All smiles as Notts begin brightly

As I began my journey to watch the opening fixture, I couldn’t help but feel excited. On the back of publishing a video, one in which I am very proud of. I found myself brimming with optimism towards the potential achievements Notts could make within the season ahead.

Upon starting my trip to Stevenage, I wondered what the formation would be and of course which defenders would be selected to play.

More importantly, I wondered what the current mood and thoughts were of the Notts County camp.

I set about my day fairly quietly, as I found my seat on the coach – I looked around, looking through the coach’s window and inside the coach itself. It didn’t feel much like an opening fixture for me, it felt very laid back and quite easy going.

The first thing I noticed was the eagerness of the fans to set about their own day, I felt quite proud when I noticed friends passing by with their family and friends, all sporting brand new shirts, for a brand new season.

See, I am often optimistic about games, after two difficult seasons and within the third year of running the Pride of Nottingham website, I felt completely at peace with the prospects ahead.

I genuinely felt at the time of relegation, that Notts would get things sorted and we would have a promising 2015/16 season.

As my coach approached a resting station for all the travelling Black & White army, I setup my camera. I wanted to do the community proud, not just those who visit and take part on the website, but my friends and fans in general.

I felt quite nervous heading off into the service station, the first picture I took, I somewhat rushed but it actually turned out okay in my opinion.

I walked around a little, then I decided to speak to a couple of fans I didn’t know. They told me about their thoughts, so I asked them what they felt the score would be – in fact everyone I spoke to, I did the exact same thing. I wanted to gauge opinions, as I do enjoy hearing other fans thoughts.

After speaking to about 7 other people, I bumped into a friend called Mattie and we discussed Notts to some extent.

It was at this stage, I realised nobody had mentioned anything remotely negative and it was all quite promising, as I feel we do deserve a good year after the past two campaigns. I spoke with Andy Black regarding the Italian Magpies. If any of my Italian friends are read this, We are very much looking forward to your return, I think this year you will be treated to some exciting football.

Once at the ground, I was talking and taking photos – Again, I must note how fans felt – The only concern I heard came from the possibility we may concede within the first 10 minutes and what the possible defensive line-up would be.

It wasn’t long after, I started to notice familiar faces. It was quite overwhelming, as many fans acknowledged the contributions I had made last season and some even praised my recent video. I am delighted that it’s been so well received, as it took a tremendous amount of planning and editing. I could be cheesy at this stage by quoting a Brian Adams song but I won’t.

At this stage, I briefly want to mention the atmosphere, it was spot on and amazing. I felt the fans truly gave Notts credit and encouraged what we witnessed, however much of which comes from the players and manager Ricardo Moniz, but I believe it helped.

So, into the actual game – I was very impressed even within the opening minutes. Notts looked very keen to attack, yet when Stevenage did come at us, we defended quite comfortably. I believe this allowed our squad to settle and find more time on the ball. When Stevenage looked threatening, it came from one player, Dipo Akinyemi, he looked to be very fast and keen to get onto their chances.

The way we moved the ball around, it was a joy to watch. It wasn’t always ‘perfect’ but I was impressed by the level of quality within our passes.

Each phase looked very creative, with no lack of ideas and some of the faster movement would have no doubt been appreciated within the Championship – I felt it was that good at times. The only thing I can nit pick with at this stage, was the fact I felt Jon Stead was pretty isolated but boy did he cover his ground well.

It did make me feel we need a striker partner for him, potentially a striker who has pace and an eye for goal himself.

The pass which lead to our opening goal, came from Jon Stead, it was a very well placed pass and excellently executed. The finish by Curtis Thompson, nothing short of sublime and he must feel delighted with having scored his first senior goal for the club.

Stevenage didn’t lack their own chances, at half time I told everyone who spoke to me ‘we need another goal, it will settle it’ and I felt my prediction at 2-1 to us may be the correct score.

As the second half got underway, Stevenage had a couple of chances whereby they could have gone level but not from any lack of defending. Thiery Audel did very well on his debut, in fact every player contributed very nicely.

It was good to see Liam Noble leading by example, he really has taken the new signings as his chance to forge his space and Stanley Aborah is an absolute joy to watch, yet I must add he needs to keep his hands and arms to himself, whilst of course being careful of his challenges but what an excellent player.

I didn’t actually realise our second came within the 88^th minute. I only realised this after reading the PON match report, though it’s a shame that Mawouna Amevor received his red card, yet I wouldn’t be disheartened by it.

All in all, I can see what Moniz is doing and I believe the latter part of the pre-season allowed him to reach his final decision on tactics. The final score 2-0, Notts clinching an away win and we all went home happy – for me it feels like we have turned a corner.