Back
Goal celebrations for James Daly of Yeovil Town with Billy Rowley Manager of Yeovil Town after scoring their side's 2nd goal for 0-2 during the Enterprise National League match between Hornchurch and Yeovil Town at Hornchurch Stadium, Upminster on 27 October 2026 (Photo: Alan Stanford/PPAUK)(Image: Alan Stanford/PPAUK)
Yeovil Town bounced back in style after Saturday’s 2-1 home loss to Altrincham as goals from Zain Westbrooke and James Daly gave them a 2-1 win at Hornchurch on Tuesday night.
It was Westbrooke who broke the deadlock on 72 minutes before Daly, just on as a substitute, smashed home a second with 12 minutes remaining.
Charlie Pegrum pulled a goal back but Yeovil saw the game out for the win which moved them to fourth in the National League table.
Manager Billy Rowley made six changes to his starting line-up – and saluted an “excellent performance all round.”
Goal celebrations for Zain Westbrooke of Yeovil Town after scoring the opening goal during the Enterprise National League match between Hornchurch and Yeovil Town at Hornchurch Stadium, Upminster on 27 October 2026 (Photo: Alan Stanford/PPAUK)(Image: Alan Stanford/PPAUK)
Speaking to BBC Somerset, Rowley said: “We sat on the coach for up to, probably over three hours on the way here, hit a bit of traffic, got here a little bit late. Prep wasn’t incredible, but it was decent enough.
“Obviously a loss Saturday… Hornchurch’s home record, Daryl’s done a great job here. They’re really difficult to beat.”
Rowley explained that the Saturday-Tuesday turnaround was the reason for the wholesale changes. “I felt it was a good chance for the lads that deserved to play, really,” Rowley said.
“When you’ve hit back-to-back league six-nils, it’s hard to drop players… and I think boys that perform so well week in, week out, they deserve to keep their shirt”.
“Full credit to the lads. I thought Zain’s finish was top-class. He adds that real quality and touch and nous and guile around the box. So, happy for him to score.
“Then JD, sort of, perfect sub-performance really. Played him slightly deeper, running in behind and, yeah, he latched onto the ball incredibly well and it was, it was a world-class finish, really.”
Seb Naylor of Yeovil Town during the Enterprise National League match between Hornchurch and Yeovil Town at Hornchurch Stadium, Upminster on 27 October 2026 (Photo: Alan Stanford/PPAUK)(Image: Alan Stanford/PPAUK)
Bristol City loanee Seb Naylor earned glowing praise from his manager on his debut. “Seb is an unbelievable footballer. Really, really top footballer,” Rowley said. “For a young lad, I’m pretty sure this is his first loan. He’s had an incredible grounding at Manchester City… his positional understanding is first class”.