Unibond Prem Ante-post

[Shipsupstreets]

Best odds/All odds Burscough 7 9/2 6 Marine 7 6 11/2 Frickley Athletic 5 8 9/2 North Ferriby Utd 8 8 15/2 Afc Telford Utd - - 10 Whitby Town 10 12 12 Fleetwood 14 10 12 Witton 16 20 16 Matlock Town 18 25 18 Hednesford Town 20 14 28 Ilkeston 25 16 33 Mossley 25 33 25 Guiseley 25 14 40 Kendal Town 33 40 33 Ossett Town 25 40 25 Radcliffe 40 33 40 Gateshead 50 25 33 Grantham Town 50 40 40 Prescot Cables 33 50 25 Ashton United 40 66 40 Leek Town 40 66 50 Lincoln Utd 50 66 40 Each-way terms: 3 at 1/4 3 at 1/4

[Shipsupstreets]

I tipped Burscough half an hour ago in the 'non-league ante-post' thread at 9s, which was a very interesting price. That's gone already to a much duller 7s. Not sure I'd take that but it would make good acca material. There is still some legs in Fleetwood at 14s EW.

Telford are 6s with Bet365 and 8s with Skybet. I am still drooling over the 25/1 tipped below a week ago.

[Shipsupstreets]

About Fleetwood... I tipped them at 16s half-an-hour ago and now they are 14s - the shears have been busy tonight. There is a bit to go in that price, I think.

[Shipsupstreets]

A fascinating battle in store, with a lot of sides looking like potential play-off material. Ilkeston are putting together a very good-looking side (Ali Asher being the pick of thier signings), Marine promising to be as strong as last season, and Witton looking like they mean business. Even Gateshead – 50/1 - are much stronger than last season.

But three teams have been catching the eye on the club forums over the summer, each with reasonable claims. AFC Telford were everyone's early runners after a stunning end to the season. And with a young and talented squad, huge fan base, and settled off-the-field set-up they'll rightly attract money. AFC Telford have made Radcliffe's Steve Foster their record capture and they'll surely go well. Despite their great run at the end of the season, I think they might lack experience in key areas, although that won't be difficult to address. If the likes of Indy Khela can add consistency to their skills, they could go very well.

The second team that are getting Unibond watchers excited have come from nowhere after a miserable second half to last season: Burscough. At the start of June most would have predicted a mid-table finish this term - but in the past month they've gone to market-headers at 9/2 with Skybet. A few eyebrows were raised when Liam Watson quit Southport, citing work commitments - he'd done a major job getting them from the Unibond to Conference Nat and keeping them there. But a move to full-time hasn't suited everyone, and he had a bigger shock in store a week later when he fetched up as Burscough's new boss, a club treading water. Make no mistake he is a quality young manager. He's wasted no time in plugging the gaps in a squad that couldn't capitalise on a great start and cup run last season, bagging forward-minded Neil Robinson, Kevin Leadbetter and Dominic Morley from Southport (with more than 70 appearance between them in the Conference Nat last term), who themselves wanted to stay part-time. Keeper Tony MacMillan has come in from Lancaster. Top scorer Tony Gray has left for Southport and a full-time contract, but a forward line of Gedman and Robinson looks a tasty one. Chris Price is a superb signing as an on-the-pitch leader. There's some gelling to be done, but once they click they'll be, I feel, hard to stop.

The third team that have been attracting interest is Fleetwood. I was an early skeptic, believing that there were some better sides being left behind in Unibond 1. But they have made some good signings: Jerome Fitzgerald coming from Southport, Joe McMahon in from Lancaster and Phil Charnock signing up. With skipper Steve Macauley at the back and Jamie Milligan offering some midfield trickery they've plenty of experience. They'll go well. Other than the fact that I'm not sure how they'll cope with a few injuries and suspensions, I think they'll be up there.

Another team to watch are Gateshead, who've got Tony Lee in as manager and clearly have a bit of money to spend. Lee was successful at Newcastle Blue Star (with cash to blow) and he's brought in Michael Oliver and Steve Salvin. Star striker Adam Johnson has re-signed. Ex Darlo midfield man Ian Clarke (good for Harrogate last term) is another eye-catching capture. Like Blyth last season, Gateshead will have to overcome a lot of travelling, but the with a squad that is packed with quality there is no reason why they can't.

