<?xml version="1.0"?>
<rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Articles: Pride of Nottingham (Notts County Community)</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/page/40/?d=1</link><description>Articles: Pride of Nottingham (Notts County Community)</description><language>en</language><item><title>Nathan Jones: 'Notts County showed why they are such a good side'</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/nathan-jones-notts-county-showed-why-they-are-such-a-good-side-r2191/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/NJ2.JPG.77a2ba46caaf7cbcb598c3ce5c78bc27.JPG" /></p>
<p>
	Luton Town manager Nathan Jones has praised Notts County for showing just why "they are such a good side" in Saturday's <a href="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/home/reports/match-report-notts-county-leave-luton-town-with-a-share-of-the-points-r2185/" rel="">1-1 draw</a> at Kenilworth Road.
</p>

<p>
	The Magpies fell behind in the first half against the run of play when Johnny Mullins headed home to put the hosts ahead.
</p>

<p>
	However, Shola Ameobi hit back with a header of his own to earn a share of the spoils for County, who had goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons to thank for a crucial point-blank save late on.
</p>

<p>
	Jones told the official Luton site: "I think it was a fair result in the end. We were nowhere near where we have been, but let's give some credit to Notts County because they must have contributed to stopping us doing that. I thought it was a very tight game, there was very little in it.
</p>

<p>
	"We scored from a set-play, they scored from a set-play and to be fair all our clear-cut chances came from set-plays and second phase. It was one of those games – a real tight game. For the level it's two good sides and we must be the two best sides in the league because the points say that.
</p>

<p>
	"We're both right on cue, both on 42 points after 21 games, that's what you need to go up [two points-per-game]. I think it's a fair result and let's give credit to Notts County, they came here and worked hard and showed why they are such a good side.
</p>

<p>
	"We have been in good form and we wanted to play a certain way. We didn't quite get that and I have given credit to Notts County for that, so I couldn't berate my players for it."
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2191</guid><pubDate>Mon, 11 Dec 2017 09:08:55 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Shola Ameobi: 'Notts County can mix it with best in League Two'</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/shola-ameobi-notts-county-can-mix-it-with-best-in-league-two-r2187/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/SA2.jpg.42b3c75ea38b376c339fd96c0d15ba2b.jpg" /></p>
<p>
	Shola Ameobi has claimed that Notts County were the better side in the <a href="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/home/reports/match-report-notts-county-leave-luton-town-with-a-share-of-the-points-r2185/" rel="">1-1 draw</a> against Luton Town, which proved that the Magpies "can mix it with the best" in League Two.
</p>

<p>
	The Magpies impressed against the table-toppers and, even though they fell behind to Johnny Mullins's header, came from behind to claim a point through Ameobi's reply.
</p>

<p>
	"We knew it was going to be tough and the atmosphere was quite ferocious," the veteran striker told the Notts site. "But I think we dealt with it very well, which showed the character of the players.
</p>

<p>
	"We were disappointed to lose the goal after having so many chances but this side have shown resiliency. We had to dig in at times.
</p>

<p>
	"They're a good side at home but we showed our quality. We're delighted to get a point in the end and it goes to show we can mix it with the best in the league.
</p>

<p>
	"I thought we were the better side. They have a lot of great attacking players but the boys at the back defended unbelievably well and I can't really think of a time when they opened us up.
</p>

<p>
	"It was important that we were solid, which we spoke about before the game, and the guys played them perfectly.
</p>

<p>
	"They've been scoring seven and eight goals against teams here so to limit them to a goal from a set-piece is testament to how hard we worked."
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2187</guid><pubDate>Sun, 10 Dec 2017 12:55:13 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Kevin Nolan hails "fantastic point" gained at Luton Town</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/kevin-nolan-hails-fantastic-point-gained-at-luton-town-r2186/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/KN2.JPG.6f3fb19f5f4f3208d74e31cdf2722c88.JPG" /></p>
<p>
	Despite remaining level with League Two leaders Luton Town on points, Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has spoken of his delight in edging closer to the "safety" 50-point mark.
</p>

<p>
	In Saturday's big game at Kenilworth Road, Johnny Mullins' header put the hosts ahead in the first half but Shola Ameobi hit back with a header of his own to earn a <a href="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/home/reports/match-report-notts-county-leave-luton-town-with-a-share-of-the-points-r2185/" rel="">1-1 draw</a>.
</p>

<p>
	"We limited them to very few chances," Nolan told the official site. "Ross Fitzsimons pulled off a great save at the end, but overall we had a lot of opportunities - especially in the first half.
</p>

<p>
	"They hit us with a sucker punch, but that's what they do with the quality they have. You can't switch off for a minute. Luckily enough we hit them back and it's a fantastic point.
</p>

<p>
	"We respected the fact Luton had really good attacking threats and I thought we thwarted them very well.
</p>

<p>
	"We're ever-closer to that 50-point mark now, which is very pleasing. We've just got to make sure we get there as quickly as possible.
</p>

<p>
	"Let's see if we're still going blow-for-blow with Luton in March/April, because I'm sure they're going to be challenging for the title come the end of the season."
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2186</guid><pubDate>Sun, 10 Dec 2017 09:23:39 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Notts County launch Generation 8 scheme</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/notts-county-launch-generation-8-scheme-r2184/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/magpies.JPG.4bd2abd480a4fde00106fc49c14acda9.JPG" /></p>
<p>
	Notts County have launched Generation 8, a new initiative which aims to generate interest in the Magpies among youngsters with a view to <a href="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/home/features/joe-jones-notts-county-making-a-name-for-itself-as-an-exciting-and-dynamic-football-club-r2175/" rel="">attracting future fans to the club</a>.
</p>

