English Non League Ante Post 08/09

[kompressaur]

I can't see a non league thread for this week so i suggest we just keep it here. im easy

The new Blue Square Premier season gets under way this weekend with every side in the division hoping to get their campaign off to a flying start.

Eastbourne Borough won the Blue Square South play-offs last term and they begin the campaign with a tough-looking match at home to heavily-fancied Rushden and Diamonds.

Rushden have made plenty of decent signings during the summer with a triple addition to their strike-force being the stand-out acquisitions.

Lee Phillips, Dean McDonald and Daryl Clare are the forwards in question, and they look capable of causing major damage at this level, although Clare will be missing for eight weeks after suffering a broken jaw.

If you add the powerful Michael Rankine and promising youngster Lee Tomlin to Rushden's forward options, it looks like Eastbourne could be in for a tough time.

The Sports have kept with largely the same squad that won them promotion and they have retained their part-time status.

These two factors mean they could be in for a tough season and it will certainly be a daunting start for the men from East Sussex against Garry Hill's side.

Rushden are 10/3 with bet365 to win by two or more goals and I think with their dangerous forward options, as well as the clever midfield artistry of Andy Burgess, that is a price well worth snapping up.

Weymouth have also made a number of impressive signings in the summer transfer window and they begin with a home match against Grays.

Although the Terras only just avoided the drop, they did end the campaign on a high with some noteworthy results as they were undefeated in their last six games.

And it looks like they could well build on that run at the start of the new season, starting with Saturday's clash at the Wessex Stadium.

John Hollins has added players with proven Blue Square Premier experience over the summer, Chris McPhee, Ryan Williams and Santos Gaia, as well as promising youngsters who have been released by Football League clubs, like Adam Bygrave and Joshua Webb.

This mix of youth and experience should result in an improved final position in the league, and I think striker Stuart Beavon is another man who you should keep an eye on over the season.

Grays have enjoyed an impressive pre-season campaign, including a 2-1 victory over a West Ham XI last week, and they will be boosted by the signature of flying winger Ishmael Welsh.

Chairman Mick Woodward has reappointed himself as manager and he will be hoping to follow the lead of former Brentford owner Ron Noades, who led the Bees to the Third Division title in 1998-99.

He will do well to achieve that level of success, although he does have a good squad at his disposal, with the likes of Jon Ashton and Charlie Ide capable of playing at a higher level.

Saturday's clash between the sides should be tight, but I think Weymouth, with their new signings and impressive end to last season, look good value to claim victory at 6/4

DIAMONDS SET TO SPARKLE: Bettingzone Football Betting News - Premier League Betting, Champions League, Previews, Odds & Data.

[kompressaur]

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