Kevin Nolan says Notts County "got what they deserved" as they recorded a stunning 4-1 victory over Crewe Alexandra at Meadow Lane on Saturday.

The Magpies were watched by upwards of 17,000 people at the ground and, even though they conceded after just eight minutes, rallied round for a comprehensive win.

Shaun Miller opened the scoring after a defensive hiccup, but Noor Husin equalised with a Roy of the Rovers-style wondergoal on the quarter-hour mark.

Elliott Hewitt then grabbed a brace and Derby County loanee Mason Bennett added a fourth for an all-round fantastic day for the club.

"I enjoyed it," Nolan told the official Notts site.

"I thought the lads were fantastic and got what they deserved. It could have been more than four - some of the chances we created and the play at times was magnificent.

"I was a bit upset with the way we conceded the goal, and at that point I was thinking 'Typical us!' because we had started well, but that already seems like a distant memory.

"The goals showed what the team possesses. There was individual brilliance as well as team goals. At times it was a real joy to watch.

"Richard Thomas [assistant manager] works tirelessly with them about being patient in those areas and finding the quality, so the third goal has come straight off the training ground. It doesn't happen by accident.

"It was nice for Mason to come on and give us an injection of pace and something different to what we already have. I'm delighted that he got a goal on his debut."

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Alan Hardy has thanked the people of Nottingham for their support since the Notts County takeover was completed last January and is looking forward to a bumper crowd in today's anniversary League Two game with Crewe Alexandra.

The Magpies have been on an upward trajectory over the last 12 months, going from relegation scrappers to promotion chasers as well as still having a chance of reaching the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The January transfer window was also fruitful as three midfielders, one centre-back and one forward came in, but Hardy is eager to concentrate on the football, beginning with today.

"I'm very happy with the business we have done over the last month and I think Mason and Ben will be excellent additions to the squad moving forward," Hardy wrote in his Nottingham Post column.

"Now all the transfer business has been completed until the summer, we can concentrate on the football.

"As you may have read, for this weekend's game against Crewe we are expecting an incredible crowd - the biggest since Tottenham came to the Lane in 1994.

"Obviously, reducing ticket prices to £2 has been the catalyst but I wanted to say 'thank you' to the people of Nottingham for their support since I bought the club just over a year ago.

"I have been overwhelmed by the number of well-wishes, not only from Notts fans but the wider Nottingham public.

"I hope it will be a truly spectacular anniversary party! Come on you Pies!"

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Kevin Nolan has admitted that transfer deadline day is not enjoyable for him as a manager but is happy that he can now concentrate on Notts County's next fixture.

The final day of the January window was hectic for the Magpies, with Derby County forward Mason Bennett's loan arrival not formally announced to the anxious fanbase until 11:30pm.

In the end it proved a fruitful month of business for Notts, with Ryan Yates's recall offset by the arrival of three midfielders, plus a centre-back and the aforementioned striker helping to bolster the ranks.

Up next for the club is a League Two home game with Crewe Alexandra, which is predicted to bring a record crowd due to Alan Hardy's "2 for Crewe" offer.

“I don’t really enjoy the last day of the window,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.

“It’s too much because a lot of it gets in the way of what we are trying to do on a day-to-day basis leading up to the game.

“I’ve probably spoken more about players who are not here, than the players who are over the last month.

“It’s not for me, but it’s only my second proper window. I must admit I am not a big fan of it now I am sat in the manager’s chair, whereas when you are a player it was quite enjoyable watching it.

“I think a lot of managers are of the same opinion. When you pick the phone up and speak to them ‘‘it’s how are you?’ and the response is ‘mad busy trying to do this deal or that one’.

“But it’s part and parcel of the job and I will learn how to get better at it. I’ve got now my squad and it’s settled. We can now concentrate on the game ahead.”

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Mason Bennett has outlined his intention to help Notts County achieve promotion from League Two and get himself a winner's medal.

The 21-year-old completed a loan move from Derby County to Meadow Lane on Wednesday night, the switch officially confirmed by the Magpies after the 11pm transfer window deadline.

Bennett is expected to go straight into the Notts squad for Saturday's home game with Crewe Alexandra as the hosts seek to remain in the top three.

"I'm delighted to get the move done because it's been going on for a couple of weeks now,” Bennett told the Nottingham Post.

"I made sure I got up early so that I was ready if I received a call in the morning so there was a lot of waiting around, but I'm anxious to get going and delighted to be here.

"It's a great club and a massive club which is going in the right direction and I want to help it push in to League One.

