buga00

I guess I should say I’ve just got a sickness bug and I’m getting there via the help of anti sickness tablets.

Due to illness not only are the tips up later than usual, but there will be no previews either. At the moment there are 7 FA Trophy bets for Saturday.
Blyth Spartans 1pt @ 9/5 with Bet365
Gainsborough 1pt @ 11/2 with Bet365
Maldon & Tiptree 1pt @ 16/5 with BetVictor
Dartford 1pt @ 59/25 with Marathon
Hornchurch 1pt @ 16/5 with Bet365
Bognor Regis 1pt @ 29/10 with BetVictor
Workington 1pt @ 4/1 with BetVictor, Betfred and William Hill
Have now had chance to look at the National League and have added 2 bets
Chorley 1pt @ 14/5 with Bet365
Bromley 1pt @ 17/10 with Bet365
 

Saturday went very well and added to the profits from last Tuesday and Wednesday night. There aren't many Non-League games this mid-week and I may add an FA Cup bet or two in that section of the forum, but this is my only Non-League bet.
Stratford v Hednesford
I don't really need to say much here given I am opposing Stratford yet again. They were always 2nd best against Nuneaton on Saturday even if it did take them until quite late on before they scored. Hednesford helped us land a double last Tuesday so obviously what I wrote about them then stands here and they had their game called off on Saturday so they have that in their favour as well. I thought the away side would be odds on so any odds against quote is worth taking for me with the biggest currently being 59/50 with Marathon
Hednesford 3pts @ 59/50 with Marathon

It has been a very profitable week with a money made last weekend and 3 out of the 4 bets winning in mid-week. Saturday I have 7 bets and a little unusually most of those are at Step 3.
Barnet v Stockport
After the first few games of the season I added Barnet to the list of ante-post bets as I thought they had looked promising early on. Ever since then they have been pretty poor and it sums the league up that despite that fact they are only 8 points of the top of the table. They have won just twice in their last 10 league games and they were against AFC Fylde and Chorley. The 3 draws in that spell weren't bad points, but if I was having an outright bet now it certainly wouldn't be them. It wouldn't be Stockport either, but after their horrid run of form where they lost 5 on the bounce, a run started with a 3-0 loss at Chorley, they have been in very good form on the whole. They have lost just one of their last 6 league games and are clearly back in decent form. They look over priced to me and I am happy to take a chance at 3/1.
Bradford Park Avenue v Leamington
I can't really work out why Bradford are the outsiders here because in my view the prices should be the other way round. With their former manager back in charge they look an improved side. They beat Hereford in his first game back and then I watched them in their 1-0 defeat to Gloucester where I saw enough to think they could well stay up. They then followed that up by conceding 7 without reply in defeats to Southport and Kettering, but they were much better again last week when they were 2-1 up with 7 minutes to go against Kings Lynn and ended up losing 3-2. Kings Lynn are a very good side though and Leamington are not and if they can take that performance into this I think they can pick up 3 points. Leamington have picked up just 1 point in their last 7 games and they have conceded a huge 22 goals in that spell. They even managed to concede 3 in the game they got their point in against Chester. Granted there isn't a great deal in it, but for me Bradford are looking the better side at the moment and with home advantage they certainly should not be over 2/1.
Brightlingsea Regent v Cray Wanderers (BetVictor Isthmian Premier League)
I don't get the price here either with Cray looking huge at 17/10. Cray have only lost 2 games in the league all season and they are unbeaten in their last 6. The two defeats were against Folkeston and Enfield so two of the best teams in the division. They go to a Brightlingsea side who have picked just 1 point in their last 8 games and that came against a poor Wingate & Finchley side. That was also the only game they didn't concede at least 2 goals in during the spell without a victory. Cray should be odds on for me and at 17/10 look the best bet of the weekend.
Cheshunt v Carshalton (BetVictor Isthmian Premier League)
3rd time in a week I am having a bet on a Carshalton game. In the end they had a bit too much for Frome in the FA Trophy on Tuesday night although it turned into a bit of a goalfest. They have drawn their last 5 league games, but they really ought to be able to beat a struggling Cheshunt side who have lost their last 6 league games conceding 19 in the process. League wise this is the easiest fixture they have had since before the run of draws and they really ought to get back to winning ways in the league.
East Thurrock United v Leatherhead (BetVictor Isthmian Premier League)
Granted Leatherhead have had a fairly kind fixture list of late in the league, but they did beat Hornchurch in the run of 5 victories. They look a much improved side and although East Thurrock are a good team and are doing well since their relegation, I think they are over priced at 16/5 to win this. My feeling is there isn't much between these two sides which is why the price is an attractive one from a value perspective.
Redditch v Hitchin (BetVictor Southern Premier Central)
Redditch have only won two league games this season with both coming over August Bank Holiday weekend. They have had a run of 8 league defeats on the bounce and Hitchin could well make it 9 on Saturday. Hitchin are only 5 points better off than their hosts, but they are in much better form. Bizarrely their only defeat in their last 6 league games was against Leiston, but they then went and defeated Coalville, the only team to have beaten them in their last 10 games. Redditch have only scored 3 goals in their last 8 games as well so there is every chance 1 will be all that is needed to give Hitchin the 3 points.
Nuneaton v Stratford (BetVictor Southern Premier Central) & Bognor Regis v Merstham (BetVictor Isthmian Premier League)
More than happy to carry on opposing Stratford as I have done twice of late including last Saturday. Nuneaton are looking pretty good at the moment and have won 6 of their 9 home league games, indeed it is away from home where they have struggled. They ought to win as should Bognor who host Merstham. Bognor looked hopeless earlier in the season, but they have now won 6 of their last 7 league games including a 6-1 hammering of Margate on Tuesday night. Merstham look a poor side this season and have lost 8 of their last 9 games including the last 6. It really should be a home win and to get over 2/1 about the both Nuneaton and Bognor winning looks a good price to me.
Stockport 1pt @ 61/20 with Marathon
Bradford Park Avenue 1pt @ 21/10 with William Hill and BetVictor
Cray Wanderers 3pts @ 17/10 with Bet365
Carshalton 2pts @ 13/10 with Bet365
Leatherhead 1pt @ 16/5 with Bet365
Hitchin 1pt @ 6/4 with Bet365
Nuneaton/Bognor Regis 2pts @ 2/1 with Marathon

I often mention about football betting being all about small margins and sometimes things will fall in your favour and sometimes they won't which was the case on Tuesday. Bromley should have beaten Stockport, but despite going close a few times in the 2nd half they couldn't quite manage a goal. So a disappointing end to the month, but November has plenty to look forward to and I can't wait to get stuck into the FA Cup next weekend. First though we have a full set of league fixtures and 5 bets have caught my eye.
Wrexham v Bromley
Two teams who I put up ante-post for the National League face each other on Saturday and it would have been nice if it had been 1st v 2nd, instead its 22nd v 1st as Wrexham have had a disastrous season. Given the way the season has gone Wrexham fans will be especially frustrated that their season has gone so badly because before a ball was kicked it really looked a good opportunity for them to go and get promotion in a wide open division. Dean Keates needs to turn things around fast, but although he has seen them progress in the FA Cup and the Tunnock's Cup the league form continues to be disappointing and they have only picked up 2 points in their last 6 games. I'm sure Keates will turn them around, but this will be a really tough game for them and Bromley look a very big price to pick up 3 points. Wrexham have been well backed during Thursday (I'm guessing down to the Asian punters) and that has meant a decent drift on the away side. As I mention above Bromley should have won on Tuesday and they continue to look like a side who have every right to be challenging for the title.There is no reason for them to be as big as 13/5 and it is well worth taking.
Blyth Spartans v Farsley Celtic
I mentioned the about Blyth's improved form and they won that game against Curzon which they followed up with a really good 2-2 against Chester. They look a big price at home to Farsley. When I tipped Celtic up to beat Kidderminster a couple of weeks ago I mentioned that despite their good form they had a pretty kind fixture list. They then duly put in a poor performance in defeat. I think this game will be a lot closer than the bookies have it and at 13/5 I will take a chance on the home team continuing their improved form.
Darlington v Hereford
Another team in the North East who are improving are Darlington and they have won 3 on the bounce now including a 1-0 win when they hosted Kidderminster on Wednesday night. I fancy them to beat a Hereford side who aren't doing all that well under Russel Slade. They have won just 3 of their last nine games and only the win against Gateshead is of any value. They lost to Bradford Park Avenue and Southport in their last two games and Dalrington look the better team at the moment.
Gateshead v Guiseley
It is a North East special this week as I am also tipping up Gateshead who look a big price at odds against. They haven't played a league game since they beat Gloucester 1-0 on October 12th and they were completely dominant in that match. Indeed one Gloucester fan mentioned it could easily have been a 7-0 defeat. They have the FA Cup to look forward to next weekend, but I am sure they won't let that get in the way here especially as Guiseley aren't in good form at the moment. Just the one win in their last 6 games and they have lost their last 3 away games 3-1, 3-1 and 4-1. Gateshead look a big price at odds against.
Concord v Hemel Hempstead
I put up Hemel last week and they let the double down, but they should have won and the shocking weather last Saturday also had a part to play. This is an interesting game given the Hemel manager was in charge of Concord last season and he took a few players with him when he changed clubs as well. Not surprisingly given Concord reached the play-offs, Hemel are having a very good season and they are looking very strong as I pointed out last weekend. You can be certain the former Concord people now at Hemel will not be wanting to lose this one. Obviously that also gives Concord incentive as well, but they have dropped away after a good first month or so of the season and they have lost their last 5 league games. If this was a normal game I would have gone bigger on Hemel, but there is that slight difference to it so I am sticking to a point. Even so Hemel are the better team and have to be backed at current odds.
Bromley 1pt @ 27/10 with BetVictor
Blyth Spartans 1pt @ 13/5 with BetVictor
Darlington 1pt @ 67/50 with Marathon
Gateshead 3pts @ 109/100 with Marathon
Hemel Hempstead 1pt @ 31/20 with BetVictor
 

