Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley expressed immense pride following his team’s determined 2-0 victory over Hartlepool United on Saturday. Goals from Aaron Jarvis and a stoppage-time solo effort by Luke McCormick earned the Glovers a crucial away win in challenging conditions.
Rowley acknowledged the tough nature of the game, citing the difficult pitch and weather. “It was always going to be a tough game with the pitch and conditions,” he explained, applauding his players for rising to the occasion.
Yeovil hit the front early, with McCormick surging down the left flank and delivering a precise pass to Jarvis, who confidently finished after just 14 minutes. Rowley praised Jarvis’s impact since returning to the starting lineup, stating, “He was excellent today. He led the line well; we relied on his ability to win aerial battles and hold up the ball, and he dealt with it brilliantly.”
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Hartlepool, unbeaten in their previous seven matches, responded strongly, pressuring Yeovil for large parts of the game. However, Rowley highlighted the team’s defensive resilience: “We were defensively quite solid. It speaks volumes about the boys’ organization and commitment.” Special recognition was given to Yeovil’s back three – Jake Wannell, Morgan Williams, and Kyle Ferguson – who expertly marshalled the defense.
Despite Hartlepool’s spells in dangerous areas, Yeovil maintained composure and created several chances to extend their lead, with McCormick and James Daly going close. Rowley also praised substitutes Alex Whittle, Max Joliffe, and Tahvon Campbell for their valuable contributions, remarking, “It’s tough as a manager not to get everyone on the pitch, but those coming off the bench made a real difference.”
As the match entered stoppage time, McCormick produced a moment of magic, curling the ball into the bottom corner to seal all three points. “I think it’s always sweeter on these long journeys,” Rowley said. He was equally delighted for the traveling fans, describing their support as “almost louder than the home fans” and celebrating the well-deserved win after a hard stretch without victories.
However, the post-match joy was marred by a mass confrontation near the dugouts. Morgan Williams and Hartlepool’s Jermaine Francis were both shown red cards. Rowley expressed his frustration over the incident, confirming Williams would be suspended for the next three games.
Additionally, reports emerged of a Hartlepool supporter who entered the pitch and appeared to target Yeovil player Finn Cousin-Dawson, an incident that may warrant further investigation.
Summing up the day, Rowley reflected, “A really pleasing afternoon, the boys left it all out there.”