“The manager is great and he's as delighted to have me here as I am to be here. I want to make a great impact for the team and help them push on to win promotion.

“It's a great challenge for me. I've been in the Championship and League One and now I want to come down to League Two and try to get a medal here too.

“I want to help the team fight for promotion. That is the main goal and that is why I am here. There are a lot of games to play so if I can get a couple of goals then that will be a huge plus.”

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Kevin Nolan has declared himself pleased with Notts County's business in the January transfer window.

The Magpies bolstered their ranks with the acquisitions of Matty Virtue, Noor Husin, Ben Hall and Mason Bennett, while Liam Noble could finally be registered after joining late last year.

In adding a centre-back and a forward, two areas which were in need of strengthening have now been duly reinforced, while Ryan Yates's untimely recall is now no longer a worry with three new midfielders able to turn out for Notts.

"I'm delighted with the business we have done. A lot of it was done early and those lads have had a couple of weeks to settle in," Nolan told the official Notts site.

"I feel we have come out of the window with a stronger squad because we have brought in a lot of youth to blend with the OAP squad, as people keep calling us!

"To get the two lads we wanted on the final day, which went right to the wire, was great. We have different types of players in each position, which is going to give me a selection headache."

Speaking about deadline day signing Hall, Nolan said: "We spoke to a lot of people who have worked with Ben and we're delighted to get him. He has had good experience in Scotland with Motherwell and he is a confident lad. We want him to push Duffy and Brisley to new heights."

Bennett, meanwhile, was formally announced half an hour after the window closed, and the gaffer added: "Mason has turned down good opportunities to go elsewhere because we are the club he wanted to move forward with. I'm delighted he has chosen us and I hope we can progress his career.

"You only have to look at him to see he's an athlete but we're not putting any extra pressure on him, we need to let him get on with his football and that is the most important thing.

"He has got every attribute to be a top player with the way he glides past people and his running in behind and we have to try and nurture that and get it out of him. He's a real handful because of his pace but he is also very clever on the ball. He will bring a lot and we are excited to be working with him."

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The first month of 2018 is now out of the way (it seemed to last forever didn't it? -JJ) and it's been a pretty topsy-turvy January as far as Notts County are confirmed.

An amazing run in the FA Cup tempered by a poor showing in League Two, while Ryan Yates's premature departure was followed up by not one but two midfielders arriving at Meadow Lane.

And that's before we talk about the long, anxious wait for a striker on transfer deadline day!

In this article, Pride of Nottingham recaps all the major news stories from January 2018.

January 1

Notts County claimed their second win in three League Two games after Jon Stead scored a late penalty to secure a 1-0 victory over Port Vale on New Year's Day.

January 4

Liam Noble stressed that his "head is in the right place now" as he prepared to begin his second spell at Notts County, being registered at the opening of the January window.

January 6

Notts County put in a superb performance to beat Brentford 1-0 in the fourth round of the FA Cup at Griffin Park.

January 9

Notts were drawn against either Swansea City or Wolverhampton Wanderers at Meadow Lane in round four of the FA Cup.

Haydn Hollis left Meadow Lane to join Forest Green Rovers.

January 10

Nottingham Forest recalled midfielder Ryan Yates, going on to send him on loan to Scunthorpe United.

January 11

As a replacement, Matty Virtue was loaned from Liverpool.

January 12

And Noor Husin then followed suit, joining Notts permanently from Crystal Palace.

January 13

Notts left Sincil Bank with a point after Jorge Grant struck the equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Lincoln City.

January 15

Notts County confirmed that the 2017/18 early bird season ticket price will be frozen for those who renew next season.

January 16

Notts were given confirmation by Nottingham Forest that Jorge Grant will be able to stay on loan at Meadow Lane for the remainder of the season.

January 20

Alan Hardy revealed that Notts County are quarter of a million pounds inside their budget at present.

Notts lost their superb unbeaten home record in League Two after fellow promotion chasers Exeter City claimed a 2-1 win at Meadow Lane.

January 23

Notts suffered a second League Two home defeat in the space of three days as Crawley Town emerged 2-1 winners at Meadow Lane on Tuesday night.

January 26

Notts announced the departure of Curtis Thompson on loan to Wycombe Wanderers until the end of the season.

January 27

Notts held Premier League side Swansea City to a 1-1 draw in Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round encounter at Meadow Lane.

January 29

The winner of Notts v Swansea was drawn to face Sheffield Wednesday away in round five of the FA Cup.

