Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley expressed his frustration following a 3-0 defeat to Carlisle United at Brunton Park, a result that leaves the Glovers precariously close to the relegation zone.
The match slipped away early for Yeovil, with Carlisle scoring three first-half goals. Morgan Feeney opened the scoring with a header inside the first five minutes. Luke Armstrong then increased the lead with a spot-kick, and Ryan Galvin sealed the half-time scoreline with a goal in stoppage time. Reflecting on the early goals, Rowley said, “That first goal came very early, which was so frustrating. The 45th-minute strike felt like a dagger—going into half-time 2-0 down still gave us hope, but 3-0 made it a near-impossible task.”
Despite the heavy scoreline, Rowley believes his team’s effort was more balanced than the scoreboard suggests. “I’ll review the game in detail, but my gut says we had some solid periods. Statistically, it was level—18 shots each—yet they were sharper in key moments.”
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A key concern for Rowley remains Yeovil’s struggles in the attacking third. “We tend to tighten up around the opposition box and struggle to find the right passes. For example, if James Daly’s chance around the 60th minute had gone in, who knows how the game could have shifted?” he admitted.
At halftime, Rowley urged his players to increase their intensity. “We focused on recovering possession more quickly. Players like Luke McCormick and Tahvon Campbell led the pressing in the first half, but they were often isolated against multiple opponents. The overall intensity to win the ball back could definitely improve.”
Squad depth is another challenge for Yeovil this season. “Our squad is quite stretched right now—barely enough players to fill the bench each week,” explained Rowley. “Players like Alex Whittle and Jonathon Page have been sidelined for weeks, and that affects our options.”
As Yeovil prepares for a critical home match against Sutton United, Rowley emphasized unity and accountability: “We understand the situation we’re in and what it takes to get out of it. There’s no room for blame—everyone must take ownership, myself included.”
His message to the team was clear and direct. “Regardless of age or loan status, when you step onto the pitch, you need to ‘man up.’ It’s the small, basic things we have to improve on to turn our fortunes around.”
Teams:
Carlisle United: Breeze; Ellis, Mugabi, Feeney, Galvin; Macadam (Thomas 74), Gilliead; Ajiboye (Parker 78), Wearne (Conn-Clarke 74), Embleton (Linney 74); Armstrong (Wyke 78). Subs not used: Mair, Harper.
Yeovil Town: Ward; Cousin-Dawson, Skura, Ferguson; Jones (Works 75), McGavin, Mafico (Perret 80), Daly (Greenslade 76); McCormick (Whittle 87), Sims; Campbell. Subs not used: Gould, Mukena, Page.