Curtis Thompson has claimed that Oxford United’s second goal proved the turning point in Notts County’s 4-2 weekend defeat at Meadow Lane, because that is when their “heads dropped”.

Liam Sercombe drew first blood with a penalty in the first half, but Jon Stead levelled on the hour.

Thompson then struck 76 minutes in to put the Magpies in the lead, but just three minutes later Alex MacDonald scored the U’s second, before late goals from Callum O'Dowda and Kemar Roofe sealed the win.

Thompson told local media: "The first half was very difficult because Oxford were the better team. They were popping the ball around and you could see why they are further up the table.

"In the second half we came out with a bit more belief and we started to get on the ball a lot more. We played with a bit more confidence and it showed because we got back into the game.

"We made it 1-1, then made changes when I came on and managed to score, which was great. We looked strong at that stage and looked the better team. But they got the second goal and from then on we switched off a bit.

"They were good goals late on, but after their equaliser our heads dropped. We lost our shape, we didn't tuck in and the discipline went.

"A lot of gaps were created which they took advantage of. But we've got to put it to the back of our minds, pick ourselves up and go again against Accrington."

To discuss this article, visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and join the conversation.

Credit to Dan Westwell for the image.

Notts County’s search for a new manager continues, with former Cardiff City and Watford boss Malky Mackay considered to be out of the frame for the Magpies gig.

Mackay is rumoured to be interesting Celtic – a club where he used to ply his trade as a player – as their current manager Ronny Deila is under pressure following a run of poor performances.

John Sheridan, the current boss of Newport County, remains the favourite to claim the Notts job, while the currently unemployed Mark Cooper is also set for talks with the club and has made it clear he is keen on the position, a season after guiding Swindon Town to the League One play-off final.

According to local media, interviews are set to be held this week with chairman Ray Trew and chief executive Julian Winter, with an appointment not expected to be made until after the League Two clash with Accrington Stanley.

This means that means Richard Dryden and Mick Halsall will remain in charge of the club in a caretaker capacity and are hoping to bounce back from Saturday's 4-2 defeat at home to Oxford United.

To discuss this article, visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and join the conversation.

The disappointing season continues for the Notts faithful with a heartbreaking finale to Saturday's game. Having given away a penalty right at the end of the first half, Notts recovered to take a 2 - 1 lead, only to concede 3 late goals, two of them coming in the 90th minute.

Notts slip to 17th, 9 points off a play-off place and 13 points above the relegation places.

League Two Results Saturday 2/1/2016

Bristol Rovers 2 – 0 Luton
Cambridge 1 - 4 Wimbledon
Carlisle 0 – 2 Plymouth
Exeter 1 – 2 Dagenham & Redbridge
Mansfield 2 - 3 Accrington
Newport -postponed-Hartlepool
Northampton 3 - 0 Barnet
Notts County 2 – 4 Oxford United
Portsmouth 3 – 0 Crawley
Stevenage 2 - 2 Leyton Orient
Wycombe 0 - 2 Morecambe
Yeovil 1 – 0 York

Today there were 4 home wins, 6 away wins, 1 draws and 1 postponement.

League Two update

There's no change with the top 4 places.

Plymouth remain top with 52 points from 25 games but their 2 -0 away victory over Carlisle has sent the Cumbrians down to 9th on 37 points having played 2 games less.

Northampton lie 2nd and 3 points adrift of Plymouth but with a game in hand.

Oxford's late win at Meadow Lane keeps them in the final automatic promotion place, and 3rd, with 48 points from 25 games.

Portsmouth's 3 – 0 drubbing of Crawley keeps them 4th with 44 points on 25 games but Crawley drop to 14th with 31 points from the same number of games.

Bristol Rovers move up to 5th on 43 points after beating Luton who fall to 15th with 30 points.

Wycombe slip to 6th on 40 points after losing 2 – 0 at home to Morecambe who climb to 13th on 31 points from 24 games.

7th and final play off place goes to Accrington, Notts' next opponents, on 39 points from only 22 games, thanks to their 3 -2 away win at Mansfield who consequently fall to 12th with 35 points from 24 games.

Leyton Orient move above Carlisle on goal difference, just outside the play off places, to 8th with 37 points from 25 games.

Wimbledon, at 10th, climb above Cambridge who fall to 11th, both on 36 points and from 25 games.

Mansfield drop to 12th with 35 points from 24 games.

Morecambe are 13th, above Crawley (14th) and with the same points total of 31,but from only 23 games, 2 less played than Crawley.

Luton, Exeter and Notts are 15th, 16th and 17th respectively; all with 30 points but Luton have played one game more, 25.

Barnet, with 28 points and Stevenage, with 27 points remain static at 18th and 19th both from 25 games.

Newport, 24 games played, and Hartlepool, 21 games played also stay put at 20th and 21st both wit 20 points.

Dagenham & Redbridge climb out of the relegation places with 19 points from 25 games.

Yeovil's 1 – 0 victory over York lifts them off bottom place to 23rd with 17 points from 25 games while the latter take their place at 24th with 16 points from 24 games.

