NON-LEAGUE expert Paul Maddison (@LouthBigDog) shares his favourite fancies from Saturday's National League action.
Havant & Waterlooville v AFC Fylde | Saturday 11th August 2018, 15:00
Havant & Waterlooville have found the going tough so far since stepping up to the National League. They were convincingly beaten on the opening day by a Barrow side that many are tipping to struggle and followed that up with a 0-0 draw at home to Boreham Wood.
Last season’s National League South champions are yet to score in their two game and now face a tough home game against one of the title favourites, AFC Fylde.
Fylde, on the other hand, have made a decent start, winning on the opening day against Bromley and following that up with a goalless draw at Wrexham. The Coasters will be buoyed by the news that they managed to keep hold of star striker Danny Rowe, despite strong interest on deadline day.
I'm backing Fylde (7/4 with Marathon) to carry on their good start to the season.
Solihull Moors v Aldershot | Saturday 11th August 2018, 15:00
Solihull finished last season very strongly to pull themselves away from the relegation zone with games to spare. Despite a change in manager they have started this season equally well, winning both their opening games.
The Moors have been particularly impressive at home since the beginning of last December, winning nine of their 14 competitive games at Damson Park.
Aldershot looked like they were going to challenge Macclesfield for the title for a long period of last season, their form really dipped in February and they slowly drifted away from the title race finishing fifth, 17 points adrift of the top.
The Shots had a tough start to the season with games against Barnet and Chesterfield – they sit on just one point and are still waiting to find the back of the net.
The home team look a good price at 6/4 with Betway.
Leyton Orient v Barrow | Saturday 11th August 2018, 15:00
Leyton Orient were impressive on the opening day against Salford, a game they were unlucky not to win as they missed a couple of good chances late on.
The O’s then let a 1-0 lead slip in injury time against Ebbsfleet on Tuesday. They again created enough chances to win the game and I strongly fancy them to get their first three points of the season against a Barrow side who have had a mixed opening stanza.
The price for the home win is a bit short for me to be putting up here though, so I've had a look at the other markets.
I backed Macauley Bonne to be the league’s top scorer in pre-season and I fancy him to get off the mark here. The Orient forward netted 22 goals last season and will be kicking himself that he's not been on the scoresheet this term.
He's had decent chances in both games so far, which is a promising sign, and he is Orient’s first-choice penalty taker. The Zimbabwe International can be backed at 21/20 with Bet365 to score at anytime.
Best Bets
Havant & Waterlooville v AFC Fylde – AFC Fylde to win (7/4 with Marathon)
Solihull Moors v Aldershot – Solihull Moors to win (6/4 Betway)
Leyton Orient v Barrow – Macauley Bonne to score at anytime (21/20 Bet365)
