Gidds

Saturday was a case of so close yet so far. None of the teams lost their games and having caught up with what happened in the games I think only the Stockport match is the only one where the team we were on didn't deserve the 3 points. It continues the frustrating run of form though which is annoying. Boxing Day is always a busy day of football and I have 5 bets throughout the leagues.
Wrexham v Salford
The fact Aldershot's keeper got the man of the match award tells you all you need to know about their game with Wrexham as they couldn't get past him. Back at the Racecourse though I think they can pick up 3 points on Saturday and at the very least are value to do so. Only Leyton Orient have won there this season and even then it took two late goals to nick it. With Salford under performing at the moment this could be a good chance for them to go above them in the table. I was surprised they lost to Dagenham on Saturday and they probably didn't deserve to, but having gone a goal up they really should have put the game to bed. This will be a much tougher game for them and having lost two league games on the bounce it might just be the right time for Wrexham to be facing them. Betway go 2/1 about a home win and I would make Wrexham slight favs for this.
Havant & Waterlooville v Eastleigh
Big local derby this, but I fancy the away side to come out on top. Eastleigh's away form is much better than their away, but they managed to even win at home on Saturday when coming from behind to beat Harrogate 2-1 which was a very good result. Eastleigh had won 5 away games on the bounce prior to their 2-0 lose at Wrexham in their last league game away, but as pointed out above their is no disgrace in that. Now Havant have won 4 home league games on the bounce scoring 16 goals in the process, but they have played the bottom 3 sides and Halifax who have only won one away game all season. This is a huge step up in opposition compared to those 4 and they are suffering for injuries going into this game. They got a solid draw at Hartlepool on Saturday, but they suffered 3 injuries in the process. I think Eastleigh's price of 11/8 with William Hill and Betfred offers fair value.
Woking v Hampton & Richmond (National League South)
Not sure there is a great deal of value around at Step 2 on Boxing Day, but this match really sticks out for me as I really fancy the home side. Hampton surprised me when they beat Welling recently but hopefully we can get or money back here. They were well beaten by Torquay on Saturday and I still think they are a side who might get sucked into a relegation battle. Having faced the top team they now have to face the 2nd team in Woking who were superb on Saturday. Yes Billericay have lost a few players, but they still have a really strong side and Woking were really impressive in beating them 4-0. That had been their toughest test for a while in the league but they overcame it with ease and they are now unbeaten in 6 having won 5 of them. I think Woking should be at least 4/6 for this so the fact they are even money with Marathon surprises me and looks huge value.
Lancaster v Workington (Evo-Stik Northern Premier)
Lancaster started the season in really poor form, but they are working their way away from the relegation zone and they have lost just 3 in their last 10 league matches now. They very nearly beat South Shields on Saturday as well, but having scored in the 87th minute the away side levelled in the 90th. Workington have won just 3 games all season and just one of those have come in the last 10 games. Away from home they have picked up just 2 points all season and things won't have been helped by the fact both central defenders were sent off after the final whistle in the 3-2 defeat to Scarborough on Saturday. BetVictor's 7/5 about a home win looks well worth taking.
Stafford v Nantwich (Evo-Stik Northern Premier)
Nantwich are top of the table and although that is partly because they have played more games than some of those below them they have still lost just 3 league games this season and only one of those have been in the last 10 games. Their only away defeat of the season came against South Shields in their first away game of the season. Stafford had gone 6 home games without a win before beating Hednesford in their last home match, but that doesn't say much as they have only picked up 1 point in their 6 games and won just 1 of their last 10. I'm surprised that Nantwich aren't shorter than 7/5 (BetVictor) for this as they look by far the most likely winners.
Tonbridge Angels v Folkestone Invicta (Bostik Premier)
The away side look a huge price at 9/4 (Marathon and BetVictor). Angels started the season very strongly, but lately things have been mostly miserable. They have lost 5 out of their last 6 games and although they sit in 5th position they look anything but play-off contenders at the moment. They haven't played a league game since December 11th so they will be fresher given Folkestone played at the weekend, but on the other-hand they will be rusty having not played a league game for 2 weeks and given Invicta are in good form this is a very tough first game back. They have only lost to top of the table Haringey, who are really flying at the moment, in their last 6 games and they have won 4 of them. Granted their away form as they have lost 5 of their last 7 on the road, but they have a real chance here of picking up 3 points and I would have them shorter than 9/4.
Wrexham 1pt @ 2/1 with Betway
Eastleigh 2pts @ 11/8 with William Hill and Betfred
Woking 4pts @ Evs with Marathon
Lancaster 2pts @ 7/5 with BetVictor
Nantwich 2pts @ 7/5 with BetVictor
Folkestone 1pt @ 9/4 with Marathon and BetVictor 

Yep and it’s not necessarily something I like doing as it isn’t obviously a risky strategy should it go wrong, but it just happens that I fancy 7 bets pretty strongly which is a pretty rare event itself. Let’s see what happens.

