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None of the 581 members of the bumper Huish Park crowd could have complained about value for money, as Yeovil Town and Swindon Town played out an entertaining fixture, dominated by attacking play and unconvincing defending. Both sides were evenly matched, with neither side being able to maintain a slender lead. Persistent strikers and panic-stricken defending ensured that both sets of fans were on the edges of their seats right until the final whistle.
Yeovil’s team selection indicated the intentions of manager Gary Johnson ahead of his side’s increasingly important clash with Bury on Saturday, as well as being affected by the Easter Monday away day at Boston. The Glovers management opted to play Kevin Gall and Kirk Jackson up-front, in the hope the Welshman would find some late season form. Youth was prominent throughout the line-up, allowing the likes of Welch and Croft to gain experience alongside the more experienced full time professionals.
A large proportion of this large crowd would have missed the opening goals, with the initial one turnstile open struggling greatly with the amount of fans. Swindon raced into an early lead, with Ben MARTIN heading past Ryan Northmore in the Yeovil goal. However, it was not long until Yeovil drew level, with Kevin Gall’s pace proving troublesome for the Swindon defence after seven minutes. Gall’s run superbly drew out the Robins shot-stopper, leaving the goal begging. The angle posed proved too difficult, and Gall’s ball across the face of the goal was put away by youth team product, Shaun SMITH.
Both sides insisted upon beginning the game with a fast tempo, as the ball flew from end to end. Visiting ‘keeper Bulman would have had the sorer hands out of the two gloves men, however, with Smith bringing the best out of him after 15 minutes. The shot from distance resulted in an athletic dive from Bulman, who neatly blocked the ball. Despite Yeovil’s pressure, it was Swindon who were to retake their lead only five minutes later. Under pressure to hook clear, ex-Wolves defender Nathan Talbott could only skim the ball with his weaker right foot, presenting Swindon number ten, Jon STEVENSON with a golden opportunity. Division Two strikers tend not to miss from ten yards out, and Northmore was soon again picking the ball out of his net, much to the despair of Talbott.
Swindon’s Grant Smith represented an ever-present danger, creating a degree of worry when running at Yeovil’s back four. However, Yeovil refused to buckle, and continued to play an attractive attacking style, with Dani Rodrigues having an exceptional game. Gall’s pace, as usual, was creating opportunities. However, his evident lack of confidence and first touch creates increasing concern, as the player looks a shadow of his former self. Both Charlie Welch and Shaun Smith were quickly learning the value of communication in midfield, as the two youth lads often found themselves competing for the same high ball.
The home team drew level six minutes before the break, as shoddy defending once again helped forge an opportunity. A clever cross-field pass from Welch picked out the useful Dale Williams. The talented youngster delivered a pin-point chip to Kirk JACKSON, who, with back to goal, attempted to flick the ball over his marker. Taking nothing away from the incredible strength and persistency demonstrated by the hungry Jackson, the ball-watching Swindon defenders created the opportunity for Kirk to gratefully stab home.
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Pontins Holiday Combination Wales & West Division : Yeovil Town reserves 3 - 3 Swindon Town reserves
