Yeovil Town have named an unchanged line-up from Saturday’s 3-2 home win over Morecambe for tonight’s visit to Wealdstone (7.45pm kick-off).
The only change comes on the substitutes’ bench where Under-18s’ midfielder Ollie Hughes is missing with the Glovers only naming six subs.
Yeovil Town boss Billy Rowley said his side’s performance in Saturday’s win over Morecambe was the performance he had been seeking for a number of weeks.
The Glovers sit six points clear of the National League relegation zone going in to Wednesday night’s trip to Wealdstone after their opponents at the weekend, Gateshead, pick up a shock win over York City and Sutton United collect three points at fellow strugglers Eastleigh on Tuesday night.
Speaking to BBC Somerset, Rowley said: “That performance is something we’ve been looking for for ages and it’s something that I’m going to urge the players to try to bring into (the game at Wealdstone). We’ve just had a good review meeting, watched some good clips with the lads of of what we were pleased to see and what we want to see more of.
“The idea is to to go and start the game at Wealdstone on front foot with positive play. We want to try to go and win that game as well and there’s a lot of a lot of reasons why we can do that. I know Wealdstone are playing in a semi-final of the FA Trophy on Saturday, so naturally whether you like it or not, some of those players and staff will have at least one eye on that game, and we’re fighting for every point we we can get, so we can hopefully use that in a positive way.“
The Stones, who sit five places and four points ahead of Yeovil in the table, were beaten 2-0 at Forest Green Rovers last weekend following a 1-0 loss to Gateshead the previous Tuesday. They take on Marine in the Trophy semi-final on home soil on Saturday hoping to book an appearance at Wembley.
Rowley said: “They have got some really talented players and I know Wealdstone’s a tough place to go and get points but they are a team that on their day I think can beat anyone. But every team suffers dips in form and I think they’re going to be at least 10% concentrating on their game on Saturday. They have had some indifferent results recently, so we’re going to be going there and and trying to upset them.“
The manager was asked about the performances of two players in last weekend’s victory – goalscorer James Daly and loanee Delano McCoy-Splatt. Daly netted the Glovers’ second goal and put in an all-action performance which won him rave reviews whilst AFC Wimbledon youngster McCoy-Splatt impressed having appeared as a second half substitute.
On Daly, Rowley said: “He’s been he’s been a breath of fresh air in every sense of the word. James is potentially the best professional I have worked with, he’s definitely in the top three in the way he looks after himself, the way he trains, and he’s brought that on to the pitch. He was in and out the team with injury until I came in and we were fortunate that we we got him back fit. It’s such a shame that because we have got a small squad he’s been used in in a few different positions, which probably sometimes hampers his his rhythm. But when when we play him regularly in whether it be down the middle or off the wing, he’s a he’s a threat.”
On McCoy-Splatt, he added: “He’s a lad that I’ve watched play for the last three or four years, he’s an unbelievable technician, a powerful, great mover, really good on the eye and on top of that I didn’t realise how much of a good character he was as well. I’ve had a few mates that have worked with Delano in the past couple of years and they’ve had good things to say about him and yeah he’s been he’s been brilliant with the with the group. He’s he’s good mates with Tyrell Works as well, that’s brought another layer of Tyrell’s character out. I thought his his debut was excellent when he came on, he was he was so assured on the ball, he passed forward, he receives it well and like I say physically he’s excellent as well.“
It’s some more midweek action for Yeovil Town as they travel to Wealdstone for a crucial game in the league.
The upcoming match will be a different kind of test for the Glovers as they face a tough to beat Wealdstone FC side.
Now, The Stones have hit the skids over the last two games with defeats to Forest Green Rovers and Gateshead respectively, but before that loss to the North-East side they had won three on the bounce. Last time out for the Londoners, was that defeat to Forest Green, but that 2-0 loss can be taken with a pinch of salt as the Gloucestershire side have been one of the more classier outfits in the league this season.
Another factor for the Stones coming into this fixture will be their semi-final against Marine in the FA Trophy. So, will they be putting a full strength side out knowing they have to be at their best on Saturday, time will tell.
Who needs a striker when you have James Daly. The winger has been exceptional in the back half of the season, contributing effectively with Josh Sims and Ryan Jones to build a formidable attacking three behind the striker. As well as the bond he seems to struck up with them, Daly is finding the net when others maybe have not. The winger has looked a real class act now he’s had a run of games after time out with an injury.
