While the FA Cup takes centre stage for the two Non-League clubs still in the third round (Tamworth & Dagenham & Redbridge) we turn our attentions to Step Three, with a 9.13 odds acca.
Basford are out-of-sorts in the Northern Premier Division, losing their last seven in the league. The Lions ar now in a precarious position, sliding down to second bottom. Luke Potter's side face a treacherous run of games, hosting Gainsborough, before travelling to second-place Guiseley and runaway leaders Macclesfield.
The visitors are in a poor run of form in the league themselves, having lost three on the bounce. Prior to this, Trinity's only loss in a 14-game unbeaten spell came at the hands of League Two Harrogate. This run saw them beat Darlington away (Step 2), Boston United away (Step 1), Chester at home (Step 1) and Rushall Olympic at home (step 2).
Despite the poor run of league form, Gainsborough will be full of confidence after defeating National League title favourites York City last time out in the FA Trophy.
Prediction: Gainsborough To Win
Chatham, like Gainsborough, have hit a bit of a blip, losing their last three games. However, the Chats still harbour playoff hopes and sit six points off 5th place Horsham.
Manager-chairman Kevin Hake has his side playing entertaining football, scoring 47 goals in 25 games, with their games averaging 3.28 goals. Of their 13 home games, seven have seen at least three goals. Chatham are a side capable of the spectacular, beating Bognor Regis 1-7 and Whitehawk 5-0 in recent weeks.
14th place Wingate and Finchley are the visitors to Kent. The Blues are without a win in eight games, losing six of their last seven. The Wingate faithful have certainly been entertained, scoring 44 goals and conceding 42, with their games averaging 3.74 goals. Of their 11 away games, 10 have seen over 2.5 goals, with the exception the 0-2 win at lowly Whitehawk.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals
After storming to the Isthmian League South Central Division with over 100 points and just one loss, Chertsey have adapted to life at step three well and currently sit 12th. With 43 goals scored and 43 conceded, The Curfews games are seeing an average of 3.9 goals. Of their 22 games this season, 19 have seen at least three goals, including the reverse fixture - a game Totton won 3-0.
AFC Totton were short favourites to win the Southern League South title pre-season. The Hampshire based club are blessed with a big budget, attracting former England Premier League footballer Charlie Austin to sign for the club. The Stags would be satisifed with their 47 points from 21 games, but sit eight points off leaders Merthyr Town with a game in hand. With 46 goals in 21 games, Totton boast a potent attack that is capable of putting most teams to the sword.
With the strength the visitors have in defence, it would not not be a surprise to see them score a few goals against a Chertsey defence that concedes just shy of two goals a game. However, the hosts also score an average of two goals per home game, so a goal-laden game is expected in Surrey.
Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals
Dartford are the team to beat in the Isthmian Premier Division. After a shock relegation from the National League South, The Darts were well fancied to bounce straight back up. While the season started slowly, Adrian Pennocks side are now picking up momentum, without a loss in 15 while winning five on the bounce. They are just four points off the title as they start their pursuit of instant promotion back to the National League South.
Chichester were in Step Four last season, winning the playoffs after coming fifth. The Lillywhites have exceeded expectations in their first ever season at Step Three and currently sit sixth after four wins on the bounce. Miles Rutherford have taken 16 points from 12 away games but may struggle at the Princes Park Stadium against a relentless Dartford side.
Prediction: Dartford Win
Dulwich Hamlet recently made the decision to dismiss manager Hakan Hayrettin, with the club languising in 15th. Hamlet had lost three in a row, with two of the losses deemed unacceptable by the South London faithful. They went into half time 0-1 up against a Whitehawk side with ten men and an outfielder in goal, yet ended up losing 2-1. Dulwich then lost 1-0 at Cray Wanderers before suffering the worst result of the season.
Hayrettin's side were 3-1 up at home to bottom of the table Bognor Regis who had ten men, yet lost 3-4 in an embarrsing second half performance that ultimately saw the end of the 54-year-old. Dulwich Hamlet games are averaging 3.6 goals, with 10/13 games at Champion Hill and a league high 19/25 matches seeing at least three goals.
Folkestone are the visitors to South London. The Kent side sit six places and six points ahead of Saturday's hosts as they chase a top five finish. Invicta have seen an average of 2.84 goals per game, with 8/12 away games seeing over 2.5 goals, including their last four league games.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals
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