Weymouth face Altrincham on Saturday
The final set of fixtures in the regular Blue Square Premier season take place on Saturday.
There is little to play for in all but a few games - but sometimes this situation can produce decent betting opportunities if you know where to look. The only important outstanding issue to be resolved is the final relegation spot - contested by Halifax and Altrincham.
The Shaymen will be strong favourites to avoid the drop due to their two point advantage and their superior goal difference. Halifax (4/5) take on a Stevenage (3/1) side that will be short on confidence after missing out on the Play-Offs and it remains to be seen what kind of side will take to the field for Peter Taylor this weekend.
Chris Wilder's team effectively need just a point for safety. Altrincham (5/4) boss Graham Heathcote will be keeping one eye on matters in Yorkshire as his side travel to Weymouth (7/4), but the situation remains out of his hands.
This clash has been chosen for live TV coverage by Setanta, and it's just the kind of game Heathcote's men will be dreading.
Since John Hollins has got to grips with The Terras' squad he has sent out a side that are very difficult to break down (as Aldershot found out in midweek).
Farsley (11/8) are not yet mathematically relegated, but those maths require an improbable double-digit victory over Grays (8/5) and other results to go their way.
I'd earmarked the game between Burton (5/4) and Exeter (7/4) at The Pirelli to be a potential decider as to who would get the final Play-Off spot.
Stevenage's poor form has put paid to that, and what could have been a better piece of drama for the Setanta cameras.
This game does still have some meaning - if either side want to avoid promotion favourites Torquay. Paul Buckle's Torquay (4/6) can secure second place with a point at home to Crawley (7/2), even with one eye on the Play-Offs and the FA Trophy final, whichever side they put out should be enough for Steve Evans mid-table side.
If The Gulls fail to pick up the point required then Cambridge United (17/10) can seize upon the chance to finish as runners-up by beating in-form Northwich (13/10).
The Vics have been in great form under Dino Maamria and will surely try to celebrate staying in the league with a decent home performance to sign off with.
In the remaining matches Stafford (5/4) host Droylsden (7/4) for a battle as to who finishes bottom.
I have to fancy Dave Pace's Droylsden in this game, as he's the type of manager that could get his team fired up for a 5-a-side, let alone a supposedly meaningless end-of-season match.
The other price that appeals is resurgent Kidderminster (11/8) to achieve an away win at strugglers Woking (8/5).
Posted: Friday , April 25, 2008
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By PenzanceStag on Sun, 11th May 08
| BlueSq South Standings | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lewes | 89 |
| 2 | Eastbourne Borough | 80 |
| 3 | Hampton & Richmond Borough | 77 |
| 4 | Fisher Athletic | 71 |
| 5 | Braintree Town | 69 |
| 6 | Eastleigh | 67 |
| 7 | Havant and W | 67 |
| 8 | Bath City | 66 |
| 9 | Newport County | 66 |
| 10 | Bishops Stortford | 64 |
| Full standings | ||