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Notts County Stay Unbeaten as Stuart Maynard Reflects on Gritty Accrington Stanley Win

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By PON_News

Notts County's fine form continues after a resilient 2-0 victory over Accrington Stanley at Meadow Lane, leaving the Magpies unbeaten in five league matches and securing back-to-back wins. 

The win sees them climb to second in the League Two table, a position head coach Stuart Maynard is proud of, especially in light of recent challenges, including missing two key players, Dan Crowley and Jodi Jones.

Reflecting on the game, Maynard was quick to praise the team's collective effort in defence, especially the all-important clean sheet. "I'm delighted for the clean sheet. I feel that we deserve more this season in the way that we've defended. It's not just the goalie and the backline, it's everyone putting their bodies on the line. The work ethic today was outstanding, and our counter-press was excellent," said Maynard.

The absence of Jones and Crowley, both of whom have been standout performers, could have been a major concern for County, but the head coach had faith in the squad’s depth. "I think this summer, we built a squad. We needed to make sure that when players are out injured or suspended, we’ve got the same level coming in. Jodi and Dan have been incredible for us, and their numbers are unheard of at this level. But it’s important we have a squad that can step up, and the lads who came in today did exactly that," Maynard added, highlighting the team spirit that runs through the squad.

The game was also a showcase for young talent, with George Abbott making his home debut in front of nearly 11,000 fans. Maynard was full of praise for the youngster’s composure on the ball and his understanding of the game. "He’s got a very bright future ahead of himself. His energy, his game understanding, and the way he handled the occasion was incredible for such a young lad. He played like a mature player today, and we’re very lucky to have him," remarked Maynard.

Accrington posed a threat as expected, but Maynard’s tactical preparation ensured his team was ready for the challenge. "We knew they’d come at us with a man-for-man press, so we worked tactically on how to break it, similar to how we did against Grimsby. The lads executed the game plan excellently, and I couldn’t have asked for more," he said.

David McGoldrick continued his scintillating form, netting both of County’s goals, following on from his match-winning brace against Swindon. The first goal came from a clever assist by Jacob Bedeau, an unlikely source, with Maynard emphasising the tactical foresight behind it. "We like our outside centre-halves to overload in certain games, and Jacob’s movement created space for Didzy. The finish was Premier League class, just like his last two. We’re lucky to have someone like him leading by example on and off the pitch," Maynard enthused.

McGoldrick’s second goal, albeit deflected, further underlined his importance to the team. "They all count. We wanted to leave him on for the hat-trick, but he deserved the standing ovation for his work ethic today. Off the ball, he set the tone for us, and that was a big part of keeping the clean sheet," explained the head coach.

The fans played their part too, with Meadow Lane in fine voice. "Since I’ve arrived, the fans have been incredible. They stuck with us during tough spells, and now we’re seeing the rewards of that support. It’s easy to cheer when you’re winning, but our fans back us through thick and thin," Maynard said, clearly touched by the loyalty of the Notts County faithful.

As the team continues to build momentum, Maynard remains focused on the bigger picture. "We’ve had a great start, but it’s just that – a start. Titles aren’t won in September. The lads’ work ethic has got us where we are, and we need to keep that hunger and desire," he concluded, eyes firmly set on the next challenge, a tricky away trip to Bromley.

With the squad depth and tactical nous that Maynard has brought to this Notts County side, there is a growing sense that this could be a special season for the Magpies. However, as their head coach reminds everyone, there’s still a long way to go, and the hard work must continue.

Read up on loanee George Abbott's thoughts on Notts County's win over Accrington Stanley on Pride of Nottingham, and don't forget to share your comments!

Check out Fan of Big Tone's latest topic on Pride of Nottingham, discussing David McGoldrick's appearance on Notts TV's Team Talk!

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Joshua

Stuart Maynard is doing a very good job. We have balanced the absences and have shown that the squad has depth, even with some players leaving. I think the start is important, because maintaining this level of performance would help Notts to progress and stay at the higher end of the table. I am not getting carried away, as I know that form can change. However, I am encouraged by how strong we are defensively. Notts County has also proven that they can score goals.

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CliftonMagpie

It was impressive to see how Notts continued to play despite Accrington Stanley's rough play. I think Accrington Stanley were lucky not to have received a red card. Stuart Maynard's management during the game and his choice of players were excellent. I hope this will lead to more support for the club. This is a good start for the club, and we can build on it. If we can bring back the togetherness we had during the promotion season from the National League, that would be even better. I think Stuart Maynard is very polite and focused, despite the negativity expressed towards him. This is the start we wanted, and we need to continue to believe in ourselves.

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Robbie

Stuart is absolutely delighted in the form that Notts are showing, & he has a right to do so 

Stuart inherited another Manager's side that were struggling at the back & did his best to stabilise the side before season's end.

Now he can call this squad his squad, & he has put together a strong squad over the close season.

But it does need a Head Coach to gel those new players into a good strong squad, & Stuart is doing just that.

The work on the training ground is paying off & we certainly saw that in practice in the last three matches.

The players that have come in are working well together & Didzy, for example is showing a new lease of life.

It is early days in the season, & Notts are yet to play the top sides, but there is a buzz & a confidence around the Club at this time that this team can go places 

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liampie

the players and stuart maynard have done very well so far, i am encouraged by the start but i am more pleased that it shows our owners were right to back maynard. he might acknowledge the support which backed him, but there was a lot of unneeded pressure and the signs right now show hes perfectly fine in the role of head coach. i am so pleased that the lads are now more his players and have the results to show for all the hard work involved.

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Randall

Stuart Maynard really has the team firing on all cylinders. His ability to adapt to challenges, like the absence of key players, has been impressive. It's refreshing to see how he manages to get the best out of the squad, and the tactical planning against Accrington Stanley was a masterclass. Really looking forward to what this season holds for us.

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TheSkipper

There are no signs of complacency yet and Notts are respecting the teams we are playing, none of the games we have gone into feeling like we are above them ultimately. Notts has just worked hard, and it's showing, as the performances at home have been very good. When you talk about making a ground a fortress, you need to let the results on the pitch do the talking, this is exactly what is happening currently under Stuart Maynard.

I leap nothing but praise on the club for this fantastic start we have had so far. The players are really putting in the work and the training ground must be a joy to practice on leading into games when the results are coming.

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Blake

I think with the squad improvements this summer, Maynard is now starting to get the best out of the players. It's a promising start from Notts, and I’m pleased for everyone involved.

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NottsLoyal

I have to echo the sentiments shared by many, Stuart Maynard has done an outstanding job. It’s brilliant to see Notts County maintaining their unbeaten run despite some key absences. The tactical awareness to break Accrington Stanley's man-for-man press was evident and executed flawlessly. David McGoldrick continues to be a standout performer, and his leadership on the field is paying dividends. Young George Abbott’s performance also gives fans a lot to be excited about. His maturity on the ball is beyond his years. The crowd’s support at Meadow Lane is the icing on the cake. Keep it up, lads!

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Pride of Nottingham is an independent fansite devoted to Notts County, the world’s oldest professional football club. Created in 2013, it has served as a source of Magpie news, features, match previews, reports, analysis and interviews for more than three years.

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