Upcoming fixtures

Once again there are no midweek League Two fixtures this week.

Notts' next game is away at 7th placed Accrington on Saturday 9th January 2016 with a 3pm kick off and a curtailed league programme due to the FA cup.

Will a new manager be in place by next week? Will there be any movements in or out of Meadow Lane with the transfer window now open? Plenty to discuss - so come to our forum and join the conversation.

Notts County co-caretaker manager Richard Dryden has bemoaned referee Carl Boyeson's decision to award Oxford United a penalty on the stroke of half time in their win against Notts County on Saturday.

Two late strikes from Callum O'Dowda and Kemar Roofe helped the U's to a 4-2 win at the managerless Magpies, but it was the crucial penalty decision that angered Dryden.

He was convinced that goalkeeper Roy Carroll had not brought down Liam Sercombe and thought the decision changed the game.

"It was tough on us especially to go in a goal down before half-time," Dryden told local media. "I've seen the challenge from Roy again, because at the time from where I was stood you couldn't say yes or no.

"But watching the video again, Roy was a mile away and it was never a penalty. It was a minute before half-time and while it was not the end of the world, it knocks you back a bit.

"We only really started to show how we could play in the second half. We knew, from watching footage of them, that Oxford were a really good attacking side with lots of pace. They like to suck you in a bit, and then hit you on the counter-attack. The fourth goal summed that up.

"We sat a little bit deeper than usual and it was no secret we've tried to work on the defensive organisation of the team. We've made a few changes at the back and it's almost a brand new back four."

The result sees Notts slip to 17th in League two with 30 points from 24 games.

Credit to Dan Westwell for the image.

Join in with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion - Here.

Mansfield Town manager Adam Murray has expressed his interest in bringing Notts County defender Blair Adams to Field Mill on a permanent deal.

The 24-year-old has impressed for the Stags since joining on loan in October last year, but his loan deal expires on January 19, with the left-back out of contract at Meadow Lane in the summer.

Speaking of Adams, Murray told local media: “I want to keep him. He has always been a League One player so if we do something long-term I think he is someone who allows us to get success in the long term.

“If we get promoted this year Blair Adams is a League One player. If it takes a bit longer Blair Adams will get us there.

“I would like to keep him but you know in all of these dealings, it's not that easy. We have spoken to him briefly and I'm hoping this week we'll have more conversation, but it's not about me and Notts County, it's about the football club, Notts County, Blair Adams and his representatives. 

“I imagine they (his representatives) will have other options, he's been great.”

Adams signed for Notts in the summer of 2014 and made 40 appearances in all competitions that season, but only featured twice for the Magpies in the current campaign.

What do you think? Should we allow Blair Adams to leave? Have your say within our discussion - Here.

Notts County caretaker manager Mick Halsall has called on his charges to simply knuckle down and “get on with it”, referring to his side’s upcoming game against Oxford United.

Former boss Ricardo Moniz was sacked after less than nine months at the helm, alongside first-team coaches Dave Kevan and Dean Yates.

The dismissal came after the Dutchman guided the Magpies to a lacklustre 15th place at the halfway point of the League Two season, conceding 40 goals in 23 league games and suffering a humiliating FA Cup exit at the hands of non-league Salford City.

Ahead of Saturday’s clash at Meadow Lane, Halsall told reporters: "It's never nice (for a manager to be sacked), but we have to get on with it don't we, and (the players) will understand that. Everyone in the game understands it.

"I want to win. We don't know how long we are going to do it for, but we'll try to give it our best, get the boys working in the way we would like them to, although we've only got a short space of time to do that. We will be positive and fingers crossed we can get a decent result and take it from there.

"It's about making sure they understand what we want from them in our game plan. We know about Oxford, we'll have enough time. We'll be okay.”

Asked if they can change much, he added: "Do we need to? I think we need to tighten up defensively, everyone's seen that.

"That's been a big concern from the beginning of the season, so if that's something we need to change we'll look to do that.

"In essence we can't change much because we've got what we've got, in the way of personnel, but we're mindful of the defensive side of our game.”

"That belief they have got to go forward has been terrific, if you look at the games that they've come back in, especially at home.

"But should we be conceding those goals? And that's what Richard, myself and the rest of the staff will be looking to try to improve.

"I do know the characters," he said. "I know Roy (Carroll), I know Alan (Smith), I know Nobler (Liam Noble). You look at them when you are in and around the training ground and get a feel for them

"We haven't been a part of it that much, but you do get a feel for them and their personalities.I do know them it's just about getting a tune out of them come Saturday.

"All we need to say to them is let's get on with it. Let's be positive, let's get on with it.

"They are good players and we think if we can fine tune the defensive side, and I know I keep going on about the defensive side, we believe we've got enough going forward to create.

"There may be games when we don't get the goals that we think we should have, but if we can just tighten that up as a team.

"That's all we will be saying; listen, let's go to work, let's get on with it and let's see what we can do.”

