Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.
On what was an emotionally charged night at Huish Park, Darren Sarll spoke to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins following Yeovil Town’s 0-0 draw with Maidenhead.
The Glovers struck the woodwork twice through Josh Neufville and Charlie Lee and had plenty of near misses in a game with the Glovers dominated.
Before speaking about the 90 minutes, Sarll took time to recognise the significance of having supporters back inside Huish Park for the first time in over 400 days;
“It was so emotional, when we all came out and they all clapped – I was proper… cor, that got me! That was amazing, really amazing, listen they’re the winner tonight, I can’t believe how good it was to have them back. There are some unbelievable supporters at Yeovil, brilliant, really sort of, like, heartfelt people.”
The whole stadium took a moment as the clock struck four minutes to applaud as a mark of rememberace for club captain, Lee Collins who sadly passed away.
Sarll, who joined in, praised the fans for their gesture as well as some of the players who joined in.
“On four minutes, when everyone clapped, the Adam’s apple started coming up and forward. It was an emotional night, I’m not the emotional sort of cuddly teddy bear, but that got me.”
“I saw (Chris) Dagnall with his hands in the air clapping whilst defending a corner and we have to pay tribute to Lee over the long term, it won’t be a fly by feeling, we’ve got pictures up of him, we don’t want to forget Lee… it was a wonderful thing for the supporters to do, and I love that the players were clapping even though they were running around.”
Focus turned to the fixture itself and the Gaffer tried to sum up a game full of twists and turns saying;
“It’s amazing, that’s the best we’ve played all season, no doubt in my mind. The passing, the techical ability improved, our awareness improved.”
“It was a good point, especially when Luke (Wilkinson) got sent off.”
Wilkinson was shown his marching orders for a second bookable offence in the 2nd half after appearing to handle the ball in an attempt to score from a corner, but the Manager was still left scratching his head.
“I don’t understand, the ref’s just said to me and I quote “If that’s anywhere else on the pitch, I can’t book him for handball” – now I don’t understand that.”
Sarll didn’t go as far as to break the Gloverscast Rule 1 of moaning about the officials at this level (they’re all rubbish, deal with it), but he admitted the situation was confusing and that his side will be worse off for Wilko’s absence through suspension
“Luke was a bit silly, he’s had a slapped wrist, we’ve got to be better than that.. the only people who suffer are his team mates and his manager.”
Focus returned to far more positive aspects of the performance with Lawson D’Ath once again singled out for praise with Chris Dagnall also described as two members of the squad who “defy all logic” with their work rate, endeavour and ability to put in constant performances despite their fitness concerns.
Yeovil Town have two games left, Altrincham away on Saturday before welcoming supporters for one final time when Stockport visit on the final day.