Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley expressed his frustration after his team conceded a last-gasp equaliser to Carlisle United, resulting in a 1-1 draw at Huish Park. The Glovers appeared on course for a notable victory over the National League title favourites when Stephen Walker scored his first goal for Yeovil inside the opening 20 minutes.
However, the match took a turn in the second half when Joe Gubbins was sent off for a second yellow card in the 65th minute, leaving Yeovil with ten men. Carlisle United managed to snatch a point with a dramatic 96th-minute goal from Harvey Bunker.
This marked the second weekend in a row that Yeovil conceded a late equaliser, having previously been pegged back in the 89th minute against Scunthorpe United on the opening day. Reflecting on the late goals, Rowley commented, “Second week in a row we’ve conceded a goal out of nowhere really. I think they entered our box once or twice the whole second half and in the 96th minute one of them is a goal.”
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Despite the disappointment, the Yeovil manager praised his players’ commitment, especially their defensive effort while down to ten men for the final 25 minutes. “I’m nothing but proud of the lads on the pitch today,” he said. “I’m really happy with every single player that’s come on the pitch, they’ve completely finished on empty.”
Goalkeeper Jos Barker was a standout performer, making several crucial saves to keep Yeovil in the game. Rowley said, “Jos Barker was unbelievable again today, silencing a few more people I think. Radders (Ben Radcliffe) was unbelievable, Mase (Mason Obeng) did a job wide of a five today. All across the pitch, the boys have run their socks off and worked incredibly hard.”
Walker’s debut goal gave Yeovil an early lead after being slipped through by Ryan Jones. Rowley was impressed with his composure, “I thought he overran it, when he took it on his left foot it was a difficult chance to take but he’s got that in his locker. He’s always scored goals everywhere he’s gone.”
Regarding Gubbins’s red card, Rowley defended his player, saying, “Gubs (Joe Gubbins) is very apologetic, and I admire all players that do that after a red card. Joe is not a stupid lad, he’s not a selfish lad, he’ll blame himself, but these things happen.”
There were further concerns after the match when James Daly required treatment for a heavy bleeding injury caused by a stud across his foot. “I think he got a stud across the foot, ripped his boot open and there was heavy blood when I saw it,” said Rowley. “I’ll have to go check on him now, hopefully a few minor stitches.”
Rowley also expressed his appreciation for the fans, with over 3,000 in attendance at Huish Park. “I can’t speak highly enough of the support today, the crowd has been incredible for us since we’ve come in. They were probably man of the match for us today.”
Looking ahead, Yeovil Town will aim to secure their first win of the season as they prepare to welcome Gateshead to Huish Park in their next fixture.