Who do you feel should be the next manager? Join in the debate within our community - here.

Notts County have decided to recall defender Scot Bennett from his loan at Newport County.

The 24-year-old was scheduled to play his final game for the Exiles on Saturday against Hartlepool, but could go straight into the Magpies' squad for their home game against Oxford.

Bennett, Newport manager John Sheridan's first signing when he joined them in October, has made 12 appearances for the Welsh club, and has played a crucial role in helping guide them away from the bottom of League Two and out of the relegation zone.

He was part of a team that went on a ten-game unbeaten run which, ironically, was ended by Notts earlier this month - a game in which he could not play due to the conditions of his loan.

He has made just two appearances for the Magpies after signing from Exeter in the summer, but returns to Meadow Lane at a time when Sheridan has been linked with the vacant manager's job after Ricardo Moniz was sacked on Tuesday.

Here we go again with a look at the first League Two games of the New Year and with Mick Halsall and Richard Dryden temporarily taking the reins for Notts County.

My first choice important game this week features 7th placed Carlisle v top League Two Preview Saturday 2nd January 2016 of the table Plymouth. 

The Cumbrians are at home but due to their ground struggling with the recent flooding this fixture will be played at Blackburn's Ewood Park. No need to remind Pie fans that last time out Carlisle's loss of home advantage didn't upset them as they won 3-0. A similar scoreline would dent Plymouth's title ambitions and help Carlisle's play off hopes but I've predicted a 1-1 draw.

My second game features 11th placed Mansfield at home to 8th placed Accrington. Only one point separates these two teams so a win is vital for both teams play off aspirations. I've forecast 2 – 2.

My third game is 2nd placed Northampton at home to 18th placed Barnet. The Cobblers will be hoping to keep in touch with Plymouth, while Barnet will be hoping to climb away from the bottom end of League Two. I’ve gone 3 – 1 to Northampton.

My final important game is bottom club Yeovil at home to 22nd placed York. Points are obviously vital to both teams. I’ve predicted a rare win for Yeovil.

*Important games **Key Game

Saturday 2/1/2016

Bristol Rovers v Luton– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2 - 0)
Cambridge v Wimbledon– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1 - 0
*Carlisle v Plymouth– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1 -1
Exeter v Dagenham & Redbridge– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1 - 0)
*Mansfield v Accrington– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2 - 2)
*Newport v Hartlepool– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2 - 1)
*Northampton v Barnet– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (3 - 1)
**Notts County v Oxford United– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (3 -2)
Portsmouth v Crawley– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2 – 0)
Stevenage v Leyton Orient– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1 - 1)
Wycombe v Morecambe– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2 - 1)
*Yeovil v York– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1 - 0)

My key game, for obvious reasons, once again features Notts, this time at home to Oxford United.
This game was important even before the sacking of Ricardo Moniz. Can Notts get back to winning ways and climb nearer the play off places?
When Notts visited Oxford earlier this season on 18th August they lost 3 -1 despite Audel scoring first for Notts.
The overall record between Notts and Oxford is:
Notts won 8
Oxford won 10
Draws 9

I've forecast is a narrow 3 – 2 win for Notts – I wonder how Halsall/Dryden will approach this game and how will the players react? Plenty to discuss once again.

Notts County caretaker manager Mick Halsall has not ruled out becoming Magpies boss on a permanent basis, but remains focused on the immediate job ahead for now.

The 54-year-old has been placed in charge of Notts along with Under-21s coach Richard Dryden following the sacking of Ricardo Moniz, and the pair will be in charge for the club’s home League Two clash against Oxford United on Saturday.

Halsall told reporters: “Let’s get off to a winning start, let’s see what we can do.

“Richard is very similar to myself, we just want to do the best we can, give the players the best opportunity to do what they can come Saturday

“We know it’s a difficult game, don’t get me wrong, they are a good side, but why not? Bring it on. I’m here to do a job and we’re just going to give it the best we can.”

Halsall has not yet spoken to club chairman Ray Trew about the vacant job, but he knows a good run of results will help push him into contention.

He added: “We’ve got to win games, we’ve got to show that we’ve got a belief and an understanding as a team. The consistency has got to come into the game, for our players.

“Can we go and be hard to beat away from home? That’s the big thing Richard and I will be looking at."

Halsall has previously been placed in the caretaker role when he was made joint interim boss with Paul Hart before the now-departed Dutchman was appointed last April.

Who do you feel should be the next manager? Join in the debate within our community - here.

Ricardo Moniz has been sacked as manager of Notts County after just eight months in charge of the club.

The 51-year-old was appointed County boss in April following the dismissal of Shaun Derry, but was unable to keep the club in League One, suffering relegation on the final day of the season.

Despite a signing spree in the summer, helped out by a sponsorship deal with Ladbrokes described as ‘the most lucrative in the club’s history’, Moniz has failed to light up League Two this season, leaving the club 15th in the table and out of the FA Cup following an embarrassing 2-0 defeat at non-league Salford City in the first round.