<p>
	Part of the scheme will see 3,500 replica shirts given to schoolchildren across the county, with a number of schools having already been handed the tops.
</p>

<p>
	Magpies owner and chairman Alan Hardy has invested £100,000 in the scheme and the club plans to visit Year 3 pupils at 75 schools to hand out junior shirts and tickets.
</p>

<p>
	So far Notts have visited Richard Bonington Primary School where they handed out 60 shirts and 700 tickets for next week’s home game against Grimsby Town.
</p>

<p>
	Hogarth Academy were also paid a visit and 30 shirts were presented to pupils by two of the club’s players along with another 400 tickets for the game against Grimsby.
</p>

<p>
	“Engaging with the community, as I’ve always said, is critically important to Notts County both for the now and for the future,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post.
</p>

<p>
	“If we are to be a success on and off the field, then we have to get out there and show the county what our principles are and how we want to achieve our ambitions
</p>

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</div>

<p>
	“That is why I am absolutely delighted with this scheme because children are the lifeblood of any football club. They are the next generation of supporters and are hugely important to this club’s future.
</p>

<p>
	“And I have been absolutely delighted with the response we have had so far. If we can see more black and white shirts being worn around the county, then it will be a job well done.”
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2184</guid><pubDate>Sat, 09 Dec 2017 10:18:00 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Kevin Nolan: 'Michael O'Connor doing really well'</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/kevin-nolan-michael-oconnor-doing-really-well-r2181/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/MOC.JPG.7e626259a5e5a0b313ce2e6fea42e852.JPG" /></p>
<p>
	Kevin Nolan has provided an update on Michael O'Connor's rehabilitation, saying the Notts County club captain is doing really well and is on the right track.
</p>

<p>
	The 30-year-old needed surgery to repair his cruciate ligaments and on his meniscus, an injury picked up against Portsmouth in April last season.
</p>

<p>
	Nolan says he is delighted with the progress made so far by the midfielder and hasn’t ruled out a return by the end of the season.
</p>

<p>
	“Occy’s professionalism has shown right through this process,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
</p>

<p>
	“He’s had a few minor setbacks, but the way he’s gone about it, the way he’s attacked this injury – he’s doing really well.
</p>

<p>
	“He had a lot of problems in that knee but it’s a testament to him, Tom Hallas and the people working behind him.
</p>

<p>
	“He’s done fantastically well and he’s got to continue working hard. We’ve just got to keep the reins on him and let him not go too fast too soon.
</p>

<p>
	“We want him back as quickly as possible, but as I always say, the health of the player is the most important thing.
</p>

<p>
	“We want him back when he’s right. He’s in a good place and I am absolutely delighted.
</p>

<p>
	“What a result it would be to have him back for the final few weeks of the season.
</p>

<p>
	“He has experience, intelligence and being your skipper, it would be a massive boost for everyone around the club.”
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2181</guid><pubDate>Fri, 08 Dec 2017 16:12:16 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Nathan Jones impressed with Notts County transformation under Kevin Nolan</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/nathan-jones-impressed-with-notts-county-transformation-under-kevin-nolan-r2180/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/NJ.JPG.5f6dd8934754ee4d8f9918718f93f545.JPG" /></p>
<p>
	Luton Town boss Nathan Jones has praised Kevin Nolan for doing a "fantastic job" in transforming Notts County's fortunes ahead of their League Two meeting tomorrow.
</p>

<p>
	The Magpies sit second in the table, level on points with the top-placed Hatters, going into Saturday's crunch clash at Kenilworth Road.
</p>

<p>
	A year ago, Notts were in the middle of a barren losing run which saw them tumble all the way to the bottom reaches of the table, until Alan Hardy's takeover and appointment of Nolan steered the ship.
</p>

<p>
	Jones, voted November's L2 Manager of the Month, told the official Luton site: "The worst that can happen to us is we end up in second place after the game and they end up top.
</p>

<p>
	"It's not the worst thing in the world, but it's a big game and we want to win those games.
</p>

<p>
	"We want to win and they will want to win. Both teams I would imagine would be going out to do that. I don't think it sets a marker down, it's just a big, big game you want to win."
</p>

<p>
	"With the two sides in terms of points and league status, it's two of the best in the league and there's very little to separate us, only our goals scored separates the two teams.
</p>

<p>
	"Kev's done a fantastic job there. He's got a real good team together, he's recruited well.
</p>

<p>
	"I know what type of character he is and he's instilled that in the players. So it will be a fabulous game and I hope we play the way we have in these big games lately.
</p>

<p>
	"It's two sides going head to head and I imagine both sides will try and win the game as they've got such a good record as well, so we're looking forward to it.
</p>

<p>
	"A draw might be a good result for them, or for us. In terms of what they have done lately, they're in excellent form, we're on the same points. They've showed they can win away from home as well as at home."
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2180</guid><pubDate>Fri, 08 Dec 2017 10:55:22 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Kevin Nolan remaining tight-lipped on how to exploit Luton Town weaknesses</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/kevin-nolan-remaining-tight-lipped-on-how-to-exploit-luton-town-weaknesses-r2179/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/KN.JPG.e5d319ed558509f094f293ef3fd24170.JPG" /></p>
<p>
	Kevin Nolan has remained tight-lipped about how to line up his Notts County side to face Luton Town in Saturday's big League Two clash at Kenilworth Road.
</p>

