NON-LEAGUE expert Paul Maddison (@LouthBigDog) shares his best bets from Saturday's action in the National League.
Dover v Torquay | Saturday 17th August 2019, 15:00
I thought Andy Hessenthaler was mad when he left play-off contenders Eastleigh for the Dover job part-way through last season. When he took charge, Dover had won just once in 15 games and relegation almost looked certain, even at that early stage. The former Gillingham man has worked miracles since taking over and led the Whites to safety quite comfortably in the end.
This season Dover have picked up nine points from their opening four games, which is a great return considering the teams they have played. Although they have left it late with all three of their victories, and one came against Wrexham who played over half the game with 10 men.
Torquay haven't had the best of starts since returning to the National League, with one win, one draw and two losses in their opening four games. Their only victory came on the opening day of the season when playing against a Boreham Wood side who played for over an hour with 10 men.
Gary Johnson's guests like to go out and attack teams which has left them vulnerable at the back at times – the Gulls have conceded eight goals in their last three games and Dover have a strike force who can be very dangerous on their day.
The home side looking a cracking price at 123/100 with Marathon.
Solihull Moors v Ebbsfleet | Saturday 17th August 2019, 15:00
Solihull were the surprise package in the National League last season as they finished second, just three points behind league leaders Leyton Orient. The Moors lost their top scorer from last season, Adi Yussuf to Blackpool in the summer, but were quick to replace him with Paul McCallum, who had a great season with Eastleigh last year, scoring 27 times in the league.
Tim Flower's men have started this season in great form too, picking up 10 points from a possible 12. They have netted 13 times already, this season, mainly thanks to a 6-1 victory over Chorley in midweek. Both Nathan Blissett and McCallum have scored four times and Jamey Osbourne has started the season in sensational form, scoring twice against Torquay last week and assisting three in the victory over Chorley.
Ebbsfleet had a poor summer, losing some key players, including their three top scorers from last season. Not surprisingly, the visitors have started the season badly, losing their opening four games. They have also conceded 11 goals in those four games, so it's probably not the best time to be making the trip to Damson Park.
I can't see anything other than a comfortable home win here so I'm backing Solihull -1 on the Asian Handicap at 42/41 with BetVictor
Best Bets
Dover v Torquay – Dover to win (123/100 Marathon)
Solihull Moors v Ebbsfleet – Solihull Moors -1 Asian Handicap (42/41 BetVictor)
