English Football League / Alan Dudman / 26 March 2009 / Leave a Comment

Alan Dudman reflects on classroom violence and makes his picks from a weekend of League One action. Best Bet: Back over 2.5 goals Crewe v Millwall @ [1.90].

Picture the scene - a blonde-haired youthful Dudman gazing out of the classroom window of Christ's College school, trying to get a glimpse of the First XI senior football team...

I was enjoying the game too until... WHACK......my French teacher (Mr Myers) came storming over and hit me over the head with Tricolore 3A.

It was 1988, and as if there wasn't enough pain inflicted on me (see Glenn Medieros and "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You"), I had to live with that particular agony (and embarrassment) that still haunts me to this day.

I start on this wistful note as Crewe's defeat against Leeds really hurt last weekend....even more than Phillipe and his day trips to Dieppe and La Rochelle in those stupid t-shirts.

It was one of those games I was certain 'The Alex' looked good for. However, they looked useless and memories came flooding back of the pain of Tricolore.

Crewe Alexandra [3.25] v Millwall [2.30], the draw [3.55]

The message is simply don't give up on Crewe. Sure they let me down last Saturday, but they pulled back two late goals against Larry Grayson's Leeds, and they did the same against MK Dons in midweek (trailing 2-0 in 20 minutes to gain a draw). They have plenty of fight.

With 43 points under their belt, they are gradually securing their League One safety, and I think Gudjon Thordason has done a brilliant job.

They face another top side this weekend in the shape of Millwall - who have pretty much been as good on their travels if not better than at home. The Lions still have a chance of automatic promotion, and with play-off football almost secure, it may be a case of going all out for the win.

It should be an open game as Crewe are missing key centre-back Dennis Lawrence (international duty), whilst Steve Schumacher (injured for season) and Billy Jones (suspended) are out.

GT has extended the loan of Reading youngster Gylfi Sigurdsson until the end of the season, whilst Alan Sheehan featured well in midweek after joining from Leeds. That bodes well.

I am tempted to give another chance to Crewe, but my less gung-ho side is telling me the prudent option should be back over 2.5 goals.

Recommendation: Back 2-2, and over 2.5 goals

Walsall [1.75] v Cheltenham [5.2], the draw [3.65]

At first glance, I was severely tempted to back Chelters at that price. Yes they're the bottom side and still nine points adrift of fourth from bottom Yeovil, but they have been fighting like caged tigers recently and are scrapping like hell to stay up.

Robins boss Martin Allen has been working wonders. He's had no budget at all and is operating with a squad so bare that old mother Hubbard would be pretty disappointed. But Saturday might be a game too far.

They would have been really interesting had it not been for the news on Wednesday night that five of their senior players are available for loan (messrs Duff, Wright, Low, Finnegan and Connor).

Cheltenham were devastated in midweek following Oldham's last minute equaliser, and with the imminent exit of five senior pros - they could well have the stuffing knocked out of them with
that double whammy. However, Allen and the team have been a great credit to the division.

Walsall were backed by yours truly when they lost 5-0 at home to Bristol Rovers (the wrong sort of after-timing), but bar that freak result, they are pretty solid at home.

They have a defensive crisis this Saturday with only two fit defenders, and assistant manager Martin O'Connor has joked he could be getting the boots out.

Quality may be low with so many players missing, and chances could be hard to come by.

Recommendation: Back 0-0, 1-1 and back under 2.5 goals

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