THE Scotland game went much as I expected with Craig Levein's men settling for a draw – and the game going under 2.5 goals.
On Sunday while the debate rages about whether the boss got his tactics right or wrong three Ramsden Cup quarter-finals are taking place.
The arrival of Rangers in the SFL has moved this tournament up a notch and Sunday's three winners know there is a chance of a money-spinning semi-final or final if the Ibrox men go that far.
So there is a lot at stake and every side should be giving the ties their full attention.
The top match sees First Division leaders Partick Thistle entertain Raith Rovers and form favours the home side. Jags have won four out of four in the league and have netted 10 goals in three home clashes.
Jackie McNamara's side are the new promotion favourites and look the real deal. A potential cup final against Rangers in front of a full house at Hampden is a big carrot and I fancy the Jags at 4-5 (various). Raith are 10-3 at bet365 and BetVictor.
McBookie.com are offering first-scorer prices on this live TV game and the other two. Kris Doolan is worth a look at 4-1 after a strong start to the season.
Cowdenbeath are the side priced up at shortest odds to win with Paddy Power, BetVictor and Coral going a biggest 1-3 on them to win at Third Division East Stirling.
Shire have lost their last three games and conceded 12 goals in the process but strangely their last victory came against First Division Airdrie in the Ramsdens Cup and it was a convincing 3-0 victory.
That Airdrie result suggests we should be a little cautious but Cowdenbeath's form has been impressive with four successive wins to nil and I expect them to go through. The odds are poor but you can get Beath at 4-5 with Stan James minus one.
The third tie is tougher to call with just two points separating Arbroath and Stenhousemuir in the Second Division. Both sides suffered disastrous defeats last week with Arbroath losing 6-0 at Queen of the South and Stenny going down 4-0 at home to Forfar.
It's a tough one to pick a winner and best could be a draw over 90 minutes that will force extra time. I liked the look of both teams to score but best price is a skinny 4-9 at William Hill.
Recommendations
Partick Th
(4-5, various)
Cowdenbeath -1
(4-5, Stan James)
Hi paul will you be looking at the english first div and the fa cup games 2day?
McGart, been out all day at the boy’s football so didn’t get a chance. I fancy Crawley to beat Portsmouth in the 3.30pm kick-off, thought Coventry was too hard to call and hadn’t noticed the FA Cup games to be honest.
Paul check the line ups before betting Doolan he is doubtful possibly look at welsh 10/1 for an outsider
Craig, I tend to check teams before betting first scorers but as most of the betting pieces are written the day before I’ve got to take a chance. If Doolan doesn’t start I’d be on Craig if he’s in.
I fancy Cowdenbeath on the handicaps but I’ve missed the 4/5 about minus 1 which is now 8/11.
Instead, I’ve bet Cowdenbeath HT FT at 4/5 and minus 2 goals at 15/8 and also minus 3 goals 4/1.
Best of luck everyone!
Does anyone have problems putting on btts bets on there phone? If not what bookie do you use
Andy, don’t have any problem using various bookies. Which one do you have the problem with?
Glad you where a little busy 2day paul, I was looking for another team to double up with you partick tip (great tip) and was looking for a little pointer, but ended up going with the £30 single better than nothing. Fancied crawley strong aswel!
McGart, good on you. Crawley had two men sent off so that probably explained the result.
Partick had been cut to 1/2 with SkyBet by the time I got in there. Ridiculous.
Ended up going for a straight Partick/Beath double, which was only 0.83/1. A winner’s a winner, but terrible odds.
Gary, it’s a poor show but I’m assuming everyone was on the Jags so they either cut or take the hit and 9 times out of 10 they bookies will cut. That’s why getting on early usually helps.