League Two Betting Preview: Bury are in rude health

English Football League / Ian Lamont / 29 October 2009 / Leave a Comment

"Bury's title odds of [18.0] – [3.8] for promotion - are enticing. A top three finish is feasible for a team unbeaten in eight with the division's best away record."

Bury can maintain their excellent away record, the Millers kick on with title challenge and it's backs to the wall for Stanley. Ian Lamon selects the best League Two bets...

"When you pick a lost cause, you really commit" says one character in the animated film Robots.

League Two tipping may look like that when I declare I still think Bury can win the division.

They lost five of the first seven games but lie ninth, just eight points off leaders Bournemouth. But there is two thirds of the season left and sticky pitches, injuries and suspensions could yet have their say.

Injuries have struck Bury, yet they prosper. An outing to Gigg Lane last weekend showed me that, despite five attack-minded absentees, the Shakers are in rude health.

Fans spent the summer salivating at the prospect of Ryan Lowe, signed from Chester, partnering established striker Andy Bishop. They have completed just one game together and Bishop is injured again.

Against Rotherham, on-loan Tom Elliott hobbled off after nine minutes. No matter, Michael Jones was pushed up and substitute midfielder Richie Baker proved the star. So why doesn't Baker start every week? "You tell me," said one season ticket holder. "He's never let us down."

Alan Knill's men might not let me down either. Having tipped them for the title in August at [15.5], their current odds of [18.0] - and [3.8] for promotion - are enticing.
A top three finish is feasible for a team unbeaten in eight with the division's best away record.

The strong home form of Saturday's hosts Burton ensures the sides are evenly priced, making the Shakers a juicy [2.72]. Over 2.5 goals should be a side bet at [1.95], especially as Bury do not put a man on the near post at corners.

Alan Hansen would have a fit and the fault was duly exploited by Kevin Ellison, Lowe's former Chester sidekick, who swept a short corner routine straight into the net at Bury. The lanky midfielder is clearly enjoying himself in a winning team alongside Adam Le Fondre, who swaggers like a nonchalant gunslinger. That boy could find three metres of space in a phone box and it is not hard to see how the Millers have kicked on from last season to be genuine title contenders.

The [1.8] on them to beat Aldershot Town at home should be taken. The managerless Shots are the only League Two team without a clean sheet this term.
For some reason board members seem to be rushing to the exit. Having recently lost manager Gary "ginger Mourinho" Waddock to Wycombe and the chairman, John McGinty, who died in August, clearly there is much work to do on and off the pitch.

Their poor away record should not inflict a first home defeat on Ronnie Moore's men. I doubt there is a deep financial crisis at Aldershot, whose books will be marshalled better than most after the old club's demise in 1992.

You would think the same of Accrington, yet this week they evaded being wound up by the taxman. When teams conjure a "backs to the wall" mentality in the face of adversity, they tend to have an established leader - unlike Aldershot at present. Accrington's John Coleman, 10 years in the gaffer's seat, offers that at Stanley.

The Lancastrians continue to upset apple barrels and can get Hallowe'en weekend off to flying start by giving Grimsby Town a Friday night fright at Blundell Park at [2.76]. Bobby Grant will be hungry to add to his eight goals this season.
In a tricky week for a value bet, there is a draw choice.

Despite Torquay's five draws in a row, I'll be nibbling on Ian Sampson's rejuvenated Northampton to beat them in Devon at [2.82]. Christie Park is most likely to see a draw at [3.6]. Habitual level peggers Morecambe, with nine draws, host Lincoln. Chris Sutton's side have been playing in binary code in recent weeks, with just three goals seen in their last four matches.

Weekend Bets:

Best bet: Bury to win at Burton [2.72] and over 2.5 goals at [1.95]

Recommended Bets: Rotherham to beat Aldershot at [1.8]

Accrington to win at Grimsby at [2.76]

Value bet: Morecambe to draw with Lincoln at [3.6]

Long-term bet: Bury for the title at [18.0] if not already taken pre-season.