Yeovil Town will travel to Eastleigh on Saturday afternoon (3pm) looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat on Tuesday evening.
After a three game unbeaten streak, the Glovers came unstuck in West London against Wealdstone but will be hoping to right that wrong in front of a healthy travelling contingent in Hampshire.
It’s been a difficult few weeks in the hosts’ camp, picking up just two points across their last five games coinciding with the departure of long-serving manager Ben Strevens.
Darren Sarll’s thoughts
Speaking ahead of the game, Sarll said; “We’ve got lots of areas we need to address ourselves and lots to do on the coaching pitch.
“However, these are elements we already know, this is a developmental group but the issue with Tuesday night, it didn’t give me evidence to say they’re getting better because the performance was a regression.
“Training yesterday though was excellent. It’s not just the players, when you lose or play badly, the manager has a huge part to play in that as well.”
Team news
After sitting out on Tuesday evening with minor injuries, both Mark Little and Lawson D’Ath could be in line for a return against Eastleigh.
Jordan Barnett, who limped off with an injury against Solihull is looking likely for a return after returning to training.
The boss also mentioned that he was busy in the transfer market and hoped a new arrival would be in before the fixture so keep your eyes peeled!
A foot in the opposition camp
It’s been a hectic few weeks in Hampshire, with Eastleigh sacking club legend Ben Strevens from his management role. At the time of writing, the club are yet to find a replacement for him, with Jason Bristol in temporary charge of the club.
The most familiar face in the Eastleigh ranks is Michael Kelly, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Yeovil Town, he made 20 National League apps during his time in Somerset. Another former Glover amongst the hosts’ squad is Tom Whelan, the Liverpudlian midfielder signed for Yeovil in 2019 but struggled to hold down a first team place, leading to loan spells at Chippenham and Weymouth, the latter who he eventually joined on a permanent basis.
Have we met before?
Yeovil Town have endured a mixed record against the Spitfires since relegation to the National League, with two wins and two defeats.
Eastleigh were the opponents in Darren Sarll’s first victory as Yeovil Town manager way back in August 2019. Due to COVID-19’s curtailment of the 19/20 season, the two sides did not meet again until December 2020, which saw Eastleigh claim their first victory over the Glovers. In February 2021, the Spitfires claimed their second as Ryan Hill grabbed the only goal of the game at the Silverlake Stadium.
This season, Yeovil Town were the 2-1 victors at Huish Park thanks to goals from Tom Knowles and Adi Yussuf.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased from the Spitfires’ website, linked HERE.
Those who wish to book travel by supporters coach, can do so by contacting Paul Hadlow of the Green & White’s Supporters Club – 07736044570
You can purchase tickets on the day from the Eastleigh ticket office, but they do advise to purchase in a advance to avoid queues.
Ticket prices:
Adult – £15.00
Concessions – £10.00
Student (17-21) – £7.00
Junior (12-16) – £2.00
U11 – free
