Town (4-2-3-1)
Substitutes: Dylan Morgan (for Will Dawes 69), Frank Nouble, (for Jordan Stevens, 62), Alex Fisher (for Jordan Young, 77), Josh Owers (not used).
Weston-super-Mare: Max Harris, Keiran Thomas, Jason Pope (for Jordan Bastin 64), Raphael Arayoe, Lloyd Humphries, James Dodd, Jacob Jagger Cane, Dayle Grubb, Robbie Willmott (Sam Avery, 90+3), Marlon Jackson, Rex Mannings (Bailey Kempster, 83). Substitutes (not used): Jamie Soule, Alex Fletcher.