NON-LEAGUE expert Paul Maddison (@LouthBigDog) shares his favourite fancies from the weekend's National League action.
Blyth Spartans v North Ferriby United | Saturday 19th August 2017, 15:00
For my first selection this weekend, I'm dropping down a division to the National League North.
North Ferriby have had a really bad time recently, both on and off the pitch. They are really struggling financially and it looks like there is a strong possibility they could go bust, just two years after winning the FA Trophy in 2015.
They travel to Blyth Spartans on Saturday, who after a slow start to the season, have now won their last two games, scoring eight goals in the process.
The home team are a bit short for me to be backing to win the match but there's value to be had backing them with a -1.5 start on the Asian handicap market at 11/8 (Unibet). That means if the hosts win by two or more goals, then the bet is a winner.
The Spartans have a great record at home, winning 13 of their last 14 and this bet would have landed in 11 of those 14 fixtures. North Ferriby haven't scored in over 900 minutes of football and have lost 16 of their last 18 games. In 15 of those 18 games they have lost by a two-goal margin or more.
Stats like these make the bet look like great value.
Boreham Wood v Aldershot | Saturday 19th August 2017, 15:00
Next up, I'll be backing goals as the National League leaders Aldershot travel to Boreham Wood. Over 2.5 goals is evens at Coral and that looks to be a generous price.
Boreham Wood have seen three or more goals in each of their four games this season, with their matches averaging 4.50 goals per-game. They are second for goals scored in the division having found the back of the net 11 times.
That total can only be beaten by their opponents this weekend, Aldershot. The Shots have had a good start to the season winning three of their four games with half of those matches featuring Over 2.5 Goals at an of 3.80 goals per-game.
Both of these teams have had an incredible eight different goal scorers in just four fixtures, which is a stat that I like. It shows neither team are relying heavily on one or two players and that can only be a good thing for this selection.
Best Bets
Blyth Spartans v North Ferriby United – Blyth Spartans -1.5 Asian Handicap (11/8 Unibet)
Boreham Wood v Aldershot – Over 2.5 Goals (1/1 Coral)
