Goalkeeper Jos Barker will be missing for up to two months with a knee injury which has ruled him out of today’s home game against National League leaders Boreham Wood this afternoon.
The keeper suffered the injury during last week’s FA Cup exit at Chesterfield and is replaced by on loan West Ham United stopper Mason Terry today and manager Billy Rowley said he hoped that deal could be extended if necessary.
Speaking to BBC Somerset reporter Jack Killah ahead of kick-off at Huish Park, Rowley said: “We had Jos’ scan results back today and it is going to be six to eight weeks, so it is probably a blessing that we’ve got Mason. I think there is a chance we can extend that anyway, so luckily we do have backup in Mason.
“It’s a shame for Jos. I think people forget that he’s stepped up two divisions, it’s the first time he’s trained full-time and the first time he’s played in front of these types of crowds. I think he’s done brilliantly, so obviously I wish him well in his recovery.”
The Glovers have been boosted by the return from suspension of defenders Archie Davies and Ben Radcliffe who both go straight back in to the starting line-up having completed their bans.
The manager added: “They have both been huge misses in different ways. Archie is full of flair, tricks and skill, and gets us up the pitch in very unique ways and Radcliffe is very commanding lad, a great organiser, obviously a top defender, and he’s great in build-up. Both of those lads coming in today is massive for us.”
Boreham Wood pose the toughest test that Yeovil have faced in league action this season. They arrive in Somerset with a 12-point lead at the top of the National League, unbeaten in league action and having scored 44 goals and conceded just 17 in their opening 16 matches.
The visitors have brought the division’s top-scorer, striker Matt Rush, back in to their starting XI after he had been missing through injury.
Rowley said: “We’ve got to play well and we’ve got to concentrate on us. We can’t be sitting here thinking about all of their strengths and our weaknesses, we’ve got to flip it and put ourselves in the driver’s seat. On our day, when we are in flow and the boys are playing well and we’ll score goals against anyone.
“I don’t know how often in the history of the National League a team has scored two back-to-back 6-0 wins, so we need to remember that. We need to be confident, we need to be front-footed, and we need to play well.”