By Dan Howell
The Glovers suffered their second defeat of the season on the road, losing 1-0 to Oldham Athletic.
Mark Cooper made just one change to his Yeovil side that had secured a 0-0 draw at Huish Park last weekend, with Frank Nouble returning to the starting line-up, replacing Josh Sims, who missed out due to tendinitis.
The first half saw both teams exchange blows in an open affair. In the 7th minute, Charlie Cooper’s set-piece found Morgan Williams, who headed downwards but sent the ball off target.
At the other end, a quick breakaway following a Yeovil corner saw Oliver Hammond drive forward before unleashing a low shot wide of the post.
Ollie Wright was first called into action in the 18th minute when a short corner routine eventually fell to James Norwood, who fired a shot towards goal, but Wright’s sprawling save denied Oldham’s number 30.
A series of yellow cards followed, starting with Frank Nouble, who was judged for a high foot, with the Oldham forward lowering his head to clear the ball. Moments later, Charlie Raglan was booked after tussling for possession with Aaron Jarvis.
Back to the action, Oldham began finding their rhythm and turning opportunities into shots. Ollie Wright had to be alert to deny Mike Fondop-Talum following a corner, and again to keep out a long-range effort from Josh Lundstram.
Just before the break, Yeovil had their best chance of the half. Frank Nouble, who had been battling Reagan Ogle down the left wing, came out on top in injury time, winning possession and finding Sam Pearson, whose shot was headed clear.
The second half saw Oldham emerge with more attacking intent than the Glovers. Yeovil’s momentum was hampered by the early departure of Michael Smith, who pulled up and was replaced by Dom Bernard.
In the following ten minutes, Yeovil faced a barrage of pressure. First, Mike Fondop-Talum got on the end of a long throw-in, heading just over the bar, followed by James Norwood’s header, which went wide.
Just after the hour mark, Ollie Wright made perhaps his best save of the afternoon, getting down low to deny Callum Dolan’s effort aimed at the bottom right corner.
Mark Cooper turned to his bench for fresh legs, bringing on Brett McGavin for Sonny Blu Lo-Everton.
Morgan Williams, who had been a stalwart in defence alongside Jake Wannell, made a crucial block with just over 20 minutes remaining. Emmanuel Monthe, venturing forward, fired a driving shot, but Williams dived in the way to stop it.
Following that chance, Mark Cooper introduced Ciaran McGuckin for his first minutes in Green, replacing Aaron Jarvis.
With 10 minutes remaining, Oldham finally broke through Yeovil’s defence. A well-placed ball from the right found Mike Fondop-Talum, who got on the right side of Morgan Williams and sent an unstoppable header past Ollie Wright.
In response, Mark Cooper made an attacking switch, bringing on Jordan Young for Sam Pearson.
Oldham nearly doubled their lead moments later. Ollie Wright was at full stretch to deny substitute Jesurun Uchegbulam, who fired a long-range effort from 20 yards.
Then came eight minutes of added time, filled with bookings as both Mark Cooper and Mark Kitching received yellow cards.
Deep into stoppage time, Yeovil had one last corner, with all 11 players crowding the penalty area. As the ball was delivered, Morgan Williams appeared to be hauled down, but the referee waved away appeals as Ciaran McGuckin fired the loose ball over the bar.
The appeals continued as play stopped, resulting in Dom Bernard receiving a yellow card. The referee then approached the technical area and brandished a red card to Mark Cooper for his protests.
That proved to be Yeovil’s final chance to snatch a point, as the referee blew the final whistle moments later, leaving the Glovers to depart Greater Manchester empty-handed.
