Lawson D’ath

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News, Player interviews

Lawson D’Ath challenged his Yeovil Town team-mates to “roll their sleeves up” as they fell deeper in to the relegation mire with a 2-0 defeat against Maidenhead United on Tuesday night.

The midfielder, who was replaced by Malachi Linton in the 72nd minute in Berkshire, admitted the performance was “not good enough” against one of their National League relegation rivals.

The Glovers travel to fellow strugglers York City on Saturday with just two goals on goal difference keeping them out of the division’s relegation places after Gateshead picked up a valuable 2-1 win to boost their fight to stay up.

D’Ath told BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins: “We know that is not good enough, it is just the basics and you only have to look at the (first) goal. If we had come in at 0-0 we would have had a better chance, but it’s not good enough.”

Manager Mark Cooper pointed to the energy the players expended in Saturday’s 4-1 home defeat to leaders Notts County in his post-match interview, but D’Ath said they could not use that as an excuse for their performance.

He added: “We have Saturday-Tuesday weeks coming up, so it is not a good enough excuse. Yes, we are tried after a tough performance both physically and mentally against Notts County but we should have come and at least got a point here and moved on to the next game.

“I still think we had chances early on in the second half, it was just a lack of quality and then we got done on the counter attack.”

Asked if his position as one of the squad’s more senior players added extra responsibility, he said: “No matter how old you are, who you are, where you have come from, we have to roll our sleeves up for this club and fight for every point.”

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News
Lawson D’Ath. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Yeovil Town midfielder Lawson D’ath has admitted there is a sense of frustration in the Glovers’ camp, but is backing the side to come out of the other side with a win, sooner rather than later.

Speaking to the BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins, he said; “The good thing is we are playing well as a team. I have been in teams before where we’ve not been playing well and losing every week, but the positive for us is we are playing well and creating lots of chances.

“We just need to switch on as a group and make sure we are compact and hard to beat but still creating the chances as well.

“It is just taking that little bit of responsibility, as individuals and as a unit, and if we do that the results will come.

“We are really disappointed because we should win today, we should win Tuesday (against Barnet) and we should win Saturday (against Wrexham) and then it’s a different story.

“The luck is not on our side, but I know if we keep playing the way we are we are going to go on a good run.”

But, there was no excuses to be made, with a young squad with plenty of inexperience, D’Ath wasn’t prepared to offer up any excuses for a lack of a victory yet this season.

“We are not that young any more, we have some younger players, but it’s a good mix. Youth is not an excuse any more.

“We have a number of players who have played a couple of seasons now, it’s about stepping up. Since my injuries I have grown up a lot more, having gone through all that and coming in to the side last year and trying to be that older guy who could help some of the young lads keep going and help them with their games.

“Normally I am someone who does my own thing, but I have come to the age where I have to take that responsibility and it’s the same with Jamie Reckord, Josh Staunton,  the older ones, we are all talking.

“We have it there, it’s just little things happening and maybe it is a bit of inexperienced. But I have been in experienced dressing rooms and got worse results, so it’s about us keeping believing and we’ll start getting wins.”

D’Ath also spoke about how much he is enjoying playing in a new style, with the ball on the deck and flowing through midfield far more with he and Matt Worthington showing a new, exciting level to their performances.

“Everything the manager is doing I am enjoying and I think we are playing my best football since my first year here.

“It’s about us keeping going and believing and following the Gaffer’s orders and that luck will change, I think.”

Speaking to the Gloverscast’s Ben Barrett he then said: “Having watched Worthy, he’s done unbelievably and is showing what a good player he is. We all know he can run, work hard and get the ball back, but it’s definitely been a different Worthy this year.

“He’s taking more responsibility and looking like a really good player. He just needs to keep going every week and keep doing what he’s doing and he’ll have a good future whether with us or with someone else.

On his own fitness, the former Reading man said he was feeling good despite being taken off just before the end, completing 89 minutes in the pink and purple of the Glovers: “I felt good, I felt fit, maybe towards the end of the first half I was blowing a bit. I came out in the second half and felt really good, so it was nice. It has been frustrating because it’s not anything major, I’ve just had a minor quad problem. I played 45 on Tuesday and felt fine, but for whatever reason it just tightened up. I’m alright now.”

