Yeovil came out with a new formation and, it seemed, a new attitude. This was a strong away performance, and is in stunning contrast to the Northwich game of just a few days ago.
The team lined up with just Warren Patmore up front. Moving to four at the back allowed an extra midfielder, giving Ben Smith free reign, and he excelled. On this site we've called a few times for the introduction of Anthony Tonkin, and he came into the side at left-back today and did well. The defensive four looked less unsettled than the usual five had done, and Rushden never really threatened Yeovil until they scored after an hour.
New signing Matt Hale got a chance to play as a winger rather than full/wing-back, and this suited him more. But the real key today was that the players seemed to want to play again. (A cynic pointed out that they were in the prime shop window if looking to move on at the end of the season!).
The opening exchanges produced a few corners for Rushden, but with little threat made on the Yeovil goal. At the other end the best early effort went to Ben Smith, but his shot was blocked. Warren Patmore headed over, then shot across the face of goal as Yeovil looked the better side, but neither keeper would have felt overworked by the break. Ex-Yeovil player Miguel de Souza looked good for the home side, but he should have done better than to head weakly wide when presented with a chance from a Paul Underwood cross.
Rushden re-organised at half-time, bringing on Andrew Burgess wide on the left, and he got them on top in the game for the first time. But before he opened the scoring, Warren Patmore went close with a header for Yeovil, putting Paul Tisdale's corner just over the bar. The deadlock was broken when a deep cross from John Hamsher was met at the far post on the volley by Burgess, his shot going in off the post.
This sparked a strong spell for Rushden, and they caused problems with whipped in crosses. Only superb saves from Tony Pennock prevented an extension to the lead, his double save from Lowe and Collins was impressive enough, but the block from de Souza's strong low header was just stunning.
Yeovil changed the formation after going behind, bringing on Adie Foster to join Warren Patmore up front, and the Glovers pushed on for the equaliser. Foster got in a shot which was deflected against the outside of Turley's post, and Matt Hayfield met the Hale corner with a glancing header at the near post to level the scores.
The side was much better balanced, and seemingly more motivated, than for a few games. Tonkin did enough to keep a first-team place. The 11 that finished the game today would be my starting line-up for Saturday's game against Doncaster Rovers at Huish Park.
Yeovil move up one place to fourth. Sorry, no photos today, it's not light enough in floodlit matches to get decent pictures.
Results and updated table
