Yeovil Town demonstrated resilience on Tuesday evening, clawing back from a two-goal deficit to earn a 2-2 draw against Merthyr Town. The Welsh side took an early advantage through former Glover Sam Pearson, who struck twice, threatening to spoil Yeovil’s pre-season preparations.
Continuing their trend from Saturday’s match against Melksham, Yeovil deployed different line-ups in each half. The first half featured eight new signings alongside James Daly, Luke McCormick, and a trialist. From the start, the game was competitive, with Kane Simpson delivering dangerous crosses that required careful defending, while Slavi Spasov’s set-piece opportunities kept Merthyr on alert.
Pearson came close early on, forcing a sharp save from Jos Barker before ultimately opening the scoring just before halftime. Despite a strong chance for Johl Powell late in the half, Merthyr held their 1-0 lead going into the break.
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The second half introduced fresh faces such as Joe Gubbins, Archie Davies, Mason Obeng, and Stephen Walker, alongside returning players Matt Gould, Dan Ellison, and Brett McGavin. Obeng’s energy was evident as he challenged Merthyr’s defense and forced goalkeeper Jamie Cogman into a corner-saving intervention. The visitors’ goal was once again breached on the hour, as Pearson doubled Merthyr’s lead against his former club.
However, the momentum shifted after the hydration break. Obeng set Yeovil on their comeback path, netting a vital goal in the 71st minute. Nine minutes later, Yeovil earned a penalty which Stephen Walker confidently converted to level the score at 2-2. Neither side managed to find a winner, and the match ended in a draw.
Looking ahead, Yeovil have scheduled another pre-season friendly on Saturday, August 1, against Newport County, managed by former Glovers assistant Chris Todd. The 2027 season kicks off on August 8 with an away fixture at Scunthorpe United.
Head coach Billy Rowley expressed optimism about the upcoming season following the fixture release, acknowledging the challenges ahead but welcoming the test against strong opponents. With a competitive league landscape, Rowley is confident Yeovil will stand as contenders for a play-off spot, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of every match in their division.