Yeovil Town must quickly recover from a frustrating home defeat as they travel to face AFC Hornchurch on Tuesday. Their six-game unbeaten league run was halted by a 2-1 loss to Altrincham at Huish Park on Saturday, a result manager Billy Rowley felt his side did not deserve.

Rowley pointed to difficult conditions as a major factor. "There were 50-mile-an-hour gusts affecting play," he said. "The two goals were probably created by the conditions and the wind." Goalkeeper J. Barker was caught out by a swirling cross for Altrincham's 89th-minute winner from Kristian Dennis, after Charlie Kirk had cancelled out Johl Powell's 14th-minute opener. The defeat leaves Yeovil sixth in the National League with 25 points from 14 games, a position they will be keen to solidify on the road.

Defensive reshuffle required

The loss was compounded by a late red card for defender Ben Radcliffe, who now serves a three-match suspension. Rowley praised Radcliffe's overall contribution despite the costly mistake, but his absence forces a defensive reshuffle for the trip to Hornchurch. Yeovil's recent fixtures have been a mixed bag, with the Altrincham loss preceded by a 5-2 win over Leatherhead and a 6-0 thrashing of Wealdstone.

A formidable home opponent

Tuesday's hosts present a significant challenge, particularly at their Bridge Avenue ground. Hornchurch have the third-best home record in the division, with five wins from their six matches there this season. They arrive with confidence after a 2-1 away victory at Hartlepool United on Saturday, a result that highlights their capability. Manager Daryl McMahon, who guided the club to promotion after his appointment in January 2024, was rewarded with a new three-year contract in June that also made him a part-owner. Club chairman Alex Sharp has outlined ambitious plans, stating the aim is to "build a sustainable pathway to deliver EFL football for Hornchurch within the next five years."

Familiar faces on both sides

The match features several connections between the clubs. Hornchurch's defensive rock is 31-year-old Ryan Inniss, an ever-present this season who had a six-game loan spell at Yeovil during the 2014-15 campaign. For the Glovers, striker Johl Powell will be looking to add to his impressive tally of eight goals in his last six league appearances. The referee will be Harry Wager, who has taken charge of Yeovil matches before.

With 33 goals scored this season, Yeovil possess the firepower to trouble any defence, but they face a Hornchurch side that has proven tough to beat at home. The Glovers' next assignment is this key away fixture on Tuesday evening as they seek an immediate return to winning ways.

This story first appeared at gloverscast.co.uk