Saints level crossing at Dunfermline

Aug 15 2008 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

DUELS between St Johnstone and Dunfermline are notoriously tight affairs as a total of three goals in four of last term’s league matches proved.

Since January 1998, all but two of 17 league meetings between the pair have either ended level – there have been 10 draws – or been settled by a single goal. It’s a record punters should bear in mind when running the rule over VCBet’s 13/5 for tomorrow’s fixture to end all square.

Indeed, the bulk of punters are backing a Saints success and those who enjoy collecting their winnings early can get 6/5 at Coral for St Johnstone to be in front at half time. More precise types may fancy the 11/4 chalked by bet365 against them holding a 1-0 lead at 45 minutes, while plenty should like the 15/8 available at Betdirect for the home side to be in front at the end of both halves.

In Sportingbet’s ‘draw no bet’ market, where stakes are returned in the event of a draw, St Johnstone are an understandably short 2/7 and punters not anticipating a goalfest are offered even money by online bookie Betdaq for the match to yield fewer than three goals.

While many punters are content to acknowledge St Johnstone’s favouritism, it seems unlikely either side will record a 5-0 win. Accordingly, Betfred’s 7/1 chalked against a 1-0 home success has attracted support, while the 13/2 available at Partybets for the Saints to record a 2-1 victory has proved popular.

Odds supplied by Betrescue.com