Stephen Walsh Betting Column (April 28th 2017)

As the first round of games ends, the betting column has only had one win so far despite a few near misses. A total of €200 has been raised for charity so far this season; while outside of the column, we have raised over €800 for the charity abseil from Croke Park tomorrow. There is still time to donate if you would like to support a very worthy cause in the ISPCC.

Last week, was another two out of three for the column. The premier division games were spot on but the first division kept up its reputation of being a minefield with Waterford failing to beat Cabinteely who have been very impressive this season.

So with the Sophia Housing Agency, again being the charity of choice for this week’s charity special enhanced by Paddy Power who has sponsored the bet.

The choice for the treble will be combined between the premier and first division as has been the way for the season so far.

First up in the treble will be the selection of Cork City to defeat Bray Wanderers in Turners Cross at 4/9. Bray Wanderers have been very good going forward this season with Gary McCabe currently over a goal a game, while Dylan Connolly has been a handful for many defences. However it is at the other end of the field where they have conceded over a goal a game and with the likes of Sean Maguire and Karl Sheppard in brilliant form, one can guarantee a goal from these two at present. Where the two sides differ most is in defence. Alan Bennett has been ruled out for Cork City but even still in John Dunleavy, City has a very strong defence. They have only conceded four goals this season and it is hard to see them conceding many when backed by a large home support.

Second in the list will the meeting of Shamrock Rovers and Limerick in Tallaght. Both teams have had mixed seasons so far with Limerick having been impressed with their recent run of form but both teams have conceded goals in nearly every game with neither team having an impressive number of clean sheets. As a result we will be going for both teams to score at 8/11. Knowing my luck of late, it will end up in a 1-0 result but we are confident that this bet can come through.

Last in the list will be the first division; yes it has been a minefield this season but one must include them.

We have gone for Cabinteely at 5/4 to defeat Wexford at Ferrycarrig Park. Cabinteely have been doing a lot better this season than many would have expected at the outset getting a number of very good results. Wexford on the other hand had a difficult off season with the change in name of the club along with a change in manager. The home side have yet to claim a win this season and have proven difficult to play against with UCD drawing here. Earlier in the season, Cabinteely defeated Wexford in Stradbrook but tonight’s game will be a tough game that Cabinteely should have enough for victory.

Bets:

Cork City 4/9

Shamrock Rovers v Limerick BTTS YES 11/8

Cabinteely 5/4

Odds 4.61/1

Enhanced odds with thanks to Paddy Power: 7/1 - LINK TO BET