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National League 2019-20: best handicap bets and free tips

Andy Hessenthaler can lead Dover to lofty finish after strong end to last season

Dover manager Andy Hessenthaler will be targeting the playoffs
Dover manager Andy Hessenthaler will be targeting the playoffsCredit: Jordan Mansfield (Getty Images)

Managers are often advised of the pitfalls of returning to former clubs but Andy Hessenthaler is doing extremely well in his second spell at Dover and could lead them to a lofty finish in the National League this season.

Hessenthaler returned to Dover last October and inherited a mess with the Kent side entrenched in the drop zone.

Before his arrival they had taken seven points from 15 games and were six points adrift of safety.

However, Hessenthaler's positive, energetic approach soon breathed new life into the players and survival was achieved with ease thanks to 15 wins, eight draws and eight defeats from the remaining 31 games.

Dover averaged 1.71 points per game after Hessenthaler's arrival and, if they perform to that level across the whole of the 2019-20 campaign, it should be good enough for a playoff place.

Despite the turnaround under Hessenthaler, there are low market expectations of Dover, who get a lofty start on the more-fancied runners.

But the club have spent the summer adding further quality to their squad and, if they finish near the top seven, they will take some stopping on the handicap.

Solihull Moors are another underrated side.

Moors finished second last season, one point superior to big-spending playoff winners Salford.

Tim Flowers' side have signalled their ongoing ambition by signing Paul McCallum, last season's National League second-highest scorer, from Eastleigh.

Moors aim to be major players in the title race and could be close to the top of the handicap picture.

Recommendations
Dover +18
1pt each-way 18-1 bet365
Solihull Moors +12
1pt each-way 18-1 bet365


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