Why Motherwell are "away"" despite being "home" and the best bets

Scottish Football / Editor / 24 August 2007 / Leave a Comment

Border Reiver talks us through the best bets from North of the Border

Last week Berwick recorded a 2-0 win at home to Airdrie. A big surprise to many, including everyone at the club. The early goal, a 25 yard screamer by McLeish, meant Airdrie had to push forward and this left space in behind for our pacey striker Scott Gemmill to score the second. It was really backs to the wall for the whole of the second half and only numerous top class saves by our goalkeeper, Gary O'Connor, kept Airdrie at bay. Airdrie look a decent side but they need to get more physical if they are to do well in this league.

On Monday we sold one of our best midfielder s to 3rd Division pace setters East Fife. It shouldn't make a lot of difference to our season but I am sure he will make a big impact for the Fifers. This week we travel to Ayr United who are currently bottom of the table. They should really be in a much better position but they keep conceding late goals. I expect Berwick to come away with at least a point and if we can catch them on the break then another 3 points is a distinct possibility.

East Fife at home to Stranraer.

East Fife will be lifted by the signing of Gary Greenhill from Berwick Rangers and he can make an impact in his first game for the Fifers. They currently sit at the top of the table and I fully expect them to still be there come Saturday night. They have got the winning habit and that's as good a reason as any to back them. I shall be looking to back them around 1.95.

Clyde at home to St Johnstone.

Clyde are a club in disarray. They have no money and no confidence. Manager Colin Hendry has admitted that he faces a very difficult task, but if anyone can turn it round, then it is him. I don't think it will start this week though. St Johnstone must start winning if they are to challenge for promotion. The J's score regularly but have difficulty keeping clean sheets. That shouldn't be a problem this week against the division bottom boys and I will be looking to back at around evens.

Gretna at home to Motherwell.

Because of the re-development of Raydale Park, Gretna's home games are being played at Fir Park, home of Motherwell. So this week Gretna are officially at ''home'' to Motherwell. To many this gives Motherwell a big advantage but I am going against the consensus here. Gretna are a better counter attacking team and this home tie will be played to suit them. I shall be laying Motherwell around 1.9.

My bets are: lay Motherwell around 1.9, back St Johnstone around evens, back East Fife around 1.95.

Just a word of caution. There are strong rumours that the Aberdeen players are suffering the after effects of a virus picked up pre-season. This is affecting their ability to see out 90 minutes and could have contributed to their home defeat last week to Celtic.

To read more about Berwick Rangers:

http://www.berwickrangers.net