After successfully predicting 2/3 goalscorers in the National League last week, we are back with an accumulator this week, paying odds of 14.27
Basingstoke have started the season in exemplary form, beating Plymouth Parkway 1-3 away from home, before dispatching Swindon Supermarine.
Dorchester on the other hand have drawn both games, with the home game against Havant & Waterlooville and the away game at Tiverton ending 1-1.
Last season, the sides were evenly matched, with Dorchester finishing seven points and three places above Saturday's opponents. However, Basingstoke did win 3-1 when the sides last met at the Winklebury Football Complex.
Despite Basingstoke's strong start to the season, Dorchester are priced as the favourites for this match. For me, the value lies with the Dragons due to home advantage.
Prediction: Basingstoke win @ 2.45 - Bet365
Havant & Waterlooville suffered a shock relegation to step three. After years of being on the cusp of promotion back to the National League since their relegation in 2019, the Gulls were relegated to the Southern Premier League South after a disappointing 23rd-place finish.
However, the ambition is to bounce straight back up and this has been evident in their summer business. Joe McNerney has years of experience at higher levels and was nearly promoted to League 2 a couple of years back. Nigel Atangana brings a wealth of experience upon his return, while it is a shock that Devante Stanley will play at this level after being linked with a move to the National League last summer.
Ryan Seager is one of the most prolific strikers at this level, scoring double digits for goals in his last three seasons in the National League South, even scoring 13 in the National League for Dorking.
Their dominant 3-0 win over Chertsey showcased how strong they should be at home. Making the long journey to Westleigh Park are Plymouth Parkway. The visitors have lost both games so far this season – losing 1-3 at home to Basingstoke and 3-2 at Gloucester.
The Parkway really struggled on their travels last year, picking up just 17 points in 21 games- the second-worst record in the league. Chris McPhee’s side are now 11 away games without a win – a run stretching back to January.
Prediction: Havant & Waterlooville to win @1.75 - Bet365
After winning the National League South playoffs in 2022/2023, Oxford City would play in the National League for the first time in their history. This was short-lived however, as they relegated with five games to spare.
Due to the southern make up of step two, The Hoops have been placed in the National League North – a move that provides unique betting opportunities.
Sam Cox’s side face Darlington, who have to make the daunting 233-mile journey down to Oxfordshire. The Quakers started the season with a 2-1 home loss to league favourites Kidderminster.
The hosts opened with a 1-1 draw at Marine – a respectable result given the journey. Sam Cox still has a strong side to call upon at this level. Creative maestro Zac McEachran remains at the club, as does Josh Parker who scored 14 goals in the National League last season. Bradley Stretton also signs after departing Coventry City in the summer. That trio alone is enough to beat most teams.
Prediction: Oxford City to win @1.90
Gloucester City were relegated from the National League North after a dismal season. They have since been placed in the Southern Premier League South – again providing interesting betting angles based on geography.
It has certainly been an entertaining start to the season, drawing 3-3 away at Taunton, before defeating Plymouth Parkway 3-2.
They host a Wimborne side who, against the odds, have had a strong start to the season. After securing promotion last year, Tim Sills side have won both games in the Southern Premier League, defeating Hanwell Town 1-0 at home and Winchester 2-4 away.
However, with Gloucester harbouring hopes of a promotion back to the National League North/South and Wimborne facing a long journey, Gloucester present a nice price to win again.
Prediction: Gloucester City to win @1.85
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