As I pointed out last season on here, Ilkeston started preparing for the season last January, and this time Nigel Jemson is promising more attractive football. Ali Asher at right back and Leon McSweeney providing the bullets for Adam Muller and Robert Gill up front, they'll surely get it.

Hednesford, under the fanatically ambitious Phil Starbuck, have got a completely new squad - but not all of it has Unibond Prem experience. There are exceptions - Dave Whittaker from Witton, defenders Jamie March and striker Kyle Perry (Telford until recently) - but, for me, it'll take time for them to gel. One to look at in November, if Starbuck hasn't burst by then.

No reason why North Ferriby, with Paul Foot in from Scarborough and a fully fit Gary Bradshaw ready to start the season, and Frickley, who have retained Alex Callery, shouldn't once again have good seasons. I can't see them sustaining challenges, though. Marine are a better bet though, with Peter Cumsinkey re-signing. Alvin MacDonald had strengthened wisely - if they can keep the defence as tight as last season they'll be contenders.

Elsewhere, Guiseley have money to burn, but have to rebuild first. Have to say I don't think they'll be contenders, although that might change.

The magical early prices have gone. I've had 3pts EW on Telford at 25/1, 2pts outright on Burscough at 9s and 1pt EW on Fleetwood at 16s. There is still some value in Burscough at 7s, Telford at 10s and Fleetwood at 14s.

[Shipsupstreets]

Bet 365 have cut Fleetwood to 10s and Burscough to 6s (which is now best price). Telford are best-price 10s with Stan James, who are also biggest about Fleetwood (12s).

[Shipsupstreets]

Corals Step 3 lists out. Burscough are a top-priced 7s.

[Shipsupstreets]

The stand-out prices about Gateshead and Guiseley have gone, but I think you can put that down to speculative money from fans. Gateshead will go well, I'm sure, and top 6 isn't beyond them. I'm not yet thrilled by Guiseley's signings, although there are a lot of players on trial, including Kevin Sharpe and Lutel James.

AFC Telford have lost central defender Steve Pope for the season with a bad injury, which is a blow but not fatal to their chances. Fleetwood are having a good pre-season, with young striker Ritchie Allen scoring twice in a 2-0 win over a Blackburn Rovers second string. Burscough haven't been playing well yet, with defeats to Skem and Southport and only a 1-1 at Bamber Bridge today, but it's early days for a reconsituted team, and I am sure they have much more to bring to the party.

[mrmuzeman]

Hi mate,

Didnt want you to think you were talking to yourself in here. Ive been reading all your thoughts/analysis this pre season and looking forward to your quality match picks throughout the season again. Much appreicated.

For what its worth im on Burscough and Telford in here. Also taken a decent chunk of Kettering on your say so.

[Shipsupstreets]

I'm very surprised about the 11/2 about Kettering still being available, MrM. It's very good acca material. The main dangers are a financial crisis and the potential for over-optimism: the former is an occupational hazard of non-league punting; the latter, I think, won't play a part, as Morrel Maison is as shrewd as they come. There is a possibility, too, that he might be lured elsewhere at a key moment in the season, but if things go to plan he'll be set up nicely for a Conference challenge next season.

Can't see either Burscough or AFC Telford not being up there in this league. It's a tighter section, though, with Marine looking strong already, and Witton sure to play a part (they took Barrow to the cleaners yesterday). Fleetwood, too, have an excellent player roster going into this season. North Ferriby can't be ruled out either, and there are some dangerous floaters like Ilkeston, Gateshed and possibly Whitby, who'll be able to string a good sequence together. I think this section will go to the wire.

[mid devon punter]

Shipsupstreet

Now you remember how unusual it is for me to pop up north, first it's too cold for me in August when there's snow on them hill up north and secondly they eat these funny things called pies, can't quite work that out ....who would wan't a pie when you could have a pasty!

Anyway, I need help in understanding why Leek are a masive 66/1 with some layers.

Statistically, Leek looked a very average team last time out in the section, but this hides the true story as following a dreadful January, with heavy defeats at home to Ilkeston and on the road at North Ferriby, the team put a pretty impressive run together, in fact it was promotion form

12 of their final 14 victories came in the run in. In 18 games they lost just twice and had impressive scalps both at home and away

That shaky Christmas defence was sharpened to only concede 10 goals in those last 18 games.

