8th November 2016
Yeovil currently sit second in Southern Group A, a point behind Wednesday’s opponents Reading Under-23’s by a single point.
The Glovers saw off Portsmouth 4-3 at Huish Park to kick-off their Checkatrade Trophy campaign, before losing on penalties to Bristol Rovers after a goalless 0-0 draw earnt Darren Way’s side a point at the Sky Bet League One outfit.
With Portsmouth claiming a 1-0 victory against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night, the mathematic permutations remain relatively complex.
For Town, a win at the Madejski Stadium would see them top the group and qualify, with Reading occupying second place.
A draw with the young Royals would see both teams qualify for the knockout stages, regardless of who claims the additional point after a penalty shoot-out. A Glovers defeat could still see Darren Way’s side qualify however, depending on the scoreline.
A defeat by more than a single goal would see Portsmouth and Reading qualify due to Pompey’s superior goal difference, whilst a 1-0 or 2-1 defeat would still see Yeovil out of the competition due to Portsmouth scoring more goals than Town.
If the game ends 3-2 to Reading, the Glovers would qualify in second place ahead of Portsmouth due to the 4-3 victory against the Hampshire outfit at Huish Park, with goal difference and goals scored level between the two sides. Likewise, Town would still progress from the group stages if they score three or more goals on Wednesday night at the Madejski even as part of a defeat (4-3, 5-4 etc.).
Head-to-head
Whilst the Glovers have taken on Reading on three occasions, Wednesday’s match will be the first competitive fixture against the Royals Under-23 side.
Town last came up against Reading in the Championship during the 2013/14 season, losing 1-0 at Huish Park thanks to Adam Le Fondre’s controversial penalty, before infamously coming away from the Madejski Stadium with a 1-1 draw despite finishing the match with eight men after Byron Webster, Joe Ralls and Kieffer Moore all received their marching orders.
Referee
Mr. John Busby will take charge of the match in Berkshire for what will be his 14th match of the season.
The Oxfordshire-based official took charge of Luton Town’s 3-1 win at Exeter City in the Emirates FA Cup First Round last weekend, issuing eight yellow cards and one red card.
Wednesday’s match will be the second occasion Mr. Busby has officiated a Glovers match this season having overseen Town’s 1-0 loss at home to Morecambe in August, where he brandished just two yellow cards.
Mr. Busby will be assisted by John Farries (Oxfordshire) and Simon Knapp (Bristol), with Mark Derrien (Dorset) taking on the role of fourth official.
Coverage
Minute-by-minute updates will be provided on our official Twitter account which can be found here, with additional updates available via our official Facebook page.
If you’re unable to attend the game a full match report will follow on ytfc.net at full-time with post-match reaction from manager Darren Way and a member of the playing staff following soon after.
Tickets
Ticket information can be found by clicking here. Supporters wishing to attend the match can purchase tickets online by clicking here, or via the Huish Park ticket office either in person or by calling 01935 847888.
Tickets can also be purchased on the day at the Madejski Stadium, with supporters needing to report to the main ticket office at Reading to do so.