Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley reflected on a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Eastleigh at Huish Park in the final game of 2025, describing his journey with the club as “a great ride” despite the mixed result.
The Glovers struck first in the 28th minute, as Josh Sims pounced on a defensive error to find Luke McCormick, who calmly fired home his seventh goal of the season. However, a lapse in concentration allowed Aaron Blair to level for Eastleigh just before half-time, stemming from a breakdown in Yeovil’s defensive discipline.
Rowley acknowledged the team’s highs and lows during the match: “When I watch it back, there will be large parts I enjoy and bits we need to improve on.” He praised Yeovil’s control and build-up play in the first 20 minutes but admitted the equaliser was a setback due to poor positional discipline. “We turned the ball over too cheaply, took our foot off the gas, and they got a goal.”
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The second half saw Yeovil regain momentum, creating several scoring opportunities but ultimately unable to break the deadlock. The manager credited his substitutes for influencing the match, saying, “In the second half, the subs changed the game, and we probably should have scored with the chances we had.”
Looking ahead, Rowley emphasized the need for unpredictability in attack: “That’s the message to the players these next few months. We want to stretch teams and play in behind rather than always playing short.”
Luke McCormick received special commendation from Rowley, who described him as “instrumental in how we attack” and noted the striker’s disappointment at not scoring more given his chances.
The return of Morgan Williams from suspension was another positive takeaway. “Really pleasing to have him back,” Rowley said. “He leads the defense well and nearly volleyed home the winner.” Kyle Ferguson was subbed late, not due to injury, but to introduce fresh attacking options with Finn Cousin-Dawson.
Reflecting on the year, Rowley expressed gratitude for the warm support he’s received at the club but acknowledged the importance of improving results: “I haven’t enjoyed not putting as many points on the board, so that’s the aim in 2026.”
Yeovil Town will next host Braintree at Huish Park this Saturday at 17:30, eager to secure their first win of the new year.
Yeovil Town starting XI: Ward; Williams, Ferguson (Cousin-Dawson 81), Wannell; Daly (Oluwabori 76), Jolliffe (Efete 58), McCormick, McGavin, Plant; Sims (Tobin 76), Jarvis (Campbell 81). Subs not used: Gould, Greenslade
Eastleigh starting XI: Townsend; Eweka, Pierre, Humphries; Pearson (Waruih 88), Harris, Evans, Lundstram, Brindley (Waite 10) (Fernandez 88); Blair (McCallum 88), Saunders (Whitehead 90+2). Subs not used: McNamara, Maher
Referee: Harrison Blair
Attendance: 3,102