The last two Saturday's have been poor and hopefully we can get some Christmas money on Saturday especially as I fancy some of the bets strongly. The Wrexham price has not surprisingly shortened although they have for some reason drifted back out slightly. I still think the price is value at the current odds if you haven't got involved. It doesn't seem that Aldershot are going to sign anyone although they are hoping they will have 11 fit players. Team news will be very interesting that is for sure. There are 6 other bets.   Alfreton v Stockport (National League North)
I really don't get the price of Stockport here as they should be firm favourites for me. Stockport are flying at the moment and have only lost one league game in their last 10. They thumped Ashton 6-0 on Tuesday night and prior to that the beat bang in form Spennymoor away from home. In between those two games they also won in the FA Trophy in a big local derby against Altrincham. On the other hand Alfreton are looking in shocking form at the moment. The only two teams they have beaten in their last 10 league games have been the bottom two sides in the division Ashton and Nuneaton. Last time out Spennymoor put 7 past them and they are looking a poor side at the moment. 2/1 is available if you can get it, but even the next best of 7/4 with Betfred looks a cracking price.   Ashton v Southport (National League North) As mentioned above Ashton are in the bottom 2 at the moment and have only won 1 and drawn 1 in their last 9 league games and that 6-0 thumping by Stockport on Tuesday was their 4th loss on the bounce. I was a little surprised by the strength of Southport's team on Wednesday in a County Cup game given they played the Tranmere match on Monday, but I guess it beats training and of course none of them played in the FA Trophy game last Saturday. As I have mentioned plenty in recent weeks they have shown massive improvement and this looks a great game for them to pick up another 3 points in. 21/20 with BetVictor is the best price.   Kidderminster v Curzon Ashton (National League North) I took Kiddie on a couple of weeks ago as they had been out of form, but they bounced back in good fashion to beat Brackley 2-0. That is their only game so far in December so as much as they will be fresh they might also be rusty, but they had two weeks off before the Brackley so hopefully that won't get in the way. Freshness over this busy period could be crucial and they start off with a very winnable game. Curzon haven't won in 6 league games now and their last 2 league games have both been away losses as well. I think the home side should be odds on here is 103/100 with Marathon is the right side of value for me.   Concord Rangers v Chippenham (National League South) I mentioned the other week about Concord's superb home form ahead of their game against Hampton and they duly won 4-0 which took their home league record to won 8 drawn 1 and lost 1.They are worth backing at odds against in this match as Chippenham's form has taken a dip having lost their last two league games to Weston and Hungerford. On their day they are capable of beating most in the division, but they look of their game at the moment. Their away form has seen them win only 3 as well so it is all about the home team for me here.   Truro City v Wealdstone (National League South) Take out a shocker when losing 4-0 to Oxford City and Truro are one of the most improved sides in the division. That is their only defeat in their last 7 league games and they thumped Weston in the FA Trophy last weekend. I would make them favourites to beat a Wealdstone side who are struggling for victories at the moment. They have only won 2 of their last 8 games and one of those was against Gloucester City a game I was at. It was a pretty poor game played out by two fairly poor sides so I am not hugely surprised they have struggled for wins since then. They were dumped out of the Trophy by lower league opposition last week and Truro look in better nick right now.    Marine v Farsley Celtic (Evo-Stik Northern Premier) Farsley certainly preformed with credit against Telford last week in the Trophy and they showed they could match teams in the league above. They sit in 3rd in position and given the games they have in hand over the teams above they are in prime position for the top spot. They have won 7 of their last 9 league games and drawn the other two. It should be another 3 points here and I can't believe that Farsley are odds against. It has been 11 league games since Marine last picked up 3 points and they blew a 2-1 lead last week. I have only seen Bet365 price this game up so better than 11/10 might appear, but that looks a good price.   Stockport 4pts @ 7/4 with Betfred Southport 2pts @ 21/20 with BetVictor Kidderminster 3pts @ 103/100 with  Marathon Concord 2pts @ 117/100 with Marathon Truro 2pts @ 23/10 with BetVictor Farsley Celtic 3pts @ 11/10 with Bet365

Hibs v Rangers
After Hibs just beating Celtic, the bookies somehow have Rangers as odds on favourites and Hibs priced as high as 4.00 in some places. The value is obviously on Hibs and a repeat performance can defeat a Rangers side who have a poor away record.
Hibs @ 4.00
For a few seasons now, Rangers have had problems with defending set pieces, I'm not convinced Stevie Gerrard has fixed this, with dead ball specialist Stevie Mallan delivering the crosses, big Ryan Porteous could get on the end of one, he's fantastic in the air and knows where the goals are for a centre half.
Ryan Porteous Anytime Scorer @ 13.00 just for fun

Southport v Tranmere
I've been punting on Non-League football for over 10 years now and never can I remember a game where both sides didn't actually want to be playing the game, but that was the case on Saturday when Southport hosted Solihull in the FA Trophy. It is a shame that they weren't playing other teams because there would have been money to have been made. Amazingly Southport fielded a completely different starting 11 from their previous league game. Added to that was the fact that the starting 11 featured a loanee and 6 players who had signed in the week on non contract terms with a further 2 more on the bench. So basically Liam Watson signed a load of players just to play the game rather than stick the youth team out. I made it that Solihull made 8 changes themselves and in the end they managed to win 1-0 ahead of the Blackpool game on Tuesday. What this means though is the Southport players will be much fresher than the Tranmere players who lost 3-2 to Notts County on Saturday. Tranmere are facing the same situation they had in the 1st Round when they had to go to Oxford City in a replay and City didn't turn up that night and ran out very easy winners. Southport could have won the first game and I expect them to do much better that City did. With Spurs awaiting the winners there is plenty riding on the game as well as the fact it is a local derby. I'm not surprised that Southport have been backed given their players have had the weekend off especially given the foul conditions that matches were played in yesterday. 3/1 is still available with Bet365 though and I make that a bet.
Southport 1pt @ 3/1 with Bet365

Fiorentina v Empoli
Fiorentina haven't won any of last 8 games, collecting 7 points, while Empoli under new manager Iachini have won 3 of last 4,even if 3 were home games and the only road one ended with a 2-2 draw against Spal.
Fiorentina have the full squad available and I fancy a home win here. At home they lost only to Juventus, winning 4 and drawing 2, scoring in all games barring the one against Juventus. Striker Simeone (the son of Atletico Madrid's manager) find the net after some time in last game against Sassuolo and I fancy him to score anytime @ 2.30 too.
Empoli have conceded in all last 12 games.
Fiorentina to win @ 1.81 with Pinnacle

Frosinone v Sassuolo
Frosinone still have to win at home in 7 this season, but they scored 6 goals in last 4 home games.
Sassuolo have won just 1 of last 9 games and had 5 BTTS in last 7 overall games, including the Coppa Italia game.
Both sides need points for different reasons. Babacar and Berardi will be a threat for Frosinone's questionable defence but I don't see the visitors keeping a clean sheet as well.
BTTS YES @ 1.84 with Pinnacle

Serie B Brescia v Lecce
Brescia have been a great side for BTTS so far : 12/14 overall and 6/7 at home.
Lecce aren't so sparkling, but they have scored in 11 of last 12 games and 3 of their last 4 travels ended BTTS
BTTS YES @ 1.80 with Betfair

Sampdoria v Parma
I like a lot the Blucerchiati at home. They score a lot, even if they concede too many counter attacks. Parma are a good side. Don't forget that they come from 3 consecutive promotions from serie D after going bankrupt, and that's amazing.
Sampdoria won last home league game 4-1 against Bologna, won 2-1 over Spal in Coppa Italia and drew 2-2 to Lazio in last game.
Old striker Quagliarella is literally on fire (8 goals and 5 assists so far, only Ronaldo has better stats) and the price for the home win is decent for my money.
Sampdoria to win @ 1.86 with Pinnacle

Now that overrated CL Tournament knock out stage qualification is achieved the Premier league takes centre stage until February I for one am pleased with that.
 
