Yeovil Town will return to Huish Park on Friday evening for a National League meeting with Solihull Moors, with manager Billy Rowley facing a defensive selection dilemma and warning his players not to underestimate the visitors.
The Glovers go into the fixture after a demanding performance against Aldershot, when they played for more than an hour with 10 men following a red card. Rowley said the team had produced a heroic display but believed the result did not reflect their performance, leaving them two points short of what their dominance deserved.
Defensive changes forced by injuries and suspension
Yeovil are without centre-back Joy Mukena, who is injured, while Loick Ayina will miss the match through a three-match suspension. Ben Radcliffe is also expected to be unavailable, and Ste Walker is likely to remain out of contention after illness.
The absences mean Rowley will have to move away from his usual defensive set-up. Young defender Jack Kingdon is among the players expected to have an opportunity to step into the side.
Rowley praised Kingdon’s professionalism and patience after a period waiting for a starting chance. He said the youngster had been learning how the squad works, what the team needs and how its patterns of play look, while stressing that he did not want to place unnecessary pressure on him.
“It’s a chance for a couple of the lads that have been sitting waiting for their opportunity. Jack Kingdon being one.”
The manager also said he had not yet finalised his team and would assess the available options in greater detail before the game. Several players are carrying minor knocks from Tuesday’s match, including winger Ryan Jones, who was forced off late.
Rowley still frustrated by Aldershot decisions
Although Rowley was proud of Yeovil’s response after going down to 10 men, he remains frustrated by incidents he believes influenced the result. He highlighted a challenge involving James Daly and the penalty involving Ryan Jones, arguing that both decisions went against his side.
“We should be stood here with three points from Tuesday night.”
Rowley said Yeovil had been outstanding during the opening 30 minutes and could have taken a two-goal lead. He accepted that refereeing was difficult but felt several decisions had been costly.
He also acknowledged that reviewing the second half was complicated by the dismissal and the way the match changed after Yeovil were reduced to 10 players.
Friday atmosphere expected to lift the Glovers
The match will be played beneath the newly installed floodlights at Huish Park, and Rowley said he and his squad were looking forward to the atmosphere created by a Friday-night crowd.
He described having built a strong connection with supporters, including regular conversations with familiar faces and signing programmes before matches. Rowley also praised the condition of the Huish Park pitch this season.
“It’s brilliant. It is so much fun. I’ve built a real good connection with a lot of supporters there now.”
Solihull Moors sit lower than Yeovil in the National League table, but Rowley warned that their position does not tell the whole story. He pointed to the visitors’ chance-creation figures and described their league standing as a “false position”.
Solihull will also arrive with confidence after a midweek victory over Barrow, adding to the challenge facing a Yeovil squad managing injuries, suspension and the physical effects of Tuesday’s match.
Despite those concerns, Rowley believes his side has enough depth to respond. He said the Glovers had shown glimpses of quality without yet reaching top gear, while relationships and partnerships on the pitch were beginning to develop.
“We definitely haven’t hit anywhere near top gear yet.”
With selection decisions still to be made, Yeovil will aim to use home advantage to secure all three points against Solihull Moors.