Yeovil out of drop zone
YEOVIL Town climbed out of the relegation zone with their second win in four days in a hard fought match against local rivals Plymouth Argyle who are themselves now in serious trouble.
In a scrappy game which had the hallmark of two struggling sides, Yeovil showed that little bit more composure in the second half to claim the points with an Andy Williams goal that was indicative of the match, bundling the ball home from close range at the second attempt.
The Glovers were once again indebted to a wonderful display from keeper Stephen Henderson who brought off a string of fine saves, none better than from Stephane Zubar eight minutes from time.
The Pilgrims’ full-back appeared to have salvaged a point with a thumping header, but Henderson, almost as if in slow motion, took off to his right to claw the ball away for a superbly breathtaking save.
The Bristol City loanee has been an important feature in Yeovil’s upturn in form, and followed up a good display at Sheffield Wednesday with another match winning performance in the 2-1 victory over Brentford at Griffin Park on Saturday.
Paul Huntingdon and Max Ehmer, looking more and more like the Steven Caulker of last year, were once again cool and solid at the back, going about their job with efficiency and without fuss.
Paul Wotton, playing against his old club for the second time in a month once again showed what an influential and calm player he is.
His experience and steel in midfield I think has been one of the main reasons for the Glovers' turnaround in fortune, and manager Terry Skiverton must be delighted to have signed him permanently on contract until the end of next season.
The Pilgrims' fans were disappointed that he was allowed to leave the club when he did, and gave him generous applause when the teams were announced.
Unfortunately he was not appreciated by everyone, and Yannick Bolasie was sent-off in added time for spitting in his face, a vile and cowardly act. The Zimbabwean was lucky to have lasted that long however following a series of niggly and sly fouls that went unpunished during the match.
Transfer deadline loanee signing Andy Tutte was given a run after arriving from Manchester City and showed some neat touches whilst Alex Russell showed his experience could be vital when he came on for the last half hour.
Norwich striker Ollie Johnson has received some good press in his time at Huish on loan, and having missed the Rochdale game I had not seen play.
Whilst everyone is entitled to a bad match, I must say I was disappointed with his performance. Whilst his speed is an undoubted asset, I thought his first touch which was often heavy let him down, and he looked lightweight in his tackling; that’s when he did actually commit himself.
With just one defeat in eight league games things are looking up for Yeovil. With another clean sheet, making six in that sequence, of which Luke Ayling and Nathan Smith should also be given credit, it appears Yeovil now have a solid base to work from.
Charlton on Saturday will be another tough test particularly as they have just signed Bradley Wright-Phillips from Plymouth in the transfer window on Monday.
He was Argyle’s most prolific scorer and scored the winner on his debut for the Addicks at the Valley on Tuesday against Colchester United.
Former Congolese international Jean-Paul Kalala has left the club and joined Bristol Rovers. The midfielder who had two spells at Huish Park played 95 times for the Glovers.
Mike Micciche has been appointed Yeovil Town’s first team physio until the end of the season. He replaces Simon Barker who has left the club to go travelling.
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