Stephen Walsh's Betting Column (April 14 2017)

After last week’s celebrations it is back to writing this column in the hope of getting two in a row and some much-needed consistency while raising money for another very worthy cause.

During the week, we handed over a cheque in the amount of €200 to the Blood Bikes South charity, who were very happy to receive the money that will help them in their everyday running costs.

Now, however, the focus turns to raising funds for the Sophia Housing Agency, which supports people coming out of difficult scenarios in life with getting accommodation and their lives back on track at their nine centres nationwide.

So with this in mind we have scoured the internet while talking to various people in the hope of landing a treble for them at enhanced odds thanks to the good folks over at Paddy Power, who have again sponsored the bet.

The treble for this week will involve two First Division games and a Premier Division clash.

Cobh Ramblers will be hoping to bounce back from defeat against Waterford last weekend to defeat Wexford away in Ferrycarrig Park.

It was Cobh’s second defeat of the season and despite these two teams having played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the season, it is safe to say that both teams have gone in different directions.

Wexford suffered defeat to Athlone Town so far this year whereas Cobh defeated them heavily since that game.

Damien Locke was scouting Cobh at the recent Cobh Ramblers v UCD match and he will be aware his side will need a very good performance to get anything out of a game in which Stephen Henderson will have his team fully motivated as they seek revenge for the way in which the last game ended.

Both teams are missing key players, with Wexford missing Graham Doyle while Cobh will be missing Chris McCarthy, but I believe Cobh are the stronger side and will emerge with the three points.

Limerick will be the Premier Division team we will be backing to victory.

They had the new manager bounce last week and while at the time of writing it is uncertain who will be the next Limerick manager, one thing that has come out from interim manager John Boland is that defence has to be a lot tighter.

They conceded numerous goals in the last few games yet last Friday was their first one of the season. As a result they will go into the game boosted and playing at home will also be something they will use to their advantage.

Drogheda have done admirably well since the start of the season getting more points on the board than many had expected.

They had great win over Shamrock Rovers last Friday but one would have to wonder how the late arrival at the ground affected the visitors. The trip to Limerick, I predict, will be one step too far.

Lastly we are going to back Waterford, -2 against Athlone Town at home.

Waterford have been prolific in front of goal of late and I think they will continue this form against an Athlone team that have conceded numerous goals (23) in the last six games and I expect it continue despite the return of Niall Scullion in defence after suspension.

Bets:

Cobh Ramblers 11/10

Limerick 4/7

Waterford -2 6/4

Enhanced from 8.25/1 to 10/1.

Click here to take advantage of the special enhanced odds with thanks to Paddy Power.