Saturday also showed his desire to work for the team, which was highlighted by his closing down of the Morecambe keeper in the 99th minute of the match. If we had a team full of James Daly’s, I don’t think we would be where we are in the league.
The midfielder has been integral to the Stones this season with key performances dotted through out the league campaign. And although above par in the two losses recently it was in Wealdstone’s last win against Solihull that the 27-year-old stood out. And for all his good work off the ball, a goal and two assists is enough for any player to be seen as an influential.
Over the course of the season, Tshikuna has contributed well with eight goals to his name, as well as those two assists. Yeovil will need to be on high alert to keep the lively midfielder at bay.
Gary Waddock is the manager in the home dugout, as Yeovil travel to the capital. In fact, the 64-year-old is no stranger to London, having spent the majority of his playing days in the city. The former midfielder, will be most know for his time at QPR, where he played over 200 times for the R’s. He would then go to play in Belgium for Charleroi before heading back to London, playing for Millwall. Waddock, is also no stranger to the West Country, having played 71 games for Bristol Rovers.
As a manger however, the ex-Ireland international started a QPR in 2006 but quickly left the same year. Two years at Aldershot then followed, before he left in 2009 for the bright lights of Wycombe Wanderers. After three years at the Chair Boys, Waddock was relieved of his duties. Short stints at Oxford and Pompey followed before he retuned to Aldershot in 2016, where stayed until 2019, which was his last job as a permanent manager.
The Londoner has faced the Glovers four times, losing on all four occasions.
You then have to go back to October of 2024 for when the two sides faced off at Grosvenor Vale. That day the Glovers took all three points in a 0-3 win thanks to goals from Brett McGavin, Aaron Jarvis and Ciaran McGuckin.
A couple of names for travelling fans to keep an eye out for. First of which is Anthony Georgiou played two games for Yeovil in 2022/23 when on loan from Leyton Orient.
Another Yeovil old boy that now plays for the Stones is Olufela Olomola. The forward was a bit of fan favourite during his first spell at Huish Park in 17/18, coring seven goals, whilst on loan from Southampton. Olomola would return a season later bagging three goals. He came back for a third loan spell in 21/22 scoring just the once. Across his three spells the 28-year-old would make 57 appearances in all competitions.
George Laffin will be the man with the whistle on Saturday afternoon. For more on him and his team read Ben’s article here.
James Daly has made not one, but two Teams of the Week.
Being named in both the Non League Paper and Enterprise Teams of the Week.
A decisive goal against Morecambe and celebrating a late, late block of a goal kick like he’d scored another. That’ll do for us!
Mr George Laflin is the man in the middle for Yeovil Town’s trip to Wealdstone this Wednesday evening.
His ability to referee a game is no Laflin matter – actually, it is, isn’t it? … anyway!
He has 20 games under his belt so far this season, across the National League and Premier League 2 divisions, those 20 games have seen 88 yellows and a grand total of ZERO red ones issued.
That does include the Glovers’ 2-1 defeat away Brackley where Kyle Ferguson and Josh Tobin both got bookings.
It was the second time he’s taken charge of a Glovers’ game, the other being a 1-0 win over both Havant and Waterlooville, Jake Wannell on the scoresheet on that occasion.
Dan Cook and Anastasiya Voloshchuk will be assisting with the flags, David Pilling on stand by just in case and dealing with the subs boards etc.
Wealdstone FC (First Team) v Yeovil Town FC (First Team)
National League – Premier
Referee: Laflin, George
Assistant Referee: Cook, Daniel
Assistant Referee: Voloshchuk, Anastasiya
Fourth Official: Pilling, David
Ian is joined by Chris Fox and Andy Craig to chat through Saturday’s huge win over Morecambe. It was a must-win and the Glovers did just that.
Thanks to Tim Hubble, Dexter Tyson and Gloverscast Chief Scout Luca Many for their voicenotes.
Yeovil Town’s topsy-turvy season continued on Saturday, as they defeated Morecambe at Huish Park in what had been billed as a six-pointer. Tom Bailey was there for Green and White Radio, here’s what he thought.
Well that was great fun… What an entertaining game of football! Entertainment value has often been criticised at Huish Park this season, with Cooper-ball and Copper-lite-ball under Richard Dryden leading to some turgid performances. If this is what we should expect under Billy Rowley next season, then sign me up! It was a game of high quality, but it didn’t disappoint in the entertainment department!