<p>
	The Magpies sit second in the table, level with points with the Hatters, who boast an impressive goal difference to sit top.
</p>

<p>
	Much has been made of Luton's powerful attack and free-scoring, and Nolan insisted that his side is relishing the encounter, which will give the winner a psychological boost heading into the festive period.
</p>

<p>
	“I am not going to say how we are going to go about it, because Nathan Jones (Luton’s manager) will know what I am going to do,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
</p>

<p>
	“They have played some lovely free-flowing football this year and you have to give them massive respect in terms of how they have gone about it.
</p>

<p>
	“But with the players they have I am sure that is what he (Jones) expected so it’s about us trying to exploit their weaknesses.
</p>

<p>
	“They may think they don’t have any, but we’ve seen some that we think they have.
</p>

<p>
	“If we can exploit them then we will give them a run for their money.
</p>

<p>
	“But we have to be respectful of what they do at home because they’ve hit a team for eight and two others for seven.
</p>

<p>
	“They’ve done that three times and they are a good side with some quality players, who they have paid lots and lots of money for.
</p>

<p>
	“But like I say when we do what we do then we give ourselves a fantastic opportunity of winning.
</p>

<p>
	“It’s going to be a tough ask, but it’s one we are all relishing and looking forward to.”
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2179</guid><pubDate>Fri, 08 Dec 2017 10:30:24 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>League Two news roundup: 1-7 December 2017</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/league-two-news-roundup-1-7-december-2017-r2176/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/5a2925c9e2fba_DONOTDELETEL2newsDONOTDELETE.jpg.a35a543f8ac33f511cea456571d3a64f.jpg" /></p>
<p>
	What's been happening in League Two over the last week?
</p>

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

<p>
	- Morecambe defender Sam Lavelle will serve a two-match ban for 'deceiving a match official' in earning a penalty in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Carlisle United, the Shrimps unsuccessfully appealing the suspension.
</p>

<p>
	- Exeter City re-signed centre-back Danny Seaborne, who began his career with the Grecians and helped the club win promotion from the National League to League One between 2007 and 2009, as cover for Troy Brown and Luke Croll. Seaborne had been without a club since leaving Hamilton Academical in the summer.
</p>

<p>
	- Yeovil Town signed free agent Oscar Gobern - who left Scottish club Ross County in the summer and has played for Southampton, Huddersfield Town, Queens Park Rangers and Mansfield Town - on non-contract terms until the end of the season.
</p>

<p>
	- Cambridge United changed the name of their ground back to the Abbey Stadium after eight years. They initially sold naming rights in 2009 and the ground had been known as the Cambs Glass Stadium since 2015 but the company has allowed the club to return to its traditional stadium name.
</p>

<p>
	- Newport County manager Mike Flynn claimed that he would rather spend any FA Cup prize money on a new training ground than new players for his squad in January - and with the Exiles having drawn Championship side Leeds United in the third round, more funds will be coming their way.
</p>

<p>
	- Notts County are being "challenged financially" because of their success this season, says owner Alan Hardy, with over £40,000 a month being paid out to players and management on win bonuses.
</p>

<p>
	- Carlisle United defender Clint Hill has revealed that he could play on towards his 40th birthday if his side mount a play-off challenge this season, saying: "I'm pushing 40 next year - maybe it'd be time to hang up my boots, but it depends how the next 20-odd games go."
</p>

<p>
	- Forest Green Rovers have signed midfielder Dayle Grubb from non-league side Weston-super-Mare for an undisclosed fee, the 26-year-old having scored 29 times so far in the 2017 calendar year, and will join Forest Green on 1 January, leaving his job as a sports teacher in the process.
</p>

<p>
	- More criticism came the way of the EFL/Checkatrade Trophy after Leicester City fielded an Under-21 side with six over-age players, three internationals and transfer fees worth around £45m in their 2-1 second-round win at Scunthorpe United, while Michy Batshuayi played for Chelsea in the competition a day after turning out against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
</p>

<p>
	- Chesterfield have signed Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Cameron Dawson on an emergency loan deal until January as cover for first choice Joe Anyon, who broke his arm in the EFL Trophy defeat at Fleetwood Town.
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2176</guid><pubDate>Thu, 07 Dec 2017 11:28:23 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Jorge Grant: 'I am happy to be at Notts County'</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/jorge-grant-i-am-happy-to-be-at-notts-county-r2174/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/JG.jpg.c77cdaa4149f0190c64240c15794e593.jpg" /></p>
<p>
	Jorge Grant has reiterated how much he is enjoying his time at Notts County after parent club Nottingham Forest confirmed they would <a href="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/home/news/mark-warburton-no-plans-to-recall-jorge-grant-from-notts-county-r2156/" rel="">not be recalling him</a> in January.
</p>

<p>
	The 23-year-old, who played a big part in the Magpies surviving in League Two last season, has picked up where he left off in 2017-18, his 14 goals so far helping the club to the upper spots in the table and to the third round of the FA Cup.
</p>

