Match Report: Yeovil Town v Stevenage

Yeovil Town produced a fantastic cup performance against Stevenage at Huish Park in front of the BBC cameras yesterday evening as they knocked out Football League opposition for a record 21st time as a non-league club. Charlie Wakefields's well taken goal early in the second half was enough to see Yeovil advance to the third round and give Yeovil a chance to draw a big club in the new year.

Darren Sarll made one change to the team that beat Wrexham 2-0 in midweek. Jordan Barnett was dropped through illness as Luke Wilkinson returned to the starting lineup.

Yeovil lined up in their usual 4-3-3 formation with Dan Moss, Luke Wilkinson, Max Hunt and Morgan Williams in front of Grant Smith. Dale Gorman, Josh Staunton and Matt Worthington made up the midfield while Charlie Wakefield, Adi Yussuf and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton lead the attack.

On the bench was Max Evans, Reuben Reid, Tom Knowles, Alex Bradley and Ollie Haste.

Yeovil kicked off towards the away terrace.

With just 20 seconds on the clock Yeovil almost took the lead as they launched an attack straight from the kick off but Dale Gorman's effort flashed wide of the post.

Stevenage grew into the game and were slowly looking the more solid team but they weren't able to create any clear cut chances.

On 12 minutes Stevenage won a free kick on the edge of the D. Jake Reeves stepped up and curled an effort around the wall but Grant Smith was able to make the save and tipped over the follow up effort but offside was given anyway.

Stevenage won the first corner of the game on 16 minutes on the right hand side which was crossed to the near post but they gave away a foul.

Most of the first half was a fairly tame affair with Stevenage continuing to look the slightly better side but without putting Yeovil under much pressure.

On the half hour mark Stevenage won a free kick on the left hand side of the box which was crossed to the center of the box and headed away. The follow up shot flew over the bar.

Just before half time Stevenage won a succession of corners but each time Yeovil were able to defend and after the one minute of added time was over both sides went in at the break level.

Half Time: Yeovil Town 0-0 Stevenage

The first 45 minutes had proved that Yeovil weren't going to be outclassed in this game and it was clear that Yeovil were in with a chance of advancing to the next round.

With just six minutes of the second half gone Yeovil took the lead to spark jubilant scenes inside Huish Park. Former Yeovil Town goalkeeper Adam Smith's clearance was intercepted by Matt Worthington who headed it onto Adi Yussuf and found Sonny Blu Lo-Everton who drove towards the Stevenage defence. Just when it looked like he should shoot he fed the ball to Charlie Wakefield and after wrongfooting the defender was able to fire the ball low past Adam Smith to put Town 1-0 up.

Stevenage made their first substitution on 56 minutes as Luke Prosser was replaced by Luke Norris.

Just after the hour mark Grant Smith came to Yeovil's rescue as a defensive error allowed Jamie Reid to run through on goal but Smith stayed big and was able to deflect the shot wide of the post for a corner which came to nothing.

Two minutes later Yeovil made their first substitution as Adi Yussuf was replaced by Tom Knowles.

Stevenage made their final substitutions on 72 minutes as Elliot Osbourne was replaced by Bradley Barry and Jamie Reid was replaced by Arthur Reid.

The final 15 minutes are usually quite nervy with a slim advantage but on this occasion Yeovil were looking very comfortable. Stevenage couldn't create any further goal scoring opportunities as they found the Yeovil defence too strong to deal with.

On 81 minutes Yeovil made their second substitution as Sonny Blu Lo-Everton was replaced by Reuben Reid - making his first appearance for Yeovil since he went off injured in a pre-season game at Weston-Super-Mare.

The final 10 minutes ticked away without further incident and after Yeovil had made their final substitution by bringing on Alex Bradley for Charlie Wakefield - Yeovil were able to celebrate another FA Cup victory over Football League opposition.

Full Time: Yeovil Town 1-0 Stevenage

While not necessarily being a "giant killing" it was still an upset and defeating a league side on live TV is a great advert for the club. Yeovil deserved to win the game and once again our defence did a fantastic job to keep another clean sheet.

All eyes will be on the third round draw on Monday evening where we will be hoping to draw a Premiership team - ideally away.

Yeovil's season continues next weekend as Barnet travel to Huish Park. Kick off is at 3PM.

Man of the match voting for this win over Stevenage is now open. You can cast your vote here.

Match Attendance: 2,754 (326 from Stevenage)

Yeovil Town

1 - Grant Smith, 5 - Max Hunt, 6 - Luke Wilkinson, 7 - Matt Worthington, 8 - Dale Gorman, 13 - Morgan Williams, 15 - Sonny Blu Lo-Everton (replaced by 9 - Reuben Reid on 81 minutes), 19 - Charlie Wakefield (replaced by 14 - Alex Bradley on 92 minutes), 22 - Dan Moss, 23 - Adi Yussuf (replaced by 11 - Tom Knowles on 66 minutes), 32 - Josh Staunton

Substitutes

12 - Max Evans, 9 - Reuben Reid, 11 - Tom Knowles, 14 - Alex Bradley, 35 - Oliver Haste

Kit

Green Shirts, White Shorts, White Socks
Goalkeeper: Blue

Stevenage

41 - Adam Smith, 2 - Luther James-Wildin, 4 - Jake Reeves, 6 - Luke Prosser (replaced by 9 - Luke Norris on 57 minutes), 7 - Elliott List, 8 - Jake Taylor, 11 - Elliot Osbourne (replaced by 27 - Bradley Barry on 73 minutes), 12 - Bruno Andrade, 15 - Terence Vancooten, 20 - Jamie Reid (replaced by 19 - Arthur Reid on 73 minutes), 22 - Max Melbourne

Substitutes

3 - Ben Coker, 9 - Luke Norris, 14 - Chris Lines, 17 - James Daly, 19 - Arthur Reid, 23 - Jack Smith, 24 - Ross Marhsall, 27 - Bradley Barry, 1 - Jos Anang

Kit

Red and White Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks
Goalkeeper: Yellow

Officials

Referee: - Craig Hicks
Assistant: - Kevin Howick
Assistant: - Alex James
Fourth Official: - Paul Howard

Next Fixture

Dover Athletic v Yeovil Town

Date: 20/04/2024
Competition: National League (South)
Venue: The Crabble
Kick Off: 15:00

Latest Result

Yeovil Town

3-1

Dartford

Attendance: 5,701 (115 from Dartford)

National League (South) Table

Last Updated: 15/04/2024

Pos
Team
Pld
GD
Pts

1
Yeovil Town
45
+34
92

2
Chelmsford City
45
+33
83

3
Worthing
45
+30
81

4
Braintree Town
45
+23
81

5
Maidstone United
45
+16
80

6
Bath City
45
+20
73

7
Hampton & Richmond
44
+9
72

8
Aveley
45
+5
70

9
Farnborough
45
+8
69

10
Slough Town
45
+12
67

11
St Albans City
44
+9
64

12
Chippenham Town
45
+0
61

13
Tonbridge Angels
45
-1
57

14
Weymouth
44
-6
55

15
Weston-super-Mare
43
-7
55

16
Welling United
45
-15
53

17
Truro City
43
-9
51

18
Hemel Hempstead Town
45
-16
49

19
Eastbourne Borough
44
-22
48

20
Torquay United
44
-9
47

21
Taunton Town
43
-25
45

22
Dartford
45
-20
43

23
Havant & Waterlooville
45
-35
37

24
Dover Athletic
44
-34
27