January 31

Notts recruited Brighton & Hove Albion defender Ben Hall and Derby County forward Mason Bennett on loan on transfer deadline day.

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Notts County have announced the loan signing of Derby County forward Mason Bennett until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old, who made his first-team debut for the Rams at the age of 15 to become the club's youngest-ever player, was snapped up late on transfer deadline day.

Bennett has played six times for the Derby's team this season, including the recent FA Cup third-round defeat at Manchester United.

However, his progress this season at Pride Park has been hindered by injury, his first start under Gary Rowett against Brentford in September ending in ligament damage.

A forward who can also operate out wide, Bennett spent time with Chesterfield during their League Two title-winning season in 2013-14 and at Burton Albion in 2014-15, when they also won promotion.

"I'm delighted to get it over the line because it's been going on for a couple of weeks now," Bennett told the official Notts site. "It went down to the last day and fortunately we have got it done.

"This is a great club and a massive club which is going in the right direction and I want to help it push into League One.

"The manager knows what I can do on and off the ball. He wants me to come in and give the team something a bit different to what they have already. I'm here to gain more experience and make an impact."

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Notts County have announced the loan signing of Brighton & Hove Albion defender Ben Hall on a season-long loan.

The 21-year-old Northern Irishman began his career at Dungannon Swifts before joining Motherwell in 2013.

A central defender by trade, Hall made his first-team debut for the Scottish side in December 2015, and scored in a 2-0 win over St Johnstone later that month.

Hall then joined the Seagulls from Motherwell for an undisclosed fee in June 2016, a move which riled then manager Mark McGhee.

"I am sure he will do well there eventually. They have got themselves a bargain," he said at the time.

"Ben is an excellent young prospect," Seagulls boss Chris Hughton told the club website upon signing for the South Coast club.

"His challenge is not only to progress but to be ready to make that step up into the first-team squad."

Speaking about the loan move, Brighton development coach Simon rusk said: “This is a great opportunity for Ben to gain experience in a first-team environment as Notts County challenge at the top end of the league table.

"He’s been a regular in the heart of defence so far this season and his form has rightly attracted interest from outside the club.

"It’s a fresh and exciting challenge for Ben and we wish him the best for the remainder of the season.”

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Notts County captain Michael O'Connor visited Scotholme Primary School in Hyson Green as part of the Football In The Community-delivered Premier League Primary Stars project.

The midfielder, who is currently recovering from a long-term knee injury, signed autographs and participated in a Q&A with students eager to learn about the life of an athlete.

The Premier League Primary Stars project uses the appeal of the Premier League and professional football clubs to inspire children to learn, be active and develop important life skills.

As well as engaging children in physical activity and healthy living, PLPS uses the power of the beautiful game to teach core subjects such as Maths, English, PE and PSHE (personal, social, health and economic education).

“Today’s project has been a fantastic day and a real eye opener for me,” O'Connor told the official FITC website.

"Like many people, I was aware of the work FITC within Nottingham schools but I didn’t quite appreciate the impact they have on the students.

"With a young family myself, it is great to see students, regardless of sporting ability or background, get the opportunity to enjoy the sessions these great coaches deliver.

"Footballers like myself and the delivery staff FITC have are role models to children with Nottingham and it’s great to see first-hand the impact they’re having."

Adam Dunleavy, Lead Coach of Premier League Primary Stars programme, added: “Scotholme Primary School are a fantastic example of a school have benefited immensely from the work we deliver in schools.

"We wanted to reward the pupils with a very special guest and Michael was a fantastic ambassador for the club on the day.

"My coaches, FITC staff and the children of Scotholme Primary would like to say a massive thank you Michael and we look forward to him being back on the pitch very soon!”

The project also saw fellow Notts players Jonathan Forte, Noor Husin and Matty Virtue visit Whitemoor Academy earlier this month.

Find out more about Notts County FC Football in the Community by clicking here.

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Alan Hardy has expressed his disappointment with drawing Sheffield Wednesday away in the fifth round of the FA Cup but believes that Notts County could beat the Owls should they get past Swansea City.

The Magpies remained in the hat for Monday's last-16 draw after holding the Premier League Swans to a 1-1 draw at Meadow Lane for a replay at the Liberty Stadium.

The winner of the tie will go on to face Wednesday at Hillsborough and, despite hoping for an away tie against a Premier League giant, Hardy thinks the Yorkshire side could be a similar proposition to third-round opponents Brentford.

