Hatters tie tough to call
THE FA Cup offers some teams a welcome respite from the grind of league football, (though it’s only a chore when they’re losing) while for others, it’s a distraction from the business of winning league titles or gaining promotion.
Then there’s a smaller, third category of Cup participants: teams who actually have a chance of winning the trophy, although none will be on show when Accrington host Luton Town on Saturday, a tie the home side start priced as Skybet’s 7/4 shots.
According to the match stats team at bettingexpert.com, the Hatters have enjoyed a slight advantage when the sides have met over the past few seasons, winning two of the pair’s last five duels, including their league contest at Kenilworth Road in November, a result which accounts for the visitors’ 7/4 starting price (Marathonbet).
Given both teams are quoted at 7/4 to win, it follows that the likelihood of it finishing all square (12/5, bet365) cannot be ignored; Skybet post 11/2 against it ending 1-1, while Ladbrokes rate the likelihood of a 1-0 Stanley victory at 13/2.
Elsewhere, Stanley are 11/10 (Paddy Power) to open the scoring and 6/5 (William Hill) to qualify for the fourth round (a bet which includes a replay, if necessary), while bet365 chalk an attractive 15/4 about them winning at the first attempt without conceding a goal.
As they chase automatic promotion, punters will wonder whether Luton will arrive with their minds elsewhere? Unless the visitors are absolutely focused, the 8/1 offered by Bwin against a 2-1 home victory holds significant appeal, as does the 9/1 bet365 post in favour of another 2-0 win for the Lancashire side.
Odds courtesy of customisable odds comparison site www. smartbets.com
SHELDAN KEAY
STANLEY squandered a lead on two occasions after they were held to a draw at home to Hartlepool.
SHELDAN KEAY
ACCRINGTON Stanley finally ended their long run without a league win after picking up a victory at Crewe Alexandra.
Billy Kee, inset, got the only goal of the match just before half-time to earn the Reds all three points at Gresty Road.
Manager John Coleman was delighted to finally get a win, but felt the team had been more deserving of a victory in some of