Memo23

That late Southport winner turned a decent day into a very good day. Shame Darlington went 2 down before they got going and Dulwich had a man sent off which stopped their chance of winning, but very happy with the days work.

It's Saturday so can mean only one thing, A long winded write up by me,  
 
Bournemouth 2 United 2. Good job I checked this before posting as it said Bournemouth 2 United 32!!!!, I was torn between 2 each or a 3-2 away win, however I have settled for a score draw, United will accept that despite all of Jose's ramblings this week.  . OVER 3.5 GOALS 19/10 UNIBET & 888sport
 
Cardiff 2 Leicester 3. This will be quite an emotional day and often the opposition get forgotten about but the occasion can get to both with football almost taking a back seat, and on such occasions football brings people together and I am sure Cardiff will do a great job in making it a fitting occasion, I see Leicester really wanting to do a good job and Cardiff attacking too, with Leicester nicking it with the odd goal in 5, I know that is already 9 goals predicted in 2 games. BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE 5/6  BETSTARS
 
Everton 2 Brighton 1. I think Everton will win this despite Brighton giving it a good go, I think this will be quite an open game with a bit of free flowing attacking football, I like Brighton and I like Chris Hughton, an honest manager hardly ever blames anyone if his team loses but I can't let that cloud my judgement so I am sticking with a narrow home win. 2-1 Everton 8/1 bet365, BETVICTOR, BETSTARS. 1OBET & SportPesa
 
Newcastle 2 Watford 0. What have I just written??? Newcastle have got to win at some point, and I know Watford seem to have found their feet again, but I am sticking with the home win just because they have to win at some point, mad logic I must admot but sometimes it pays off. Newcastle to win 9/5 UNIBET & BETVICTOR
 
West Ham 1 Burnley 0. Found this one a little tricky for some reason, probably because of Burnleys hammering last week, I think West Ham have found some kind of Rhythm and I expect a narrow victory at home for them in this one. UNDER 1.5 GOALS 13/5 BETFAIR
 
Arsenal 1 Liverpool 2. I have to be honest and say I rolled the dice on this one so could of ended up with 6-4 but honestly this is what the dice threw up a 2-1 away win, Arsenal are in fine form and Liverpool love to attack, many saying this is Liverpools first real test this season, I think Liverpool will just have a little to much in attack for the Gunners, and the dice agree . OVER 2.5 GOALS 4/7 betfair.
 
Wolves 1 Spurs 3. It,s not that I think the wheels have fallen off at Wolves, they haven't and I think they will be fine this season, but nearly every promoted team hits a patch of form that disturbs them and in most cases relegates them, but I don't see the relegation part for Wolves, However I see a strong Spurs performance and a comfy win, Spurs seem to be just getting on with it this year. 3-1 SPURS 20/1 bet365
 
City 5 Southampton 0. I have been a little gentle where City have been concerned in recent weeks, but again Southampton are poor and I see City giving them a good hiding here and then serious questions being asked of Mark Hughes who for me is a bit of a strange one, always seems to get a Job. OVER 4.5 GOALS 15/8 betfair & PADDYPOWER 
 
Chelsea 3 Palace 1. Chelsea have hit the ground running with their new manager and will be part of an unusual 3 horse premier league title race, they are playing a nice style of football and a few players seem to be settling in nicely, and I see a comfortable win here for the Blues. BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE 1/1 bet365, WilliamHill, BETFRED & betway
 
Huddersfield 2 Fulham 1. AAAAAAAHHH another hair puller, how do you predict this, Huddersfield have had a tough start with their fixtures but I think they will come good and record their first win of the campaign here with a nervy narrow win over fellow straggler's Fulham, I am going to be bold and say an injury time winner for the home side  . Huddersfield to win 11/8 BETVICTOR, UNIBET & betway
 
Hope these have been of amusement and more importantly help with any punts you may be taking. enjoy your weekend people I actually have a weekend off so it is beer o'clock for me   

Don’t think I’ve ever had them all draw before and at least I tipped up the draw in one of the games. If those 3 had held on we would be looking at a profit instead of a loss. Not a good end to the month but hopefully Saturday will be better.

A few games at step 3 this mid-week and a home double in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier South makes some appeal.
Chesham have been really poor so far this season having won just once and drawn just once so far this season. The win against Farnborough was two games ago, but in three out of their last 4 league games they have conceded 4 goals each time including on Saturday when Salisbury put 4 past them. They go to Beaconsfield who have only lost twice so far this term and although they have yet to win at home in 4 league games this looks the perfect game to get their first home 3 points of the season.
Walton Casuals is the other bet and they host Staines. Casuals didn't win any of their first 5 league games, but they have won 3 of their next 5 and are looking in much better shape now. Crucially they host a Staines side who are looking in desperate trouble. They have won just twice in the league (one of which was against Chesham) and have lost their other 8. In their last 4 league games they have conceded a huge 18 goals. Also these two sides played each other in the league cup earlier in the month and Casuals won 6-1 that night. It is hard to see how Staines are going to turn that around given how they have played since and are conceding goals for fun. 
Now Oddschecker isn't playing ball with this league so I have only checked 3 firms and Bet365 and Betfred were joint best of those 3 with odds of 1.7/1 on the double. I am having a point on that.