“We were hoping this was going to be the big one after Brentford and Swansea. We were hoping this one would be Man United or Spurs away,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post.

“It’s not to be but it gives us a great opportunity to progress through the rounds if we can beat Swansea.

“We have got a chance to do that. We’ve shown we aren’t scared of them. I know the boys are up for the replay.

“Wednesday are an iconic club in their own right. It’s one of the great grounds in the country.

“It would be a great atmosphere. They’re well below Brentford in the Championship and we won there.

“There’s no reason we couldn’t do that again. The lads would love to go there.

“Sheffield is one of those great tribal football cities like Newcastle or Manchester.”

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Swansea City boss Carlos Carvalhal has praised Notts County for stepping up their game in Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round encounter at Meadow Lane, which enabled them to come away with a 1-1 draw.

The Magpies began brightly but their opponents soon stepped up a gear and had the hosts under the coash before finding the net on the stroke of half time through Luciano Narsingh.

Kevin Nolan's charges were much improved in the second half, however, as Jorge Grant spurned three gilt-edged chances in quick succession.

Eventually, County's pressure was rewarded as veteran striker Jon Stead turned home on the hour to draw the Magpies level and ultimately clinch a replay at the Liberty Stadium.

"After the first ten to 15 minutes we started to control the game," Carvalhal told reporters.

We created chances and took the lead against a side that defended very well and in numbers. We were prepared for that and we were in total control.

"In the second half we must give credit to Notts County. They played more long balls and were more physical. They scored and they deserved it during that period.

"After that, it was just Swansea on the pitch moving the ball. They were compact but we created two clear chances to finish the game.

The negative was not winning the game, but there are lots of positives about this game. We are still fighting in this competition. We have another chance to get to the next stage of the competition."

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Kevin Nolan has reiterated his support and pride in Jon Stead, who boasts a perfect goalscoring record of a goal a game for Notts County this calendar year.

The veteran striker had his fair share of criticisms in the first half of the season but in 2018, only Manchester City's Sergio Aguero boasts more goals than him in the four top divisions of English football.

Alongside scoring in every league and cup game this year, Stead also has a goal in every round of the FA Cup he's played in, and his tally this term currently stands at 11.

"I spoke a month or so ago about Steady and said his contribution to our football was absolutely terrific," Nolan told the official Notts website.

"Now he is scoring the goals himself and that is why everyone is talking about him again.

"But he brings more than that to my team, he has been magnificent and one of our outstanding performers of the season so far and long may it continue.

"As long as he keeps rattling them in, I'm sure we'll keep moving in the right direction."

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Kevin Nolan has lauded Notts County's "magnificent" performance in their 1-1 draw with Swansea City in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Magpies began brightly at Meadow Lane on Saturday but their opponents soon stepped up a gear and found the net on the stroke of half time through Luciano Narsingh.

Notts were much better in the second half as Jorge Grant spurned several chances before veteran striker Jon Stead turned home on the hour to clinch a replay at the Liberty Stadium.

"I'm absolutely delighted," Nolan told BBC Sport. "I thought the boys were fantastic, and we were unfortunate not to go in the break level, but the reaction in the second half was brilliant.

"The lads' work-rate was brilliant, and the togetherness, and the communication - we were magnificent.

"I think we showed them a bit too much respect in the first half, but we rattled them early doors in the second half, which was magnificent. And we got the goal in the second half, but we couldn't quite keep it going.

"It's [Stead's] vision in and around the box that does so much for us, and it's his nous that allows him to get in the right areas to score goals, let's hope he continues doing it for us."

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Alan Hardy has expressed his hopes of seeing Notts County repeat the heroics against Brentford in knocking Swansea City out of the FA Cup at the fourth-round stage.

The Magpies have done superbly in the competition, seeing off two higher-league teams in the Bees and Bristol Rovers, plus a banana skin in non-league Oxford City, to find themselves up against the Premier League side.

Hardy has described the third-round win over Brentford as the greatest day of his reign as chairman so far and is hopeful to become "the centre of the headline-writers’ attentions across the world".

"When I bought the club just over a year ago, never did I envisage Notts County playing a Premier League team in the FA Cup fourth round at Meadow Lane," Hardy wrote in his weekly Nottingham Post column.

"But it has now become a reality and we are hoping that, come 5pm, we will have become the centre of the headline-writers’ attentions across the world.

"I accept that nobody will give us a chance of winning, but earlier this month there were plenty who dismissed our hopes of getting a result at Championship side Brentford.