Moniz's assistant Dave Kevan and defensive coach Dean Yates have also been dismissed by the Notts board.

"I made it clear when appointing Ricardo that I wanted someone who would bring an exciting, attacking brand of football to Meadow Lane and I think it would be fair to say that in part he has done this, with some eye-catching attacking play on show at times this season," Notts chairman Ray Trew told the club's official website. 

"However, whilst showing considerable flair at times, particularly here at home, I feel that we have lacked a level of discipline and organisation in our defensive play throughout the season which has undermined our efforts and our right to play this free-flowing attacking style."

Trew added: "My goal for this club is, and always has been, to improve and whilst I by no means want to keep chopping and changing managers, I refuse to let us stagnate and I feel that the time is right for a new approach to reignite our season and get us back on track to where we want and need to be."

County's academy manager Mick Halsall and U21's coach Richard Dryden have been placed in caretaker control of the first-team ahead of Saturday's home match with Oxford United, with no appointment expected until after the weekend.

Names reportedly in the hat for the Notts manager's job include former Swindon boss Mark Cooper - who was spotted in the stands at Meadow Lane for the Magpies' game against Morecambe - and Newport manager John Sheridan, while Halsall has also not ruled out taking the job permanently.

Join in with our discussion regarding the dismissal of Ricardo Moniz - Here.

With Notts' boxing day game at Hartlpool being postponed it needed two goals from Izale McLeod in Mondays comeback against Morecambe to salvage a 2–2 draw and just one point from a possible 6 in the weekend fixtures for the Magpies.

Notts remain 15th and still 7 points off a play-off place and with a game in hand over most teams but the safety margin from a relegation place has shortened to 14 points.

League Two Results Monday 28/12/15

Bristol Rovers 2–1 Leyton Orient
Cambridge 2-1 Barnet
Exeter 0–2 Wimbledon
Mansfield 1–1 York
Newport 1–2 Plymouth
Northampton 1–0 Accrington
Notts County 2–2 Morecambe
Portsmouth 0–0 Luton
Stevenage 1–3 Dagenham & Redbridge
Wycombe 2–0 Crawley
Yeovil 0–0 Oxford United

Today there were 4 home wins, 3 away wins and 4 draws.

League Two Results Saturday 26/12/15

Dagenham & Redbridge 0–3 Cambridge
Accrington v Carlisle (Postponed)
Wimbledon 0–0 Bristol Rovers
Barnet 2–0 Newport
Crawley 2–1 Stevenage
Hartlepool v Notts County (Postponed)
Leyton Orient 3–2 Portsmouth
Luton 0–2 Wycombe
Morecambe v Mansfield (Postponed)
Oxford United 3–0 Exeter
Plymouth 1–0 Yeovil
York v Northampton (Postponed)

On Saturday there were 5 home wins, 2 away wins, 1 draw and 4 postponed games.

League Two update

Plymouth won both their games and remain top with 49 points from 24 games while Northampton having had their game against York on Saturday postponed but beating Accrington on Monday go back into 2nd place with 46 points from 23 games.

Oxford were held to a goalless draw away at Yeovil on Monday having beaten Exeter 3–0 at home on Saturday but still drop to 3rd with 45 points from 24 games.

Portsmouth stay 4th with 41 points from 24 games.

Wycombe's two weekend wins lift them from 9th to 5th with 40 points from 23 games.

Bristol Rovers are at 6th after beating Leyton Orient 2–1 and drawing with Wimbledon also on 40 points but from 24 games and Carlisle occupy the final play off place at 7th with 37 points but from only 22 games.

Accrington are at 8th from 21 games and share 36 points with 9th placed Leyton Orient and 10th placed Cambridge who have both played 24 games.

Mansfield have slipped to 11th with 35 points from 23 games.

Next come Wimbledon at 12th with 33 points, followed by Crawley 13th with 31 points and Luton 14th with 30 points all having played 24 games.

Notts are at 15th and Exeter 16th, also have 30 points from 23 games.

Morecambe at 17th from 22 games are level on 28 points but above 18th placed Barnet who have played 24 games.

Just in the safety area come Stevenage at 19th with 26 points from 24 games and with a 6 point buffer above Newport at 20th from 24 games and Hartlepool at 21st but from only 21 games, both with 20 points.

York are 22nd from 23 games and remain above Dagenham & Redbridge, who've played 24 games, only on goal difference with 16 points.

Yeovil after 24 games sit rock bottom 24th with 14 points.

Upcoming fixtures

There are no midweek League Two fixtures this week.

Notts' next game is at Meadow Lane on Saturday 2nd January 2016 with a 3:00pm kick off when 3rd placed Oxford United are the visitors.

Notts County manager Ricardo Moniz has not given up hope of achieving a playoff position this season.

The Magpies sit 16th in League Two as they reach the halfway point of the campaign with their home tie against Morecambe on Monday.

Despite the lowly league position, Notts remain just eight points off the top seven, and Moniz is eager to find the consistency needed to get his team up the table.

