http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/AFC-Bournemouth-0-Yeovil-Town-0-Sam-Walker-hero/\
story-15685991-detail/story.html

AFC Bournemouth 0, Yeovil Town 0: Sam Walker the hero for Glovers
Sunday, April 01, 2012

Keeper Sam Walker proved Yeovil Town's hero at AFC Bournemouth,
producing a string of stunning saves to keep the game goal-less.

The Chelsea loanee was called into regular action throughout to help
silence critics and guide the battling Glovers a point closer to npower
League One safety.

Manager Gary Johnson said: "That was a shift and we were pleased with
the workrate. That was the main thing coming down here.

"When a team is already safe and past 50 points they can throw caution
to the wind. That was a super performance by the boys on the pitch and
the fans off the pitch. We hung on in there and when they got their
chances our keeper was up to the task.

"Looking at the other results we have put one more team below us in
Preston and that was a good away performance from our boys."

Fit-again defender replaced Bondz N'Gala for the trip to Dorset, while
Jonathan Franks returned for Middlesbrough colleague Jonathan Grounds,
who remained in the North East after his partner gave birth on Thursday.

Blackburn Rovers' loanee Josh Morris started at left back, a position he
had previously fulfilled in the Premier League.

With little separating the two teams in the early exchanges, Marc Pugh
breathed life into the fixture on 13 minutes. Wes Thomas clambered above
Hinds at the far post to nod wide the winger's cross.

On 18 minutes Walker did well to tip over Shaun Cooper's angled drive
from 25 yards that had taken a wicked deflection off a visitor

Andy Williams arguably should have given Yeovil the lead on 20 minutes,
only able to lift Paul Huntington's ball over the top onto the crossbar.

On 30 minutes Steve Cook found Harry Arter with an exquisite diagonal
ball from defence. With the Glovers stretched, the attacker squared for
Thomas who was denied by Walker.

The youngster continued an outstanding individual opening half on 35
minutes, diving full length to his right to keep out Cook's header from
a corner.

Walker was first to be called into action after the break, diving on
Scott Malone's dangerous 48th-minute cross. The Glovers responded
immediately as Darryl Flahavan saved Williams' effort from an angle.

On 51 minutes Zavon Hines somehow skipped past three defenders close to
the byline only for Walker to comfortably gather the subsequent shot.

As the Glovers dug in at the back, Williams gained sight of goal at the
other end on 63 minutes, pouncing on Miles Addison's sloppy play.

However, the frontman's heavy touch allowed Flahavan to dive in and
appeals for a penalty with Addison backtracking fell on deaf ears.
Cherries then launched a swift counterattack, Malone lashing a loose
ball inches wide from distance.

Williams almost turned provider on 69 minutes when his cross was headed
goal-wards by Lawson D'Ath and cleared off the line by Cook.

On 81 minutes Yeovil's Reading teenager worried his opponents with a
pacy and determined run. His deflected shot was trapped by Jon Obika
yards out, who appeared almost surprised to see the ball and Bournemouth
cleared.

Five minutes before time substitute Wes Fogden's header from a drifting
left wing cross seemed destined for the net until Walker tipped the ball
over from under his bar.

The stopper received a booking in injury time for kicking away the ball
but followed it with an acrobatic dive to palm away Malone's free kick
that proved the penultimate kick of the game.

AFC Bournemouth (4-4-2) - Flahavan; Francis, Addison, Cook, Malone;
Arter (Fogden, 77), MacDonald (Gregory, 67), Cooper, Pugh; Hines
(McDermott, 58), Thomas. Unused subs: Zubar, Jalal.

Bookings: None.

Yeovil Town (4-4-2) - Walker; Ayling, Hinds, Huntington, Morris; Franks,
Upson, Blizzard, D'Ath; Obika, A. Williams. Unused subs: Stewart,
Haynes-Brown, N'Gala, Woods, Agard.

Booking: Walker (dissent).

Ref: Darren Sheldrake (Surrey).

Att: 6,170.

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Yeovil-Town-comment-Imperious-Sam-Walker-saves/s\
tory-15694580-detail/story.html

Yeovil Town comment: Imperious Sam Walker saves Glovers at AFC Bournemouth
Monday, April 02, 2012

Chris Sweet

At last Thursday’s weekly Yeovil Town media call, keeper Sam Walker told
those present he was confident hard work would see him through a sticky
patch of form.

Even having heard those comments, few would have predicted the sheer
quality and importance of the Chelsea loanee’s response just two days later.

The giant stopper has come under fire in recent weeks – from myself
included – for a series of errors that have proved costly in the
Glovers’ quest to stave off relegation sooner, rather than later.

However, Walker was imperious in Dorset, saving his side on a number of
occasions with a string of saves that showed exactly why he only
recently signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with his Premier League
parent club.

Following the battling 0-0 draw, the 20-year-old rated his first half
one-on-one block against Wes Thomas as his most satisfying.

But he arguably saved his best for almost last, clawing away Wes
Fogden’s looping header as the ball went over his shoulder before
minutes later getting down to full-stretch to push away Scott Malone’s
tricky free kick.

Off the field, Walker comes across as honest, mature and intelligent and
it is clear last week he knuckled down to show his top flight potential.
Although one match does not make a season, his performance will go a
long way to silence critics.

Walker was shielded by a defence nearing the top of their game, Paul
Huntington leading by gritty example even when a deep cut to his
forehead could have ended his afternoon.

At left back, with Jonathan Grounds in Middlesbrough after the birth of
his first child, Blackburn Rovers’ youngster Josh Morris slotted in with
aplomb, looking comfortable and assured.

Even though Yeovil’s rearguard got more than its fair share of action,
both sides must be credited for attempting to play football. Ed Upson
and Dominic Blizzard were required to tackle more than pass, but still
created the platform for a flowing approach when allowed.

Either side could have nicked a win with a single goal and Cherries will
be the most disappointed considering the chances created. The Glovers’
best chances fell to Lawson D’Ath and Andy Williams, the former seeing
the ball cleared off the line and the latter hitting the crossbar.

Unfortunately one former Glovers’ favourite cast a forlorn figure at the
Seward Stadium before his eventual substitution on 67 minutes.

It goes without saying that Shaun MacDonald has the potential to be one
of the best midfielders in his division on his day. But Saturday was far
from that, with his creative wings clipped by being asked to play in a
deeper role.

Restricted to breaking up play and trying to spray passes but more often
than not knocking the ball sideways was not a fair showcase of his talents.

Applauding the travelling fans at the final whistle was a nice touch and
showed the clear respect between the two parties.

Yeovil will now look to Rochdale on Saturday to secure npower League One
safety having edged a vital point closer. A draw at Bournemouth is no
mean feat and after a manic March the Glovers will be hopeful of a
comfortable April.

And finally…

Saturday’s goal-less draw with AFC Bournemouth was just Gary Johnson’s
seventh during two spells in charge. During his first three seasons at
Huish Park, Johnson averaged two 0-0 stalemates a campaign with the
first – coming against Scarborough in 2002 – taking more than half a
season to arrive. In total, Johnson has drawn just 48 times out of 237
outings with the Glovers, confirming that very few games under the boss
are dull.

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Gary-Johnson-Chelsea-goalkeeper-Sam-Walker-showe\
d/story-15694513-detail/story.html

Gary Johnson: Chelsea goalkeeper Sam Walker showed Premier League
potential for Yeovil Town
Monday, April 02, 2012

Yeovil Town keeper Sam Walker showed his Premier League potential by
starring against AFC Bournemouth according to manager Gary Johnson.