A late winner from Ebbsfleet helped make it a profitable day on Saturday with Fylde also picking up 3 points. Hopefully I can end October on a good note especially as I have my first max bet of the season and there are 4 bets in total.
Bromley v Stockport
Bromley manager Neil Smith said after the 5-0 thumping of Halifax on Saturday that no one fancied them to be at the top of the table challenging for the title. He clearly didn't read my ante-post preview then! They showed how much strength in depth they have in the squad on Saturday as they had a couple of players missing but those coming in were more than up to the task and it was a superb performance especially in the 2nd half. They are very close to being even money and I think that is a hell of a bet. Their only defeat at home came against Barrow and their is no disgrace in that and apart from that they have been seeing off teams. I would have them around the 4/7 to beat a Stockport side who have struggled away from home all season. The win at Dover was only their 2nd away win all season and that doesn't say much because of Dover's terrible record at home. Also the winning goal, as good as it was, was a complete fluke and they also lost at York in the FA Cup. Going to Bromley is a going to be a much tougher test especially as it will be their 2nd long journey in 3 days for the part time County. In my view Betway's 19/20 looks a complete gift.
Dagenham & Redbridge v Barrow
Seems a bit harsh on Barrow to ask them to go to Torquay on Saturday and then to Dagenham on Tuesday, but that is what the fixture list has thrown up. Barrow's run of 7 wins came to an end on Saturday as Torquay beat them 4-2 although they weren't helped by the fact John Rooney was sent off for a handball which may not have been. Clearly they are a good side, but Dagenham are good as well and they have only lost once in their last ten. They have made themselves very hard to beat and won on Saturday beating Wrexham. I think what makes Dagenham value to win the game is the fact its a 2nd long trip for Barrow in such a short space of time and that they are hard to beat.
Dover v Eastleigh
I have to take on Dover at home. Stockport were a big price against them on Saturday, but I doubted Stockport's ability to win away from home. Dover duly lost at home again though and it is hard to see why they are such short priced favourites to win this. Dover aren't especially in good form either with just 2 wins in their last 9 games and they have only picked up 1 point in their last 4. Eastleigh are solid if unspectacular and they showed that again on Saturday when drawing with Woking 1-1. That was their 5th draw in their last 10, but they have only lost 1 of those. They look in better shape than Dover at the moment, especially as Dover suffered more injuries on Saturday, and I would make them around 7/4-13/8 so for them to be as big as 61/25 that looks too big for me.
Sutton United v Halifax
To a certain extent I think I got away with the Ebbsfleet bet on Saturday as not only did they have to play with an outfield player in goal for the last 15 minutes, but Sutton were the better side in the 2nd half. I know it sounds daft saying that this looks a good opportunity for them to win again given they are bottom of the last 10 form table with just 1 win in that time, but I think it does. That improved performance on Saturday sets them up for this and Halifax have to travel to South London for the 2nd time in 3 days and for a part-time side that is going to be pretty tough, especially given the drubbing they got on Saturday. They aren't in the best of form either with no win in 3 in the league having drawn with Chorley and lost to Boreham Wood and they also lost to Harrogate in the FA Cup. This game just strikes me as one that could be one of those strange looking Tuesday night results on paper, but in theory there is hope for Sutton in my view and at 2/1 they look a spot of value.
Bromley 5pts @ 19/20 with Betway
Dagenham & Redbridge 1pt @ 33/20 with Marathon
Eastleigh 1pt @ 61/25 with Marathon
Sutton 1pt @ 2/1 with Betway 

A good night on Tuesday with Royston winning 4-0 at 3/1 and the Nap's Tamworth also landing the spoils. With the FA Trophy this weekend the only league games are in the 3 National League's and I have 6 bets.
Boreham Wood v AFC Fylde
I am not surprised Fylde made a change of manager a couple of weeks ago as things just haven't been right there this season after their play-off Final defeat in May. The thing is though they have a good squad that should be challenging at the right end of the table and I am going to take a chance on them on Saturday on the back of a hammering of Peterborough Sports on Saturday in the FA Cup. Danny Rowe hasn't done a great deal so far this season, but he scored a hat-trick on Saturday and that might well see him kick on now and start scoring goals in the league. To be fair to Boreham Wood they have been in decent nick winning 3 of their last 4 games, but Fylde for me are the better team and if Saturday has given them a massive confidence boost then I think they can win this.
Sutton United v Ebbsfleet United
Taking a bit of a flyer here as Ebbsfleet are bottom and have only won two league games, but they do seem to have improved since sacking Gary Hill. They lost 2-1 against Maidenhead in their only league game since, but it was an improved performance and then they beat Woking in a replay in the FA Cup on Tuesday night. The other reason for thinking they could get 3 points here is the fact Sutton are in poor form as well. In their last 10 games they have only picked up 1 more point than Ebbsfleet and they then got hammered 5-2 in their FA Cup replay on Tuesday night at Billericay. Granted they were a bit unlucky to not win the first game given it need a late goal from the keeper to send it to a replay, but Tuesday was especially poor. Coming off the back of the win Ebbsfleet might just give them edge here and I think they are worth taking a chance with.
Woking v Eastleigh
Given Woking haven't won since the final day of August it is amazing they are still as high in the table as they are, but they have picked up 6 draws in their following 9 games which has helped. Obviously that means the draw is a slight worry and if Eastleigh perform like they did when they lost at Fylde on BT Sport a month ago then they wont be winning this, but that is their only defeat away from home in their last 5 away league games. That loss is their only defeat in their last 9 away games as well. They have drawn half of the other 8 and they did cost me last week when only drawing at Welling, but I think they are over priced still to win the game. As mentioned above Woking lost their replay whereas Eastleigh had little trouble in getting past Welling at the 2nd attempt.
Curzon Ashton v Kettering
I took on Curzon in their last game and Blyth beat them 1-0 and that made it just one point in their last 9 league games now. They look the worst side in the division at the moment and although it might seem odd to want to back the bottom side to beat them that is exactly what I am doing. Kettering aren't great either, but getting Paul Cox in as manager is a huge coup given his track record and I am slightly surprised he has wanted to take on the job. This looks the perfect first game for him and the only way it could have been better is if it was a home tie. Even without Cox I would make these two the same sort of price so add Cox into the mix and the over 2/1 quotes look on the big side in my view
Farsley Celtic v Brackley
Obviously Farsley cost us on Tuesday night, but I did point out that their run of wins wasn't as good once you dug deeper than the bare facts suggested. They offered little against Kidderminster and although arriving to the ground late would not have helped, they couldn't cope with an improved Kidderminster side. Brackley are having another good season and performed with great credit in the FA Cup against Hartlepool last weekend despite losing 1-0. They have only won 2 of their 7 away league games this season and they came against Kidderminster (who had lost every home game at the time) and Curzon so it doesn't say a great deal. That is the concern for me, but they are a better side than Celtic so hopefully that will win the day. They have continued to be well backed since I put them up and clearly the Asian punters agree with me on this one, but I wouldn't want to chase the price down much more than it is as I think the value has almost gone now.
Hemel Hempstead v Eastbourne Borough/Wealdstone v Tonbridge Angels
I most admit Hemel are getting close to a price I would just have a single bet on as they bafflingly continue to drift. The only game Hemel have lost at home in the league this season was to Wealdstone and they had a few injuries at the time which didn't help matters. They are looking very strong this season and did very well to overcome Havant late on in their last game a couple of weeks ago. This week Eastbourne announced that they needed £40k desperately and that meant they let their manager go. One player has already left because of a need to slash the wage budget and they have only won 2 of their last 10 games. For me Hemel should be at least 4/6 so the 10/11 is big. Wealdstone lost in an FA Cup replay to Maidenhead, but they did well in the two games and were in front in the first game. The only game they haven't won in their last 10 league games was a 4-1 defeat to Havant and Tonbridge are nowhere near that level. Tonbridge did surprisingly beat Braintree 5-1 2 games ago, but the other 4 of their last 5 games have all been defeats. Wealdstone do look home bankers.
AFC Fylde 1pt @ 12/5 with Bet365
Ebbsfleet 1pt @ 47/20 with Marathon
Eastleigh 1pt @ 2/1 with Bet365 and Betfred
Kettering 1pt @ 58/25 with Marathon
Brackley 1pt @ 2/1 with BetVictor (price now gone 19/10 best currently)
Hemel/Wealdstone 2pts double @ 1.57/1 with Marathon

