Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley expressed his satisfaction with his squad following a convincing 4-1 win against Solihull Moors at Huish Park. “Really happy with the lads overall tonight, thought it was for the most part a top performance,” Rowley commented after the match.
The Glovers took an early lead when Ryan Jones scored after 15 minutes with a superb finish into the far corner. Slavi Spasov then doubled the advantage shortly after the interval.
Solihull Moors managed to pull a goal back due to an own goal attributed to Jos Barker, yet Yeovil swiftly re-established their two-goal lead as Johl Powell netted his first goal for the club. Late in the game, Powell and Mason Obeng combined effectively to secure Yeovil’s fourth goal.
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This victory places Yeovil just inside the National League play-off positions ahead of Saturday’s fixtures. However, Rowley felt the 4-1 scoreline somewhat overstated the margin. “The scoreline looks really flattering for us, I don’t think it was a 4-1 game,” he said. “They’ve got some good ideas with the ball, some good players, they just lacked the killer moment.”
In the early stages of the second half, Yeovil endured a period of pressure from Solihull, but once control was regained, they capitalised on numerous chances. “We got loads more joy, we put them on the back foot and got the momentum back,” Rowley added.
Jones and James Daly were instrumental in Yeovil’s attacking efforts. Rowley praised their performances, highlighting Jones’s ability to use “guile and agility to run inside the pitch, open up the pitch and slot people in with reverse passes,” alongside Daly’s “endeavour, athleticism, ability with his left foot and capability to take on defenders like a 1990s winger.”
A notable milestone came when Johl Powell scored his inaugural goal for Yeovil after being introduced late into the match. Rowley, who has known and coached Powell since he was 12, acknowledged the youngster’s patience and readiness. “What a time to take your moment, the game was in the balance, the third goal was incredible,” he remarked.
The only negative moment came from a Solihull corner that led to an own goal by Jos Barker. Rowley sympathised with the defender, stating, “I know he’ll be disappointed with that, that’s his bread and butter. I don’t blame Jos at all, especially when you’re in a game, mistakes are part of it.”
Rowley also commented on the squad’s fatigue due to the busy fixture schedule, noting, “There are a lot of tired bodies and tired minds in there. They’re really looking forward to this Saturday and Sunday off, it’s come at a good time for them.”
Looking ahead to Tuesday’s match, Rowley anticipates a stretched squad and expects to call on youth team players to bolster numbers. “Definitely thin on Tuesday, we’ve got a few of the youth team boys who will come help us with numbers,” he said. “Kidderminster it will probably open up a bit, expect one or two back for that game.”
The manager also confirmed that the absence of captain Luke McCormick from the squad was a tactical decision.
The match provided an uplifting experience for the home fans, with Rowley praising their support: “The support and togetherness of the fans and the group tonight was exceptional, the noise was great. It was just a really good night for us.”
Yeovil Town will be back in action on Tuesday evening hosting Radstock in Somerset Premier Cup competition, before resuming National League play with an away fixture against Kidderminster.