Farsley Celtic take on Stevenage Borough at Throstle Nest on Thursday

Boro win Taylor-made

Thursday January 24, 2008

Farsley Celtic v Stevenage Borough (19.45, Live on Setanta 1)

Prices correct at time of writing (11am, Wednesday January 23, 2008).

Home 4/1 Draw 12/5 Away 8/13

Farsley Celtic host second-placed Stevenage as Peter Taylor's men look to continue their impressive recent run of form. It's mid-November since Boro lost in the league but that was also against West Yorkshire opposition in the form of Halifax. Farsley are fourth-bottom but do have a seven-point cushion over the bottom three and can move above Altrincham with a win.

I don't really like tipping odds-on but I think this is an exception. I would be very surprised if Stevenage don't get three points. Boro are currently the pick of the form teams - in the last six games they have got 16 from a maximum 18 points. Admittedly one or two of those have been late wins but they hit the goals at the weekend with a 5-0 win against doomed Droylsden. I think that they realise it's these sort of games that they are going to have to win if they are going to maintain their promotion challenge.

Stevenage certainly had a boost with the news that the leaders Aldershot lost 1-0 to Forest Green and I expect the 8/13 will be extremely popular with the Blue Square punters and I think Boro will do the business in front of the Setanta cameras, inflicting more misery on Farsley Celtic. As for Farsley, I don't see a win coming on Thursday night and although odds-on away is normally one to swerve I think the 8/13 Stevenage is a must-play.

Verdict: Away win

Best Bet: HT/FT Draw / Stevenage 7/2