English Football League / Ian Lamont / 05 April 2012 /

Ian Lamont gets stuck in to the Good Friday League Two programme with intriguing bets on some of the most enticing fixtures...

Torquay [1.75] Accrington [5.6] draw [3.75]

Paul Cook's admission that his lack of defenders means Accrington have little choice but to attack dictates that Torquay are likely to win - and more comfortably than the dozen 1-0 victories they have taken this season. All-out attack might work against teams like AFC Wimbledon for Stanley, but the Gulls have stiffer resolve at the back - and more to play for than the Dons. When you attack a good team, it just opens gaps for good players to exploit. Martin Ling's men have a variety of players who can score, from Rene Howe to Danny Stevens and Lee Mansell. One journalist said of Torquay's win over Barnet, that in the first half it was hard to tell which side was facing relegation. This one could be a more open, entertaining affair. Over 2.5 goals look a decent side bet.

Recommended Bet: Back Torquay @ [1.75]

Aldershot [2.06] Port Vale [3.9] draw [3.5]

A surprise lead and ultimately a very good point at Shrewsbury last Saturday keeps Aldershot's slight hopes of a play-off place alive. Such a feat remains unlikely this season, but that won't stop Dean Holsdsworth's men trying. They have shown stiffer resolve since January and a 30-point haul makes them the fifth best team in League Two in 2012. Adam Mekki is a much-fouled thorn to opponents, Danny Hylton remains a potent goal poacher, with several others chipping in. Micky Adams' men could not be better opponents as the Shots pursue the top seven. They have little riding on the rest of the season and have lost three games in four. Marc Richards and Louis Dodds remain noteworthy, but the hosts can triumph.

Recommended Bet: Back Aldershot @ [2.06]

Cheltenham [1.8] Barnet [5.2] draw [3.7]

I really can't bring myself to back Lawrie Sancehez's visitors despite Cheltenham being totally out of sorts. Therefore laying the hosts is the way to play this one. The arguments all surround the Robins' self-combustion. Price this up as the sixth game of the season and the odds on Barnet are generous. Mark Yates' men have not even scored in five games and have one point to show from six. They will be desperate to improve on the 10-man 4-0 defeat to Southend, but Sido Jombati and Marlon Pack being suspended will not help. Nor will leaving livewire winger Jermaine McGlashan on the bench again.

There is always one team that drops out of the play-off picture and Cheltenham, with 19 points in 2012 compared to Swindon and Torquay's 40, could well be it. Barnet have not been in great form themselves, not scoring in four of the last five, but they are used to struggling, battling for every ball as the scrap against relegation. Street fighters taking on would-be aristocrats. They could easily battle to a point. League Two top scorer Izale McCleod needs to find form, having missed a penalty and other chances last weekend. A goalless game tempts at [12.0]

Recommended Bet: Lay Cheltenham @ [1.8]

Morecambe [4.6] Swindon [1.91] Draw [3.34] and Macclesfield [4.7] Shrewsbury [1.9] draw [3.45]

My recommended [9.0] on Swindon for the title at the turn of the year can now be comfortably hedged at [1.2] to do the Betfair thing and "go green" to ensure a profit whatever happens. The pre-season [4.0] on Crawley was always about the layers not wanting to lose any more after last season's procession to the Conference title. Usually divisional favourites start at [10.0]. However, there is little to suggest that Paolo Di Canio's men will buckle. They had a hiccup draw at Bristol Rovers - an improvingly stubborn side - after their Johnstone's Paint Trophy final defeat, but saw off Barnet 2-0 on Tuesday. Shrewsbury continue to show their abilities. Any team that can leave the lithe Marvin Morgan on the bench must be a strong one. There is a strong winning trend under Graham Turner that can push for a top three spot. Neither the Shrews or the Robins should be overly troubled in winning on Good Friday.

Recommended Bets: Back Swindon to beat Morecambe @ [1.9]
Back Shrewsbury beat Macclesfield @ [1.9]

Back the double, look for [3.8]

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