English Football League / Ian Lamont / 29 December 2011 /

Three bets from the keyboard of Ian Lamont ahead of tonights' action in League Two.

Aldershot [1.9] Plymouth [4.7], draw [3.6] Saturday 13.00

It might sound like "Bah! Humbug" to tip against my team Aldershot at this time of year. But the way Plymouth are playing, the Shots have a tough home test. It strikes me as odd that several managers have referred to Aldershot as having a "great home record". Not from where I'm sitting.

Five defeats out of 10 is not the stuff of legend! OK so they have beaten Shrewsbury, Burton and Crewe in three of their last five games at the Rec, but also lost to Gillingham and Macclesfield. At home, they might have a tight defence - just nine goals conceded - by far the best record in the bottom 10 - but have only scored 10, the fewest in the entire division. Before the abandonment against Southend they were a goal down but aggrieved not to have been given penalties, with Jermaine McGlashan flying. Even if they fly against Argyle, however, they are likely to face a spirited fightback. If Carl Fletcher's side can come from 2-0 down at Bristol Rovers to win 3-2 - albeit with an own goal in injury time - then they are determined indeed to rescue what was a dire position at the foot of the league. I've seen Dean Holdsworth's side quoted at odds-on. With Nick Chadwick on form since his arrival, lay it quick!

Lay Aldershot at home to Plymouth @ [1.91]

Hereford [3.4] Accrington [2.36], draw [3.4] Friday, 19.45

They say keep backing a winning side and that team, at the moment, is Accrington. They landed the money for this column at Morecambe on Boxing Day. There seems little reason they can't do likewise at Hereford. They are much shorter than last week's [3.9], but that merely indicates the layers pricing them up properly, at last giving them due credit for their efforts, even if it is a negative for us gamblers.

The statistics point to a draw for Stanley on average away from home. Bryan Hughes striking late - and Morecambe ruing the fact they have not had the run of the green recently - are reasons for caution, as is the fact that a fourth straight win was achieved for the first time in six seasons. Is this as good as it gets then for John Coleman's side? Arguably there is reason to think this run has more legs. They are unbeaten in 10 from 13 games and, although Coleman always faces a slight rebuilding job in the summer and Accrington hence don't start brilliantly, he has moulded them into a side that has more points than at this stage last season. In May they ended up in the play-offs. So, while Hereford's regular goal threat Tom Barkhuizen will have to be monitored, this will be tough for the hosts.

Back Accrington to win at Hereford @ [2.36]

Macclesfield [2.9] Port Vale [2.62] the draw [3.4], Saturday 13.00

Continuing to back the form sides, Port Vale have been difficult to fathom until fairly recently. While not being kept informed about board room difficulties (Chief Executive resigning) manager Micky Adams promises fans that on-pitch matters are fine. They certainly seem to be, with three straight wins following a goalless draw at home to Torquay.

Guy Madjo, on loan from Stevenage, says he is benefiting greatly from the guidance of coach Geoff Horsfield and it seems to be proving the case as he has four goals in as many games. Alongside him is fellow Boro loanee Jennison Myrie-Williams on the wing, so Vale can expect another fine performance. Macclesfield don't seem to make as much of their resources as Accrington and really are destined to struggle. After a hot streak in September/October (four wins and a draw) their last nine fixtures have reaped just two wins - both in the FA Cup against non-league opponents, one after a replay. Three points in six games have been hard-earned - they have failed to score in three matches. Back the visitors to dent the Silkmen's run of three home draws.

Back Port Vale at [2.62]

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