The Chelsea youngster has come under fire for a number of high profile
errors in recent weeks but was integral in earning the Glovers' a point
in Dorset.

Walker, on loan with Yeovil until the end of the season, made a series
of outstanding saves to thwart Cherries' hopes of coming out top in the
npower League One derby.

Johnson backed the stopper to shine at a higher level in years to come
and said he failed to comprehend criticism levelled at the 20-year-old.

"He has come good today and looked that Premier goalie he is going to
be," said Johnson. "I find it hard when people moan at keepers.

"If I was to give you a pair of gloves, put you out there and have the
lads shoot at you, you would definitely shift yourself.

"When you have got those gloves on you have got to be brave and he was
brave today and showed exactly what he had in his repertoire."

Johnson explained he chose not to make a single substitution as not to
upset the side's balance. He said the goal-less draw allowed the Glovers
to rest fractionally easier as they edged towards safety and hailed the
814 travelling fans.

He said: "A little bit more you can, every point is massive now. The
other teams have only got six games and there are nine teams below us
that have got to do better than us.

"It leaves a nice little game on Saturday (against Rochdale). If we get
Huish Park rocking and enthusiastic then that will be a nice way to see
us back in division one, for sure.

"The fans were brilliant and were part of what we did. That is now eight
wins and two draws and that is not a bad return.t "They have been a part
of that and have travelled all over. They were great today because they
were noisy and certainly the Bournemouth fans were going home before them."

http://www.afcb.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10324~2709715,00.html

Cherries thwarted by inspired Walker
Posted on: Mon 02 Apr 2012

By Jasper Taylor

Interim manager Paul Groves has praised his players after the draw
against Yeovil, ending what he called "a very tough week."

The Cherries have made a solid start to life under their new manager,
with two battling draws and Groves was quick to acknowledge this. "I
can't praise the players enough in terms of really what's gone on this
week and that should be taken into consideration. We'll be positive and
try and build on what we've done so far," he said.

Groves's first match at the Seward Stadium was one that saw the home
side dominate proceedings, with a slick passing style that prevented
Yeovil from any long bouts of possession.

With the ball at their feet, it was clear the Cherries were going to
create chances and the first came after twelve minutes. Harry Arter,
operating on the right side of midfield, sprayed a long ball to Marc
Pugh whose cross picked out Wes Thomas at the back post, but his header
fell just wide.

The fluidity of Bournemouth's attacks pleased Groves at a time of
transition for the club. "I thought we played forward quicker, we moved
the ball quicker but I think you have to take into consideration we've
changed things. It doesn't happen overnight I'm afraid," the 46-year-old
explained after the final whistle.

As the Cherries began to take control Simon Francis picked out Shaun
Cooper and his shot from distance was deflected and brilliantly saved by
Sam Walker.

The Yeovil 'keeper, on loan from Chelsea, was the stand out performer
and was called into action ten minutes later when Steve Cook's ball from
deep found Arter, who released Thomas one-on-one but his shot was saved
by Walker.

Yeovil's best first-half chance fell to Andy Williams, when he found
himself free of the Cherries defence with only Darryl Flahavan to beat.
His chip cleared the 'keeper but couldn't come down quick enough and
brushed the bar.

The second half was much the same, as Bournemouth continued to pile on
the pressure, Walker was equal to everything the Cherries threw at him.

Pugh was instrumental in most of the second-half dominance, firstly
freeing Zavon Hines whose shot fired straight at Walker. Pugh's crosses
were proving difficult to defend but no one could get that vital connection.

Groves commented on the set pieces that nearly broke the deadlock. "I
thought at set plays we looked a little bit of a threat," he said. "We
had opportunities that were scrambled away a little bit at times. At the
death there were a couple of headers that maybe on another day they go in."

One of these headers was from Steve Cook, who was proving to be a
presence in both boxes. The Yeovil defence couldn't handle the
centre-back when he attacked the ball but he was equally efficient when
defending the Cherries box, culminating in a vital clearance off the
line just after the hour mark to stop the visitors taking the lead.

Both Groves and Cook were pleased with the defensive performance. Groves
said, "I thought at set plays today we looked strong, making sure when
the ball came in our box we didn't give away anything cheap."

The last good chance of the game fell to Wes Fogden who saw his header
was tipped just over, as Walker completed a fine day between the sticks
for Yeovil. When asked if the attackers need to be more clinical, Cook
said, "I think we do look threatening, every time we attacked today I
thought we could nick the goal but at the moment we just can't get the
ball in the back of the net but it will come."

It is clear too that Cook is desperate for his first goal for the club.
"It's so frustrating for me, I have at least one chance a game and I
think today I had three. It seems every keeper that comes here has a
worldy and he's made great saves today," he added.

The Cherries now have a week to prepare for their trip to Sheffield
United but will only have two days to recover before welcoming
Huddersfield to the Seward Stadium. Groves is hoping this past week will
have prepared his team for the upcoming fixtures. He said, "I think the
two results have given them a structure, a feel of control in the game
and shutting out the opposition. We're going to go and play two very
difficult teams so we'll have to see how we fair against them."

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/02042012/63/glovers-announce-operating-profits.htm\
l

Glovers announce operating profits
Mon, 02 Apr 13:30:29 2012

Yeovil have revealed operating profits of £21,000 for the year ending
June 30 2011.

The npower League One club, who currently sit 15th in the table having
enjoyed a revival under returning boss Gary Johnson, disclosed the
information in a statement on their official website.

"On revenues that were eight per cent down on the previous year at
£2.9million, operating profit remained static at £21k," it read.

"There was no income from the transfer of player registrations in the
year and this was the main reason for the reduction in the club's total
revenues compared with the previous year.

"Additional income from the share of centralised broadcasting revenues
compensated for the reduction in receipts from ticket sales and other
commercials activities.

"Costs were kept under tight control to enable the club to register a
satisfactory result for the year in a difficult economic climate. The
club is expecting to produce similar financial results for the current
year."

http://www.morecambefc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10866~2712476,00.html

Jevons allowed to leave
Posted on: Mon 02 Apr 2012

MORECAMBE Football Club have tonight announced that Phil Jevons has been
allowed to leave the club.

The striker has agreed a deal with the Shrimps to cancel his contract
early to give him the chance to trial with other clubs and earn a
contract  for next season.

Boss Jim Bentley said: "I told Phil that he would not be in the plans
for next season and would not be involved much before the end of this
year and this deal will hopefully give him the chance to get himself
sorted with a new club as soon as he can.

"Phil is a great lad and has been a terrific professional. He has been a
fantastic player for us and scored some vital goals. He really does
leave with our best wishes and I hope he gets a deal as soon as possible."

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Yeovil-Town-achieve-modest-profit/story-15704118\
-detail/story.html

Yeovil Town achieve modest profit
Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Yeovil Town’s habitual policy of running their business activities in a
prudent manner has led to a modest success on the financial front.

The npower League One football club has announced operating profits of
£21,000 for the year ending June 30, 2011.

The Glovers, who seem set to preserve League One status for another
season, occupy 15th place in a division which they share with clubs who
can boast far greater resources.

The Somerset side were in grave danger of relegation earlier this
campaign, but they have been steered to the brink of safety by manager
Gary Johnson, who is in his second spell at the Huish Park helm.

Johnson and his predecessor as team boss, Terry Skiverton (who is now
Johnson’s second in command), have had to adhere to strict financial
restrictions at Yeovil, in order to keep the club in the black.