He said: "The gap can close to the top seven and some still believe we can do it which inspires me a lot. And we certainly need inspiration from different angles.

"I still believe we can turn this inconsistency and there have been many times this season when we thought we were on the verge of doing so.

"The Christmas period and our inconsistency means I have not had a lot of time to celebrate, but that's the job. You have to accept the good time with the bad

"We set the highest goal and I am very black and white in that respect because we wanted to be the favourite in this division. I don't hide myself either.

"But we have young players in the team and with young players you have to accept they will make mistakes.

The consideration now is to make a change because you have to. We can either look at more experience, or how we possess the pitch and be difficult to break down."

Notts County midfielder Stanley Aborah has extended his contract at Meadow Lane, committing to a deal which will run until the summer of 2017.

The Belgian, who has been one of the Magpies’ standout players this season, has made 21 appearances for the club so far, scoring one goal.

Manager Ricardo Moniz managed Aborah when they were both at Hungarian club Ferencvaros and it was the Dutch boss who invited the former Ajax midfielder to train with the Magpies this summer before signing him.

At the end of November Aborah suffered a serious knee injury following a tackle from Barnet's Sam Togwell, but he could return to the Notts squad against Morecambe tomorrow.

It's a busy time for our teams this coming weekend with games being played on Saturday and Monday so I'm doing a double preview for the last two games of 2015.

First up is Saturday 26 December.

There are several standout, important, games on Saturday with the outcome vital to the hopes of teams at both ends of the League table.

Plymouth should beat 23rd placed Yeovil and remain top, but 2nd placed Northampton will be hoping they slip up as they also play a team at the bottom end, away at 22nd placed York.

4th placed Portsmouth will be hoping form goes out the window with the teams above them and they can climb back into an automatic promotion place as they face a tough away game at 10th placed Leyton Orient.

Accrington at 6th play 5th placed Carlisle and so both will be hoping for a win to keep pressure on the teams around them in the promotion race.

A vital game at the wrong end of league two is Barnet placed 19th against Newport at 20th.

*Important games **Key Game

Saturday 26th December 2015

Dagenham & Redbridge v Cambridge – Kick Off 1:00pm – Score Prediction (1 -2)

*Accrington v Carlisle – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1 - 2)

Wimbledon v Bristol Rovers – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1 - 1)

*Barnet v Newport– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0 - 1)

Crawley v Stevenage– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2 - 1)

**Hartlepool v Notts County– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1 - 2)

*Leyton Orient v Portsmouth – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2 - 2)

Luton v Wycombe – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1 - 1)

Morecambe v Mansfield – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0 –1)

Oxford v Exeter–Kick Off 3:00pm–Score Prediction (2 - 0)

*Plymouth v Yeovil – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (4 - 0)

*York v Northampton – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1 -2)

My key game- Hartlepool v Notts County

This is the 3rd consecutive away game for Notts and after the disappointment at Deepdale, against Carlisle; Notts face the long journey to Hartlepool and will be hoping for a more positive result like at Wycombe (or even a win)

The last time the teams met was in the FA Cup away at Victoria Park on 9/11/2014 when League Two Hartlepool beat League One Notts 3 -2.

Previous to that game and in League One Hartlepool triumphed 2 – 1 at their place with Notts winning 2 -0 on 21/8/12 at Meadow Lane.

The overall record between Notts and Hartlepool is-

Notts won 11

Hartlepool won 12

Draws 5

For what it's worth I've gone for a 2 -1 win for Notts-An away win is long overdue!

Monday 28th December 2015

Again there are a few standout, important games, with high up teams playing lower placed teams. At the time of writing this Plymouth are top and take on 20th placed Newport away, next to bottom Yeovil are home to 3rd placed Oxford and 8th placed Mansfield host 22nd placed York.

There are also two all top end fixtures with 2nd placed Northampton at home to 6th placed Accrington and 7th placed Bristol Rovers home to 10th placed Leyton Orient

*Important games **Key Game

*Bristol Rovers v Leyton Orient– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2 - 0)

Cambridge v Barnet– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1 - 0)

Exeter v Wimbledon– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1 - 1)

*Mansfield v York– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (3 - 0)

*Newport v Plymouth– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0 - 2)

*Northampton v Accrington– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1 - 0)

**Notts County v Morecambe– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (3 -1)

Portsmouth v Luton– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1 – 0)

Stevenage v Dagenham & Redbridge – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1 - 0)

Wycombe v Crawley – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (3 - 1)

*Yeovil v Oxford United – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0 - 3)

Carlisle and Newport don't have a game today.

My key game once again features Notts, this time at home to Morecambe

When the two teams met at Morecambe earlier this season on 29/8/2015 the home side ran out comfortable 4 – 1 victors .As I am writing Notts are 15th in League Two on 29 points with Morecambe two places lower at 17th on 27 points.

The overall record between Notts and Morecambe is:

Notts won 2
Morecambe won 3
Draws 2

I've forecast revenge and a 3 – 1 win for Notts.

