Carl Baker made the brave decision to play at Huish Park following the tragic death of his brother Mike earlier in the week.

And, with his in-form striker in his staring eleven, Gary Ablett made just two changes from the side beaten at Leeds seven days ago with Paul Huntington coming in for his County debut after arriving on loan, ironically from Leeds, on Thursday.

Johnny Mullins moved from central defence to right back with James Vincent moving forward to replace Danny Pilkington on the right side of midfield.

Michael Raynes, who wasn't expected to figure, made a welcome return on the bench after recovering from a hamstring strain.

County were greeted by the giant Blue & White flags when they took to the field but, within the first 30 seconds, they had a real scare as Johnny Mullins went down as Yeovil's first attack ended with a corner; after lengthy treatment by Rodger Wylde the defender was able to continue.

In very hot conditions both teams were struggling to get their games going. Jon Obika didn't connect with a dangerous Terrell Forbes cross on 16 minutes and a minute later former County favourite Andy Welsh curled a shot just over.

After 20 minutes the Hatters took the lead after a move of real quality. Rose, Huntington, Bridcutt and Baker were all involved as the ball was worked to Tansey. The midfielder played in Bignall who was brought down by Alex McCarthey. Mr Scott pointed to the spot and red-carded the goalkeeper.

Apprppriately, on an emotional afternoon, Baker smashed the penalty past sub 'keeper Richard Martin. Welsh was the player replaced and he went off to a chorus of boos from the home fans who disapproved of Terry Skiverton's decision.

Baker and all his teammates, including Fon Williams, raced to the bench to watch Carl hoist a special shirt in memory of his brother that said, simply, 'that's for you Mike'.

The Glovers levelled on 32 when Ryan Mason's miscued shot fell nicely for Gavin Tomlin who turned to beat Fon Williams with a low drive from inside the box.

Tempers began to fray and Obika and then Vincent were booked in quick succession.

Martin then made a good save to turn Bignall's shot round the post as County began to gain the upper hand. And they turned the spell of possession into a second goal just before the break when Tansey found Baker who jinked into a shooting position on the edge of the box to smash the ball past Martin.

The Hatters were camped in the Yeovil half for long periods after the break but the Glovers got men behind the ball to protect Martin.

Baker might have had another hat-trick six minutes in but he misjudged the flight of Rose's long throw and failed to make contact.

Havern then headed Rose's corner wide at the far post but by and large County were unable to create any clear-cut opportunities.

Another half chance came just before the hour when Vincent slipped in Bignall but the Reading striker was quickly closed down by the hard-working defenders.

County were punished for failing to kill the game off when Yeovil levelled on 65 minutes. Bridcutt's clearance from the right went straight to Mason who hit an angled drive to Richard martin who planted a downwards header inside Fon Williams left-hand post.

A wayward cross from Tomlin almost caught out Fon Williams but the back-peddling 'keeper managed to turn it onto the bar.

Mullins then made a timely interception from Tomlin's pull back.

Both sides almost won it right at the death. Poole was just off target for County with a low dive and then, in stoppage time, Mason drove a similar chance wide for the Glovers.

The final whistle signalled another emotional moment as Gary Ablett urged Baker to go over to the Blue & White Army who presented him with a special card of condolence signed by everyone who had travelled to the West Country.