League Two Betting: Confident Dons can show strengths

AFC Wimbledon striker Ade Akinfenwa shows off the muscles that menace defenders

AFC Wimbledon have made an excellent start to the season and can be backed to continue that run, says Ian Lamont, who also goes for Burton, even in the absence of Billy Kee...

AFC Wimbledon 1.9620/21, Hartlepool 4.57/2; the draw 3.55/2

Neil Ardley is one of many managers in the Football League delighted with his side's start to the season. A 2-2 home draw against Shrewsbury has been followed by two away wins for the Dons, with clean sheets - at Luton and Southend.

It was always a bit of a coup to sign Matt Tubbs, on loan from Bournemouth, up front especially given he is in harness with Ade Akinfenwa. Now George Francombe has chipped in with a goal. With Sean Rigg, another of the summer additions, adding much experience, Ardley seems to believe the Dons could have a strong season.

Much relies on keeping Tubbs past January, of course, but punters don't need to worry about that for now. Their price remains just about backable at 1.9620/21.

There has to be a note of caution. The old Dons - the Crazy Gang - liked to poop a party, just like the modern incarnation. But after beating the big guns they would slip up against some of the unfancied sides if they didn't concentrate or apply themselves.

This match might look easy: Hartlepool have yet to score a league goal this season and, like last year at the start, appear to be struggling. Marlon Harewood, who spearheads their attack, is a player of yesteryear who will still have his moments but surely isn't the solution for progression, while boss Colin Cooper rued his side's half-chances and decision making, criticising them for cutting the ball back and ignoring his desire to put crosses into the box.

It doesn't smack of harmony, something which the Dons appear to have in abundance right now.

Recommended Bet
Back AFC Wimbledon @ 1.9620/21

Newport 3.185/40 v Burton 2.68/5; the draw 3.3512/5

How much have Burton been relying on Billy Kee? We are about to find out. He has appeared to be a big part of their success in recent seasons (42 goals in 117 appearances) and scored twice last Saturday, before being sold to Scunthorpe.

In fact, he had fallen down the pecking order at the Pirelli Stadium, with Gary Rowett believing he had found a more complete striker in Stuart Beavon, now on loan from Preston.

The former Wycombe player has been setting up goals as well as scoring this season. It is now down to him and the rest to convert more of the chances than the Brewers did last season, with a huge number of strikes off target. John Mousinho, also brought in from Preston this summer, adds to their strength.

Justin Edinburgh's Newport appear to be suffering second season syndrome after promotion in 2013, having been unable to pick up a point in three games so far. Burton old boy Rene Howe might want to put one over on them. If Chris Zebroski gets the crosses in it is possible. But with a strong defence Burton ought to be able to snuff out the threats.

Recommended Bet
Back Burton @ 2.68/5

Carlisle 3.185/40 v Southend 2.68/5; the draw 3.412/5

Thank goodness it's Saturday. That's what Phil Brown must be thinking after a remarkable run of not winning at home on Tuesday nights was extended to 10 games by AFC Wimbledon.

With several midweek games, they will have a few chances to put that right this season, but will be glad to get back to basics at a Carlisle side who are struggling to adjust to League Two after relegation, but who boss Graham Cavanagh believes put in an improved performance at Cheltenham on Tuesday, being denied victory by a disputed offside decision.

I've always taken midweek results with a pinch of salt if they interrupt a good form line. Southend have the quality to bounce back, with Cian Bolger's arrival bolstering their defence. He did his best to hold Bristol Rovers together a couple of seasons ago. Apart from the goal against the Dons, Southend have not conceded in the league this season.

The Essex side have plenty of attacking strengths in the likes of Barry Corr, Tottenham loanee Shaquile Coulthirst and several midfielders who can also pop up with goals, Brown having put together what he hopes is a more entertaining side. The fans won't care too much about entertainment if they win promotion.

The visitors could gain an away victory to emphasise those promotion aspirations.

Recommended Bet
Back Southend @ 2.68/5

Exeter 3.02/1 v York 2.77/4; the draw 3.412/5

With the Minstermen drawing all their league matches this season, the temptation to back them to do so again is too big. There have not been a massive number of draws yet in the division this season, but Exeter need to eke out all the points they can while under an embargo.

They started well at St James' Park with a draw and then have suffered two defeats, leaving them in the unusual situation - as embryonic as this season is - of collecting more points at home so far than away. The Grecians have cursed their home form in the past couple of years, but it surely has to be the best place to galvanise a team under pressure.

Recommended Bet
Back Exeter and York to draw @ 3.412/5

P/L 2013-14

+5.5pt