Match Preview: Yeovil Town v. Exeter City

football back at Huish
By Alex O'Loughlin
January 22 2010

Yeovil return to Huish Park for the first time since putting four past Wycmobe nearly a month ago.

This time the Glovers will face stronger opposition in Exeter City who hit the headlines last weekend when they beat league leaders Leeds United.

Whilst the Grecians defeated the Elland Road outfit, Yeovil prepared for their mid week clash as their game against Tranmere was cancelled.

The Glovers away form has become a major issue with the last win back in October with a local victory over Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Ground. Since then the Glovers have drawn 2 and lost 5. Only 8 of Yeovil's 28 points has been earnt away from home.

However, at Huish Park the Green and Whites have become a formidable force losing just 2 at home in the league. Notably holding Norwich to a 3-3 draw and also drawing with Charlton.

Despite only 35 miles between the two clubs, Saturday's match will be the first time Exeter have played at Huish Park since 1934 when Yeovil were up to their FA Cup antics knocking out the Grecians.

Returning to the 21st century, back in August Yeovil grabbed a 1-1 draw at St. James' after Ryan Mason stunned the Exeter crowd with a delightful equaliser.

Added to the close geographical circumstances of the game, Exeter also have 3 ex-Yeovil players. Manager Paul Tisdale played just over a dozen games for the Green and Whites back in 2000 before leaving.

Adam Stansfield was on the score sheet at Villa Park when Yeovil lifted the FA Trophy back in 2002. Unfortunately Adam broke a leg the following season and missed out on the Conference winning campaign due to a broken leg. Several clubs later and Stansfield is now at Exeter and will be hoping to score against his old club.

Another well known face is Marcus Stewart, who was an instant success after originally joining on loan from Bristol City. In the 2006/07 campaign Marcus played a large role in getting the Glovers into the play-offs. But arguably his most memorable moment was heading the equaliser at Nottingham Forest in the play-offs, forcing extra time. Which of course yeovil won.

Saturday's match promises to be entertaining with both sides prefering to play open attacking football. Yeovil will be looking to bounce back after a mid week defeat to Leyton Orient, and bring Exeter back to reality after beating Leeds.