With just a few games left of the season, Matthew O'Regan provides his non-league betting predictions, with bets from four divisions.
The National League South title race has been well documented throughout the season with the top seven all within touching distance. However, blips from Boreham Wood and Maidstone coupled with an upturn in form for Weston Super-Mare has put the duo's playoff places under scrutiny.
Luke Garrard's side had lost three games in a row before their timely 3-0 win at home to Salisbury maintained the two point gap they have over Weston-Super-Mare. While they are the fourth best home side in the league they are perhaps being over rated by the bookies.
13 wins from 21 home league games makes them rightful favourites, however stats suggests it may be a tighter affair than anticipated. Nine of these wins have also seen them clear the +1.5 handicap, however these have come against strugglers. Welling (22nd), Weymouth (23rd), Farnborough (5th worst away record), St Albans (21st), Chesham (14th), Salisbury (19th), Slough (17th), Hampton & Richmond (18th) and Eastbourne Borough (4th) all lost by 2+ goals at Meadow Park. However, only Eastbourne Borough and Farnborough (who are very poor away) have succumbed to a heavy defeat in the top half.
Since the appointment of Lee Allinson in December, Hemel Hempstead have been in outstanding form, losing just four times. Inheriting a Tudors squad that had lost their last two away games by a 12-1 aggregate, Allinson had work to do, losing his first two away games 1-0. Since then, their only other defeats came at home to Boreham Wood (3-4) and Worthing (3-0) - a game in which Allinson said he was experimenting and was taught a footballing lesson. Since then, they are unbeaten in four and have conceded just twice.
With a game of this magnitude, Boreham Wood may have nerves leading to a cagey game. While they should win, the value lays on Hemel Hempstead to keep the scoreline low.
Hemel Hempstead +1.5 Asian Handicap
Horsham come into this game off the back of four straight wins and sit just two points off table toppers Dartford. Of their ten away games, only four have seen them win by more than one goal, meaning we would only lose full stake on four occasions backing this bet against Horsham.
Carshalton sit seven points off the playoffs so need a miracle to finish in the top five. The Robins have the fifth best home record in the league, losing just three of their nineteen home games. Peter Adenyi's side haven't lost at home since 1st of January, losing back-to-back over a busy Christmas period - losing both by just one goal. Their only previous home loss was against Dartford in August- again by just one goal.
Prediction: Carshalton +0.5, +1.0 Asian Handicap @1.90
The situation at Farsley Celtic is bleak. They are not currently playing games at home and are already relegated, sat 20 points off 20th. Celtic have lost their last 14 games, and are without a win in 19. Over this 14 game losing streak they have conceded 48 goals, losing at half time in all 14.
Kings Lynn sit just outside the playoffs on goal difference, but face pressure from Spennymoor and Buxton below them. The Linnets have significantly worse goal difference than those around them so will see this game as the perfect chance to rack up goal difference.
Prediction: Kings Lynn Half/Time & Over 2.5 Goals @1.90
Whitehawk were embroiled in a relegation battle before the re-appointment of highly popular manager Shaun Saunders. Since then, the Hawks have climbed up the league and now sit 16th, 11 points clear of relegation. In the 11 games at the Enclosed Ground since Saunders' return, Whitehawk have won seven of their 11 games, only losing by two goals once.
Dartford are the deserved league leaders. Adrian Pennock's side sit two points clear of Horsham and Billericay as the season approaches the last few games. The Darts have only won by more than one goal on six occasions away from home, coming against Dulwich Hamlet (18th), Bognor Regis (21st), Bowers & Pitsea (22nd), Chatham (8th), Horsham (3rd) and Hastings (20th).
While Dartford should win, it may not be the walkover the bookies are suggesting.
Prediction: Whitehawk +1.5 Asian Handicap @1.900
Barnet's outstanding run of form has seen them all but confirm the league title. However, York have been the best of the rest and comfortably sit second in the league. The Minstermen come into this game on the back of three wins in a row, scoring ten goals in the process. Adam Hinshelwood's side have the second best home record in the league, accumulating 45 points from 20 games, scoring 47 goals.
Aldershot lost midweek at home to Boston, with their FA Trophy antics still fresh on their mind. Sat 14th with no chance of promotion or relegation, The Shots are on the beach so may take their foot off their gas as they look to preserve fitness ahead of the FA Trophy final. Away from home, they rank 17th, conceding 34 goals in 20 games.
Prediction: York Win & Over 1 Goal @1.95
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