City V Everton. City tasted defeat for the first time this season and they will want to bounce back in style, Everton can be really stubborn but I expect City to come through this one. City Halftime/City fulltime 3/4 Ladbrokes
 
Palace V Leicester. Palace are not hard to figure out, stop a couple of players and you stop them, Leicester will be happy to sucker punch on the counter and I think that will bring 3 points to the Foxes. UNDER 2.5 GOALS @ 11/17 188BET
 
Huddersfield V Newcastle. Everytime I think Newcastle will struggle they go and get some kind of result, a match where both teams will be desperate for 3 points and I think that will make it end in a draw. DRAW @ 21/10 BETVICTOR, SPORTINGBET & 188BET
 
Spurs V Burnley.  Spurs will be buzzing having got Through a tough CL Group. That strangely can sometimes have the adverse effect on the team however I don't expect that to happen to Spurs and I think they will see of Burnley quite easily. OVER 3.5 GOALS @ 6/5 BETVICTOR
 
Watford V Cardiff. Watford will fancy this one and most will agree with them on that, Like I always say I like Warnock and actually think he is doing an amazing job with the squad and budget he has, I am going for a draw here. DRAW @ 58/19 UNIBET
 
Wolves V Bournemouth. Finding this one harder than I thought although Wolves are off two good wins and Bournemouth are off of a hammering at home, so logic says a comfy win for Wolves, but if Logic played a part in Football, we'd all be rich. BOURNEMOUTH TO WIN @ 31/10 MARATHONBET, BETFAIR & BETVICTOR
 
Fulham V West Ham. Well Fulham were very poor at Old Trafford and West ham have won 3 on the bounce so confidence will be high, Ranieri will try and make Fulham hard to beat especially at home but I feel Wwest Ham may nick this with the odd goal in 3. OVER 2.5 GOALS @ 9/13 188BET
 
Brighton V Chelsea. Brighton have gotten in to the habit of beating the teams around them and them teams that are expected to struggle. Chelsea are off of a morale boosting home win against City and I see Chelsea continuing here. OVER 3.5 GOALS @ 85/40 BETVICTOR
 
Southampton V Arsenal. I think Southampton are doomed for relegation this year but their hopes are being kept alive by poor form all around them, this seems to be a different Arsenal team this year, little bit of resilience about them although I don't think they will need that in this fixture. I expect them to hold Southampton to nil. BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE, NO @ 8/5 BETVICTOR
 
SO ON TO THE BIG WEEKEND GAME. 
Now those that know me know I don't watch this game for reasons I will not divulge  
Liverpool V Man United. Liverpool reached the summit last week and they will fully expect to Beat United and stay there but this fixture vary rarely is straight forward and I was surprised to learn Liverpool have not beaten United at Anfield since 2013, now with all that said that run should come to an end this week, I fully expect the negative Mourinho tactics to be in full effect this Sunday and try to go for a bore draw or a 3 point snatch, But I think Liverpool will come flying out and if they get an early goal that should be that. LIVERPOOL HALFTIME/LIVERPOOL FULLTIME @ 29/20 LADBROKES, BETVICTOR, CORALS, BOYLESPORTS & BETSTARS
 
as always people enjoy your weekend I hope I have been able to help in even a small way, and the darts also starts today, what a good time for sports the festive season is 

Aston Villa vs Stoke
One of the most interesting matches this weekend can be found in the Championship where two potential promotion-chasing ex-Premier League big guns go head-to-head at Villa Park when Aston Villa host Stoke in this 3pm kick-off this Saturday afternoon.
Aston Villa have been rejuvenated under Dean Smith. The club is on a run of 4 wins and 2 draws from their last 6 league matches. It includes Smith leading his team to 3 wins in their last 4 home league games to send them to 8th in the table. Not only have the results improved but the style of football is more free-flowing and restrictive than it was under former manager Steve Bruce as well.
Stoke are also finally getting momentum going under Gary Rowett. Big things were expected by the former Birmingham and Derby gaffer after his relative successful tenures at those Championship clubs. However, the Potters started the season with just 1 win in their first 7 league games. Form has improved and the club has moved up to 10th in the table with an unbeaten run of 8 league matches. Frustratingly, 5 of those matches have ended in draws. In fact, 3 of the last 4 away league matches have been draws for Stoke.
The Potters have an impressive recent away record against Aston Villa. In their past six meetings at Villa Park, Stoke have won 3 and drawn 3. Is it time that the Villains finally turned the table on that bad form or will Stoke enhance their reputation as Villa's bogey side?
I'm torn in this game. I'm favouring Villa slightly because I think Smith has got them purring. However, Stoke have made themselves a hard team to beat. I just think Villa might have too much for them on home turf. It could be a single goal that decides it but it could also be a thriller.
Aston Villa to Win @ 2.05 with BetVictor
Total Goals Scored Over 2.5 @ 1.83 with MarathonBet
@waynecoyne, @sajtion, @arvee, @canaries91, @Mindfulness, @betcatalog, @Magic0024, @malabgd, @CloughandTaylor, @Tiffy, @Gidds, @chris50, @PokerWolf1, @teddybear3011, @skyblues88, @allyhibs, @Icongene, @KikoCy, @willie82, @Neubs, @Papa Lazarou, @kulikTS, @Valkovets, @Pipoca, @padman, @Marek76, @silver fox, @neilovan, @HastGill1, @jazzman02, @andypaps28, @Kenton Schweppes, @rangers234, @newjack, @Kane91, @yossa6133, @The Sexless Innkeeper, @Xcout, @Wanderer89, @four-leaf, @trevor8, @OppoArchitizerLady, and @the bastardian, what are you guys looking to bet on this weekend in the Championship?

Shrewsbury vs Peterborough
I wasn't sure where to start with the previews this week in this section. After much contemplation, I've decided to take a bit of a risk and cover the Shrewsbury versus Peterborough game in League One that's set to kick-off at 3pm this Saturday afternoon at New Meadow.
Shrewsbury are in a period of transition this season under manager Sam Ricketts. The tenure of former boss John Askey was nothing short of a failure but the new man worked wonders at former club Wrexham and the signs against Burton away were positive. Can they slowly move further up the table from their current place in 17th?
Peterborough are flying high under manager Steve Evans. The controversial gaffer has led them to 4th in the table and they are just 2 points off the automatic promotion pace. One of the leading contributing factors to this is their fine away form that has seen them lose just once on the road this season.
The Shrews might have won the last meeting between these two sides but Posh have won 8 of the last 9 meetings between the two clubs. This stat isn't helped by the fact that Shrewsbury have conceded the most amount of shots on target at home in League One this season.
A problem for Peterborough lately is being unable to finish teams off. 3 draws in their last 4 league games is a disappointing return. Particularly because three of those games were played at home. I feel Shrewsbury could enjoy the new manager bounce here at home. Ricketts will be keen to get the home crowd behind them. I'm tempted to back a home win and that's backed further because the odds on a draw no bet for the home side are too short.
Shrewsbury to Win @ 2.25 with Bet365
BTTS @ 1.75 with Ladbrokes
@Papa Lazarou, @freestylerx, @allyhibs, @iBetting, @betcatalog, @Magic0024, @malabgd, @kulikTS, @golakeh1, @Unnamed, @willie82, @dogmeister, @TheEdge, @JJG, @allthethings, @Mindfulness, @the bastardian, @teddybear3011, @Marek76, @salmonman, @Unnamed, @mij0sim, @jazzman02, @Bobby Vegas, @Teodore, @Tiffy, @nenri981, @MangoTheThird, @Johnmccain, @Papa Lazarou, @VYA, and @sajtion, what bets are you all thinking of placing this weekend?

