by Dan Howell

Yeovil Town suffered their third consecutive defeat, narrowly losing 2-1 to league leaders Barnet at Huish Park. Goals from Ryan Glover and Danny Collinge ensured the Bees departed Somerset with all three points, despite a spirited performance from the Glovers.  

After two red cards in their previous match against York City, manager Mark Cooper moved into the loan market, bringing in young defender Ed James from Exeter City. The new signing slotted straight into the backline alongside Morgan Williams.  

Yeovil started brightly, with early chances for Pedro Borges and Aaron Jarvis down the right wing, but the Barnet defence stood firm.  

However, the visitors took the lead in the 10th minute. Ryan Glover, having missed an earlier opportunity from the edge of the area, capitalised when Bailey Hobson’s deflected shot fell kindly into his path. Glover made no mistake, tapping in at the back post to put Barnet 1-0 up.  

Barnet pressed for a second, with Ed James slipping to allow Callum Stead a clear run at goal, only for Ollie Wright and Morgan Williams to block the shot. Minutes later, Stead delivered a perfect cross to Nicke Kabamba, but the striker inexplicably headed wide from close range.  

The Glovers settled as the half progressed, though Bailey Hobson’s long-range effort in the 32nd minute flew just wide, keeping Wright alert.  

The second half saw Yeovil return with renewed purpose. Crosses from Frank Nouble and Alex Whittle caused problems for the Barnet defence, though they failed to test goalkeeper Nick Hayes.  

In the 52nd minute, James Plant fired a low shot from the edge of the box, but his effort whistled past the post. Moments later, debutant Ed James rose to meet Brett McGavin’s corner but glanced his header wide.  

Plant had another opportunity to equalise, chasing a lofted ball from Borges into the box, but his shot lacked composure and sailed over the bar.  

Yeovil’s persistence paid off in the 73rd minute. Following a long throw-in from Michael Smith, the ball was only partially cleared. James Plant, instrumental in Yeovil’s attacking play, drove into the area and sent a low cross across the goalmouth, which somehow nestled into the bottom corner, sparking celebrations among the home fans.  

The joy was short-lived. Barnet squandered a golden chance to retake the lead when Idris Kanu blasted over from close range. Yet, the visitors found their decisive goal in the 81st minute. A recycled corner led to a cross into the box, where Danny Collinge rose to glance a header into the far corner, putting Barnet back in front.  

Late substitutions saw Aaron Jarvis, James Plant, and Pedro Borges make way for Harvey Greenslade, Josh Sims, and Dylan Morgan as Yeovil pushed for a second equaliser.  

Deep into stoppage time, substitute Josh Sims almost levelled the scores. A cleared throw-in was recycled by Charlie Cooper, and Sims’ powerful shot looked destined for the net until Nick Hayes tipped it onto the post.  

With the final play of the match, Ed James had a chance to rescue a point, but after being clipped in the box, referee Andrew Humphries blew for full time instead of awarding a penalty, leaving Yeovil frustrated and empty-handed.