After a dull first half edged by Yeovil, this game sprang into life when Northwich game flying out of the blocks after the break to take a two-goal lead. But Yeovil fought back superbly, and Warren Patmore's late goal brought a 3-2 win to take the Glovers back to the top of the table.
Boss Steve Thompson felt that a fresh Jason Eaton should come in for Matt Hayfield who had worked so hard in previous games, relegating Hayfield to the subs bench.
Eaton got Yeovil's first shot on target, when he took the ball after a good run from Jamie Pitman. His shot was well saved by keeper Lance Key, who was on hand again a few minutes later to block from Paul Tisdale.
Apart from a Ben Smith chip that went over the bar, that was about it for the first half, and there was little sign of the excitement that was to follow later in the game.
Even though they hadn't created many chances, Yeovil were in control in the first half, but after the break Northwich came out flying. After constant pressure, it was no surprise when they took the lead. A super cross to the far post from Steve Walters was met on the volley by Robert Pell who finished neatly from a tight angle.
It was nearly 0-2 when Ian Cooke steamed in to head a long-throw just wide, but the visitors' lead was doubled shortly after a batch of substitutions. The excellent Val Owen had space in the box and chipped Tony Pennock on the turn.
After the substitutions, though, Yeovil were much more effective. Matt Hayfield entered the fray playing up front, and Yeovil switched to four at the back. A goal was pulled back quickly when Terry Skiverton flicked in a Paul Tisdale free-kick.
Lance Key blocked from Warren Patmore before Matt Hayfield equallised, and what a great goal it was. It started as Kevan Brown made a great block to deny Northwich, and Yeovil broke very quickly. Ben Smith's precision pass put Hayfield through one-on-one, and he finished superbly.
Hayfield should have given Yeovil the lead when gifted the ball in the area by a defensive error, flashing his shot across the face of the Northwich goal. The fightback was finally completed in stoppage time when a great Paul Tisdale ball set Tony Pounder away down the right, and his cross was tapped in from close range by Warren Patmore.
This was a superbly spirited fightback, which showed how hard the team can battle. There was some fine moves which showed that the team has skill as well as strength. But most of all, it showed what a superb asset Matt Hayfield is. Originally signed as a midfielder, he has had fine games in defence, and has recently been a star up front alongside Warren Patmore, who is returning to form.
One final note to the Northwich fans: Sorry that the jobsworth stewards made you move in the second half. Maybe they feel they have to do hassle /someone/ in order to justify their jobs.
Frustration as Key saves Eaton's first half strike.
