Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley says his squad are “in a good place” as the Glovers prepare to visit Kidderminster Harriers this weekend, with the team aiming to follow two emphatic victories with back-to-back league wins.
Rowley was speaking to BBC Somerset reporter Ed Hadwin on Thursday after Yeovil beat Solihull Moors 4-1 at home last Friday and then recorded a 7-0 victory over Radstock Town in the Somerset Men’s Premier Cup on Tuesday night.
The cup match featured eight members of Yeovil’s first-team squad and gave several players important minutes. Striker Ste Walker returned to action with a goal, while the result also provided an opportunity for players who have had limited involvement to press their claims.
Injuries and suspensions shape squad options
Captain Luke McCormick remains “unavailable for selection” because of what Rowley described as “an internal matter”. Defender Loick Ayina is serving the second match of a three-game suspension following his red card at Aldershot Town, and centre-half Joy Mukena is absent through injury.
There was better news concerning Ben Radcliffe. The Crawley Town defender, who is on loan at Yeovil, has missed the last two matches because of injury but will be available for the trip to Kidderminster.
Midfielder Joe Haigh is also moving closer to a return. Haigh joined Yeovil in the summer and has not played since undergoing surgery. Rowley said he is training hard and completing change-of-direction work as he approaches a return to full training.
Strong cup side gives fringe players a chance
Rowley said the decision to field a strong team at Radstock was designed to give first-team players meaningful competitive minutes rather than a behind-closed-doors fixture without supporters or the same intensity.
He highlighted Jack Kingdon as an example of a player benefiting from circumstances in the squad. With Mukena and Radcliffe injured and Ayina suspended, Kingdon came into the side and produced a performance against Solihull that earned him a place in the team of the week.
“We’re in a good place and ready for the game now.”
Rowley said the unusual schedule, including a weekend without a match before the cup tie, had allowed the players two days’ rest. He added that training had been excellent and that the squad had completed its preparation for the weekend.
Kidderminster provide a demanding away challenge
Yeovil’s next opponents are newly promoted Kidderminster, who reached the National League after winning last season’s National League North play-offs. They are managed by former Glovers midfielder Paul Wotton.
Kidderminster have made a strong start at Aggborough, winning three and drawing two of their opening five home matches. Rowley described the fixture as a standard National League away game in which Yeovil will need to perform at their best to take anything from it.
“As a group, as a management team, we expect and we want to win every game of football.”
The manager acknowledged that results do not always follow that ambition, but said winning remains the aim and the basis of Yeovil’s game plan for the visit to the Midlands.