Punters fancy a McDiarmid Park draw

Mar 6 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

LEADING 2-0 at half-time a month ago, Ross County gave St Johnstone such a fright that only a sparkling second-half comeback secured a point – and yet another away draw for the league leaders.

The outcome also meant that six of the last 11 league meetings involving the pair have ended all square; only one of the other five has been settled by more than a single goal.

While County are the visitors to McDiarmid Park tomorrow, a sizeable number of punters have decided to back the draw (11/4, Jenningsbet) in addition to the 5/2 posted by bet365 against St Johnstone enjoying a one goal margin of victory, despite the home side kicking off as Coral's 8/11 odds-on favourites.

St Johnstone's record of five draws in their last six league matches has also persuaded punters to consider the 6/1 Betdaq post against it finishing 1-1 and Stan James' 14/1 odds offered against a 2-2 draw. Bet365 chalk 13/10 against it finishing with honours even at 45 minutes.

As we explained ahead of last month's encounter, County, who open at 4/1 to win with Boylesports, tend to be encouraged by their record in this fixture, which has a history of being surprisingly close. Nonetheless, other than a 2-1 cup defeat back in July, Saints have enjoyed the better of the league duels this term.

Only Morton and Clyde have lost more away matches than the Staggies, which suggests that should Saints open the scoring, rated a 2/5 chance by Betdirect, it seems likely they will secure maximum points.

In other markets, Betfred post 7/1 against a 1-0 home win, while a more favoured 2-0 Saints success is priced at 6/1 by Sportingbet.

The fixture has yielded 10 goals in three league matches so far this season, a record which suggests that Betdaq's 8/11 for tomorrow's encounter to produce more than two goals is worth considering.

Those who appreciate the value in this wager may also be inclined to take the 7/1 offered by Betfred against St Johnstone recording their third 2-1 league victory over County this season.

Odds supplied by www.betrescue.com