User blog comment:Ekreture/Ashigaru vs Yeoman Archer/@comment-25221333-20140724212337/@comment-25221333-20140728002126

Even a cushion would defend against a wooden staff. His shield would be capable of distracting the Ashigaru. The soldier would be thinking 'How can I make him lose his shield' or 'How can I get past it'. The Yeoman on the other hand would be more confident seeing as a counter is less likely because of the shields extra protection. While a musket would smash right through it, a swipe from a sword might only crack it. If the Ashigaru stumbles or if his attack is dodged, all the Yeoman needs is to give a good stab at an exposed or chain mailed area. It might not penetrate fully but it could hurt or demoralise the Ashigaru. The shield really does make the Yeoman a little more flexible, its not really the shield itself that won it for him, but more the options he's given