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News
Lawson D’Ath. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

There might be some *other* news breaking at Huish Park this Monday, but it’s worth celebrating Lawson D’Ath’s inclusion in the official Vanarama team of the week. Do

He’s been a key part of the recent run which has seen Yeovil win three on the bounce, a stretch which included his first goal in green and white since his return from injury.

Congratulations, Lawson.

 

 

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News
Lawson D’Ath. Pic YTFC

Yeovil Town midfielder Lawson D’Ath said the team is “buzzing” after a 2-1 home win over Bromley.

Speaking to his former BBC colleague Sheridan Robins having scored the opener in the victoryon Tuesday night, he was pleased, not just for himself but also for his team-mates.

“Buzzing, really happy to get the goal and we won which is the main thing, it’s a much better feeling for us to be on the winning side, hopefully we can keep this run going and push on and see where it takes us.

“We haven’t won in a while here, so it’s a good feeling and one we need to keep doing and keep this home form good.”

D’Ath had a special word on the returning Josh Neufville who, like D’Ath, has recovered from a serious injury.

“It was brilliant, I was buzzing when he came on and set the goal up as well, I’m delighted for him, because I know what he’s gone through, it was tough for me, I know that for a fact and I bet it was for him too.”

D’Ath and Neufville will earn their rest over the next couple of days with both of them hoping to be involved in the important games coming up.

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News, Uncategorized

Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll believes the return to fitness of playmaker Lawson D’Ath has helped change his side’s attacking mentality as they look to find some scoring form.

The Glovers are now the third-lowest scorers in the National League with just 27 goals in 28 matches with only the division’s bottom two, Dover Athletic (21 goals) and King’s Lynn Town (24), having scored fewer.

D’Ath has shown his quality in his first start of the season at Maidenhead United in midweek where he played 62 minutes, having played 68 minutes in the goalless draw at home to Solihull Moors earlier in the month.

Speaking ahead of the weekend’s trip to Chesterfield, Sarll said: “Lawson has been a breath of fresh air and when I talk about us working on the attacking side more, it’s because of Lawson.

“The fact we could re-sign him meant we had a really good attacking, constructive player and he gives us a different feel. That is what squad depth gives you when you can have it.”

Lawson D’Ath talking to the media ahead of the trip to Chesterfield.

D’Ath also faced the media on Friday morning and described his own performance as “average” saying he could have done more in the attacking third.

But, he said that the responsibility for finding more goals had to be a collective one, saying: “You need that responsibility and you take that on, that’s what we’re paid to do. But it’s not just strikers and midfielders, it’s about all areas of the pitch.”

The Maidenhead match was the former Reading youngster’s third appearance, having come off the bench on two previous occasions against W*ymouth and Solihull, and he admits it has been a baptism of fire.

Those minutes were his first for nine months having suffered a knee injury in the final game of last season against Stockport County.

D’Ath said: “I want to play as many minutes as I can, it’s about building them back in to my body. I was training for a month but that is not the same as a pre-season when you do a lot of running and hard graft.

“You can’t replicate that and you can’t replicate the build-up of minutes you get in pre-season, so I have had to come in full throttle. It’s going to take a few games to get back to fitness.”

Asked whether he felt the Glovers could still make the play-offs this season, he said: “Of course we can, why not? I got through nine months of not being paid and grafting to get back so anything is achievable!”

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News

Yeovil Town Manager Darren Sarll said he was frustrated to come away with only a point on Tuesday night against Maidenhead.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins, he spoke of his disappointment at not picking up the win.

“I was disappointed in the end that we haven’t won the game, I’m frustrated we haven’t won the game because the players and I are hugely ambitious, we don’t want to be a mid table team, our play is improving, but I want us to be more than that.”

“I don’t want to keep leaning on age, or resources, because that’s not fair to the supporters who travel so far and spend so much money. 

The last two away games, that should be six point rather than two.”

The Glovers had two goals ruled out during the game, one for a foul by Luke Wilkinson in the first half and a late strike by Rueben Reid ruled out for offside.

Luke Wilkinson and Reuben Reid celebrate the FA Cup win over Stevenage. Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

In all, Sarll was disappointed by the officials.

“I thought the first goal – the Wilkinson header – was a goal, he’s just more aggressive and builds momentum from the delivery and heads it in. If you’re going to give free kicks for that then oh my life.”

