As Chesham United host Lincoln City in the FA Cup First Round on Monday, can the home side take heart from the performances of non-league sides this weekend?
David Easson has the FA Cup betting preview
The hosts have had a mixed bag of results in the National League South, where they currently sit mid-table. Their last five matches have seen them secure two wins, one draw, and two losses. Their attacking play has shown some promise, particularly in away fixtures, where they oddly tend to perform better. They've lost 4 of their 6 home league games this season. That said, they are yet to concede a goal in this season's FA Cup. The Cup has taken over their season, quite rightly, and in all competitions is 4 wins out of 5 at home.
Lincoln are having a fine season in League One and they've bounced back from back-to-back defeats to Birmingham and Crawley with 2 come-from-behind wins. Their last 3 wins have been 2-1 having conceded the first goal. I think Chesham can take heart from some lower league performances this weekend and get a goal.
The disparity in league levels and current form suggests that Lincoln City will enter this tie as the clear favourites. Chesham will rely heavily on home advantage and the support of their fans to upset the odds. However, the quality and experience that Lincoln possess should not be underestimated, especially in knockout competitions.
Given Lincoln's superior form and league status, you'd go for the away side certainly, but what price that home advantage on TV in the cup?
Let's go with that form line of Lincoln wins by two goals to one having conceded the first goal.
Lincoln and both to score is 7/4
Lincoln 2-1 is 8/1
Chesham to score the first is 100/30
And Lincoln to come from behind and win is 15/2