Huddersfield Town v Yeovil Town
Both sides could not underestimate the importance of this fixture, with Huddersfield Town chasing an automatic promotion spot and the Glovers still fighting for League One survival.
Conditions for the game were as magnificent as the surroundings of the Galpharm Stadium, with the pitch basking in the late April sun. Both outfits would have their eyes partly on other scores throughout the league as they strove towards their individual aims.
Steve Thompson named an unchanged Yeovil side to the one that started against Gillingham on the previous Saturday, hoping for similar form that resulted in a valuable win. Huddersfield's line-up appeared packed with attacking options; the vastly experienced Andy Booth partnered former Torquay striker David Graham up front. Gary Taylor-Fletcher also started, and the prolific Pawel Abbott posed a threat from the bench.
The Glovers kicked off the tie and were immediately in the hunt for an opening goal. Solid build-up play saw Colin Miles cross from the left. Phil Jevons rose well to meet the ball, but could only head wide with a defender breathing down his neck.
Despite this early attacking endeavour, casual Yeovil defending allowed the home team a sniff of goal, which they gratefully accepted after seven minutes. The Glovers failed to clear a corner, and Graham was supplied with a neat ball that evaded Terry Skiverton and Adam Lockwood at the back. The Sheffield Wednesday loanee latched on to his opportunity, firing across Steve Collis into the corner of the net.
Faced with a situation that Yeovil were now familiar with, Thompson's men fought back, and came close four minutes later. Despite Andy Lindegaard laying injured on the right the referee waved play on. David Poole's whipped cross was met by an advancing Skiverton who skimmed the top of the net with his header.
Nineteen minutes into the half Graham had another attempt at goal. After a Huddersfield free kick failed to penetrate the Yeovil wall, the Scottish attacker leapt on the loose ball. His shot zipped along the turf but was well gathered by Collis.
With the Glovers somewhat struggling to assert their authority, Huddersfield continued to display the kind of form that has seen them achieve what they already have this season. When not in possession the hosts were hungry to chase the second ball and close down their man. In attack the Terriers looked threatening and quick, displaying determination and fluidity.
Yeovil were failing to create chances and had to be content with scraps of attacking chances. After 33 minutes Poole tested the Huddersfield defence. The former Manchester United youth product lifted the ball over Terriers' utility man Mark Hudson before weaving his way forward. Davies passed to Jevons, who shot against a defender and the ball was scrambled clear.
As the half came closer to an end Huddersfield's calm and assured attacking play began to waiver slightly, with passes going astray and the Galpharm faithful becoming restless. With 39 minutes on the clock Hudson slipped up, allowing Arron Davies a diagonal run at the 18-yard box. Unfortunately for Yeovil, Davies was unable to control his effort, and the ball sailed harmlessly wide.
Yeovil went in at the break one goal behind, and having not tested Paul Rachubka in the Huddersfield goal. The home team were the better side of the half, and in a period where they played some excellent football they deserved to be beating the under par Glovers. There was a glimmer of hope for Yeovil however, with Huddersfield beginning to show cracks in their play.
Half Time: Huddersfield Town 1 Yeovil Town 0
Huddersfield flew out of the blocks for the second half, pressing Yeovil back right from the restart. The Glovers' defence was kept on its toes twice in quick succession, as first Taylor-Fletcher and then Graham tried to force their way around the back of their opponents.
Four minutes into the half Booth was only inches away from extending his side's lead. A trademark header from the Galpharm favourite was athletically palmed by Collis, with Chris Cohen hoofing clear on the post.
Shortly after the hour mark Yeovil Town were given the lifeline they so dearly wished for. Referee Mr Hegley adjudged Danny Adams to have hauled down Davies in the box and pointed to the spot. For the second time in as many weeks, Jevons stepped up to take the resulting penalty and coolly slotted the ball past Rachubka, as the 'keeper dived the wrong way.
The penalty decision threatened to be the turning point of the fixture, with Yeovil growing in confidence and Mr Hegley on the end of some fierce words from the Huddersfield fans.
Ten minutes after the penalty, Yeovil went into a remarkable lead in spectacular fashion. Jevons was again in the thick of the action, beautifully finishing a 20-yard free kick with a strike that would have made Roberto Carlos proud. Suddenly the 504 travelling fans found their voice, quietening almost 14,000 home fans.
Huddersfield's tendency to lose possession that became apparent at the end of the first half was increasingly creeping into the game as the clash wore on. The Glovers looked better going forward, with Poole in particular testing a slower and more cumbersome opposing back four.
The calmness and composure that had been lacking from Yeovil previously in the game was returning, and the Somerset outfit were more comfortable on the ball. The match, however, was by no means over and with a minute of normal time remaining Booth's aerial presence almost registered an equaliser.
Substitute Abbott crossed for his impressive striker partner, who out-muscled Adam Lockwood, before heading wide of Collis's right hand post.
The final whistle blew to end the game and secure Yeovil's place in League One for another season. Two moments of extravagant skill from Phil Jevons saw the Glovers come back from an early set back, and sent the fantastic travelling support home elated.
Despite being quiet for a lot of the game, Yeovil made the most of Huddersfield losing the grip on the game. After starting brightly and dominating the passing game, Peter Jackson's men stumbled and dropped their fluency.
Steve Thompson's men can be congratulated for keeping their heads up and trying to make something of a game where they often found the going tough. Yeovil can now look forward to their last home game of the season, without the threat of relegation looming large.
Full Time: Huddersfield Town 1 Yeovil Town 2
Report by Chris Sweet