It is all about the FA Cup this weekend as Non-League teams will be looking to get into the 1st Round and who knows one of them might get the bye into the 2nd Round. I have 7 bets in the FA Cup although I also have one bet in the BetVictor Southern Premier League Central.
Chorley v Spennymoor
This two played in the play-off final last season and Spennymoor lost out in a penalty shootout. Spennymoor have suffered from a hangover from that as I have mentioned before, but they certainly seem to be improving and I think they have a chance of causing an upset here. Chorley keep drawing in the league and are also great at keeping clean sheets. In the league it is clearly all about getting a point first and then if they can sneak 3 then great. It is clearly effective although getting points won't keep them up. Given this is a cup tie I can't believe they are going to be so defensively here especially as they won't really want a replay. Spennymoor are good enough to pick them off and I am sure they will want to get back for the play-off heartache. The 5/2 with Bet365 is appealing.
Halifax v Harrogate
Halifax cost us last week when they were playing a tired Boreham Wood side, but still failed to break them down. That made it 3 games now that they have failed to score at home and given Harrogate's form has seen a big improvement they look value at Betway's 13/5 to reach the 1st Round. Harrogate are unbeaten in 7 games now and got a great win at Yeovil last Saturday. They frustrated their hosts and I can imagine they will be capable of doing the same here and I just don't think there is as big a gap as the betting suggests their is.
Havant & Waterlooville v Dulwich Hamlet
Havant should really be doing better than they are in the league and it is their home form that has been letting them down. They have only won 1 of their last 5 home league games and have lost their last two. I think that gives Dulwich a chance here especially as they are performing better on their travels at the moment and I just can't make them as big as the 4/1 Bet365 have made them.
Remaining previews will be brief.
Maidenhead v Wealdstone
Wealdstone having a superb season having only failed to win 2 games and they must fancy their chances of causing an upset here. They had only picked up 2 points in their previous 8 games before beating Ebbsfleet last week and Wealdstone will be a tougher test in my view.
Hartlepool v Brackley
Surprised the home side are odds on here. I thought Hignett was unlucky to lose his job, but they certainly showed their class winning 3-0 in their first game since his sacking. They are a good side and given Brackley's away form has not been strong this season I think they can reach the first round here.
Welling v Eastleigh
Eastleigh are in pretty good form and have only lost one of their last nine games. Welling have had two very easy draws to get to this stage and they have only won one of their last 6 games and that was against bottom of the table Hungerford. The away side are the better team and odds against looks big to me.
Oxford City v Margate
Margate are frustrating me given they were one of their ante-post tips and they aren't quite consistent enough so far. However on their day they are a good side and with their hosts only having won 2 games in the league all season there is a real chance of an upset here for me.
Rushall Olympic v AFC Rushden & Diamonds
Rushden haven't won in 7 games now. They drew 1-1 for 4 games on the bounce and then lost 8-2 and 3-0 twice so that is 14 goals conceded in their last 3 games. Rushall are having a little blip after a superb start to the season having lost their last two, but this looks a good opportunity to get back to winning ways.
Spennymoor 1pt @ 5/2 with Bet365
Harrogate 1pt @ 13/5 with Betway
Dulwich Hamlet 1pt @ 4/1 with Bet365
Wealdstone 1pt @ 9/4 with Bet365 and Betway
Hartlepool 2pts @ 6/5 with Marathon
Eastleigh 2pts @ 111/100 with Marathon
Margate 1pt @ 71/20 with Marathon
Rushall Olympic 2.5pts @ 53/50 with Marathon

I have had tough spells in the past and given this one has only lasted 2 match days it is not exactly the longest, but this week has been really tough. Saturday wasn't great and the 3pt Yeovil bet losing was annoying, but what happened on Monday and Tuesday was just awful. Gloucester should have won that game with ease in the circumstances, but they massively under performed and obviously personally that defeat was hard to take. Then for Dover to go and somehow lose 4-0 to Aldershot on the Tuesday night was probably an even freakier result. I have now tipped up Dover in their only 2 games they have failed to win on the road and they have conceded 7 times in those two matches. Granted it was only a point on Hartlepool on Wednesday night, but to see them defend as badly as they did for the 2 Stockport goals was pretty hard to take as it was really bad stuff. Obviously if you were a new follower after the two really good days the week before then you might be wondering what all the fuss is about and you will be a fair few quid down. I can make no guarantees about making a profit, but hopefully come April I will still be in profit and who knows we might get a day like the final day of last season again! 
Anyway onto Saturday and I have 6 bets.
Halifax v Boreham Wood
Chorley turned up to Halifax on Tuesday night and didn't even try to win the game and Halifax just couldn't break them down. Fair play to Chorley because they keep drawing games so in some ways it was no disrespect to only get a point against them rather than all 3. I do think though they can get straight back to winning ways against a Boreham Wood side who will have done plenty of travelling this week. They have been in decent nick only losing 2 of their last 7 games, but one of those was when they had to go all the way to Barrow on Tuesday night and they lost 3-1 to the in form home side. It is pretty nasty of the fixture list to send them to Barrow on a Tuesday and then Halifax on the Saturday especially when Halifax played at home on Tuesday night. Halifax have got the best defence in the league which is key given Tshimanga and Marsh have both score 8 goals for Wood this season. Keep them quiet and the chances are you will win the game and hopefully Halifax will do just that. I would have them odds on myself so 13/10 looks a big price.
AFC Telford v York City
York are still unbeaten which is pretty impressive after 12 games and hopefully they will be making it 13 games unbeaten after this one. They are already looking like they will be hard to beat for the title and they ought to have too much for a Telford side who have been really struggling of late. They lost to Blyth in their last league game and were also dumped out of the FA Cup 3-0 to Nantwich from the league below. They have conceded 3 goals in each of their last 4 home games as well and you would expect a side like York to be able to punish them on that front as well. Again I think York should be odds on shorts so 59/50 makes plenty of appeal.
Curzon Ashton v Blyth Spartans
Blyth are obviously risky because they haven't been great so far this season, but they have shown signs of improvement and they look way over priced to beat a badly out of form Curzon side who are in worse form. Curzon have not won a game since August 12th and not only that they have only picked up 1 point in the league since then and that was when they drew with Stalybridge on Bank Holiday Monday which stopped me from getting a very profitable full house on that day! Blyth know they can beat Curzon as they beat them in a FA Cup replay last month. As mentioned above Blyth won their last league game against Telford and although they lost to Hednesford in the FA Cup last Saturday they still look in better shape than their hosts at the moment. I would probably have them around the 7/4 mark and the 29/10 they actually are is way over the odds.
Whitby v Warrington
I am going to try and get some of the money back lost on Monday by taking on Whitby again. We know they were down to the barebones for Monday and although getting time off work won't be an issue here they still have injuries to deal with. The players were out on their feet on Monday after about 60 minutes and Gloucester were well on top despite having just 10 men and I even get the feeling City might have won the tie if they had 11 men on the pitch. Taken that into account I suspect there will be some tired Whitby legs on Saturday. Also given they have a great chance of getting to the 1st Round of the FA Cup next Saturday and I would imagine they will have more than one eye on that tie against Stourbridge. Warrington are more than good enough to take advantage and have yet to loose on their travels in the league this season. Granted they haven't won in 4, but they have drawn 3 of those games and although South Shields already look away and gone they should be in the play-offs. All things considered I think they are over priced for this and are well worth backing.
Hartley Whitney v Walton Casuals
The home side have yet to win at home in the league this season and hopefully that will continue to be the case here. They have only won twice and they have come against Dorchester who are below them in the table and Met Police who are one place above them. Walton Casuals lost their first 5 games, but have followed that up with 4 straight wins so come here in fine form and I fancy them to make it 5 losses and 5 victories.
Harrow v Truro 
Truro are having a cracking season after relegation having lost just twice in 10 games and have won 7 of them as well. They look possible title contenders and I think they can get another 3 points here. Harrow started the season well enough and were unbeaten after 5 games, but they have lost 3 of their last 4 and I suspect they are going to find their place in the table being the bottom half come April. I think Truro are well worth a bet as they are the better side of the two and hopefully will go and prove that on the pitch.
Oxford City v Dartford
This is an extra bet after I put the initial 6 bets up. It was announced on Thursday evening that Steve King was the new manager at Dartford and I think that news makes them worth a bet on Saturday. We usually see an improved performance from teams who have a new manager and I am a huge fan of Steve King. His track record especially at this level is hugely impressive and as much as fans of rival clubs have always wanted to slag him off I have never really understood why given how good he is. He nearly saved Whitehawk from relegation 2 seasons ago given from memory I don't think they had even won a game when he joined, they certainly were detached at the bottom of the table. He then went to Welling and got them to finish 3rd despite the fact they cut the wage budget during the season and they went on to lost to Woking in the play-off final. I'm not surprised he wasn't out of work for long and I expect him to get an under performing Dartford rising up the table. Oxford City have won three games at home this season and two of them were against Hampton & Richmond with the other against North Leigh in the FA Cup. They have drawn against Weymouth and Billericay in their last two home league games which are fair efforts, but I think we could see a big performance from Dartford this weekend and at 15/8 I am willing to back them.
Halifax 3pts @ 13/10 with William Hill
York 2.5pts @ 59/50 with Marathon
Blyth Spartans 1pt @ 29/10 with Marathon
Warrington 1pt @ 9/4 with BetVictor
Walton Casuals 1pt @ 153/100 with Marathon
Truro 1pt @ 7/5 with Marathon
Dartford 1pt @ 15/8 with Bet365

to both players , waiting for new season

A New Last Man Standing Competition will begin on the weekend October 19th
 
We will be running the main Last Man Standing Competition and also a Consolation version to run alongside for those who are eliminated from the main one. The main competition will last for a maximum of 10 Weeks.
 
The prize for winning the LMS Competition will be £250 which will be deposited into your PayPal account. The prize for winning the Consolation Competition will be £50. (No other method of payment considered) Winners of both competitions will also receive Punters Lounge Merchandise The Competition includes the use of a 'Joker' which means you can choose Win or Draw on a certain week if you are struggling for a definite selection. This can only be used once. You also get the use of a Lifeline on One week if you forget or are unable to post.
Once the main competition has been won we will begin another one the following week .

