Yeovil Town captain Luke McCormick was left out of the squad entirely for the club’s game against Solihull Moors after manager Billy Rowley described the decision as tactical.
The skipper was not named in the starting XI or on the bench for the match. Speaking before kick-off, Rowley told BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah that although the squad had been affected by injuries, McCormick was not among those injured.
Kingdon handed first start
Defender Jack Kingdon was handed his first start for Yeovil Town. He had made only one substitute appearance since arriving in the summer.
Rowley said Kingdon had trained particularly well over the previous six weeks and had earned the opportunity. The manager also pointed to the competition for places in defence, with Ben Radcliffe, Loick Ayina, Hayden Muller and Joy able to play in the same area.
“We’ve had a bit of bad luck sort of around the training ground with injuries, but Luke’s a tactical one. We’ve looked at the game and the opposition and this week’s training and that’s it is what it is.”
Rowley said he expected Kingdon to perform well and praised the defender’s attitude and background.
“I just made a point in front of the players, he is the best model pro you could wish for. He’s trained brilliantly in the last six weeks. He has deserved more chances than he’s been given, but that’s what happens when you’ve got good players like Ben Radcliffe, like Loick (Ayina), Hayden (Muller) can obviously play there and Joy. So, Jack has had to wait for his chance and I fully expect a good performance from Jack. He’s really level-headed and and he’s had a great pedigree.”
Yeovil dealing with several absences
Loick Ayina was unavailable through suspension after his red card at Aldershot Town. Mukena was also missing and is expected to be out for “weeks” because of an injury.
Striker Ste Walker was absent from the squad after missing Yeovil’s 1-1 draw at Aldershot Town because of illness.
There was a place on the bench for Under-19s striker Liam Nardiello. Rowley said Nardiello had trained well the previous day and had been involved with the senior group during the previous season.
Yeovil are due to play Radstock at home in the Somerset Men’s Premier Cup on Tuesday night, and Rowley said the club’s limited numbers had helped create an opportunity for Nardiello to be part of the squad against Solihull Moors.
“He trained really well yesterday. We’ve got a a Somerset Men’s Premier Cup game against Radstock on Tuesday night here and he’s been with us last season a little bit. We’re obviously low on numbers, but he’s got good energy and we felt like he could be part of this squad tonight.”
The team selection was reported by Gloverscast, with Kingdon pictured warming up before the match. The photograph was credited to Indy Pitman of Indy’s Visuals.