If results go badly for Notts it will add to the mounting pressure on Ricardo Moniz but favourable results will restore a feeling of optimism to Meadow Lane.

Notts County captain Roy Carroll has called on his teammates to stop stressing on the objective of reaching the playoffs, insisting that he and his fellow players need to “take each game as it comes”.

The Magpies missed out on the change of closing the gap to the top seven in League Two in the last week by drawing at Wycombe Wanderers and losing heavily to Carlisle United.

First-choice goalkeeper Carroll told local media: “We are not thinking about the top seven places. We just have to take each game as it comes.

“If you get too far ahead of yourself that's when things start falling apart. That's what I think a lot of players have been doing – thinking about the playoffs.

“What we have to do is work hard. We’ve got a big game against Hartlepool on Boxing Day when we will look to try to get a result and a clean sheet. That's got to be the priority.”

Ricardo Moniz's side are seven points off the playoffs as things stand, with the post-Christmas trip to Hartlepool followed by a home clash against Morecambe.

Notts County defender Wes Atkinson has been recalled to Meadow Lane following a loan spell at Eastleigh FC.

The 21-year-old former West Bromwich Albion right-back, signed by the Magpies in the summer, was sent out on 20 November to cover for a spate of defensive injuries at the Hampshire club.

He has now returned to Nottingham following three appearances for the National League side, but Spitfires manager Chris Todd has expressed his desire at seeing Atkinson return to Ten Acres in the near future.

Todd said: “Wes has been called back from his loan by Notts County, otherwise we would have kept him. He’s done brilliant for us and shown himself to be a very talented player.

“If he became available, he’s someone I’d look to do something with in the future. He’s a nice lad, really honest, and totally professional in what he does. He’s a credit to himself.”

Ricardo Moniz has hit out at Notts County's "childish mistakes" in their 3-0 defeat to Carlisle United.

The League Two clash on Saturday had to be played at Preston North End’s Deepdale stadium after Carlisle's Brunton Park was hit by Storm Desmond over a fortnight ago.

Despite this, former Magpies manager Keith Curle’s current side were two goals up by half time thanks to a Danny Grainger penalty and a strike by Jabo Ibehre, before the latter scored again after the break to earn the ‘hosts’ a thumping win.

Moniz told local media: "To concede a penalty so early brought them into the game. We should have cleared the ball and these are childish mistakes. You can't dribble in your own box, you learn that when you are playing in the under-12s. 

We did hit the post which, had that gone in, would have given us an equaliser and put us right back into it. But I do not think they were better than us. They had three moments which they scored from.

"We had moments, but didn't score. In the second half we had a few good chances. But you can't make individual mistakes like we have been doing."

Notts will spend Christmas 15th in the table, their 29 points from 22 games putting them seven points behind the playoffs.

No Christmas cheer for Notts in game number 21, losing very disappointingly 0 – 3 to Carlisle at neutral Deepdale. Notts slip to 15th, 7 points off a play-off place but with the same 16-point safety margin from a relegation place.

League Two Results

Barnet 4 - 2 Crawley
Cambridge 1 - 1 Mansfield
Carlisle 3 - 0 Notts County
Dagenham & Redbridge 0-3 Bristol Rovers
Exeter 2 - 3 Luton
Hartlepool 1 - 2 Plymouth
Leyton Orient 1 - 1 Yeovil
Newport 2 – 2 Wimbledon
Northampton 1 - 2 Portsmouth
Stevenage 1 - 1 Accrington
Wycombe 2 - 1 Oxford United
York 2 - 1 Morecambe

Today there were 4 home wins, 4 away wins and 4 draws.

League Two update

The 1 – 2 top end of the table away victory for Portsmouth over Northampton and Plymouth's 1 – 2 away victory against the Magpies next opponents, Hartlepool, means the Pilgrims now occupy top spot, on goal difference, equal on 43 points with The Cobblers who drop to 2nd, with Portsmouth remaining 4th on 40 points. Hartlepool meanwhile drop to 21st with 20 points

Wycombe's 2 – 1 win over Oxford moves them up to 9th, equal on 34 points with Mansfield who fall to 8thafter drawing 1-1 away at Cambridge, who also move up the table to 11th with 30 points. Oxford as a result drop to 3rd with 41 points.

Carlisle remain 6th on 37 points after beating Notts.

Accrington, who have 2 games in hand over most teams, slip to 6th with 36 points after drawing 1 – 1 at Stevenage, who remain 18th with 26 points.

Bristol Rovers replace Mansfield in the final play off spot at 7th, also on 36 points, thanks to their 3 – 0 away win at Dagenham & Redbridge, who now occupy last place with 13 points.

York move off the bottom place to 22nd with 15 points after their 2 – 1 home win over Morecambe, who fall to 17th, with 27 points.
Between York and the Daggers, and in the other relegation spot at 23rd, sit Yeovil also with 13 points.

Barnet's 4 – 2 win over Crawley keeps them at 19th on 25 points and Crawley below Notts on 28 points and 16th.

