All the odds as Hatters take on Magpies

Luton Town were left kicking their heels last weekend when their FA Trophy tie at Dorchester was a victim of the recent rains; they did make the long journey on Tuesday, however, and saw the hosts grab a last gasp equaliser in a 2-2 stalemate which meant an unwanted reply next Tuesday evening, writes Charlie McCann.

Substitute Stuart Fleetwood looked to have booked a second round clash at giant killers Matlock, who overcame Mansfield 2-1 on the same evening, but the plucky Conference South outfit had other ideas; on the balance of play and chances created Town should have been home and hosed but a one goal lead is always precarious.

The Hatters remain 6/1 co favourites alongside Forest Green and Wrexham and they will be strongly fancied to make round three when the draw could start to open up for them.

I insist that promotion is the primary (sole) objective this term and Paul Buckle will not have wanted the postponement, draw and subsequent replay.

The second game in the Magpies trilogy comes on Saturday at Kenilworth Road in the second round of the FA Cup when Dorchester are this time the visitors.

Luton will once again be fancied to prevail and 9/20 favourites at BetVictor with the draw 17/5 and Dorchester 13/2.

The last thing the Hatters want/need is another replay so I expect them to be out of the blocks sharpish and record a comfortable win.

A potential money spinning tie with a Premier League side is a great incentive for both clubs and a packed Kenilworth Road with perhaps Chelsea or Arsenal gracing the Bedfordshire turf would get the Town buzzing for sure.

The draw for the third round will be made after the battle of the MK Dons v Wimbledon on Sunday; the Hatters are currently 3000/1 behind 6/1 co favourites holders Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs with Arsenal 8s, Spurs 10s and Liverpool and Everton 12s and 14/1 respectively. We bet 25/1 for a non Premier League side to lift the Trophy.

Next Tuesday’s FA Trophy replay means the eagerly-awaited Conference clash at Rodney Parade against Newport County has had to be postponed although it does mean Luton have four extremely winnable League games on paper in December to reignite their title bid.

Twelve points from those fixtures is obviously easier said than done but that must be the aim and such a return would see the Hatters in a strong position going into the New Year; despite an indifferent start to the campaign we at BetVictor still make Luton 2/1 favourites to win the title.

Don’t forget we will have a full list of FA Vase third round ties a week on Saturday when local clubs Ampthill and Dunstable feature.

The pair are 66/1 and 33/1 respectively to lift the Vase and the market is headed by powerful North East outfit Spennymoor Town who have been backed all rates from 16/1 to 2/1.

For all your weekend sporting odds check out www.betvictor.com

Be lucky

Charlie