Newcomers Please Read the rules here.
No need to register your first week selection will be your entry.
 

I'm sure I will get some late goals go against me at some point during the rest of the season, but let's hope I haven't used up all my luck for the campaign in the past week. To have Horsham do what they did after what happened with the main bets on Saturday was staggering really, but it helped make it a very profitable few days. I have four single bets on Saturday, 3 in the league and 1 in the FA Cup as well as an FA Cup acca.
Dover v Notts County
I'm sure Dover will get that home win soon, but they looked very open against Halifax last weekend and it was easy to see why away teams have had so much success against them. I'm happy to continue to oppose them with a Notts County who have only lost twice in their last 10 games. Those losses were against Yeovil and Bromley as well so nothing wrong with that. I still don't think they are the finished product just yet, but they have found a way of picking up points and they shouldn't really be over 2/1 to take the 3 points here, especially given Dover's home form.
Hartlepool v Yeovil
I put this up on Monday as I didn't think the price would last on the away side and I was right as they are a fair bit shorter now. Pointless doing a long preview now really so I will be brief. Yeovil continued their superb run of victories on Saturday being the first team to beat Bromley and whilst they had a bit of fortune with Bromley having to have a defender in goal for over 80 minutes it was still a top effort. Hartlepool have been a bit frustrating really as I thought they looked good against Woking on the TV last month, but they have injuries and suspensions at the moment and they could find it tough to see off a flying Yeovil.
Merthyr Town v Wimborne Town
The away side have been in cracking form since their caretaker manager took over and they are unbeaten in 4 now, winning 3 of them. They beat a good Weston side last weekend and prior to that had got a point against Truro who are doing well this season as well. They have scored 12 goals in those 4 games as well so it is surprising they are so big to win at a Merthyr side who have only won 3 of their nine league games and have lost 3 on the bounce. 13/5 with Betfair looks more than acceptable.
Brackley v Warrington
The price of Warrington obviously tells you that this is a risky bet, but they just seem over priced to me so it is worth a shot. Brackley hammered Bradford Park Avenue 8-0 last week, but I suspect Warrington are a better side than BPA. Brackley have only lost once in their last 9 games as well so it will be tough for Warrington for sure, but I just can't make them 8/1 shots. Warrington are one of the best sides in the BetVictor Northern Premier and they have only lost once in their last 8 games. They have a good team and have had some good FA Cup runs in recent years and I would make them at least half the price they currently are. 
FA Cup acca
Missed by one in the last round so hopefully these 7 can all beat much lower opposition. They are Wealdstone, York, Havant & Waterlooville, Gateshead, Maidstone, Boston and Welling. It pays 4.7/1 with BetVictor.
Notts County 1pt @ 56/25 with Marathon
Wimborne 1pt @ 13/5 with Betfair
Warrington 1pt @ 8/1 with BetVictor
FA Cup acca 1pt @ 4.7/1 with BetVictor
Already advised
Yeovil 3pts @ 19/10 with marathon (against Hartlepool)

Saturday yet again showed the fine margins involved in football betting. Gloucester, Barrow and Halifax winning would have been OK, but for the two biggest bets to score winners so late on turned it into a fantastic day. I think it was a deserved change of luck after not having a great deal go right during September. There are a few games on Tuesday night and I like 4 bets at Step 3.
Brightlingsea Regent v Enfield Town
The home side are now without a manger after they blew a 2 goal lead against Lewes on Saturday, losing 3-2. They have now lost 3 on the bounce and they have only won 2 of their 9 league games so far. One of those came against bottom side Corinthian-Casuals although they did manage to be the only team to beat title favs Hornchurch so far this season. Hopefully one of my tips for the title Enfield can give them a 4th defeat on the trot. They are currently in 4th place and the only game they have lost in the league was a horror show against 4th placed Horsham. They have been seeing off the teams lower down in the table and should have too much for their hosts and are 36/25 with Marathon.
Corinthian-Casuals v Horsham
Casuals are really struggling in the league this season having failed to win a game and they featured in a dire game on Saturday against Pitters Bar which ended 0-0. It is amazing they managed to beat Chelmsford in the FA Cup given how badly they have done in the league, but that also means they may not have their full focus on this game given they have their next FA Cup game on Saturday against Kings Langely. For me at this stage of the season that will surely have more significance than this league game. Horsham's only league defeat this season came in a 1-0 loss against Folkestone who are top and undefeated. They have won 4 of their 5 away games and they are out of the Cup so don't have that to worry about. Granted they should have beaten Cheshunt easier on Saturday as they ended up with 9 men and the goal was an own goal, but I think Horsham should really be a shade of odds on so Marathon's 139/100 looks a cracking price.
Merstham v Worthing
Worthing have only played 7 league games so far this season, but they have only lost twice to the current top 2 in the division so the rest of their form looks decent. It does include a crazy 5-5 draw as well. 13 points from 7 games is a decent enough return. Merstham don't look anything special this season and 2 of their 3 wins so far have come against the bottom 2 sides and they have lost 3 of their last 4 games. Marathon's 51/25 looks too big about an away win to me.
Scarborough v Basford United
The slight concern here is that Scarborough have drawn all 4 of their home games this term which include bottom side Buxton and top side South Shields. Overall though they have only won once in the league and are currently in 17th place so I am happy enough with the price about Basford being the first team to pick up 3 points at Scarborough this season. Basford are in 4th and have only lost 3 of their 9 league games and they have been against top of the table South Shields, 3rd placed Matlock and 6th placed Grantham. Also key is their game on Saturday was called off and that could well prove crucial given Scarborough had a tough game against Warrington. I think Marathon's 46/25 is worth taking about an away win.
Enfield Town 2pts @ 36/25 with Marathon
Horsham 3pts @ 139/100 with Marathon
Worthing 1pt @ 51/25 with Marathon
Basford United 1pt @ 46/25 with Marathon

Tuesday night summed up the last 2/3 weeks really as things didn't quite go our way. Barnet had a stinker and Halifax should have won only to lose to a late goal in the end. Hopefully I can end the month on a high though as I have 7 bets including some strong selections among them.
Previews to follow
Barrow v Maidenhead 
I know Maidenhead have one of the best away records in the league, but I think they have been flattered by their good start and they are beginning to find their natural place in the table. Their last 2 away games have seen a draw at Wrexham and a loss at Barnet and that trend is also in their overall form. They have now not won in 5 games and go to a side in Barrow who are flying at the moment. After beating Yeovil in a live game last month they then failed to win in their next 4 games picking up just a point, but they were playing well and only losing games by the odd goal. They have now won their last 4 and they have scored 3 goals in each of their last 3 games. With Maidenhead only keeping 1 clean sheet in their last 9 games then Barrow will surely be adding to their goals total here. They look a big price at 6/4 to win this.
Dover v Halifax
As mentioned above Halifax should have won on Tuesday night, but in the end a late Harrogate goal meant they didn't even end up with a point. They look a big price though to beat a Dover side who have only managed to pick up 5 points from their 6 home games so far this season. That includes draws against struggling Ebbsfleet and Chorley so Halifax should pose a much stiffer test. It is annoying that the only time I have tipped Dover away from home this season was the one time they haven't won on their travels this season, but it is clear that Dover at home and Dover away from home are two very different sides. Halfiax have looked strong away from home and I just can't see how they can be nearly 3/1 to win this as I would have them around the 7/4 mark myself. This game is the live BT Sport one on Saturday teatime.
Billericay v Dorking
Granted it was very poor from Dorking to lose to a side two leagues below them in the FA Cup last Saturday especially given Tooting ended up with 10 men, but this game looks a decent chance to bounce straight back. They have won their last 3 league games and a 3-1 win over Maidstone was a top effort. I suspect everyone reading this knows what has happened at Billericay so I won't go back over it, but they could only manage 5 subs (allowed 7) in their FA Cup game and they only scraped a 1-0 win. One of those subs was new manager Jamie O'Hara who was meant to have retired. More players have left the club this week and although as I type the likes of Jake Robinson are still there, they have been weakened. Dorking are above Billericay in the table as well and we are dealing with a different Billericay from the side who had won 4 of their 5 home league games so far. At over 3/1 the away side seem a sporting play in the circumstances.
Eastbourne v Chelmsford
Two sides who are under performing so far this season especially the away team whose fans aren't happy with the way things have gone. Their away form has been especially bad as they have only picked up 1 point so far in 5 away games The also lost at Corinthian-Casuals in the FA Cup last weekend and they haven't even managed to win a game in the league below. Including that FA Cup game they have conceded twice 3 times and let in 4 twice. Given all that I just can't understand how bookies can make Chelmsford favs to win this. I accept Eastbourne aren't doing great themselves, but they have only lost one of their last 5 league matches and beat Tonbridge in the FA Cup last weekend. They should be favs to win this so 15/8 is well worth taking.
Gloucester City v Guiseley
I am backing my own team again here as I just don't see how they can be 5/2 to win this. Having seen them in the flesh against Kings Lynn two weeks ago I was impressed with what I saw and they were within seconds of being the first team to win at Kings Lynn for a long time. Granted Kings Lynn deserved the point, but Gloucester held their own against a team who have started the season very strongly and look at this stage to be certain to finish in the play-offs. Beating Guiseley won't be easy as they have done well themselves this season, but their only away wins so far have come against two of the worst sides in the league Bradford Park Avenue and Blyth. That points to Gloucester having a decent chance and I would make them a point shorter to win.
Spennymoor v Kidderminster
My strongest bet of the season so far. I know Kiddie have only lost once away this season in the league, but they have had a very kind fixture list so far. They have beaten Bradford, Curzon and Kettering and drew to Blyth. They are currently the bottom 4 clubs in the division. Now Spennymoor are 5th from bottom, but they have clearly been suffering from a play-off final defeat hangover (like Fylde in the league above) and they are much better than a bottom 5 side for me. They have only lost one of their last 6 league games so the signs are there that they will be rising up the table. Kidderminster look a long way from being a side capable of mounting a play-off challenge this season and I would put a lot of money on Spennymoor finishing above them come the end of April. Losing 3-0 at Stafford in the FA Cup replay on Tuesday was another shocker and of course they have had to play an extra game compared to the home side. I am really strong on the home side here and they should be odds on shots in my view.
Buxton v South Shields
I was very surprised to see South Shields at odds against to win this. The title favourites have only lost won game this season and have won all bar one of the others. Compare this to Buxton who have yet to win and have picked up just 3 points in their first 8 games. Odds against looks a steal to be honest and it will be a surprise if this isn't an away win.
Barrow 2pts @ 6/4 with BetVictor
Halifax 1pt @149/50 with Marathon
Dorking 1pt @ 16/5 with BetVictor
Eastbourne 1pt @ 15/8 with Marathon
Gloucester 1pt @ 5/2 with Bet365
Spennymoor 4pts @ 61/50 with Marathon
South Shields 3pts @ 59/50 with Marathon

