The Predictions for the Bank Holiday

By Nathan Jackson
August 29 2005

In a new feature, we preview the next round of action, this time it's for the Bank Holiday Monday fixtures. Some exciting ties take place on Monday including the Nottinghamshire derby between Mansfield Town and Notts County, also the meeting Wycombe and Cheltenham, both undefeated so far this season

A slightly difficult one to call seeing as both have got off to reasonably good start. Saturday's results saw Darlington draw 4-4 at Chester whereas Rochdale comfortably saw off Macclesfield 3-1 at Spotland. As I said, a hard one to call but I get a feeling Rochdale will be celebrating.

Prediction : Away win

Another difficult one to call as both sides have also got off to decent starts. Grimsby took two 1-0 wins out of last week and will go into a game full of confidence against a Rushden side who got a well earnt point against the Imps at the weekend. I feel it will come down to Grimsby's superior home form as they win by a comfortable margin.

Prediction : Home Win

Both teams are a bit out of form at the minute, after winning their first 3 games of the season, Orient haven't won in 3 games and were thumped 4-1 in their last outing at Brisbane Road. Shrewsbury Town have failed to win so far this season (such a shame as well). As you can probably tell, I don't have a liking for Shrewsbury but even if I did, I still can't see them getting anything out of the trip.

Prediction : Home Win

A nice local derby on Bank Holiday Monday and another hard one to predict. Macclesfield have also failed to win so far this season and currently prop up the table, whereas Bury haven't really impressed either, sitting 20th in the table. Cue a no-score draw

Prediction : No score draw

A Nottinghamshire derby and one that both sets of fans claim, is the biggest in the division. On paper, this is an easy one to predict. Mansfield have made an indifferent start to the season and sit 16th in the table after struggling to find form. County sit atop of the table and remain unbeaten this season but teams have a tendency to lose their unbeaten runs at local derbies.

Prediction : Home Win

5 games each and only 1 win between them. Neither side has started the season as many had expected. Northampton have really struggled to live up to the title favourites prediction of many pundits and only record their first victory of the season at Carlisle on Saturday. Boston haven't won yet despite spending heavily on new talent during the summer, maybe they should try rolling Steve Evans in front of goal to stop the shots. Head says Northampton, heart says draw.

Prediction : Home Win

There's an old adage in football, you have to win sometime and that last sometime for Stockport was 16 matches ago. I think that says it all about Stockport's form but Peterborough's is impressive and a 0-0 draw on Saturday followed on from 2 wins in a row. It's hard to really see past a win for Peterborough but Im goning to stick my neck out and say draw.

Prediction : Draw

Chester haven't lost on the road, Torquay haven't won.....anywhere. Torquay have failed to win since they returned to this division and to be honest, look like favourites for the drop at the minute. Chester have had an average start to the season and sit 11th in the table but should move higher after a win on the south coast.

Prediction : Away win

Barnet, conference champions, a mere handful of defeats this calender year vs Wrexham, relegated from League 1 with 6 wins this calender year. On paper this is a very easy one to predict. Wrexham have struggled so far this season whereas Barnet are flying despite losing their first match on Saturday. If Adam Bailey is at his best, then Wrexham stand little chance.

Prediction : Away win

Probably the hardest game of Monday's fixtures to predict. Both sides are currently undefeated this season and both are through to the 2nd Round of the Carling Cup after impressive victories in the first round. Wycombe have numerous talents to call on including Rob Lee, Tommy Mooney and Nathan Tyson but Cheltenham also have their stars including Grant McCann and John Finningan. This game is incredibly hard to predict so I'll go with a draw although I get a feeling Wycombe's home advantage will work in their favour.

Prediction : Home win