Yeovil Town cruised into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over League One Leyton Orient this afternoon.
A double from James Hayter and further strikes from Joel Grant and a first ever goal from striker Kieffer Moore ensured a safe passage into the last 32 for the first time since 2005.
It was a comfortable victory for the Glovers over former manager Russell Slade whose side was robbed of several first choice players. But Yeovil were better in every department and could have scored more as they set up the chance for a big fourth round tie in tomorrow’s draw.
Town manager Gary Johnson made four changes to the side that were thumped 5-1 at Huddersfield last weekend. Ishmael Miller and Liam Fontaine both returned to their respective parent clubs while Ed Upson and Jamie McAllister dropped to the bench. In their place came Sam Foley for his first start since August plus John Lundstram, Shane Duffy and Byron Webster.
As both sides got used to a surface that was surprisingly good considering the amount of rain in the last few days, Yeovil took the lead on eleven minutes. Luke Ayling’s right footed free kick was headed goalwards by Duffy and James Hayter turned in from close range.
In a move identical to the goal, Yeovil almost added a second on 21 minutes but Duffy shot wide from a good position. It was mainly Yeovil pressing in a first half that lacked real clear chances but offered half chances to Hayter again who shot wide when found by Webster and Ayling who flicked a near post volley wide.
Foley almost scored a bizarre second just before half time when O’s keeper Jake Larkins clearance rebounded off Foley as he charged down the clearance but the ball rolled wide.
Within quarter of an hour of the restart, Yeovil had scored twice more to give the visitors a mountain to climb. After Yohann Lasimant had brushed the side netting with an opportunist effort,
Yeovil doubled their advantage on 49 minutes. On the counter attack, Liam Davis broke down the left and crossed for Joel Grant. The striker stretched to reach the ball but guided it into the net.
After Upson had replaced Webster straight after the goal, Johnson reshuffled his side with Ayling taking up the centre back berth alongside Duffy, Joe Edwards dropping to right back and Upson inserted into central midfield.
Despite the change in personnel, it was still Yeovil looking the better side and they went three up on the hour mark. Kevin Dawson’s cross from the right was met perfectly by Hayter who flicked a perfect downward header into the corner of the net.
O’s on loan signing Jamie Ness curled a shot wide but it was a rare foray and Marek Stech won’t have many games that quiet this season. He did save one shot from O’s sub Shaquile Coulthirst with his feet with eight minutes left.
The final goal came in the final minute and it was a popular one with the home fans. Kieffer Moore had replaced Hayter late on and when he was through one-on-one with keeper Larkins, the striker calmly sidefooted home and was immediately surrounded by all nine other outfield players in a warming show of team celebration.
The final whistle sounded three minutes later and Yeovil had made it to the fourth round and the chance of a plum tie against a Premier League giant.