Billy Rowley believes Yeovil Town did not deserve to lose - but 2-1 to Altrincham they did

Billy Rowley believes Yeovil Town did not deserve to lose after the Glovers’ six-game unbeaten league run came to an end with a 2-1 defeat to Altrincham at Huish Park.

Yeovil took the lead through Johl Powell in the first half, but Charlie Kirk equalised before Kristian Dennis capitalised on a wind-affected cross to put the visitors ahead.

The defeat was compounded by a red card for Ben Radcliffe in the closing stages, with manager Rowley admitting the conditions played a major part in the result.

“My initial feelings are the performance was decent enough, given the conditions”.

“I thought both teams played pretty well. It’s a game of two halves literally when you’re kicking into 50-mile-an-hour gusts. The game plan’s very different, the way you attack looks very different.”

Despite acknowledging Altrincham’s performance, Rowley felt the decisive moments were heavily influenced by the weather.

“The two goals are literally probably created by the conditions and the wind,” he said. “Full credit to them for their victory. Yeah, really disappointed to lose that game because I don’t think we deserved to.”

Yeovil had led at half-time after Powell pounced on an error from former Glovers winger Otis Khan, cutting inside before finishing past Harry Isted.

However, a misplaced pass from Radcliffe allowed Leo Farrell to break forward and set up Kirk for the equaliser. Dennis then reacted quickest after Jos Barker misjudged Remi Raymond’s wind-assisted cross, putting Altrincham ahead.

Rowley also pointed to a missed opportunity for Yeovil to regain the lead, with Archie Davies unable to convert a one-on-one chance.

“On another day that goes in and you’re two-one up with 10 minutes to play,” he said.

Radcliffe’s dismissal added to Yeovil’s frustration, but Rowley was keen to defend the defender’s overall contribution despite the costly mistake.

“He’s been absolutely brilliant. He was literally playing, I think, a 9.5 out of 10 until that moment,” he said.

The Yeovil boss also sympathised with goalkeeper Barker, whose difficult afternoon was affected by the swirling wind.

“He’s got the line of the ball and then in the last second it gusts over his head,” Rowley said. “Two real random moments that don’t happen really on another day.”

Despite the setback, Rowley insisted his side would quickly turn their attention to Tuesday’s trip to Hornchurch.

“I can’t fault anyone’s effort. I can’t fault some of our quality and chances we had,” he said.

Yeovil have the chance to set things right as they make a midweek trip to Hornchurch where the Glovers will look to get back to winning ways.