It seems if anything they have stregthened their defence, with workhorse Lee Barrow , a highly motivated central defender, who used to play down our way for Torquay amongst other league teams has joined. He is too good for this level of football.

Young promising forward Dorryl Proffit, who I heard is turning out as a Millwall trialist pre-season ? is also back from an injury hit season and should form a great partnership with Nagington and Macpherson (20 goals for a Mid table season is a decent return).

Pre season seams to be going well also with a win at home to Morecambe (allbeit a fringe team) and an impressive home draw to Stafford who appeared to play a strong team

Have I completely missed a key point with this one ?

mdp

[Shipsupstreets]

Leek looked an interesting prospect over the summer, MDP, but a huge tax bill left them facing a winding up order - their future has only just been settled. They were within days of going udders upwards. A deal with the board of Leek CSOB has seen the cash being made available to pay the debt. Amazingly, given the circumstances, some new bodies have come in, including Mark Devlin (league experience with Stoke and Exeter), and some of last season's stars are still around, strikers Dave McPherson and Alan Naginton, as you say, are a good pairing. There probably won't be much of a budget this season, and while it's fair to say they are not as wide as 66/1 it's my guess that they are not likely to be contenders.

[Shipsupstreets]

Gateshead did Donny's stiffs 5-1 tonight. Have a feeling they'll start the season in very fine fettle.

[Shipsupstreets]

Marine are gearing up well for the season, with striker Peter Cuminskey in great form. It looks like they are playing a more adventurous formation than last season. They are also rumoured to have Carl Clampitt on trial. He was one of Cammell Laird's stars last term, and moved to Barrow this summer, where it hasn't worked out. He'll do serious damage at this level. They have also put in seven days on former midfielder Tommy Taylor, who is currently one of the only bright spots of Ashton United's ramshackle squad. Whether Marine land these players or not –*and I understand others may follow - they are serious contenders.

This is going to be a very, very tight section.

[sagalout31]

Originally Posted by Shipsupstreets

As I pointed out last season on here, Ilkeston started preparing for the season last January, and this time Nigel Jemson is promising more attractive football. Ali Asher at right back and Leon McSweeney providing the bullets for Adam Muller and Robert Gill up front, they'll surely get it.

Had a nibble at stan james 33's each way ships.

Ali Asher was Hucknalls most consistent player over the last few years, and would walk into most Conf North sides, unfortunately Ilkeston offered him better terms .

Leon McSweeney (another ex-hucknall player along with Mark Smith & Rob Gill) is a great signing at this level. Leon is a cracking player, who can play in a variety of positions, played all along the midfield and up front for us in his second spell. Will pose a threat to many Unibond defences.

Nigel Jemson should benefit from his experiences last year and i believe a better prepared improved squad will do well this term.

Ilkeston play us on Saturday in both clubs final friendly, will report on what i see as both should be fielding strong teams.

[Shipsupstreets]

It's a great price, Sag. Over the past month, I've got less and less clear about this section - there are loads of contenders. The quality of the Ilkeston signings has really impressed me and I like what Jemson has been saying - that last season was all about being dour and effective to get themselves up the table, while this is about turning on the style and going for it. I look forward to hearing how they do at the weekend.

[Shipsupstreets]

Good wins for AFC Telford (2-1 over a strong Northwich Vics) and Burscough (at last!) - 2-1 over Vauxhall Motors. Fleetwood went down 2-0 at home to Droylsden.

[sagalout31]

Ships

Hucknall beat Ilkeston 3-1.

Both teams played what i would say was first choice 11.

To be honest i was a little disapointed in Ilkeston, they played well in patches but 3-1 was a fair score. They had 7 ex-hucknall players in their line up!!! don't know if this affected their performance.

Their team on paper looks very strong though and this was probably just a bad day at the office.

[Shipsupstreets]

Interesting, Sag. If there's a question about Ilkeston for me it's the quality of defenders they've got. I guess they'll often be undone by stronger teams. Still, the Unibond Prem is such an open section that teams will always be taking points off each other.