Yeovil Town goalkeeper Jos Barker has declared that the Glovers do not fear any side in the National League after Saturday’s 1-0 win away at Kidderminster Harriers.
The victory moved Yeovil into fifth place in the National League Premier Division after five games. Substitute midfielder Johl Powell scored the match-winning goal, while Barker played a decisive part at the other end by making two important saves and recording his second clean sheet of the campaign.
Barker’s saves protect Yeovil’s lead
Barker denied Kidderminster midfielder Callum Dolan with a sharp first-half save before keeping out a header from striker Lewis Walker after the interval. His contribution proved just as important as Powell’s finish as Yeovil held on for the three points.
The goalkeeper and Powell celebrated the result in front of almost 500 travelling Yeovil supporters at Aggborough. Barker said the backing from the away end could be heard across the pitch, describing the final moments as particularly rewarding after the team had worked to protect its advantage.
“That was a big three points today. Our supporters were unbelievable today, I could hear them down the other end of the pitch. To have that moment at the end was good and the three points were obviously even bigger. We were just delighted to get that one over the line.”
Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Ian Randall after the match, Barker said his first save was his favourite because the ball came at him quickly and required an instinctive reaction.
“I liked the first one more, to be honest, just because it came at me so quickly. I just had to react on instinct. I was happy to help the team get that clean sheet and the three points.”
He also said he expected to be called upon during the game and believed Yeovil had dealt with Kidderminster’s threat effectively overall.
“I knew I’d have to make saves, which obviously is your job as a goalie, so I’m glad I made them. But I think, on the whole we dealt with it very well. I was ready to be called into action if needed.”
Home fixtures next for the Glovers
Yeovil will now return to Huish Park for two upcoming fixtures. Newly promoted Worthing are due to visit on Tuesday night, followed by a home match against Boston United next weekend.
Despite the demanding start to the season, Barker said Yeovil’s squad believed it could compete against every team in the division. He pointed to the quality available in attack and credited Powell for supplying the decisive moment at Kidderminster.
“I wouldn’t say we fear anyone. We go into every game wanting to get three points, that is always the aim. Obviously, it doesn’t always work out like that, but there’s definitely not a team that we necessarily fear.”