The Glovers published a club statement yesterday which read: “On
revenues that were eight per cent down on the previous year at
£2.9million, operating profit remained static at £21,000.

“There was no income from the transfer of player registrations in the
year and this was the main reason for the reduction in the club’s total
revenues compared with the previous year.” In the 2009-10 financial
year, Yeovil’s turnover was £3.1million.

The club statement continued: “Additional income from the share of
centralised broadcasting revenues compensated for the reduction in
receipts from ticket sales and other commercials activities.

“Costs were kept under tight control to enable the club to register a
satisfactory result for the year in a difficult economic climate. The
club is expecting to produce similar financial results for the current
year [2011-12].”

The Glovers also issued financial figures for two separate companies
under their control – the Centre of Excellence and the Community Trust.

The Centre of Excellence, Yeovil’s youth development set-up, lost £9,000
against turnover of £196,000. “This was in line with expectations,” the
club statement declared. “This was the first year in which the accounts
for the Centre of Excellence were separated from the club.”

The Community Trust delivered a profit of £20,000 against turnover of
£212,000. The club noted: “£17,000 of the net surplus has been reserved
for projects that have been in progress during the current financial year.”

Yeovil Town goalkeeper Sam Walker has been named in the npower League
One Team of the Week. The giant gloveman produced his best performance
in Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Bournemouth at the Seward Stadium, making
several top saves to deny the home side.

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Yeovil-Town-goalkeeper-Sam-Walker-named-League/s\
tory-15714432-detail/story.html

Yeovil Town goalkeeper Sam Walker named in League One team of the week
Wednesday, April 04, 2012

It has been a good week so far for Sam Walker, Yeovil Town’s on-loan
Chelsea goalkeeper.

The 20-year-old product of the Stamford Bridge club’s Academy was
granted his 14th appearance for the Glovers last weekend, and he hit the
headlines at Seward Stadium.

An outstanding display of goalkeeping played a big part in preserving a
point as Town drew 0-0 at AFC Bournemouth – a result which should help
the Somerset side banish the threat of relegation from npower League One
sooner rather than later.

Walker was the recipient of extensive post-match praise from Yeovil
manager Gary Johnson, and on Monday he was named by the Football League
in the League One “team of the week”.

Walker had every right to be satisfied with his weekend’s work. “I was
very pleased with the way I played,” he told BBC Somerset.

“It wasn’t just about me, though, we put in a great shift as a team.
Bournemouth had the ball for a large amount of the 90 minutes, but we
defended, got stuck in, and came out with the clean-sheet.”

After letting in some goals that might have been prevented in other
recent Yeovil matches, not being beaten at Bournemouth will have been a
big boost for Walker. When he was asked if he had altered his approach
to last weekend’s match, he replied: “Not particularly.

“I go into every game the same. I’ve got a pre-match set routine, I
train hard during the week and then I go into the game and try to help
the team out. I enjoy making saves, it’s what I do.”

The Glovers were spurred on by vociferous supporters in Dorset, which
Walker and his team-mates could not fail to notice. “The fans were
brilliant,” the ’keeper said.

“The noise they were making was fantastic. It does definitely help you,
knowing you’ve got that many people behind you in an away game.”

The Glovers are closing in on safety from the drop, and they will want
to get the job done over the Easter weekend. They entertain Rochdale on
Saturday and then go to Notts County on Monday.

“We’re looking good, but I definitely wouldn’t say we’re there yet,”
Walker said.

Walsall have extended midfielder Sam Mantom’s loan deal until the end of
the season. The 22-year-old from West Bromwich Albion joined the
Saddlers at the start of March.

Oldham Athletic have extended the loan of Manchester United defender
Reece Brown until the end of the season. The 20-year-old joined the
Latics in March for an initial month.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/rochdale/s/1490260_we\
ve-given-ourselves-a-mountain-to-climb-coleman

We’ve given ourselves a mountain to climb: Coleman
April 04, 2012

Richard Partington

John Coleman admitted he would have to pick himself up before he
attempts to lift his Dale players on the back of Saturday’s 3-3 draw
with Walsall.

Dale came from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 thanks to Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro’s
stoppage time volley. But within seconds of reviving their League One
survival hopes, Dale were floored by an Andy Butler header.

The result left relegation-threatened Dale eight points adrift of
safety, and with just six games left to play, edged them closer to the
precipice.

"When the luck’s not going for you, as is the case with us at the
minute, these things seem to go against you and just when we thought
we’d turned the corner with a fantastic win, that goal was like a blow
to the chest with a sledgehammer," Coleman said of Butler’s late, late
leveller. "Before I try picking the lads up, I’ll have to pick myself up
first.

"You have to take your hat off to our players. They started bright, they
worked hard, dominated possession for the vast majority of the game and
scored a couple of good goals. But if any one thing sums up Rochdale’s
season, it’s Walsall’s goal at the end."

Coleman, who takes his team to Yeovil on Saturday, said Dale live to
fight another day but admitted their quest was made all the more
difficult by their failure to win at the weekend.

"We’ll have to see if it’s still within our grasp to get out of the
relegation zone, but we’ve given ourselves an even higher mountain to
climb," he said.

"It would certainly have been a lot easier had we won that game.

"We can’t give up, and we have demonstrated that we have spirit, we have
the players and the ability.

"But we have also shown that we can fall asleep at times and be punished."

http://www.football-league.co.uk/footballleaguenews/20120330/league-and-kia-set-\
to-get-fans-to-the-game_2293334_2706281

League and Kia set to get fans to the game
Posted on: 30.03.2012

Getting to the game has never been easier thanks to a new matchday
travel website launched by The Football League and Kia.

Branded specifically to each League club, www.gettothegame.co.uk takes
the hassle out of your matchday travel experience. Whether you're
driving or walking to the match, Get to the Game provides you with the
quickest route to the ground.

Functioning on both mobile and desktop devices, Get to the Game is
designed for ease of use and automatically updates with your next home
or away fixtures. Just select your chosen team, enter your postcode and
the site will do the rest.

There are also live traffic and train updates, liftsharing opportunities
and Kia dealerships noted along the route. Details of the ground itself,
such as park and ride schemes and parking information, can also be
accessed via the site.

David Malkinson, Head of Strategic Marketing and Partnerships, said:
"Football League fans travel thousands of miles every season following
the team that they love up and down the country.

"The League and Kia have developed this site to help supporters plan
their journeys to any of the 1,656 League games per season, both before
leaving home and whilst en route to the ground. I would encourage all
fans to take a look at the site before heading out the door this weekend."

Start planning your weekend journey now by heading to
www.gettothegame.co.uk.

Kia is the Official Car Supplier of The Football League.

http://www.football-league.co.uk/features/20120404/john-faces-up-to-dale-drop-da\
nger-_2293307_2706172

John faces up to Dale drop danger
Posted on: 04.04.2012

By Tony Leighton

After stepping up a division to take over at npower League 1 club
Rochdale, manager John Coleman could be set to face his former team
Accrington Stanley next season as Dale face an ever-increasing threat of
relegation.

Life at Spotland started well enough for Coleman, whose new team won two
of their first three games under his charge following his appointment in
late January.

But the 10 outings since have brought just one win and eight points from
a possible 30, leaving Dale third-bottom of the table and eight points
adrift of the safety places.

Coleman is defiantly asserting that survival is still possible, and it
is perhaps injudicious to argue about that with a manager whose
successes during his 12-and-a-half-year spell at Accrington made him a
club legend.

