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The French Connection: Every dog has his day

The French Connection RSS / Andrew French / 28 January 2010 /

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It's been head-in-your-hands moments for large parts of Steve Staunton's short tenure at Darlington, but is that about to change on Saturday?

It's been head-in-your-hands moments for large parts of Steve Staunton's short tenure at Darlington, but is that about to change on Saturday?

Back Reading @ [1.98]; Back Swindon @ [2.43]; Back Darlington @ [4.8]; The Treble pays approximately [23.0]

Even football clubs at the wrong end of the table win sometimes you know... and that's exactly what Andrew French believes struggling Reading and Darlington will do this Saturday to form part of his weekly treble.


Leg 1: Reading at [1.98] to beat Barnsley

Having guided Reading to FA Cup wins over Liverpool and Burnley, it's no surprise that Brian McDermott has been given the manager's job on a permanent basis. His first aim must be to sort of the Royals' woeful home form - they have won just once at the Madejski in the last year, and their paltry return of nine goals on their own turf this season is the lowest in the division. Therefore, McDermott must start plotting some home success, and this weekend's game with Barnsley presents a good opportunity.

The Tykes have lost their last two away games at Scunthorpe (in the cup) and Coventry, and if Reading are to pull clear of trouble, it's games like this that must yield three points. Therefore, back Reading at [1.98].


Leg 2: Swindon at [2.43] to beat Southend

Only a gutsy single-goal FA Cup defeat at Premier League Fulham has blotted Swindon's run of four consecutive League One victories. The Robins showed their promotion credentials with a superb 3-0 win over Leeds during the week, a victory that lifted them to fifth in the table. This weekend they visit Southend, who are sliding down the table on the back of a run that has seen them lose four of their last six games. With only one home win in four, the Shrimpers are clearly struggling and a team enjoying a run like Swindon's can capitalise. Therefore, back Town at [2.43].


Leg 3: Darlington at [4.8] to beat Cheltenham

It's not often I find myself backing the team occupying the very bottom place in League Two - especially away from home - but I'm prepared to take a chance of Darlington recapturing the form that saw them overturn the formbook at Rotherham a couple of weeks ago. That was Darlo's first away win of the season, and although they have lost both matches since, it shows Steve Staunton's side are starting to find form a little better than their current lowly position might indicate.

That, then, gives them a better chance than the odds suggest at fellow strugglers Cheltenham. The Robins have lost four of their last six at home amid a dreadful run of just two wins in 19 games. It's two sides that are very likely to be scrapping it out at the foot of the table all season - but with that recent victory at Rotherham to encourage them, backing Darlington at [4.8] is a punt worth taking.


*The Treble pays around [23.0]