Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley says his side must become more clinical in front of goal after the Glovers were held to a 1-1 draw by Worthing at Huish Park on Tuesday night.
The result kept Yeovil in the National League play-off places as September drew to a close, but Rowley felt both teams had created enough chances to win the match. He said the main change required from his players was greater sharpness and conviction when opportunities arrived.
Yeovil fall behind before McGavin free-kick levels match
Worthing took the lead just before the half-hour mark when Razzaq Coleman De Graft’s tame effort from the edge of the box was spilled into his own net by Yeovil goalkeeper Jos Barker.
The Glovers made an ideal start to the second half, equalising through a Brett McGavin free-kick. The delivery fizzed into the box and deflected off Worthing defender Joe Cook before finding the net. Although the effort was on target, it was widely credited as an own goal.
McGavin is claiming the goal, according to the match report, and Rowley praised the midfielder’s ability from set pieces. The manager said McGavin was among the best ball strikers and set-piece takers he had seen in person, while suggesting the player could expect more goals and assists from his deliveries.
There were chances at both ends after the equaliser. Johl Powell came close to extending his recent scoring run for Yeovil, while defenders Ben Radcliffe and Jack Kingdon made important blocks to prevent Worthing from regaining the lead.
Rowley sees a positive performance despite mixed emotions
Speaking to BBC Somerset reporter Josh Perkins after the match, Rowley said he and Worthing manager Adam Hinshelwood had reached a similar view: either side could have taken all three points based on the chances created.
“I was just talking to Adam (Hinshelwood, the Worthing manager) and we both said the same thing, we both thought our side could have won it based on the chances we created. But, I think when I wake up tomorrow, I’ll probably think it is a good point, so there are mixed emotions.”
Rowley compared the open game to two boxers repeatedly looking for a knockout blow, with both teams leaving themselves vulnerable. He said the players had finished the match completely exhausted and described the contest as a strong advert for the league.
“I thought it was a great advert for the league. Both teams actually finished completely on empty. It was a good night of football.”
The manager also said the equaliser was a welcome start to the second half, but regretted that Yeovil could not maintain the momentum for longer. He praised McGavin’s delivery and said the midfielder would probably believe he should be producing even more from set pieces.
Boston United next at Huish Park
Yeovil’s next fixture is at home to Boston United on Saturday. Boston were held to a 1-1 draw at FC Halifax Town on Tuesday.
Rowley said he did not believe there was a long list of problems to solve. Instead, he wants the Glovers to retain the attacking approach they have shown while adding more cutting edge in the final stages of moves.
“I’m not sure there’s loads to improve, be a bit more clinical and we can finish this game with three or four goals but equally they could have scored a few as well. I think it’s more of the same, if we turn up and we’ve got a little bit more cutting edge to our attacking play and a little bit more conviction in our finishing, I expect us to score goals at home.”
He said supporters could see the team trying to put more balls into the box, run at opponents and play forward when possible. Rowley added that the intention against Boston would be to attack and score several goals.
Club captain Luke McCormick was again absent from the squad and has not featured in Yeovil’s last three matchday squads. Rowley has repeatedly described the midfielder as unavailable for selection because of an internal matter.
Asked by Perkins whether there had been any update, Rowley said there was no further information at that stage, but suggested an update could potentially be provided on Saturday.