James. Daly. Boy am I glad we have James Daly in this team. A slow start to the season, followed by injury saw Daly’s stock fall as Christmas approached. But after finding fitness, and a regular run of games allowing him to build momentum, he’s come into his own, particularly following the absence of Luke McCormick.
His pressing and relentless energy makes him a joy to watch, and his goal was well taken today, taking his league tally to five for the season. Even his 99th minute press of the Morecambe ‘keeper was the perfect example of why we need to play to Daly’s strengths next season.
The players showed a bit of something today. I mentioned above that while entertaining, the quality of the game wasn’t necessarily great. Both teams were desperate to win this game, which was a stark contrast to the drab midweek defeat at Woking for the Glovers. Everyone put in a hell of a shift to earn those three points today, and even if they aren’t staying beyond the end of the season, that is a performance that Yeovil fans should be proud of.
Delano McCoy-Splatt, welcome to Yeovil! When McCoy-Splatt’s signing was announced midweek, there were mixed responses, with some relief that we had more midfield depth, but some concern over his age and lack of game time. Thankfully, he made a brilliant start to life in green and white, coming on as a substitution on the right hand side. His linkup play with Josh Sims and Finn Cousin-Dawson was excellent, and his vision for the pass to Terrell Works for Daly’s goal was awesome. More of that please and thank you!
Onto Wealdstone. Let’s take the positive feeling following a hard-earned victory and carry that momentum into the midweek game at Wealdstone. A lot of people earmarked these three fixtures (plus Gateshead next Saturday) as our three biggest games of the season, and with three points on the board already, let’s carry on this good work into Wednesday’s game.
When is an offer not an offer? With Yeovil Town insisting they have made an offer for the land at Huish Park and Somerset Council not so sure, our resident cartoonist Alex ‘Distant Glover’ Russell takes a look.
New boy Delano McCoy-Splatt has hailed the impact of Yeovil Town boss after he impressed on his debut in a crucial 3-2 home win over Morecambe on Saturday.
The 21-year-old joined on loan from League One AFC Wimbledon, where he has been under the eye of Dons’ assistant manager and Glovers’ legend Terry Skiverton, and was introduced as a 53rd minute substitute and had a hand in his new side’s second and third goals.
Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Josh Perkins after the game, he said: “Billy just filled me with confidence. Since I got here, the gaffer’s been very good with me, speaking to me a lot, just telling me that I’ve got the ability and telling me that when I got on the pitch I needed to show it. When you’ve got a gaffer like that who believes in you, it’s easy to go play.
“I’ve been kind of linked (with a loan move) for a little while, but it’s just about the right time. In football sometimes timing’s key, so I think it’s just got over the line now. A lot of people that I know also know Billy, so that is going to make me want to go. I just feel comfortable.”
He replaced fellow loanee midfielder Troy Perrett with the game tied at 1-1 and worked well with Terrell Works to tee up James Daly for the second before Ryan Jones added a third to put Yeovil 3-1 up shortly after the hour mark. Jack Nolan added a penalty with 15 minutes left to play and set up a nervous finish at Huish Park.
The debutant said: “At 1-1, it’s easy to go 2-1 down, so the next goal is important. I just tried to come on and change the game for the team and then even when it went 3-2 from a controversial penalty, I feel like we did well to just stay at it.
“When I got on the pitch, I knew I just got to make sure that he’s working hard, I’m working hard. The link-up with Terrell (Works, who he played alongside in Fulham’s academy) I feel like it just came to life again.”
McCoy-Splatt has featured in a number of cup competitions for his parent club this season and just a couple of weeks ago Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson said the midfielder was “back in the reckoning“ for his first-team having returned from injury. The youngster admitted that he had not had long to get to know his new team-mates having linked up with them on Friday.
He said: “I think I had about 40 minutes of training with the team, so I was blowing! I feel like obviously I’ve still been training at Wimbledon, but the drive down was long. I think when I got in, I was just ready to train, I had a matchday minus-one session with the team, so we gelled very well, done a bit of shape. It didn’t really feel that different today, everyone’s just good people, so it was just easy to kind of fit in.“
Yeovil Town boss Billy Rowley said the club deserved the vital 3-2 home win over Morecambe after a difficult few weeks which left them staring the National League relegation places in the face.
