Bromley value outsiders in playoff quarterfinal
A Hartlepool United side with a rich history in the English Football League begin their playoff campaign by hosting Bromley at the quarter final stage. The hosts finished fourth in the National League, compared to Bromley’s seventh, just one behind Stockport County in third who sealed their spot in the semi finals. Pools have not been this low in the pyramid since just after the First World War, so the prospect of spending a fifth straight season there is not one that wants to even be contemplated. With just one automatic promotion spot in the fifth tier, bouncing back after a League Two relegation is tough.
Difference makers
The Ravens have never been an EFL, and that may be a contributing factor into their price for this matchup. Hartlepool are odds on to win in 90 minutes and given the visitors finished the season stronger, have the momentum of sneaking into the playoffs and have the players capable of producing game deciding moments. For me, Hartlepool are too short despite their pedigree as an established football league club and that is where my angle into this fixture comes from.
Michael Cheek is the danger man for Bromley, the 29-year-old topped the scoring charts with 23, a cool four goals clear of second place. Dave Challinor will have briefed the Pools rearguard on how best to cope with him. The other player I would like to highlight has more experience in the professional game, offensive technician Jack Bridge and can cause the hosts all kinds of problems. Bridge is a versatile midfielder who has occupied a number of midfield roles in his career in spells with Southend United, Northampton Town and Carlisle United, before dropping into non-league football last year. One to watch.
Goals?
On a one legged playoff tie, anything could happen, I feel more comfortable here with an outright play.
- Hartlepool have scored in eight of ten.
- Hartlepool have conceded in eight of ten.
- Hartlepool have seen both teams score in six of ten.
- Hartlepool have seen over 2.5 goals in eight of ten.
- Bromley have scored in nine of ten.
- Bromley have conceded in six of ten.
- Bromley have seen both teams score in six of ten.
- Bromley have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
The Ravens have lost just one of their last 13 and therefore look a little large with the market, despite being outsiders.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
A late Byron Webster consolation goal for Bromley earns us half our stake back, but it does go down as a loss. 3-2 Pools.