League Two Betting: Have a go with Hartlepool

Ronnie Moore needs to offer bottom club Hartlepool's players a lot of encouragement

This could be a good weekend for Ronnie Moore's bottom side, who might see the team above them, Carlisle, win too, says Ian Lamont, who also plumps for rejuvenated Ricky Holmes and Northampton...

Hartlepool 3.613/5 v Plymouth 2.35/4; the draw 3.55/2

In many ways, this seems the perfect time to play Plymouth, especially when they are on their travels where they have not been too successful.

The Pilgrims have not won at all since December 20, taking just three draws from six games. If there is any consolation in that as a pointer here, two of those draws have been away from home. At York - always tricky to beat at home - and Southend (a stiffer test) those draws might have been but both were scoreless, one of many things which must be worrying John Sheridan.

While the transfer window shuts only shortly after this match finishes, Hartlepool boss Ronnie Moore will not be allowed to sign Plymouth striker Marvin Morgan before the game, despite watching him in a reserve game midweek.

Perhaps home boss John Sheridan - Moore's "old mate" - should not allow him to leave at all, despite saying he would not stand in his way. The lanky forward, 31, could be just what the Home Park club need.

The 31-year-old could still be useful, clearly after scoring twice in the reserve game.

Plymouth hope keeper Luke McCormack will be able to play after it was feared he had broken a finger.

Pools legend Brian Honour has urged supporters to believe, like he does, that they can climb off the bottom of the division.

Scott Fenwick has 'improved' for extra one-on-one coaching. With two goals in three games (resulting in a win and a draw for Hartlepool) the hosts have a sniff of improvement, while Plymouth struggle.

The hosts must win - not draw - soon to have any chance of staying up and this match gives them no chance like the present. They have won their last two at home to Plymouth, at least, point out Opta.

Recommended Bet
Back Hartlepool @ 3.613/5

Accrington 3.02/1 v Northampton 2.68/5; the draw 3.412/5

With Chris Wilder having revived the career of Ricky Holmes by offering him a deal which resulted in a free transfer from Portsmouth, things are looking up for both the players and his new club.

The 27-year-old supplier scored once in four games in an initial loan spell, having fallen out of favour at Pompey, where Andy Awford is now under severe pressure after a board meeting said only that he would keep his job for now.

Wilder has already earmarked Holmes as 'outstanding' and if he has rekindled the form which made him a star in non-league football he will remain delighted.

Also signing Tom Newey from Oxford to strengthen, plus having an unbeaten January with three wins after a draw, will have lifted the mood at Sixfields.

All in all their price to win at Accrington is on the long side, particularly as the visitors have not conceded in three games.

The hit-and-miss hosts will be just that little bit more fatigued for having had a home game midweek, a 1-0 home defeat which was their third in a row - two without scoring. Northampton have always scored at Accrington (3 wins 3 draws) says Opta, which gives them a headstart.

John Coleman has a task on his hands to rally his troops - and if anyone can, at Stanley, then he is the man. But not this weekend. 

Recommended Bet
Back Northampton @ 2.68/5

Stevenage 2.447/5 v Oxford 3.259/4 the draw 3.55/2

Graham Westley will not lose too much sleep about defeat at Shrewsbury, especially when his side dared to score twice - something no other side has done this season at Greenhaus Meadow. In fact only Tranmere, Cheltenham and Portsmouth - an unlikely trio - had scored there at all, in the league.

Instead, the Boro boss will continue to look to David McAllister, a former Shrewsbury player whom he has praised as playing a strong part in their success this season, for inspiration.

Adam Marriott and Dean Wells thought their goals had earned a point, while Chris Day remains an excellent stopper, giving Westley enough belief, even without  a dominant striker who has scored double figures, that his side will continue their upward form.

Oxford are still negotiating the possible return of Tyrone Barnett from Peterborough on loan - clubs in the Championships are eyeing his signature - allowing Danny Hylton to blossom in front of goal once more. But his best position is roving behind a main striker (although not on the wing in this humble writer's opinion).

Stevenage's run before last weekend - five wins and a draw - was better than everyone else's and far superior to Oxford's six points from seven games.

Recommended Bet
Back Stevenage @ 2.447/5

Carlisle 2.68/5 v Mansfield 3.02/1; the draw 3.55/2

Tempted, as I am, to plum for slightly rejuvenated AFC Wimbledon to win at Morecambe, at juicy odds, against a team with four straight draws, there is also value in backing Carlisle, conquerors of the Dons at Kingsmeadow just a couple of weeks ago.

Keith Curle has found the going ever tougher since his initial splurge of good results and, if those who say the current board has simply taken them backwards over their six years in charge has any merits, he wouldn't fair much better even if he had a magic wand.

But that won't stop him trying. He says he won't let Kyle Dempsey take a rest. Well, he can't afford to even if the 19-year-old has clocked up more minutes for the cause than any other player since Curle arrived in September. He needs all the help he can get and can't leave out one of his best players.

It is down to others, including striker Charlie Wyke, an interesting capture from Middlesbrough on an 18-month deal, and David Amoo has three goals in his last eight games.

Counting against Mansfield is one win in eight games (and six points). That last win might have come at AFC Wimbledon but it was also the only time they picked up away points in the last five attempts and, say Opta, their only away win in 10. Carlisle have not drawn in 21 games, they add, the longest current run in England league football. 

Recommended Bet
Back Carlisle @ 2.68/5

P/L 2014-15

+5.57pt