<p>
	There had been concern over whether Grant's superb form would prompt Forest to recall him in January and make use of him to help the club up the Championship table, but manager Mark Warburton insisted he would not demand for him or Ryan Yates to return to the City Ground until the end of the season.
</p>

<p>
	Grant told the Nottingham Post after the FA Cup second-round win over Oxford City that he was looking forward to remaining at the club, as well as giving his thoughts on the <a href="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/home/reports/match-report-notts-county-leave-it-late-to-overcome-oxford-city-in-fa-cup-second-round-r2161/" rel="">3-2 win</a> over the non-league side.
</p>

<p>
	“I am just happy to be here,” he said. “I am relishing being on the pitch and I am enjoying my football.
</p>

<p>
	“We showed our character in the end against Oxford. The boys are really together and we do things outside of football and on the training pitch. We work hard and we are all together as a team.
</p>

<p>
	“From a personal perspective, the game was frustrating because we wanted to win and it wasn’t really going our way.
</p>

<p>
	“Then during the game I was trying to concentrate on not missing the target from two yards.
</p>

<p>
	“After there was just relief in that all of the hard work we put into the game both in the 90 minutes and the training pitch paid off.
</p>

<p>
	“They (Oxford) were always going to give 100 percent no matter what. It was never going to be an easy test and I thought they handled themselves well.”
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2174</guid><pubDate>Wed, 06 Dec 2017 18:50:32 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Kevin Nolan: 'Notts County being cautious over Shola Ameobi knock'</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/kevin-nolan-notts-county-being-cautious-over-shola-ameobi-knock-r2173/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/SA-min.JPG.578dd3eb4a31b91d7120f2495aca0cfc.JPG" /></p>
<p>
	Kevin Nolan has provided an update on Shola Ameobi, revealing that the Notts County striker is touch and go in terms of his availability ahead of Saturday's League Two meeting with Luton Town.
</p>

<p>
	The veteran marksman sat out Saturday’s <a href="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/home/reports/match-report-notts-county-leave-it-late-to-overcome-oxford-city-in-fa-cup-second-round-r2161/" rel="">3-2 win over Oxford City</a> in the second round of the FA Cup with a suspected groin injury.
</p>

<p>
	Nolan insists that Ameobi is doing well but, due to having potentially aggravated a previous injury, the club's medical team are being cautious with him as they don't want to lose him for a long time.
</p>

<p>
	“Shola’s okay, but we have to wrap him up in cotton wool,” the County boss told the Nottingham post. “He tweaked a bit of a previous injury so we are just being careful and cautious.
</p>

<p>
	“We don’t want to lose him for more than one game. If it’s one then we will have to deal with that, but we don’t want him missing four, five or six weeks.
</p>

<p>
	“He is a massive part of what we are doing going forwards.”
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2173</guid><pubDate>Tue, 05 Dec 2017 17:19:16 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Alan Hardy: "We were hoping for a Premier League club"</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/alan-hardy-we-were-hoping-for-a-premier-league-club-r2172/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/GP.jpg.9c82274087340c353ccb2aa5f06469c9.jpg" /></p>
<p>
	Notts County owner Alan Hardy has admitted that Brentford away was not an FA Cup third-round draw that he had hoped for.
</p>

<p>
	The Magpies beat League One side Bristol Rovers and non-league Oxford City in the opening two rounds of the competition to go in the hat for the hallowed third round.
</p>

<p>
	However, the hope of getting a bumper tie against a Premier League giant was shattered with the pairing of Notts and the Championship high-flyers in <a href="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/home/news/notts-county-drawn-away-to-brentford-in-fa-cup-third-round-r2169/" rel="">Monday night's draw</a>.
</p>

<p>
	There is nonetheless a belief in the County camp of being able to pull off an upset against the Bees at Griffin Park.
</p>

<p>
	“We were hoping for a Premier League club, but we’re looking forward to it,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post.
</p>

<p>
	“They are a good side, but we will go into it with belief and confidence.
</p>

<p>
	“And we will go there well prepared because the management team will do a very thorough job of looking at their strengths and weaknesses.
</p>

<p>
	“It’s a good opportunity for us to progress to the fourth round.”
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2172</guid><pubDate>Tue, 05 Dec 2017 16:56:10 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Notts County boss Kevin Nolan up against Steve Evans of Mansfield Town for Manager of the Month award</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/notts-county-boss-kevin-nolan-up-against-steve-evans-of-mansfield-town-for-manager-of-the-month-award-r2171/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/5a266ffc5345a_KNSE-min.JPG.e9814902d23b87364d4d25960138e11e.JPG" /></p>
<p>
	Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has been nominated for November's League Two manager of the Month award.
</p>

<p>
	The 35-year-old, who won the award in September, is in the running again after an impressive month in which the Magpies remained unbeaten in the league and took eight points from 12.
</p>

<p>
	Wins over Cheltenham Town and Colchester United kept County's unbeaten home record intact so far this season, while on the road, they claimed draws against Yeovil Town and Stevenage.
</p>

<p>
	Steve Evans of Mansfield Town is also in the running for the gong after leading the Stags to an unbeaten month, taking 10 points from a possible 12.
</p>

<p>
	And in a nomination hat-trick for the East Midlands, Chesterfield's manager has also been named among the candidates, Jack Lester taking eight points from four games to help his side get within touching distance of safety.
</p>

