Stephen Walsh's Betting Column (April 7th 2017)

As we approach week eight in our column we have to hit the jackpot despite hitting the crossbar on a number of occasions and hopefully this week will prove fruitful as we hope to raise some much needed funds for the blood bikes south charity.

Last week drew a blank with regard to our three games; Derry lost to a last minute strike against Bray as they struggled to come to terms with the death of Ryan McBride, Cabinteely drew conceding to goals in injury time against Athlone Town and then Waterford missed a penalty in a scoreless draw with Longford Town.

The picks for the treble this weekend will include Cork City, Bray Wanderers and Waterford in a treble enhanced by Paddy Power with the link available here.

Cork City will be first in the treble in tonight’s televised match. They play a Derry side still coming to terms with the loss of their captain and this is why I can see John Caulfield’s side coming out victorious. Sean Maguire is on fire at the minute and with the likely loss of Ger Doherty to injury, his deputy Eric Grimes will likely be the busier of the two ‘keepers. I can’t see City not scoring while at the other end they have been rock solid and despite Derry finding the net in the majority of their games this season I feel this will be another clean sheet for Mark McNulty.

Next up in the treble will be Bray Wanderers who did a superb job last week of damaging my treble. They face an out of form Galway United side at home. The Tribesmen have struggled to claim three points this season and I think their wait will be extended as Bray have recovered from their dip in form a few weeks ago when they lost to both Bohemians and Limerick. Ronan Murray has been the bright spark for Galway United this season scoring in a number of the games but defensively is where they have been undone and I think the likes of Gary McCabe and Dylan Connolly will benefit from this to lead their side to victory.

Lastly in the treble will be the First Division clash between Waterford and Cobh Ramblers. The First Division has been a minefield so far this year but as per the terms of our bet we will be choosing this game. The home side have been unbeaten so far this season at home and I believe this run will continue. They will be missing David McDaid through suspension but going by their spending over the off season they should have plenty of others willing to step up to the plate.

Cobh Ramblers have done very well this year but with the likely absence of Chris McCarthy through injury, the visitors will be weakened and I believe they will run Waterford close but both sides have very different priorities for the season so therefore I think Waterford will emerge victorious.

Bets:

Cork City 1/1

Bray Wanderers 4/5

Waterford 8/15

Enhanced to 4/1

Enhanced bet here