DELIGHTED Lee Clark hailed Town’s battling qualities as they deservedly earned a vital point despite playing with 10 men for 77 minutes.
They looked up against it following Lee Peltier’s 13th-minute red card and Andrew Williams’ opener which gave Yeovil a 1-0 half-time lead.
But Town powered back to level through Antony Kay against Terry Skiverton’s side – for whom Max Ehmer was outstanding at the back – and extend their unbeaten league run since New Year to 13 matches.
“I was delighted with the second half performance,” confirmed Clark, “and we might even have nicked the win.
“When Lee was sent off I thought we started feeling a bit sorry for ourselves, but I told them at half-time to keep believing because I don’t ever think you should give up the game at ‘10 v 11’.
“It can be very difficult for the other side if you do the right things, cut down their options and make them frustrated – it can suddenly open up with a few opportunities for yourselves.
“At times you would have thought we had 11 in the second half, after Yeovil had played really well before the break, and I can’t praise the players highly enough for the way they played, I was delighted with their response.”
Clark added: “I told the lads that if we played higher up the field we would earn some openings and earn some set pieces, and that’s what paid off.
“We caused them one or two other problems as well and I thought our two centre-backs (Kay and Peter Clarke) were outstanding.
“Peter was a true captain and drove the team on, while Antony Kay wasn’t too far behind.
“As I’ve said before, Antony is a real man who gets on with the job and he was immense.
“Peter made some unbelievable challenges in the first half when we were coming under pressure and his timing in the tackle was perfect, otherwise they would have been penalties.”
Clark made just one change to the starting line-up which won 1-0 up at Hartlepool, giving Chris Atkinson only a third appearance and second start in midfield for Joey Gudjonsson, who felt a hamstring twinge after Town trained at Bristol City en route to the match the previous day. Tom Clarke was drafted onto the bench.
“It was really unfortunate for Chris Atkinson that I had to sacrifice him because I think he’s a fantastic young player who I’m desperate to get a run of games,” said Clark.
“I was apologising to him from the 15th minute because he’s a super boy who has been patient, but believe me he’s a magnificent footballer who can go as far as he wants in the game.
“All the lads can take credit for the way they fought back, though, and now we look forward to Rochdale.”
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