<p>
	The fourth manager in the running is Nathan Jones of Luton Town for having claimed 10 points from the month's four league games and seen his side score 14 goals in the process.
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2171</guid><pubDate>Tue, 05 Dec 2017 10:08:38 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Notts County drawn away to Brentford in FA Cup third round</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/notts-county-drawn-away-to-brentford-in-fa-cup-third-round-r2169/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/cup.JPG.68aa57a96b2d9e5621037e5a0db7ccf5.JPG" /></p>
<p>
	Notts County have been drawn away at Brentford in the third round of the FA Cup.
</p>

<p>
	The draw was made on Monday evening, with Magpies fans hoping to get a plum tie against a Premier League giant.
</p>

<p>
	Instead, Notts will be heading to Griffin Park to face the Bees, who currently sit 11th in the Championship table.
</p>

<p>
	There is a possibility that Kevin Nolan's side could come up against former Notts man Alan Judge, although he has been sidelined since last year and, although he is stepping up his rehabilitation from a broken leg, there is no timeframe on his return yet.
</p>

<p>
	The Magpies overcame League One side Bristol Rovers and National League South outfit Oxford City to make it this far.
</p>

<p>
	Ties will take place between 5 and 7 January 2018.
</p>

<p>
	<u><strong>Third-round draw in full</strong></u>
</p>

<p>
	Ipswich Town v Sheffield United
</p>

<p>
	Watford v Bristol City
</p>

<p>
	Birmingham City v Burton Albion
</p>

<p>
	Liverpool v Everton
</p>

<p>
	Brighton &amp; Hove Albion v Crystal Palace
</p>

<p>
	Aston Villa v Woking or Peterborough United
</p>

<p>
	Bournemouth v AFC Fylde or Wigan
</p>

<p>
	Coventry City v Stoke City
</p>

<p>
	Newport County v Leeds United
</p>

<p>
	Bolton Wanderers v Huddersfield Town
</p>

<p>
	Port Vale v Bradford City
</p>

<p>
	Nottingham Forest v Arsenal
</p>

<p>
	Brentford v Notts County
</p>

<p>
	Queens Park Rangers v MK Dons
</p>

<p>
	Manchester United v Derby County
</p>

<p>
	Forest Green Rovers or Exeter City v West Bromwich Albion
</p>

<p>
	Doncaster Rovers v Slough Town or Rochdale
</p>

<p>
	Tottenham Hotspur v AFC Wimbledon
</p>

<p>
	Middlesbrough v Sunderland
</p>

<p>
	Fleetwood or Hereford v Leicester City
</p>

<p>
	Blackburn Rovers or Crewe Alexandra v Hull City
</p>

<p>
	Cardiff City v Mansfield Town
</p>

<p>
	Manchester City v Burnley
</p>

<p>
	Shrewsbury Town v West Ham United
</p>

<p>
	Wolverhampton Wanderers v Swansea City
</p>

<p>
	Stevenage v Reading
</p>

<p>
	Newcastle United v Luton Town
</p>

<p>
	Millwall v Barnsley
</p>

<p>
	Fulham v Southampton
</p>

<p>
	Wycombe Wanderers v Preston North End
</p>

<p>
	Norwich City v Chelsea
</p>

<p>
	Gillingham or Carlisle United v Sheffield Wednesday
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2169</guid><pubDate>Mon, 04 Dec 2017 19:39:00 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Mark Jones reveals Oxford City player heartbreak after FA Cup loss to Notts County</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/mark-jones-reveals-oxford-city-player-heartbreak-after-fa-cup-loss-to-notts-county-r2168/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/MJ.jpg.2975fc0b72cf3a77fe60c9d2949f007b.jpg" /></p>
<p>
	Oxford City manager Mark Jones has spoken of his players' heartbreak in losing late on to Notts County in Saturday's FA Cup second-round encounter.
</p>

<p>
	The National League South strugglers were seconds away from reaching the third round draw for the first time, having pegged the hosts back twice at Meadow Lane.
</p>

<p>
	Deep into injury time, however, Jorge Grant scored on the rebound with virtually the last kick of the match to clinch a <a href="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/home/reports/match-report-notts-county-leave-it-late-to-overcome-oxford-city-in-fa-cup-second-round-r2161/" rel="">3-2 victory</a> and put Notts in the hat for round three.
</p>

<p>
	Jones told the Oxford Mail: “It was heartbreaking, there were a few tears in the dressing room.
</p>

<p>
	“The boys gave everything and we were obviously seconds away from a great result and getting them back to our place.
</p>

<p>
	“We thought we were going to be in the hat for the third round. It was so so close, and sometimes football and life can be cruel.
</p>

<p>
	“When we first started on this road away to Whitehawk in September we could never have imagined experiencing this.
</p>

<p>
	“I just wish we could have held on, because it would have been a fantastic achievement to be in the hat for the third round, but it was not meant to be.
</p>

<p>
	“We’ve got to get over it. We’re in a poor position in the league. We showed we’ve got more than enough quality about us not to be down there, but we’ll pick the lads up and stick together.”
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2168</guid><pubDate>Mon, 04 Dec 2017 13:29:00 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Kevin Nolan: 'Jorge Grant is a special kind of player'</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/kevin-nolan-jorge-grant-is-a-special-kind-of-player-r2167/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/JG2.JPG.0ef9f5f932e8b892a620e75e95b3bd15.JPG" /></p>
<p>
	Kevin Nolan has reiterated that Jorge Grant is a special talent as he continues to conjure up the magic for Notts County.
</p>

