MATCH PREVIEW | YEOVIL TOWN

Vanarama National League action returns to The Hive Stadium this Tuesday night (7:45pm) as the Bees take on Yeovil Town in a midweek league clash.

Barnet secured a convincing 3-0 away win over Oldham Athletic in the Vanarama National League after a strong second-half performance.

The first half was a challenging one for Barnet, with Oldham creating early pressure.

Goalkeeper Owen Evans made several key saves, including a couple of catches from dangerous crosses.

Barnet had their chances too, with Callum Stead’s header saved by Oldham’s keeper Tom Donaghy, and captain Antony Hartigan testing the goalkeeper from outside the box.

The first half ended goalless, with both goalkeepers in fine form.

However, Barnet came out revitalized after the break, as on the 50th minute, Zak Brunt dribbled past three defenders and scored with a powerful strike to give Barnet the lead.

Just moments later, Callum Stead doubled the advantage with a brilliant curling shot into the top corner.

The Bees continued to dominate, and in the 82nd minute, Hartigan delivered a corner that Adebola Oluwo headed home to make it 3-0.

Despite late efforts from Oldham, Barnet maintained control and secured a vital three points on the road.

Barnet’s last five results:

Oldham Athletic 0-3 Barnet FC

Rochdale 0-4 Barnet FC

Barnet FC 3-1 York City

Barnet FC 3-1 Solihull Moors

Boston United 0-0 Barnet

From the dugout:

Connor Smith’s pre-match interview can be viewed HERE!

Yeovil Town:

Yeovil Town ended up with just the one point at the weekend as they drew 2-2 with Southend United, after coming back from a goal down in the first minute.

The Glovers had a rocky start, as Leon Chambers-Parillon’s ball set up for Charley Kendall, slotting the ball away and giving Southend the lead within the first 40 seconds of the match.

However, the Glovers quickly responded, equalizing in the 13th minute through Kyran Wilson’s one-on-one finish against Southend’s and ex Barnet goalkeeper Nick Hayes.

Just five minutes later, Frank Nouble put the Glovers ahead with a well-placed finish from Ciaran McGuckin’s cross.

Frank Nouble was also crucial at the other end, making a vital goal-line clearance to prevent an equalizer.

As the game reached the hour mark, Glover’s goalkeeper Aidan Stone pulled off a great save, to keep his side in the running for the three points.

The second half saw Southend create chances, with James Golding missing a header in the 63rd minute.

Southend pushed hard in injury time, and in the 94th minute, Golding redeemed himself with a 20-yard strike to secure a late equalizer, leaving the match 2-2.

Yeovil Town’s last five results:

Yeovil Town 2-2 Southend United

Maidenhead 0-2 Yeovil Town

Yeovil Town 2-1 Tamworth

Yeovil Town 1-2 Wealdstone

Dagenham & Redbridge 1-1 Yeovil Town

In the opposition dugout:

Ex footballer and experienced manager Mark Cooper will be in the dugout for the Glovers this Tuesday night with his assistant Chris Todd alongside him.

Mark Cooper, who became Yeovil Town’s manager in October 2022, has faced significant challenges as the club competes in the National League.

At the end of the 2022/23 season, the club found themselves relegated from the National League and going down to the National League South.

Despite a tough period, Cooper has worked to build a competitive team at Yeovil.

In November 2023, Cooper led the Glovers to 14 consecutive wins in the National League South, which earned him the league’s manager of the month award for October.

By April 2024, he led the club to a 1^st place finish in the league, winning the competition and securing a spot back in the Vanarama National League for the 2024/25 season.

Ones to watch:

Glovers’ defensive midfielder Brett McGavin and centre forward Aaron Jarvis are the clubs leading top goal scorers in the league so far this season.

The pair have both scored 7 goals in the league this season, with McGavin also securing 3 assists and Jarvis securing 2 assists.

McGavin has made 35 appearances this season averaging a goal every 380 minutes, and Jarvis has made 25 appearances averaging a goal every 276 minutes.

Last time these two sides met:

Barnet faced Yeovil Town away in a competitive clash in the Vanarama National League back in late November.

The game started with Yeovil earning an early set piece in the game, but Bees defender Ade Oluwo was able to clear it away.

Ryan Glover had the first shot of the match, but his effort went wide.

But short after Barnet took the lead in the 10th minute when Ryan Glover found the back of the net the second time round, after slotting it in from defelcted Bailey Hobson’s shot.

Yeovil struggled to find their rhythm, with Ollie Wright making a key save to deny Callum Stead.

Barnet came close to doubling their lead in the 23rd minute when Nicke Kabamba’s header went just over, and Hobson’s shot missed the target.

Despite last minute efforts from Yeovil, Barnet took the lead into the break with the score at 0-1.

In the second half, Yeovil started stronger, with James Plant and Ed James having chances, but their shots went wide of the target, keeping them behind in the game.

Barnet looked to respond through Rhys Browne, but his effort was saved by the Glover’s goalkeeper.

Yeovil’s persistence paid off when James Plant scored from a loose ball in the box, equalizing in the 72nd minute.

However, Barnet quickly regained the lead, with Danny Collinge heading in a cross from Anthony Hartigan.

Yeovil nearly equalized in the final moments, but their header hit the post. Barnet held on for a 2-1 win, regaining the top spot in the Vanarama National League table.

Dean Brennan’s Bees will be wanting to continue their strong run of form back on home ground this Tuesday night, extending their spot at the top of the league and adding more points to the table.

This Tuesday is the last chance for season ticket holders to get a 50% off matchday ticket for a friend or family member to watch the Bees in action.

And this Saturday, March 8th, tickets for our home fixture against Dagenham & Redbridge are just £5 for adults and only £1 for kids!

So come on down to The Hive Stadium, show Dean and the Bees all your support and bring the noise, lets get The Hive rocking!

COYB!