Wouldn’t touch the Southport v Solihull game with a barge pole to be honest. It’s a game both teams will wish they didn’t have to play so every chance they both rest players and Solihull don’t really have that much depth. Think Barrow have improved since they changed their system and although Halifax got a draw last week I still wouldn’t be trusting their away form although wouldn’t disagree that their price is on the high side.

Last Saturday was pretty dire stuff, but at least the one bet on Tuesday night was a winning won thanks to Dorchester's thrashing of Staines. The National League sides enter the FA Trophy this weekend and there will be a few resting players ahead of a busy Christmas period. I have 5 bets plus a treble and I also have 3 bets in the league action.   Previews to follow   AFC Telford v Farsley Celtic Two teams who are in the promotion hunt in their respective leagues although Farsley look the more likely to be in the automatic promotion picture in the Northern Premier League and they have been really impressive in recent weeks. Indeed they are now on an unbeaten run of 9 games in the league. They got a really good win against a good Basford side last Saturday and I think they are capable of causing an upset here. Granted Telford have only lost once at home in the league this season and that only came in their last home game against league leaders Bradford, but I think Farsley are more than capable of making life hard for their hosts and they are over priced in my view. Aldershot v Bedford
Aldershot's home form is what was keeping them clear of the relegation battle in the National League, but even that has deserted them of late as they have lost their last 2 home games. They are looking over their shoulder's again and I don't think they will fancy this game at all. They are struggling for fit defenders and they are a team under pressure right now given they have only picked up 1 point in their last 5 games. Bedford played in front of 65 people last week (away at bottom side North Leigh) so this will be rather different and they are a step 4 side so that is a big difference, but that is why they are such a big price. They are having a decent enough season so far siting in 6th place. Yes it is a big ask, but this is a real chance for them to cause a huge upset and I think they offer value at the prices.   Barnet v Bath City Barnet are having a good run in the FA Cup and they might be thinking this is a competition they could do well in, but I think they might get knocked out at the first time of asking. Barnet have not been great at home in the league this season having won just 3 times and they have also lost 4 of their last 5 games in the league. Now Bath have only won one of their last 6 league games, but they have only lost 3 of their last 10 so it is hardly like they are in bad form. I think like most National League South sides on their day they are capable of beating anyone in the league and in turn if Barnet fail to turn up at home again then I can see Bath being capable of causing an upset and are a spot of value.   Leyton Orient v Beaconsfield Traditionally clubs who are going for promotion to the Football League have wanted out of the FA Trophy asap. I can't believe that Justin Edinburgh wont rest players for this game and he really won't care if they make it through to the next round or not as it is all about getting promotion. Now obviously in theory they should be winning this, but at a huge price I am happy to take a chance on Beaconsfield. They have only lost 3 league games all season and if Orient do put out a mainly reserve team then Beaconsfield have every chance of causing an upset here. It is worth considering that Orient also lost to in the FA Cup at the first time of asking.    Maidenhead v Oxford City Maidenhead briefly threatened to improve their woeful form after beating Sutton and drawing with Ebbsfleet, but they have gone back to their poor performances in the last couple of games. There is a strong chance this will be a league game next season as I struggle to see even Alan Devonshire keeping them up. City are inconsistent as is proven by the fact they have won 9 league games and lost 8. That puts them level on points with Bath and as I mention above they are another one of those teams who on their day can be very good as they were when nearly beating Tranmere in the FA Cup. This is a great chance for them to cause an upset and go on another cup run.   FA Trophy treble Not a bet I would usually put up, but given I have so many bets already I thought I would group together the 3 sides at just over evens who I fancy to win on Saturday. Eastleigh are one of the teams I think could end up in the Final as they look a decent side who are in and around the play-offs, but realistically this might be their better chance of getting to Wembley. They travel to Hemel Hempstead and it looks a decent chance for them to get through. Truro v Weston-Super-Mare is a relegation battle in the league, but they also play each other in the Trophy. Truro are playing this back at their old ground so should get plenty of support and they are in decent form at the moment. They did lose 4-0 to Oxford City last Saturday, but they bounced back by beating Slough on Tuesday and that loss is their only one in 7 league games. They look in better nick than Weston at the moment. Dulwich travel to lower league opposition in Wingate and they are struggling in the Bostik Premier and it should be an away win.   Hampton & Richmond v Welling (National League South) Hampton are in really bad form having lost 7 of their last 9 league games. They struggled to beat a 10 man East Thurrock two weeks ago and then played out a dire 0-0 draw with a Gloucester City side who are in even worse form. Welling were well beaten by Torquay last week, but there is nothing wrong with that given how good they are looking right now and it is only their 2nd loss in their last 10 games. This looks the perfect chance for them to get back to winning ways and they should be odds on in my opinion.   Lewes v Margate (Bostik Premier) Lewes are flying at the moment and were impressive in winning on Wednesday over Brightlingsea. That win put them on top of the table and they have now won 8 of their last 10 league games and I like their chances of picking up another 3 points here. Margate are too inconsistent to be challenging for the play-offs this season and they have only won 2 of their last 8 games. Lewes are the better side and they look worth backing at a shade of odds against.   Poole v Chesham (Evo-Stik Southern Premier South) Two in form sides here, but it has been priced up by league positions rather than the fact they are both in form. Chesham were awful at the start of the season, but they have changed things around and now things are on the up as they have only lost one of their last 7 league games and they have won 4 of their last 5. Poole have only lost one of their last 8 so like I say both teams are in form, but at 4/1 I think their is definite value in backing the away side as they are clearly better than their current league position.   Farsley Celtic 1pt @ 21/5 with BetVictor Bedford 0.5pts @ 10/1 with BetVictor & Betfred Bath City 1pt @ 15/4 with Bet365 Beaconsfield 0.5pts @ 14/1 with BetVictor Oxford City 1pt @ 13/5 with BetVictor, Betfred & Bet365 Truro/Dulwich Hamlet/Eastleigh 1pt @ 9.1/1 with Betfred Welling 2.5pts @ 11/8 with Betfred, BetVictor & William Hill Lewes 2pts @ 23/20 with Betfred Chesham 1pt @ 4/1 with Bet365