<p>
	The 23-year-old loanee registered his 14th goal of the campaign on Saturday as he helped the Magpies into the third round of the FA Cup.
</p>

<p>
	In the second-round meeting with Oxford City, Grant was perfectly placed in the box to smash home a rebounded shot in the 94th minute for a <a href="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/home/reports/match-report-notts-county-leave-it-late-to-overcome-oxford-city-in-fa-cup-second-round-r2161/" rel="">3-2 win</a>.
</p>

<p>
	“We speak to Jorge about it, it just comes to him in the box. It’s not him being lucky, it’s having a nous to be able to do that,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
</p>

<p>
	“For me, that’s what he is. He’s a special kind of player because even if he’s not having a major impact on the game, he can pop up with something.
</p>

<p>
	“He’s the furthest one out of the box and he’s the one who ends up scoring a goal and it’s a testament to what he does and the work he does on the training ground and he’s getting better and better.
</p>

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<p>
	 
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2167</guid><pubDate>Mon, 04 Dec 2017 10:10:43 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Alan Hardy: 'Notts County paying over &#xA3;40k per month in win bonuses'</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/alan-hardy-notts-county-paying-over-%C2%A340k-per-month-in-win-bonuses-r2165/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/AH.JPG.0fd73772d5ad71cd636334b4ae4f21d5.JPG" /></p>
<p>
	Alan Hardy has revealed that Notts County are paying over £40,000 a month in win bonuses to manager Kevin Nolan and the club's players.
</p>

<p>
	Hardy took over the Magpies from Ray Trew in January with the club facing a winding-up petition brought by HM Revenue &amp; Customs and has done a fine job of repairing the club from top to bottom.
</p>

<p>
	County are currently second in the League Two table and <a href="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/home/reports/match-report-notts-county-leave-it-late-to-overcome-oxford-city-in-fa-cup-second-round-r2161/" rel="">beat Oxford City 3-2</a> on Saturday to reach the FA Cup third round, which brings the prospect of a bumper tie against a Premier League giant.
</p>

<p>
	Hardy told BBC Radio Nottingham: "It's going the wrong way [financially] due to the fact the players are doing so well on the pitch.
</p>

<p>
	"Each month we're paying out over £40,000 in bonuses to players and management because they are on great win bonuses. That's how you motivate people, by putting it out there.
</p>

<p>
	"You get bonuses for being top of the league, bonuses for [being in the] top three, and that's why players are scoring in the 96th minute, because it all goes towards motivation."
</p>

<p>
	Hardy also admitted that, if the upward trend on the pitch were to continue in the long term, he might have to seek outside investment or step aside.
</p>

<p>
	"I can sustain it up until we get to the Championship and then I think it's a different model and I don't think it's a model that I can personally sustain," he said.
</p>

<p>
	"Whether that's foreign investment and they bring in their own management team, or they want me to stay on.
</p>

<p>
	"We're a few years away from that, but I think I've got to be realistic in the fact I won't be taking this club to the Premier League because I haven't got the means."
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2165</guid><pubDate>Sun, 03 Dec 2017 17:20:30 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Jorge Grant: 'Winner over Oxford City one of best feelings I've had in football'</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/jorge-grant-winner-over-oxford-city-one-of-best-feelings-ive-had-in-football-r2163/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/JG2-min.jpg.fa9acef8360f5ff88a9d24ccf480b41f.jpg" /></p>
<p>
	Jorge Grant has described his last-gasp winning goal in the <a href="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/home/reports/match-report-notts-county-leave-it-late-to-overcome-oxford-city-in-fa-cup-second-round-r2161/" rel="">3-2 FA Cup win</a> over Oxford City as "one of the best feelings" he has experienced in football.
</p>

<p>
	The Nottingham Forest loanee struck deep into stoppage time with the scores level and the prospect of a second-round replay looming to put Notts into the third round for the first time in six seasons.
</p>

<p>
	Grant, who has been a sensation for the Magpies this season and last, scored his 14th goal of the campaign and was understandably delighted after the game.
</p>

<p>
	"I played the ball out wide to Terry Hawkridge and thought I had to get in the box to the back post," Grant told the official Notts site.
</p>

<p>
	"Luckily enough the goalkeeper parried the ball straight to me so I concentrated on not missing the target from two yards out!
</p>

<p>
	"The way the game was going was frustrating for us but afterwards was just relief for all the hard work we have put in through the week and the 90 minutes. It's one of the best feelings I have had."
</p>

<p>
	Speaking about Saturday's opponents, Grant added: "Oxford City were very good. They were always going to come here and give it 100%.
</p>

<p>
	"They shouldn't be as low as they are in their league; they played some good football and gave us a difficult test.
</p>

<p>
	"The gaffer told us to relax at half-time. They got under our skin a little in the first half; we were slashing at things and doing things we wouldn't normally do, so we had to keep our composure."
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2163</guid><pubDate>Sun, 03 Dec 2017 11:21:49 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Kevin Nolan full of praise for Notts County and for Oxford City</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/kevin-nolan-full-of-praise-for-notts-county-and-for-oxford-city-r2162/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/KN.JPG.5d4d97d1e77daa4b11c89a87457b8edf.JPG" /></p>
<p>
	Kevin Nolan has paid tribute both to his Notts County players and FA Cup second-round opponents Oxford City after Saturday's encounter at Meadow Lane ended in a <a href="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/home/reports/match-report-notts-county-leave-it-late-to-overcome-oxford-city-in-fa-cup-second-round-r2161/" rel="">3-2 win</a> for the home side.
</p>

