League One Betting: Essex boys and "Cliff Thorburn of the division" to produce goals

English Football League / Alan Dudman / 12 March 2009 / Leave a Comment

Busy watching the four-legged animals at Cheltenham rather than the two-legged ones, Alan Dudman nonetheless pens his thoughts on this weekend's action in League One. Best bet: Back over 2.5 goals in Hereford v Southend @ [2.12].

I write from a bustling Cheltenham after two days at the Festival 2009. And as the great man Bill Lawry once said: "It's the buzz, the crowd and the excitement." Lawry of course was a legend on the cricket pitch, I wasn't unfortunately.....but we both have something
in common and that is perhaps the size of our noses.

Don't worry, we are on the football pages, stay with me here! Although do check out the excellent coverage from the horse racing guys on the site.

Having just picked up the award for most tenous starting link, I will actually begin to look at a couple of games this week. I always find this time of year pretty tricky. Sides down the bottom tend to pick up dramatically in their fight for survival, whilst sides at the more
glamorous end of their table seem to hit the panic button and start feeling the pressure.

I have watched Master Minded and Punjabi win over the past two days, both stellar performances. Although we might not get something quite so spectacular in this week's League One, I hope to find as much value as the latter.

Hereford United [3.25] versus Southend United [2.542] The Draw [3.4]

If Master Minded is Roger Federer and Tiger Woods, then surely Hereford must be the Cliff Thorburn.

As you know I have never been a great fan of the Bulls this season, but fair play, they've made a great fist of things recently - winning three of their last six games - including a 2-0 beating handed to Leeds.

Hereford were plain awful in midweek against the fast improving Bristol Rovers. Comments left on various forums ranged from dire, backwards, to just plain outplayed.

Bulls boss Graham Turner will no doubt see this as a 'mustwin' game. They all are aren't they? I would like to attack this full-on, but somehow seem to think the shrewd call
is the overs here as Hereford are rather ropey at the back.

In comparison, Southend are flying. A last-gasp midweek win at Brighton is hardly rocking my world, but their form does - seven wins from nine - and goals surprisingly picking
up.

One slight worry for Shrimpers backers outright could be injuries sustained on Tuesday for key players Steve Mildenhall (knee) and tigerish midfielder Alan McCormack (groin). But
the Essex boys still could make a late push for the play-offs.

Recommendations: Back over 2.5 goals @ [2.12]

Walsall [2.44] versus Bristol Rovers [3.10] The Draw [3.5]

Bristol Rovers were mentioned earlier on, and it seems captain Rickie Lambert has got his A-game back - banging in a hat-trick to smash up Hereford. The Gas are fitting
into the bracket of a side hitting form at the latter stages of the season.

And form it is! They've lost only one in their last seven, and the forward triumvirate of Duffy, Lambett and Kuffour is bang on.

Walsall are the team I am interested in lately. I was eulogising the work of boss Chris Hutchings a few weeks back, and despite a couple of recent blips, I fancy them to bounce back
at home this weekend.

They drew with Crewe in midweek - no shame in that - they are rapidly picking up in their scrap for survival. But their last five home games have been decent - with only
one defeat at the hands of the mighty Leicester.

Walsall are solid, they are worth backing outright and good enough for a close fought win.

And now it's off to find the off white, the bone, the cream and the beige jacket.

Recommendations: Back Walsall to win outright [2.44]
Back 2-1 correct scoreline