The French Connection: Boothroyd can Aidy Colchester's promotion push

The French Connection / Andrew French / 26 February 2010 / Leave a Comment

Colchester boss Aidy Boothroyd has been there, done it, and got the T-shirt when it comes to promotion, and he’ll be hoping he can guide the U’s into the Championship

Back Cardiff @ [2.65]; Back Colchester @ [2.44]; Back Accrington Stanley @ [2.8]; The Treble pays approximately [18.0]

Cardiff, Colchester and Accrington Stanley have been trusted with landing Andrew French's weekend treble - Colchester needing a win to keep the pressure on League One pacesetters Norwich and Leeds.

Leg 1: Cardiff at [2.65] to beat Preston

It's fair to say that Preston manager Darren Ferguson has not really had a honeymoon period in terms of results since taking over at Deepdale in early January, and while a divorce may be some way off, I am predicting more misery for the Lilywhites when they host Cardiff this weekend.

Ferguson has lost five of his nine league games so far and has seen his side concede 19 times - eight in the last two games. Their home form is fair, at best, and I think Cardiff's ability to score freely on the road will give them the edge. The Bluebirds have netted 31 times on their travels, and on four occasions have scored four or more. They need to bounce back after losing at home to Barnsley last weekend, and at [2.65], I think they can.

Leg 2: Colchester at [2.44] to beat Bristol Rovers

With both Leeds and Norwich showing signs of stumbling at the top of League One, the door could be opening for another side in the battle for automatic promotion - and Colchester manager Aidy Boothroyd knows just what it takes to secure promotion. He did it in his first full season at Watford, and he is getting a tune out of the U's at just the right time - they are unbeaten in five. They visit Bristol Rovers, who are in a dip: four defeats in six, including two out of three at home. Form counts for so much, and therefore Colchester are the selection at [2.44].

Leg 3: Accrington Stanley at [2.8] to beat Torquay

Remember Christmas? Feels like ages ago, yeah? Well, Boxing Day was the last time Torquay United tasted success and their miserable run can continue when they host Accrington Stanley. The Gulls have lost six and drawn four of their 10 games since December 26, and they have been beaten in three consecutive home games. Accrington's home win over Bradford last Saturday ended their own run of three straight losses, but before that they had won their previous three. At [2.8], I'm including Accrington.

*The Treble pays around [18.0]