“He (the Ref) was poor all night, some of the decisions were astronomical, they were really poor and it just spoils the game”

“We’ll look at it, report it and nothing will get done”

On a brighter note, Olufela Olomola scored his first goal of his third loan spell with a neat finish, unfortunately his match was cut short by injury in the second half.

“He’s got good technique, I’m a little bit worried about what he’s come off for… but it was a good strike, he was a threat, a real threat and he’s got that capability of receiving back to goal and being strong and also really threatening in behind”

Regarding the injury, Sarll says he expects the on loan Hartlepool front man to get a scan ahead of the weekend trip to Chesterfield.

“I’d be a little bit concerned about that right now… or he’s a wimp and I don’t know him well enough and he rocks up fit for Saturday”

  • Ben Barclay‘s loan is expected to be extended until the end of the season, we reported earlier that the Manchester Evening News had reported that an extension was on the way, but Sarll himself confirmed he was waiting on the final paperwork to be completed. “I think that’ll go through tomorrow (Wednesday), we’re just waiting on the big man (we presume he means Scott Preistnall, rather than God, Santa Claus or Peter Crouch) to authorise it. Ben wants to stay, he’s been fantastic for us, I think we’ve conceded something like three goals since he’s been with us.”
  • Lawson D’ath completed 60 minutes and the manager was pleased as he continued his recovery from long term injury. “He’s fabulous, some of his touches and awareness. I just thought the 60 minute mark was enough because he started to look fairly frail, bless him, but he will push with that game time he will push, the great thing with Lawson is he is a big player for us, even in that 60 minutes, it’s better for us to have Lawson out there”

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News
Lawson D’Ath – Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz

Yeovil Town have confirmed the re-signing of Lawson D’Ath until the end of the season.

The midfielder, who has been a popular addition to the BBC commentaries this season (sorry, Ben!), will finally be back on the pitch, after rehabilitating at the club for nine months.

Speaking to the club website, D’Ath said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be back involved and available again for this club, but also for the gaffer who I have huge respect for. I can’t wait to play for him again, a manager that will go right to the top! 

“It’s been a long tough nine months and I’m so lucky to have great people in my life who’ve allowed me to keep the dream going. So, a massive thank you to my family, gaffer, Terry, Craig, Scott, Adam, Martin, Simon, and my teammates past and present. 

“The hard work starts now though. We will give it everything until the end of the season. With your support, who knows what can happen?”

Lawson D’Ath suffered a knee injury in the final game of last season.

Darren Sarll said: “Of all the players we could have signed this year Lawson was the one I wanted the most. 

“He has been with the club since my appointment, and he has seen the very best and worst during his time. He has remained loyal when he could have drifted away, and nothing pleases me more than to have him back involved with the squad. 

“There is no one I trust more. A wonderful player but an even better person. He will lift us from now until the end of the season.”

Speaking in August, Sarll made no secret of his desire to sign D’Ath when the opportunity arose, he said: “I am desperate for Lawson to get back in our shirt and play because at the end of last year I saw a different Lawson, there was a maturity to him. He is a very good player, so Scott (Priestnall, the club chairman) if you are listening, I want Lawson for January!”

Welcome back Lawson, we can’t wait to see you back on the pitch!

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News

Yeovil Town are looking to bring in a new player ahead of tomorrow’s FA Trophy tie against Woking at Huish Park.

Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll.
Picture courtesy of Mike Kunz.

Manager Darren Sarll said the squad was “drastically short” this week with defender Morgan Williams going down with COVID-19 and youngster Ollie Haste away with the English Colleges’ FA squad.

However, he did reveal that left-back Jordan Barnett, who has missed the last two games through illness, returned to training this week along with long-term absentees defender Mark Little and midfielder Lawson D’Ath.

Of the planned signing, Sarll said: “We are looking to do a one-month loan for someone this week to help us out because we have been drastically short this week.

“We have only  had 10 or 11 training all week, so we are looking to try and (bring one player in) today (Friday) to help us along.

“At the moment there will be no additions in the near future and we are going to have to make sure we improve our current group.

“But how many players would get in to this group right now? Most people would play second fiddle to who is playing very well because every player is in great form.

“The only ones who aren’t are those who have not played minutes, so we are happy with what we have got.”