Mainz 05 vs Hannover
I feel like a bit of a bully this week in the Bundesliga because I'm kicking a struggling team when they're down. I'm pin-pointing the Mainz 05 versus Hannover match that is scheduled for a 2:30pm kick-off this Sunday at the Opel Arena because of the poor form of the away side.
Mainz 05 are enjoying a relatively stress-free season so far in the top flight of German football. Sandro Schwarz's team are 10th in the table. It means they're a full 10 points clear of any relegation concerns without any pressure to break into the European qualification spots. Recent results have been superb with 3 wins from their 4 league games during the month of November.
Hannover are in the doldrums right now. Andre Breitenreiter has every reason to be concerned about his position as manager with the club sitting in a lowly 17th place with just 9 points from their 13 league games so far this season. Only goal difference is keeping them off the bottom of the table.
The home side here have built their season on a solid defence so far. They have conceded just 14 goals in their 13 league games so far. Only fourth placed RB Leipzig have a better defensive record in the division conceding just 13 goals. It's an impressive statistic for a mid-table side.
It's the combination of Mainz's superb defensive record and Hannover being in such a bad spell of form that makes me think the home side should get the business done and secure a tight victory here. Hannover will look to grind a result out but I can't see them breaching this Mainz back-line.
Mainz 05 to Win @ 1.95 with BetStars
Total Goals Scored Under 2.5 @ 2.14 with MarathonBet
 

Another winning Nap on Tuesday night and December has got off to a solid start. I have bets in 7 games across the 3 National League divisions on Saturday.
Boreham Wood v Leyton Orient
In typical style the only game Orient have failed to win in their last 5 league games was when I put them up against Aldershot and they drew 0-0. It was frustrating as it is the only recent good performance Aldershot have put in in the league of late. They are now unbeaten in 9 league games and have won 6 of them. I have long said the league title will go to either them or Salford and it is games like this they need to make sure they are picking up 3 points in. Now Wood are quite hard to beat at home and have only lost twice in the league at home all season, but they have both come in their last 5 games including in their last one against Dover. Overall though they have won just 2 of their last 10 league games and beating Maidenhead and Bromley at home hardly suggests they are capable of beating Orient here. They look a fair way off the side who reached the play-off final last season. Orient should be odds on and Betfred are 21/20 about the away side picking up 3 points in the game live on BT Sport at 12.35
Chesterfield v Salford
Draw!
Well like in the Bromley game I think it is wise to cover two results here. Martin Allen has let a few players either go or put on the transfer list this week as he looks to change things around. They didn't do too badly against Grimsby in the FA Cup and they will be disappointed by the goals they conceded as both were a bit fortunate. What it did show yet again though is they struggle to get goals despite the fact they are putting in a fair bit of effort. I know they have been drawing games, but you don't go on an unbeaten run like this by being a bad side and they are capable of making life hard for Salford. I have to back the draw again as I said I would until they stopped drawing league games. However, Salford should really be winning this and they ought to be odds on really like Orient in the game above. Betfred are 11/10 about them and I will have the bigger bet on that whilst also covering the draw at 5/2 with Bet365 and Betway.
Dagenham & Redbridge v Halifax
Well Dagenham's win for us last week was rather dramatic and hopefully they won't need two 90th minute goals to win this week, because I really fancy them to beat a poor Halifax side. Halifax's only win in their last 10 league games came in a 1-0 win at home to Dover. Away from home they have been mainly poor. I put them up to get a point in their last away game against Ebbsfleet and they stunk the place out losing 4-0. Their only away win came on the opening day of the season when they beat a Braintree side who have basically been in the bottom two all season. They have managed the odd good point on the road including at Solihull, but I think they will struggle to get anything out of this. Now we got away with the Dagenham bet last week as Hartlepool deserved to win, but it meant Dagenham kept their great run going. They have won 6 of their last 7 league games including their last 4 and hopefully it will be another one here. They are obviously nothing like the side they were earlier in the season. Dagenham should be odds on for me and the 23/20 with Betfred and Betway looks cracking value.
Gateshead  v Bromley
Another one at the shorter end of the market as I like Gatshead at even money in this game. Gateshead have only lost 3 home games this season and they came back to back. At least one of them they shouldn't have lost and they were all by 1 goal. Now they have only won once in their last 5 league games and have lost 3 of them, but strangely enough only one of those games was played at home and I am expecting them to improve for being back at the International Stadium. Bromley have only won once in their last 6 games and that was a 4-0 drubbing of Harltepool at home. Bromley's only two away wins in the league have come against sides who are poor at home in Ebbsfleet and Maidstone. Also both sides are fellow Kent teams and who knows their might be something in that. Gateshead should be capable of racking up another home win here.
Sutton v Solihull
Sutton stopped me from getting 3/3 in the league bets last week when getting a late equaliser at Fylde, but hopefully we can get them beat here. Granted they have only lost 2 of their last 8  home league games and only 4 in the league all season, but they have also only won 2 in that same spell and the 3g pitch doesn't seem to be in their favour this season. One of those wins as well was the freak 3-0 victory over Wrexham. As Solihull proved against Blackpool in the FA Cup last week they really are a very good side this season. I am just kicking myself for not having backed them on the handicap or something at the start of the season, because the quality of their squad meant they should never have been favourites to go down. I was concerned about Tim Flowers because his managerial career prior to this has not been good, but he has done a superb job. Now their away form doesn't always quite match their home form, but the 4 defeats have come at Fylde, Harrogate, Orient and Barnet so there is no disgrace in that. Marathon are a quarter of a point bigger than anyone else at 11/4 and that price is way too big as for me they are the better side and despite Sutton not losing all that often they have a much better chance of beating them than those odds suggest.
Bradford Park Avenue v Southport
Southport have been doing good things for us of late and they were superb against Tranmere in the FA Cup last weekend more than deserving their replay. I am sure the prospect of possibly meeting Spurs could be distracting, but their league form has not dipped despite the Cup run and given the replay is still going to be over a week away hopefully they can put it to the back of their minds here. They did need a late goal to beat Boston last time, but they have proven they have the quality to beat the best in the division and BPA are currently the best in the division. They haven't lost in 7 league games having won 5 of them and usually I wouldn't really oppose a team in that sort of form, but I just don't think Southport are as far away from them as the betting suggest so I am happy to take a chance at 7/2 with Bet365.
Kidderminster v Brackley
Hard to know what is going on at Kiddie as they have had a real dip in form. Maybe a couple of weeks off will help iron out the issues, but they have lost their last 3 home games in the league and then you can add a defeat at home to York in the FA Trophy into the mix as well. They have only won 1 of their last 6 league games as well. Brackley have only lost two league games in their last 10, including last week against Altrincham, but they have also drawn half of them so they aren't quite winning as many as maybe they should be. After losing their first two away games they have only lost one more so they are solid on the road and with Kiddie not performing well at the moment I am happy to take a chance on the away win here at 23/10 with Marathon and Bet365.
Hemel Hempstead v Dulwich Hamlet
Final bet of the day comes in the National League South and the away team look over priced here. Hamlet are only in 17th place in the league, but I do think they are better than that and sometimes they aren't quite getting the points their performances deserve. They lost 2-0 to Torquay last week although they held their own against the league leaders. Dulwich have only won once in their last 7 league games, but they beat Welling in the FA Trophy and Torquay are the only team to beat them by more than one goal. In their last 4 games Hemel have managed to beat Gloucester and East Thurrock which is hardly saying an awful lot and then lost to Wealdstone and Concord. As I have mentioned a few times when talking about the National League South this is a league with very small margins between winning and losing and I have seen nothing to suggest that Hemel should be odds on shots to beat Dulwich. Bet365 are over half a point bigger than anyone else at 15/4 and that is value for me.
Leyton Orient 2pts @ 21/20 with Betfred
Salford 2pts @ 11/10 with Betfred and 1pt on the draw @ 5/2 with Bet365 and Betway
Dagenham & Redbridge 4pts @ 23/20 with Betfred and Betway
Gateshead 2pts @ Evs with Bet365, Betfred and Betway
Solihull 1pt @ 11/4 with Marathon
Southport 1pt @  7/2 with Bet365
Brackley 1pt @ 23/10 with Marathon and Bet365
Dulwich 1pt @ 15/4 with Bet365