Nice to be in profit again after a tough couple of weeks and the weekend's profits were given a nice boost thanks to the bookies massive error in the Chertsey game on Sunday. My guess is Bet365 were first to price up and they clearly didn't realise Biggleswade Town had already played in the FA Cup on Saturday. The rest of the bookies to price up the match just blindly followed and it was great to catch them with their pants down with Chertsey doing their side of things on the pitch. There is a full National League fixture list on Tuesday night and I have 4 bets for the action.
Aldershot v Yeovil
Yeovil did the business for us on Saturday and I am backing them again here. It was a bit nerve wracking in the end with the goalscorer Luke Wilkinson having to go in goal when the keeper got injured and it meant they were down to 10 men as they had used all their subs. Luke then pulled off a wonder save in the 98th minute to keep it 1-0 to the away side. They continue to look strong and now they have been taken over they might well fancy their chances of going straight back up at the first time of asking. Aldershot beat Wrexham on Saturday with a 94th minute winner, but it wasn't much of a game and this ought to be a tougher test for the home side. The 7/4 with BetVictor on the away side looks worth taking.
Boreham Wood v Notts County
Boreham Wood hadn't won at home since January and then when I opposed them with Dover they duly won 3-1 and they followed that up with a very impressive 4-0 win against Stockport on Saturday. That makes it just one loss in 5 now and Kabongo Tshimanga has carried on his goal scoring form from last season for Oxford City with his 2 goals on Saturday making it 8 for the season. Wood could find it hard keeping him in January as surely Football League clubs are going to be interested. He might well add to his tally here and I am backing them at 7/4 (BetVictor) to make it 3 home wins on the bounce. Notts County aren't playing badly as such, but they keep losing key players to injuries and they lost another one on Saturday in the defeat at Bromley. No Wood have found their groove at home I expect Meadow Park to become a very tough place to visit again and County could come unstuck with a weakened side.
Ebbsfleet v Barnet
Ebbsfleet were shocking on Saturday in their 3-0 defeat by Barrow. They remain bottom of the table with just one win all season. They had drawn their 3 previous games and did come from 2 down against Woking, but that confidence boost didn't continue to Saturday and manager Gary Hill was not surprisingly not happy about things. Barnet were a bit disappointing in the 2nd half against Halifax on Saturday and lost 4-2 in the end, but they are more likely to bounce back here and obviously playing bottom of the table is going to be easier than playing 2nd. The 141/100 is worth taking with Marathon.
Halifax v Harrogate
Speaking of Halifax I am backing them to come out on top in this Yorkshire derby. That win over Barnet was a return to form after losing their previous two games and that was certainly a return to form. They have won 5 out of their 6 home games so far and are looking so much better than Harrogate at the moment. They have only won one of their last 6 games and that came over Chorley when they were really struggling. They look a fair way from being capable of reaching the play-offs as they did last season and Halifax should be around even money for me not the 29/20 (BetVictor) that they currently are.
Yeovil 1pt @ 7/4 with BetVictor
Boreham Wood 1pt @ 7/4 with BetVictor
Barnet 1pt @ 141/100 with Marathon
Halifax 2pts @ 29/20 with BetVictor

Thankfully for the 2nd time this season my own team won at a decent price to stop it from being a blank matchday and covered most of the losses. I am off to Kings Lynn to watch Gloucester on Saturday and based on the stats I should be seeing a lot of goals, but suspect there might be more for the home side than the away side. I won't be having a bet though, but their are 5 games that catch my eye.
Previews to follow
Eastleigh v Bromley
Bromley remain the only undefeated side in the National League and I am surprised that they are over 2/1 to beat an Eastleigh side who look fairly average so far this season. Granted they have only lost once at home, but their home fixture list hasn't been overly tough so far and Bromley are certainly the better side in my view. I would make them favs myself so the 21/10 makes lots of appeal.
Darlington v York
I opposed Darlington last week and more than happy to do so again this week especially against the best team in the division. Darlington have only won 3 games all season and only 1 of their last 5 games which was against Blyth which as I mentioned last week hardly says much given how bad they are. Like Bromley, York are still unbeaten as well and hopefully both will be picking up 3 points on Saturday.
Kettering v Alfreton
Alfreton are finally having a good season after some disappointing ones and they have won 5 of their last 6 games with the only defeat a 3-2 loss to table toppers Kings Lynn. Given Kettering have lost 7 of their 10 games it is quite impressive that the only 2 times I have opposed them is in 2 of their 3 games where they haven't won. They have only won once on the opening day of the season and they have backed up my view pre-season that they would be relegation candidates. I haven't managed to make it pay so far, but hopefully it will be 3rd time lucky and Alfreton look the best bet of the weekend given how prolific they are in front of goal and how poor Kettering look at the back
Kidderminster v Altrincham
Altrincham will be disappointed with their season so far with only 3 wins, but they were really impressive last weekend when beating Leamington 5-0 and that could be the turning point of their season. They have yet to win away from home, but they do have 2 points from their 5 games on the road compared to Kidderminster who have only managed to pick up 1 point from their 5 home games so far. Granted they haven't had the kindest fixture list, but they did throw away a 2 goal lead against Gloucester and they do look as if they are in for a tough season. I thought just over 2/1 looked a spot of value about an away win.
Lewes v Potters Bar Town
Lewes have really struggled so far this season losing 4 games on the bounce having drawn their opening fixture. They did win 4-1 in their last league game, but that came against bottom club Leatherhead, who they also faced in the FA Cup last weekend. That first game ended in a draw so they had a replay on Wednesday night which ended up going to penalties. They are missing a few players as well as having played 120 minutes on Wednesday and they are going to find that tough going into this game. Potters Bar have had a solid enough season and as much as they look a mid-table side they look capable of taking advantage of Lewes' tiredness.
Bromley 2pts @ 21/10 with Bet365
York 2pts @ 61/50 with Marathon
Alfreton 2.5pts @ 13/10 with BetVictor
Altrincham 1pt @ 51/25 with Marathon
Potters Bar Town 1pt @ 71/50 with Marathon

A small loss on Tuesday night which would have seen a decent profit if Braintree had held on to their 2-1 lead against 10 men. The FA Cup means we only have the 3 National League's to focus on this weekend and I have 4 bets.
Aldershot v Barrow
This match nearly didn't make the cut, but in the end I do think Aldershot are worthy of a bet on Saturday. They haven't won at home yet, but only just lost to Fylde and Bromley and then have picked up points against Halifax and Sutton. Given the way Halifax are playing that was an especially good point. This looks a reasonable opportunity to pick up 3 points at home for the first time this season as Barrow are struggling this term especially on the road where they have only picked up a point. To be fair they have had some tough away games having gone to Wrexham, Stockport and Woking and they have only lost by 1 goal on each occasion. That nearly put me off Aldershot, but I don't think there is a great deal between these two sides and Aldershot had the Tuesday off which will have helped as well. I would have them around 11/8 so the fact they have drifted to 179/100 with Marathon makes them a bet for me.
Boreham Wood v Dover
I am really keen on Dover here and they look the best bet of the weekend for me. I mentioned on Bank Holiday Monday that Boreham Wood haven't won at home since January and they duly lost to Ebbsfleet albeit they did have 10 men for most of the game. They then went to Chorley and won 3-1 in the live game, but Chorley pretty much gifted them the game so I don't think it said much about them and they then went and lost at Eastleigh on Tuesday night. Dover are having a good season and they have won all 4 away games so far. They drew at home to Ebbsfleet on Tuesday but they should have won and they look potential play-off contenders this season. To me this game has been priced up if the teams are of similar ability, but I would make Dover clear favourites for this and the 17/10 with Bet365 is well worth taking in my view.
Chorley v Stockport
As I mentioned above and on Tuesday night, Chorley look a long way short of this level at the moment and it is hard to see them getting anything out of this game. These two sides battled it out for the National League North title last year and Chorley did beat Stockport late on although they did lose the title to them in the end. This season though the two teams look miles apart. Stockport weren't great in their opening day defeat to Maidenhead, but they have done nothing but improve since and have lost just once since. They have had two good wins against Wrexham and AFC Fylde in their last two matches and they really should be beating Chorley on everything both teams have done this season. Stockport have scored in every game bar the Maidenhead one and given how leaky Chorley's defence is they should surely by adding to their goal tally here. I would make them odds on so the 6/5 with William Hill and Betway is well worth taking.
Gloucester City v Darlington
I have written on here this season about my own teams superb away from in recent seasons especially under their current manager although since they beat Kidderminster they have lost their next 3 away games. I do think they are extenuating circumstances though as all those have been on a Tuesday or Bank Holiday Monday when the players have come on the back of a tough home game. Blowing a 2 goal lead at AFC Telford wasn't great on Tuesday night, but there is cause for thinking they are a big price on Saturday. Firstly their home performances have been strong this season despite the fact they have only won one. They played well with 10 and then 9 men against Hereford, drew with Altrincham, beat Boston 3-0 and then pushed York close last week when leading 2-1 at one stage. On paper this is their easiest game so far at home and Darlington come to Evesham struggling for fit and available players. They have only managed to pick up 1 point away from home so far this season and beating bottom of the table Blyth 2-1 on Wednesday night didn't say a lot. I would make Gloucester favourites for this and I really can't understand why they have drifted out to 2/1 with Bet365.
Alderhshot 1pt @ 179/100 with Marathon
Dover 3pts @ 17/10 with Bet365
Stockport 2.5pts @ 6/5 with William Hill and Betway
Gloucester City 2pts @ 2/1 with Bet365