Got to get back to winning ways on Tuesday after what has been a pretty tough month. Even on Tuesday we still had a very late goal go against which stopped the double from landing. Hopefully we can end the month on a high and I have 5 bets.
Havant & Waterlooville v Solihull Moors (National League)
Solihull's away form doesn't quite match the heights of their home form as they have lost 3 and won 3. However those loses came against Fylde, Harrogate and Leyton Orient so you can hardly knock them for losing those games. They have beaten Eastleigh, Barrow and Dover and Saturday's trip is hardly any harder than those. Havant did stop us from landing the double on Tuesday night, but they are still struggling to win games. Their home form isn't terrible, but Solihull are in really good form at the moment and I think they should be favourites for this game so am happy to take Betway's 15/8. I suspect Solihull will continue to be under estimated by the bookies and unless their form takes a turn for the worse then they are likely to remain a decent value bet. 
Leyton Orient v Sutton (National League)
I Tweeted on Tuesday that I think the league will be between Salford and Leyton Orient now. Both sides look a cut above the rest of the league at the moment and crucially neither side are really dropping silly points unlike the teams around them. Sutton have had a very strange last 3 results and how on earth they allowed a terrible Dover to come back from 2 down with 10 men I just don't know. Orient are still yet to lose and I would have them around 4/6 for this game so the even money (Marathon and William Hill) is certainly worth taking. I have been really impressed with the way Orient have been putting away sides of late and in 5 of their last 7 games they have scored at least 3 goals. That is really impressive and I think they can add another 3 points on Saturday.
Maidstone v Chesterfield (National League)
Gary Waddock said that he had never seen such a one sided game that a team has lost after his Aldershot side lost to Maidstone on Tuesday night. It seems new Maidstone manager Harry Wheeler had a game plan of making them really hard to break down and they managed to sneak a goal to win the game 1-0. That is two 1-0 away wins on the bounce for Maidstone and they should make things very hard for a badly out of form Chesterfield back on their own pitch. I was surprised Martin Allen didn't either walk away or get the sack after the 3-1 defeat to Maidenhead on Tuesday. I see no reason to not carry on opposing them especially when they have been put in as favourites again which makes little sense to me, but again it is bookies using the big team mentality instead of what is actually happening on the pitch. Marathon are 9/4 about a home win.
Biggleswade v Redditch (Southern Premier Central)
The best bet of the weekend for me is the home side. Biggleswade are still unbeaten in the league and although they have drawn 5 of their 7 games they have started the season in really good shape. The only downside so far is the fact they surprisingly lost to Chesham in the FA Cup, but what that did mean was they didn't have a game last weekend so have had a bit of extra rest coming into this fixture. Redditch seem in a right mess off the field. Ex manager Paul Davies came out in the press saying that he had to beg players to play in what turned out to be his final game in charge when they lost 5-1 to Coalville. It seems the players hadn't been paid and the chairman certainly seems to be ruining the club. Former assistant Paul Smith has now been given the job and although he has done well at a lower level, this is the first time has been in charge of a side at this high a level. He lost 2-0 to Stratford in his first game in charge and although he has brought in 5 players since he took charge they still don't look a great squad. The home side are 24/25 wuth Marathon and that price looks very fair.
Corinthian Casuals v Enfield Town (Bostik Premier)
I have been really pleased with Enfield's start to the season given I put them up at a big price ante-post. They sit in 3rd place at the moment and they should be able to stay up there. In their last league game a couple of weeks ago they came from 2 down to Lewes to draw 2-2. Both goals came from Billy Bricknell who came of the bench as he was coming back from injury. They are unbeaten in the league still and should be able to beat Corinthian Casuals who are finding themselves a bit outclassed. They won their first league of the season last time, but that came against Harlow who are one off the bottom. Their other 2 points have come against teams around them in the table as well and I think they will continue to struggle against the better sides in the league. Marathon go 143/100 about an away win and that looks a good price.
Solihull 1pt @ 15/8 with Betway
Leyton Orient 2pts @ Evs Marathon/William Hill
Maidstone 1pt @ 9/4 with Marathon
Biggleswade 3pts @ 24/25 with Marathon
Enfield Town 2.5pts @ 143/100 with Marathon

Tuesday wasn't great with only Sutton winning and it was a losing night. The FA Cup means there are no Step 3 matches this weekend so the focus is on the National League's and I have 8 bets in the 3 divisions. It's a little more than I usually like, but there does seem some good bets and hopefully a profit to be had.
Barrow v Dagenham & Redbridge (National League)
I got Barrow wrong on Tuesday night and by all accounts they played well in the 2nd half and deserved to pick up at least a point. They have been performing well at home so far this season and Tim Flowers the Solihull manager admitted that Barrow were better than Solihull despite the fact they had beaten the home side 2-1. Dagenham may well have won their first game of the season on Tuesday night, but that did come against the worst side in the division in Braintree and this game is a much stiffer test for them. I think a shade of odds against (53/50) with Marathon is value about the home side and I would still be happy with the even money available with a few bookies as well.
Eastleigh v AFC Fylde (National League)
Eastleigh only managed 4 subs on Tuesday night against Maidenhead and one of those was the sub keeper such is their injury crisis at the moment. That is worrying at this stage of the season and they have managed just one win at home losing their other 4. Fylde were beaten by Salford on Tuesday night, their first loss of the season, and by all accounts Salford were really good. Fylde have drawn 3 of their 4 away games and that is a slight concern, but after a good performance at Ebbsfleet last week you would expect them to be more than up to winning this. Marathon's 38/25 is too big in my view and they should be nearer even money.
Harrogate v Havant & Waterlooville (National League)
I can't believe BT Sport chose to broadcast Havant v Aldershot on Wednesday night. Given there was no other football on they had a great chance to showcase the league and draw people in. Instead floating viewers were served up with a really poor game of football between two sides struggling for wins. Havant won 2-1, but they didn't deserve to win although Aldershot struggled to defend two set pieces and that was their downfall. Aldershot were the better side, but they were clearly lacking confidence in the final 3rd. Havant now travel to a Harrogate side who are top of the table after beating Gateshead on Tuesday night. They remain unbeaten as well and it is hard to see how Havant can beat them given what I saw on Wednesday night and the general form of the two sides. Evens is available with Skybet, Marathon and Betfred and I think it should really be nearer the 4/6 mark.
Ebbsfleet v Gateshead (National League live on BT Sport at 5.15pm)
Strangely Ebbsfleet's away form has been much better than their home form so far this term having won once and lost 3. They haven't had the easiest matches though and they have performed well in the games they have lost. It could be claimed that this is a tough game as Gateshead have started better than people were predicting before the season started, but after winning their first 3 games they have only one once in the following 6. That came last Saturday when beating mangerless Maidstone. They did push Harrogate close on Tuesday night with Harrogate scoring the winner late on, but they have been better at home and given I think Ebbsfleet's performances have been better than their points tally at home suggest, I think they can win the live game on Saturday. Marathon are 51/50 and I would have it around the 4/5 mark myself.
Dartford v Eastbourne (National League South)
I did not expect Eastbourne to be doing so well so far this season and it is a surprise for me to see them sitting in 3rd place in the table. Fair play to them though as the only game they have lost so far is against top of the table Woking so they deserve to be there on merit at this early stage. Key for them is the fact they have the 2nd best defence in the league having conceded just 6 times so far and 2 of those came in the 2-1 defeat to Woking. This probably won't be a game of many goals as they have only scored 9 times and Dartford have scored just 5 and conceded 9. The 7/2 on offer though with Bet365 and Marathon is huge on an away win. Dartford look a shadow of the side who nearly won the title last season and currently sit in 16th place 5 points behind their opponents on Saturday. I put Wealdstone up at a big price to beat them on their own patch a couple of weeks ago and they lost 3-0 that afternoon. Granted that is their only defeat at home so far, but how on earth can a team in 3rd after 8 games having lost just once be 7/2 against a team who are 5 points worst off and have only won 3 out of 8 games having lost 4 of them? 
Gloucester City v Truro (National League South)
Speaking of mean defences and teams who don't score many in Gloucester we have another one I am going to back. They have scored just 6 and conceded 8, but that doesn't tell the full story as they have only conceded once in their last 4 games. I was at the game against Dulwich a couple of weeks ago and I was really impressed with the way City defended and on loan keeper Matt Yates looks a keeper destined for better things and he is arguably the best keeper in the league at the moment. At the other end scoring goals has been an issue and three of their 4 wins have been 1-0 so far. They did score 2 against Hungerford last week, but since that game City have re-signed Harry Williams who scored 10 goals in 16 appearances for the club spread over the last 3 seasons. He should add plenty to the forward line and with a mean defence they will be hard to beat. Truro have got a new manager from Taunton and he obviously did a great job to get them promoted last season, but he will surely need longer than a few days to sort a team out who have yet to win so far this season. Marathon's 123/100 looks a huge price about a home win in my opinion.
Torquay v Chippenham (National League South)
Torquay's 8 matches so far this season have seen just 8 goals! They have conceded 3 and scored 5 and their performances so far have been pretty average. As I wrote last week when opposing Chippenham they look capable on their day of beating anyone in the league and then they duly went and beat Concord 4-1. They have a form sequence of LWLWLWLW so on that they should lose on Saturday, but sequence will end at some point and they could be just the sort of side to take a big price about in matches this season as like I say on their day they can beat anyone in the league. They arguably have a better side than Torquay and I just don't see how they can be as big as 14/5 with Marathon and Bet365.
Darlington v AFC Telford (National League North)
Just the one bet in this league on Saturday, but I am really keen on Telford. Darlington have not had a good start to the season having won just once and losing 4 times. They have quite a few injuries at the moment although to be fair to them they did keep Alfreton down to just the 1 goal last week. Telford have surprised me so far this season in the same way Eastbourne have and they have yet to be beaten. They sit in 2nd place in the table and are 12 points in front of their hosts on Saturday. Telford should be favourites for this so to be getting 177/100 about an away win looks cracking value to me.
Barrow 2pts @ 53/50 with Marathon
AFC Fylde 2pts @ 38/25 with Marathon
Harrogate 2pts @ Evs with Marathon/Betfred/Skybet
Ebbsfleet 1pt @ 51/50 with Marathon
Eastbourne 1pt @ 7/2 with Bet365/Marathon
Gloucester City 2.5pts @ 123/100 with Marathon
Chippenham 1pt @ 14/5 with Bet365/Marathon
AFC Telford 2.5pts @ 177/100 with Marathon

