It’s a return to National League action for Yeovil Town on Tuesday evening (7:45pm) with a trip to Southend United.
Town will travel to Essex with a point to prove. The Glovers who are yet to win in 2022, will be hoping to pick up three points against the Blues, who themselves have seen an upturn in form in recent weeks.
Last time out, Southend beat Weymouth 1-0 on the road and will be looking to build on a positive start to the new year.
Darren Sarll’s thoughts
Speaking after Yeovil’s FA Cup exit, the boss said, “All the glamour is over now. The cameras that are not normally here, they won’t be back. It’s important we get back to being gritty, earning three points, taking draws away.
“It’s time now to get back to the reality of what the fifth division in English Football looks like. Tuesday will be tough because Southend are a well supported club with a bigger resource than us.”
Team news
Despite a COVID-19 scare, Yeovil Town were able to name an almost full compliment in the FA Cup against AFC Bournemouth.
Mark Little was a noticeable absentee from the bench as his long-awaited return seems to be delayed another week.
Joe Quigley marked his first start after injury with a goal against the Cherries and will be vying for another start in Essex.
There could be a return for Grant Smith who has now served his two-game suspension for his red card against Torquay United.
Have we met before
The two sides have not met since 2017 in the First Round of the Emirates FA Cup. Southend, who were a League One club at the time were knocked out by League Two Yeovil through an Otis Khan penalty.
Trips to Southend have been largely successful in the past for the Glovers, across nine games, Yeovil have only lost twice, drew on three occasions and won the other four.
A foot in the opposition camp
Now under the stewardship of Kevin Maher, Southend’s fortunes have improved climbing out of the drop zone. Maher himself, is a Southend United favourite, making over 450 apps for the Blues. Some Yeovil fans may remember him getting sent off at Huish Park in a top of the table clash in 2004/05.
A name that needs no introduction to Yeovil fans within the Southend ranks is Rhys Murphy. The forward joined Southend on a free transfer in the summer after two seasons with Yeovil where he scored 34 goals in 65 games. This season he’s found the back of the net nine times and will be hoping for one against his former employers.
Tickets
Tickets for the fixture will only be available on the day, for more information, click HERE.