St Mirren vs Hamilton
OK, so it's a bit quiet around these parts this weekend with the FA Cup severely hampering the action in this section but let's try and liven things up slightly by covering the SPL relegation battlers game between St Mirren and Hamilton that kicks off at 3pm on Saturday from the Paisley 2021 Stadium.
St Mirren are hovering dangerously above the relegation zone in the SPL. Oran Kearney grabbed his first win as St Mirren boss last weekend in a 2-0 victory against Hearts. Kearney also moved to bring in the experienced Northern Ireland coach Jimmy Nicholl in a bid to improve the coaching quality at the club. The club is currently in 11th place and just 3 points off the bottom.
Things are not going much better at Hamilton. Martin Canning's team are just one place above their opponents in this game in 10th place with just 2 points more. A 3-0 loss to Celtic last weekend made it back-to-back defeats in the SPL with Academicals now losing 6 of their last 8 league matches, conceding 10 goals in their last 4 games and only scoring 1 goal in those 4 matches.
It certainly feels here that St Mirren are a team that could potentially hit a run of form if they win here. Victory would make it three matches undefeated for a team gaining confidence and self-belief. Hamilton feel like a team that are slowly creeping ever closer to the relegation spots. I'm backing a home win even though Hamilton have won 5 of the past 6 meetings between the clubs. This time just feels like momentum is with the home side.
St Mirren to Win @ 2.30 with Ladbrokes
Total Goals Scored Under 2.5 @ 1.56 with MarathonBet
@Papa Lazarou, @freestylerx, @allyhibs, @iBetting, @betcatalog, @Magic0024, @malabgd, @kulikTS, @golakeh1, @Unnamed, @willie82, @dogmeister, @TheEdge, @JJG, @allthethings, @Mindfulness, @the bastardian, @teddybear3011, @Marek76, @salmonman, @Unnamed, @mij0sim, @jazzman02, @Bobby Vegas, @Teodore, @Tiffy, @nenri981, @MangoTheThird, @Johnmccain, @Papa Lazarou, @VYA, and @sajtion, will you guys be chancing your arm in the Scottish football betting this week?

Sorry Stevie, but I can't see BTTS as a good bet. We've scored once, via a huge deflection, in the last 3 games. I hope we score but I wouldn't bet on us at odds on.

Wrexham vs Newport County
The stand-out match of the FA Cup 2nd Round games coming up this weekend is the all-Welsh clash between National League side Wrexham and League Two club Newport County at the Racecourse Ground this Saturday at 8pm. It's north versus south and this is a game that neither team will want to lose.
Wrexham are enjoying a brilliant season so far. Sam Ricketts is doing a fantastic job as gaffer at the Dragons. His team are 3rd in the league table. They had been leading the way but failure to take a win from their last three league matches has seen them falter slightly and they are now 4 points behind league leaders Leyton Orient.
Newport County are also experiencing some good times. Mike Flynn has had a positive influence around the club ever since he was appointed with the club on the verge of relegation. He has turned things around and the team is now 4th in League Two and just 5 points off the top spot. Inconsistent results lately have put a dent in their automatic promotion hopes but generally it's been an encouraging first 20 league games.
In Wales, this is the game of the weekend. These two sides last met in in the 2013 National League Play-Off Final that Newport County won. The previous time before that was on 26th March, 1988. There are probably some of you reading this that weren't even born then! Newport County edge the head-to-head meetings with 8 victories compared to Wrexham's 7 wins and 5 draws. Both teams have scored in just 2 of the last 10 meetings.
Everything seems to point towards a Newport County win. They have the better head-to-head, stronger playing squad, higher league ranking, and have proven they can do the business against lower placed teams on the road in this cup competition already. I just think it's high time Wrexham came away with a result.
If you're not from Wales then you will unlikely know that it's a tough old trip going from south to north Wales. It's winding roads and if you want to avoid them then you need to cross over into England, head up the M5 or M6, and cut back across. This could be a tough one for a Newport County side that will definitely not look forward to this trip. I was tempted to back a Wrexham win but I'm leaning more towards a draw. I also think we're due a both teams to score.
Draw @ 3.30 with Betfred
BTTS @ 1.83 with Ladbrokes
@Mindfulness, @Pep004, @MaliMisko12, @betcatalog, @sajtion, @godofhorses, @Tiffy, @waynecoyne, @The Sexless Innkeeper, @Magic0024, @malabgd, @Duke_Tm, @dogmeister, @Arkadi Manucharov, @derbent, @fat, @allyhibs, @6avin24, @discipline, @the bastardian, @Bronxie, @Bett, @KikoCy, @teddybear3011, @markus808, @allthethings, @Kenton Schweppes, @vasilli07, @Dylan Lynch, @neilovan, @JKos, @zemo91, @kulikTS, @mrclubbie, @Judeksi, @Henind666, @Dave1X2, @canaries91, @jazzman02, @sajtion, @Darran, @postmanplod69, @eddiem, @bartonbank, @yossa6133, @Teodore, and @AndreBR, what bets are you guys thinking of for this round of matches in the FA Cup?

