ECHOSPORT talks to the Gloverscast podcast ahead of Saturday's match at Roots Hall.

Yeovil are currently seventh in the table. What have you made of the season so far?

"Honestly, it's been brilliant, to be knocking around the play-off spots at this stage is a testament to how we've adapted to this division again.

"Fans wanted the progression to continue and that's happening for sure, we're maybe a couple of points of where we could (or even should) be, but it's hard to moan at the moment.

Have you noticed much of a step up from National League South and what have been the main reasons for Yeovil's good start?

"There's definitely a difference, we were a massive fish in a small pond last season, teams set up to defend and frustrate, but this season is teams having a go at us and that's arguably helped our creative players to get going.

Yeovil and Southend seem to have mirrored each other with ups and downs. What memories do you have of this fixture?

"Two big sides at National League level always brings a certain importance to this fixture, most recently seeing Rhys Murphy and Jake Hyde scoring against us, shortly before joining us that summer stands out.

"But we got two massive wins against Southend in the 2004/05 season that really stand out.

"A 1-0 win at Roots Hall in April 2005 proved vital in our title charge."

Who is the dangerman?

"I'm Interested to see how Kofi Shaw gets on, this is a big test for him on loan from Bristol Rovers, but he's too young to expect massive amounts from too quickly.

"I like James Plant down our flanks, he's got a bit of everything, and has done an awful lot of good work down both the left and right in a short time with us."

What's the team news?

"We've got three players suspended and they're all vital.

"Aaron Jarvis and Dom Bernard will serve one game bans and Morgan Williams is in the middle of a three game spell off.

"That will leave us light at the back, especially in the centre if we continue with a back three.

"We hope that Michael Smith will be back from injury, but club captain Matt Worthington suffered a potentially awkward injury against Tamworth and this might come too quickly."