Vir'go' Away Happy

By Alex O'Loughlin
October 2 2010

Yeovil built on a promising performance in midweek to earn all three points in their first away victory of the season.

After earning a 1-1 draw with Southampton in midweek, Terry Skiverton made only once change with Andy Williams dropping out being replaced by former Walsall player Sam Williams.

This meant a new formation reverting to a 4-4-2 with Gavin Williams moving out to the right of midfield whilst namesake Sam moved upfront. 

The only other change was on the bench with Luke Freeman being chosen over Cameron Stewart who then sat in the stands as part of the number of loans rule.

Things almost started perfectly for the Glovers who almost snatched the lead through a well worked move. Dean Bowditch and Luke Ayling combined excellently to allow Williams to shot from the edge of the box. The Welshman's effort curled just wide of the goal.

Yeovil's early dominance of the proceedings seemed to inspire them with Andy Welsh next to go close with his header falling just wide.

Returning to the Bescot Stadium was Sam Williams who almost netted against his old side when he showed a glimmer of his talent. The big front man found himself out on the left wing only to weave inwards past several Walsall players only to see his shot blocked well. 

Moments later Williams almost scored again when he managed to get in front of his marker to poke a Dean Bowditch cross goal wards which 'keeper Jon Brain saved. 

Despite the Green and Whites early dominance they were almost made to pay when Julian Gray ran clear. However, 'keeper Henderson was alert and was swiftly off his line to deny the former Coventry man. 

Henderson was soon in the action again saving a Reuben Reid header from close range soon after Jon Macken had shot wide.

Overall, the first half half was dominated by the Glovers with their only downfall being their inability to find the net.

Half-time: Walsall 0-0 Yeovil Town

The Saddlers had obviously been given the hair dryer at half time and almost took the lead just minutes into the second period.

The otherwise spectator Stephen Henderson produced a superb double save to deny Matt Richards and Matt Nicholls with the rebound being deflected wide after Macken had met the ball. 

Just minutes later Henderson was yet again the hero when he denied Ryan McGivern as Walsall threatened to come alive.

Yeovil reacted brilliantly and should have found themselves in the lead when Shaun MacDonald broke the offside trap to find himself through on goal. However, the midfielder found his shot saved well by Jon Brain with the rebound being put embarrassingly wide by Andy Welsh despite the open goal.

As the seventy minute mark approached Skiverton withdrew Andy Welsh to introduce Andy Williams which meant Yeovil were now fielding three Williams'- Andy, Gavin and Sam.

And it was Gavin Williams who played a major part in Yeovil's goal.

Shaun MacDonald was fouled meaning that Gavin Williams stepped up to take it. His usually pinpoint delivery had been some what off thus far, but his delivery this time found Adam Virgo at the back post who headed in emphatically, becoming Yeovil's joint top scorer on three goals. 0-1.

A response was expected from Walsall but all they could muster was a shot come cross from Jon Macken which flew across the face of goal. 

Yeovil looked to secure the points by replacing Gavin Williams with defender Craig Alcock. 

The Glovers saw out the remainder of the game to please the 227 travelling fans, with the win coming at the start of a tricky run of games. Walsall now hold up the rest of the table but as the saying goes you can only beat what is in front of you which Yeovil did with a degree of ease. 

The win will be a welcomed confidence boost for fans and players alike who next travel to Rochdale where Yeovil played their first ever Football League game.