Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley has expressed determination to improve after the Glovers' 3-2 defeat at Southend, which marked their first loss of the National League season. Despite surrendering a two-goal lead last weekend, Yeovil remain seventh in the league on 11 points, level with sixth-placed AFC Fylde, who drew 2-2 with Worthing in their most recent match.
AFC Fylde have maintained a three-game unbeaten streak since their promotion to the National League last season. Yeovil will be aiming to replicate their previous success against the Lancashire side at Huish Park, where a last-minute goal secured a 1-0 victory in 2025.
Rowley has spent the week reflecting on the Southend defeat and believes the setback can accelerate the progress of his reshaped squad. “When you lose a game, as soon as you step on the coach home, you’re analysing it and thinking about how to improve,” he said. “It speeds up the process of getting better.”
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The Yeovil manager praised Fylde’s style of play, noting their aggressive, high-press approach and similarities to his own team. “They press really high, have a high defensive line, and are very proactive at regaining possession,” Rowley explained. “We’re going to need to be the best version of ourselves.”
He added, “They have some very talented individuals and are well coached. They strive to play football the right way, with good build-up play - very much like us.”
With just a single point separating the clubs and Fylde’s recent good form, Rowley anticipates a fiercely contested match at Huish Park. “I expect it to be a tough, toe-to-toe battle,” he remarked.
This match also marks the first of three fixtures for Yeovil within six days, with visits to Aldershot Town and a home game against Solihull Moors scheduled to follow. Rowley plans to utilise his squad fully during this busy period, as several players return to training following illness and injury.
“Over the next 10 to 14 days, there will be opportunities for everyone to feature,” he said. “In training today, the players were eager to play, which is exactly what you want to see.”
Yeovil Town will be determined to rebound from their disappointment at Southend when they host AFC Fylde at Huish Park this Saturday.