We're being treated to a midweek slate of National League football to kick off October. Matthew O'Regan is on hand to supply some mid-week entertainment with an 11.99 odds acca.
Dorking vs Kidderminster
After winning only one of their opening eight games, things were not looking good for Dorking. However, Marc White's side have turned it around, with four wins in five and one loss in their last seven games. They host a Kidderminster side that sits rock bottom with five losses in a row and without a win in 11.
Spirits will be high at Meadowbank after a shock 2-0 victory at Victoria Park over Hartlepool. This came off the back of 1-0 away wins over Ebbsfleet and FC Halifax. Dorking have already kept five clean sheets this season, all coming in the last seven games. Last season, the Wanderers only kept seven clean sheets, so there has been a shift in strategy by Marc White. Dorking are renowned for their goalscoring prowess, so adding defensive stability to this armoury puts them in good stead.
After an impressive end to the National League North that saw them win six in a row, Kidderminster snuck into the playoffs. From here, they won all three playoff games away from home. Russell Penn's side started the season with back-to-back clean sheets, with a 0-0 draw at home to Woking and a 0-1 win at York. However, since then, the Harriers have yet to win a game. They've lost their last five games, conceding two or more in four of them.
Since the 1-0 win at York on their opening away day, Kidderminster have lost all five away games. I expect Dorking to make it six and keep Kiddy rooted to the bottom of the table.
Selection: Dorking to win - 2.05
Barnet vs AFC Fylde
Last season, Barnet lost in the National League playoff quarterfinals at home to rivals Boreham Wood. Dean Brennan is keen to ensure that this does not happen again, with his Barnet looking to spark an unlikely title challenge with Chesterfield. A home game against struggling AFC Fylde is the perfect way to get another win under their belt.
The Bees have only lost twice this season, away to Dagenham & Redbridge and at Rochdale. Nine wins and two draws see them on 29 points, three points off league leaders Chesterfield. Their strong home record has been a big factor in their impressive start, winning five of their six home games and drawing the other 0-0 to FC Halifax. They've also scored 2+ in all these wins. In fact, Barnet have scored 2+ in 10/13 games. Nicke Kabamba has been a leading talisman, scoring nine goals in 13
AFC Fylde won the National League North by two points, winning their lost four games to pip Kings Lynn to the title. They have, however, struggled to adjust to their return to the fifth tier. The Coasters have only won twice so far: a 2-1 win at home to bottom club Kidderminster and a 2-1 away win at Southend.
Adam Murray's side have lost eight of their 13 games, occupying 22nd, ahead of Kidderminster and a Southend side who have been deducted nine points. With 30 goals conceded, AFC Fylde also has the worst defence in the league. They are yet to keep a clean sheet, conceding 2+ in 11/13, with the exception of a 2-1 win over a Kidderminster side who have only scored seven goals, and a 2-1 win over Southend.
With Barnet's exceptional home form and AFC Fyldes struggles, the hosts look good to take all three points at the Hive.
Selection: Barnet win and over 1 goal
Gateshead vs Wealdstone
Gateshead are the league's joint top scorers, with 32 goals in 13 games. Mike Williamson side are coming into this game off the back of a 3-1 defeat at Bromley. Before this, the Tynesiders were seven games unbeaten, recording impressive 3-0 (x2). 0-4 and 0-6 wins along the way. With back-to-back home games upcoming, Williamson will be hoping his side can move up through the playoffs. Gateshead averages 2.4 goals per game. In Marcus Dinanga the Tynesiders boast the league top scorer, with the 25-year-old scoring 12 goals in 13 games, averaging a goal every 85 minutes.
Wealdstone currently occupy 15th place, with 16 points in 13 games. Stuart Maynard's side have struggled away from home, gaining just two points from six, meaning they have the worst away record in the league. The Stones have lost their last four away games, conceding 2+ in all four.
With Gateshead's strong form in front of goal and Wealdstone's trouble on the road, Gateshead and over 1 goal are the next selection.
Selection: Gateshead win and over 1 goal - 1.72
Altrincham vs Aldershot
The final selection is a potentially mouthwatering tie between two goal gluttonous sides in Altrincham and Aldershot.
Altrincham finished 17th last season, with Phil Parkinson's sides games averaging 3.26 goals. With 82 goals conceded, The Robins had the fourth worst defence in the league, only worsened by relegated duo Maidstone and Scunthorpe and National League newbies Dorking Wanderers. This season, they sit in 6th place, two points inside the playoff positions. Parkinson's side have scored 24 and conceded 19, with their games averaging 3.3 goals. Over 2.5 goals has landed in 9 out of 13 games for the hosts.
Aldershot finished one place and three points behind Altrincham last season. This campaign, Tommy Widdrington's side are 10th, just two points off the playoffs. The Shots have scored 23 and conceded 25 this season, with their games averaging 3.69 goals per game. Over 2.5 goals has landed in 8/13 games for Aldershot. With Josh Stokes and Lorent Tolaj upfront, Aldershot have goals in abundance and I expect both teams to contribute to a high scoring game.
Selection: Over 2.5 3.0 goal line - 1.775
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