8th February 2023

Yeovil Town advanced in the National League U19’s Cup with a 4-1 victory over Boreham Wood at Alvington.

Three first half goals from the red hot forward Charlie Bateson, defender Jacob Shore and Benjani Jr built a comfortable advantage for the Glovers.

The second half saw Josh Haskett add a fourth before the visiting Wood snuck in a consolation from a set piece.

Manager Matt Percival had the luxury of adding first team pros Ollie Haste, Toby Stephens to his squad, due to the competition allowing 19-year-olds, along with a welcome return for dual-reg loanees Benjani Jr, Rob Hollard, Jake Graziano and Sam Hodges.

It was a bright afternoon at Alvington, and the young Yeovil Town side started even more brightly. Bateson continued his hot streak in front of goal with just five minutes played, he latched onto a cross and poked the ball under the goalkeeper to give the Glovers the lead.

At the other end, Boreham Wood looked to play through the Yeovil press, but ultimately failed as the Yeovil Town defence and midfield worked hard to win the ball back quickly.

As the half grew on, Yeovil began mounting a sustained spell of pressure, Haskett struck the crossbar and a string of corners caused havoc in the Wood box.

Ultimately, the pressure told as Percival’s side grabbed a second. Shore rose highest from a corner and headed beyond the Boreham Wood ‘keeper to extend the Yeovil advantage with 40 minutes on the clock.

Just two minutes later, two became three through Benjani Jr. After the ball was cleared following a Wood set-piece, Benjani broke free and lofted the ball over the goalkeeper to add some more shine to the scoreline.

The second half saw Yeovil continue as they started, but it took another 20 minutes to find the back of the net again. Substitute Stephens’ free-kick was met by Haste who looked for Ethan O’Sullivan, his first time effort was saved, but Haskett was there to follow up and make it four.

In fairness to the visitors, they never gave up and got a deserved goal moments later following a well-worked set play.

In the dying embers, the visitors even struck the bar with an effort from distance, but it wasn’t to be for the Hertfordshire outfit, who were well beaten in Somerset by Yeovil Town.

Yeovil Town: Hollard, Hunter, Dyer, Shore, Haste, Graziano, Hodges, Bateson, Benjani, Haskett, O’Sullivan.

Subs: Witcombe, Alden, Stephens, Stevens, Foster