He improved Stanley's position season-on-season to lift his team from
the lower non-league ranks up to npower League 2, on the way becoming
the club's longest serving manager - and when he left he was also the
country's third-longest serving boss behind Manchester United's Sir Alex
Ferguson and Arsenal's Arsene Wenger.

To drop down a division so early in his Rochdale career after all that
would be devastating for Coleman, who told football-league.co.uk: "It
would be a massive blow if we were to go down, but I think there's
enough here for us to stay up.

"I think we're going to need four wins from our last six games, but even
four wins might not be enough. But I believe we can stay up, otherwise I
wouldn't be here.

"It will be hard, but I'm used tough situations. I was at Accrington for
the long term and I faced a lot of adversity there, so I think I'm well
versed in it."

Rochdale were also used to adversity until the last few seasons, when
under the management of Keith Hill they became a powerful League 2 team
and after winning promotion in 2009/10 finished ninth in League 1 last term.

But Hill moved on to Championship outfit Barnsley during the summer and,
under his replacement Steve Eyre, the momentum proved difficult to maintain.

When Coleman took over they were 23rd in the table and, admits the
49-year-old manager, it took a lot of soul searching before he decided
to take on the challenge.

"It was really hard to leave Accrington," he said. "Emotionally it was a
tough decision and right up to the day I was leaving, I wasn't sure
whether I'd made the right choice.

"But when I used my head I knew that the infrastructure at Rochdale is
better than Accrington, because they've been a Football League team a
lot longer.

"Last season they were thinking about maybe going the other way out of
this division. But whatever happens, happens. You have to deal with
whatever life brings you and whatever football brings you - and the
better ones will survive.

"I'm doing a job that hundreds of other people would want and I'm still
involved in possibly the best industry in the world, so you can't get
too downbeat.

"What I'm looking for now is for my team to get the results we need to
stay in League 1. And if we can get the things right that we've been
getting wrong - like conceding soft goals - then I believe we can stay
in this division."

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Cumbrians-hold-key-club-crossing-safety-line/sto\
ry-15726283-detail/story.html

Cumbrians could hold key to club crossing safety line
Thursday, April 05, 2012

CARLISLE United could hold the key to Yeovil Town achieving their goal
of npower League One safety sooner rather than later.

Glovers' manager Gary Johnson believes one more win for his team will be
sufficient to beat the drop, providing the side fourth from bottom -
currently Wycombe Wanderers - lose at the same time.

Wanderers welcome the Cumbrians tomorrow, while Yeovil host Rochdale on
Saturday. Johnson said: "Our target is to be safe as quickly as we can.
We have got ourselves away from three of the clubs but the fourth is
hanging on for grim death.

"One more result, as long as they have a negative result, should
probably be it. But if you win and that fourth spot wins then you have
got to go again and it goes to the next one. Obviously they are running
out of games now.

"I am really pleased with the spirit that we are playing with. If we are
not particularly good on the day where we are not playing like Barcelona
then we are staying in games because of our spirit and commitment. We
think it is one more but it has got to be with Wycombe having a negative
result."

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Huish-Park-chance-allows-attacker-prove-worth/st\
ory-15725602-detail/story.html

Huish Park chance allows attacker to prove his worth
Thursday, April 05, 2012

MIDDLESBROUGH attacker Jonathan Franks believes he is at Yeovil Town to
prove he is good enough to cut it in npower League One.

The former England youth international has impressed Glovers' fans over
the course of seven starts and one substitute appearance.

The 22-year-old's displays in green and white have not gone unnoticed by
rivals, with Hartlepool United boss Neale Cooper revealing his
admiration last week.

However, loanee Franks has endured a tough two years in the North East
and has featured in just 30 games for his parent club since the summer
of 2008, with more than half of those coming from the bench.

Franks said: "It is obviously nice that you know there is interest but I
have never really doubted my ability.

"I have had a hard time in the last 18 months at Middlesbrough with
injuries and being out of favour under (manager) Tony Mowbray. I am here
to prove a point that I am good enough to cut it at this level and I am
enjoying every minute of it."

The versatile forward is out of contract in the summer and Glovers' boss
Gary Johnson made no attempt to hide the fact the loan until the end of
the season was with one eye on the future.

Franks admitted he had settled quickly in South Somerset but wanted to
help Yeovil achieve mathematical safety before discussing the 2012-13
campaign.

"It is a very friendly place," he said. "The people in the area, the
lads in the changing room and the fans are brilliant. I have settled in
fine.

"We will have to wait and see (about a contract) but like I have said to
the manager I am playing football after not playing regularly for two years.

"I am enjoying every minute and hopefully in a few weeks all the parties
can sit down and see what is what."

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Injury-nightmare-distant-memory-jubilant-Yeovil/\
story-15726148-detail/story.html

Injury nightmare a distant memory for jubilant Yeovil Town Ladies
captain Rachael Edwards
Thursday, April 05, 2012

PROMOTION to the Premier League is all the sweeter for Yeovil Town
Ladies captain Rachael Edwards who has beaten medical odds just to lace
her boots again.

When the versatile 32-year-old lifts the South West Combination Women's
League trophy at the end of this month a career-ending injury will be
far from the front of her mind.

After being inspired by her semi-professional father and keen brothers,
Edwards played at school but saw dreams of progressing in the sport
seemingly shattered by knee problems in her teens.

Her right joint kept dislocating and a more extensive than anticipated
operation forced doctors to instruct her not to play again. After
initially accepting the prognosis, Edwards rediscovered her hunger to play.

She said: "They told me that was it for physical sport and football was
out of the window. I accepted it and went off and did other things, but
it was as if I had been bitten by a bug and I suddenly realised I needed
to play football again when I was about 25.

"I have not been playing ladies' football for that long in comparison to
some footballers. I started playing again and as long as I am sensible
and exercise regularly I should be okay.

"I am fanatical about my fitness and build up my leg muscles to take the
pressure off my knee. Other girls have been told after anterior cruciate
ligament damage that they will never play again, but they have and it is
about how you manage it. I just had to try it and get back into it."

After a spell with local club Exeter City, a chance encounter with the
Glovers would change her football future.

"I was dual signed for Exeter and another club in the city that played
in a different league," she said. "We played against Yeovil and I can
remember (joint manager) Sarah (Lawler) playing. They had to beat us to
win the league, but we stopped them, which now in hindsight is probably
a bit mean as I am diehard Yeovil and Sarah never lets me forget it.

"Following that season, Sarah invited me and a couple of my team- mates
to go to pre- season and I have not looked back.

"I joined in 2005 so have been there a while. There are quite a few
different faces that I have played alongside, but there are those few
hard core ones that have been there for a long time.

"It is good to have that core, but always nice to see new faces,
especially the younger ones that are coming through. We have had
different people on the pitch as well as off."

After establishing herself as a regular, Edwards was rewarded with the
captaincy last summer and had no hesitancy in taking the role of leading
the Glovers back to the second tier of women's football at the first
time of asking.

"It feels like we are playing for a professional club and every single
player has bought into that," said Edwards. "Sarah and (joint manager)
Nigel (Williams) have been so clear in what they want to achieve this
season and I think every single one of us players have worked towards that.

"It is so pleasing to think we have done it, but everyone remains so
focused. We have still got a cup final and two league games so it is
great the girls still put in 100 per cent to finish the season on a high.

