Friday, April 02, 2010

BLUE SQUARE CONFERENCE ..........THE GLAMOUR ( AND POT HOLES) OF NON LEAGUE FOOTBALL


There are some going to be some very weary teams in non league football over the coming weeks, so many postponed games at the turn of the year, means that many clubs are facing a huge fixture pile up and are forced to play up to three times per week.

We have already seen the benefits of keeping track of these, errors will creep in and teams will lack the mental strength to fight back after failing behind, especially when they have little motivation to do so and are faced with another match in 48-72 hours time. Games will be more open, especially in the 5th tier and below, but this trend has already surfaced in the BSP, with only two of the last 21 starts, producing a 0-0 or 1-1 scoreline. In other words, the other 19 have produced a positive result, or involved four or more goals.

I think it is worthwhile looking at "overs" in this league, or backing any team you fancy to win, rather than with the level ball, or minimal handicap option. Personally I have bet "overs" in the Salisbury - Ebbsfleet game today at circa 1.86, the visitors are well rested atm, having not played for 13 days, infact, they are probably the freshest team in the Conference. They have also had to stew on a 6-1 thumping from Luton for almost a fortnight, so will probably come out fighting like wounded animals today. They have very few injury concerns and will be out to claim three points from a vital game, which could re-ignite their survival hopes.

A win for Salisbury would go a long way to sealing another season in the top flight of non league football and I think we will see two sides attacking each other, as both are struggling big time at the other end of the pitch. Fleet are "over" in 12 from 15 and have conceded 15 in their last five outings alone. Ten of the hosts last 15 have produced three or more goals and they have allowed 12 in their last five. Expect these two to go toe to toe, I feel that the visitors are overpriced to end up ahead at circa 3.70 and might also take a little on that, but rate the goals bet slightly superior.

Good Luck.

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