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Search forSpirited Glovers' slump continues
Monday, October 06, 2008, 22:30
Totally outplayed and deservedly beaten by Scunthorpe United, Town responded with a much-improved display against Southend United.
But despite dominating the game, Yeovil found themselves two goals down before Danny Schofield gave them hope of a late comeback. And fate then dealt the Somerset side another cruel blow, as referee Keith Hill decided to send off both Schofield and Gary Roberts in injury time in their 2-1 defeat.
Yeovil now have a two-week break before their next game, with next Saturday's game at Leicester City postponed due to the Foxes' international call-ups.
Slade will hope to add at least two loan signings to his squad over the next ten days. But the current team did prove that they can compete in League One with a stirring performance against the Shrimpers, albeit one that went unrewarded.
Slade took the brave decision to drop defensive stalwart Terrell Forbes and replace him with summer recruit Aaron Brown, who did nothing wrong at the heart of the Town defence.
Another close-season signing, Crewe midfielder Roberts, was the best player on the pitch before his late dismissal.
Roberts arrived at Huish Park as damaged goods after falling out of favour at Gresty Road, but has become the latest example of a player having his career rescued by Slade's shrewd management.
Now the Glovers' manager must hope that his bold decision-making and undoubtedly excellent man-management skills can be reflected in improved results.
The Glovers started well against Southend and Gavin Tomlin came close on seven minutes, turning sharply on the edge of the box before shooting just wide.
The same player then forced a good save from United goalkeeper Adam Federici, firing in a first-time volley from Lee Peltier's high cross.
Schofield failed to connect with a Peltier cross as Yeovil dominated the opening exchanges – but Southend took the lead against the run of play on 22 minutes.
Alex Revell put Barnard clear of the home defence and Nathan Jones tripped the Shrimpers' striker as he tried to recover.
The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty and Barnard stepped forward to confidently beat Asmir Begovic and put the ball into the bottom right of the goal.
Yeovil tried to hit back, with Roberts shooting over from 20 yards and Federici saving well from Brown.
Just before half-time Southend broke through again as they mounted a rare attack, but Brown denied Revell with a brilliant last-ditch tackle. Brown then missed a great chance to level when he mis-kicked from close range after Tomlin side-footed across goal.
In the second half, Roberts produced another decent save from Federici and also kept out a fierce shot from Paul Warne.
Yeovil came close to earning a penalty when Dan Harding tripped Schofield, but the offence occurred just outside the box. Harding was booked for the challenge before Nathan Jones stepped up to curl the free-kick against a post as Yeovil again had no luck in front of goal.
Southend then scored against the run of play to double their advantage with five minutes left, Robson-Kanu firing in from the edge of the penalty area.
Yeovil immediately hit back, with Andre McCollin bursting into the area and crossing for Schofield to convert at the back post.
But the Glovers then failed to find an equaliser and saw two of their players sent off in the closing seconds of the game.
Schofield was given a straight red for a tackle on James Walker near the corner flag before Roberts was given a second yellow card for dissent and was also ordered off.
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