A profitable day again on Saturday which was good and hopefully we can continue the good run on Monday. Sorry for this being briefer than usual and mentioning no prices but I am a bit short of time.
Aldershot v Sutton (National League)
I fear for Aldershot. They have looked miles away so far this season and Gary Waddock's mention after Saturday's game that there are things going on that the general public don't know about is really concerning. Only a guess, but I wonder if there are money issues there again. Whatever it is though it is clearly having an effect on the pitch. Sutton have looked decent so far and looked like they will be in the play-off hunt again. The price looks too high to me and Sutton should be favs.
Eastleigh v Ebbsfleet (National League)
Eastleigh's manager was getting in the excuses on Saturday for this game as he mentioned after Saturday's match that the league were crazy to fit so many games into such a short space of time, although if we see a repeat of last seasons weather he will be glad they have! Ebbsfleet are looking pretty strong and it was another good performance on Saturday. Again they probably should be favourites for this.
Oxford City v Wealdstone (National League South)
Another away side who are too big a price and should be favs. I had City on my shortlist for Saturday, but they were forced to have the sub keeper play up front in the win over St Albans and that put me off and I am glad it did as they had to rely on a late goal to get a point against Weston. Wealdstone look good and the draw against Concord was another example of how well they look likely to go this season. They should be able to get 3 points here.
Slough v Dulwich (National League South)
I am chancing Dulwich at a big price after seeing them on Saturday. They lost 1-0 to Gloucester although it was through poor keeping at a corner more than anything. To be fair Gloucester defended well and the keeper for me was man of the match, but I thought Dulwich deserved at least a point from the game. They are still getting used to the league, but they are creating chances and look threatening. They will click at some stage and I think they are more then capable of a top half finish. Slough have been a bit inconsistent so far and losing to East Thurrock on Saturday was a poor result.
Wingate & Finchley v Enfield (Bostik Premier)
Enfield look a big price here to carry on their strong start to the season. They were one of my ante-post picks so it is pleasing to see them start so well and they put 6 past Burgess Hill on Saturday. This game will be tougher, but if they are in the same form they have been so far then they can pick up another 3 points.
North Ferriby v South Shields (Evo-Stik Northern Premier)
I am amazed South Sheilds are odds against for this. North Ferriby look like they could do a Hyde and drop right down to Step 4 having been at Step 1. They have not looked good so far and obviously South Shields are strong favourites to win the title. They bounced back from the Farsely defeat where they had 9 men for over an hour to have a comfortable win on Saturday. It will be disappointing if they can't win this.
Sutton 2pts
Ebbsfleet 1pt
Wealdstone 2pts
Dulwich 1pt
Enfield 1pt
South Shields 3pts

