English FA CUP
2009-12-15 - Stockport County vs Torquay United
A Sports Betting Pick by Armchair
Football : England : FA Cup 2nd Round
Tuesday 15th December 2009 – Kickoff 19:45
Edgeley Park is the setting for Tuesday night’s previously postponed 2nd Round FA Cup match between Stockport County & Torquay United.
Stockport County (24th L1)
Stockport are on a miserable run of losing eight games on the trot, the most recent defeat coming on Saturday when they lost 1-2 at home to Charlton Athletic.
The only highlight for them in recent times was a 5-0 thrashing of non-league Tooting & Mitchum United in the FA Cup 1st Rnd, but it was expected of Stockport to reach the 2nd Round at least.
I know league form goes out the window in cup matches (or tends to at least), but Stockport have only scored 9 goals at home this season so far, equal with fellow strugglers Wycombe Wanderers.
Their home form stands at 1-2-7 9:22 and Stockport are in desperate need to turn their fortunes around – perhaps the cup will be a much-needed distraction for the team?
The main threat is midfielder Carl Baker (8 goals) but striker Oli Johnson (1 goal) & midfielder Mainwaring remain sidelined with injuries.
Torquay United (19th L2)
Torquay United haven’t fared much better to be honest, but the away form is what we’ll look at now briefly; prior to losing 2-4 at Accrington Stanley in League Two, Torquay strung together four draws on the trot which included picking up points at Notts County and Shrewsbury Town – no mean feat in this league.
They too have only managed one win (on the road), but what attracts me to pick them tonight is that they will be full of confidence following their 5-0 demolition of woeful Darlington at home on Saturday, and with nothing to lose, will travel to Edgeley Park hoping to cause an upset.
Their ability to score goals is another factor here – of the teams around them in League Two, only Northampton Town (30 goals) have scored as many as Torquay and I think this will be the determining factor in tonight’s match.
Another point, central defender Mark Ellis is fit again and with strikers Elliott Benyon (5 goals), Scott Rendell (5 goals) & midfielders Nicky Wroe (4 goals), Wayne Carlisle (2 goals,4 assists) & striker Chris Zebroski (4 goals) who bagged two goals at the weekend, they have plenty of options and firepower up front to make things difficult for Stockport.
The Betting Verdict
The prize on offer is a home 3rd Round tie against Brighton which I think either team would look at as a possible stepping-stone into the 4th Round, and further financial incentives.
And I fancy Torquay United to cause a bit of a surprise.