It was a fantastic end to August on Saturday which came on the back of a great Bank Holiday Monday and meant it was a good solid profit for the first month of the season. The games keep coming though and we basically have a full fixture list in the 3 National Leagues over the next 3 days as well as the BetVictor Northern Premier in action. I have 6 bets which all come on Tuesday.
Previews to follow
Barrow v Hartlepool
The Barrow manager continues to be frustrated by his side as again on Saturday they made costly mistakes as they lost 3-2 to Woking. They have only managed two wins so far this season and one of those was in the terrible game against Yeovil which was live on BT. Prior to last Monday I was beginning to think I had made a mistake by putting up Hartlepool ante-post, but then they won against Wrexham and Torquay and that now sees them just 2 points off the play-off places. They looked good in both wins and they seem to be clicking now. To be fair they have only lost one game since they lost their first two and that was 3-2 against Bromley who are yet to lose. Quite how they failed to score against a Chorley side who are leaking goals for fun I don't know as the other four games in their last five they have scored at least two. With Barrow struggling to keep clean sheets they should get plenty of chances to score a couple here. It is hard to see why they should be over 2/1 to gain another 3 points and they are worth backing.
Chesterfield v Hailfax
Those who were reading my previews last season will know backing Chesterfield to draw was a very profitable system for a while and amazingly they have become the draw specialists this season drawing 5 of their 8 games so far. It would also seem we are looking at a scoring draw as only once have both teams not scored in Chesterfield games this term. Halifax have really surprised me, but what a job Peter Wild has done given he came in just before the season started. They have won 6 of their 8 and only drawn 1 and are 14 points ahead of their hosts at the moment. I do think the table is lying though as Chesterfield aren't as bad as their league position suggests. I do think though a draw is a good possibility again and looks the value play here.
Harrogate v Chorley
As I mention above I have no idea how Chorley kept out Hartlepool because in their other 4 games in their last 5 they have conceded 18 goals! It was easy to see why watching them against Boreham Wood on Saturday as they looked clueless at times. The team just doesn't look up to this level and hopefully Harrogate can also put a few past them. Harrogate have had a frustrating season so far having won just two of their opening eight games. They weren't great against Dover on Saturday, but this does look like a good opportunity to get back to winning ways and they were unlucky not to take 3 points against Fylde last Monday. If Chorley continue to defend as badly as they have then Harrogate should cover the -1 handicap.
Notts County v Solihull Moors
I am going to go with Notts County again here. On the face of it losing 3-1 to Yeovil on Saturday was a poor effort, but that doesn't tell the whole story as they ought to have won. Manager Neil Ardley after the game even said the fans will go away wondering how we didn't win the game. I think they have a good chance of making amends here as Solihull seem to have forgotten how to defend. They let in two very poor goals against Eastleigh and it was the case again against Halifax on Saturday. County should get chances and although they didn't convert them on Saturday they have only failed to score in their opening game this season. They look a fair price to bounce straight back with a win.
Concord v Braintree
Two sides here that have surprised me with their starts as I thought both would struggle this season. That might still end up being the case, but both new managers will be very happy with their starts. I think the bookies have priced the game up wrong though and the 7/2 on the away side is a massive price. Concord won their first 3 games but have mainly struggled since as they picked up just 1 point from their next 4 before having a comfortable win over Welling on Saturday. It might have been a return to form, but it seems Welling were poor so they might not have had to work that hard to win the game. Braintree have a young team and that showed when they lost their first 3 games, but they have been really impressive since winning 4 of their next 5 games scoring 14 goals in the process. The other thing I like is that on Monday and on Saturday they scored late goals to win the games so they clearly don't give up. That's obviously a great trait for any team to have and they come into this Essex derby in the better form for me and the prices should be much closer together.
Witton Albion v Hyde
Hyde won for us on Saturday when thrashing Stafford 4-0 and I think they can make it 5 wins on the bounce on Tuesday night. As I mentioned in Saturday's preview Hyde look like they are going to be promotion contenders this season based on their impressive start to the season. Witton have only lost 1 of their first 4 league games, but they have had a reasonably kind start to the season and their defeat came against a good Nantwich side which suggests to me Hyde will have too much for them.
 
Hartlepool 1pt @ 21/10 with Bet365
Chesterfield v Halifax draw 1pt @ 63/25 with Marathon
Harrogate -1 1pt @ 2/1 with Bet365
Notts County 1pt @ 17/10 with BetVictor
Braintree 2pts @ 7/2 with Bet365
Hyde 1pt @ 33/20 with Marathon

34 left in the consolation

 

Superb day on Monday with only 5/6 winners at some decent prices as well. If only Spennymoor could have won we would have been looking at another hefty payout. Just to remind people that I always suggest they do singles, but I always cover the acca and the one below for 0.5pts every match day and the five fold on Monday has pretty much paid for a whole season of those bets. It has been a bit of a rollercoaster though this month so hopefully we can end August on a high on Saturday where I have 7 bets across 5 leagues.
Torquay v Hartlepool
Hartlepool were one of my ante-post bets for the league and I was beginning to think I had got them wrong, but they got a really good win on Monday when beating Wrexham 4-2. Torquay blew a 2 goal lead at Barnet on Monday and that came on the back of beating Aldershot on BT Sport on Saturday. Torquay did well enough and deserved the win, but I didn't think they had to work all that hard for it. I don't think there is a great deal between these two teams at the moment and the win on Monday should have given Hartlepool a nice confidence boost ahead of this. The 100/30 about an away win looks over priced for me.
Yeovil v Notts County
County continue to improve and although they didn't have to do much to beat Chorley on Monday they did score some very impressive goals. I think they can come out on top in this battle between the two relegated sides. I haven't really been taken by Yeovil so far and they lost their last 3 games after results wise a good start. They have only managed to beat Eastleigh and Ebbsfleet so far though and I think at the time they were two of the poorest teams in the division so it doesn't say much. I would have County as clear favourites and they are certainly looking stronger than they were earlier in the month.
Gloucester City v York City
York are already looking like they could be hard to beat in the National League North and they are unbeaten after 7 games. Away from home they are 3/3 and I think they can make it 4/4 at Evesham on Saturday. Gloucester had a good win last Saturday, but those efforts told when being well beaten by Brackley on Monday. As I have written in the past Gloucester's form at Evesham hasn't been great although they can make it hard for teams to break them down and they drew plenty in the final few months of the season as they tried to stay at this level. I think York have more than enough to break them down though and I thought York would be odds on so odds against is well worth taking.
Hyde v Stafford
It has been a good start to the season for Hyde as after losing to Basford on the opening day of the season they have won their other 3 games including beating South Shields last Saturday. That is clearly strong form and they host a Stafford side who have only picked up 1 point from their first 3 games so Hyde look a decent bet to make it 4 wins on the bounce.
Bognor v Carshalton
Take Bognor's 5-0 win over Worthing out and they have had a shocking start to the season and they lost 3-0 to Worthing last Saturday and they had lost their previous game 6-0! Carshalton lost their first two games, but they have won their next 3 games and should be capable of mounting a play-off challenge this season whereas Bognor might just struggle to get involved. It doesn't really make much sense why the away side are 100/30 and the prices should be much closer together.
Hednesford v Needham Market
The home side are looking like they will be title contenders this season and have won 4 of their first 5 games with the only defeat coming against unbeaten Coalville. On Monday they beat title favourites Tamworth and I think they should have too much in hand over a Needham Market side who have only managed to beat bottom side Leiston so far this term.
St Ives v Coalville
Speaking of Coalville they travel to St Ives side who have only managed to pick up one point on the opening day of the season. As mentioned above Coalville are unbeaten so far and they came out on top in an 8 goal thriller against Nuneaton on Saturday. These two teams should be battling it out at opposite ends of the table come April and Coalville look a big price to pick up 3 more points.
Hartlepool 1pt @ 100/30 with Bet365
Notts County 2pts @ 6/4 with Marathon and Bet365
York 2.5pts @ 11/10 with BetVictor
Hyde 1pt @ 7/5 with BetVictor
Carshalton 1pt @ 100/30 with Marathon
Hednesford 2pts @ 26/25 with Marathon
Coalville 2pts @ 131/100 with Marathon

