The opening day of the season saw Yeovil Town concede a late equaliser away at Scunthorpe United in heartbreaking fashion, to share the opening day spoils. Mason Obeng volleyed the Glovers into the lead shortly after half-time, and the Yeovil defence stood firm for the rest of the second half, until a Luke Brennan effort curled past Jos Barker.

First Half

It was Yeovil who got things underway for the first half, kicking towards the Thatchers-esque terrace housing the Scunthorpe fans, in their green home strip; Scunthorpe of course were in their home strip of claret and blue.

Neither side were able to piece together any quality moves within the first 15 minutes, but it was the Glovers who had the first real chance of the game. Ryan Jones latched onto a through ball by ex-Scunny man Zain Westbrooke, forcing Tyler Denton back into his own box.

The former Aldershot man cut to his left foot and drove a low shot into the arms of Louis Jones, the rebound being put behind for a Yeovil corner which resulted in nothing.

Jos Barker had his first National League test just after the half hour mark, as a long header from Callum Howe was controlled excellently by a yellow-carded Pat Jones for the hosts; he burst past Archie Davies, and fired a shot at goal but Barker got down quickly to pull off a brilliant save, keeping the scoreline level.

Both sides continued to huff and puff, but no further chances of note were created, although Scunthorpe put the pressure on Yeovil for the final five minutes of the first half. Such little action took place, that just one added minute was played.

Half-Time: Scunthorpe United 0-0 Yeovil Town

Second Half

There was a half-time change for Yeovil, as Hayden Muller came off, being replaced by Brett McGavin. Soon after the second half began, Yeovil had their lead!

A free kick off to the right side for the Glovers was swung in by Ryan Jones towards the back post, finding an unmarked Mason Obeng to volley home with a great finish past Louis Jones, earning Yeovil the lead, his first goal of the season AND a bag of spuds as well!

Yeovil could have found themselves two up just a couple of minutes later, as a move from the back sliced Scunthorpe wide open, good fortune saved the hosts however.

Barker played his goal kick short, giving it to Ben Radcliffe who found Ryan Jones. Jones took a touch, turned and played a gorgeous through ball to the charging Luke McCormick. The linesman flagged Yeovil’s captain as offside, despite replays showing McCormick clearly behind the defensive line as the ball was played. A sigh of relief for the Iron…

A well placed corner just after the hour mark caused chaos in the Yeovil box, the header from Will Evans just about punched away by a crowded-out Jos Barker, the follow-up header was heroically blocked by Ryan Jones, who required the physio’s attention when the ball ran out of play.

While he received his treatment, a raft of subs took place, including the aforementioned Jones, who looked to be in some pain as he limped off, albeit under his own steam. Hope all is good Jonesy!

With just under 20 minutes to go, the hosts continued to pressure the Yeovil backline, as another corner swung in, but it was plucked out of the sky well by Jos Barker. He then fired a long ball downfield, finding Obeng, who produced an incredible touch to flick the ball on for James Daly. The number 11 was almost through on goal, but a brilliant recovery challenge from Tyler Denton denied the Yeovil winger-come-striker.

Ben Radcliffe found himself in the referee’s book soon after for a powerful shoulder barge on a Scunthorpe man, with the home fans irate that he hadn’t received more punishment. You could argue that if the Iron were through on goal, it’s a definite red, but a yellow felt fair.

The pressure continued to ramp up on Yeovil, and eventually they cracked. 89 minutes on the clock, and Scunthorpe had their equaliser. A cross from Ross Barrows on the right hand side for the hosts was headed away by Westbrooke, only as far as substitute Luke Brennan. The former Chester man controlled the ball, and from a dead ball, floated a very cross-looking shot (it was a shot, let’s make that clear) towards the back post, over Jos Barker’s head and into the top corner.

A long corner routine from Yeovil saw Brett McGavin whip a cross into the box with just minutes remaining, but the flick by James Daly looped safely into the arms of the Scunthorpe goalkeeper, which turned out to be the final action of the game. Both sides gave their best in a proper game of football, with challenges flying in and effort aplenty.

Yeovil Town’s first home National League fixture of the season is next, as Carlisle United visit Huish Park on Saturday 15th August. Dave Prior and Paul Thorpe will be live from 2:55pm on Green and White Radio.

Full-Time: Scunthorpe United 1-1 Yeovil Town

Details

Date: Saturday 8th August, 3pm kickoff
Location: Glanford Park
Attendance: 5,111 (260 away)

Goalscorers:
Scunthorpe United: Luke Brennan (89′)
Yeovil Town: Mason Obeng (48′)

Starting XI

Unused subs
Stephen Walker, Charlie Lennon

Bookings:
Scunthorpe United: Pat Jones 31′, Callum Howe 54′
Yeovil Town: Ben Radcliffe 72′

Scunthorpe United: Louis Jones, Will Evans (C), Callum Howe, Declan Howe (for Luke Brennan, 64′), Alfie Beestin (for James Gale, 64′), Danny Whitehall, Joe Rowley (for Jacob Butterfield, 64′), Pat Jones (for Kyle Hurst, 83′), Jordan Richards, Tyler Denton (for Branden Horton, 76′), Ross Barrows
Unused subs: Maison Campbell, Jean Belehouan