Saturday 5th July | Pre-Season Friendly | Attendance: 676

The Glovers named a mixed starting line-up for their first outing of the summer, giving supporters a first glimpse of new signings James Daly and Tahvon Campbell, alongside three trialists looking to impress.

Yeovil made an early breakthrough, taking the lead inside the first 10 minutes. Alex Whittle provided the assist, delivering a well-placed cross from the left for Campbell, who marked his return to the club by looping a stretching effort over Exmouth goalkeeper Aaron Dearing and into the net.

With the early lead, Yeovil began to assert themselves and continued to create chances throughout the first half. James Daly’s work rate earned the Glovers their first corner on 11 minutes, but Dearing was able to gather the ball despite initially fumbling under pressure.

Moments later, Daly again caused problems down the left, firing a low ball across goal which a trialist met at full stretch, only to see their effort strike the crossbar.

Yeovil remained on the front foot. Another trialist went close with a curling effort that bent narrowly wide of the far post, while Campbell almost grabbed his second with a low strike from the edge of the box that flashed just wide.

Brett McGavin also tested Dearing with a deflected free-kick that required a diving save, before Campbell was denied once more after skipping past a defender and firing straight at the goalkeeper.

Just before half-time, Daly had a final chance to double the advantage, meeting a cross into the area but heading wide under pressure.

Half Time: Exmouth Town 0–1 Yeovil Town

As expected for the first pre-season fixture, Yeovil made a full change of personnel at the break. Among those coming on were defender Kyle Ferguson making his return to the Glovers, and three further trialists.

Despite the complete overhaul, Yeovil maintained their attacking intent in the second period. However, it was Exmouth who created the first major chance after the restart when Butcher broke through on goal, only to be denied by a strong stop from Gould, who was quick off his line to intervene.

The Glovers responded with a series of chances. Lewys Twamley, showing pace and energy down the flank, twice tested Dearing – first breaking into the area before seeing his shot saved, then trying his luck from the edge of the box with another effort that was comfortably collected.

Further opportunities followed, with the trialists combining well to carve out openings. Harvey Greenslade came closest to extending Yeovil’s lead late on with a curling strike from outside the area, which looked destined for the corner but was brilliantly kept out by Dearing.

Josh Sims also had a late attempt, controlling well on the edge of the area before firing towards goal, though his shot lacked the power to truly threaten the Exmouth keeper.

Although unable to add to their early lead, Yeovil saw out the closing stages to record a positive start to their pre-season schedule. The match provided valuable minutes for the entire squad, including new signings and trialists, as preparations continue ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Glovers are back in action on Wednesday evening when they travel to face Sherborne Town in their next pre-season fixture.

Final Score: Exmouth Town 0-1 Yeovil Town
Scorer: Tahvon Campbell (8’)