Match Report: Notts County v Yeovil Town

Yeovil Town fell to a 2-0 defeat at Meadow Lane this afternoon as two very well taken goals from Jake Reeves and Jordan Barnett gave Notts County all three points in a closely played encounter. Yeovil matched their opponents for most of the game but they couldn't create any good opportunities throughout which was ultimately their downfall.

Darren Sarll made three changes to the side that were beaten 2-1 by Bromley in mid-week. Alex Bradley and Charlie Lee were dropped in favour of Matt Worthington and Tom Knowles while Reuben Reid replaced Joe Quigley who dropped to the bench.

Yeovil lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Matt Worthington, Max Hunt, Billy Sass-Davies and Carl Dickinson in front of Adam Smith. Jimmy Smith, Tom Knowles, Josh Neufville and Albi Skendi made up the midfield while Rhys Murphy and Reuben Reid lead the attack.

On the bench was Michael Kelly, Max Evans, Chris Dagnall and Joe Quigley.

Notts County kicked off towards the family stand.

The first 45 minutes were a fairly even affair with few clear cut chances for either side. Yeovil won their first corner just 2 minutes in which was crossed to the center of the box but Billy Sass-Davies gave away a foul and the corner came to nothing.

Notts County enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges though and were looking more creative but they couldn't turn that into chances. On 8 minutes they won their first corner on the right hand side which was taken short by Michael Doyle to Jake Reeves who then passed back to Doyle who got the cross into the box but it was easily defended clear.

As the half wore on Notts County were the team in ascendancy as they were looking more comfortable and playing some neat football but still couldn't create any good chances. Yeovil were experiencing the same problem as they were limited to long range efforts that never tested the goal keeper.

On 22 minutes the best chance of the half so far fell to Notts County as a nice but of build up play allowed Jake Reeves to shoot from the edge of the area which had to be pushed over the bar by Adam Smith. The resulting corner from Jim O'Brian was poor and didn't beat the first man.

The remainder of the half was tame affair as both sides were fairly even but with five minutes to go until half time Notts County took the lead as free kick from Jake Reeves 25 yards from goal flew into the top corner and Yeovil had work to do in the second half if they were to avoid coming away from Meadow Lane empty handed.

Half Time: Notts County 1-0 Yeovil Town

Yeovil made a bright start to the second half as they were trying to put Notts County under some pressure and show their intent to get back into the game but they were unable to keep it up for long and soon the game turned into an even affair again.

On 50 minutes Notts County made their first substitution as former Yeovil player Alex Lacey was forced off through injury and was replaced by Ben Turner.

On 61 minutes Adam Smith was called into action and made a good save as Jordan Barnett was put through 1 on 1 by Kyle Wootton and shot at goal but Smith made a good save to deny the hosts a 2-0 advantage.

The resulting corner was poor as it didn't beat the first man but County won it back and then won a free kick on the near touchline which was crossed into the center of the box but cleared away.

On 66 minutes Yeovil made their first substitution as Rhys Murphy had to be replaced by Chris Dagnall as he had picked up an injury and wasn't able to continue.

Yeovil made two quick substitutions with 15 minutes left to play as Tom Knowles was replaced by Joe Quigley and Carl Dickinson was replaced by Michael Kelly.

With the final 10 minutes approaching the game was still within reach for Yeovil but it was suddenly put beyond doubt as a cracking goal from Jordan Barnett gave County a 2-0 advantage. A nice team move allowed Notts County to work a good opportunity and the ball was flicked onto Jordan Barnett who ran onto the ball and hit it first time on the edge of the D and the ball flew past Adam Smith who could do nothing to stop it.

Yeovil were unable to get back into the game from there and County could see the game out for a comfortable 2-0 win.

Full Time: Notts County 2-0 Yeovil Town

Another disappointing result for Yeovil against a team who Yeovil needed to take points from in order to maintain their play off push. The defeat sees us fall into 14th place and now six points behind Bromley who occupy the final play off position.

Our season continues on Tuesday night as our opponents this afternoon make the return trip to Huish Park where Yeovil will be hoping to get revenge for their defeat today.

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

Notts County

1 - Sam Slocombe, 24 - Alex Lacey (replaced by 5 - Ben Turner on 50 minutes), 13 - Connor Rawlinson, 7 - Jordan Barnett, 11 - Enzio Boldewijin, 8 - Michael Doyle, 4 - Jake Reeves, 6 - Jim O'Brien, 12 - Inih Effiong (replaced by 18 - Jimmy Knowles on 90 minutes), 9 - Kyle Wootton

Substitutes

5 - Ben Turner, 16 - Dion Kelly-Evans, 20 - Ruben da Rocha Rodgrigues, 18 - Jimmy Knowles, 19 - Elisha Sam

Yeovil Town

1 - Adam Smith, 7 - Matt Worthington, 26 - Max Hunt, 35 - Billy Sass-Davies, 3 - Carl Dickinson (replaced by 14 - Michael Kelly on 76 minutes), 10 - Jimmy Smith, 21 - Tom Knowles (replaced by 19 - Joe Quigley on 74 minutes), 24 - Josh Neufville, 18 - Albi Skendi, 9 - Rhys Murphy (replaced by 34 - Chris Dagnall on 66 minutes), 33 - Reuben Reid,

Substitutes

14 - Michael Kelly, 26 - Max Evans, 34 - Chris Dagnall, 19 - Joe Quigley