Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley has heaped praise on his players following their hard-fought 3-2 victory over Tamworth, which marked their second win during the Bank Holiday weekend.
The Glovers opened the scoring through Luke McCormick in the 15th minute before Jake Hutchison equalised for the visitors. In the second half, Mason Obeng and Ryan Jones struck to give Yeovil a two-goal cushion. However, a swift reply from Kieren Donnelly ensured a tense finale at Huish Park.
After returning from Barrow in the early hours of Saturday morning following a dramatic late win, Rowley was delighted with his team’s resilience and response just two days later.
READ MORE: Ex-Taunton Town Football Club Chief Denies Conspiracy to Drug and Rape Woman
“I’ve just got to give so much credit to the group of players in the changing room,” he said. “It’s very rare for teams to win twice over this Bank Holiday weekend, and we’re one of just two to achieve that.”
Rowley added, “We got back at five in the morning from Barrow, with minimal preparation for this game, so to bounce back and secure another win three days later is really important for us.”
Despite the victory, Rowley acknowledged that his side could have made things easier after allowing Tamworth back into the contest.
“I’m not over the moon with the performance,” he admitted. “That’s something for us and the players to review as we strive to improve.”
He emphasised the team’s ongoing development, particularly regarding their style of play.
“We want to be a team that keeps possession and dominates the ball,” Rowley explained. “There are times when you have to take risks, and that’s an area for us to work on going forward.”
One bright spot was captain Luke McCormick’s fourth goal of the season, as well as a late penalty that narrowly struck the post.
“Bretty [Brett McGavin] provided a fantastic assist with great vision, and Macca [McCormick] was in the right place to continue his scoring streak,” Rowley commented.
The second and third goals came from Obeng and Ryan Jones, both benefiting from deflections as they found the net.
“Jonesy is one of my favourites to watch and, I’m sure, for many supporters as well,” Rowley said. “When he faces the opposition goal, he can carry the ball 30 yards. He’s a really exciting player.”
Rowley was also pleased with the squad depth after making seven changes to the starting line-up following Friday’s match at Barrow.
“All the players in this squad deserve their opportunities,” he said. “They’re training well and forming strong bonds. I was happy to make changes and still field a strong team.”
Tamworth thought they had salvaged a late equaliser through Hayden Hollis, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a protracted review.
“Credit must go to the officials for getting that big decision right,” Rowley noted. “I felt there were quite a few correct calls made today.”
He concluded by applauding the support from the Yeovil fans at Huish Park.
“The support here is unbelievable,” Rowley expressed. “I had goosebumps hearing the fans singing in the Thatchers End at the end.”
Yeovil Town will travel to Southend United this Saturday for a lunchtime kick-off, aiming to extend their unbeaten start to the season.