Weekend English Division 3 - 5/6 March

[Paul Ross]

Some big battles at the top and bottom of this division, but I'm leaning towards jumping on the Torquay bandwagon @ 4/7 (General) v Carlisle.

Most people would agree that Carlisle have put a decent set of results behind them since Christmas, yet here we are in March and The Cumbrians still remain 11 points off safety. I for one hope Carlisle can survive, but for a struggling side thats a lot to make up. Carlisle's improvement is generally down to their home record, away from Brunton Park United have failed to take maximum spoils at average opponents like Cambridge, Bristol Rovers, York and Macclesfield since the turn of the year. That sort of record dosen't really inspire belief that they can conquer Division 3's form side Torquay.

Personally The Gulls were around 4/9 in my book for this clash, considering they have won 7 of their last 8 matches and only lost once at home since August, 4/7 IMO looks potentially a tad generous. Leroy Resenior who could be a good bet at some stage for the now vacant Plymouth spot, has done a terrific job at Plainmoor. A very good coach and a believer in detail, Resenior has moulded a very attractive side that has a good chance of any of sneaking into that top 3.

Carlisle really need to start getting those 3 point hauls before games run out, with Gulls strikers Kuffour, Graham and Bedeau all chomping at the bit, a 4th defeat in 5 years in Devon could be a more likely scenario.

FA

I'd go for Torquay as well.

Carlisle have shown some useful form of late but most of that has been at home. Also when Carlisle win the sides just above them win also making it difficult to close the gap. They have got one or two games in hand but I think they'll get now't this weekend against a side pushing for the play-offs.

Gonna have to go with everyone on this one, Torquay must surely beat Carlisle. Carlisle have improved but still struggle to get wins on their travels. They will scrap for everything but Torquay's quality and home advantage should see them through fairly handily. Gonna stick them in a double with Swindon

If torquay don't win this one then I reckon it will mess up a lot of us!

Best of luck - come on Torquay!

My usual pre-match analysis on the Cobblers...

Draw (3.20) sticks out here. Cambridge in poor form and awful at home (1 win in 7), Northampton in better form but awful away (3 defeats in 4).

Cambridge have won twice at Northampton this season and with it being nearly a local derby, there will be 1000+ away fans baying for revenge.

There's usually goals in this fixture aswell, so 2-2 (13.00) might be worth a look. Also keep an eye on our record signing Josh Low, returned to the team and scored a peach last week after a few months out injured, he's a massive 15.00 to score first or an equally impressive 5.00 to score at anytime.

C'mon Cobblers!

[Luddite71]

Whatever the result thats a tremendous pre match write up Footy Analyser!!

You should be in journalism mate (and probably are!).

it looks like a cert home win but i wont be backing it purely on the basis that every time i back Torquay to win they fail and every time i back against them they sneak a draw.

[PompeyPunt]

Can't go anything except Torquay in this division like most people.

Carlisle, no matter what their improvments, have still lost 12 from 16 away, against a very strong home side, 10 from 17. Not to forget, the long long journey that Carlisle face just to get to the game, something which is a small factor i feel, especially at this level.

Took the 1.57 canbet had yesterday, and happy with that.

You will all be pleased to hear we have no injury problems ahead of this match, and Carlisle have a couple.

Further to this, I exect this is one of Carlisle's longest trips of the season, which we put down as the reason why they beat us away! They also haven't played since Feb 21st I read. Meanwhile, confidence is high for us after seven wins out of eight including a great win against Hull away, and a steady 2-0 win against Boston on Saturday. The club care a lot about the fans too, and showed that by going over to the away end and talking to fans after the last minute postponment against Mansfield on Tuesday night.

For me theres a very good chance of a home win but I would never bet on my club and Torquay have a reputation for being inconsistent.

I get nervous enough watching with no money on!! But, I expect a 1-0 Torquay win to worry everyone up to the end!!

Good luck all..
Jon.

[Aykay1]

Since going top of the division in January, OXFORD have won only 2 of their last 9 games.

HUDDERSFIELD's record in their last 10 games reads 8-1-1.

Im taking them to end Oxfords unbeaten record at home @ 16/5 with Skybet

A big congratulations to Torquay, a lot of people won some money today! I combined them with my Airdrie tip to give me my first winner since coming back on the forum - i'll drink to that!

Nice one. Never seen Torquay as a banker before but today was a very convincing win indeed!!

Jon

Good stuff out of Torqauay, I'd doubt there were too many who weren't on them, should've been a nice little earner for most punters. Comfortable as well, no sweating over potential last minute equalisers!