Happy birthday  mate

Saturday was one of those frustrating days which looked like being a really good day at one point and then ended up showing a loss, albeit small, despite only one team losing. I have 6 bets on Monday although I am not going crazy because it is set to be another very hot afternoon coming on the back of a very hot afternoon on Saturday and that is going to be very tough on the players. I think it is going to make what is already a tough turn around even tougher. It is my birthday so hopefully a profit can be made.
Boreham Wood v Ebbsfleet
Two sides with only 1 win between them and I doubt there is a great deal between the two sides which make the away team a bet at 29/10. Boreham Wood have usually been very strong at home since they got promoted, but they haven't won a home game since January and with Ebbsfleet improving (they could have beaten Notts County in the end on Saturday), they look a sporting play here.
Dover v Woking
Have I got Woking massively wrong? Having put them up to be relegated I am amazed they are top of the table after 6 games, but then they had a similar start in 2017 when I put them up to go down and they did end up being relegated so who knows! Beating Solihull 2-0 was a superb effort on the back of beating Fylde 4-1. Dover have had a good start as well, but they have lost 2 of their 3 home games and Woking have looked especially good away from home. They just shouldn't be 5/2 shots to win this game.
Blyth Spartans v Guiseley
Blyth's woeful start to the season continued on Saturday as they drew 0-0 with Bradford Park Avenue who have looked even worse than Blyth have. Guiseley have already scored 14 goals this season and must fancy their chances of adding to that tally here. I think they should be nearer even money than the 141/100 that they are.
Curzon Ashton v Spennymoor
I can't believe how much Spennymoor have struggled so far and one 1 point in 4 games is not a good return for last season's beaten play-off finalists. They will surely turn it around sooner rather than later though and I think it could be on Monday as they face a Curzon side who had a nightmare trip to Kings Lynn on Saturday and then were well beaten. On paper Spennymoor are the better side and they just shouldn't be 9/4 shots.
Braintree v Dorking
Both sides lost on Saturday, but I thought Dorking's loss to Hampton was worse and Braintree seem to be gelling at last. Prior to Braintree's 2-1 defeat to Dartford on Saturday they had beaten St Albans 3-0 and Eastbourne 5-0. Dorking's only point in their last 3 games came in a draw against St Albans and they might not add to that here. Braintree certainly look over priced at 17/10.
Kingstonian v Bishops Stortford
Not been a great start to the season by the home side although they were unbeaten before Hornchurch beat them on Saturday. The main reason for tipping Stortford up though is the fact they didn't have a game on Saturday and given the conditions that could well have a big part to play in this game and for that reason at 29/10 they look a sporting play and have managed to win a game this season unlike their hosts.
Ebbsfleet 1pt @ 29/10 with Bet365
Woking 1pt @ 5/2 with Bet365
Guiseley 1pt  @ 141/100 with Marathon
Spennymoor 1pt @ 9/4 with Bet365
Braintree 1pt @ 17/10 with Marathon
Bishops Stortford 1pt @ 29/10 with BetVictor

Been a disappointing couple of sessions on the back of a couple of good ones which is annoying as well as the fact the last two Nap's have both been beaten after going 3/3 on that front. It's going to be a busy Bank Holiday weekend with games on Saturday and Monday but hopefully it will be a profitable. I have 8 bets on Saturday.
Previews to follow
Chorley v Hartlepool
Chorley got off to a solid start back at this level, but things have really gone wrong in their last two games conceding 10 goals. It seems that the high of promotion has warn off and the reality has set in. It seems they played well enough against Maidenhead, but to do that and still concede 4 goals is not good. Hartlepool being one of the teams I put up ante-post have done OK so far although their only win came at Maidenhead. They played their part in their 3-2 defeat against Bromley last time and I certainly think they are improving after their first two defeats. If Chorley continue in the same vein they have then they are going to get chances to score and although Hartlepool have been a bit too leaky at the back I am not sure Chorley are going to be up too matching them going forward. I would make Hartlepool slight favourites for this so 19/10 is a nice price.
Eastleigh v Dagenham & Redbridge
Dagenham were a team I struggled to get right last season and after they beat Harrogate last week I just hope it isn't going to be the same this time around. I wasn't exactly complimentary about them last week and it may surprise to see that I am tipping them up this week, but that was a good performance to put 4 past Harrogate especially as they came from 1 down and 2-1 down. Eastleigh are unbeaten in their two home games so far beating Notts County on day 1 and then drawing with Sutton, but I don't think either of those performances showed they were up too much at the moment and they have lost their 3 away games. I thought they would struggle to reach the play-offs like they did last season, but you have to wonder if they might end up being in a relegation scrap based on performances so far. For me Dagenham look stronger at the moment and at 61/25 they look over priced to me.
Ebbsfleet v Notts County
It's probably surprising as well to see I am so strong on Notts County this weekend, but it is clear that performances have improved having beaten Harrogate and drawing with Wrexham on Sunday. With a 6 day gap between games that should give the management team time to work with the players that would have been tricky with the Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday/Sunday schedule they have been faced with prior to this week. They looked a million miles away in the game against Barnet, but it seems they are making good progress now and they face and Ebbsfleet side who come into this having lost all 5 games so far. To be fair to them they were close at Fylde and Solihull to getting at least a point so they are capable, but their two home performances have been really bad so far and as much as I think Gary Hill will sort things out eventually Notts County should have too much for them here.
Harrogate v Stockport
Having put Harrogate up in their last three games and for them to let me down no doubt they will go and win this now I am opposing them, but Stockport are just too big a price for me. Harrogate might end up suffering from 2nd season syndrome and losing their last 3 is not good. Stockport looked clueless on the opening day against Maidenhead, but they have gone unbeaten since and certainly looked to have improved since then. Granted they have had a fairly kind fixture list, but they shouldn't fear playing Harrogate at the moment and at bigger than 5/2 they look a value play.
Yeovil v Maidenhead
I've tried opposing Yeovil a couple of times without success, but then I did do it with Ebbsfleet and Eastleigh so that was perhaps my mistake. They were really bad against Barrow in a dire game last week and that backed up my view that they aren't anything special. Alan Devonshire continues to work miracles at Maidenhead and they have had a cracking start to the season winning 3 and only losing as mentioned above to Hartlepool. For me Maidenhead will be the sort of team that Yeovil will struggle with this season and like Stockport at bigger than 5/2 they look worth a bet.
Chelmsford v Welling
Chelmsford have scored 4 goals in both their home games so far and it looks like they are going to be very strong at home again this season as they were last term. Away from home it hasn't gone so well although they manage to keep Havant out last week. They have already been well backed, but there is just enough in the price for me to want to get involved. I must admit Welling have done better than I thought they would so far, but Chelmsford at home ought to be too strong for them.
Eastbourne v Dulwich Hamlet
I might have got slightly lucky Napping Eastbourne the other week because that win over Tonbridge is their only one so far and I think they are worth opposing against a Dulwich side who are looking strong this season. They have only lost one game so far at a strong Hemel side and they are the only team to have taken points against Wealdstone so far having beaten them. They did well to come back from 2 down against a Concord side who have started the season strongly last week and they have a good chance of getting back to winning ways against a Eastbourne side struggling to win at the moment.
Wimborne v Taunton Town
I opposed Taunton last week and they finally managed to get a win after two very surprising defeats. That 3-2 win over Chesham was a good effort and that should be them up and running now. Wimborne are fair from the strongest side in the division and Taunton should have too much for them.
Hartlepool 1pt @ 19/10 with BetVictor
Dagenham & Redbridge 1pt @ 61/25 with Marathon
Notts County 3pts @ 177/100 with Marathon
Stockport 1pt 133/50 with Marathon
Maidenhead 1pt @ 139/50 with Marathon
Chelmsford 2.5pts @ 51/50 with Marathon
Dulwich Hamlet 1pt @ 9/5 with BetVictor
Taunton 2pts @ 121/100 with Marathon

Tuesday night was a big disappointment with most of the teams I put up putting in poor performances. Thankfully my own team stopped it from being a total wipeout as Gloucester came from 2 down to beat Kidderminster 3-2. It was also satisfying because all the Asian money was for the home side and it is always nice to get one over them. Onto this weekend I have 6 bets across the weekend.
Dagenham & Redbridge v Harrogate
Hopefully this will be 3rd time lucky with Harrogate. It is slightly concerning that they haven't scored in either game I have tipped them up in especially as they created enough chances to have done so and they missed a penalty at 0-0 against Notts County on Tuesday night. They did then go down to 10 men as County converted their own penalty. They did though score 5 goals in their first two games so they do have goals in them and hopefully they can score some here. Peter Taylor was not happy after their 3-0 defeat to Boreham Wood on Tuesday and he was almost admitting that maybe he hasn't recruited as well as he could have done. As I touched on in my ante-post preview it seemed like they would have some money to spend over the summer, but although they had more than the summer before it also didn't look like that had a huge amount. That for me has left them lacking and they have pretty young squad. They have lost 3 of their first 4 games and Taylor would be my favourite for the first manager to be sacked in the league. I would have Harrogate as favourites here so Marathon's 15/8 makes plenty of appeal.
Notts County v Wrexham
I considered Dover at home to Torquay, but thought the price was probably about right in the end. Barnet were on the shortlist as well but again they look about the right price to beat Chesterfield, a team who have had a very poor start. In the end the only other bet I am having in the National League takes place on Sunday and yet again I am opposing Notts County. As mentioned above they had a bit of fortune on their side to get their first win at this level on Tuesday and they are far from the finished article. Wrexham looked much better on Tuesday crucially keeping a clean sheet and scoring the winner whilst being down to 10 men. I think Wrexham are just the sort of side County will struggle to beat this season especially at this stage of the campaign and the 21/10 about an away win is too big.
Blyth Spartans v Hereford
I wasn't expecting Hereford to sack their manager when I tipped up AFC Telford to beat them on Tuesday, but it certainly led to a much improved performance as they beat them 1-0. They are going up to Blyth on Saturday who have looked seriously lacking so far in their 3 games. I did put them up at Alfreton last week as they looked over priced, but they were well beaten by Alfreton in the end and not surprisingly struggled against York on Tuesday. If Hereford build on Tuesday night's performance then they ought to be winning this and 6/4 with Marathon looks acceptable.
Chester v Gloucester City
I am putting my own club up again to win on Saturday. As I mentioned in Tuesday's preview Gloucester's away form has been vastly superior to their home form since they have been playing in Evesham. This record has improved even more since Mike Cook took over as manager as the club have won 9 out of 10 away games since he started his reign with the only defeat at Dartford. That's some stat and as mentioned above they did really well to come back from 2 down on Tuesday. Chester have yet to lose, but they have drawn 3 of their opening 4 games and were very lucky to get a point at Kettering on Tuesday where they under-performed again. The managers weren't happy after the game and as I have mentioned before I don't think they are as strong as their ante-post price suggested they were. I think at 7/2 with BetVictor the away side are a sporting play once again to make it 10 out of 11 away wins under Cook.
Curzon Ashton v Kidderminster
I have to take Kiddy on again on Saturday. You shouldn't really be letting 2 goal leads slip and their defending left a lot to be desired especially for City's 2nd goal. As I mentioned in Tuesday's preview the win at Bradford Park Avenue was not likely to be a sign of better things to come and they have conceded 7 goals in their other 3 games. Curzon have made a very good start to the season and although they benefitted from playing BPA first day of the season they got solid draws at Southport and Leamington before a really good win at home to Darlington on Tuesday. They clearly have goals in them and given Kiddy's defence they will more than fancy themselves to get on the scoresheet and that might well be enough. I would certainly have them no bigger than 5/4 to win this so 159/100 looks a good price.
Taunton Town v Chesham United
I'm shocked by Taunton's start to the season. Having pushed Weymouth all the way last term they were fancied to do well again this term and that might still be the case, but it's been a really poor start to their season. Losing 3-0 to well fancied Gosport probably wasn't a total disaster, but losing 4-0 on Wednesday night to a Yate side who had lost 4-1 at home on the opening day certainly was. I'm sure they are going to bounce back at some point, but this is a going to be a really tough test for them. Chesham were one of my ante-post bets for the league and they have had a very good start to the season. They beat ante-post favourites Salisbury 2-0 on Saturday (who beat Gosport themselves on Tuesday night) and then won 3-1 on Tuesday against Beaconsfield. I'm not surprised they hit the ground running and they are worth backing to make it 3/3 against a Taunton side who seem to have a hangover from last season's efforts at the moment.
Harrogate 2pts @ 15/8 with Marathon
Wrexham 1pt @ 21/10 with Marathon
Hereford 1pt @ 6/4 with Marathon
Gloucester 1pt @ 7/2 with BetVictor
Curzon Ashton 1pt @ 159/100 with Marathon
Chesham 1pt @ 161/100 with Marathon

A great day on Saturday with 5/8 selections winning including the 3rd winning Nap of the season as well as another big price winner with Barnet. Fixtures come thick and fast at this time of year and I have another 8 bets for Tuesday night.
Eastleigh v Sutton
Sutton are unbeaten in their first 3 games and although in theory a draw at home to Chorley wasn't great I think they will be happy enough with that given the weather conditions. Coming off the back of wins at Hartlepool and a draw at Barnet I am sure their new manager will be very happy with how things have started. I think they can carry on their unbeaten start as Eastleigh have been unimpressive so far. Yes they beat Notts County on day 1, but that wasn't hard and they haven't been great in losses at Yeovil or Barrow. I think Eastleigh have been priced up on last seasons play-off semi-finalists rather than the current side which is a fair bit weaker. I would make Sutton favs for this and not 5/2 shots. 
Ebbsfleet v Yeovil
In theory backing Ebbsfleet who have lost all their games so far looks risky especially as they were bad in their first two games, but they were much improved on Saturday against Fylde. Fylde only won via a penalty early on and Ebbsfleet certainly pushed them close to getting something from the game. If they can carry that on into Tuesday night they can beat a Yeovil side who still aren't really convincing me. They got another point on Saturday against Stockport, but Stockport had a lot of chances and should really have won. I think 17/10 is just on the right side of value.
Harrogate v Notts County
It seems odd to think Harrogate should be odds on to beat Notts County, but they should be odds on to beat Notts County. The main reason for this is because I think Harrogate will be able to take full advantage of the dodgy Notts County defence. I know Barnet won, but they didn't really exploit County's issue at defending crosses apart from when they scored the equalizer from a corner and boy did that show up how bad Notts County are at defending balls into the box. I'm surprised after that that Barnet didn't test them more, but Harrogate certainly should. The Woking manager made a point of saying that had to defend a lot of crosses into the box on Saturday against Harrogate and I can't see County keeping them out as Woking did. Harrogate were unlucky to lose as the Woking goal was a huge deflection and they will be pleased with the way they have started the season. County look a million miles away from being title contenders at the moment and it is no wonder they are as big as 22/1 for the title already, I struggle to see them turning around their fortunes here.
Brackley v Kings Lynn
Brackley don't look as strong as they have in the last couple of seasons and having beaten Alfreton on the opening day they have lost their next two albeit one was against title favs York on Saturday. Kings Lynn would have been disappointed about their opening day effort when being well beaten by Guiseley, but they have won their next two against Kettering and Hereford and looked decent in dong so. I don't think there is much between these two sides and certainly not the difference the bookies have them at so the value is backing the away side.
Guiseley v Spennymoor
Spennymoor are the Naps on Tuesday night as I really fancy them to beat Guiseley. Guiseley had two good wins to start the season, but certainly beating Bradford 5-0 wasn't that hard given how bad they are. They were brought back down to earth with a large bump on Saturday when losing 3-0 at Southport and this should be an even tougher test for them. Spennymoor have only played one game so far as their pitch isn't ready yet so they have had a break since their opening day draw at Hereford. That has to be an advantage at this time of season as Guiseley have 3 quick games in their legs and Spennymoor come into this the fresher. That is certainly part of what makes it a good bet, but I think Spennymoor are potential title contenders and if that is to be right they have to be winning games like this.
Hereford v AFC Telford
I initially thought Hereford would do well and they played well against Spennymoor in that 2-2 draw mentioned above, but they haven't been great in their two away games since. They beat a 9 man Gloucester last week although were lucky to do so as even with 10 men Gloucester looked the better side and then as mentioned above they were poor at Kings Lynn. It could be they will be better at home, but at this stage we can't be making assumptions like that and I think there is value in taking them on. Granted I am worried about Telford's away form as it was poor last season and they lost at Kettering on day 1, but again it is too early to say it will be an issue this season. They have been solid in their two home games beating Kidderminster and drawing against Gateshead. There is a lot of pressure on Hereford to do well this season and that might just mean their fans get frustrated if Telford can score early or keep it at 0-0. I wouldn't be having Telford at bigger than 2/1.
Kettering v Chester
I opposed Kettering on day 1 and they ended up beating Telford, but they have been much more like how I thought they would be in losing their next two games and they were really bad on Saturday when losing 3-0 to Darlington. I'm still not sure Chester will do as well as their ante-post odds suggest, but they are still unbeaten drawing against Boston and Altrincham before beating Farsely more comfortably than the 2-1 final score suggests. I still think Kettering will struggle and Chester should have too much for them and they look a good bet.
Kidderminster v Gloucester City
Obviously because I backed them I hoped Kidderminster would win on Saturday, but I also hoped they would win as I was eyeing this game up as a potential bet. The home side have not looked that great in their first two games and I certainly would not be using a 3-0 win against Bradford Park Avenue as proof that they have turned a corner. It is clear that BPA have been miles off the pace so far this season and have been the worst team in the league by someway. Gloucester have had a solid enough start to life back in the North having beaten Blyth, then that loss to Hereford before drawing with Altrincham on Saturday. Granted Gloucester weren't great, but then ever since they have been at Evesham for their home games they have struggled to get victories and it has been their away form that has been their strong point. It would not surprise me if that is the case again this season and since Mike Cook came in as manager he has made City very hard to beat and the signs are that will be the case again this season. I would have Gloucester at half the price they are and the 4/1 makes plenty of appeal
Sutton 1pt @ 5/2 with Marathon
Ebbsfleet 1pt @ 17/10 with Bet365
Harrogate 2pts @ 23/20 with BetVictor and Betway
Kings Lynn 1pt @ 17/5 with Marathon
Spennymoor 3pts @ 11/8 with Marathon
AFC Telford 1pt @ 52/25 with Marathon
Chester 2pts @ 67/50 with Marathon
Gloucester City 1pt @ 4/1 with Betfred and BetVictor