Non League Best Bets Prediction: Snoozefest in Halifax

The dreaded international break is upon us, but fear not as Matthew O’Regan has his Non League best bets prediction and acca tips, with bets from the National League, National League South and National League North. 

• Hartlepool vs Halifax Tip 1: Under 2.5 Goals
• Worthing vs Hornchurch Tip 2: Worthing Over 1.5 Goals
• Alfreton vs Scarborough Tip 3: Over 2.5 Goals

Hartlepool vs Halifax Prediction 1: Snooze fest expected at Victoria Park

England, National League, Saturday, September 7th, 15:00 (UK)

Hartlepool’s return to the National League was chaotic, and it saw them have three different managers, including 76-year-old Lennie Lawrence, who hadn’t managed for 12 years. 

Now, the Monkey Hangers are settled, led by the steady and reliable Darren Sarll. They currently sit 10th in the league, just one point off the playoffs. 

Hartlepool opened the season with three clean sheets in a row, with a 0-0 home draw at Southend sandwiched in between 0-1 away wins at newly promoted sides Yeovil and Tamworth. Sarll’s side have yet to win since then, drawing 1-1 and 0-0 at home to Wealdstone and Braintree, as well as throwing away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Woking. 

5/6 of their games have seen under 2.5 goals, including all three home games, with these six games seeing an average of 1.5 goals. 

Halifax snuck into the playoffs last year owing to their fine end-of-season form. The Shaymen will be aiming for the top seven again this campaign and currently sit just two points off seventh place Aldershot. Chris Millington’s side started the season with a trio of home games, beating Barnet 2-1, losing 0-1 to Aldershot and drawing 1-1 with Gateshead. 

A 1-1 draw at Dagenham was followed by a 0-1 defeat to Solihull Moors and a 0-1 win at Ebbsfleet, meaning five of their six games have seen under 2.5 goals, including both on their travels. 

While Hartlepool games were high-scoring last season, FC Halifax again were low-scoring – their games averaged just 2.34 goals. 

With two low-scoring teams with mean defences, expect a stalemate at Victoria Park.

• Hartlepool vs Halifax Prediction 1: Under 2.5 Goals (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.72
• Bookmaker: William Hill
• Stake: 10/10

Worthing vs Hornchurch Prediction 2: Ravishing Rebels

It was a summer of all change for Worthing. After leading the Rebels to the Isthmian Premier Division title and a playoff finish in their first season in the National League South, Adam Hinshelwood was poached by York City, with Worthing in second place. Aaran Raciine led the South-Coast side to the playoff final, where they were beaten by Braintree in extra-time in front of a packed out Woodside Road. 

Ollie Pearce, who scored 46 goals in all competitions, and Joe Felix, who registered 15 assists last season, joined Hinshelwood at York, while Chris Agutter was appointed new manager from fellow Sussex side Hastings United. 

Due to renovations to their ground, Worthing have played all six matches away from home. This Worthing side, which scored 104 goals in 46 league matches last season, started this campaign in a similar fashion, mounting a remarkable comeback to win 4-3 at Weston Super Mare despite being 3-0 down at halftime. 

A 2-2 draw at St. Albans and a 1-1 draw at table toppers Hemel Hempstead was followed by a 5-0 drubbing by Truro – a game which looks to have given the Rebels a wake-up call. 

Worthing beat Hampton & Richmond 2-3, as well as league favourites Boreham Wood 1-2, with the winning goal by Danny Cashman going viral (below – video credit to the Worthing Twitter account. What. A. Strike.) An attacking-midfield trio of Jack Spong, Danny Cashman and Tommy Willard is one that can arguably play at a higher level, with just the ‘focal point’ missing. Temi Babalola has recently been brought in, showcasing his pace and power with his opener at Meadow Park. 

Here it is then. THAT @dannycashman2 winner last night 🤩 pic.twitter.com/CkrSj1VxLv

— Worthing FC (@WorthingFC) September 3, 2024

Hornchurch won the Isthmian Premier League at a canter with 100 points and have started their National League South campaign in solid form. Daryl McMahon’s side have only conceded once from their four home games but have struggled somewhat on the road. 

After opening the season with a 3-1 win over Hampton & Richmond, the Urchins lost their next two away matches, 3-2 and 2-1, failing to keep a clean sheet in all three away outings. 

Travelling to last season’s top scorers and playing in front of what should be a bumper crowd, Worthing will look to build on their strong start. 

• Worthing vs Hornchurch Prediction 2: Worthing Over 1.5 Goals (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.72
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 10/10

Alfreton vs Scarborough Prediction 3: Goals Galore at the impact

Alfreton finished fifth place last year before losing on penalties to Boston in the playoffs. Danny Heath’s outfit is a physical side, who, last term, largely kept it tight at the back. Still, their games averaged 2.7 goals per game. 

In 2024/25, the Reds started the campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Southport but have since been unbeaten, winning three and drawing three. In seven outings, they’ve scored 12 goals and conceded eight, with 5/7 seeing at least three strikes. All three games at the Impact Arena have witnessed over 2.5 goals, beating Farsley and Kings Lynn 2-1 and 3-0, respectively, as well as drawing 2-2 with Chester. 

Scarborough sits in ninth, just one point behind Saturday’s hosts. A 0-0 draw at home to King’s Lynn was the Seadogs’ first game that didn’t see at least three goals, with Jonathan Greening’s sides’ games seeing an average of 3.28 goals. 

All three of their away games have seen over 2.5 goals, with Scarborough drawing 3-3 at Radcliffe, beating Chorley 1-2 and losing 3-2 to Chester. 

• Alfreton vs Scarborough Prediction 3: Over 2.5 Goals (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 10/10

Non League Best Bets Prediction odds via bet365 as at 12:00, September, 4th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

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