<p>
	The Magpies led on 31 minutes when Oxford failed to clear Carl Dickinson's cross into the box, allowing Richard Duffy to hook home from close range, but Rob Sinclair then levelled for the visitors on 53 minutes.
</p>

<p>
	Within two minutes, Notts were back in front, Stead scoring from the penalty spot after Freddie Grant had brought down Terry Hawkridge, but Matt Paterson fired home in from close range to leave the visitors on the verge of a replay.
</p>

<p>
	However, with the last play of the game, Jonathan Forte's header from Hawkridge's cross was saved, and Notts top scorer Jorge Grant finished from close range at the far post.
</p>

<p>
	"I'm very relieved and rightly so because weren't up to scratch today," Nolan told the official Notts site.
</p>

<p>
	"Oxford City came with a great gameplan and stuck to it, which knocked us out of our stride a bit.
</p>

<p>
	"But the resilience, togetherness and camaraderie the lads showed to score a last-minute winner again is absolutely fantastic and great testament to how far they have come in a short space of time.
</p>

<p>
	"We weren't at our normal levels today but we found a way to win, which is always a great trait to have as a team.
</p>

<p>
	"Oxford City were first-class and are very unlucky to be on the losing side. They played us really well and probably deserved more, but that's the drama of the FA Cup."
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2162</guid><pubDate>Sat, 02 Dec 2017 21:05:02 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Alan Hardy urges Notts County fans to continue being part of "revolution"</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/alan-hardy-urges-notts-county-fans-to-continue-being-part-of-revolution-r2160/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/AH.JPG.9fb8453b9c77cb7a928e23ed81f3b4f3.JPG" /></p>
<p>
	Alan Hardy has thanked the Notts County fanbase for their role in the club's "revolution" over the past year and has challenged them to make Meadow Lane "the busiest it has been for 25 years".
</p>

<p>
	This time last year, the Magpies were in the middle of a horrid losing run but now sit in the top places of League Two and have a chance of reaching the third round of the FA Cup.
</p>

<p>
	In his weekly <a href="http://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/sport-opinion/i-challenge-fans-sell-out-863640" rel="external nofollow">Nottingham Post column</a>, Hardy wrote: "I would like to thank our supporters for making Notts County the fastest growing football club in the East Midlands, and challenge them to make Meadow Lane the busiest it has been for 25 years.
</p>

<p>
	"I am an impatient man when it comes to wanting success, but, taking stock of what has been achieved this year, I realise how much the fans are buying into our Magpies revolution.
</p>

<p>
	"When I arrived at the club, our average attendance had slumped to 4,353 and was projected to dip below 4,000 as a result of three home victories in the calendar year 2016.
</p>

<p>
	"Now, though, our average attendance after 10 home league matches – and eight wins – so far this season is 7,186 – a 65 percent increase.
</p>

<p>
	"For us to be successful we must continue to sustain growth in our fanbase year-on-year.
</p>

<p>
	"So, I challenge Notts fans to deliver the highest average crowd at Meadow Lane for a quarter of a century.
</p>

<p>
	"We have not had an average attendance of over 10,000 since 1992, when Derek Pavis and Neil Warnock had us in the top flight.
</p>

<p>
	"The best since then was 8,314 in 1993-94 and we’re not too far behind that tally so the challenge between now and the end of the season is for us to better that because the manager and players deserve it.
</p>

<p>
	"My commitment to supporters is to fund and create an environment in which this club can challenge for promotion, deliver improvements to the infrastructure and facilities on and off the pitch and give them a club they can be proud of.
</p>

<p>
	"I have another challenge for the fans - sell out Meadow Lane for at least one game before the end of the season. I'll do my bit to make it affordable for 19,500 fans to come - make sure you do yours.
</p>

<p>
	"This season has the potential to be a special one for the club. Make sure you play your part, starting when we welcome Oxford City for an exciting Emirates FA Cup tie on Saturday. Your support will be more important than ever - so see you down at the Lane!"
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2160</guid><pubDate>Sat, 02 Dec 2017 10:30:46 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Kevin Nolan: 'Notts County must be fully focused against Oxford City'</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/kevin-nolan-notts-county-must-be-fully-focused-against-oxford-city-r2157/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/KN3.JPG.e127dc2a9c399e24e21f7f80b81a4b8e.JPG" /></p>
<p>
	Kevin Nolan has revealed he is trying to keep pre-match preparations as normal as possible for Notts County amid the increased media interest ahead of their televised FA Cup second-round meeting with Oxford City.
</p>

<p>
	The game has been moved to a 12:30pm kickoff and will be broadcast on BT Sport as the high-flying Magpies take on the National League South side, who beat Colchester United in the first round of the competition.
</p>

<p>
	Nolan is well aware that the disparity in league positions between the two teams has led to people "expecting us to win" but is also aware that complacency will lead to "one big bite on the bum".
</p>

<p>
	“It’s another game, it’s the next one that’s on the fixture list," Nolan told the Nottingham Post. "We’re on BT, so that’s a bit of difference – shall we say the glamour that brings, a lot more media stuff to do and lots more things to be involved in.
</p>