Chesterfield v Grimsby
Regular readers of my stuff will know I am going to put up the draw here. Chesterfield's amazing draw record is now getting a bit of a higher profile, but still no one apart from me seems to be suggesting to actually be backing them to draw. Even though they did beat Billericay in the replay we are still in profit on them in this competition backing them to draw. They weren't at their best on Tuesday against Bromley and needed a late penalty to get the point, but they have it in them to cause Grimsby some problems. Grimsby are improving and had a very good win against Tranmere on Tuesday night, but away from home they have only won twice in the league all season. There is every chance this could be another draw and who knows it might well be 1-1 again!
Barnet v Stockport
Both this sides caused pretty big upsets in the 1st Round with Stockport winning at Yeovil and Barnet beating Bristol Rovers in a replay. I think Stockport have a real chance of making it to the 3rd Round here, a round not that long ago they would have entered the competition in. Barnet are sill a bit inconsistent and weren't great against Gateshead last Saturday. That made it 3 league defeats in their last 4 games. Stockport didn't have the ideal prep for this when losing 3-2 on Tuesday night to an improving Blyth side, but that was their first league defeat in 7 games and they had a great win over Chorley in the FA Trophy last Saturday. They were 6/1 to beat Yeovil so for them to be only a point lower to win this makes them decent value for me.
Tranmere v Southport
Tranmere had a right old scare in the 1st Round as Oxford City should have beaten them. The replay was pretty routine as City weren't anywhere near the level they were in the first game. They face a local derby here and I think Southport are decent value to cause an upset. They were really disappointing at the start of the season, but they are finally showing the form which made me want to back them for the National League North title at the start of the season. They beat Boreham Wood in the 1st Round 2-0 and they are now unbeaten in 7 games. Tranmere of cause beat Wood in the play-off final last year and they are just outside the play-offs in League 2. Their home form is strong and they have lost just once at home. It could be that the scare they got in the 1st Round might mean they are more on it here, but Southport are good enough to take advantage if they aren't and 15/2 is a big price for me.
Chesterfield v Grimsby 1pt draw @ 23/10 with Betfair
Stockport 1pt @ 5/1 with Betfred
Southport 1pt @ 15/2 with William Hill, Betfred & BetVictor
 

Looking further ahead to next saturday 08/12 rotherham at 15/4 (unibet) look overpriced to win at sheffield wednesday.
I watched rotherham at home to sheffield united and they were the better team. I also watched sheff wed v bolton and both teams looked very poor. The atmosphere at hillsborough is pretty toxic also.

Sheffield United vs Leeds
The 12:30pm kick-off this Saturday lunch-time in the Championship is a compelling game between Sheffield United and Leeds at Bramall Lane. Both teams are having brilliant seasons so far and a win in this game would continue their fine run of results where as a defeat could potentially de-stabilise their promotion push.
Sheffield United are in 5th place in the Championship and it's been a season where Chris Wilder's side are exceeding expectations. The Blades have been going in fits and starts all season with a run of 4-5 games unbeaten before coming a cropper with the odd defeat. It's prevented them from breaking back into the top two that they briefly flirted with earlier in the season.
Leeds have adopted an intense style of player under Marcelo Bielsa. They went their first 8 league games undefeated before coming into the same problem as the Blades with a run of 3-4 positive results being halted by a defeat or two. The Lilywhites are 2nd in the division now and just 1 point behind league leaders Norwich. A draw would move them to the top spot before the 3pm kick-offs but a win would crank the pressure on the teams around them to get a result.
The team from Sheffield has dominated this fixture over recent years. Leeds have managed just 1 win in their last 11 meetings across all competitions including losing the last three encounters. It's tougher to call this time with Sheffield United coming into this game unbeaten in their last three league games and Leeds having won their last two back-to-back league matches.
This is a very close game to call and I'm thinking there'll be little difference between the two sides tomorrow afternoon. I feel it's so finely poised that either side could nick it by a single goal. I think Leeds are just the slightly better team right now. I can see them winning with a smash and grab effort but I still don't want to rule out the outcome of a draw.
Leeds Draw No Bet @ 2.33 with MarathonBet
BTTS @ 1.73 with Betfred
@waynecoyne, @sajtion, @arvee, @canaries91, @Mindfulness, @betcatalog, @Magic0024, @malabgd, @CloughandTaylor, @Tiffy, @Gidds, @chris50, @PokerWolf1, @teddybear3011, @skyblues88, @allyhibs, @Icongene, @KikoCy, @willie82, @Neubs, @Papa Lazarou, @kulikTS, @Valkovets, @Pipoca, @padman, @Marek76, @silver fox, @neilovan, @HastGill1, @jazzman02, @andypaps28, @Kenton Schweppes, @rangers234, @newjack, @Kane91, @yossa6133, @The Sexless Innkeeper, @Xcout, @Wanderer89, @four-leaf, @trevor8, @OppoArchitizerLady, and @the bastardian, what bets are you guys looking to place this weekend?

Huddersfield Town V Brighton & Hove Albion
X @ 3.04 Marathonbet
Huddersfield have been playing with renewed confidence and vitality in recent matches with markets and pundits slow to adjust. Brighton's issues away from the Amex are well documented and perhaps an inability to smuggle clackers and song sheets into opposition grounds has not helped matters.
Despite this I feel Brighton can make life difficult for Huddersfield here and so I prefer X rather than Huddersfield DNB or 0 AH line. We've got to remember that Huddersfield have a weak attack (currently joint worst in EPL along with Palace). Brighton are solid enough to limit the home sides ambitions and so a 0-0 or 1-1 is likely here.
Markets have been quicker to catch on for this match but they will not stop me backing the stalemate here, X @ 3.00 or bigger will do for me.
 
Newcastle Utd V West Ham Utd
X @ 3.32 Marathonbet
A tough game to predict but looking at the technicals we can see these two are closely matched both in terms of ELO and key goal metrics.
Newcastle have won three on the bounce in the league but I don't like backing bottom half teams to go on extended consecutive winning runs in the EPL.
Some could even argue that there is slight value in backing the Hammers on +0.25 AH line here but I think markets have basically got this one right from AH perspective. West Ham's added value is so marginal it's not worth bothering with. We also have to respect the fact that Newcastle are in a good moment and feeling confident.
It's hard to see either side having the supremacy to come away with all 3pts here and because the metrics are so close I feel that backing the draw is the prudent move in this scenario.
 