Tranmere v Boreham Wood
It all comes down to this to see who will be joining Macclesfield in the Football League next season. Will it be Tranmere who have only speant 3 seasons out of the Football League or Boreham Wood who have never been anywhere near the Football League and were a massive price for promotion at the start of the season? In my view it is Tranmere's to lose. As I wrote in the play-offs preview in my view Tranmere were the best team in the league this season, but they blew it with their slow start to the season as they nearly did against Ebbsfleet last Saturday. They really should have beaten Ebbsfleet comfortably, but they gifted them two goals, especially the 2nd and it nearly cost them. In the end 4 top class goals saw them reach the final after extra-time and those 4 goals showed how much class they have in their team. They will have to be careful though not to make mistakes here as Boreham Wood do have it in them to punish Tranmere. In Bruno Andrade Wood have one of the best players in the division and he has scored 20 goals this season. He has the ability to cause Tranmere's defence some real problems especially as they aren't the quickest defence in the league. He scored in both games against Tranmere this season and even if Tranmere do win it wouldn't surprise me at all if he ended up on the score sheet again. Worth pointing out as well that Wood took 4 points off Tranmere this season as they drew 2-2 at Prenton Park in August and beat them 2-1 at Meadow Park in March. As much as these games can be tight I wouldn't be at all surprised if we saw goals again here. Tranmere under performed in the final last season when losing to Forest Green and I think they will be desperate to put things right on Saturday afternoon. As Luton proved getting out of this division when you are a big club can be difficult, but overall this looks a golden chance for them to get back into the Football League.
So what bets are worth having? I like the look of over 2.5 goals at 11/10 with Marathon. I think this game will be pretty open and there is a good chance of goals especially given there were 4 and 5 in both semi-finals and 3 in Wood's elimination game so I would make over 2,5 goals an odds on shot. I think Tranmere will come out on top and like the look of 2-1 and 3-1 on the correct score front. Given I think Boreham Wood will score the odds are high that goal will come from Andrade and so backing him at 13/5 with Bet365 to score at anytime looks a fair bet with a small interest at 15/2 on him to score first. Norwood can score goals from both inside and outside the box and I find it hard to see him not scoring as well so back him both anytime and to score first.
Over 2.5 goals @ 11/10 with Marathon
Tranmere 2-1 @ 8/1 with BetVictor
Tranmere 3-1 @ 16/1 with Bet365
Andrade to score 1st @ 15/2 with Bet365 and anytime @ 13/5 with Bet365
Norwood to score 1st @ 4/1 with Bet365 and anytime @ 5/4 with Betway
 
NB for some reason 365 have removed their prices although I do suspect they will be back up at some point

Boreham Wood v AFC Fylde
You would have got a big price Boreham Wood finishing in the play-off positions at the start of the season, but they have done amazingly well to get this far and I think they will reach the semi-finals on Thursday evening. They have always been solid at home since gaining promotion and that has again been the case this season gaining 41 points at home. As I alluded to in my outright piece Fylde's have been far from trustworthy away from home this season and if only they could have beaten Wrexham on Saturday they would have got themselves a home tie in the elimination round. They only picked up a draw though against a team who didn't really have anything to play for and to also lose to Maidstone, Woking and Guiseley in recent away games just shows how they can throw some really poor efforts in on their travels. The home side are nearly as big as 6/4 now with Marathon and that makes plenty of appeal.
Kings Lynn v Weymouth
Again as I alluded to in my outright preview Kings Lynn's home form this season has been superb as they only lost once and that came back in December. They have a strong squad with plenty of experience in it and that will be crucial I think here. As well the fact Weymouth have got a really long journey to do on a Wednesday night which is hardly ideal ahead of such a big game and for me Kings Lynn have a big advantage by the fact they get to play this game at home. Marathon are clear biggest again at 123/100 and that looks a fair price.
Boreham Wood 1pt @ 37/25 with Marathon
Kings Lynn 1pt @ 123/100 with Marathon

Stalybridge v Workington
Bookies have finally priced this game up and Workington are odds against so they have to be backed. They aren't in the greatest form, but they are better than Stalybridge and Mickleover should have won comfortably, but just couldn't score. With Staly's manager saying he is leaving their isn't even that much motivation for the players to perform anymore so at 11/8 with Betway they have to be backed.
Workington 3pts @ 11/8 with Betway

Matlock v Stalybridge
Given the amount of games on Thursday this week I am starting a new thread especially as for some it is their 2nd game of the week. For Stalybridge though it is their 3rd game. They played a county cup game on Monday which went to extra time and they then played a league game against Ashton on Tuesday night where 8 of the players who started on Monday started again. I mentioned this on Twitter just before kick off and suggested people got involved in the handicap markets and at half time I at 1-0 I was fairly confident Ashton would kick on in the 2nd half especially as they had dominated the first. Amazingly Stalybridge ended up winning the game 2-1 which was some feat given in the league they had only got 1 point in their previous 5 games and Ashton were in good form and are trying to stay in the play-offs. Stalybridge also played on Thursday and Saturday last week so this will be their 5th game in a week. For their hosts Matlock it will be their 5th game this month! In addition they are in good form at the moment having won 4 on the bounce. Now they did also play on Tuesday night, but they will surely have the fresher legs here. Stalybridge v Ashton is a derby game and I just wonder if that was the reason that they were able to get a result. Matlock look a decent bet at odds against (11/10) with BetVictor.
Matlock 3pts

3 losers on Saturday although not too much damage done. Margate blowing a 2 goal lead was frustrating though. All these bets are on Tuesday night and all biggish prices again.
Maidenhead v Sutton
Maidenhead seem to be showing some signs of life again after looking like they were going to coast towards the end of the season. They beat Dover 3-2 at the weekend after scoring a stunning late winner and having beaten one play-off hopeful I think they can beat another one on Tuesday night. Sutton have only won once in their last 6 games and have lost 4 of those. They were the better side against Hartlepool on Saturday, but a stunning performance from their keeper meant it ended in a draw despite the fact Hartlepool only had 2 shots the whole match. Around that though performances have certainly dipped and Maidenhead look value to give Sutton another defeat.
Hartlepool v Leyton Orient
Speaking of Hartlepool I am taking them on as well on Tuesday night. They aren't certain to be safe just yet,  but look to have done enough and that Sutton point was their first in 3. Fellow relegated side Orient actually have a chance of a top 12 finish which is staggering given where they were at prior to Justin Edinburgh's arrival. They are unbeaten in 5 now and got a good point at Macclesfield on Saturday to delay them winning the title. They are the better side of the two here and I would make them favourites so 2/1 makes plenty of appeal.
FCUM v York
FCUM did lose on Saturday when I put them up against Darlington and according to the report they deserved to lose as well although Darlo needed a gift of a goal to win the game. Even so I am going to back them again here, because York have lost 3 on the bounce now and have just one win in 6. On Saturday they lost to the 10 men of Gainsborough who only have one team below them in the table which is a shocking performance. They are now out of the play-off places and might not get back in unless they improve quickly. Maybe they will, but I think FCUM will make things hard for them here and look value to give York another defeat.
Braintree v Whitehawk
I'm annoyed I didn't back Whitehawk on Saturday as they were a big price again and beat Welling. Braintree's form has improved with just one loss in 6 now as they look to try and get into the play-offs, but I am not sure they are playing all that well and as I have pointed out a few time Whitehawk's current team would be play-off contenders not certain to be relegated. That makes their price of 5/1 just plain silly and I am happy to get involved.
Coalville v Halesowen
Into the Evo-Stik Northern Premier for the last bet and Halesowen are ending the season in good form having lost just once in their last 6 games and got a good 1-1 draw against play-off hopefuls Ashton on Saturday. They could have easily have won that game as well as the equaliser only came with pretty much the last kick of the game. Coalville on the other-hand are in poor form having lost 5 on the bounce and they lost 3-2 to fellow strugglers Marine on Saturday with the crucial factor that Marine only had 10 men for most of the 2nd half. The away side look a fair bet to pick up the 3 points.
Maidenhead 1pt @ 23/10 with Bet365
Leyton Orient 1pt @ 2/1 with Bet365
FCUM 1pt @ 23/10 with Marathon
Whitehawk 1pt @ 26/5 with Marathon
Halesowen 1pt @ 19/10 with BetVictor

