Yeovil manager Billy Rowley has said he was really, really happy with his side after a 4-1 win over Solihull Moors – so were we, Billy!
Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah, he said that the players have put a LOT of effort in with three games in six days and got their rewards on Friday, the game was 1-0 at half time, but an explosion of energy after the hour mark saw the Glovers stretch away.
“We’re looking at the space they’re leaving. They changed shape and went man-for-man, there was so much space in the channel. We just needed to use it a little bit more, and we started to do that. We got loads more joy, we put them on the back foot again, and we got the momentum back. [I’m] really, really happy with the lads overall tonight. I thought it was, for the most part, a top performance.”
After three matches in seven days, fatigue was clearly setting in for both sides and the manager said his players could really enjoy the weekend now.
“There’s a lot of tired bodies and tired minds in there. I think they can really look forward to this Saturday and Sunday off. It’s come at a good time for them. I think they fully deserve that. I thought the support and togetherness of like the fans and the group tonight was exceptional. I thought the noise was great. It was just a really good night for us, but they’re absolutely shattered in there, for sure.”
The game saw a full debut for Jack Kingdon, but the list of players earning praise from the gaffer was long.
“I am so, so happy for Jack Kingdon. He’s waited so patiently for his opportunity. He has been a top-class professional every single day. He’s been left out of the squad, and when we’re scoring goals, he’s high-fiving people, he’s celebrating. I cannot speak highly enough of that lad. He deserves all the sort of enjoyment and happiness that this result and his performance brings in tonight. I’m thrilled for him.”
The manager also reserved praise for both his wingers, including James Daly, who after spell on the sidelines has reminded everyone what he’s about after his flourish at the end of last season.
“I thought [James Daly] was incredible up front. His energy, his endeavour, his ability to press the ball and hunt lost causes last season was excellent. We’re aiming to have a little bit more control and a little bit more ideas to sort of get in at teams.
“I think the balance of having Jonesy’s guile and agility to run inside the pitch and open up the pitch and slot people with reverse passes is I think unbelievable for the level. And then JD, his endeavour, his athleticism, his ability with his left foot, his ability to like drive at people and just take the ball on the outside like a sort of 1990s winger is so fun to watch. I think it causes a lot of problems for opposition. Those two tonight, again, were brilliant.”
By the time the final whistle went, it was Johl Powell who had made the biggest impact from the bench in the unorthodox position of centre forward and Rowley praised all of his subs but has a nice mention for the double scorer Powell.
“I spoke about all the lads—Jack, Johl [Powell], Charlie [Lennon], and Mason [Obeng] that came on late. Highlighted all of those performances. I’ve known Johl since he was 12 years old, I coached him when he was a kid. He’s sat really patiently and frustrated really at times, and I’ve not given him as much opportunity as he’s deserved. It’s because of the quality that kind of Jonesy and Archie have offered on that right-hand side of the pitch, and it’s nothing really against Johl. It’s just about being patient and waiting for your moment.”
Rowley added: “What a time to take your moment really. The game was in the balance. The third goal that he scored, I think was incredible. I was right behind it as well. It was a difficult take to go on the opposite side. And he’s also got that instinct to follow up on fumbles from the goalkeeper”.
The only blot on the copy book was a strange own goal from Jos Barker, but the manager isn’t worried.
“That was the only goal that I didn’t have a clean sight of, so I know he’ll be disappointed with that. Jos’ bread and butter is his crosses and aerial balls, so I know he’ll be annoyed with himself at not keeping the clean sheet as well. I don’t blame Jos at all, especially when you win a game.
“Mistakes are fine, they’re part of it, and I think one of the lads inside the office a minute ago just said like, look, he probably saved a goal 20 seconds before that. He’s tipped it around the post, I think, and sent it out for a corner, and then they’ve scored the resulting corner. So, the goal could have just gone in a minute earlier having it been any other goalkeeper in goal, probably. [It’s] just one of those things. He’ll be disappointed, but it’s fine,” Rowley said.
Rowley confirmed we’re likely to see a very young side in the County Cup on Tuesday, but the squad should be a little larger on numbers come next week’s clash with Kidderminster