Wednesday 9th July | Pre-Season Friendly | Attendance: 965

Making the short trip to face the Wessex League side, Yeovil fielded a starting XI comprising a mixture of youth, trialists, and first-team players including Kyle Ferguson, Josh Sims, Finn Cousin-Dawson, and Harvey Greenslade.

The Glovers looked to impose themselves early on, but found it difficult to break down a determined Sherborne side who rose to the occasion in front of a healthy crowd at Raleigh Grove.

Yeovil’s first real opening came through Harvey Greenslade, who used his pace to burst down the left flank before cutting inside and firing towards goal, though his shot cleared the crossbar.

Trialists eager to catch the eye of manager Mark Cooper also began to create openings. On 15 minutes, a well-delivered free-kick from one trialist found the head of another, but the glancing header drifted wide of the post. Shortly after, a set piece routine saw Lewys Twamley fire from the edge of the area, with his effort deflected narrowly wide.

Finn Cousin-Dawson also tried his luck, stepping out of defence confidently before curling an effort just over the bar from distance.

As the half progressed, Yeovil continued to apply pressure, with Greenslade again going close. He latched onto a long ball over the top, allowing it to drop over his shoulder before firing low towards goal, only to be denied by the Sherborne goalkeeper.

Despite Yeovil’s possession and chances, the first half ended goalless.

Half Time: Sherborne Town 0–0 Yeovil Town

Much like in the opening pre-season fixture at Exmouth, wholesale changes were made at the break, with nine substitutions giving more players the chance to gain valuable minutes.

Harvey Greenslade remained on for the second half and went even closer to breaking the deadlock shortly after the restart. A low ball whipped across the face of goal found the forward at the back post, but his header was somehow kept out by the impressive Sherborne goalkeeper.

It was the hosts who struck first, however, taking the lead on 53 minutes. After Josh Sims was dispossessed in midfield, Sherborne broke forward quickly, with the ball squared to an attacker who calmly slotted home to make it 1-0.

Yeovil responded immediately, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Morgan Williams and Charlie Cooper both had attempts at goal in quick succession, but neither could find a way past the home goalkeeper.

The breakthrough eventually came on 66 minutes. Brett McGavin delivered a low, driven corner into the box, and Morgan Williams arrived perfectly to meet it, firing home from close range to level the scores.

Sherborne remained dangerous on the break and almost regained their lead shortly afterwards. A sharp attack down the right saw the ball played to the near post, but substitute goalkeeper Aidan Stone was alert to make an important save.

As the game entered the closing stages, Yeovil continued to push for a winner, and their persistence paid off with six minutes remaining. After some neat build-up play around the edge of the area, Charlie Cooper delivered a precise ball into the six-yard box, where Jake Wannell arrived to slot home and complete the turnaround.

Yeovil remained in control during the final minutes, pressing for a third goal against tiring opposition, but the two goals were enough to secure another encouraging pre-season win.

Next up for the Glovers is their home return to Huish Park on Saturday as they continue preparations for the 2025/26 season.

Final Score: Sherborne Town 1–2 Yeovil Town
Scorers:
Sherborne Town – 53’
Yeovil Town – Morgan Williams (66’), Jake Wannell (84’)