21st January

Saturday. A day to make real progress with the challenge. I was determined to get on at least three games today.

First up, the lunchtime kicks offs. Games between Liverpool v Swansea and Rangers v Motherwell were ones identified for goals. I picked the Rangers games after seeing Liverpool largely shut out by the Swans. Over 0.5 goals at 1/7. Of course, the game at Anfield then exploded goals everywhere which left me anxiously hoping for developments at Ibrox. Not for the first time in this challenge, the unexpected team scored and Motherwell took a lead on 74 minutes. Panic avoided! We increased the pot to £24.03.

Then the 3pm games came. I had my eye on Doncaster v Crewe in particular. The odds hit 1/10 and for some reason I hesitated. Of course, Donny then scored as I faffed about and the chance was gone. Lesson learned and a reminder that we are not chasing odds in this challenge.

Nay matter. My back up game was Newcastle v Rotherham and surprisingly the game was still 0-0 after half an hour. Having just lost out, I was straight in with odds of 1/9 for over 0.5 goals. With the game petering out to half time, Daryl Murphy pops up in injury time to secure the bet for us. More small gains and now up to £26.70.

The evening games also provided good opportunity. Man City v Spurs was the obvious pick and after 25 minutes, despite being 0-0 there was plenty of attacking intent to show a goal would be coming. Odds hit 1/10 and I was on it. We would have to wait until the second half for the first goal but it was never in doubt and City went 1-0 up. Boom! Up to £29.37!

There was still one more game in particular I had identified in the Dutch Eredivisie, Runaway leaders Feyenoord were at home to Willem II and surely they would win. I was desperate to get on this game and watched intently waiting for odds to get down to 1/10. On 32 minutes they did. I selected over 0.5 goals and as I entered the stake, Feyenoord scored. Gah! I was fuming. But remembered that anger has no place in this challenge for missed bets!

To avoid trying to force a bet to make up for missing out, I called it a night, happy that we had made good progress for the day. From £21.02 we now stood just shy of £30. Not bad, especially after our midweek loss. We were back in action! And Sunday would provide plenty more chances.