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Scottish Football

Dundee Utd can snap up three points away to Gretna

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Border Reiver looks at the best bets available north of the border

Last week saw some remarkable comebacks in Scotland. East Stirling and Albion Rovers both threw away 2 goal leads, both of whom I tipped in last week's column. At least Berwick managed to equalise after throwing away our 2 goal advantage. This season is going to be one long battle to stay up. Although we haven't played all the other teams yet, the gulf in ability between the 3rd and 2nd divisions is becoming painfully obvious. Our lack of numbers in the squad and some key players already carrying injuries doesn't bode well. When the pitches become heavier the gap between full time and part time will become even more obvious.
This week we are at home to Ross County. Second in the table and fresh from last weeks excellent away win over Raith Rovers, they pose a difficult challenge. I will be greatly surprised if we can get anything from this game. We still cannot get a settled defence and spend the majority of games camped in our own half. One things for sure, there will be plenty of goals and I just hope we can defend a bit better than in previous games.

Gretna v Dundee Utd

Dundee Utd look excellent value to win at Gretna on Saturday. They have made a blistering start to the season and all credit must go to manager Craig Levein. Their only hiccup so far came at Kilmarnock when a shocking refereeing decision saw them reduced to 10 men and a 1-0 lead was turned into a 2-1 defeat. Third in the table and with a goal difference of +7 they will be too good for Gretna. Gretna are finding the step up very difficult to cope with and they are still waiting for their first home point of the season. Their style is very much suited to away games and their best result to date was a 1-1 draw at a lacklustre Hearts. United will be around 2's for this.

Forfar v Montrose

Montrose are beginning to play like everyone thought they would pre-season. They did me a turn last week by beating league leaders East Fife at Links park. I fully expect this good form to continue for the short trip to Forfar. After last season's relegation, Forfar have failed to raise their game at all and only Elgin prevent them from being bottom of the table. Their only home win was achieved against Elgin and their confidence must be rock bottom. Montrose should be available at around 1.95 for this.

Dumbarton v East Fife

I am fully expecting the Fifers to bounce straight back to winning ways after last weeks defeat at Montrose. Dumbarton are well below par this season and their 2 home wins so far were against lowly Elgin and the inconsistent Albion Rovers. The Fifers have spent heavily this summer and are desperate for promotion from the lowest tier of Scottish football. They are my tip to win the league and so long as that isn't too much of a burden they should prove to be the best team in the Third. East Fife should be around 1.95.

This week's bets are, East Fife around 1.95, Montrose around 1.95 and Dundee Utd around 2's.

Border Reiver is a Berwick Rangers suporter

http://www.berwickrangers.net/