So close to landing a massive price treble in midweek with Maidstone drawing in the end against Macclesfield although a 2nd injury time winner in two days was always going to be a tough ask. Results really are all over the place in the National League at the moment and it certainly pays to pick and choose what games to get involved with and even then not get too heavily involved unless there is very good reason for doing so. I do have one bet in the division this weekend, but the main ones yet again come from lower down the pyramid. 
Ebbsfleet v Maidenhead
I just get the sense that Maidenhead are beginning to coast a little bit as we reach the tail end of the season. They don't really have anything to play for now as they can't reach the play-offs and they are a big price to end up in the bottom 4. A 1-1 draw against Boreham Wood was a fair result, but they were poor last Saturday when losing to Barrow as they were the Saturday before when losing 7-1 at Gatsehead. Indeed in their last 10 away games they have only beaten Hartlepool and Guiseley which doesn't say an awful lot. Ebbsfleet haven't played for two weeks so certainly no excuse about them having tired legs and they won 4 on the bounce prior to a 1-1 draw against Leyton Orient. They do have the odd blip at home and defeat to Chester and a 3-0 loss to Boreham Wood weren't great, but otherwise they have been hard to beat. They still have a chance of the play-offs so have plenty to play for unlike their opposition. I think the home side should be a shade of odds on here so 13/10 with Marathon makes plenty of appeal. 
FCUM v Bradford Park Avenue
The home side look a massive price here. I have written a few times about FCUM's great home form and their last 10 home games record reads won 7 drawn 2 and lost 1, That is impressive especially for a team who are in a relegation battle. It is their away form that has been the big problem, but their home should see them safe. They have played 2 games more than their opponents here, but they are actually only 4 points below them in the table which shows how congested it is. Bradford haven't won in 5 now and that includes a defeat to bottom side North Ferriby. They have won just once in their last 10 games. You get the sense after over achieving for most of the season that they are getting close to where they should be in the table. I think the home side should be favourites so the fact they can be backed at 85/40 with Marathon makes them a good bet.
Southport v Alfreton
Southport aren't quite odds against this week as the bookies are slowly catching up with their form. Another 3-0 win against AFC Telford last Tuesday means they have now scored 3 goals in their last 5 games and have conceded just once as well. That is impressive form and I think they can continue that run against a struggling Alfreton side who were pretty poor when losing to AFC Telford on Tuesday night. With Southport having had a near two week break that should mean they are fresher than Alfreton as well. Regular readers will know I don't often tip up odds on shots but at Marathon's 17/20 I think they offer plenty of value still. Whilst I was writing the previews it was announced that Ross Hannah is joining Southport on loan until the end of the season and that is a plus for me.
Hemel Hempstead v Gloucester City
I am going to back my own side on Saturday and it is a game I am going to as well. Hemel have threatened to play a part in the title race all season, but that has realistically gone now and they have to concentrate on finishing in the play-off places. That could be easier said than done because they have only won one of their last 6 games and they have blown leading positions against Chelmsford and Dartford. Now Chelsmford are 6th and Dartford 2nd so a Gloucester side in 12th place should be an easier test. But Gloucester are the form side in the division right now. They have only lost once in their last 9 and that came against top side Havant when they only had 10 men and even then they were unlucky to lose. Given issues off the field and the fact it looked like we were going to be fighting for relegation at the turn of the year it is quite staggering that we even have half an eye on the play-offs. Granted Hemel don't lose at home all that often, but they have lost to Poole and Hungerford in their last 5 home games so they have been fair from bomb proof of late. Gloucester are nearly 3/1 with Marathon which looks big to me as I think we should be around the 2/1 mark.
Lowestoft v Burgess Hill
Backing a side who have only picked up 1 point in their last 9 games is hardly something you would expect me to do and usually it would be a crazy thing to do, but I have to take Lowestoft on again. Burgess Hill are bottom and a bit detached although they do have games in hand and this really is a must win if they want to survive. These are clearly two bad teams, but the bookies still haven't caught up with the problems at Lowestoft and at 16/5 with BetVictor the away side have to be worth a punt as they shouldn't be that price.
Ebbsfleet 1.5pts @ 13/10 with Marathon
FCUM 2pts @ 85/40 with Marathon
Southport 4pts @ 17/20 with Marathon
Gloucester 1pt @ 72/25 with Marathon
Burgess Hill 1pt @ 16/5 with BetVictor

