Links Park, Tuesday, 7.45pm
THERE weren't many surprise results at the weekend but one was Ayr's home draw with Montrose in the William Hill Scottish Cup.
Ayr have beaten three SPL sides to reach the semi-finals of the League Cup so were expected to brush aside the Links Park men.
That wasn't the case and by all accounts the Somerset Park side were lucky to escape with a 2-2 draw.
Ayr were a biggest 4-11 for the initial tie and the good news is you can get as big as 5-6 at Ladbrokes for Tuesday's replay and I'd get on before it falls.
The First Division side have almost as many points on their travels than they do at home so this trip will hold no fears.
And remember Ayr's last away game in a cup was their 1-0 victory at St Mirren to reach the League Cup semis and a Hampden clash with derby rivals Kilmarnock.
Montrose sit third bottom of the Third Division so punched above their weight on Saturday. They are a biggest 7-2 at Chandler but I'm not touching that while the draw is 11-4 with firms such as Ayr's shirt sponsor bodog.
The last seven games Montrose have been involved have featured 29 goals so look at both teams to score at 8-15 with the likes of Paddy Power and William Hill.
Over 2.75 goals is likely at 11-10 with Chandler while over 3.75 is 7-4 at bet365.
The draw for the fourth round takes place on Tuesday live on Sky and post up some specials from sponsors William Hill as soon as they are available.
What price Auchinleck v Rangers or Culter v Celtic. The second one, in particular, is massive but let's hope for some huge ties.
While everyone who cashed in on Airdrie at some fancy price against Deveronvale will be hoping for some giants v minnows clashes.
But one thing's for sure you won't get half-time correct score odds of 500-1 on 5-0 like you did in the Airdrie match. Well done to anyone who spotted the value and got on and shame on anyone who suggested there was a betting scam on the go.
It was simply the wrong for a Second Division side at home to an East League outfit and there are punters out there who live for that.
Recommendations
Ayr
(5-6, Ladbrokes)
Over 3.75 goals
(7-4, bet365)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
GambleAware