On the same number of points as Notts and at 13th and 14th respectively lie Luton and Wimbledon.

Upcoming fixtures

There are no midweek League Two fixtures this week. 

Notts' next 3 games are on Boxing Day, away at 21st placed Hartlepool, followed on the 28th with a home game against 17th placed Morecambe and then the first game of the new year sees the visit of 3rd placed Oxford to Meadow Lane. So plenty to discuss over this coming festive season.

Notts County were thrashed 3-0 by a Carlisle United side playing at Preston North End's stadium in front of 3,067 Cumbrians fans who made the 85-mile trip.

A Danny Grainger penalty and two Jabo Ibehre goals were enough for victory at Deepdale, which staged the game after flood damage at Brunton Park.

Was the result fair?

The score line is fair, Notts didn’t do enough to warrant anything from the game and Carlisle looked like scoring more than just three goals by half time.

How did Notts play?

Notts put a staggering performance in, in hindsight I would say it was caused by missing key players but with the depth of our squad, we should have adequate cover. They just didn’t do enough, and with the midfield, being fairly none existent it always meant Notts would struggle.

How did Carlisle play?

Carlisle played like they had a point to prove, from the back they were tight and structured but going forward they worked as one unit. I am genuinely impressed by what seems to be a very sterling performance by the Cumbians – they just made it difficult to give Notts an inch on the field, with dominating football, it was always going to be one sided.

Did our tactics work out?

The simple answer is no, on paper the selection looked very good but they lacked any sort of mental awareness within the game. It appeared as if the ideas Moniz had wouldn’t work, as no matter what he did, Notts couldn’t adjust to Carlisle’s play.

How did the referee perform?

The referee didn’t really make any untoward decisions and generally called the game well.

Who do we play next?

Next up for Notts is Hartlepool on boxing day, this is the game whereby I don’t expect any points because our track record in recent years hasn’t been very good. Hartlepool are a side which play very well at home and Notts play like they did against Carlisle, it will be a longer journey home for our own fans.

How should we play them?

We should keep the game finally balanced between slow building and positive forward play, I think if we turn the tempo when it suites – this will make it hard for Hartlepool. They will expect us to go out all attacking and this would suite them more than it would us, as it would allow them to put strain onto our defence and for anything to come out of this game, Notts will need to bide their time.

Here is what the Carlisle fans thought about their performance, courtesy of TheCumbrians.net:

Jumpforfun: I thought each and every player was superb today and without any real stars we completely controlled the game for long periods. Yes NC had an odd shot or half chance which on other days might have gone in but generally we were excellent.

Loving Jabo's goals but the energy and work rate of Kennedy, Dicker and Sweeney, the quality.of Grainger's delivery and the sense that the goalkeeper and back 4 weren't going to miss anything all day just made it a great day to be a Carlisle supporter.

Well done to the manager, the team and all the staff for a great performance. Huge well done also to the 3000+ who made the journey

Seesaw50: Absolutely great day for the Blues and the 3366 fans who got down to Deepdale, you`d have thought there was 10k there today. We are going from strength to strength and if we don`t go up this season, it’s gonna be hard to take. Up to 5th COYB.

Wukkie: Excellent result and a rare clean sheet in the League. A bit peeved I couldn't go due to work but we seem to be getting stronger as the season goes on. Top seven minimum it looks like. Now get that contract signed KC.

BaggersBlue: The only concern for me was that we faded in the second half and Notts County had 3 or 4 guilt edged chances which a better side would have taken.

Carlisle United’s aim this season is to gain promotion back into League One, much like the Magpies, they have had to focus on rebuilding and under the helm of Keith Curle – The Cumbrian team have been making steady progress.

With the flooding, which has forced the Cumbrians into playing the game at the Deepdale Stadium, they will be hoping to make the ground a home from home.
 
They have won three of their last six games, having drawn two and losing once.

The Cumbrains are currently 6^th with 34 points, only 6 points behind an automatic place but are only 5 points above the Magpies, who sit 13^th on 29 points.

Run-down of their last six games.

Saturday 31^st October – Carlisle United 3 Yeovil Town 2
Saturday 14^th November – Bristol Rovers 2 Carlisle United 0
Saturday 21^st November – Carlisle United 2 Portsmouth 2
Tuesday 24^th November – Luton Town 3 Carlisle United 4
Saturday 28^th November – Carlisle United 3 Crawley Town 1
Saturday 12^th December – Oxford United 1 Carlisle United 1

The Players – Fact Sheet

Highest Goal Scorers; Jabo Ibehre 12, Charlie Wyke 8, Derek Asamoah 7 and Danny Grainger 4.

Persistent Foulers; Luke Joyce 1 Red Card and 2 Yellow Cards, Michael Raynes 5 Yellow Cards, Tom Miller 5 Yellow Cards, Gary Dicker 4 Yellow Cards and Danny Grainger 4 Yellow Cards.

The Key Players.

