Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley lavished praise on his squad following their hard-fought 3-2 victory against Tamworth, which marked the club’s second win during the Bank Holiday weekend.
The Glovers opened the scoring through Luke McCormick after 15 minutes, only for Jake Hutchison to draw Tamworth level. In the second half, goals from Mason Obeng and Ryan Jones put Yeovil two goals ahead before Kieren Donnelly’s quick reply set up a tense finale at Huish Park.
Remarkably, Yeovil had returned from an away win at Barrow around 5am on Saturday, yet Rowley was delighted with his side’s resilience and response just two days later.
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“I’ve just got to give so much credit to the group of players in the changing room,” Rowley commented. “I’ve said before, it’s very rare over this Bank Holiday weekend that a team manages to win two games. We’re one of only two teams to do it.”
“Coming back from Barrow so late and then preparing for this game with limited prep time, to come out three days on and get another win is really important for us,” he added.
Despite the victory, Rowley acknowledged there were aspects of the performance that fell short.
“I’m not over the moon with the performance,” he admitted. “That’s for us and the players to review as we strive to keep improving.”
He emphasised the team’s ambition to play a possession-based style, encouraging players to be braver with the ball.
“We want to be a team with plenty of the ball, playing possession football,” Rowley said. “Sometimes you have to take risks, and that’s an area for us to continue to develop.”
Captain Luke McCormick’s contribution was a highlight; he netted his fourth goal of the season and came close with a late penalty strike that hit the post.
“Brett McGavin slipped in Macca with great vision,” said Rowley. “Bretty can create moments of magic on the ball, and Macca was perfectly placed to keep his scoring streak alive.”
The second and third goals, from Obeng and Jones respectively, both deflected on their way in, but Rowley was quick to commend their impact.
“Jonesy brings something special. He’s one of my favourite players to watch, and I’m sure supporters feel the same. When he’s facing the opposition goal, he’s capable of carrying the ball 30 yards, which is exciting for us all to see,” he commented.
Rowley was also pleased with the squad’s depth, having made seven changes to the starting lineup following Friday’s match at Barrow.
“Every player in this squad deserves their chance. They’re training hard and building strong bonds. I was very happy to make changes and still put out a strong team,” he said.
Tamworth thought they had salvaged a late equaliser through Hayden Hollis, but after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was disallowed for offside.
“Credit to the officials in those moments,” Rowley said. “It was a big decision that went our way, although I felt there were a few contentious calls throughout the match.”
Finally, the Yeovil boss praised the supporters at Huish Park who helped spur the team through a nervy finish.
“The supporters here are unbelievable,” Rowley reflected. “I had goosebumps listening to them singing in the Thatchers End at the end.”
Yeovil Town will look to extend their unbeaten run when they travel to Southend United for a lunchtime kick-off this Saturday.