Match Report - Yeovil Town v AFC Bournemouth U23

Yeovil Town were defeated 3-2 by an AFC Bournemouth U23 side at Huish Park this afternoon. Goals from Rhys Murphy and Josh Staunton weren't enough to give Town a positive result in their last pre-season match.

Darren Sarll made a few changes to the side that beat Bath City in mid-week. Rhys Murphy partnered up with Courtney Duffus while the midfield was made up of Alex John, Lawson D'Ath, Matt Worthington and Gabby Rogers. Adam Smith was once again between the sticks with Daniel Leadbitter, Lee Collins Luke Wilkinson and Ryan Burke in front of him.

The match started fairly flat for both teams but despite this Bournemouth took the lead on 8 minutes as Jaidon Anthony ran into the box un-marked and fired past Adam Smith for 1-0.

Yeovil's defending was sloppy at times and they were inviting pressure onto themselves and even gave away corner kicks from mis-placed back-passes.

On 17 minutes Yeovil were awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal and Rhys Murphy stepped up to take the kick but it was blocked by the wall. Town were able to keep play alive and forced a corner but it was well defended.

2 minutes later Yeovil almost drew level after a deflected shot almost found the back of the net but it was just wide of the target.

As half time approached Bournemouth were playing some neat football and were creating opportunities to increase their lead and were starting to be in control the play.

Bournemouth almost made it 2-0 as a cross into the box was directed towards goal but Adam smith parried the ball away.

Yeovil were forced into making a change on 34 minutes as Alex John was unable to continue and was replaced by Josh Staunton.

Just before half time Bournemouth made it 2-0. A free kick was awarded just inside Yeovil's half for hand ball and the Bournemouth player shot the ball towards goal from distance and lobbed Adam Smith.

Half Time: Yeovil Town 0-2 AFC Bournemouth

The second half started fairly slowly for both sides as most of the play was in midfield. Almost out of nowhere Yeovil pulled one back as Rhys Murphy ran through the Bournemouth defence and slotted the ball past the Bournemouth keeper to pull Town back into the match.

This seemed to give Yeovil some more confidence and they were able to get a better foothold into the game and were able to start putting some pressure onto their opponents.

Yeovil made their second change of the game on 66 minutes as Luke Wilkinson was replaced by Charlie Lee. Just one minute later Yeovil drew the match level as a corner from Lawson D'Ath was met by Josh Staunton who's excellent header found the back of the net.

Yeovil continued to play some nice football however they weren't able to carve out any further opportunities. On 77 minutes Yeovil made three substitutions as Rhys Murphy, Daniel Leadbitter and Adam Smith was replaced by Alfie Lloyd, Adam Heaton and a trialist respectively.

Town's final change came on 80 minutes as Lawson D'Ath made way for Carl Dickinson.

As the clock ticked away it was looking likely that the game would end in a draw but with just two minutes left to play Bournemouth regained their lead as Jaidon Anthony got his second of the afternoon with an excellent shot from the edge of the box which flew into the back of the net.

Full Time: Yeovil Town 2-3 AFC Bournemouth

Yeovil's pre-season schedule has finally come to an end and they are scheduled to start the season next weekend. At the moment it is still unconfirmed as to whether the league will actually go ahead as there are a number of National League clubs requesting the season is postponed until supporters can return. Only time can tell what the outcome will be and whether we will finally get to see Yeovil in competitive action once again.

Next Fixture

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Yeovil Town v Torquay United

Date: 29/03/2024
Competition: National League (South)
Venue: Huish Park
Kick Off: 15:00

Latest Result

Braintree Town

0-1

Yeovil Town

Attendance: 1,985 (Unknown from Yeovil Town)

National League (South) Table

Last Updated: 26/03/2024

Pos
Team
Pld
GD
Pts

1
Yeovil Town
40
+29
83

2
Chelmsford City
41
+28
76

3
Braintree Town
40
+18
68

4
Hampton & Richmond
39
+11
67

5
Maidstone United
39
+10
67

6
Worthing
40
+19
66

7
St Albans City
40
+13
63

8
Aveley
41
+4
63

9
Bath City
39
+16
62

10
Farnborough
40
+4
60

11
Chippenham Town
40
+5
57

12
Slough Town
39
+8
56

13
Tonbridge Angels
41
+3
55

14
Weymouth
39
-3
50

15
Weston-super-Mare
37
-7
48

16
Hemel Hempstead Town
40
-14
45

17
Torquay United
39
-5
44

18
Welling United
40
-17
44

19
Truro City
34
-7
41

20
Taunton Town
36
-15
40

21
Dartford
39
-13
39

22
Eastbourne Borough
39
-24
38

23
Havant & Waterlooville
40
-30
33

24
Dover Athletic
40
-33
23