A midweek Non-League slate means we again have our best bets and predictions, including a 14.00 bet builder.
FC Halifax had an inconsistent start to the National League season, winning two games, drawing three, and losing two. The 0-0 draw at Hartlepool showcased the Shaymen's resilient side, making it back-to-back away clean sheets for Chris Millington's side.
Halifax snuck into the playoffs last year after a fine end-of-season run, before eventually losing to defeated finalists Solihull Moors. Playoffs are the aim this year, but vast improvements will be needed upfront if they are to repeat last year's heroics, with the Shaymen only scoring five goals in seven games. The combination of a feeble attack and a mean defence has seen their games average just 1.42 goals, with six of their seven matches seeing under 2.5 goals.
Oldham are now in their third season at National League level and their fans are starting to grow restless. Micky Mellon has won just three of his last 21 games in charge, failing to get the best out of one of the biggest budgets in the league. After winning the first two games of the season and keeping clean sheets in both, The Latics have failed to win the next five, drawing four of them 1-1, as well as losing 4-1 at Aldershot.
Micky Melon's side have also struggled in front of goal, scoring nine goals - the fewest of any side in the top nine. However, they have also conceded just eight, with their games averaging 2.42 goals. Five of their seven games have seen under 2.5 goals, so it would not be surprising if that number was six come 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals @1.72 - bet365
The 2022/2023 marked the end of Rochdale's 102-year-stay in the Football League. While they were obviously chasing an instant return to the Football League, a consolidation season was needed, with the Dale coming 11th. The retention of Jim McNulty as manager brought mixed reactions but the 39-year-old has shone this season.
His side boasts the best defensive record in the league, conceding just two goals in seven games and have now kept four clean sheets in success after an impressive 0-2 win at Aldershot. Sitting in third place, just three points off league leaders Gateshead, the feeling at Spotland is that they have a team capable of returning to the Football League.
Maidenhead United are one of the few semi-professional teams remaining in the National League and the Magpies have been punching above their weight for the last eight years. Alan Devonshire has been at the club for nine years and is undoubtedly a club legend. If he can keep his struggling side up this year, his legacy will only increase.
Maidenhead started the season with three defeats before a draw at AFC Fylde stopped the rut. A 3-1 win over title favourites Barnet gave hope of a good run of form, but the Magpies then lost 4-3 to Aldershot and drew 1-1 with Dagenham and Redbridge to keep them still inside the relegation zone.
Their form at York Road was a major reason for their 14th-place finish last season, accumulating 35 points and claiming some major scalps along the way. However, they struggled on the road, conceding 42 goals and collecting just 23 points. It looks to be a familiar theme this season, conceding six goals in their three away games, accumulating just one point. Maidenhead will be dreading the long journey to Rochdale and will likely leave empty-handed.
Best Bet: Rochdale -0.5, -1.0 Asian Handicap @1.875 - bet365
Southend ended last season with just one loss in their last 16 games and would've made the Playoffs had it not been for their point deduction. Kevin Maher's side have lost just once this season but sit in 16th after drawing four of their six games.
The departure of Harry Cardwell, who scored 18 goals last season, is sure to sting, but the Shrimps have found a new goalscoring sensation in Gus Scott-Moriss. The right-back has scored in all but one of his starts this season and sits joint second in the goalscoring ranks with five goals. The 27-year-old has now scored in six of his last seven games and will be crucial if Southend are to challenge towards the playoffs again.
Against the odds, Eastleigh have started the season strongly and now sit second in the league. The goals of Paul McCallum were crucial to the Spitfires surviving by seven points. The 31-year-old scored 31 goals on the way to claiming the Golden Boot and has started this season in a similar vein.
McCallum has scored five goals in five starts, including a brace in the comeback win against AFC Fylde. Both sides will be going for a win and it is a game that should see goals.
Best Bet: Paul McCallum and Gus Scott-Morris to score @15.00 - bet365
The final bet comes from the Southern League Central as Stourbridge host Stratford Town.
Stourbridge currently sits atop the league with 13 points in six games, with a 1-0 loss at second-place Stamford as their only defeat. Liam McDonald is embarking on his first season in charge of the Glassboys and has already made plenty of changes to the side that finished 12th last year.
Stourbridge have scored 11 goals and conceded three, with two of these goals coming from penalties. They also brushed past Dudley, beating them 0-5 in the FA Cup. At home, McDonald's side have picked up seven points in three games and have yet to concede.
The visitors to the War Memorial Athletic Ground. Gavin Hurren's side currently sit 12th in the league. After missing out on the playoffs last year by goal difference, The Bards were keen to challenge again but it looks an uphill task. They started the season with two convincing wins but have yet to win.
Their winless streak could continue away at a strong Stourbridge side.
Best Bet: Stourbridge to win @2.00 - bet365
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