Why underdogs Yeovil Town can defy 8/1 League Two promotion odds
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Many predicted a season of struggle for Yeovil Town this season. But the Glovers currently find themselves in the top third of the table, with a game in hand on most of the sides above them.
The next 10 days are a big test of the Somerset club’s mettle. They face three of the sides above them during that period – including a visit to second-placed Newport County.
Solid defence proving dividends
It’s five clean sheets on the spin in all competitions for Darren Way’s side. The three goals they’ve conceded in League Two is also the joint-lowest in the division.
Wily old fox Gary Warren has built a brilliant partnership with the lively Omar Sowunmi at centre-back, following the former’s summer arrival from Inverness.
And there’s the same blend of gritty experience and silky skills at full-back, thanks to regulars Carl Dickinson and Tom James.
Last league visitors Stevenage rarely had a sniff at goal in a 2-0 Glovers win. That’s the same Stevenage side who then scored five in their next outing. It all bodes well for Yeovil.
D’Almeida the ace up their sleeve
As far as League Two transfers went, the Somerset club pulled off the coup of the summer bringing in Sessi D’Almeida.
The 22-year-old has already featured for national side Benin, and featured in Ligue 1 and the Europa League for French giants Bordeaux. So many were surprised to see him arrive at Huish Park this summer.
But the powerful midfielder has taken no time to settle in. A man of the match display in the 2-2 draw with Mansfield Town has been followed more excellent performances – and a goal in the win over Stevenage.
Right now, he’s probably the outstanding young prospect in League Two. And the Benin ace offers a skilful, tough and dynamic presence behind a talented frontline, led by bustling hitman Alex Fisher.
Darren knows the Way to promotion
Despite his status as a legendary Yeovil player, many fans of the Somerset club went into this season with a pretty lukewarm opinion of Way as a manager.
But that’s beginning to change – and fast.
He’s shown a nose for a smart deal in the loan market and landed on a wide 4-4-2 system which seems to fit his current squad perfectly. And there’s another feather in the 38-year-old’s cap.
Way knows exactly what it’s like to get a promotion-winning side over the line. He was part of the Yeovil side who won the Conference in 2003, and captained the side for part of the 2003-04 season as they won the old Division Three.
Having also been part of the coaching staff in the Glovers’ League One play-off triumph in 2013, he’s ideally placed to bring the club more glory.
As it stands, Yeovil are 8/1 for promotion this season. And there’s a huge 40/1 on Way’s men going up as champions.
Their next test comes at Rodney Parade on Saturday, as they face fellow high-flyers Newport.
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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
