19th September 2021

Yeovil Town were left frustrated at Huish Park as Chesterfield navigated a 2-0 win.

Two first half goals built a comfortable lead for the visiting Spireites, who showed effective game management to see out the fixture.

Not for the want of trying, the Glovers did create a number of opening’s looking for a way back into the game, but ultimately ended the afternoon with nothing to show for it.

For the forth consecutive game, Darren Sarll named an unchanged team, this meant Grant Smith began in goal against his former side, with Jordan Barnett, Luke Wilkinson, Max Hunt and Dan Moss ahead of him.

Josh Staunton and Dale Gorman began at the base of the midfield, with Sonny Blu Lo-Everton in the central role, whilst Tom Knowles and Charlie Wakefield flanked him. Quigley started up front alone.

The opening stages saw an even start from both teams, as they jostled for supremacy. 

There were claims for a handball as Gorman attempted to send the ball into the box but it was blocked by an enrushing Chesterfield player.

On a number of occasions in the first half, Yeovil had some positive spells of play. Winning a free kick just outside the box, but Gorman’s effort was blocked by a Chesterfield arm. 

A few minutes later there was confusion amongst the Yeovil ranks as they thought Staunton had knocked Town ahead. However, the referee had other ideas, judging that Hunt had fouled goalkeeper Scott Loach in the build-up. 

At the other end of the pitch, it was the away side who took full advantage on 19 minutes, after a cruel rebound off the post caught Smith unsighted, the ball bounced off the Yeovil goalkeeper, with his former employers taking the lead via his own goal. 

Attempting to claw their way back into the game, Yeovil had one of their best chances when Quigley was able to get around the keeper but he was caught in two minds. Eventually the ball found Knowles but he saw his effort blocked.

An increasingly frustrating afternoon escalated as club captain Wilkinson limped off with an injury midway through the first half, being replaced by summer signing Morgan Williams.

Chesterfield doubled their lead with ten minutes to go until half time; as Loach’s goal kick somehow found its way through to Kabongo Tshimanga who made no mistake.

Throughout the second half the home side enjoyed lots of possession with the aim of finding a way back into the game. Staunton tried his luck from 30 yards but his effort was tipped over the bar by Loach.

What followed was an onslaught of corners as the Glovers had Chesterfield penned in. Despite six corners in a row, the visitors eventually cleared the danger. 

Late in the day, Knowles, who looked the most threatening, was able to get himself into the Chesterfield half with a driving run but his effort from distanced bounced agonisingly wide.

Ultimately it was a defeat for Town who could take heart from their continued determination to find a way back into the game.

Yeovil Town: Smith; Barnett, Wilkinson (Williams), Hunt, Moss; Gorman, Staunton, Lo-Everton (Yussuf), Knowles, Wakefield; Quigley

Bookings: Williams

Subs not used: Evans, Bradley, Robinson

A big thank you to Daisy Passmore who joined the media team on work experience for this fixture. During the game, Daisy helped write this match report. Great work, Daisy!