Notts County Await News on Jodi Jones & David McGoldrick Fitness Ahead of Port Vale Clash

Notts County's head coach Stuart Maynard praised his team's recent displays. He highlighted their solid defence and clinical attack as they chase promotion.

The Magpies beat Morecambe 2-0 at Meadow Lane after a vital 2-1 away win against Gillingham. With eight victories from their last ten matches, Notts County are one of the division's form teams.

Maynard feels their accomplishments stem from players returning from injuries and the squad's steadfast belief.

“I think the squad injury list coming down and bodies coming back in recent weeks has made a big difference,” Maynard said. “I think we've performed to a very high level all season. I think we're in really good form, the confidence is high, and there is a real belief within the group, which we have had all year.”  

While Maynard acknowledges that results have not always reflected performances, he insists his team has deserved more from their losses and draws, barring the defeat to Salford.  

“If you take away games that we have lost or drawn this year, we have deserved something from them,” he stated. “I know it is easy to say that, but when you watch back and analyse, and you look at the chances we have created within those games and then the chances conceded, I think we deserve something.”    

Notts County have been very good at stopping the other team from scoring lately. They've managed to keep their goal safe 12 times this season. Maynard thinks this is key to doing well.  

“I am a massive believer that clean sheets bring you real success,” he said. “We are always going to score goals in the way we play, the way we set up, the way that we try and attack every game to win every game. But defensively, it is a huge credit to the whole group in the way that we have defended.”  

Maynard applauded his team's dedication. He emphasised their readiness to make physical sacrifices, especially toward the end of the Morecambe match.

Although Notts County celebrated a remarkable victory, concerns arose when Jodi Jones had to leave the match prematurely. Maynard mentioned that assessments were underway for Jones and David McGoldrick.

“We are still hoping that it is not going to be long-term,” he said. “We will know a bit more in the next couple of days. But I think the lads that came on had a real impact, Charlie Whittaker especially. He scored and was excellent all afternoon. I am really pleased for him, as a youngster to come in and score his first EFL goal – a proud moment for him and his family.”  

Next up for Notts County is a trip to Vale Park to face Port Vale, who remain unbeaten this year and have lost just twice at home all season. Despite the challenge, Maynard insists his team will approach the game with the same attacking mindset.  

“We do not look too far ahead,” he explained. “It is all about going to Port Vale now and trying to get three points. Every game we go into, we go in to win. We are a positive-minded management team, and every game we believe we can win.”  

Maynard admitted Port Vale will offer a difficult challenge; however, he is sure about his squad's capabilities.  

“The next game, as you are in the run-in now, is always the toughest test,” he said. “Port Vale are up there with us, fighting for promotion. Morecambe are down there fighting for their lives. Everyone is fighting for something in such a tight division.”  

Notts County wants to make up for losing 1-0 at home to Port Vale earlier this season. They will try hard to play better and get a good result in the next match. Maynard thinks his team should have done better in that game.  

“We lost 1-0 at home to Port Vale early in the season,” he recalled. “It was a game that we believed, when we watched it back and analysed it, even on the day, that we deserved something from. Whether that was a point or three points, you could argue either way, but we definitely did not deserve to lose that game.”  

Feeling pretty good and riding on a wave of success, Notts County is all set to keep their winning streak going as they face off against Port Vale.

If they can keep up their strong defence and keep pushing forward with determination, Maynard's team will feel confident about winning another important game and grabbing three valuable points.

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