I was certainly glad I avoided getting involved in the National League on Saturday as pretty much every result was near on impossible to pick. My 3 picks were all off and hopefully now we are over the last of the wet/cold weather as plenty of teams still have a large amount of games to fit in. I have 3 bets for tonight and tomorrow.
Maidstone v Macclesfield
This game was called off a couple of weeks when I put up Macclesfield as the bet. Things have changed since though and I am now making Maidstone a bet. The home side have finally managed to win a game of football when they beat Torquay and not only that they managed to follow that up with another victory at the weekend. That win was an impressive one against Macclesfield's title challengers Sutton and that should give them plenty of confidence heading into this game. Macclesfield lost at the weekend to Dover and I think this is a trickier game than it looked a couple of weeks ago. Apparently Macclesfield are under a transfer embargo at the moment and you have to wonder how on earth they can even afford to be in League 2 if they do win promotion. Marathon go 19/10 about a home win on Wednesday night.
Lowestoft v Dulwich
Needless to say I am having another attempt at taking on Lowestoft. It seems like this game will go ahead and now Dulwich have found their scoring boots again, it is hard to see anything but a comfortable win for Dulwich. Dulwich went back to the top of the table on Sunday when beating Worthing 3-0 and as much as they are unlikely to pip Billericay to the title, it is important they finish 2nd to have home advantage come the play-offs. The only slight concern is Dulwich played on Sunday whereas its been over a week since Lowestoft last played, but Dulwich are a much better side and they should be able to overcome that. Skybet go 7/4 for Dulwich to cover the -1 handicap.
Nantwich v Stalybridge
Stalybridge have only won 3 away games all season, but those 3 have come in their last 4 games. Also when you look at the opposition they have beaten it is hard to believe they went so long before winning away. First up they beat 2nd place Warrington and then Workington before on Saturday shocking leaders Altrincham. Their form overall at the moment is superb having lost just twice in their last ten matches, a run which has seem move well away from the one relegation spot. Nantwich have lost 4 of their last 6 games and have lost more at home than they have won. Given Stalybridge's form at the moment it is very hard to understand why they are 119/50 with Marathon to win the game and it looks a cracking bet.
Maidstone 1pt @ 19/10 Marathon
Dulwich -1 2pts @ 7/4 with Skybet
Stalybridge 2pts @ 119/50 with Marathon

Mixed bag on Saturday, but the 4pt tip Southport won with ease and Enfield also covered the handicap against Lowestoft. Not surprisingly Southport and Lowestoft feature in the tips for tomorrow night.
Halifax v Dagenham & Redbridge
I have touched on Dagenham's issues before and although they have beaten Torquay and Chester in recent weeks given both of those are in the bottom 4 it hardly says a lot. It sounds like they played well in the first half on Saturday against Tranmere but then Tranmere blew them away in the 2nd half and Dagenham are just lacking that quality because of the players that have left. Now Halifax are obviously no Tranmere, but a change of manager has improved results and they are unbeaten in 3 now. Given Dagenham's issues I would make Halifax shorter than the 161/100 they are with Marthon.
Southport v AFC Telford
Again Southport can be backed at odds against against a team who are out of form. Telfords last away win was 9 games ago against bottom team North Ferriby and they have  picked up just 2 points on their travels since. Their only two wins in their last 10 games have come against North Ferriby again and a FCUM side who can't travel. Marathon are a huge 57/50 about a home win and it looks every bit as good a bet as on Saturday. They should be at least 4/5 for me.
Tamworth v Darlington
More than happy to oppose Tamworth again especially given Darlington are a huge price for an in form side. Darlington's 3 defeats in their last 10 games have come against York, Salford and Brackley so all sides in the promotion battle. They have won 5 of their last 6 games so for them to be 9/4 with Betfred to claim the 3 points here is just stupid in my view as I think they should be favs.
Lowestoft v Wingate & Finchley
Wingate aren't in great form and have been a bit leaky at the back, but they should be picking up 3 points here. If a poor out of form Enfield can put 3 past Lowestoft with ease then a better Wingate side should win this with ease as well. It seems Lowestoft's issues have gone under the bookies radar for some some reason and so the 31/20 Marathon are going about an away win is huge.
Halifax 1pt @ 161/100 with Marathon
Southport 4pts @ 57/50 with Marathon
Darlington 2.5pts @ 9/4 with Betfred
Wingate 4pts @ 31/20 with Marathon

So after the two tips both called off on Tuesday night hopefully we get a clear run of things on Saturday where I have five bets.
Maidstone v Torquay
The home side are being backed again just as they were on Tuesday night, but I have to oppose them again even though Torquay are in the bottom 4 at the moment. This is almost a must win game for the away side and on the whole their performances have been good of late. If you take out the 3-0 loss to Dagenham then their other 4 games in their last 5 have seen good performances. They drew at Macclesfield, beat Barrow and Maidenhead and were very unfortunate to lose 3-2 at Sutton in their last game. If they play like they have in any of those 4 games they will have a real chance of winning this game against a Maidstone side who haven't won in 17 league games. Marathon's 27/10 is too big for me about an away win.
Southport v Tamworth
I put Southport up a couple of weeks ago when they beat Curzon and they look a really strong bet to beat Tamworth this weekend. Tamworth have lost their last 5 away games and haven't won in their last 8 overall losing 5 of them. Given how strong Southport are at the moment and they have won 4 home games on the bounce this looks all set to be a home win. William Hill are 11/8 about a home win which is a huge price as I would make them odds on.
Braintree v Wealdstone
The away side had a famous victory in Essex a couple of weeks ago when beat Billericay and I think they have a great chance of winning in Essex again this weekend. Until they beat Poole last time Braintree had only picked up 2 points in 6 matches. Given Poole are in a relegation battle I hardly think a 1-0 victory screams of a team back on the top of their game again. I guess Wealdstone might have an eye on the FA Trophy semi-final, but they still have an outside shot of the play-offs and on the whole they are in good form at the moment unlike their hosts. Sportingbet's 23/10 about an away win is too big for me.
St Albans v Truro
Truro have lost 4 of their last 5 games with their only points coming in a win over Bognor who are in the relegation zone at the moment. Hopefully I don;t put the mockers on St Albans again as their only loss in their last 6 was when I put them up to beat Welling. They still have an outside chance of the title and they should be winning this against a Truro side who are certainly off the boil at the moment. I am happy to take the shade of odds on with Marathon on a home win.
Enfield v Lowestoft
Obviously plenty on the Lowestoft issues on Tuesday night's thread and things have got no better. The manager admitted on Thursday that he has no idea who he will have available and how many first team players he will have. Sadly for us they are playing a side who are the worst in the league on the last 10 games form table. Enfield have one win in their last ten games and that came against bottom side Burgess Hill. In normal circumstances they are hardly a side you would want to go lumping on at 4/5, but I am going to have a smaller stake on them covering the -1 handicap. If Lowestoft do have to play academy players then Enfield should be winning this fairly comfortably and at 2/1 I would rather back them to win by at lest two goals than back them at 4/5 just to win the game.
Torquay 1pt @ 27/10 with Marathon
Southport 4pts @ 11/8 with William Hill
Wealdstone 1pt @ 23/10 with Sportingbet
St Albans 3pts @ 24/25 with Marathon
Enfield -1 1pt @ 2/1 with Betfrred

