"In our recent home form I don't think we have won in six games so we do need to put that right if we can on Saturday. I think that sometimes when the pressure is on, and the pressure is on not just us but on a number of clubs, it can be a little easier to play away from home with the pressure situation than it is at home. It is very important when you are at home that your supporters get right behind you. The supporters tonight were absolutely magnificent. I hope they come in numbers and support us on Saturday even if it is tight, even if it is tense, even if it is not the prettiest game on Saturday. If they are anything like the bunch of supporters who came here tonight then we will have magnificent support on Saturday." - Steve Thompson speaking after the 2-0 win at Walsall on Tuesday night. 'Nuff said.
The Glovers entertain Tranmere Rovers tomorrow in a League One fixture. Rovers are currently 2 points ahead of Yeovil in 14th position in League 1 on 47 points. Yep, it's yet another 6-pointer relegation scrap... The sides have only met once before in their history, Tranmere winning 4-1 in the corresponding fixture at Prenton Park in December, a result that flattered the home side somewhat and one that the Glovers will be keen to avenge. The only consistent thing about Tranmere's season to date has been their inconsistency, with every step forward in the form of a win generally followed immediately by dropped points, though their form in general has improved slightly since the turn of the year. However a record of W2 D1 and L3 in their last 6 games illustrates the problems respected manager Brian Little has had all season in getting some sort of consistency into his side's results.
Tranmere have little to worry about in terms of injury problems with only first choice keeper John Achterberg definitely out of tomorrow's game. They've signed a more than adequate replacement on loan however in the form of Wolves stopper Matt Murphy, a player who was being talked about as a possible future England international 18 months ago before an horrendous run of injuries which has kept him out of the Wolves first team for an astonishing 14 months. "I'll play Matt without a doubt," Rovers boss Little told his club's official site yesterday. "That was the reason we got him here, to play in the first team. It is his next step in his recovery. He's a massive talent and potentially a great goalkeeper. He is a solid worker and someone who wants to do well in the game. He has been cruising through reserve games and I'm more than willing to give him an opportunity to play for us."
"Yeovil have done well lately," Little added. "They had a great result at Walsall on Tuesday night and played a certain way to make it difficult for Walsall. In these games it is a massive boost to score the first goal. If you go a goal behind it really gets you against the wall. We had a setback on Friday [Tranmere lost 1-2 at home to, wait for it... Walsall!] but we can't let it knock us back so far. The most important thing is to be positive. We've turned a big corner since December. It might not look it, but there are only a few teams who have done better than us since then."
The Glovers go into tomorrow's game with manager Steve Thompson facing that rare thing this season, at least since after Christmas - a selection dilemma. With a massive 4 - count 'em! - central midfielders to choose from, including new loan signings Craig Rocastle and Sam Alsop. It will be interesting to see who eventually does get the nod, and also what formation the gaffer decides to play. Will he stick with the 3-5-2 that worked so well at Walsall on Tuesday evening, or will he revert to the more usual 4-4-2? Time - and possibly availability of key players after injury - will tell.
Of those injured it's thought that Chris Weale (knee) and Kevin Amankwaah (shin) are doubtful for tomorrow's game, but Colin Miles (groin) should be fit, as should leading scorer Phil Jevons, an unused substitute at the Bescot. "Both teams will consider themselves still in a relegation battle and need the points," Thommo told the official site this morning, adding: "But just as importantly we will be looking to avenge that 4-1 defeat at Prenton Park last year and put together back to back wins. I feel that would really give us the confidence to go on and finish the season well."
Selected betting odds: Yeovil win - 7/5; draw - 9/4; Tranmere win - 15/8. Our fiver's going on the home win. Record so far this season: +£13.67p. Good luck boys!
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24 March 2006 : 
