After 3/4 winners last week, Matthew O'Regan is here with his Non League Best Bets and Predictions.
AFC Fylde have never finished lower than 3rd in the National League North, and they currently occupy that same spot after five games. Under Craig Mahon—who impressed in his time at Curzon Ashton—the Coasters have looked dangerous going forward.
They’ve won four of their opening five, scoring 12 goals, but their defence remains suspect, conceding eight in the process. Every single one of their games has seen both teams score and over 2.5 goals land.
They now face newly promoted Bedford, whose matches have been equally goal-heavy. All five of their fixtures so far have gone over 2.5 with both teams scoring, and their games are averaging over 3.5 goals. While Bedford have only managed one win, their attacking intent ensures they contribute at both ends.
That makes this clash between Fylde and Bedford a perfect recipe for goals, with both sides showing consistent trends. In fact, across their combined 10 games this season, BTTS + Over 2.5 has landed 10/10 times.
Prediction: Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 goals @2.20
Macclesfield stormed to the Northern Premier League Premier Division title last season, racking up over 100 points. Despite a turbulent summer—Robbie Savage departing for Forest Green and three key players leaving—the Silkmen have started this season strongly, currently sitting ninth and just one point outside the playoff spots.
Both teams scored in each of their first four games, though they failed to find the net in a 0-0 draw against Spennymoor, a match in which Macclesfield were reduced to 10 men in the first half.
They now host a Darlington side whose fixtures have been high-scoring so far, averaging nearly four goals per game. BTTS has landed in four of their five matches, with the only exception being a 3-0 win away at Alfreton, a side that has scored just five goals all season, one of the lowest totals in the league.
Across the combined ten games for both sides, BTTS has landed in eight. With Macclesfield’s attacking firepower and Darlington’s high-scoring tendencies, both teams to score looks like a solid pick.
Prediction: Both Teams To Score @1.80
Heading south for another goal-based pick Hemel Hempstead host title favourites Torquay in what promises to be an entertaining clash.
The Tudors have found the net in all five of their matches this season, losing just once—a 2-1 defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge in a game the visitors arguably deserved less punishment in.
Under Lee Allinson, Hemel Hempstead have been strong at home, remaining unbeaten in their two league fixtures so far, and carrying over the momentum from a solid campaign last season. BTTS has landed in three of their five games.
Torquay, who nearly won the league last season, have been hampered by a leaky defence—a weakness that has followed them into this campaign. They’ve taken just one point so far from trips to Maidstone and Horsham.
However, both teams have scored in all five of their matches, and the last meeting between these two sides at the end of last season also saw BTTS land.
With Torquay’s attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities, expect goals at both ends when they travel to the Home Counties.
Prediction: Both Teams To Score @1.80
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