"Personally being captain is something that I am massively proud of and
it is something I have always wanted to do. When Nigel gave me the call
and said they would really like me to captain the side I chopped his
hand off.

"It sounds really clichéd, but I feel proud every time I walk out with
the girls behind me because it is a fantastic feeling and a
responsibility I take very seriously. It is wonderful, I love being
captain."

Edwards conceded the ladies' game would always play catch-up to the
men's equivalent but said the creation of the Women's Super League was a
step in the right direction.

The Glovers boast a Bristol Academy player in keeper Rachel Simkin,
while Chelsea star Helen Bleazard still trains with her hometown club.

Edwards said: "It is great for me to see it, but particularly for the
younger ones who have aspirations to go on and play at that very top
level it is nice for them to be around other girls that are doing it and
can see it happen."

Juggling the amateur game with work commitments is a chore for most
local footballers, but one Somerset FA worker Edwards relishes.

"I am probably one of the luckiest people in the world in that I work in
football and play it as well," she said.

"I love football so much and it is what I choose to do. It is nice to
think that you can get that into other peoples' lives. I would never
change that.

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Yeovil-Town-boss-Gary-Johnson-wants-greater/stor\
y-15725627-detail/story.html

Yeovil Town boss Gary Johnson wants greater strength in depth for next
season
Thursday, April 05, 2012

Gary Johnson will this summer aim to build a squad of almost 20 players
capable of stepping into the first team when required.

The Yeovil Town manager currently has 23 men registered to his side, but
has three out on loan and chose to name only four substitutes to face
Hartlepool United last month.

The Glovers host Rochdale in npower League One on Saturday with only
Gavin Williams (calf) and Nathan Jones (Achilles-calf junction) injured
among those at his disposal.

Williams will face a late fitness test and Middlesbrough loanee Jonathan
Grounds is available again having missed last week through his wife
given birth.

Johnson said he had selection options ahead of the weekend but added it
was not the strength-in-depth he would be content with for next season.

“We might have a dilemma, it depends on whether Gav declares himself
fit,” he said. “Groundsy obviously is back now so he is available for
selection and I will have to tinker it and be called the Tinkerman. You
just have to do what you feel is right to win the game.

“At this moment in time there is no room for sentiment, I have got to
pick the team that does the job on the day.

“I would not say it is strength in depth, but it is definitely more than
11 players now. It is 13 or 14, maybe, and we have got to make sure that
come next season we have got a much bigger squad, quality-wise, in depth.

“Depth I count as 17 or 18 first teamers that mean every week you have a
dilemma. With it coming up Saturday and Monday that is not good news,
whereas Notts County play Friday and Monday.

“We are going to need everybody over the next couple of games and a win
on Saturday will ease all the pressure.”

Whereas contract talks with the likes of Andy Williams, Ed Upson, Luke
Ayling and Paul Huntington will wait until relegation is staved off, one
loanee has pledged his future to the club if his parent club allow him.

Chelsea keeper Sam Walker is keen to remain at Huish Park for another
season in a bid to continue his career progression.

Johnson said: “Twenty-year-old keepers get better and better. I have had
the worst of him and it would be a shame not to have the best of him.

“Any manager who shows faith in a player that is going through a bit of
a rough time, you reap the rewards later as long as the player has got
ability. If he has not got ability then you do not hang about and get
those chances.

“I know Sam has got ability and if Chelsea are happy with that situation
then great. We are getting value for money with him, that is for sure,
even though he has made the odd mistake as all keepers do.

“I am pleased that he is comfortable enough to come out and say that,
that is nice and the supporters did him proud as well at Bournemouth. He
went over to them and acknowledged them before the game, and he
certainly did so afterwards.

“I am pleased for him because he has got a very calm personality,
nothing will really faze him although I am sure deep down he was hurting
a little bit with how the feeling was after the recent game. He has
grown up quickly.”

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Chelsea-goalkeeper-Sam-Walker-keen-extend-Yeovil\
/story-15725589-detail/story.html

Chelsea goalkeeper Sam Walker keen to extend Yeovil Town loan stay
Thursday, April 05, 2012

Chelsea goalkeeper Sam Walker would be keen to stay at Yeovil Town next
season if the two clubs wished to strike a deal.

The imposing 20-year-old is on loan with the Glovers until the end of
the campaign and was one of Gary Johnson’s first signings after he
returned as manager in January.

Walker shrugged off poor form to star against AFC Bournemouth last
weekend and followed up his outstanding performance by pledging his
immediate future to the Huish Park outfit.

He said: “I am very much enjoying my time down here, I like the area and
it is an excellent club. If that is what the club wanted to go forward
with (a loan next season) I would be happy to do that.

“I signed a new two-and-a-half-year deal at Chelsea in January so I have
got a couple more seasons to get to the level Chelsea want me at to be
in contention for the first team. So all I can do is work hard, gain
experience on loan and see where we are.”

http://www.oufc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10342~2711052,00.html

YOUTH TEAM FACE YEOVIL ON SATURDAY
Posted on: Thu 05 Apr 2012

Oxford United's under-18s take on Yeovil Town in the Football Youth
Alliance South West section this Saturday at the Oxford Sports and
Social ground, Horspath Road, kick-off 11am.

The youth team, under Chris Allen's management, have won their last two
games on the road, 3-1 at Swansea City and 3-0 at Torquay United, and
now lie in 6th place. Yeovil are 10th in the 11-team League.

With the first team in action on Friday night at Northampton why leave
Saturday blank? Pop along and take a look at United's youngsters in action.

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/story-15727659-detail/story.html

Rallying to support Yeovil Town FC in Huish Park store bid
Thursday, April 05, 2012

A group of district councillors has welcomed Yeovil Town Football Club’s
bid to build a new supermarket.

Plans for a 70,000 sq ft store beside the stadium has divided club
officials and some local councillors in recent weeks.

The proposals have been slated by planning experts and three parish
councils, but this week a group of opposition district councillors
praised the plans.

Five Conservative members of South Somerset District Council and one
independent councillor met club chairman John Fry at Huish Park on Monday.

Nick Colbert, Conservative district councillor for Wincanton, said:
“From what I have seen so far, I believe that the development should go
ahead.

“All of the councillors at the meeting were impressed, and as long as
the Highways Agency is happy, then it is hard to see any negatives with it.

“The feeling of the councillors present was that the plans are
well-thought out.

“The development would have so many benefits for the town, and it is
incredibly important that they are fully considered.

“The rough land at Huish Park is exactly the type of land we should be
looking to develop. The supermarket would also create 300 jobs at a time
when a lot of people are losing their jobs in the area.

“I am very impressed by the club’s business model. It is looking to
progress by creating an income stream that would keep the club out of debt.

“The club puts Yeovil on the map, and I cannot see how this development
would cause any concerns for the town centre.

“I do not think people should dismiss this lightly.”

Mr Colbert said the strength of public support for the development was
evident from the 1,000 people who have submitted cards of support to the
district council.

Roy White, of Church Road, Sparkford, submitted the 1,000th card of
support to the club, after supporting the Glovers for nearly 60 years.

He said: “There are a lot of towns that would be only too pleased to
have a Football League club and would bend over backwards to support it.”

The football club claims the supermarket would generate at least £4
million in extra revenue to be invested in community and leisure
amenities at Huish Park.

But in a report, district council planning policy officer Jo Manley
described the project as “unjustified” and said the club’s retail impact
assessment did not fully evaluate the potential effects on the town centre.

