HE’S back! Gavin Horsfall’s (@GHorsfall) critically acclaimed Anytime Notebook returns with more anytime Football League goalscorer genius.
Portsmouth v Hartlepool United | Saturday 15.00
A much improved performance from Portsmouth in last week’s 0-0 draw at Wycombe but we’ve been here before with Andy Awford’s side and while there could be a platform to build on, it still took their winless run to nine.
It would be tough to see Awford surviving a home defeat to bottom club Hartlepool but Ronnie Moore brings his side in reasonable spirit; one defeat in three became two wins in four following last week’s 3-2 at home to Plymouth, a match that saw Scott Fenwick (7/2 Betfred) notch a third goal in four games.
Moore has taken the 24-year old under his wing after he signed professional terms in November and it’s paid dividends with Fenwick operating on the left in a 4-3-3 paying it’s way in this decent run.
Marvin Morgan comes in this week to replace the departing Rakish Bingham who’s back at Mansfield and he should be a good foil for both Fenwick and Jonathan Franks on the other side.
Moore took to the local press this week to state Fenwick was ‘the most natural goalscorer at the club’. A goal at Fratton Park should reward Moore’s faith.
Tranmere Rovers v Carlisle United | Saturday 15.00
A 1-1 draw for Hartlepool at Tranmere a fortnight ago is also a good form line for Ronnie Moore’s men as Rovers continue to climb the table following Micky Adams appointment.
An away defeat at Burton the only blip on the six-match league form and with the visit of the league’s worst defence on Saturday (Carlisle) they look a decent odds-against shout (only Burton and Shrewsbury have picked up a better points per game ration since the beginning of December).
Swansea loanee Rory Donnelly looks a big price (11/5 Bet365) to me despite the curse of the Player of The Month award. He’s racked up three goals in three starts since mid-January and should make hay against a Carlisle side that are close to averaging two goals conceded in every game on the road this season.
Best Of The Rest
Mathias Pogba’s return to English football was one that caught the eye this week; the former Crewe man joining up with his old Wrexham boss Dean Saunders at Crawley.
Hold your bets because he’s still awaiting International clearance to line up against Yeovil. But if he does then the 10/3 (Bet365) is a runner.
While down in League Two it appears Paul Buckle thinks attack might be the best option if Cheltenham are to get out of trouble this year after a handful of attackers headed to Whaddon Road last week.
There would be more than a hint of irony if one of those players, Denny Johnstone (11/4 Bet365), got on the score sheet against Burton this weekend after former Brewers boss Gary Rowett let him join The Robins until the end of the season.
Best Bets
Portsmouth v Hartlepool United – Scott Fenwick to score at anytime (7/2 Betfred)
Tranmere Rovers v Carlisle United – Rory Donnelly to score at anytime (11/5 Bet365)
Yeovil Town v Crawley Town – Mathias Pogba to score at anytime (10/3 Bet365)
Cheltenham Town v Burton Albion – Denny Johnstone to score at anytime (11/4 Bet365)
Double Delight & Hat-Trick Heaven
Remember Betfred will double your first goalscorer price if he scores the first goal of the match and then goes on to add a second. Should he then complete a hat-trick, they’ll treble your first goalscorer price!