Cardiff vs Wolves
The Premier League action kick starts this weekend with my beloved Cardiff facing Wolves at the Cardiff City Stadium in an 8pm kick-off. Neither side is stacking up the wins right now and both are in dire need of a victory to get some vital points on the board. Will one side prevail or is this destined to end in a stalemate?
Cardiff are currently in 19th place. Only goal difference is keeping them off the bottom but they are also just one win away from 15th place. It's very tight at the bottom and even though they suffered another loss away to Everton last weekend it was another encouraging display from the Bluebirds.
Wolves are still in a position of mid-table mediocrity but it's now 4 defeats and 1 draw from their previous 5 Premier League matches. Their fans seem confident that they can end that run of results in this game but will their over-confidence here be their downfall?
I'm quietly optimistic that we can get the win here. We really should have got the double over them last season beating them 2-1 early in the season and missing two late pens in the return fixture to lose 1-0 at home. I feel the problem that Nuno Espirito Santo has is that he's kept faith with the same players for too long. Wolves have a cracking starting XI but if they drop form or get worked out then their squad outside of that XI isn't particularly strong.
The way Cardiff have been playing these past few league games I've felt they've deserved more than the points they've earned. Lacking a clinical striker is still our big issue. Until that is resolved then we'll always head into games as underdogs. This is no different. If we can get a goal from somewhere then I'd back us to keep a clean sheet here. The most likely outcome is a draw. However, being a true Bluebird, I'm going to back us for the win!
Cardiff to Win @ 3.90 with BetVictor
Total Goals Scored Under 2.5 @ 1.62 with Betfair
@Mindfulness, @Pep004, @MaliMisko12, @betcatalog, @sajtion, @godofhorses, @Tiffy, @waynecoyne, @The Sexless Innkeeper, @Magic0024, @malabgd, @Duke_Tm, @dogmeister, @Arkadi Manucharov, @derbent, @fat, @allyhibs, @6avin24, @discipline, @the bastardian, @Bronxie, @Bett, @KikoCy, @teddybear3011, @markus808, @allthethings, @Kenton Schweppes, @vasilli07, @Dylan Lynch, @neilovan, @JKos, @zemo91, @kulikTS, @mrclubbie, @Judeksi, @Henind666, @Teodore, @kilkenny1, @newjack, @PokerWolf1, @Dave1X2, @real55555, @jazzman02, @Ameer13, @Gedkip, @mcsilks, @MangoTheThird, @Roy The Boy, @DonPaulo, @Duckets, @sjuesju, @dylanphan, @thfc, and @AndreBR, what do you lot think of the Premier League betting this weekend?

November was a decent month profit wise and December (as long as the weather plays ball) is obviously a very busy month so fingers crossed the decent form can continue. I have 3 FA Cup bets for Sunday and they are all on that thread. I have 5 bets in the 3 National League's for Saturday.
AFC Fylde v Sutton
It was good to finally be on the right side of a bet on Fylde away from home as they had a pretty comfortable time of things in beating now mangerless Hartlepool on Tuesday night. At home they have won 8, drawn 1 and lost just twice and they were to Salford and Leyton Orient. The draw was against Harrogate so we are talking about them only dropping points to the top teams in the division and although Sutton have only lost 4 times they haven't been reaching the levels they did last season. Their last 3 league performances haven't been great although they did come from 2 down to draw 2-2 at Braintree on Tuesday night, but then Braintree are bottom. They lost to Slough on penalties in the FA Cup and Fylde look a cut above to me especially given how strong they are at home. I think they should be odds on so am happy to get involved at 11/10.
Hartlepool v Dagenham & Redbridge
I'm not sure Hartlepool have got either managerial appointments right since they dropped out of the Football League. Fair play to Matthew Bates for keeping them in the division last season especially in very tricky circumstances, but after a solid start things have gone downhill fast and they have lost 6 league games on the bounce. Not surprisingly he got the sack on Wednesday and the club need to get the next appointment right so they can at least give themselves a solid base for next season. In the very short term I am not sure things are going to get any better on Saturday and Dagenham look a hell of a bet at 7/2 to pick up another 3 points. Since the takeover Peter Taylor has been able to spend money and the team has been improving. They have won 5 out of their last 6 games and the only loss was a 1-0 defeat to Sutton. They have only conceded 4 times in their last 6 games and they have been a lot more solid at the back as well as being clinical at the other end of the pitch. These two sides should be much closer to each other in the betting.
Nuneaton v Blyth Spartans
Like Hartlepool Nuneaton are also without a manager at the moment and I think things are going to take some time before the new owner has any effect on the playing side of things. The three draws they got in their last 8 league games were decent efforts, but they lost their other 5 games and 4 of those were by at least 2 goals. Blyth didn't have a great start to the season, but they have shown a big improvement in recent weeks, bar a couple of bad defeats. In their last 8 league games they were their only two losses and they won 5 of those games including against an in form Stockport on Tuesday night. They only picked up 1 point in their first 6 away games, but have picked up 7 in their other 3 which is more proof of their improvement. They should be favourites to win this so the 2/1 is a cracking bet in my view.
Spennymoor v Kidderminster
Spennymoor did us a good turn last week and after a tricky start they really put Halesowen to the sword to beat them 8-2. Now this game will obviously be harder, but Kidderminster's form has really gone downhill in recent weeks. They have only won one of their last 6 league games and York beat them 3-1 in the FA Trophy last week. To be fair their away form has been better than their home form and they have only lost once on their travels, but they drew against Nuneaton in their last away game and I think Spennymoor are looking much the better side at the moment, thus they look a fair bet.
Truro v St Albans
The other team in the double last week were Truro and I am also sticking with them this week back in league action. As I mentioned last week they have been an improved side of late and they are unbeaten in their last 5 league games. They look a decent bet here as I think they should be favourites. St Albans games have been very exciting as their league games have seen 64 goals already, yet strangely their last league game saw them draw 0-0 against Gloucester. That was their first point in 4 games though and it was a poor game. Since then they have been beaten in a replay by Weymouth in the FA Trophy and they look out of sorts at the moment. With a long trip to Torquay ahead of them I think this could be another game they end up with nothing.
AFC Fylde 1pt @ 11/10 with Bet365
Dagenham & Redbridge 1.5pts @ 7/2 with Bet365, William Hill and Marathon
Blyth Spartans 2.5pts @ 2/1 with 888sport
Spennymoor 1pt @ 6/4 with William Hill, Betfred and Betway
Truro 2.5pts @ 19/10 with Bet365