Lee Collins: Yeovil Town boss Darren Sarll admits first game since defender's death was 'tough day'

Yeovil manager Darren Sarll saw his team win on an emotional day at Huish Park

An emotional Darren Sarll admitted Yeovil Town's first match since the recent death of their captain Lee Collins was a "tough day" for the club.

Tom Knowles' goal gave them a hard-earned win over Boreham Wood at Huish Park, where fans left floral tributes outside the stadium before kick-off.

"The strain over the last two weeks has been huge," Glovers boss Sarll said.

"We know we've got so many battles to go through and steps to take. We took a big one today."

Collins, who was 32, was found dead in his hotel room on 31 March.

There were concerns for his welfare after he did not turn up to training that day.

Sarll and his players remained on the pitch after the final whistle of the National League match, embracing each other and talking rather than immediately returning to their dressing room.

He explained to BBC Radio Bristol: "Being out in the fresh air probably cooled me down a bit. If I'd have gone in the dressing room I would have bubbled over.

"We were all thinking the same thing. We were all thinking about Lee."

Lee Collins' last game for Yeovil Town was against Stockport on 6 February

Yeovil defended well after Knowles' 28th-minute goal to secure an eighth win in the Glovers' past 14 games.

Sarll said: "Their desire and determination was fitting. I've always said Lee was the glue in our dressing room and he's stuck us so tightly together.

"We wanted people who would fight for this football club. We're doing that.

"We're fighting as hard as we can - we're fighting our own emotions at the minute."

Boreham Wood captain Mark Ricketts handed flowers to Yeovil skipper Carl Dickinson before kick-off.

Once the game started, Yeovil created the first chance but Albi Skendi's cross was cut out by Tom Champion's superb touch to deny Reuben Reid a header on goal.

Knowles then burst through on goal and was denied by goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore, but the hosts' early pressure told when Knowles latched on to Skendi's pass to fire home.

Gus Mafuta's strike was straight at Yeovil goalkeeper Adam Smith as the visitors tried to respond.

Corey Whitely threatened an equaliser late on with two set-pieces, first forcing Smith into a smart save and then curling just over as the Glovers held out for a poignant victory.

Match details supplied by PA Media.