Goals from midfielders Brett McGavin, James Daly and Ryan Jones saw them pick up three points which leaves them seven points adrift of the dreaded dotted line on Saturday night with almost all of the teams around them failing to pick up wins.
Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Josh Perkins after the game, the manager said: “I am really supporters, really happy for the lads, everybody associated with the club in terms of staff. It’s nice to turn up today on a beautiful sunny day when the pitch is looking good and deliver a win. Everybody can enjoy this win and we can just breathe a little bit and move onto the next one.
“It’s just nice, it’s relief to get a win. I just said to the boys inside we’ve been through some tough weeks, we’ve had some really hard fixtures, playing midweek, playing weekend, non-stop, hard training, small squad, all that stuff and some of our performances, not all of them, some of them have been decent and we probably haven’t got the rewards we’ve earned.
“I feel like today we weren’t perfect, but we were good enough with the ball and we were good enough without the ball to deserve the win, so I was happy with that.”
McGavin gave the Glovers the lead after just ten minutes when his long range effort took a fortunate deflection off the post and visiting keeper Jamal Blackman on its way in to the net in front of the Thatcher’s Stand, before Gwion Edwards rifled the visitors level ten minutes before half-time.
Two stunning strikes from Daly and Jones gave a Yeovil side which has struggled in front of goal this season a two-goal advantage shortly after the hour mark before a late Jack Nolan penalty for the visitors set up a nervy finish.
Rowley was full of praise for all three goal-scorers, saying: “Brett’s was obviously a tiny bit of luck, but he’s an unbelievable striker of the ball. He might be one of the best ball strikers I’ve ever seen with both feet and when he’s lining up to shoot from there like I never really doubt it, but it’s obviously hit the post and come off the keeper’s back I think, so bit of fortune there, but we need that in these positions.
“Jonesy does what he does, he’s a little wizard. I think aiming for the near post, it’s always a risk doing that, but he’s snuck it in and his ball striking again is really good. Then JD’s like the Swiss Army Knife of Yeovil, he’s does every job, can play on the left, right, midfield, striker, at the back, like does everything, just a great athlete, top lad and I’m really happy for him. He just shows at the end what it means to him, slide tackling the goalie.”
There was also praise for young midfielder Delano McCoy-Splatt, who signed on loan from AFC Wimbledon in the week, and appeared as a substitute at the start of the second half and impressed. The 21-year-old, who has been under the guidance of former Yeovil legend Terry Skiverton at the South London club, and was instrumental in the goals for Daly and Jones.
Rowley said: “I think we’re very lucky and fortunate to get Delano. He’s had a few injuries this season that have kept him out of the Wimbledon team, but all of my friends that have worked with him (in the academy at) Fulham and all the staff at Wimbledon are convinced he should be playing for (Wimbledon) really. We’re very lucky to have received a Football League player on loan really for nine games and he makes football look easy. He’s physically so good, he can hold people off and then he’s actually got skill and tricks to like get facing forward and put people in on goal.”
The performance was a complete turnaround from the 1-0 defeat at Woking on Tuesday night when Rowley was left fuming after seeing his side fail to show up for the opening 45 minutes. He was pleased with the performance of his side in both halves against a Morecambe side which had lost just once in their previous six matches – and that was a last minute winner at home to high-flying York City.
Rowley said: “If you play one half a seven and the other half a four it doesn’t always end in your favour. Irwas really good and that was the message today, win the half,we drew it, win the second half, we won it, so we’ll keep with that message and try and strip it back and make things easier for the lads. I felt tactically we were good today, the pitch helped, I thought we made some decent enough passes and, and we had good ideas of how we were going to hurt them and we did enough to win.”
Next up Yeovil travel to Wealdstone who lost 2-0 at Forest Green Rovers on Saturday on Wednesday night, three days before their FA Trophy semi-final date with Marine next Saturday.
Asked about his next opponents, Rowley added: “I’ve seen a fair bit of them, they’ve got some really good athletes, some exceptional one-v-one players, a lot of talent in their team, like all teams at this level. They’re still doing well in the Trophy. so they’re doing well, they’ve had a change in manager, and their form’s on the up, so they have got some talent, got some ability. We’ll start reviewing them in the next 24 hours and go there and and try and get more points on the board.“
