English Football League 
/ Ian Lamont / 16 February 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Torquay boss Martin Ling
"The fact Torquay are spreading the goals around the team can be considered a reason for their success – as is a resolute defence."
You'll be hard pushed to find a more in-form side than Torquay and Swindon in English football at present, and Ian Lamont believes both will continue their good form on Saturday afternoon.
Torquay v Bradford, KO: Saturday 15:00, Match Odds: Torquay [1.82], Bradford [4.7], The Draw [3.7]
I am sure Torquay's seven straight wins must be some sort of record (they jointly hold a record for consecutive draws in English football, with eight). Martin Ling claims they are the best in England on current form, with a remarkable 41 points from a possible 48.
There is certainly little reason, on form, to believe that Bradford will defeat them. Not at Plainmoor, anyway, where Gillingham were the last team to win - 5-2, back in October. Only Oxford have left the West Country with anything since. The Gulls stormed to the top early last season but couldn't keep it going, before rallying and reaching the play-off finals.
Their current run is phenomenal, yet nobody has scored in double figures (Lee Mansell tops the list with eight). The fact they are spreading the goals around the team can be considered a reason for their success - as is a resolute defence. The last four games have been won 1-0, as have seven of their last 11 results.
Phil Parkinson's visitors, precariously poised in the bottom five, are still seeking their first win of 2012. They have to be watched late in games, because Andrew Davies equalised on 90 minutes at home to Port Vale on Tuesday - the third time the Bantams have scored in the last three minutes in five outings. One was in the FA Cup, but the other, from Marcel Seip, also snatched a point - at home to Morecambe.
Back Torquay to beat Bradford @ [1.82]
Hereford v Swindon, KO: Saturday 15:00, Match Odds: Hereford [5.2] Swindon [1.75], The Draw [3.9]
The Bulls have picked up some valuable points against promotion-chasing teams, drawing at home to Hereford and at Oxford in recent weeks. Wins at Dagenham and Burton have given them the tiniest of cushions above the trapdoor. Their resolve will be severally tested against a side whose manager Paolo Di Canio tinkers with each week. It keeps the players on their toes and shows tactical nous to deal with the specifics of opponents. Paul Bodin, back from loan at Torquay, has begun scoring for the Robins, as have new faces Luke Rooney and Paul Benson. They have the guile to get round the hosts' wall. Like Torquay, they have seven straight league wins.
Back Swindon to beat Hereford @ [1.75]
Accrington v Plymouth, KO: Saturday 15:00, Match Odds: Accrington [1.82], Plymouth [4.7], The Draw [3.7]
It is always hard to justify backing Accrington at odds-on, I find. They are the perennial over-achievers in League Two. John Coleman, in his 13 years before quitting for Rochdale, turned them from a Northern League side into one that had serious play-off credentials in this division. But they are so often priced as underdogs that when they are not you start looking for reasons to oppose them.
Plymouth, simply, must improve their away form to stay up. There is a chance they can do it if Nick Chadwick and Burnley loanee Alex MacDonald can link up to create chances or score. A hard-earned point at home to Barnet is one thing, notching more points on the road, to add to the three at Bristol and ones at Aldershot and Bradford in December, is another challenge. Stanley offer them a chink of light, with five home defeats. This might be a chance for the Pilgrims to add to Accrington's solitary home draw. Laying the hosts covers that possibility.
Lay Accrington to beat Plymouth @ [1.84]
Burton v Rotherham, KO: Saturday 15:00, Match Odds: Burton [2.88], Rotherham [2.6], The Draw [3.4]
Tipping a draw is always a bit of a long shot, but an initial look at the prices on this game seemed to accurately reflect the chances of a draw. Rotherham appear to be out of their recent bad run of three defeats, although they have only won once in four away trips. That was at Southend, who were not in great form themselves at that point. Burton lost again on Tuesday, to Crewe, meaning only two points from seven games now. That, combined with Shaun Harrad and Alex Revell being in scoring mood for the Millers, swings the result in favour of the visitors as they bid to hang on to play-off hopes.
Back Rotherham to beat Burton @ [2.66]
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