Yeovil Town manager Russell Slade rang the changes for the visit of AFC Bournemouth as the Glovers looked to kick-start a run of form.
Darren Way and Lee Peltier formed a central midfield partnership, while Aston Villa loanee Zoltan Stieber and Paul Warne played on the left and right respectively.
Top scorer Lloyd Owusu had to be content with a place on the bench as James Walker and Marcus Stewart led in attack against a Cherries side hovering above the relegation zone.
The Glovers got off to a dream start with Hungarian Stieber taking only a minute to make a dramatic impression. Captain Terry Skiverton met his driven corner at the back post, beating off the presence of defender Alex Pearce and heading it past 'keeper Gareth Stewart in the same motion.
Yeovil continued to push forward, looking to double their lead, but lacking the fluidity in play to string together a meaningful attack.
The Cherries looked deflated but battled on nevertheless in an attempt to show attacking intent, despite being caught offside on a number of occasions.
With 22 minutes gone of the first half Yeovil's patient, methodical and persistent passing nearly bore fruit. James Walker's cross from the by-line clipped a defender, wrong-footing Stewart who clung on to the ball.
Three minutes later James Walker was upended 20 yards from goal in a central position, following a strong run. Despite having two attempts after Max-Alain Gradel was booked for encroachment, Stieber could only curl the ball over the crossbar.
The Cherries responded positively, stretching the Glovers at the back shortly before the half-hour mark. With nobody able to take control, James Henry wastefully fired into the Carlsberg Stand.
Yeovil regained composure with Stieber again proving dangerous on the left. His run and cross provided Stewart with a difficult headed chance and he missed the target after 32 minutes.
Walker made no mistake, however, eight minutes before half time. Terrell Forbes released Warne on the right and his cross caused confusion between Gareth Stewart and his defence, allowing Walker to muscle through and nod the ball home.
The home team went in at the half time break two goals to the good. Yeovil Town deserved to be ahead with the goals proving the only excitement in an otherwise uneventful game.
HALF TIME - Yeovil Town 2 AFC Bournemouth 0
Despite Yeovil Town coming out for the second period on confident fashion it was Bournemouth who had the first opening five minutes in. Tired defending allowed Henry an unchallenged header, who glanced wide.
Two minutes later Marcus Stewart jumped on a loose ball 25 yards from goal and tried to extend his team's lead. His shot was deflected behind for a corner kick that the Cherries dug in to deal with.
After 59 minutes the visitors were gifted an opportunity to get back into the game. Facing own goal yards outside the penalty box Guyett passed to an empty space, allowing Henry to steal possession. Sprinting in on goal, the Bournemouth attacker's side-footed attempt trickled past the post.
Yeovil launched a quick attack from Steve Mildenhall's goal kick, earning a corner. With the ball bouncing in the box, it would not drop quickly enough to allow Stewart to get a powerful head on goal.
With the game now running at a fast tempo, there was drama down the other end with 63 minutes on the clock. Nathan Jones handled on the line and received a red card, before Brett Pitman calmly slotted home the subsequent penalty.
The Cherries were playing with a renewed confidence that has seen them claim 11 points on their travels this season. Moments after their opening strike they found Yeovil wanting at the back again, but could not take advantage.
The impressive Stieber was substituted after 67 minutes as Craig Alcock entered the fray to strengthen Yeovil's back four that was increasingly coming under siege.
Bournemouth continued to pile forward in search of a winner, doing their utmost to make their extra man count. Yeovil's back four dug in trying not to take any unnecessary risks and maintain their advantage.
The Glovers held on for a valuable three points, weathering a Bournemouth onslaught. A commanding rather than rampant first half secured the win for Russell Slade, with the red card rocking his side.
Paul Warne was a deserved man of the match, working tirelessly until the end. Stieber looked a class apart while on the pitch and his delivery from set-pieces will be a welcome addition to Yeovil during his loan spell.
Next up at Huish Park is Hartlepool United, which will prove a sterner and different test. Yeovil have proven they can grind out results and will be looking for more of the same on Saturday.
Chris Sweet
