By Dan Howell

Yeovil Town fell to their fourth consecutive defeat as a second half penalty from Ollie Pearce secured victory for promotion-chasing York City at Huish Park.

Manager Mark Cooper made four changes to the side that lost in midweek, with new signing Kyle Ferguson slotting straight into the heart of the defence.

The opening exchanges saw both teams enjoy spells of possession without seriously testing either goalkeeper. The first real opportunity for the visitors came in the 26th minute following a Yeovil set-piece. Charlie Cooper’s free kick was cleared, sparking a counter-attack led by Junior Luamba, who broke down the left before crossing, only to see the ball evade his teammates in the box.

York began to enjoy more territorial advantage as the half wore on. A goalmouth scramble in the Yeovil penalty area saw several blocks thrown in before the referee blew for a foul in the Glovers’ favour. In the 37th minute, a ball over the top set Josh Stones racing towards goal after getting the better of Finn Cousin-Dawson. Just as he was about to pull the trigger, Ferguson recovered brilliantly to block the effort.

With the sides level at the interval, it was Yeovil who made the brighter start to the second half. Josh Sims battled to win possession before finding Brett McGavin on the right hand side of the box, but the midfielder’s weaker footed strike flew wide of the target.

Then came the game’s decisive moment. A swift attacking move saw Joe Felix drive into the Yeovil box, where he was brought down by Ferguson, prompting referee Aaron Farmer to point to the spot. Pearce stepped up and calmly converted, sending his penalty down the middle to give York the lead.

The visitors nearly doubled their advantage shortly after. A corner from the left dropped to Tyrese Sinclair, whose spectacular effort was brilliantly tipped away by Aidan Stone.

With just under 30 minutes remaining, Mark Cooper turned to his bench. Ciaran McGuckin replaced Marcel Lavinier and was immediately involved in the action, linking up with Sims and Cooper down the right before delivering a cross that flashed beyond the six yard box and out of play.

Frank Nouble then had two headed chances in quick succession as Yeovil pushed for an equaliser. First, he met a McGavin free kick but directed his effort straight at York goalkeeper Harrison Male. Moments later, Alex Whittle delivered a cross that again found Nouble, but his header was once more gathered by Male.

Further changes followed, with Ryan McLean replacing Sims, while McGavin, who had required treatment, made way for Kyrell Wilson.

Yeovil’s best chance to salvage a point came through McGuckin, who headed over from close range after meeting a Charlie Cooper cross. Harvey Greenslade was then introduced in place of Whittle as the hosts made one final push.

Deep into stoppage time, even goalkeeper Stone ventured forward for a late free kick. Cooper’s delivery was only partially cleared, and Stone hooked a shot back towards goal, but it landed on the roof of the net.

As Male’s goal kick was launched upfield, the referee blew for full-time, consigning Yeovil to another defeat. The Glovers must now regroup as they look to regain momentum away at Solihull Moors next Saturday.