[Shipsupstreets]

The match tonight is a much trickier call, despite the interest in Barrow, after their superlative run. From a gambling point of view, both teams have been very lucrative this term - this thread got well into Barrow before the compilers or anyone else took any notice, and I was happy to land Staly in the ante-post market, tipped on here at 28/1 EW back in the summer.

Naturally, the blue-sky punter within is drawn to the handsome 90-minute fixed odds quotes about Stalybridge. Are they that much worse than Barrow? It's a tough one to call, because Barrow's 2008 is marked by consistency and momentum - no defeats since losing to Staly in January, and an incredibly tight defensive record. Staly haven't played nearly as well in the past month, and they do concede, but they have - as Ivor pointed out last week - a fine range of attacking options. In open play they mix it up in midfield and have plenty of width; they have strikers of contrasting attributes; they are useful at the freekicks and corners that come from this attacking play. I'd go so far as to say that they have the best attacking array in the section. But it's also true that sometimes they don't turn up, which makes this game a hideous one to call.

I've taken one spread trade so far. Sporting have set Staly's Paul Sykes's player goal minutes at 2 to buy. Fair enough I guess, on his goalscoring record this season, and the fact that he'll be busy at the other end of the pitch trying to pull the shirt of Rogan and Walker, but he's a midfielder by trade, and is a real presence at corners. If Barrow are leading and soaking up pressure - a potential scenario - then Sykes will be at the business end. It's unlikely to land, though if it does it can land pretty big, and the downside is only twice the stake.

There are plenty of possible other trades tonight. Given the scenario of Staly being behind and chasing (not that they give up chasing even when they are leading), Staly's multi-corners at 8 with IG looks to have some potential. I can see that making up 15 or 16 (multis is first half multiplied by second half corners). I'm also drawn to total goals at 2.7 with IG, but there is a possibility that Barrow can score one and stick. However, if Staly are looking likely then total goals will be a buy - that'll be an early in-running trade for me.

Other player goal minutes opportunities? For Barrow, only Andrew Bond stands out for me at 6 with IG to buy. I like Matt Henney but his double-figure prices are about right. Staly's Lee Ellington - a player I've been keeping an eye on since his league days - is a mouthwatering 11 to buy with IG. He's been injured of late, but played a decent part in the play-off semi and should start tonight, though with both sides having decent benches, it's always likely a pick can be subbed after 60 minutes. Also eye-catching with IG is Staly's Ashley Winn at 7 - a good player on his day, though perhaps a little short of his best at the moment. I'll wait for Spreadex's numbers before I do anything else.

Like last season, I am looking forward to the North final so much more than the South - the contrast in the sides means that with a bit of luck it should be a helluva ride.