The Non-League season is in full swing and Matthew O'Regan has his best betting predictions.
Solihull Moors endured a difficult end to last season under manager Matty Taylor, but the board kept faith in the 43-year-old and backed him strongly in the transfer market. He has already begun to repay that trust, guiding his side to three hard-fought draws to open the campaign—including a spirited 2-2 at home to Forest Green with ten men and a 1-1 away at Carlisle.
Next up are Aldershot, who have made a nightmare start, losing all three league games 3-2 and also losing in the National League Cup with a 2-1 defeat to Brighton academy. Tommy Widdrington’s side are adventurous going forward but far too open defensively, meaning another high-scoring encounter looks likely.
Best Bet: Both Teams To Score - 1.70
South Shields have made a flawless start to the season, winning all three games without conceding a goal. They opened with a 1-0 victory over Marine before back-to-back 2-0 away wins at Leamington and Alfreton, with Cedwyn Scott and Paul Blackett on target in both matches. The prolific duo are already staking a claim as the league’s best strike partnership and have the firepower to trouble any defence.
Chester, meanwhile, sit 13th after an inconsistent opening. They edged Peterborough Sports 3-2 on the opening day, but followed up with a heavy 3-0 defeat at Chorley before drawing 1-1 at Curzon Ashton. Still without a clean sheet, Callum McIntyre will be concerned by his side’s defensive frailties—something South Shields’ potent frontline will be eager to exploit on Saturday.
Best Bet: South Shields Over 1.5 Goals - 2.37
After storming to the Northern Premier League Premier Division title last season, Macclesfield have adapted seamlessly to life in the National League North—even after the departure of manager and owner Robbie Savage to Forest Green. His replacement, Paul Rooney, brother of Wayne, has made an impressive start, guiding the Silkmen to sixth place.
They opened with a 3-1 win over Worksop before a setback in a 2-1 defeat at Oxford City. However, a 2-1 victory away at Southport quickly steadied the ship, extending their run of scoring in every game so far, with at least two goals in two of their three matches.
Their opponents on Saturday, Alfreton, have endured a miserable start and sit bottom of the table with just one point. A 2-2 draw against newly promoted Bedford was followed by a 3-0 home defeat to Darlington and a tame 2-0 loss to South Shields—a scoreline that flattered them given the visitors’ dominance.
With Billy Heath struggling to find answers, Macclesfield will fancy their chances of another strong attacking display in front of a packed Moss Rose crowd, and look well placed to hit at least a couple of goals again.
Best Bet: Macclesfield Over 1.5 Goals - 1.80
The bookmakers’ love affair with Dagenham & Redbridge continues, with the Daggers once again priced up as heavy favourites. Yet under Lee Bradbury, their start to life after relegation has been far from convincing—despite the headline signing of Andy Carroll. They opened with a 2-0 home defeat to fellow relegated side Ebbsfleet, before being held to a goalless draw at Salisbury and then throwing away a 2-0 lead in a 2-2 draw at home to Tonbridge.
Hampton & Richmond, by contrast, were widely tipped for a relegation battle but have made an encouraging start, collecting four points from their opening three games. A 0-0 draw with Salisbury was followed by an eye-catching 3-0 win away at promotion favourites Dorking, before a narrow 2-0 defeat at Maidstone. Alan Julian’s side sit ninth and, given the calibre of opposition they’ve already faced, look far too big a price at home against an unconvincing Dagenham side still searching for rhythm.
Best Bet: Hampton & Richmond + 1 Asian Handicap - 1.800
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