De Ja Vu For You!

By Alex O'Loughlin
September 27 2010

With Yeovil entertaining Exeter City at home for the second time this season, it proved to be a case of De Ja Vu.

Last month the Glovers lost 3-1 at home to the Grecians in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, and the scoreline was again repeated. 

The day marked the last time that Adam Stansfield would be formally remembered, with both clubs playing tribute to the former striker. Special shirts were worn on the day, and are to be auctioned of with proceeds going to the Adam Stansfield Foundation.

Before the game, Yeovil were forced into a change with captain Craig Alcock having to pull out with a back injury. Stefan Stam came into the side with Adam Virgo moving over to right back, whilst Paul Huntington took the captains armband. 

With Exeter continuing with their 3-5-2 formation which stifled the Glovers in the trophy match, Terry Skiverton attempted to over rule this by fielding his 4-5-1 formation, with Dean Bowditch upfront by himself. 

The game was slow start with neither side creating many chances with Owain Tudur Jones having the only Yeovil shot early on. 

Just past the fifteen minute it looked a banker that Yeovil would take the lead. Nathan Smith deployed a defence splitting ball which was met by Dean Bowditch who was now through on goal. The Yeovil top scorer rounded the 'keeper and looked like rolling in the ball. However, defender Troy Archibald-Henville had recovered and tackled Bowditch superbly just as the front man shot. 

This started a flurry of chances when from the resulting corner Paul Huntington saw his his header cleared off the line. A mini scramble was then eventually cleared. 

As most away sides do, Exeter used the counter attack as a main weapon. 

After Yeovil had pressed forward, the Grecians countered in numbers and eventually Scott Golbourne crossed to find Richard Logan who slotted home with the outside of his boot, ending a potent attack. 0-1.

A moment of individual brilliance almost got the Green and Whites back into the game, when Nathan Smith set off on one of his weaving runs. After he lurched past three or four defenders Smtih shot at goal with his effort going just over the bar. 

Just a few minutes after that Yeovil had the ball in the net, after Bowditch had finished well only to be denied by the linesman.

Unlike previous games, Gavin Williams seemed to be playing in a deeper position, with Bowditch seeming isolated up front. 

It was almost Williams who levelled for Yeovil though when he was allowed space to shoot from some way out with his effort cannoning off the bar. 

Despite having five in midfield, the bite of JP Kalala was seemingly missing, with the creative flare of previous matches eluding them.

Set pieces seemed the most likely form of equaliser, and that was nearly the case when Gavin Williams' curling free-kick was headed off the line.

Half Time: Yeovil Town 0-1 Exeter City

The Glovers began the brighter of the two sides in the second half, with Andy Williams going close twice with headers after good work down the left wing from Andy Welsh.

With things not working out as planned, Skiverton introduced Sam Williams back from suspension, ironically after receiving a red card against Exeter in the cup. 

His impact was immediate when he earned his side a free-kick. From the resulting free-kick he rose highest to head home Gavin Williams cross. 1-1.

Much like the Johnstone Paint Trophy fixture, the Glovers conceded immediately. Almost from the kick off, Gavin Williams was caught dithering in midfield, which Bertie Kozic took advantage of. His strong run led him to pass to Richard Logan, who had eluded the Yeovil defence to fire home his second of the day. 1-2.

Skiverton arguably got his tactics wrong, as he decided to still play one up front and play top scorer Dean Bowditch on the right wing.

The game was soon over when Jamie Cureton found space in the box too easily before floating a ball over everyone apart from Ryan Harley who couldn't miss from a yard. 1-3.

Luke Freeman and Luke Ayling were introduced for Andy Welsh and Shaun MacDonald respectively in a bid to get back in the game.

Although a comeback was never going to happen with Yeovil continuing a dismal performance. 

It was almost four late on when Jamie Cureton fired a shot goal wards only to be denied by the post.

Full Time: Yeovil Town 1-3 Exeter City

Terry Skiverton will be concerned with his teams inability to defend effectively, ironic as both him and assistant manager Nathan Jones are both defenders. Throughout the game Yeovil seemed confused as to whether play passing football or direct football, with nether proving effective. The Glovers can boast the worst goal difference in the league, something which they hope to start to amend in Tuesday's match against Southampton.