Just 90 minutes stand between the remaining FA Cup qualifiers and a place in the first round proper, which means this weekend’s cup action should provide bags of entertainment up and down the country. We’re hoping to celebrate with a 5/1 treble on the BTTS coupon.
It doesn’t matter which way the chosen games go. As long as all six teams make the net ripple at some stage, we’ll be picking up a cool £60.50 return from a £10 stake. With the magic of the cup beating strong, we should be in with a good chance.
Brackley Town v Billericay Town
Big spending Billericay have been one of the hot topics of non-league football in recent months, and Glenn Tamplin’s side are eager to underline their long-term aspirations by reaching the first round of this year’s FA Cup. While they certainly have quality, the trip to Brackley will be their mots difficult test to date.
The visitors certainly boast a number of well-known faces including the likes of Paul Konchesky and Jermain Pennant. Meanwhile, strikers Billy Bricknell and Adam Cunnington have been scoring goals for fun too, including six against National League South side Hungerford in the last round replay.
Brackley have dropped off in recent weeks, but are still one of the better sides in the National League North and should fancy their chances of at least scoring against a team from one tier below. Lee Ndlovu and Aaron Williams should offer firepower for a team that’s scored in five straight competitive games.
This has the potential to be one of the most fascinating ties of the round. Let’s hope it lives up to the billing.
East Thurrock United v Ebbsfleet United
National League South outfit East Thurrock United have scored in all 16 league and big cup matches this season, and John Coventry’s men will look to utilise that firepower for an upset against National League side Ebbsfleet on Saturday. Whether they can get a result or not, the hosts should be fancied to score.
After all, the visitors have conceded a fair few goals this term. With Sam Higgins and Lewis Smith in attack, the underdogs are more than capable of scoring at Rookery Hill. The bigger challenge, however, will concern keeping Ebbsfleet at bay.
The visitors aren’t only playing a division higher, but they 21 in 15 league games alone, including 12 in eight on their travels. If Daryl McMahon’s men can bring that type of form to this cup game, there’s a very good chance that they’ll get on the scoreboard too.
It wouldn’t be overly surprising if this one went to a replay. Either way, we think goals will be in offing.
Margate v Leatherhead
Having picked up a 2-0 victory in a league trip to Leatherhead just over a fortnight ago, Steven Watt’s Margate will be confident about sealing their place in the first round. Having said that, they shouldn’t take things for granted against a team that has shown plenty of attacking quality in the early stages of the campaign.
The visitors enter the clash on the back of three BTTS winners in which they picked up two wins and a draw. Despite the fact that Margate boast a fantastic defensive record, the fact it’s a cup game gives us enough reason to think that they’ll score.
Nonetheless, the hosts will enter this one with every chance of progressing. Given that they sit mid-table following last year’s relegation, a good cup run is exactly what the the Gate need to build some momentum. Francis Collin and co. are more than capable of getting on the scoreboard.
It’s another affair that could potentially go either way. Let’s hope that’ll be a recipe for goals.
