Match Report: Halifax Town v Yeovil Town

Yeovil Town fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Halifax Town yesterday afternoon as a solitary goal from substitute Zak Dearnley 8 minutes from time gave the home side the points. Yeovil provided tough opposition for Halifax who struggled to break Yeovil down and kept the home fans quiet but in the end they couldn't prevent defeat and they made the long trip home empty handed.

Charlie Lee named an unchanged starting XI from the side that beat Stockport County last weekend. The only change to the squad was on the bench as Max Evans was dropped for Ben Barclay.

Yeovil opted for a 4-3-3 formation with Mark Little, Luke Wilkinson, Max Hunt and Morgan Williams in front of Grant Smith. Dale Gorman, Lawson D'Ath and Jordan Barnett made up the midfield while Tom Knowles, Reuben Reid and Josh Neufville lead the attack.

On the bench was Ben Barclay, Jack Robinson, Adi Yussuf, Alex Bradley and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton.

Yeovil kicked off towards the home terrace.

The home side made the brighter start and almost took the lead after just six minutes when ex-Glover Matt Warburton fired at goal from distance and Grant Smith parried the ball into Billy Waters who's shot was cleared off the line by Morgan Williams.

Chances were few and far between in the first half and Yeovil were struggling to threaten the home side.

With 25 minutes played Halifax spurned a good chance as Matt Warburton received the ball in the box but he couldn't get a shot off. Billy Waters was able to get an effort at goal but he spurned the chance.

Just before half time Yeovil almost took the lead in emphatic style as Josh Neufville received the ball on the left hand side and unleashed a cracking shot that cannoned off the bar and away to safety.

Two minutes of time was added on and the teams were level at the break.

Half Time: Halifax Town 0-0 Yeovil Town

The second half was a bit more livelier than the first and it took some heroic defending from Luke Wilkinson on 60 minutes to keep the scores level after Billy Waters shot was just about stopped.

Halifax made their first substitution on 65 minutes as Harvey Gilmour was replaced by Matty Stenson.

Both sides made substitutions on 75 minutes as Kieran Green was replaced by Martin Woods for Halifax and Reuben Reid was replaced by Adi Yussuf for Yeovil.

Halifax then made their final substitution on 78 minutes as Jordan Slew was replaced by Zak Dearnley.

Two minutes later Tom Knowles was replaced by Ben Barclay.

With 8 minutes to go Zak Dearnley (who was only introduced 4 minutes prior) gave Halifax the lead as Tyrrel Warrens ball into the box was slammed home.

Yeovil made their final substitution on 86 minutes as Mark Little was replaced by Sonny Blu Lo-Everton.

Four minutes of time was added on at the end of the game and Yeovil had to make the long trip home empty handed.

Full Time: Halifax Town 1-0 Yeovil Town

The result confirms a play off spot for Halifax Town who currently sit in 3rd place. Yeovil drop to 13th with nothing left to play for.

Yeovil's season continues on Monday afternoon as Wealdstone travel to Huish Park. Kick off is at 3:00PM

Man of the match voting for this defeat at Halifax is now open. You can cast your vote here.

Match Attendance: 1,947 (106 from Yeovil Town)

Halifax Town

1 - Sam Johnson, 3 - Jack Senior, 5 - Jesse Debrah, 8 - Kieran Green (replaced by 26 - Martin Woods on 75 minutes), 10 - Matt Warburton, 11 - Billy Waters, 17 - Kian Spence, 20 - Harvey Gilmour (replaced by 14 - Matty Stenson on 64 minutes), 21 - Tyrell Warren, 25 - Jordan Slew (replaced by 27 - Zak Dearnley on 78 minutes), 28 - Pierce Bird

Substitutes

2 - Jay Benn, 14 - Matty Stenson, 19 - Jamie Cooke, 26 - Martin Woods, 27 - Zak Dearnley

Kit

All Blue
Goalkeeper: Grey Shirt, Black Shorts, Black Socks

Yeovil Town

1 - Grant Smith, 2 - Mark Little (replaced by 15 - Sonny Blu Lo-Everton on 86 minutes), 3 - Jordan Barnett, 5 - Max Hunt, 6 - Luke Wilkinson, 8 - Dale Gorman, 9 - Reuben Reid (replaced by 23 - Adi Yussuf on 75 minutes), 11 - Tom Knowles (replaced by 22 - Ben Barclay on 81 minutes), 13 - Morgan Williams, 24 - Lawson D'Ath, 30 - Josh Neufville

Substitutes

22 - Ben Barclay, 21 - Jack Robinson, 23 - Adi Yussuf, 14 - Alex Bradley, 15 - Sonny Blu Lo-Everton

Kit

Green Shirts, White Shorts, White Socks
Goalkeeper: Orange

Officials

Referee: - Michael Barlow
Assistant: - Reece Davies
Assistant: - Jamie Rhodes
Fourth Official: - Lee Hible