<p>
	“We’re trying to keep it as normal as possible for the lads and keep everything the same so they know how important this is moving forward, making sure that we apply ourselves in the right manner to get through to the next round.
</p>

<p>
	“If we don’t, and these have already beaten a good side in Colchester, who we all saw last week and are more than capable, and are going to be good in this division taking us right to the wire. For them to have that scalp already – they’ll coming here with no fear, to enjoy the experience.
</p>

<p>
	“A lot of it is going to be a lot different to what it normally is on a match day. What my lads can’t do is be distracted by that, or get taken away from the actual thing which is the football game and that’s what everyone is here for – for the football game.
</p>

<p>
	“We’ve got to make sure that we remain focused on solely that. Enjoy all the rest of it, but at the front of your mind is what goes on, on Saturday afternoon at 12:30pm. It’s about making sure what we do and if we do that, I’m very confident we can be in the next round.
</p>

<p>
	“Everyone’s expecting us to win, I know that’s not the reality. If we apply ourselves, if we play to the best of our abilities and the way we have then it gives us a fantastic opportunity of getting through to the next round. If we don’t, we’ll be in for one big bite on the bum. Every one of them will be on the top of their game, they’ll be raring to go.”
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2157</guid><pubDate>Fri, 01 Dec 2017 11:57:38 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Mark Warburton: 'No plans to recall Jorge Grant from Notts County'</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/mark-warburton-no-plans-to-recall-jorge-grant-from-notts-county-r2156/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/JG2.JPG.93ab0e38f3c1396a6a00e27143579127.JPG" /></p>
<p>
	Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton has confirmed that he has no plans to recall Jorge Grant from his loan spell at Notts County in January.
</p>

<p>
	The 22-year-old has been a revelation at Meadow Lane both last season, helping the Magpies survive in League Two, and this season, scoring 13 goals to help the club towards the top of the table.
</p>

<p>
	Warburton believes that Grant is in the best place to continue his development, as he is playing regular football in a side flying high, and admits that "all parties are benefitting from the agreement".
</p>

<p>
	“I have been asked by fans and I see comments on websites about it all the time,” Warburton told the Nottingham Post.
</p>

<p>
	“The first thing to say is that Jorge is benefitting from the loan and Notts County are benefitting from the loan and from his performances. That is the first point.
</p>

<p>
	“Secondly, he would have to come back here and be better than Daryl Murphy, better than Tyler Walker, better than Ben Brereton, Jamie Ward, Apostolos Vellios, Barrie McKay and all the other players in the squad.
</p>

<p>
	“And we do have good options; we have quality attacking options. So do you bring a player back to sit on the bench or just to be in the squad, or do you let him play and develop?
</p>

<p>
	“It is a big jump in level as well, have no doubt about that. All thought is always given to what we can do with loan players, but it has to be appropriate and it is all about the player’s development.
</p>

<p>
	“It is absolutely the right place for him to stay. He is playing, he is getting pitch time - he has gone out of the club to get that time. He is doing very well for Notts County and they are looking after him exceptionally well.
</p>

<p>
	“At the moment all parties are benefitting. He is doing well. Right now he is doing really well, he is scoring goals for them, they are top of the division and he is working hard.
</p>

<p>
	“Notts County are doing very well, they have a great set-up and all parties are benefitting from the agreement.”
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2156</guid><pubDate>Fri, 01 Dec 2017 11:42:37 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Les Bradd to discuss career in Notts County Football in the Community event</title><link>https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/articles/news/les-bradd-to-discuss-career-in-notts-county-football-in-the-community-event-r2155/</link><description><![CDATA[
<p><img src="https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/uploads/monthly_2017_12/LB.jpg.5f13a59520a0b8f6bbb7768c21eeb793.jpg" /></p>
<p>
	Notts County legend and all-time top goalscorer Les Bradd will be discussing his illustrious career at a fundraising event hosted by <a href="http://nottscountyfitc.org.uk/evening-les-bradd-trip-meadow-lane/" rel="external nofollow">Football In The Community</a>.
</p>

<p>
	The event is on Thursday 7 December at the Poppy and Pint bar in West Bridgford, with its doors opening at 7:30pm for an 8pm start.
</p>

<p>
	For £9.90, you will be given a complimentary drink on arrival, with Bradd reminiscing about his career ifrom the beginning all the way to his current role as a club and charity ambassador in a fun and informal evening.
</p>

<p>
	There will be an opportunity to get your hands on a signed copy of Bradd's new book, Far Post - A Striker’s Tale of Scoring Goals and Breaking Records, as well as an open Q&amp;A session for all fans to ask him any questions regarding his career, his current roles or perhaps even his starring appearance in a popular CBBC television programme!
</p>

<p>
	There will be also be raffle prizes to win on the night. All funds raised will go directly to the FITC charity to help support the many projects, for some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people, that are run throughout Nottinghamshire.
</p>

<p>
	To book your tickets, <a href="https://www.gigantic.com/an-evening-with-les-bradd-a-trip-down-meadow-lane-poppy-and-pint-2017-12-07-19-30" rel="external nofollow">click here to go to the dedicated booking page on the Gigantic site</a>.
</p>

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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">2155</guid><pubDate>Fri, 01 Dec 2017 11:19:00 +0000</pubDate></item></channel></rss>
