Lurchy’s Tips

I broke one of my unwritten rules last Friday – tipping Manchester City. Never, ever, ever shall that mistake be made again and neither will I ever back James Drabble to score first on a Sunday morning.

After another alcohol-fuelled Saturday evening for the Welton striker, it took him a good 85 minutes to realise he was in a football match last weekend, however he popped up when it mattered. I make that 1-0 to those in favour of Saturday night drinking…

Anyway, out with the old, in with the new and let’s focus on this weekend’s betting loopholes. As ever I concentrate on the main game of the weekend and that, weather permitting, sees Welton welcome Swan Athletic to Social Park in the quarter-final of the Ron Eaglen Cup.

Division One hopefuls Swan have one of the finest ill-disciplined XI’s in the Lincoln League and must be respected for that. Their blend of pit-bull aggression and intricate football is a joy to behold for the neutral, however come 90 minutes messers Stocks and Snookes will know they have been in a game.

Most of Swan’s good play comes through wily central midfielder Dave Sampher and the diminutive ball-winner will be key to the visitors’ chances of an upset. With a place in the semi-final against GE Millers at stake, Welton will be keen to book a date with Burkey’s loveable babes, and will hope to avoid extra time with a fixture back-log ahead.

Big Al may use Sunday's game as a chance to rotate some players in an attempt to preserve some energy for a gruelling end to the campaign. Midfield duo Tom Wilkinson (hamstring) and Craig Wilkinson (holiday) are both out, with Taylor likely to recall the returning Sam Gordon on the right wing.

S.Clifford will therefore employ his moaning duties from central midfield with the versatile Jaz Dhindsa and Tom Bowey vying for the remaining midfield place.

Lurchy’s tip: Dave Sampher to get booked - Evs

Lurchy’s donut: Tom Bowey first goalscorer 16/1

Hopeful most games will beat the cold snap this weekend, here are my picks from up and down the country.

Lurchy’s hat-trick: Wolves, Reading, Swansea – 8/1

Lurchy’s acca: Blackburn v Villa – Draw, West Brom v Newcastle – Draw, Chelsea, MK Dons, Scunthorpe, Brentford – 45/1

Lurchy’s outsider: Ross Taylor first goal v Swan – 40/1