Last week Sport England raised objections to the development due to the
potential loss of playing fields and a lack of clear replacement
identified. Yeovil Town Council, Brympton Parish Council and Yeovil
Without Parish Council have also criticised the plans.

http://www.somerset-hospice.org.uk/Fundraising/eventspages/Yeovil+Town+Football+\
Club+Veterans+Match

Yeovil Town Football Club Veterans Match

Starts on 29/04/2012
Start time 14:30
Category Yeovil Town Veterans Match
Location Yeovil

Yeovil Veterans v Chard Veterans on Sunday 29th April. A rare
opportunity to see some old faces on the Huish Park ground. Kick off is
at 2.30pm and entrance is by pre-purchased programmes or £2 entrance fee
on the day.

The Yeovil team will contain players known to young and old supporters
from the 70’s to present day including team organiser Terry Cotton, Ex
managers Terry Skiverton and Steve Thompson/ old favourites Rob Cousins
(over 1000 apps in non league football), Dean Birkby, Tony Pounder, Paul
Thorpe, Mickey Spencer, Warren Pattmore, Nick Crittendon.

The Chard side organised by Rob Smith will be made up by as many of
Chards championship winning sideof the 95/96 season as possible. The
team included ex YTFC players Dave Platt, Bob Russell, Gerry Pearson and
Kevin Leigh and may include some guest players.

This match is being held in relation with Help The Hospices Partnership
in aid of St. Margaret’s Hospice.

For more information or to find out where programmes can be purchased
pls call: 0845 345 9671 or pop into your local St Margaret's Shop.

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Yeovil-Town-Gary-Johnson-looking-bigger-picture/\
story-15737395-detail/story.html

Yeovil Town: Gary Johnson looking at 'bigger picture' alongside 50-point
target
Friday, April 06, 2012

Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has revealed there is a “bigger
picture” in his sights as well as securing the final points needed for
safety.

The Glovers host relegation-threatened Rochdale tomorrow, knowing
victory will take them to the much-heralded 50-point mark.

But the boss said he was looking beyond an Easter weekend that sees his
side travel to Notts County two days after entertaining Dale.

Johnson said: “We’ve got to see the bigger picture, it’s not just the
game on Saturday that’s the be-all and end-all.

“We want to keep trying to improve, keep trying to put our way of
playing over so the ones that are staying know exactly what we’re going
to be trying to achieve next year, and we’ll add (players) to them.”

However, the Yeovil manager is not underestimating the importance of
reaching the half century of points.

“They all know what they’ve got to do, and every game is a big game
until you get that 50 points,” said Johnson. “We’re at home, we’ve got
our great support, some decent players; we need a couple of them to hit
form and we’ll be there or thereabouts.”

The Glovers have been resurgent since Johnson returned to the helm in
January for his second tenure, winning eight of the 16 games he has been
in charge including a six-game unbeaten run at home.

This impressive form has acted as a catalyst for heightened expectations
among supporters, but the former Bristol City manager only sees that as
a positive.

“There are certain clubs in our region where the expectations are not as
high now, but here there’s no doom and gloom around,” said Johnson.

Attacker Gavin Williams (calf) will miss tomorrow’s game having not
trained all week, while defender and coach Nathan Jones is still ruled
out with an Achilles/calf junction issue.

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/cc_league1/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=so\
ccer/12/04/06/manual_121838.html&TEAMHD=nationwide2&BID=419

YEOVIL SWEATING OVER DUO
Yeovil v Rochdale

Yeovil are sweating over the fitness of Gavin Williams and Nathan Jones.

Williams has missed the Glovers' last two outings after picking up a
calf strain in the 3-0 defeat at Charlton and remains a doubt for the
Somerset side this weekend.

Yeovil manager Gary Johnson may also have to do without the services of
left-back Jones, whose Achilles injury has left him rated 50/50 for the
visit of Dale.

However, the Glovers will be able to call on Richard Hinds once again.
The centre-back returned from a hamstring strain in the goalless draw
with Bournemouth at Dean Court last time out and emerged through his
comeback unscathed.

Nicky Adams is pushing for a starting place.

Adams came off the bench with Dale 2-0 down at home to Walsall last
weekend and played his part in an attacking midfield role as John
Coleman's side took a late 3-2 lead, only to be agonisingly pegged back
by Andy Butler's injury-time leveller.

Neill Byrne made his Dale debut at right-back and will hope to retain
his place.

Byrne's fellow defender Marcus Holness and midfielder Sean McConville
were unused substitutes against the Saddlers but come into consideration
as Coleman has a virtually full squad to choose from.

Former Accrington man McConville is yet to make his full debut for Dale
since joining on loan from Stockport last month.

Midfielder Simon Hackney (abdominal) remains a long-term absentee and is
unlikely to see action before the end of the season.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/rochdale/s/1490642_hi\
story-dogs-rochdale-prospects

History dogs Rochdale prospects
April 06, 2012

Liam Hocking

With only six games remaining, Rochdale’s League One survival hopes are
looking slimmer with each passing game.

Dale lie eight points from safety – which isn’t an impossible gap to
close – but history suggests it will take a monumental effort from John
Coleman’s men to avoid the drop.

Since the inception of the Championship, League One and League Two
structure eight years ago, only one team has survived with less than 50
points.

The form guide looks bleak for Rochdale, too, with only eight points
gained from their last 10 games – just one win.

Rochdale, who travel to Yeovil on Saturday, came from 2-0 down to lead
3-2 against relegation rivals Walsall in injury-time on Saturday, before
seeing the three points snatched away with Walsall’s next attack.
Assistant manager Jimmy Bell admits the result has left Rochdale with an
uphill struggle to avoid the drop.

“There’s still a lot to play for but it’s no longer a hill, it’s a
mountain,” he said.

“We’ve got to keep believing we can do it and hopefully we’ll look back
on Saturday’s result as being a very important point.

“The lads made a positive response and showed a real fighting spirit and
we’ve got to keep that going.”

Crucial games against Yeovil and Sheffield United in the coming week are
followed by games against Exeter City and Chesterfield, the only two
teams below Rochdale in the table.

Maybe a bit of luck in the coming weeks will give the players some much
needed confidence. Even then, as Bell says, Rochdale have got a mountain
to climb.

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Yeovil-Town-continue-play-expansive-football-821\
1/story-15746757-detail/story.html

Yeovil Town will continue to play expansive football – Paul Huntington
Saturday, April 07, 2012

Yeovil Town will stay faithful to their open and expansive style for the
rest of the season, according to captain Paul Huntington.

The Glovers entertain Rochdale today before heading to Notts County on
Monday knowing three more points are likely to secure their League One
status.

Their wait has been delayed by a run of two defeats and a draw, having
gone unbeaten in March’s opening five games.

Despite the stuttering end to the month, Glovers’ skipper Huntington
said their overall form and play had been good – and that they were
aiming to continue that through the campaign’s remaining six outings.

He said: “There were a lot of games to get through last month and I was
really pleased with our points total.

“As quite a small squad, we have come through well and are looking to
finish off the season as soon as possible.

“It is just important to get as many points as possible before the end
of the season.

“We did really well in March and we want to take that into the next month.

“Our record at home has been good, even with our last game (a 1-0 defeat
to Hartlepool) where it did not quite come off. We are looking a real
threat coming forward.

“I think, in March especially, we have got the supporters on their feet
a lot more in terms of creating chances and they want to be entertained.

“It is an expansive way of playing football, but we did it well in March
and we want to carry that on through April and the first week in May.”

