Yeovil Town are in action at Huish Park this Saturday (3pm) to face Maidstone United.
After ten-man Town were held to a goalless draw against Wealdstone on Tuesday evening, Mark Cooper will be challenging for his side to show some of the positive football that was played in the first half against the Stones, but add a finishing touch to that.
For the visitors, it’s been a challenging time. Maidstone recently parted ways with manager Hakan Heyrettin, who got the side promoted last season, with him being replaced by former Wolves defender George Elokobi on an interim basis. Elokobi is yet to win a National League game as manager, but did knock Notts County out of the FA Trophy on penalties.
Mark Cooper’s thoughts
Commenting ahead of Saturday’s game, Cooper said; “I’m looking forward to Saturday, obviously their form has taken a downturn since we played and they lost a really good man & manager in Hakan (Heyrettin).
“They’ve got a caretaker manager, they’re desperate for points, that can become a difficult proposition.”
Team news
Owen Bevan and Jamie Reckord both miss out due to suspensions. Bevan will miss the next three games due to his red card, whilst Reckord will serve the final game of his suspension for picking up 10 yellow cards on Saturday.
On the injury front, Cooper confirmed Jack Clarke needed a rest and was only fit enough for a place on the substitutes bench on Tuesday night. The Chesterfield loanee will be hopeful he’s ready for action on Saturday afternoon, following a strong showing from him against Dagenham & Redbridge last weekend.
A foot in the opposition camp
This season hasn’t been the return to the National League that Maidstone imagined. Over the last ten games, Maidstone have picked up just three points from a possible 30; but have advanced in the FA Trophy, and proved far more competitive under interim manager Elokobi, falling to late defeats against both Wrexham and Torquay United.
Their main goal threat is Jack Barham, who has three goals in his last four outings for the Stones, including a double against the title favourites, Wrexham.
Have we met before?
Earlier this season, Yeovil Town were dealt late heartbreak in Mark Cooper’s first game in charge. After taking the lead through Alex Fisher, a stoppage time penalty by Regan Booty meant the game finished level.
Having just avoided playing each other in playing in league action, with both sides being relegated in 2019, the last meeting prior to this season came in 2015, as the two sides faced off in the FA Cup, where nine-man Yeovil Town beat the then National League South side 1-0 thanks to a goal from Wes Fogden.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online, linked HERE, until midday on match day. They can also be bought from the club shop in person during the week.
If purchasing after midday, supporters must visit the ticket office.