So a rare blank day on Saturday although I had kept stakes fairly low so not too much damage done. Tuesday nights can be tricky at the best of times and even thought we have a full fixture list in the National League it looks a tricky set of fixtures. I have found 3 bets though although I will be keeping my stakes small.
Barrow v Gateshead
This one is more based on the stats than anything else and those stats make the draw look value. Barrow may be struggling this season, but they are always hard to beat at home and have managed 1-1 draws against Wrexham, Tranmere and Sutton in three of their last 4 home games. Overall they have drawn half of their home games so far this season and this looks a game which might well again bring about a point for each team. Gateshead have drawn 7 of their away games in the league which is just under half and they might have one eye on the FA Trophy at the weekend as well. Given it is the outsider of three I am happy to take a chance on the draw.
Ebbsfleet v Woking
It would be typical if Woking managed to get something out of this after backing them on Saturday, but all I saw was more proof they are terrible on their travels this season. They made it a respectable 3-2 late on against Hartlepool, but the damage was long done and they defended terribly for all 3 goals. Ebbsfleet got a crucial win on Saturday which keeps them in the play-off hunt and in general they have been strong at home this season. I wouldn't want to chase the price down, but at a shade of odds against with Marathon I am happy to play.
Guiseley v AFC Fylde
I think it was a big mistake for Guiseley to sack Paul Cox last week as to me he was more likely to keep them up than anyone else. They had a pretty tough run of fixtures and although they weren't picking up points they were playing fairly well. Saturday they looked hopeless in defence and conceded some really poor goals in a 3-1 defeat against Maidenhead. They are as good as down for me and Fylde have the fire power to punish any defensive mistakes the home side make on Tuesday night. I think they have a decent chance of winning by at least 2 goals so am happy to take them on the -1 handicap at 11/5 with Betfred.
Barrow v Gateshead 1pt draw 5/2 @ Unibet
Ebbsfleet 1pt @ 21/20 with Marathon
AFC Fylde -1 1pt @ 11/5 with Betfred

So it was a profitable end to January on Tuesday night and hopefully the final 3 months of the season will go as well as the season has so far. As for Saturday its quite a busy day tips wise as 7 teams appeal throughout the leagues and the FA Trophy
Brackley v Sutton
I am going to start in the FA Trophy and I like the home side here to cause a bit of an upset. I opposed Sutton in the previous round, but they had enough to beat Hendon who as it turns out have entered a bit of a downturn in form. The same can't be said for Brackley who are unbeaten in their last 8 league games. That includes a superb win over Salford last weekend where they ran out deserved winners. Given the strength of Salford's squad would probably see them in the top half of the National League that win should give them plenty of confidence ahead of this game. All of Sutton's main contenders for the title our out of this already and the longer they remain in the competition the less likely it is they will win the title in my view. I know some teams in the past have combined both, but some of them had kind draws and Lincoln were just unstoppable last season. Marathon go 5/2 about a home win and although I would still make Sutton favourites I think that price is too big.
Whilst I am talking about the FA Trophy I do think Leyton Orient are a big price this weekend to win at Dover. I won't be backing it myself or tipping them up as such because I am on them to win the Trophy, but I certainly wouldn't put anyone off getting involved if you aren't on them in the outright market.
Southport v AFC Telford
I have lost count of the amount of players Kevin Davies has bought in since he took over as Southport manager and he has finally started to see some positive results. There is clearly a bit of money at the club as they have actually purchased some of their players. Now last week they weren't great at Kidderminster, but to be fair they are looking in red hot form at the moment and Southport's improved form has mostly come at home where they have won their last 3 games. Telford have only picked up 1 away point in their last 6 matches on their travels although I should add they have played Brackley, Salford, Kidderminster and Harrogate in their last 4 away games. This in theory should be an easier game, but I think their overall form of just one win in ten says a fair bit. With Southport's improved form at home I think they are just about value at 113/100 with Marathon although I wouldn't chase the price down too much.
Concord v Oxford City
Concord won for us last week and I am happy to back them again against an Oxford side who are struggling for form. That win obviously continued Concord's superb run of form which sees them 5 in the last 10 games form table and that is only on goal difference as they have the same amount of points Dartford have. Oxford had improved for a while, but their record now reads just one win in their last 6. They have lost their last 2 away games including at an East Thurrock side who aren't exactly in great form in the league at the moment. I think Marathon's 123/100 is on the big side about a home win.
Eastbourne v Hungerford
This will come as no surprise to regular readers that I am taking on Eastbourne yet again. Although it was only a 2-1 defeat in the end at Concord last week they were never really in the game. Hungerford are in decent enough form at the moment having lost just two of their last 8 league games and that includes a 2-1 over title chasing Hemel. Since Eastbourne beat Gloucester I have opposed them in 7 of their 8 matches and have collected on 5 occasions and I see no reason why it won't continue to be a profitable angle. Marathon are best about an away win at 37/20. 
Whitehawk v Weston-Super-Mare
I have to back Whitehawk again. They ended up losing 3-1 at Dartford last week, but they performed really well and were probably a little unlucky not to have picked up a point. The bookies are naturally just looking at their league position and not the fact their performances have really improved in the last 6 weeks or so. Granted Weston are in strong form themselves so this is hardly a mortgage job, but I can't make the home side 100/30 shots (Bet365/Betfred) and I am happy to take a punt they can pull off another victory.
Bishops Stortford v St Ives
St Ives were unbeaten in 5 prior to their 4-0 loss against Chesham on Tuesday night and I think they look a big price to win at Bishops Stortford on Saturday. Strangely enough the home sides last game was also against Chesham last Saturday. They lost 2-1 and were a goal up, but they had the wind in their favour in the 1st half when they went 1 up and in the 2nd half they were very much 2nd best. It means they have only picked up 2 points in their last 5 games. St Ives have actually won more games on their travels this season and I don't think there is anywhere near as much between the two sides as the betting suggests, indeed take Tuesday's loss away and you would say St Ives are in better form. Bet365 are 11/4 about an away win.
St Neots v Chesham
Finally we got to Chesham whose only defeat in their last 10 games came against Hereford. They have won 6 on the bounce scoring 19 and conceding just 4. I see no reason why that run wont continue at the weekend as their hosts are hardly in good form. Granted they did get a 95th minute winner to beat Dunstable last weekend, but they only have 12 points and that was their first win in 6. This will be a much tougher tie and I would make Chesham odds on shots to win this so the 101/100 with Marathon looks appealing.
Brackley 1pt @ 5/2 with Marathon
Southport 1pt @ 113/100 with Marathon
Concord 2pts at 123/100 with Marathon
Hungerford 2.5pts at 37/20 with Marathon
Whitehawk 1pt @ 100/30 with Bet365/Betfred
St Ives 1pt @ 11/4 with Bet365
Chesham 3pts @ 101/100 with Marathon