"In the end we produced a quite magnificent performance to win 1-0, in which determination was matched with inspiration as Jon Stead’s wonderful goal sealed a memorable victory.

"I said afterwards that it was the greatest day of my reign as chairman so far. I was so overcome with emotion I felt as if I couldn’t breathe.

"Should we do the unthinkable against a Premier League team blessed with so much talent, I’m sure it will eclipse that fabulous afternoon we experienced in West London.

"I know the players are absolutely buzzing with excitement because games like this do not come around very often.

"Equally, the fans I have spoken to cannot wait for kick-off because they know our home record is extremely impressive regardless of the last couple of results.

"Like our manager, Kevin Nolan, said in the build-up, he fancies us against any side at Meadow Lane so why can’t we beat Swansea?

"We hope to have more than 10,000 fans inside the ground, generating an excellent atmosphere to give the players further inspiration.

"And with our home record, combined with determination, quality, and incredible backing from the stands, we would give ourselves a fantastic chance of causing a real upset."

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Notts County have announced the departure of Curtis Thompson on loan to Wycombe Wanderers until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old has been restricted to just four appearances in cup fixtures this season, reaching a total of 100 appearances for the club he joined as a scholar in 2009.

Thompson, who will wear number 29 at fellow League Two side Wycombe, will not be eligible to play when the Chairboys visit Meadow Lane on Friday 30 March.

“Curtis is someone who impressed me when he’s played against us and I’ve kept tabs on him ever since, so I’m really pleased to be able to bring him here and work with him to help unlock his potential," Gareth Ainsworth told the official Wycombe site.

“He’s a tenacious midfielder – someone who can win the ball and give us extra strength in the midfield. We’re in a great position in the league and need competition for places all over the park to make sure we can consistently pick up the results we need to have a successful end to the season.

“I know Curtis is looking forward to getting some minutes under his belt and we may need to be patient with him while he recaptures some match sharpness, but I think there’s plenty of talent there and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do for us.”

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Swansea City manager Carlos Carvalhal has claimed that he "will not take risks" in Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round meeting with Notts County and admitted the priority is the Premier League.

The Swans sit bottom of the table but have picked up form in recent weeks, including a shock 1-0 win over Liverpool on Monday night, to give themselves a better chance of survival.

Since Carvalhal’s arrival in South Wales, the Swans have tasted defeat just once in seven games, but despite the morale-boosting win over the Reds, he says it will be a "totally different game" at the Lane.

"When I said Liverpool were like a Formula One car, I also meant because of their style of play. They are very fast in the offensive transition," Carvalhal told the official Swansea site.

“Against Notts County it will be different. Of course we are the bigger side, but we will respect Notts County. We will pick a team that can win the game.

“Especially in England, opponents will always ask you questions, so we must give the correct answers. Even the smaller teams are very organised and difficult to play against.

“And as we have seen in the cup competitions, such as the Carabao Cup, there can be surprises. We have to be ready and focused. If we do that, we will have a big advantage.

“We will prepare the team as well as we can to progress in this competition... our priority, of course, is staying in the Premier League, so we will not take risks in this game. But we will respect the competition and will respect Notts County."

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Kevin Nolan has given his Notts County players one simple message ahead of their FA Cup fourth-round meeting with Swansea City - "enjoy it".

The Magpies have seen off Bristol Rovers, Oxford City and Brentford to reach round four, where they have been drawn with the Premier League strugglers.

Although Swansea have picked up form in recent weeks, including a shock win over Liverpool, Nolan is eager for the players to just make the most of the occasion.

“Enjoy it,” Nolan said at his press conference, as quoted by the Nottingham Post.

“When I was playing, and because the priority was the league, I was always left out of the squad.

“But these are the games that, when I look back, I would have loved to played in.

“These games don’t often come along. It’s once a year and it’s how far you can get in the competition.

“I want my lads to enjoy it from now until 5pm on Saturday. And whether we win, or lose, I know they will have given me everything to make sure they get into the next round.”

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What's been happening in League Two over the last week?

Here is Pride of Nottingham's round-up of the biggest League Two news from the last seven days.

- Exeter City have signed forward Ryan Loft on loan from Tottenham Hotspur until the end of the season.

- Crewe Alexandra will be without leading scorers Chris Porter and Chris Dagnall for several weeks because of injury.

- The Railwaymen have also completed the loan signing of Carlisle United striker Shaun Miller on a deal until the end of the season.

- Mansfield Town leading goalscorer Danny Rose has signed a new deal which keeps him tied to the One Call Stadium outfit until the end of the 2019-20 season.