There’s no doubt just how much of a key player ‘Jabo Ibehre’ is for Carlisle United, he’s already highlighting his worth to them and is rumoured to be attracting interest from other clubs.

He’s a physical forward, who has a lethal finish and eye for goal.

Luke Joyce is a defensive midfielder who looks to release the advancing midfielders but he also shares a keen eye for goal.

Anthony Sweeney and Charlie Wyke are also key players for The Cumbrians.

Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses.

Carlisle United are organized quite defensively, however they do have players who are able to break opposition sides down and have quality League Two players through their squad.

Their main strengths are found within their key players, who are the driving force behind each attack. They can quickly break on the counter, whilst also cleverly placing passes, which allows their movement to be free flowing.

When on the break, they look to get forward as quickly as possible and this has a tendency to leave themselves wide open at the back.

Weaknesses are certainly found within their defence, however to note – Carlisle United appear to have our own philosophy mastered ‘we’ll score one more than you’ and this generally means they’re okay, provided their midfield remain in possession and work hard.

For Notts to come away with a point or more, they will have to work out how to break down their defence. For me, this would be by playing sensible football – carefully passes and advancing with the ball.

Once again, I feel the key will be found within the air and if the Magpies can work harder within the midfield, whilst being steady at the back.

Match Day: Carlisle Series - Opposition View - The Match Officials - League Two Preview

Some great news from the Jimmy & Jack Memorial Fund, as they have confirmed that they have reached £101,000 – leaving just a further £1,000 to raise.

Thanks to a generous donation of £1,500 from the former players’ association, in addition to the fans’ ongoing support in the drive to raise funds, we are on the home straight in terms of meeting the overall total and begin proceedings to bring Jimmy Sirrel and Jack Wheeler home.

It is hoped that we can achieve this by calling on fans to get behind our Christmas online donation campaign and join the "This One is for Jack" Pub to Club walk on Sunday 10th January 2016 - the sixth anniversary of Jack's passing.

“This one is for Jack” starts at the Wollaton Pub and Kitchen at 12:30pm, with entry costing £5 with the option to raise additional funds through sponsorship. Entry forms can be found in the club shop or on the Jimmy & Jack table on match days.

To donate to the Jimmy & Jack Statue Fund Christmas Appeal, the details are as follows:

Bank account name: Jimmy & Jack Statue Fund
Sort code: 40-08-46
Account number: 81848178

It really looks as if 2016 will be the year that Jimmy and Jack will come home – with your help, we can finally cross the line and elevate Notts County’s greatest ever managerial duo to immortality right outside Meadow Lane!

Please pledge your support by donating just £1 to the J&J Statue Fund.

Notts will be preparing for a trip to Preston North End's stadium 'Deepdale', as Carlisle will also due to flooding up in Cumbria on Saturday 19^th December. The 'home' advantage will probably go out of the window for this reason, however it doesn't mean that the Magpies will be favourites based on this alone. Notts will be hoping a return to the Deepdale, may see them edge closer to the play-off places.

Carlisle United have only lost one game within their last six league fixtures, having won 3 and drawing 2.

The Match Officials for the game will be referee Darren Bond, assistants Peter Wright and Peter Gooch, and fourth official Richard Bartlett.

Referee: Darren Bond
From: Lancashire

His matches involving Notts County within the last four seasons;

JPT – Tuesday 3^rd September 2013 – Notts County 1-0 Burton Albion
League One – Saturday 23^rd November 2013 – Shrewsbury Town 1-0 Notts County
F.A Cup – Sunday 9^th November 2014 – Notts County 0-0 Accrington Stanley
League One – Sunday 28^th December 2014 – Bradford City 1-0 Notts County
League One – Tuesday 17^th February 2015 – Notts County 1-2 Sheffield United

Run down of his last three games:

League One – Tuesday 24^th November 2015 – Oldham 2-5 Southend (3 yellow cards, no reds)
League One – Saturday 28^th November 2015 – Chesterfield 0-4 Swindon (4 yellow cards, no reds)
Championship – Saturday 12^th December 2015 – Middlesbrough 0-0 Birmingham (4 yellow cards, 1 red card)

In his last three games 11 yellow cards have been issued and only 1 red card.

So far this season in total of seventeen games, he has shown fifty-four yellow cards and two red cards - 3.1 yellow cards per game.

Assistant Referee: Peter Wright
From: Merseyside

Last three games:

Championship – Friday 21^st August 2015 – Birmingham City 1-1 Derby County
League One – Saturday 29^th August 2015 – Bury 1-1 Oldham Athletic
Championship – Thursday 29^th October 2015 – Leeds United 0-2 Blackburn Rovers

Assistant Referee: Peter Gooch
From: Lancashire

Last three games:

League One – Saturday 31^st October 2015 – Doncaster Rovers 2-0 Colchester United
League One – Tuesday 3^rd November 2015 – Dartford 1-2 Altrincham
League One – Saturday 21^st November 2015 – Crewe Alexandra 1-5 Peterborough United

Fourth Official: Richard Bartlett
From: Cheshire