Saturday 12th July | Pre-Season Friendly | Attendance: TBC

In what was an open and entertaining encounter, second-half goals from a Trialist, Harvey Greenslade, and Aaron Jarvis helped the Glovers to a third straight win, following earlier victories over Exmouth Town and Sherborne Town.

Mark Cooper named a strong starting XI featuring familiar faces from last season’s title-winning side, with new arrivals Kyle Ferguson, James Daly, and Tahvon Campbell included alongside two Trialists.

Yeovil started brightly and almost took the lead inside the opening five minutes. Campbell capitalised on a defensive lapse and drove into the box, but dragged his shot wide of the far post. Moments later, Brett McGavin was presented with a shooting opportunity after neat build-up play, though his effort from distance cleared the bar.

At the other end, Chippenham responded through Tom Owen-Evans, whose low drive was comfortably collected by Aidan Stone. However, the Glovers stopper could do little about the opener in the 14th minute. After a move down the left flank, Owen-Evans cut inside and fired a shot across goal that ricocheted in off the far post to give the hosts the lead.

Yeovil sought an immediate response, going close through Jake Wannell, who met a free-kick with a firm header that was saved by Will Henry – though the offside flag was already raised. A Trialist then had two good opportunities to draw the Glovers level, first curling an effort toward the far post which was saved, before a second attempt inside the area was blocked by the defence.

Despite enjoying the better of the possession, Yeovil found further clear-cut chances hard to come by as the half wore on. Chippenham almost doubled their lead on the break, but Stone produced a smart save to deny Harry Parsons in a one-on-one situation. McGavin then tested Henry again with a well-hit free-kick, only to be denied by the keeper’s outstretched hand.

Half Time: Chippenham Town 1–0 Yeovil Town

The Glovers made one change at the break, with Matt Gould replacing Stone between the sticks, while Chippenham introduced Ezio Touray for Parsons.

It took Yeovil less than two minutes to find the equaliser. A Trialist pressed well to win back possession high up the pitch and fed Campbell, who cut the ball back across goal for another Trialist to calmly slot home into the bottom corner.

But the hosts regained their lead just four minutes later. This time Owen-Evans turned provider, working the ball down the right and squaring to Touray, who tucked away a composed finish to make it 2-1.

The Glovers almost hit back again immediately when Charlie Cooper intercepted a pass out from Henry and was brought down inside the box. The referee pointed straight to the spot, but Campbell’s penalty was well saved by the Chippenham stopper – though replays may have suggested Henry had stepped off his line early.

A drinks break around the hour mark saw wholesale changes for Yeovil, with only Gould and Morgan Williams remaining from the XI that started the second half. The shift disrupted the rhythm of the game slightly, with both sides making multiple substitutions.

However, Yeovil regained momentum in the final 15 minutes. Harvey Greenslade, returning to the familiar surroundings of Hardenhuish Park, began to influence proceedings. He had one effort ruled out for offside before finally getting on the scoresheet in the 83rd minute. A well-delivered corner from a Trialist was met by Greenslade, who guided a glancing header into the far corner to level the game once more.

Greenslade almost completed a brace shortly after, rising to meet a deep cross but sending his header over the bar.

As the match approached its conclusion, Yeovil found one final opportunity—and took full advantage. Another inviting corner from the right caused problems in the box, with Finn Cousin-Dawson flicking the ball on for Aaron Jarvis, who instinctively poked it past the keeper to make it 3-2 in the final minute.

There was no time for a Chippenham response as the referee blew for full-time immediately after the restart, confirming another win for the Glovers in what has already proven to be a productive pre-season.

With three wins from three, Yeovil now look ahead to back-to-back home fixtures at Huish Park as they continue to build towards the start of the new season.

Final Score:Chippenham Town 2–3 Yeovil Town
Scorers:
Chippenham Town – Tom Owen-Evans (14’), Ezio Touray (51’)
Yeovil Town –  Trialist (47’), Harvey Greenslade (83’), Aaron Jarvis (90’)