Beat the Bookies: Week 16

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 09/11/2006

THIS weekend all other bets are off. There's only one bet worth considering and that's the Mighty Mariners to beat Northamton and enter the draw for the second round of the FA Cup.

I predict that although new manager Alan Buckley will probably not pick the team or even take charge of them on the day, his effect on the side will be instantaneous just in terms of the massive lift which the players will get from his arrival. But the biggest effect of all with be on the Mariners' supporters, who no doubt will turn out in their droves to see the return of a man few of us thought would every manage Grimsby again, let alone be handed a 2.5 year contract! If ever there was an occasion when the Town supporters will be the twelfth man it will be on Saturday at Sixfields. Finally there is the additional magic of the FA Cup and a chance to gain revenge on Northampton for overtaking us last season!

So, all in all, the ingredients are there for an upset but the odds still reflect the old Town under Graham Rodger and not the brave new Mariners which the bookies in their London offices are totally unaware of. Bet365 offer 7/2 for a Grimsby win, but you should be able to get 9/2 at other bookies if you shop around. What's more, if you need further convincing, Northampton have only won one game at home all season. They tend to draw a lot of games especially at Sixfields.

24 hours ago I was worried the board had made a grave mistake appointing Alan Buckley. Now I have come full circle and believe we have a serious chance of beating Northampton this weekend with Alan once again at the helm, or more actually with only one hand on the tiller for the first few days of his reign. I have regained the faith, it might be blind faith, but it's a lot more satisfying than betting on Town to lose I can tell you, and I am quite prepared to put my money where my mouth is.

Finally for the really committed supporter convinced of the new Renaissance you can still get around 50/1 for the Mariners to be promoted. We are only 12 points off the last play-off place after all with nearly 30 games to go. It's do-able!

Recommended Bets

• 1. Grimsby to beat Northampton (9/2).

Third best would be Lincoln to win at Swindon but I'm only allowed to bet on two games!

Previous Bets (1 or 2 bets, around £10 per week each)

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