Darlington – Curzon Ashton
It’s a new look Darlington that go into the 2018/19 season hoping to improve on their 12th place finish from last season. Quakers boss Tommy Wright has made a host of changes to his squad with seven new signings arriving while 12 players have been allowed to leave. Among the new faces we see some really impressive recruits like former Harrogate Town striker Simon Ainge (35 goals in 2 seasons), Liam Hughes who has played for Cambridge United in League Two and former Nuneaton Town pair Tom Elliott and Alex Henshall. Darlo also have a new number 1 between the posts in Jonny Maddison.
The manager is satisfied with his squad and there’s a real buzz around the club. We believe they could be challenging for a playoff spot, at least, this season.
Curzon Ashton finished 18th last season and are likely to be in the bottom half of the table also this year. They’ve far from impressed during the pre-season and we don’t expect the signings they’ve made to lift the team in a way they might hope.
If they stay clear of a relegation battle this season, they have done well and it could be an uphill battle right from the get go.
Date & Time: 4 August 2018 – 16.00 CEST
Competition: National League North (England)
Match: Darlington – Curzon Ashton
Pick: Darlington Asian Hcp -0.5, -1
Odds: 1.725 @ bet365
Stake: 20 EUR
Rating: 3/5
Result: