2000/1 review

 player profiles

 lookalikes

 surveys

 yeovil in europe

 photo gallery

 interviews

end-of-season review 2000/1 - january 2001

It's big Cup match time! Yes, the third round of the NVCT against Kettering. Oh, and the 3rd round of the FA Cup against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium.

With the Trophy match against Bath City too, only three league games are played. One of those sees the first home defeat, against Southport, after a conference record of W11 D0 L0 at Huish Park since the start of the campaign.

That result means a little of the lead is eroded - from seven points to four, but still with two games in hand over rivals Rushden and Diamonds.

yeovil town 2, forest green rovers 0

Nearly 4,500 turn up to see in 2001, and to see the 11th home win. The Rovers keeper and the woodwork prevent a high score, as Yeovil dominate. Both goals come from the head of Warren Patmore, with Ben Smith the provider each time.

These strikes put Warren ahead at the top of the Conference scorers' chart. All the more surprising, then, that the club aren't apparently doing anything to secure his services past the end of the season, when his contract runs out. A similar situation exists with Ben Smith and Tony Pennock.

bolton wanderers 2, yeovil town 1 (fa cup, 3rd round)

Bolton may 'only' be a first division side, but they're steeped in history, have a superb new stadium, and are on the verge of moving back to the top flight. Like Yeovil, their league campaign is more important than anything else. Unlike Yeovil, they have a large enough squad to shuffle things around as the situation dictates. A few of regular first-teamers are out of the starting XI, but they're soon brought into the action when Yeovil take the lead. A great goal it is too, Ben Smith timing his pass, and Warren his run, perfectly to be onside while the defenders hang around appealing for the flag. Warren finishes well to put the Glovers up.

Bolton get level on the verge of half-time with a scrappy goal, helped by a definite foul on Terry Skiverton, and arguably another on Tony Pennock.

A large Yeovil contingent create a great atmosphere, but Bolton's late pressure pays off as they score on stoppage time. Of course it's sub Michael Ricketts, who will score over 20 goals this season, most after coming off of the bench.

Gutted that we didn't get them back for a deserved replay, but nonetheless a proud performance from team and fans alike.

With no replay or other big Cup tie looming, work is due to start soon on developing the home end for increased capacity, and to put up a roof. It's hoped that the work will be complete in time for the visit of Rushden and Diamonds in April.

yeovil town 2, kettering town 0 (nvct, 3rd round)

It's the NVCT, so who cares? Well, Colin Addison does, it seems - he puts out a strong side, and a goal each from Darren Way and Glenn Poole sends the Glovers through to the Southern Semi-Final.

yeovil town 2, bath city 1 (fa trophy, 3rd round)

The third cup tie in eight days, and THIS is a game to win! Bath City are the second biggest traditional local rivals (which makes them the smallest traditional local rivals, I suppose!)

The FA Trophy doesn't have the attraction of a Wembley final this year, and is greatly tarnished by that. But then, it only seems an annoyance because we seem to be in sight of the promotion goal. Any other season, and this would have been an important competition.

It was a dirty match, not least thanks to Bath's Jon Holloway (you'll remember him as the guy who got sent off for punching a player in a DML match, and after receiving the red card decided to go and punch him again - smart move, matey!).

There's a shock as Matt Paul puts Barf ahead, but the win is sealed with a quick pair of goals from Darren Way and James Bent.

yeovil town 0, southport 1

Southport don't quite stage a title challenge this year, but aren't that far off. Today the look like the best side to visit Huish Park yet.

New signing Chris Lane, a recent bargain from cash-strapped Hereford, scores the only goal of the game, volleying in at the far post with 11 minutes left, ending Yeovil's 100% home record.

A home record of 11-0-1 still ain't bad! New signing rumours include Richie Hanlon. Unfortunately nothing comes of it - he could have been key to staying top.

hednesford town 1, yeovil town 2

Hednesford are nowhere near the class of Southport, and are on their way to a long run of games without a win, which will see them relegated at the end of the season. Yet they give Yeovil a tough game tonight, and it's with some relief that the three points are taken.

Nick Crittenden opened the scoring with one of the goals of the season. One touch football passed the ball through Smith and Belgrave in the middle to send Crittenden away down the right, and he finished smartly past the advancing keeper.

In the second half, a few substitutions saw the Pitmen look much better, particularly dangerous down Yeovil's right. The visitors moved players around, but still Val Owen got a deserved equaliser.

Both sides pushed for the winner, and Warren Patmore got it - while on all fours on the ground! Keeper Gayle had blocked his first effort, but Patmore stuck out a leg to poke home the rebound.

results for january 2001

internet player of the month

Captain Terry Skiverton wins your votes as Player of the Month, based on the MOTM votes for each match.

player     points terry skiverton 384 nick crittenden 259 warren patmore 250 darren way 248 tony pennock 218 tom white 200 ben smith 147 david piper 102

terry skiverton pic (c) djs/ytfc.com

table for matches played in january 2001

table at end of january 2001