25th October 2020

A brace for Hughes but Glovers fall to another league defeat against Cheltenham

Following a narrow FA Youth Cup defeat in midweek, the U18’s returned to league action against Cheltenham still seeking their first league points of the season.

Amidst wet and blustery conditions, Cheltenham took the early lead when a cross shot was stabbed home from 5 yards by the visiting striker. Yeovil regrouped and were unlucky to see a goal by Omba ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper following a corner. On 22 minutes, and after a spell of pressure, Cheltenham extended their lead from a corner with a towering header from the visiting centre back. The home side suffered a further setback from a set piece when a near post header made it 0-3.

Yeovil dug deep and managed to grab a penalty in the 30th minute after Aborra was bundled to the floor. Just as he did the week before, Hughes dispatched the penalty and Yeovil could sense a comeback on the cards, 1-3.  The home side were beginning to string some passes together and Lloyd had a great chance to further reduce the arrears but the keeper made a great save from his stinging shot.  However, Cheltenham gave a reminder of their attacking strength when hitting the post with successive shots as the half drew to a close.

Team Manager Mark Challen sent Haste on for Lloyd to start the second half and the young striker was quick into the action seeing a goal-bound shot expertly blocked in defence. Medrano saw his header sail just over from the resulting corner as the home side continued to press. As the conditions continued to play a part, Shock saw red for what the referee deemed was a dangerous tackle, and the Young Glovers were now very much facing an uphill task. 

To their credit the home side never gave up and on 70 minutes, following a great run down the right from Aborra, Hughes grabbed his second of the day with a smart finish into the corner to make the score 2-3. Cheltenham made some changes as the half wore on and this paid dividends with what proved to be the decisive goal in the 80th minute. Following a neat one-two down the left, one of the substitute players finished smartly into the bottom corner leaving the score at 2-4. Understandably, this seemed to knock the stuffing out of the home side and Cheltenham got their 5th in the dying moments after a strong run through midfield. 

 

GLOVERS U18: Nasta, Graziano, Callow, Famy (Crane 82), Omba, Medrano (C), Aborra, Guppy, Lloyd (Haste 45), Hughes, Shock.

Yeovil will be away to face Swindon Town next Saturday 31st October.