Updating on the longer term injury victims in his squad, the manager said:

  • Reuben Reid – is likely to feature against Woking although the boss said how long the striker played would be decided by “a conversation” between the two of them ahead of kick-off.
  • Joe Quigley – the club’s top-scorer is likely to be available from January onwards having been missing with a knee injury since the 1-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge last month.
  • Jack Robinson – the on-loan Middlesbrough defender is likely to be unavailable until later in January having suffered “some complications” with an ankle injury. The defender is scheduled to return to his parent club on January 10 – so it would appear an extension of his agreement is required if we were to see him again in a Yeovil shirt.
  • Mark Little – the experienced full-back returned to training this week having been missing since picking up an injury in pre-season.
  • Lawson D’Ath – the midfielder who was stretchered off on the final game of last season was also back in training this week.

 

 

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News
D’ath in action for Yeovil, Pic Courtesy Of Mike Kunz

Former Yeovil Town midfielder Lawson D’Ath has given a wonderful interview to The Grassroots Guy podcast about his career so far as well as chatting about his current injury status.

D’Ath tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his knee shortly before half time against Stockport County back in May, speaking to presenter Harry Purdy he explains that it’s be a series of niggles and knocks along side two longer term injuries that have hampered his second stint at Huish Park.

“At Yeovil, I ripped my groin off my pubic bone last season and then I done my ACL, it’s just weird, it’s bad luck I guess”

Despite his fairly positive attitude to his latest setback, the former Reading youngster admitted it’s not always been easy to stay positive, especially as his contract at Yeovil expired this summer.

“It’s hard, when I was in contract it was easier because, while i’m injured and is frustrating – I’ve always had an outlook on life where, I can’t affect it, all I can do is work hard to get back to being fit and being ready”

Darren Sarll has his head in his hands as Lawson D’Ath is attended to

“I have had moments where you stop and think about things like you do, that’s normal, then I have moments like ‘let’s go, work, work, work”

“But a little bit has come since I’ve been out of contract… I’m 28 years old, I have questioned just sacking it and getting a job, then when I get back fit maybe playing part time football – I did think about, but why would I throw everything away for an injury?”

D’Ath confirmed that he is still trying desperately hard to get back to full time football,

“It’s 9-months of my life, but if I can get back fit, I know I have something to offer still, to someone, and know that I’m good enough, more than good enough, especially at this level, to do it.”

The former Cheltenham and Exeter midfielder has confirmed that he’s enjoying the challenge of recovery and that whilst he’s still a long way away from being back on the pitch, taking it – literally – one step at a time.

Just last week, Yeovil manager Darren Sarll confirmed he was ‘desperate’ to see D’ath back in a Yeovil shirt in the new year, something which the man himself is still very much an option.

“They(Yeovil) have given me a place to stay, doing my rehab there and he (Sarll) said he wants to sign me when I get back fit, so I’ve got something – a goal – what will be will be when the time comes”

“Hopefully I can repay it back to the club and do well for them and get promoted”

To finish off the podcast, D’Ath confirmed that Darren Sarll was giving him the support he needs and a future opportunity, before finally naming Lee Collins as the best captain he’s ever played for as part of the quick fire questions finale.

Everyone at the Gloverscast would love to see a fit and firing Lawson D’ath back in the midfielder sooner rather than later!

Click on the Link below for the full Grassroots Guy podcast with Lawson D’ath

 

By:
On:
In: Latest Yeovil Town News, Press Conferences, Uncategorized

Lawson D’Ath is undergoing  treatment at Huish Park as he bids to return to fitness after suffering a knee injury.

Manager Darren Sarll has confirmed the 28-year-old has had surgery over the summer on the injury sustained in the final game of last season against Stockport County.

He said he hoped to have the former Northampton Town man available for selection in January when he is also hoping that injured striker Reuben Reid and defender Mark Little will be available again.

Darren Sarll has his head in his hands as Lawson D’ath is attended to

Sarll said: “I have this lovely vision that in January I will have a fit Mark Little, a fit Reuben Reid and a fit Lawson D’Ath.

“Lawson is at the club now, having treatment on a daily basis, he is still living in Yeovil and we are taking care of his accommodation and his treatment.

“I am desperate for Lawson to get back in our shirt and play because at the end of last year I saw a different Lawson, there was a maturity to him.

“He is a very good player, so Scott (Priestnall, the club chairman) if you are listening, I want Lawson for January!”