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Saturday 19 August 2023 - Poxy Music

Photo by Sam Moghadam Khamseh on Unsplash.

Last weekend was a winning one and we are now betting with the bookmaker’s money.  But more of that later.


This week it dawned on me that I will never be a pop star.  Even now in my mid-fifties I thought it was just a matter of time.  I can’t sing, I can’t dance, I can’t play an instrument…all of the ingredients were there.  The arrival of my new driving licence has shattered that dream.  The photograph looks even worse than it did under the stark lighting of the Post Office.  According to my eldest daughter I look like a Mexican bandit without the hat, which if you know me is hilarious, but a more miserable Mr. Meaker from Rentaghost - one for the kids there - is probably closer to the mark.  Either way it is not the face of a future pop idol.  I just hope the members of my band Poxy Music don’t try to carry on without me when I break the news to them that I am giving up on my dream.  I was always the talent and they know it.

One dream the Post Office couldn’t take away from me is the quixotic ambition of making a profit from betting, and last Saturday I did just that when my recommended double came up in fine style (Bolton Wanderers winning 0-3 away at Cheltenham and Newcastle United thumping Aston Villa 5-1).  The bet was never in danger and the blog is now £28.25 up, so even if this week’s tip crashes on the betting rocks all is not lost.  

Whenever I am stuck for inspiration, I often turn to the American guitarist, singer and songwriter George Benson for advice and the words of wisdom I’m hearing are “Never Give Up on a Good Thing.”  Last week Bolton Wanderers (3/4) were a good thing and so far this season they are three wins from three (3-0, 0-3 and 3-1).  On Saturday they are at home to Wigan Athletic, who are bottom of League One but only by virtue of starting the season eight points in arrears as punishment for the club not meeting its wage bill.  Wigan have played two and drawn one and would be fifth in the table had they started level with their peers, but Bolton have home advantage and should make the most of it in their lunchtime derby clash.  The second leg of this week’s double is Peterborough United (21/20), who are second in League One behind Bolton and likewise winners of their first three games, albeit in less ebullient style (0-1, 1-0 and 1-3).  They are playing Northampton Town who have lost two and drawn one so Peterborough almost tip themselves.  Also Peterborough is a city and Northampton is a town, so a city beats a town right?  Winners back winners and so far this season Bolton and Peterborough are winners.  My “hypothetical” £20 win double currently returns £71.75 at combined odds of 2.59/1 with Sky Bet for a profit of £51.75 after deduction of stake.  

You never know.  I hope to see you next week.

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