The weekly Non-League acca is here and we're back with an 8.43 odds 4-fold. Check out my previews, best bets and predictions below.
AFC Fylde v Chesterfield
The first selection comes from the Lancashire coast, as AFC Fylde host title favourites Chesterfield at Mill Farm.
AFC Fylde were terrific in winning the National League North, and early indications are that they are here to compete again in the National League. Adam Murray’s side showed their fighting spirit, drawing from 2-0 down away at Maidenhead thanks to a 90th-minute equaliser from Alex Whitmore. Fylde would feel unlucky to not have won, having accumulated a 2.66 XG. Murray’s side weren’t the most defensively resolute last season, conceding 44 as they won the 6thtier by two points. His side will have to be on form to stop a potent Chesterfield attack.
However, going forward, they still look strong. Nick Haughton scored on Saturday and is a real creative lynchpin in the side. Gold Omotayo is a powerhouse striker and leads the line, hoping to score his first goal since joining from Kings Lynn. The Coasters have an abundance of attacking talent and will fancy their chances of scoring past a suspect Chesterfield defence.
Chesterfield were involved in a whirlwind of a season opener against Dorking. 10 men, Dorking had thought they’d stolen an unlikely point after a 93rd-minute goal from Sebastian Bowerman levelled the scores. However, in the 10th minute of stoppage time, Joe Quigley scored to break Dorking hearts. Their attacking talent was highlighted as Paul Cook was able to name a front four of Ryan Colclough, Armando Dobra, Liam Mandeville, and Will Grigg.
Despite this, their defensive fragilities were showcased, conceding a 2.44 XG against. This should be an end-to-end game, with goals galore.
Selection: Over 2.5 goals
Scunthorpe v Peterborough Sports
Credit: Scunthorpe United
The next leg of the 4-fold comes from Glanford Park, as Scunthorpe hosts Peterborough Sports. Scunthorpe marked their first appearance at this level with a 2-1 victory over recently promoted Tamworth. Peterborough also won, beating Scarborough 1-0 at home.
While the Iron weren’t at their strongest on the weekend, they have one of the strongest teams ever assembled at this level and should win the league with ease. They are one of a few professional teams in the National League North, and this should be a huge advantage for Jimmy Dean’s side. With players such as Danny Whitehall, Kian Scales, Callum Roberts, and Danny Elliot at their disposal, this Scunthorpe side is the envy of many in the league, and I fully expect them to beat this Peterborough Sports side.
Selection: Scunthorpe to win
Torquay VS. Worthing
Credit: Torquay United
Torquay vs. Worthing looks set to be the non-league game of the weekend. Both sides are my two title favourites, so a mouth-watering battle is expected.
The hosts started their campaign with a 2-2 draw with Dover, throwing away the lead after racing into a 2-0 lead after 19 minutes. This shows the Gulls obviously have the ability to dominate at this level but are still showing signs of the side that were relegated last season.
Over 2.5 goals landed in 61% of home games for Torquay last campaign, with 78% of games having BTTS. This shows there is action at both ends. With Brad Ash and Aaron Jarvis upfront, Gary Johnson’s side has the ability to put any side to the sword. Ash scored 24 goals to drag Weymouth to safety, whereas Jarvis notched 15 for a lacklustre Torquay side that got relegated.
Worthing beat the Tonbridge Angels thanks to a very late Nicky Wheeler goal. It was the least the Rebels deserved, with Adam Hinshelwood’s side on top for the majority of the game. Hinshelwood has his side playing attractive attacking football, and this often leads to slip-ups defensively.
65% of Worthing games last season saw over 2.5 goals, another indication of the chaos that occurs in games involving the South-Coast side. Like Torquay, Worthing have an array of attacking talent, with Joan Luque, Greg Luer, Jake Robinson, and Nicky Wheeler all proving their scoring capabilities in the NLS before.
Selection: Over 2.5 goals
Weymouth VS. Dartford
The final leg of the 4-fold comes from the Bob Lucas Stadium as Weymouth hosts Dartford.
Both sides suffered contrasting seasons, with the Terras securing survival in dramatic fashion, beating Dover 2-0 on the final day to make it 4 wins from 5, surviving on goal difference. Dartford finished second behind runaway leaders Ebbsfleet before being defeated 2-1 on penalties by St Albans in the playoff semi-final.
Weymouth failed to build on last season's heroic end, losing 2-1 to St Albans. The playoff hangover still lingered for Dartford, who conceded three goals in the last 20 minutes to draw 3-3 at home to Bath.
Over 2.5 goals landed in both games and continued a familiar theme for the pair. This bet landed in 63% of Weymouth games last season and 65% for Dartford. Bet365 has priced this generously and looks like real value.
Selection: Over 2.5 goals
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