League One Betting: Wayward Orient can take a Step back to recovery

English Football League / Alan Dudman / 23 October 2008 / Leave a Comment

Al Dudman hits us with another betting bulletin from the lower leagues.

On one or two occasions in my life I have actually been seduced, it is a rather pleasant experience you will agree, but possibly surprising if you have seen the picture of me on here (I say I am not photogenic).

Anyway, I got lured in by Leeds yet again last week, the pull of them darn Whites is like the 'tractor beam' from Star Wars...it gets ya and it reels ya in. David Prutton and co's seduction techniques are right up there with Susannah Hoffs (oh we mentioned her last week didn't we?) and, to use a well-known phrase in betting circles, I done my money.

Leeds lost at Millwall, and I only got 50 per cent right for last Saturday. Not great, but a lot better than 22 per cent, which reminds me of a story...

As a pupil in second year (in old money) I sat a Chemistry exam, a subject I had little or no aptitude for.

My teacher, Mr Moorthy handed out the papers and proclaimed that because the exam was multiple choice, a monkey could be capable of scoring 25 per cent, ie one in four. He said this with a sadistic streak.

If I am honest I struggled, and those fears were confirmed when old Moorthy announced my score of 22 per cent - worse than a monkey. I never did get to grips with sulphur to nitrate, dust to dust, funk to funky...


Scunthorpe [2.22] v Millwall [3.50]

And funky we have on Saturday with arguably the game of the season so far as Scunthorpe [2.22] host Millwall [3.44]. The words top of the table does this one pure justice...it's one and two in the league, both have 26 points, and both are red-hot - like a bunsen.

As there was a full programme of matches on Tuesday, this represents a third game in seven days for the two heavyweights. Scunny are arguably the fittest team in the division, as well as one of the finest in terms of style. Meanwhile the Lions are beginning to look like serious title contenders and trade at [14.0] in the outright winner market.

Nigel Adkins has a brilliant team, goal threats all over the park combined with a watertight defence make them worthy favourites again as they look to continue their superb run of eight wins from their last 10.

Millwall however are matching them pound for pound, well win for win certainly, and have visited the payout counter eight times from their last nine games.

It's a huge game for Kenny Jackett's side, as a win will mark them down as big players in the title market (and that price of 14 will no doubt be halved).

They're a tough side and concede very few, away wins at Leeds (to my chagrin) and Leicester tell me this is a serious team. Striker Gary Alexander missed Tuesday's game through injury, but Jackett has a wealth of options up front and I fancy them to cause a slight upset.

Recommendations: Back Millwall [3.50]; Back Millwall to win 2-1 [12.00]


Yeovil [2.32] v Leyton Orient [3.35]

If Scunthorpe and Millwall are the funksters, Orient and Yeovil are the non-rhythmic duo who have completely lost their way....think Lisa-Scott Lee and 'H' (from Steps). And yes, that is her in the picture up there.

Yeovil recorded only their second league victory of the season on Tuesday night, beating Crewe 3-2. Two recent additions of Scott Rendell and Gareth Owen have improved the squad, but goals are hard to find which makes them even harder to fancy.

Orient, like one or two in the league, have gone in to freefall. Boss Martin Ling was a saviour this time last year, as the Os sat top of the table. Fast forward 12 months and Ling is under a bit of pressure.

Lying 23rd in the table, I am convinced they are better than that, and the Tuesday defeat at Leeds told me they are near to getting a result. It was battling display, and one that if replicated could get them the points

Two big factors in my thinking here is that Orient will hopefully sign Luton striker Sam Parkin before the weekend. Whilst the return of key defender Tamika Mkandawire is a massive boost for team that hasn't won in a game in their last seven.

Recommendations: Lay Yeovil [2.32]; Back Leyton Orient to win 2-0 [21.0]


Hartlepool [2.1] v Brighton [3.7]

Finally Hartlepool are the team scoring more than Calum Best recently, banging in five at home to Huddersfield on Tuesday, making it 19 goals from six home games.

Danny Wilson's side entertain Brighton, who will have no interest in an open game and will try and spoil to gain another 0-0.

I think Brighton could nullify the home team, and will back the under 2.5 goals at [2.02], and take a massive chance on 0-0 [15.0].