By Dan Howell
Yeovil Town returned to winning ways with a hard fought 2–1 victory over play off chasing Oldham Athletic at Huish Park, thanks to a clinical brace from Sonny Blu Lo-Everton.
After last weekend’s defeat at Altrincham, changes were made to the starting eleven, many of them enforced, with Jake Wannell, Harry Kite and Michael Smith all brought into the line up. The reshuffle paid dividends as Yeovil looked sharp from the off.
Lo-Everton set the tone early, forcing Oldham keeper Matt Hudson into action within six minutes after a mazy run into the box. Moments later, he made no mistake. Michael Smith did well to keep the ball in play down the right and slid in a perfectly weighted through ball for Lo-Everton, who calmly slotted past Hudson from close range to give Yeovil the lead.
The Glovers didn’t ease up following the opener. Ciaran McGuckin and Josh Sims linked up well shortly after, with McGuckin pulling a shot just wide. Michael Smith remained involved, clipping a neat ball into Dom Bernard, who couldn’t quite bring it under control.
Oldham suffered an early setback as Jake Leake was forced off, replaced by Jes Uchegbulam. Yeovil continued to push forward, with Lo-Everton causing problems on the left. His cross found Bernard, whose header lacked the power to trouble Hudson. McGuckin then came close again, flashing an effort just wide of the far post.
As half time approached, Oldham began to grow into the game. Kian Harratt had a decent chance, but Aidan Stone was equal to it. The Yeovil keeper was then quick off his line to clear the danger as Uchegbulam burst through. Josh Sims received a booking deep into injury time for halting a promising Oldham break.
The Glovers resumed control in the second half and doubled their lead just four minutes in. Bernard played in McGuckin down the right, and despite close attention from Shaun Hobson, he managed to hook the ball across goal where Lo-Everton was on hand to poke home his second of the afternoon.
Oldham looked to respond immediately, with Harratt again denied by Stone. Michael Smith was replaced by Morgan Williams shortly after, both making welcome returns from injury. Yeovil continued to carve out chances, with McGuckin and Finn Cousin Dawson both drawing impressive saves from Hudson.
Lo-Everton was withdrawn to a well deserved ovation, replaced by Harvey Greenslade. As the final 20 minutes approached, Oldham mounted pressure in search of a lifeline. Tom Conlon’s long range strike sailed over, and Harratt’s shot inside the box was deflected wide.
Substitute Mike Fondop added physicality to Oldham’s attack and had two half chances but failed to hit the target. Yeovil responded with further changes, bringing on Marcel Lavinier and Kyrell Wilson to shore things up.
Oldham finally found the net in the third minute of stoppage time. A drop ball was played out to Jake Caprice, who drilled a low shot from distance into the bottom corner, setting up a tense finale. The visitors threw everything at the Glovers in the dying moments, including a flurry of corners, but Yeovil stood firm to claim a valuable three points.
The result marks a timely boost for Yeovil as they prepare to face high flying Forest Green Rovers on Good Friday, with the season’s climax fast approaching.
