16th April 2017

 

Easter Monday’s clash with Crewe Alexandra provides an instant opportunity for the Glovers to once again pull away from the relegation zone.

With the gap now at four points after defeat to Newport County on Good Friday, Darren Way’s side will be eager to take their points tally to 49, a step closer to the coveted 50-point mark.

Having missed the trip to Portsmouth a fortnight ago, Ryan Dickson and Shayon Harrison returned in Wales, whilst Otis Khan made his first start since returning from an ankle injury. 

Young ‘keeper Jonny Maddison made his EFL debut in the absence of Artur Krysiak who picked up a training ground ankle injury in the lead up to the match against County. 

In difficult circumstances, Nathan Smith made his 250th Yeovil appearance whilst Matty Dolan moved on to 99 ahead of the visit of the Railwaymen.

David Artell’s side have enjoyed mixed results in the last 10 games, winning on four occasions and losing five times. 

Good Friday’s 2-2 draw with Notts County represented their only share of the spoils within that time, leaving them two places above Town with three extra points on the board.

Much like Yeovil, Alexandra flirted with the top seven spots in the opening months of the season before a disappointing slump in form towards the end of 2016 which saw manager Steve Davis replaced in early January. 

Goals have been a consistent part of Crewe’s last 10 games, only failing to score on one occasion, with marksman Chris Dagnall their top scorer with 13 goals in all competitions having enjoyed an upturn in form in recent months. 

Head-to-head

Town have come up against Crewe on 11 occasions since entering the Football League, with 10 of those clashes coming in Sky Bet League Two. 

In fact, the Glovers 1-0 win at Gresty Road courtesy of Dolan’s free-kick was the first League Two encounter between the two sides.

Overall, Yeovil have won six of the 11 meetings with Alexandra boasting four victories, leaving just one stalemate which came back in 2006 when Kieffer Moore’s equaliser earned a point at Huish Park.

Referee

Lee Swabey (Devon) will take charge of proceedings at Huish Park for his 12th game of the season.

The Easter fixture will be the third occasion this season Mr Swabey has officiated a game involving Town, having overseen the 4-1 Checkatrade Trophy win against MK Dons and 3-0 home defeat to Doncaster Rovers. 

The referee has issued 40 yellow and three red cards so far this campaign, including one for Dons’ Samir Carruthers against the Glovers back in December.

Mr Swabey will be assisted by Michael Webb and Daniel Leach (Oxfordshire) with Andrew Quin (Devon) acting as fourth official. 

Coverage

On matchday, minute-by-minute updates will be provided on YTFC’s official Twitter account which can be found here, with additional updates available via YTFC’s 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

With the ticket office closed until Easter Monday, purchases can be made online only. Fans can buy tickets on the day from the Huish Park ticket office either in person or by calling 01935 847888, with no additional matchday charge until 12 midday.