- Yeovil Town midfielder Otis Khan has been banned for five games for shoving the referee in Saturday's defeat to Chesterfield and will miss Friday's FA Cup tie against Manchester United.

- Colchester United have signed Millwall defender Paul Rooney on a deal until the end of the 2018-19 season for an undisclosed fee.

- Forest Green Rovers have signed West Bromwich Albion striker Tahvon Campbell on loan until the end of the season.

(Sources: BBC Sport and Sky Sports News)

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Notts County manager Kevin Nolan has stuck up for goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons following his red card in the 2-1 defeat to Crawley Town on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old was sent off in injury time for kicking out at Mark Connolly after claiming a corner, also giving away a penalty which Josh Payne converted.

“What I’ve said to Ross stays with us,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.

“Ross has been absolutely fantastic for me since he joined the club, but he knows he has done wrong.

“I am not going to protect him, but what we will do is rally round him and make sure he learns from this mistake.

“He’s still a young boy and this is his first major run in a team in the league ever.

“He’s let a silly push rattle him and it’s cost him. He’s probably going to miss three games and it cost us a point.”

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Kevin Nolan has criticised referee Scott Oldham for his officiating in Notts County's 2-1 defeat to Crawley Town, insisting "he simply wasn't good enough".

Tuesday's rescheduled League Two game proved another forgettable evening for the Magpies as they ended the game pointless and down to nine men.

Matty Virtue was sent off for a second yellow card before Ross Fitzsimons lashed out at a Crawley player for a red card and a penalty which was converted by Harry Kewell's side.

“I was angry for all the wrong reasons,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post after the game.

“I was very disappointed to lose the game and when you look back, it’s the little decisions that referees get wrong are costing us at the minute.

“One of those was Matty Virtue’s yellow card. It’s not a yellow – everybody can see it.

“The lad has won the ball cleanly. Then for the second red, it’s a goal kick and not a corner.

“But listen I am not going to try to look after Ross Fitzsimons in this because we all take accountability for our own actions.

“It has cost us a point, but if it’s a goal kick then it doesn’t happen.

“But I’ve said to the lads that to suffer back to back defeats for the first time this season shows how far we have come.

“I am delighted with that. I don’t want to keep harping on about referees but he simply wasn’t good enough to referee this game.”

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Kevin Nolan has claimed that managers should be given power to use video assisted refereeing (VAR) to challenge major decisions.

At present, either the referee or the video assistant can make use of the system when there is a "clear and obvious error" involving goals, penalty awards, red cards, or mistaken identity.

Nolan, meanwhile, is proposing a system similar to tennis or cricket, and thinks both managers should be allowed one unsuccessful challenge per match.

"You won't have as many stops, possibly only two. Once you've got it wrong, as a manager you have to say 'right, keep schtum and trust the referee', the Notts County boss told BBC Sport.

"Give managers a flag to say we want something reviewing. That stops the game right away.

"What it [the review] will do is tell the referee that he got something that he's seen spot on and that will give him a confidence boost, or they will go 'fair enough you have seen something different, so let's have a look at it'.

"What VAR does is give us the opportunity to go to the screen if we need to.

"Say I think it is a penalty and the referee hasn't given it, I can put the flag up and say I want to look at the penalty.

Then if we go to the VAR and give the penalty, I keep my flag. If it's not, I lose it and then we have the discussion afterwards. That is the best way."

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Kevin Nolan has claimed that no team has deserved to beat Notts County at home in the league since Portsmouth last April.

The South Coast side won at Meadow Lane at the tail end of last season to secure promotion and, since then, the Magpies had remained unbeaten on their own turf in League Two.

However, Exeter City have now ended County's superb unbeaten league home record, winning 2-1 on Saturday.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday night's meeting with Crawley Town, Nolan says his side will look to bounce back, and couldn't help but feel bemused about losing the record.

“We are just looking for a reaction,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.

“When we lost to Swindon, we followed that up with a really good performance against Port Vale just a couple of days later.

“For me, it does not matter we lost at home. It was a fantastic record that we held and hats off to the lads because we had some really good teams come here this year.

“Exeter were the team who ended the run, but I don’t think they deserved to win. In fact, I don’t think anybody has deserved to since we played Portsmouth last April.

“But I felt we did more than enough to get something out of the game at the weekend, and the only thing I didn’t think we didn’t do, is work the keeper enough. That’s what we have been working on over the last 48 hours or so.”

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