English Football League 
/ Ian Lamont / 15 March 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Goal threat. Lee Mansell has been on target for Torquay in recent times.
"It is an anomaly that Crawley have been odds-on to win – home or away - all through their seven game winless streak, but Torquay have 16 wins in 22 games and only three defeats in that run, yet are [2.44] against a home side who have picked up three points from three draws in 12 games since the turn of the year."
The layers are still offering good prices about a Torquay win this weekend, despite their remarkable record of 16 wins in 22 games. Ian Lamont talks us through this and the other best bets in League Two this weekend.
Burton [3.15] Torquay [2.42] Draw [3.35]
The temptation to back Torquay to win 1-0 is irresistible. For those less inclined to dip into the exact score market, the odds on a Gulls victory are too long. It is an anomaly that Crawley have been odds-on to win - home or away - all through their seven game winless streak, but Torquay have 16 wins in 22 games and only three defeats in that run, yet are [2.44] against a home side who have picked up three points from three draws in 12 games since the turn of the year.
That makes no sense, unless odds-makers are distrustful of the slim margin of those of those victories by Martin Ling's men - 10 of those wins have been 1-0. What is also likeable about Torquay's run is that they have a variety of goalscorers, although one has finally made it to double figures - Lee Mansell having scored three in two games. Take advantage while the layers still lack respect for Torquay. If you want a rare foray into the exact score market, 1-0 to the away team is second shortest at [8.4].
Back Torquay to win at Burton at [2.42]
Accrington [2.3] Northampton [3.3] Draw [3.5]
Accrington's chances of making the play-offs, I believe, left with John Coleman. New boss Paul Cook appears to be finding his feet with a third consecutive draw, at Southend, last weekend, but he still has not inspired a victory. Stanley seem to have found that never-say-die spirit that Coleman instilled, with Padraig Amond equalising in injury time for his second goal in three games. However, Northampton's urgency for points has lifted them out of the bottom two. Will they rest on their laurels or have they found some consistency? Even after they climbed out of the bottom two on Saturday with a 3-1 win over Aldershot, they won again at Dagenham on Tuesday - a fifth victory in seven games. Ade Akinfenwa now has six goals in as many games. Clearly Aidy Boothroyd has instilled some confidence that Cook has perhaps yet to find for the posts.
Play it cautious and lay Accrington at [2.3]
Bristol Rovers [1.96] AFC Wimbledon [4.0] draw [3.6]
I was told by a cautious Wimbledon fan this week that he views this encounter as "another six pointer". He clarified that he meant this was a relegation battle! To me, it is two sides battling on the road to mid-table nowhere.
Terry Brown's visitors are equidistant from the play-offs and relegation, ie in no danger of either. What worries my friend is the Dons' recent form - four defeats and three draws - before Saturday's 2-1 win over Dagenham and a 3-1 win over Bradford. Jack Midson has now surpassed Izale McLeod as League Two top scorer, with 18. The Pirates, who drew at Torquay last time, are unbeaten at home in the league in 2012. Five games, two wins, three 0-0 draws against the varying qualities of Oxford, Crawley and Macclesfield. They beat Bradford and Morecambe - and while the Dons are not as good or desperate as the other teams to have drawn at the Memorial Stadium, they are better than the Bantams and the Shrimps.
Back Bristol Rovers to draw with AFC Wimbledon at [4.0]
Hereford [3.55] Southend [2.16] Draw [3.55]
Hereford have drawn against some good and - at the time - in form sides at Edgar Street. While they have eight away draws, it will ultimately be their home form that decides their fate as they battle the drop. They won at Morecambe last weekend, a second win in three unbeaten games, which will give them confidence against the Shrimpers, whose form has stuttered since the turn of the year. This could be just the sort of place where Paul Sturrock's men slip up again. Five wins in 2012, from 14 games, means the [2.16] is far too short to justify and on that basis must be laid.
Swindon should win yet again after another three points in midweek but perhaps the even safer bet is Torquay to beat Bristol Rovers. Ian Lamont talks us through these and other good betting opportunities in League Two this weekend....
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Alan Dudman briefly discusses Gary Megson's sacking, as well as looking at the best bets from this weekend's League One action....
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