Huntington said it would be up to Yeovil to take the game to Rochdale,
who head south eight points from safety and third-from-bottom.

“At the back end of March, people noticed we have been picking up
results, which is nice to see and hear,” he said.

“It is very much up to us to play our normal game and impose ourselves,
being the home team, and take the game to them rather than being on the
back foot. We are on a good run and we have got to look to get to that
50-point mark.”

“They will be a hard working team. In the last few weeks they have
scored a few goals and I saw they drew 3-3 (against Walsall) last week.

“They will be looking for points because they need to get out of the
position they are in.

“They have got a lot of energy in the midfield and it will be very
similar to many games in League One.

“We have got to make sure we are at it and start the game well, then our
so-called better players can get on the ball.”

Chelsea loan goalkeeper Sam Walker proved Yeovil’s hero at AFC
Bournemouth, producing a string of saves to help earn a point.

The 20-year-old is the fifth stopper to be used by the Glovers and,
although Huntington admitted a consistent custodian would have
benefitted his team, the efforts of those wearing the number one jersey
could not be faulted.

He said: “I think we have adapted. I do not think it has been ideal, if
we are honest, you want that continuity and it would be ideal if we had
somebody for the whole season.

“Last year Stephen Henderson was really good and everyone that has come
in has done their best, which is all you can ask for. Hendo was great,
but, at the same time, the ones that have come in have given their all.”

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/rochdale/s/1490618_be\
ll-urges-dale-lets-keep-believing

Bell urges Dale: Let's keep believing
April 07, 2012

Ben Collins

Assistant manager Jimmy Bell has urged everyone involved with Rochdale
to keep the faith after last Saturday’s ‘heart-wrenching’ draw against
Walsall.

Dale looked down and out when they trailed 2-0 with 24 minutes
remaining. Defeat would have left them 11 points from safety with six
games left.

However, John Coleman’s men staged a thrilling fightback to take the
lead in stoppage time and score what they thought was a valuable winner.

But, with the Spotland faithful still celebrating, Walsall hit straight
back to claim a 3-3 draw and deny Dale a crucial three points.

Bell said: "Instead of being five points from safety it’s now eight.

"And it was heart-wrenching the way it happened. The way we saw it, it
was win or bust. It was a game we knew we had to win and we thought we’d
won it, but then 30 seconds later it’s snatched away from you.

"I was as sick as a pig. I’ve never experienced anything like that in my
whole career."

It wasn’t just the timing of Walsall’s equaliser that made Saturday’s
result a bitter pill to swallow. It was the fact it came against the
side immediately above the League One drop zone and the manner of the
goal, Andy Butler managing to head a hopeful long ball over David Lucas
from the edge of the box.

"It was a freak goal," said Bell. "To punt it forward and get on the end
of it like that, it was one-in-a-million.

"There are some question marks over the positioning of the keeper and
Kevin Long but sometimes you just have to take your hat off, Andy Butler
timed his run to perfection."

Dale have now had time to regroup and realised that all is not lost. And
Bell insists there is now a positive mood in the camp ahead of two
crucial games over Easter weekend, at Yeovil today and at home to
promotion-chasing Sheffield United on Tuesday night.

"It took me a couple of days to get over it," admitted Dale’s number two.

"But it was back to normal on Tuesday. We had a look at the DVD and
analysed a few things and everyone was upbeat again.

"There’s still a lot to play for but it’s no longer a hill, it’s a mountain.

"We’ve got to keep believing we can do it and hopefully we’ll look back
on Saturday’s result as being a very important point."

Yeovil have managed to climb away from the danger zone since Gary
Johnson’s return to the Huish Park dug-out.

Dale have failed to put together a similar run, winning just one of
their last 10, so they know it’s now or never if they are to pull off a
great escape.

"We’ve got to make up eight points on Walsall, which is a massive ask
with six games to go," Bell added.

http://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10441~58880,00.html

Yeovil Town 3-1 Rochdale
07/04/2012

Rochdale's relegation battle continues as Yeovil Town secured the three
points with a 3-1 win over Dale at Huish Park on Saturday.

There were two changes to the starting eleven with Marcus Holness in for
Neill Byrne, while Nicky Adams replaced Ashley Grimes who was missing
from the squad.

The home side were the first take a strong hold on the game, and gave
Rochdale warning signs before going on to take the lead on seven minutes.

The Golvers' Andrew Williams had the first half chance of the game after
Kevin Amankwaah was beaten on the left flank by Williams, leaving the
back four caught cold. Amakwaah's pace however let him off the hook as
he tracked back to put in a last ditch tackle to stop Williams getting
his shot away.

Rochdale then watched on as the home side saw a low shot from distance
go past the post, before going on to take the lead.

A lack of communication between goalkeeper Dave Lucas and Amankwaah from
the resulting goal kick allowed Jonathan Franks to take advantage of a
short pass across the 18 yard box. He took the ball away from Lucas to
the back post, and tucked it past the goalkeeper into the back of the net.

The Glovers certainly took confidence from the goal and continued on top
as Rochdale struggled to make an impact in the final third.

Michael Symes had one of Dale's few opportunities of the half as he
tried an effort after skipping past Luke Ayling, but his shot from
inside the area failed to trouble goalkeeper Sam Walker.

On 12 minutes Yeovil again came close as Lucas was forced to pull off a
finger tip save to keep out Jonathan Grounds who fired a shot goal wards
from distance.

With Dale under the cosh, Grounds again applied the pressure minutes
later as he rattled a shot from the edge of the 18 yard box past the post.

Andrew Tutte, who spent a spell on loan at Huish Park last season, then
came close for Dale on 20 minutes as he hit a low powerful drive at Sam
Walker.

But despite a short spell of possession for Rochdale, the home side went
on to double their lead just before the half hour mark through Richard
Hinds. He side footed the ball into the net from six yards out in a move
started from a free kick out side the area.

In what summed up Rochdale's afternoon, Symes again left the travelling
support frustrated as he miss-hit the ball inside the 18 yard box and
sent it into the stand behind the goals.

And with Dale struggling to make an impact on the match, Yeovil almost
punished Rochdale further after substitute Neill Byrne, who replaced
Kevin Long on 27 minutes, left Gary Jones with a mountain to climb to
control the ball following a sloppy pass. Grounds again was in the right
place at the right time as he took advantage of the situation, sending
in an effort which again went the wrong side of the target.

As the game approached half time Yeovil's Lawson D'Ath broke on the
counter attack following a Dale set piece. His low drive travelled at
pace just past the woodwork.

And with just minutes of the half remaining, Rochdale could have pulled
a one back if not for Ayling who cleared a header from Jean-Louis Akpa
Akpro off the line.

There were no changes for either side at half time, and it was Dale who
came out fighting after the break.

Jason Kennedy saw an effort go the wrong side of the woodwork on 49
minutes after striking the ball on the volley following a cross from Joe
Widdowson.

While Rochdale had Akpa Akpro to thank on 54 minutes as he provided
cover for Lucas who missed a corner played in by the Glovers. The
Frenchman cleared the ball off the line as it was played back from the
initial set piece towards the target.

John Coleman then opted to go to three at the back as Dale threw
everything forward. In a double substitution on 59 minutes Holness and
Adams were replaced by Sean McConville and Temitope Obadeyi.

The changes allowed Rochdale to play with an urgency, and in turn enjoy
a spell of pressure. This however was to no avail.

