Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley has called for reflection and progress after his side lost 3-2 to Southend in the National League, despite leading by two goals with less than half an hour remaining.
The Glovers took the lead with Archie Davies scoring before half-time, and Luke McCormick doubled their advantage just before the 60-minute mark. However, Southend mounted a strong comeback, with former Swindon player Darren Oldaker narrowing the gap with a well-taken free-kick. Leon Chambers-Parillon then levelled the game with eleven minutes left to play, before Bristol Rovers loanee Promise Omochere secured the victory with a winning goal five minutes from time.
Rowley acknowledged the heartbreak of the defeat, noting, “It is heart-breaking, but we did the same to Barrow the other week. We understand one loss isn’t the end of the world. It’s a good chance for us to learn, to review, to improve.”
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In other National League South action, Weston-super-Mare were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Maidstone, while Salisbury earned a 1-1 draw away at Chelmsford, with Robbie Gallagher putting Salisbury ahead before the hosts equalised.
Taunton Town recorded a dominant 4-0 victory against Millbrook. Manager Gary Johnson saw his side struggle in the first half, but they came alive after the break with Ben Seymour opening the scoring seven minutes into the second period. Jamie Richards added a second on the 60-minute mark, Phil Mendonca made it 3-0 with twenty minutes left, and Richards completed the scoring with his second goal.
Frome secured a 4-2 win at Falmouth, with two goals each from Brendan Holmes and Albie Hopkins overturning an early deficit. Slimbridge also progressed with a 4-1 win over Baffins Milton Rovers, highlighted by quick-fire goals from Alex Bell and Olly Sully within the first fifteen minutes.
Bishop’s Cleeve, Cirencester, and Yate advanced to the second qualifying round. Yate defeated Devizes 3-0 with a brace from Marcus Day and a goal by Rex Mannings. Bishop’s Cleeve rallied from behind to beat Poole 2-1, thanks to goals from Reegan Messenger and Charlie Holliday. Cirencester enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win over Fleetlands, with two goals from Jamol Dare and another from Fin Bell.
Bath City suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Weymouth, exiting the competition at the earliest stage for the first time in 47 years. Wells were also eliminated after a 4-0 loss at Hungerford.
Several ties ended in draws and will require replays, including Chippenham’s 1-1 draw with Havant & Waterlooville, as well as matches involving Portishead, Swindon Supermarine, and Gloucester versus Mangotsfield, which also finished 1-1.