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York host Grays at Kit Kat Crescent

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York Tipped for Trophy Triumph

Saturday January 12, 2008

York City v Grays Athletic

These prices correct at time of writing (3pm, Wednesday January 9).

Home 10/11 Draw 9/4 Away 5/2

York have been a hard team to catch right in recent weeks. I really fancied them last weekend against Kidderminster, but having gone two goals down, they actually did well to come back and earn a draw.

It's true their form at home has not been as impressive as it has on their travels but you can still understand why at 10/11 they are a short price to prevail.

I have to admit I strongly fancy the Minstermen to go on and win against Grays. I think York are a team packed with ability and that's why I'm also still backing them to make a late run for a play-off place. Certainly a victory here would help give them momentum in the run-in, although Grays won't make it easy for them.

Verdict: Home win

Woking v Aldershot

Home 11/5 Draw 23/10 Away Evens

Aldershot are flying high at the top of the Blue Square Premier League with a seven-point lead but this is a cup tie and anything can happen. The two sides met recently with The Shots winning, but only by a solitary goal, so this is by no means a formality.

Other than to help boost the coffers the last thing Aldershot would want at this stage of the season is a replay. However, I'm not sure they'll get their wish as Woking are a better side than their league position suggests. I believe this is a classic case for a replay and the draw at 23/10 certainly appeals.

Verdict: Draw

Weymouth v Kidderminster

Home 8/5 Draw 11/5 Away 7/5

My opinion on this game changed after what happened on a windy night in the Blue Square Premier League on Tuesday.

Kidderminster went to Altrincham and, having taken the lead, ended up losing the game. Elsewhere, Weymouth had a fabulous and unexpected victory at Oxford.

I think this provides Weymouth with another excellent chance to claim a win at 8/5. Boosted by that terrific victory in the week, which certainly eased relegation fears, the players will be in confident mood and may well play with more freedom.

Kidderminster are currently mid-table in the league so might see this as a chance to illuminate their season. But I'm still going to take a buoyant Weymouth to win at 8/5.

Verdict: Home win

Stafford v Forest Green

Home 5/2 Draw 9/4 Away 10/11

This looks to be one of the hardest of the weekend's ties to call mainly because of doubts over whether Forest Green's players have recovered from the flu bug. They wanted the game against Grays called off last week, which it wasn't, and that left boss Jim Harvey far from happy.

Having said that it's still a surprise that Forest Green at 10/11 are odds on to get the win at Rangers. True, Stafford haven't won at home all season in the league, which may have influenced the odds, but I'm not convinced that Green are playing as well now as they were at the start of the season.

For that reason, it might be worth getting on the draw here at 9/4. A replay beckons for me in this one.

Verdict: Draw

Rushden v Exeter

Home 6/4 Draw 11/5 Away 6/4

Rushden might be there for the taking against Exeter. Diamonds have not been great at home in the league this season, winning only three of their 13 games at Nene Park. By contrast Exeter have done pretty well on their travels with only three away defeats. It's not difficult to see why City will have plenty of support for the win, particularly at a tempting 6/4.

I've no doubts this will be a tight game but I think Exeter's form on the road has been impressive enough this season to suggest they have every chance of winning this tie at the first time of asking.

Verdict: Away win

Histon v Cambridge United

Home 11/8 Draw 11/5 Away 13/8

I'm definitely backing Cambridge to get revenge on Histon in this game. I went to see Cambridge in the FA Cup against Wolverhampton Wanderers last week and they certainly impressed. The U's led at half-time and I thought they were really unfortunate not to hold on for a shock at Molineux as they eventually went down 2-1.

Jimmy Quinn's men will take heart from the game and for that reason have to be backed to make progress in this competition.

They lost to Histon 1-0 on New Year's Day in the Blue Square Premier League, so this is also a chance for them to gain revenge.

I think Cambridge with odds of 13/8 look a really good bet.

Verdict: Away win

Angus Loughran Best Bets

Weymouth 8/5

Cambridge 13/8

Exeter 6/4

Banker Bet

York 10/11