Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley expressed his delight following the club’s first National League victory of the season, a convincing 3-0 win against Gateshead at Huish Park. The Glovers began the match strongly, with Stephen Walker scoring within the opening two minutes. Captain Luke McCormick then sealed the win with two late goals.
After the disappointment of conceding late equalisers in their first two fixtures against Scunthorpe United and Carlisle United, Rowley admitted he felt some nerves before the team finally extended their lead in the 80th minute. “I was on edge for a couple of minutes around the 80th just before we scored our second. Really pleased, naturally, because of the last two weeks,” he said.
Yeovil largely dominated the game and created multiple scoring opportunities, with Rowley highlighting the positive impact of a strong week of training. “I think they trained so well this week, and that’s something Macca (Luke McCormick) said before the game-that’s the best he’s seen training. The boys are hungry, playing well and they deserve three goals,” he commented.
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Defensively, the team also impressed by keeping their first clean sheet of the season despite the absence of suspended defender Joe Gubbins. “I think Radders (Ben Radcliffe) has helped with a lot of communication. We obviously missed Gubs today. Their understanding of football is really good and they’re working in sync. It’s massive credit to them; their personality and what they’ve brought to this team has been exceptional in the first three games,” Rowley stated.
McCormick was a standout performer, contributing two goals in addition to a strong overall display. “Superb, that’s what he does,” said Rowley. “He plays like a second striker at times for us. His movement is quite often singled out by opposition managers as being a real threat. He’s got a real knack for it; his favourite player is Frank Lampard-he’s Yeovil’s Frank Lampard.”
Rowley also praised the squad’s collective effort and spirit, including those who came off the bench. “I’m so pleased with them as a squad and as a group of lads. It shows a real togetherness and a care for what we’re trying to do,” he added.
There was some concern after Ben Radcliffe rolled his ankle in the first half while shielding the ball. Rowley said they would await further assessment: “It’s too early probably. Radders rolled his ankle in the first half; we’ll see how that is tomorrow.”
Looking ahead, Yeovil face a busy schedule with an away trip to Barrow on Friday, followed by a home fixture against Tamworth at Huish Park on the bank holiday Monday.