By Chris
January brought Notts County joy in the FA Cup but disappointment in League Two, but February is a fresh month and we're all hoping the Magpies can kick on.
First up this month is Crewe Alexandra, who come to Meadow Lane and are likely to play before one of the largest crowds seen at the ground for years.
How have the Railwaymen done in recent weeks? Who are their danger men? Pride of Nottingham's Scouting Report sheds more light on these questions and more.
Head to head
Notts and Crewe have played 44 times in competitive games, and we have the upper hand with 21 wins to 14 defeats, while 9 draws have taken place.
The Magpies are unbeaten in their last six home league games against Crewe (three wins and three draws), finding the net at least once in all six matches (12 goals).
However, the Alex are unbeaten in their last three League Two clashes against the Magpies (one win and two draws).
Our last meeting came in October last year at Gresty Road, a 2-0 defeat for us.
Run-down of their last six features
Tuesday 26th December – Chesterfield 0 Crewe Alexandra 2
Saturday 30th December – Cambridge United 3 Crewe Alexandra 1
Monday 1st January – Crewe Alexandra 2 Grimsby Town 0
Saturday 13th January – Carlisle United 1 Crewe Alexandra 0
Saturday 20th January – Crewe Alexandra 2 Wycombe Wanderers 3
Saturday 27th January – Swindon Town 4 Crewe Alexandra 3
The Players – Fact Sheet
Highest Goal Scorers; Chris Porter 12, Chris Dagnall 7, Jordan Bowery 5 and Callum Ainley 5.
Persistent Foulers; Perry NG 8 yellow cards and 1 red card, Michael Raynes 7 yellow cards and 1 red card, Brad Walker 7 yellow cards and Eddie Nolan 5 yellow cards.
The Key Players
Crewe Alexandra have some very capable players within in midfield, none more so than Brad Walker and Tom Lowery, two very creative players.
One is your typical 'grab the game by the scruff off the neck' player, whilst the other works very hard to create decent chances.
Up top Chris Porter and Chris Dagnall are both strikers easily able to unlock their opposition and, despite the Alex struggling, they've done well to get their team goals.
Also up front, Jordan Bowery is a decent player at League Two level – he possesses something completely different from the other two strikers and his pace can be a tricky factor.
Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Crewe Alexandra are a decent League Two outfit, they are struggling financially and, as a result have been reduced to quite a small squad.
They possess a very capable midfield and strikeforce, which I am surprised they have been able to retain during this January transfer window.
Crewe’s main issues are their defence and lack of confidence within the camp.
On the field, they try to play football in the right way. They’re a good passing side that like to move the ball around promptly.
In possession of the ball they can use it well and, can punish teams by clever play – they try to hit teams creatively and with pace.
The major downfall for the Alex is their inability to defend well, individual errors often leads to scrappy goals and poor marking can often be very costly too.
Also, there’s a real lack of discipline across their team and this can easily take points from what can be a very tough side – they have fighting spirit which often sees them not give up but their poor play often is more than enough to change the final outcome.
Notts will have to be mindful about allowing any incidents to become out of control, whilst ensuring players are protected when on the ball.
Passing wise, it just has to be direct and creative. Husin and Noble have a real chance of unlocking for our forwards and Stead, Ameobi, Bennett and even Forte could find this useful (if the latter plays).
The pace will certainly be useful to have up top, as will someone of Ameobi’s mould and print.
I expect Crewe to try and keep it scrappy at the back, whilst keeping the ball down within midfield – almost how Notts tend to play themselves.
Winning the ball back will be key, but making use of it without forcing play would be highly beneficial.
The Magpies just have to be calm on the ball, mindful and creative.
This is a very good chance to ensure we crack on, however we can’t expect to go into the game at Meadow Lane and expect to steamroll the opposition.
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