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Non-League betting: Blood donors required

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Gary Boswell talks us through the betting for tonight's live on Setanta clash between Grays and Droylsden

In a week where the precarious financial tightrope that non-league clubs walk across has once more been highlighted by the administration and points deduction of proud ex-league club Halifax Town, we get to see two of the smaller clubs who seriously juggle the balls to survive Live on Setanta tonight as Grays host Droylsden at the New Rec.

Mick Woodward's Grays have downsized since the departure of talented manager Mark Stimson who had them as non-league's numero uno for a couple of years. It seems hard to believe that just two years ago, Grays were bookmaker's favourites to become a league club and went into a game against Accrington Stanley needing just a draw to cement their place at the summit.

It was Stimson (and several of his players) that rose through the ranks rather than the club and we come to tonight's Live encounter faced with a solidly established mid table Conference side whom odds- makers have posted at screaming odds-on to win
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Reason for that of course is the opposition. Dave Pace's Bloods have been perceived by many as the worst team to compete in the Conference in recent years and in the 8-0 mauling at Crawley, I was forced to agree.

That hasn't been the case in every game though. In the way of these things, Droylsden have had their good days. One of those was the last time the cameras visited when they were hardly recognisable as the side that took Oxford apart 3-1. I was at the opening day encounter against Salisbury - a cagey 0-0 affair that gave no inkling of the defensive frailties that would beset the Bloods. I was also at the 5-3 win over Forest Green when they were also unrecognisable. Chris Denham looked a real talent that day and Dave Pace had them fired up and swarming forward, determined to score more than they kept conceding!

The Boz loves an underdog and a chance to take on a fav. Grays have an amazing record this year as a low-scoring/low conceding outfit. Less than a goal a game for and against and those who bet on goals, take note because Droylsden's hit rate is not much better. As befits a basement boy, their concede rate is close to three goals a game though. The obvious play on under 1.5 goals is perhaps too risky. Droylsden's defence can be shambolic and this could be the day that Grays improve their meagre stats. The oddsmakers certainly think so. Stuart Thurgood, Andy Sambrook and Aaron O'Connor can rip into the Bloods and knock up a cricket score.

That's one scenario but is [1.56] the right price? Not for me. I'm reminded that the one stat that flatters Droylsden this season is that they have a 100% record live on the telly. Ally that to the stat that has Layers of the fav well ahead this season to level stakes in the Live Setanta non league games and you'll know which way the Boz is leaning. Time to become a blood donor! I'm not prepared to give a pint (I'm not walking round with an empty arm for anyone) but a half stake for a fabulous return is acceptable. C'mon you Bloods!

The other fact to keep in mind is that form is still pretty volatile in the Blue Square leagues at the moment. One side to rely on are Garry Wilson's Eastbourne Borough who did us a good turn in midweek and can cement their position at the summit on Saturday with a win in the South at home to Bromley. In the Premier, I've looked hard at Stafford Rangers at home to Torquay. Slight whiff of value at [5.0] on Rangers. Steve Bull has had little time to start the rescue act but the Gulls are still without a league win in the last three weeks and are slightly vulnerable in this at the price. Much the greater class though and I've an inkling that having got the Gulls to an uplifting New Wembley appearance, Paul Buckle will be freed from some of the shackles that have been weighing him down for a while.On balance, I'm with the Gulls to return to their free flowing scoring form of early season.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
1pt LAY on Grays at [1.56] or shorter in the Live on Setanta
0.5pt BACK on Droylsden at [10.0] or greater
2pts BACK on Eastbourne Borough to beat Bromley
1pt BACK on Torquay to beat Stafford Rangers

p.s. Well done to those who answered the Boz quiz question correctly earlier in the week. The first UK footballer to score a penalty shoot out goal was indeed George Best. I was surprised to learn that it was as early as 1970 in a competition called the Watney Cup - also the first time commercial sponsorship of competitions had been allowed. Those were the days,eh?