A good day on Saturday to continue what has been a pretty good month on the whole. Hopefully it will end just as well as it started and I have 4 aways for Tuesday night.
Gateshead v Wrexham
I am rather surprised that Wrexham are such a big price for this game. Gateshead were on my shortlist for Saturday until I noticed their dreadful home form of late. Now they did end up winning and with 10 men, but then Maidstone are hardly in the greatest of form at the moment. Wrexham on the other hand have only lost 2 of their last 10 league games and are still right there in the promotion picture. They were part of a cracking 2-2 draw against Tranmere on Saturday and as long as their isn't a hangover from that they should really be winning this. I am amazed they are as big as 121/50 as I would make them favourites for the game as I think they have a class edge on their hosts.
Halifax v Leyton Orient
I put Orient up to win this game whilst I was away and the game was called off. Nothing has changed for me since then and I still think Oreint look a good bet at 17/10 with Betway/Bet365.
Hendon v Leatherhead
Since their improved league form Leatherhead have also improved their away form. They did lose their last game against Thurrock which was on their travels, but they had a busy month up until that game and maybe that had something to do with it. Their game on Saturday was called off which should help them as they have had 10 days off now which is probably what they needed. Hendon are only 4 points in front of them in the table and although they did come back from 3 down on Saturday to get a 3-3 draw with Folkestone they are on a little bit of a wobble at the moment. I would still make them favs for the game, but no way should Leatherhead be as big as 15/4. I would have them around the 2/1 mark myself and they have a good chance of picking up another 3 points here.
Tiverton v Frome
Tiverton are in awful form at the moment having picked up 2 wins in their last 8 games. Those wins were against Farnbourgh and bottom side Gosport so they don't say a great deal and they have lost their other 6 including a 6-2 defeat against Basingstoke on Saturday. Frome are in much better form having lost just one of their last 6 games and they have only lost 4 games on their travels this season. Granted Tiverton have only lost 3 home games, but crucially for me 2 of those 3 have come in their last 2 home matches. I think 7/4 with Betway on an away win is value.
Wrexham 2pts @ 121/50 with Marathon
Leyton Orient 2pts @ 17/10 with Betway/Bet 365
Leatherhead 1pt @ 15/4 with BetVictor
Frome 1pt @ 7/4 with Betway

So finally back in the country although things have gone fairly well whilst I have been away. Pretty busy day tomorrow tips wise so hopefully there will be more profit to be had.
Dagenham v Solihull
I wasn't sure about Mark Yates coming in as Solihull manager, but to be fair to him he has done a very good job and he might just be able to keep them up. They have been in good form and are unbeaten in 4 league games now. They have only lost 3 of their last 10 games and all were by a goal to nil. Now all three did come away from home, but in their last two away games they have beaten Barrow and drew 0-0 at leaders Macclesfield. To me they have a chance of beating a Dagenham side who have only won once in their last 7 games and that was a 4-2 win over a badly out of form Hartlepool. I am happy to take a chance on an away win at 7/2.
Eastleigh v Hartlepool
Speaking of badly out of form Hartlepool they have to be taken on on Saturday at a shade of odds on with Marathon. Eastleigh did us a favour last week when they continued their good form against Maidstone and Hartlepool's winless run went to 9 after they only got a point at Chester on Tuesday night. Things aren't looking good off the field either with administration looking highly likely and a trip to a side who have only lost one of their last 10 isn't exactly what they need right now. I thought Eastleigh would be shorter than they are.
Woking v AFC Fylde
Having put Woking up to be relegated at the start of the season I had pretty much given up hope after their strong start, but I might be in with a chance of landing the bet because their form has taken a real nose dive. Like Hartlepool they haven't won in 9 and they face a Fylde side who are storming up the table so much that they might have an outside chance of the title. Since losing to Tranmere on Boxing Day they have been unbeaten in 7 of which they have won 6 including that 6-0 drubbing of Macclesfield last Saturday. I am amazed that odds against is available about an away win and they should pick up 3 more points. here.
Gainsborough v Alfreton
A new manager at Alfreton looks like it is going to bring an upturn in form. They have a good side and they shouldn't be doing as badly as they are and with Trinity in poor form at the moment it looks a good chance for the away side to build on last weeks good win.
Chelmsford v Hampton
Hampton's run of form is quite amazing really and although Chelmsford don't lose many at home, Hampton have lost just 3 games all season. I struggle to see how they can be put in as 9/4 shots for this as I think Hampton are the better side.
Concord v Eastbourne
Sadly the opposing of Eastbourne which had paid off so well of late didn't pay off last week, but I am keen to oppose them again this weekend. Concord's loss against Bath was their first in a long time in the league, which given their league position is pretty amazing. Granted they do like to draw plenty of games, but they look stronger than their rivals here and they look a good bet to bounce straight back.
Dartford v Whitehawk
I was kicking myself a little for not backing Whitehawk again last week after they ended up beating Truro to continue their improved form. I am even wondering if they might pull off the miracle and stay up. They go to top of the table Dartford this weekend and obviously that is going to be tough, but they shouldn't be 12/1 shots and I am happy to take a complete flyer and have a small bet on them.
Solihull 1pt @ 7/2 with Marathon
Eastleigh 4pts @ 19/20 with Marathon
AFC Fylde 3pts @ 51/50 with Marathon
Alfreton 1pt @ 73/50 with Marathon
Hampton & Richmond 1pt @ 9/4 with Bet365
Concord 3pts @ 23/20 with Ladbrokes/Coral
Whitehawk 0.5pts @ 12/1 with Ladbrokes/Coral