The Bees will travel to face Yeovil Town in the Vanarama National League this Saturday and we have created this Away Guide full of the key information you’ll need if you’re joining us on the road.
STADIUM
Huish Park, Lufton Way, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8YF
NICKNAME
The Glovers
COLOURS
Green & White
KEY PERSONNEL
Darren Sarll is the current manager of Yeovil Town after joining in 2018. The 38-year-old has also enjoyed time in charge of Stevenage FC.
As a player, Sarll came through the youth set up at Ipswich Town before spending most of his career in non-league for the likes of Bedford Town, St. Albans City, Chelmsford City and Hemel Hempstead Town.
BRIEF DIRECTIONS BY ROAD AND TRAIN
Come out of London on the M3 and onto junction 8 and the A303. Head past Andover and stay on the A303.
Stonehenge is very visible to your right on this road and is worth a stop for a brew if you can. It always reminds me of the Town End at Southbury Road!
Eventually exit the A303 at the Cartgate roundabout, A3088 signposted for Yeovil.
You will see brown direction signs everywhere and should have no difficulty getting to the stadium and the car park if you follow them.
From London Waterloo, Yeovil has two train stations. Yeovil Junction (situated 2-3 miles outside of the town) and Pen Mill Junction (about a mile outside the town centre).
Both are a long trek from the ground and about two-and-a-half hours from London. A frequent bus service is available from Yeovil Junction to Yeovil Bus Station where you can pick up the football special bus service, which will take you to the stadium.
CAR PARKING
There will be a car park at Huish Park that is designated to Bees fans. Follow the ‘Away Supporters’ sign when approaching the stadium before paying £3 to the steward on the gate.
GROUND DESCRIPTION
Both sides of the ground are served by single tiered all-seater stands that look similar.
At one end is the Thatchers Gold Stand which is the home fans stronghold. Opposite is the Martin Baker Terrace, which is uncovered and often given to away fans.
Covered seating accommodation for visitors is also available in the Screwfix Community Stand.
EAT AND DRINK
There is very little by way of this type of entertainment near to the ground and it was always difficult to gain entry to the social club too – still is according to other visiting supporters.
The Airfield or The Arrow are the local pubs. For those driving in on the A37, The Halfway House is about halfway between Ilchester and Yeovil. You will see it on the left side of the road and it’s recommended by Yeovil Town.
The Reckless recommendation, if you make time, is the superb Carpenters Arms which is located on Vagg Lane, Chilthorne Domer, BA21 3PX.
The pub is quaint, the menu is lovely and the food tastes good too! The Butcombe Beer range is outstanding although it can be quite expensive.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS AND MEMORIES
The last two meetings in the 2020/21 season ended in two defeats. We lost 3-1 away and 4-1 at The Hive London.
A previous memorable visit was in an FA Second Round tie in December 2003 when dozens of Bees fans, who were wearing Santa hats, witnessed a 5-1 defeat. Peter Beadle was our goal scorer that afternoon and Martin Allen was the manager.
A very one sided 4-1 victory in December 1990 featured a ‘Don’t Flinch It’s Tony Lynch’ hat-trick.
In fact, during top flight non-league games between Yeovil and the Bees, the average goals per game was over four, including two 4-4 draws at Underhill in 1981 and 1983.
Who remembers Steve Ragan breaking the goalpost in October 1983? The match was suspiciously abandoned with the Bees leading 1-0 as no repairs or substitute post was available! The replayed game ended 4-2 with Steve Mahoney grabbing a hat-trick.
CELEBRITY WATCH & FASCINATING FACTS
The Club’s nickname originated from the town’s famous glove making industry and is a little known fact that in the 1830s over 3 million pairs of gloves were fashioned each year.
In regards to celebrities, England cricket legend Sir Ian Botham went to school in Yeovil at Buckler’s Mead Comprehensive and played for the club too.
Former Bees who played here include Colin Barnes, Glyn Creaser, Giuliano Grazioli, Scott Loach, Izale McLeod, Bondz N’Gala.
Enjoy the match, ‘Reckless’
