Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley praised his players after the Glovers produced a 4-1 victory over Solihull Moors, describing the performance as a “top performance” for much of the game.
The win followed a demanding schedule of three games in six days. Yeovil led 1-0 at half-time before an increase in energy after the hour mark helped the home side pull away. Rowley said the players had put in a lot of effort and were rewarded with the result.
Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Jack Killah, Rowley said Yeovil had benefited when Solihull changed shape and moved to a man-for-man approach. The manager felt that created space in the channels, which his players began to exploit more effectively as the match progressed.
“We’re looking at the space they’re leaving. They changed shape and went man-for-man, there was so much space in the channel. We just needed to use it a little bit more, and we started to do that. We got loads more joy, we put them on the back foot again, and we got the momentum back. So, yeah, really, really happy with the lads overall tonight. I thought it was, for the most part, like a top performance.”
Rowley praises players and supporters
Rowley said the squad had been carrying tired bodies and tired minds, making the weekend break particularly well timed. He also praised the atmosphere and the connection between the team and the supporters during the win.
“There’s a lot of tired bodies and tired minds in there. I think they can really look forward to this Saturday and Sunday off. It’s come at a good time for them. I think they fully deserve that. I thought the support and togetherness of like the fans and the group tonight was exceptional. I thought the noise was great. It was just a really good night for us, but they’re absolutely shattered in there, for sure.”
Jack Kingdon made his full debut and received particular praise from the manager. Rowley said Kingdon had waited patiently for his opportunity and had continued to behave professionally even when left out of the squad. He also noted that the player celebrated with teammates when Yeovil scored, despite not being involved.
Rowley said Kingdon deserved the enjoyment and happiness brought by both his performance and the result.
James Daly was another standout performer. The manager praised Daly’s energy, pressing and willingness to chase lost causes, while also highlighting his athleticism, left-footed ability and tendency to take opponents on from the outside.
Rowley also pointed to the contrast between Daly’s direct running and Jonesy’s guile, agility and reverse passing. He said the combination had helped Yeovil open up the pitch and create problems for Solihull.
Young players make an impact
The manager also singled out Johl Powell, Charlie Lennon and Mason Obeng, who came on late in the match. Powell scored Yeovil’s third goal, which Rowley described as an excellent finish after a difficult take on the opposite side. He also praised Powell’s instinct to follow up on a goalkeeper’s fumble.
Rowley said he had known Powell since the player was 12 and had coached him at a previous club before bringing him to Yeovil. Powell had been frustrated by limited opportunities, partly because of the form of Jonesy and Archie on the right side, but the manager said he had shown patience and taken his chance at an important moment.
Charlie Lennon, who joined on loan, was praised for his attitude after coming on. Rowley said Lennon ran at opponents, kept the ball in tight spaces and contributed to the final goal. Mason Obeng was also included among the players whose late appearances impressed the manager.
Rowley attributed Lennon’s limited opportunities to the current form and goalscoring and assist records of Daly, Mason and Jonesy, rather than to any lack of effort from the loan player.
Own goal the only disappointment
The only blemish for Yeovil was an own goal from Jos Barker. Rowley said Barker would be disappointed not to keep a clean sheet, but he was not concerned about the mistake in the context of a convincing victory.
The manager noted that Barker’s usual strengths are crosses and aerial balls. He also suggested the defender may have helped prevent a goal shortly before the own goal by tipping an effort around the post for a corner, from which Solihull subsequently scored.
Rowley said mistakes were part of football and that Barker should not be blamed for the incident.
Attention now turns to the County Cup on Tuesday, when Rowley confirmed Yeovil are likely to field a very young side. He added that the squad should be larger in numbers for the following week’s match against Kidderminster.