Saturday 23rd August | Enterprise National League | Rare Breeds Meat Company Stadium

Despite several promising attacking moments, the Glovers were unable to convert possession into goals.

Mark Cooper made a number of changes from the midweek victory over Brackley, with Jake Wannell returning from suspension, Aaron Jarvis added to the front line, and new signing James Plant making his first start since rejoining from Port Vale.

Yeovil began the match brightly, with Byron Pendleton and Josh Sims linking down the right. Pendleton’s effort in the fifth minute struck the crossbar, and shortly afterwards Brett McGavin’s corner was spilled by Braintree keeper Mason Terry, though he recovered to clear before the Glovers could capitalise.

Braintree’s first attempt came in the 11th minute when James Vennings fired a free kick over the bar. Yeovil continued to probe, with Campbell and McGavin combining in the 26th minute for a curling shot that went just wide. On 24 minutes, a through ball down the right found John Akinde, who drove into the box and squared to Elliot Thorpe. Thorpe’s initial effort was blocked before his follow-up attempt flew over the crossbar.

On 37 minutes, McGavin’s free kick found Jake Wannell at the back post, but his header went over the bar. Finn Cousin-Dawson became the first player booked on 39 minutes for a strong challenge. Soon after, Ward launched a counter-attack, with Sims’ effort blocked by Terry, and Pendleton’s follow-up attempt was dragged wide. The half ended 0–0.

Half Time: Braintree Town 0–0 Yeovil Town

The second half began with Pendleton again causing problems down the right, delivering a low cross that ran across the face of goal without finding a team-mate. Ward made a low save from Marley Miranda in the 55th minute, and Jarvis’ effort from a McGavin interception was also kept out by Terry.

Cooper made his first substitutions, bringing on Junior Morias and Luke McCormack for Cousin-Dawson and Campbell. Jarvis and Sims were later replaced by Ben Wodskou and Harvey Greenslade. Despite several long-range efforts from Morias, Wodskou, and Greenslade, Yeovil were unable to break the deadlock.

Braintree eventually opened the scoring in the 78th minute. A long ball over the top bypassed the Glovers defence, allowing Saeed Kamara Jr to turn and fire a low finish past Ward. Yeovil pressed for an equaliser, with John Akinde again providing service to Elliot Thorpe, though Thorpe was unable to convert. Wodskou and Morias had efforts cleared off the line, and Jake Wannell’s header from a late corner was also blocked as the referee brought the game to a close.

Yeovil will now look to regroup ahead of Monday afternoon’s home fixture against Gateshead, with a 3:00pm kick-off at Huish Park, looking to get back to winning ways.

Full Time: Braintree Town 1–0 Yeovil Town
Scorers:
Braintree Town – Sahid Kamara Jr (78’)