20th January

As feared yesterday there wasn’t much chance to get on any games at all. My eye was on the Roma v Sampdoria game, and after half an hour locked at 0-0 I took a keen interest as this was really the last opportunity to get on something. The odds were still too high, but as we approached 40 minutes on the clock the odds hit 1/10. I hesitated for just a couple of seconds too long, by which time I watched as Radja Nainggolan belt in an improvised volley out of nothing. 1-0 and the chance was gone.

Perhaps on another day I would’ve been more annoyed yet the loss the previous day gave me chance to put things into perspective. There was always tomorrow and we and only missed out on making an extra £1.50 or so.

However today has already started out much better. Bet 4 was presented in the Australian A-League game between table topping Sydney FC and Adelaide United. Sydney are on a great run of form, as opposed to their struggling opponents who are languishing in the table. A full strength Sydney side were on top in the opening half hour without really making it count. Nevertheless, I fancied them to come through big time. All the boxes were ticked – a big favourite playing at home, a full strength side, a team in good form and a team who scores goals. I was confident and perhaps a little over eager. The odds hit at 22 minutes and with last night’s miss fresh in my mind, I jumped on the bet at 1/10 despite a goal not looking overly inevitable. But you can never tell. I maybe could’ve waited, but then I also remembered that this challenge is not about chasing odds. It’s about placing the bet and giving ourselves as much chance as possible.

Half time came and went with the game at 0-0 still and Sydney would wait until the 58^th minute before breaking the deadlock. £15.28 became £16.81 and the bet for the day was done.

However, there is likely to be more to come...

And indeed there was. A night out on the pop made betting difficult, but I managed to place the £16.81 on a Belgian Division A game between Gent and Charleroi. I got on just before half time with odds of a relatively hefty 1/4, much more than we're used to.

Gent looked well on top, and what swung it for me was that their home form was excellent. They had won 10 of 8 games whislt Charleroi were in the midst of a poor run of results. It looked as if Gent had a full strength side out. I weighted it up and decdied to go for it. Perhaps due to having had a few drinks by this point...

However, luck was on our side and a goal did indeed come for the home side on 67 minutes! I resisted the feeling of invincibility and despite several other games I was pleased with increasing the pot to £21.02 and stayed disciplined!