20./21.8.2007.
20.8. Chelmsford Boreham Wood 1 (1.73 @Paddy Power) 6/10 Chelmsford are one of the biggest title candidates this season, along with Wimbledon, Billericay and new guys Hornchurch. They've lost in last season's play-off semi-final to Billericay (on penalties) and this season they are much stronger. They were the biggest scorers last season but sometimes had a problem with defending and that's why they signed experienced defenders Collins (played for Championship outfit Ipswich) and Duncan (from Cambridge United). Their manager also brought in a duo from Margate (midfielder Protheroe and forward Brayley), midfielder Palmer, goalkeeper Gay and a couple of other players. Chelmsford were great in pre-season matches. Full-strength Crystal Palace (Championship) beat them 2:0 but it took a Scottish international Freedman to score (two goals) against Chelmsford. The match against another Championship outfit, Ipswich, ended 2:2 and League 1 outfit Southend (relegated from Championship) narrowly beat them 4:3. Chelmsford players were great against Thurrock (Blue Square South) too and managed to win 4:2. Clubs from lower leagues didn't even have a chance Chelmsford won 7:0 against Ryman One outfit Witham. In the 1st round, Chelmsford played away from home, at always strong Margate. The match ended 1:1 and that satisfied both teams. Boreham Wood will probably end this season mid-table (yeah, they were close to the play-off zone in the end of last season, but never a serious threat for Ryman Premier high-flyers). Only 200 people watched their first home game of the season against East Thurrock (16th last season). Half-time result was 0:1 for East Thurrock and in the end Boreham Wood players and staff were happy with a point (2:2). Boreham Wood had a really quiet summer (and clubs that want a play-off spot all brought in a bunch of experienced players) scorer Armstrong left and a 20 year old scorer Lockett (got fired at Bishop's Stortford) came. And that's it. If you ask me, odds in this case are great and I simply have to take this bet. FT 4:1 21.8. Horsham Folkestone Invicta 1 (1.91 @Skybet) 5/10 Horsham finished the last season on 8th place and this season, with a bit of luck, they could end in the play-off zone. Folkestone was 18th and face another struggle this season. Horsham manager brought in a couple of new players, but the most important one is Lee Farrell, a praised striker from Lewes who scored both goals in the 1st round at Maidstone (0:2 for Horsham). His partner from the attack, Rook, is finally fit too after missing out most of the pre-season matches. This is Horsham's first home match of the season and they probably couldn't have an easier task. Folkestone were awful in the 1st round they played at home and lost 4:1 to Wealdstone (and Wealdstone were without two suspended players). Folkestone manager brought in a couple of new players too (defender Pamukov, midfielder Briggs, defender Piper, youngsters Glyde and Chapell...) but they have some injury problems (Ellis, goalkeeper Mitten, scorer Remy...) and they will play without Saunders who is suspended. Folkestone's pre-season results were awful too. FT 1:0 Hornchurch Billericay OVER 2.5 and 3 (1.93 @Pinnacle) 4/10 Both teams like attacking, open football, creating chances and scoring goals. Both teams are title candidates this season (Billericay was very close to promotion last season too and Hornchurch stormed through Ryman One league last season). 1st round results are very indicative too: Hornchurch won 5:4 at Ashford and Billericay won 6:0 at home against Hastings. I think both teams will score at least one or two goals in this match and OVER 3.5 looks very, very likely. Some bookies agree with me so in my local bookie I could only bet on who's going to win. That I would never do, but betting on OVER is a must in this case. FT 0:2 |