FA Cup Second Round Betting: Back Sutton to shock Robins

Ian Lamont
02 December 2016

Paul Doswell couldn't outwit Martin Allen, then of Notts County, but will relish facing Cheltenham

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Ian Lamont gets a bit nostalgic about Sutton United and Woking, both of who have chances of surviving in this weekend's FA Cup second round, while Luton should see off Solihull...

"Striker Craig Dundas can be a real handful for opponents, especially as a physical presence and one last shot at FA Cup fame will no doubt inspire him, especially as he was in the side beaten 2-0 by Notts County the last time they had a good cup run."

Saturday December 3
Kick offs 15:00
Sutton United 3.39/4 v Cheltenham Town 2.56/4; the draw 3.613/5

Why have Cheltenham Town gone "back to school" this week? Because they want to find a suitable surface to practice on, for the FA Cup second round trip to Sutton United, whose name still evokes memories of beating Coventry City in the third round as if it was achieved yesterday. It wasn't. It was 1989. Two seasons after City won the FA Cup.

But if a lot has changed for Coventry since then, it has too for Sutton United. They now have a 4G surface and a match will be played on a non-grass surface for only the second time in the FA Cup's 129 year history.

In many other regards, stability has been key for Sutton, who are interested in gradual progression. After two successful playoff failures, the Gander Green Lane outlet earned promotion to the National League, where they sit comfortably in mid-table. Paul Doswell has been in post for what seems like an age, and several former Football League players are in their ranks, such as goalkeeper Ross Worner, defenders Shaun Cooper and stalwart Simon Downer. Roarie Deacon, lately of Crawley, might have extra determination to show off his skills after recently dropping out of the Football League.

Striker Craig Dundas can be a real handful for opponents, especially as a physical presence and one last shot at FA Cup fame will no doubt inspire him, especially as he was in the side beaten 2-0 by Notts County the last time they had a good cup run.

Recent form since beating Dartford in the First Round might not have been great, until they beat Aldershot 2-0 last weekend, but Cheltenham's form has not been great.

Beating Crewe in the first round was something of a surprise - especially 4-1 - and is their only win in seven league or FA Cup games. Promoted from the National League last year, the Robins might be sent back to school if they can't beat Sutton, but they might struggle to do so. The U's will have to keep an eye on Billy Waters, but might be able to cause an upset.

Recommended Bet
Back Sutton United @ 3.39/4

Luton Town 1.444/9 v Solihull Moors 8.27/1; the draw 5.24/1

Solihull might have lost a manager who had spent years building them up, after he exited for Grimsby recently, but they hope they will have found another gem in Liam McDonald. He certainly seems to have the reputation, having managed Hednesford Town at the top end of the Northern Premier League Premier Division and Redditch before that.

With John Deehan bolstering the youth academy, the Moors clearly have every intention of building on what Marcus Bignott started before leaving for Grimsby recently.

Taking a punt on youth in the form of McDonald, alongside newly-appointed head coach Keith Bertschin, paid off in the previous round, when they defeated Yeovil on penalties.

Unsurprisingly, there has been a dip in form in the league, with McDonald describing how he remembered his legs not moving as well as they might, from his playing days, during peak times when there was a lot of travelling involved.

All the players will be walking on air at Kenilworth Road. On occasions like these, they won't feel tired, drained or their strains. At least, not unless they are defeated. McDonald will hope striker Harry White isn't feeling a niggling injury and that Liam Daly and Jordan Gough can continue to show the same leading qualities they have since he took over.

It will be a tall order to overcome Luton Town, who have won six and drawn six of their last 13 league and FA Cup games, losing only to Portsmouth. With Danny Hylton and Cameron McGeehan spearheading the attack, they ought to have too much quality, but rather than take the skinny 1.454/9 on a home win (Opta pointing out that Luton have won their last seven ties as a Football League club facing non-league opposition), it is over 3.5 goals @ 2.56/4 that is the play, as both teams go for the jugular.

Recommended Bet
Back over 3.5 goals @ 2.56/4

Plymouth 1.9420/21 v Newport 4.47/2; the draw 3.814/5

What, exactly, has happened to Plymouth? Steam rolling to the top of the league one minute, losing three games on the trot the next - scoring just once.

Even the return of defender Nauris Bulvitis - who has become something of a talisman - did not seem to improve matters on Saturday.

Director Simon Hallett says it is time the Pilgrims "shifted gears", five years after being taken out of administration by James Brent. It won't mean taking off the sensible financial footings, but a nice profitable FA Cup run would help.

It would seem that Newport might have a defensive crisis with Darren Jones suspended and fellow centre-back Scot Bennett an injury doubt. However, Derek Adams has potentially seven players out, including Bulvitis. Ryan Brunt and Jimmy Spencer are two who are definitely out.

Newport beat Argyle in the league a few weeks ago, Jon Parkin scoring. But he has been sent out on loan to York City by Graham Westley. It is hard to know which team will be worse off come Saturday but perhaps a sense of cup magic will lift the home side and kick start another unbeaten run.

Recommended Bet
Back Plymouth @ 1.9420/21

Sunday December 4
Kick off 14:00
Woking 4.84/1 v Accrington Stanley 2.01/1; the draw 3.613/5

Opta's stat that Woking have not reached the FA Cup third round since 1996-97 sent my memory spinning. Was it really that long ago that Geoff Chapple's Woking beat West Brom, causing the sacking of Brian Talbot? No! In fact it was even longer - 1991! My goodness me. 1996 was when they took Coventry to a replay.

Anyway, Woking have been eliminated by their last nine Football League opponents, but the one they might like revenge on, for a bit of limelight, would be Accrington for a different reason - Stanley secured their promotion to the Football League at Kingfield in April 2006.

Garry Hill could use that as motivation, but players like Max Kretzschmar, who made an occasional impact at Wycombe, have their own points to prove. How gutted with Fabio Saraiva have been to miss out on the FA Cup attention at his former club Merstham in the last round and want a taste of glory?

Stanley have not been in the best of form. Last season they looked like genuine promotion hopefuls, not just play-off contenders, at times. John Coleman had plenty of detractors when he suggested they were the best team in the league (when he was dejected in defeat) but they looked strong. Now they are on a run of four points from six games and barely a goal in sight. It could be an uncomfortable afternoon. They will be grateful to take Woking back home for a replay.

Recommended Bet
Back the draw @ 3.613/5

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