On the hour mark Kennedy found space in the box following a cross from
Tutte. Hinds, who grabbed the home side's second of the afternoon,
charged down Kennedy to stop him getting the shot away.

Amankwaah then drove forward, twisting and turning his way past the
Glovers, before delivering a menacing cross for the waiting McConville.
His header was however deflected out for a corner.

Despite working hard to build a bit of momentum, Dale were made to pay
for failing to make any of the opportunities count as Yeovil again
started a period of dominance.

On 73 minutes, the Glovers' D'Ath was through one on one with Lucas, and
despite having a golden opportunity to home home, he fired well off
target and over the stand roof.

With the pressure mounting, Yeovil then went on stretch their lead three
minutes later. After a some scrappy play inside the box, Lucas was
beaten as substitute Michael Woods side footed the ball past the
goalkeeper and into the back of the net to make it three for the home side.

Then against the run of play, Rochdale were given a small glimour of
hope on 79 minutes as Grounds netted an own goal after a melee in the box.

But Dale were unable to add to the score line as Yeovil saw out the half
to take the three points from the game at Huish Park.

It finished Yeovil Town 3, Rochdale 1.

Att:3,859

Possession : Yeovil 60% Rochdale 40%
Shots On Target : Yeovil 8 Rochdale 5
Shots Off Target : Yeovil 7 Rochdale 6
Corners : Yeovil 5 Rochdale 8
Fouls : Yeovil 12 Rochdale 5
Most Fouls : Morris (2) Kennedy (1)
Yellow Cards : Yeovil 1 Rochdale 2

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/rochdale/s/1490683_ye\
ovil-3-rochdale-fc-1

Yeovil 3 Rochdale FC 1
April 07, 2012

Rochdale took another step towards relegation from League One with
defeat at Yeovil.

Dale are now 11 points adrift of safety and will need a remarkable
turn-around to escape the drop.

They were behind early against the Glovers - Jonathan Franks scoring
after just seven minutes from close range.

The lead was doubled after 29 minutes when Andrew Williams set up
Richard Hinds, and Williams was the provider for Yeovil's third which
came from Michael Woods with 15 minutes left.

Dale did get themselves on the scoresheet five minutes later but they
had Yeovil to thank for that when Jonathan Grounds scored an own-goal.

Things don't get any easier for Dale - they face second-placed Sheffield
United on Tuesday.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/07042012/63/dale-downed.html

Dale downed but not yet out
Sat, 07 Apr 17:51:41 2012

Yeovil eased their relegation fears with a comfortable 3-1 win but
Rochdale seem destined for the drop.

First-half goals from Jonathan Franks and Richard Hinds set the Glovers
on their way before substitute Michael Woods added another after the
break. Dale's pressure brought a consolation goal when Grounds put the
ball past his own goalkeeper.

Franks got his goal after seven minutes when he picked up a poor
backpass from former Yeovil player Kevin Amankwaah and rounded the keeper.

After 29 minutes a free-kick on the right by Josh Morris was headed on
by Paul Huntington and his central defensive partner Hinds finished to
extend the host's lead.

Glovers boss Gary Johnson introduced Chelsea loanee Woods midway through
the second half and he scored his first ever senior goal when Andy
Williams picked up a clearance from keeper Dave Lucas and crossed for
Woods to touch in from 10 yards.

Rochdale were rewarded for their consistent pressure when Grounds hooked
into his own net while attempting to clear the ball.

http://www.yeoviltownladies.com/news.html

Glovers Head For The South Coast Looking To Stay Undefeated
Havant & Waterlooville Ladies vs. Yeovil Town Ladies

Saturday 07 April 2012

Yeovil Town Ladies take on second place Havant and Waterlooville this
Sunday 08 March, looking to continue their unbeaten run so far in the
league this season. The match takes place at West Leigh Park in Havant,
and kicks off at 2.00pm.

Directions To West Leigh Park

West Leigh Park,
Martin Road,
West Leigh,
Havant,
Hampshire. PO9 5TH

Telephone:
02392-787822

  From East/West (A27)
Turn off the A27 into Havant at the Hayling Island roundabout. Follow
the road through the town centre crossing three sets of traffic lights
until you go over the railway and come to a roundabout. Go straight on,
through another three sets of lights. At the fourth, just past the Elf
garage, turn right into Bartons Road. The ground will be on your right.
At the top of the hill immediately after a pedestrian crossing, turn
right into Martin Road. The entrance to the ground is several hundred
yards along the road on your right.

  From North (A3/A3M)
Follow the A3 southwards until it becomes the A3M. Just after it does
take the B2149 turning, signposted to Emsworth. At the top of the
sliproad turn left, follow the road to a small roundabout and turn
right. Continue along this road into Rowlands Castle and you'll be
confronted by a small double roundabout. Go straight over the first and
right at the second, taking the road running down the right hand side of
the Shell petrol station. Follow this road round until it becomes a dual
carriageway. At the first set of traffic lights turn left into Bartons
Road. The ground will be on your right. At the top of the hill
immediately after a pedestrian crossing, turn right into Martin Road.
The entrance to the ground is several hundred yards along the road on
your right.

By Train
Leave the station by the north exit (that being the side that doesn't
have the main ticket office). Walk north up Leigh Road, directly ahead
of you on leaving the station. The road eventually comes to a dead end
by a junction onto a dual carriageway. Cross the road and walk along the
right hand side of the dual carriageway (this is pavemented, the route
runs along a housing estate). Continue up to the next set of traffic
lights and looking right you should see a dead end road and the ground's
floodlights. Turn into the road and the ground entrance is a hundred
yards on the left.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/07042012/63/johnson-delighted-glovers-50-point-hau\
l.html

Johnson delighted at Glovers' 50-point haul
Sat, 07 Apr 19:17:33 2012

Yeovil manager Gary Johnson expressed his delight after his side reached
50 points with a comfortable 3-1 victory over struggling Rochdale.

First-half goals from Jonathan Franks and Richard Hinds set the Glovers
on their way, and substitute Michael Woods added another after the break
before Rochdale grabbed a consolation through Jonathan Grounds' own goal.

The Glovers, who virtually assured survival with the win, have enjoyed
an upturn in fortunes since Johnson returned to Huish Park, and he
admits they could have been challenging for a play-off spot had they
displayed such form at the start of the season.

He said: "The results we have been getting since I came back to Somerset
have been really encouraging.

"I have pointed out to the lads that if recent form had been spread over
the season, we would not be far from the play-offs.

"I was particularly delighted with Richard Hinds, who had a great game
for us. His little girl was in the grandstand so it was a good time to
get his first goal. He is the grandfather of the squad but he is playing
like a man in his mid-twenties."

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/07042012/63/coleman-dale-deserved.html

Coleman: Dale deserved more
Sat, 07 Apr 19:22:04 2012

Rochdale manager John Coleman insisted his side's performance warranted
more as they fell 3-1 at Yeovil to virtually confirm their relegation
back to npower League Two.

First-half goals from Jonathan Franks and Richard Hinds set the Glovers
on their way, and substitute Michael Woods added another after the break
before Rochdale grabbed a consolation through Jonathan Grounds' own goal.

Dale's defeat leaves them almost certain to drop back into League Two at
the first time of asking.

Coleman was left grumbling about the "Keystone Cops defending" which
gave Yeovil a 2-0 lead at the break.

"We probably created more chances than them but the mistakes let us
down," he said.

"They would have been flattered by 3-0. They would also have been
flattered by 3-1. In fact, I think they were probably flattered to have
won the game."