Notts County manager Ricardo Moniz has criticised Liam Noble after the midfielder was sent off in his side’s 2-2 draw at Wycombe Wanderers.

The 24-year-old earned his second red card of this campaign at Adams Park with County 1-0 up through Jon Stead's penalty at the time, receiving his marching orders after a clash with Luke O'Nien off the ball.

Michael Harriman levelled for Wycombe before half-time, and though Adam Campbell restored the visitors' lead shortly after the restart, Aaron Holloway earned the Chairboys a draw, much to the frustration of Moniz.

"We gave the three points away," he said. "We totally outplayed them in the first 30 minutes and then Liam Noble gave them the chance to get back in the game.

"The red card was very inconvenient. I will always protect my players, and I haven't spoken to Liam Noble, but you can't do that.

"Even with 10 men we were 2-1 up and shouldn't lose it. You have to take the three points, otherwise we would have been two points off the play-offs.

"But the glass is half full. I'm always like that. It's a big compliment for the guys. They've done well. They dug in and the team gets fitter. But we are a bit disappointed not to get the win.

"It was very intelligent play from us in the last 30 minutes. It shows the strength of the team. It was the same against Bristol Rovers [0-0 draw in October] only there was more effort in this game."

Notts now sit 13th in League Two, just four points below the playoffs.

Alan Sheehan has expressed his happiness and pride in playing the 300th professional game of his career in a Notts County shirt.

The defender, on loan from Bradford City, reached the landmark in Tuesday night's 2-2 draw at Wycombe Wanderers, where he put in another good shift on the way to a crucial and morale-boosting away point.

In a career spanning 13 years, more than half of Sheehan's games have been for the Magpies over two different spells, and he admitted he was happy to hit 300 in the black and white of Notts - especially because he was ill at Adams Park.

He told local media: "My dad always used to say 'if you aren't right, don't play', because once you cross that white line you are judged the same as everybody else. But you've got to get out there and put a shift in for the team.

"Tuesday was my 300th competitive appearance and it's nice to think that nearly half of them have come for Notts County in a period spanning three years and a bit.

"Obviously I am happy, but there's been some bad games in that 300! But hopefully we can keep on putting a run together. We've just got to keep building on that performance because we looked very good in spells."

Sheehan has two more games of his loan spell left to play with his final game set to be the Boxing Day clash at Hartlepool United.

Here we are again with PON taking another look at the weekend fixtures in the latest of our League Two previews.

For me the stand-out fixture this week is top of the table Northampton at home to 4^th place Portsmouth, with both teams hoping to strengthen their promotion hopes.

Another important game is 20^th placed Hartlepool v 3^rd placed Plymouth, with the home side hoping to recover from last weeks 4-0 thrashing away at Portsmouth and build on their midweek success in The FA Cup over (sorry to mention them) Salford City and the away side wanting to continue their promotion push. My key game is Carlisle v Notts.

*Important games **Key Game

Saturday 19^th December 2015

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

My Stand-out Games

Carlisle v Notts County (being played at Preston's Deepdale)
Hartlepool v Plymouth
Northampton v Portsmuth

Thoughts on Notts County v Newport

Due to recent Storm Desmond and the resulting rainfall which left Carlisle's Brunton Park Ground flooded this game will be played at Deepdale, Preston.

This is the second in a block of 3 consecutive away fixtures for Notts and the Magpies will be hoping to make it 3in a row undefeated. It will also be interesting to see how Carlisle approach this game having lost home advantage. I've predicted a 2–2 draw

The last time they played was 22/3/2014 and Notts won 4-1 at Meadow Lane, with Notts losing that seasons corresponding away fixture 2–1 on 28/9/2013.Carlisle were also relegated at the end of that season.

The overall record between Notts and Carlisle is-

Notts won 14
Newport won 3
Draws 9

After taking the lead twice against Wycombe Wanderers, Notts were pegged back twice following the departure of Liam Noble after allegedly using an elbow on a Wycombe player.

Adam Campbell put the Magpies ahead inside eight minutes, after Aaron Pierre tripped the pacey player inside the opposition penalty box. Referee Nicholas Kinseley instantly pointed to the penalty spot, which Notts striker Jon Stead comfortably converted.

As the game started to get going for the Magpies, the visitors were then reduced to 10 men shortly before the break. Liam Noble clashed with Luke O’Nien, with the Notts midfielder allegedly using an elbow in the process.

The Chairboys took advantage minutes before half time as a winger and PON’s key player from the Build-Up article put the home side level, after carefully heading beyond the Notts keeper Roy Carroll. After the restart, the Magpies once again took the lead when a low cross found Campbell who placed the ball tidily past the Wycombe Wanderers keeper.

However, Wycombe levelled on the hour mark with Sam Wood’s cross found Aaron Amandi-Holloway, whose header looped past Roy Carroll and into the net to deny the Magpies their first away win since Stevenage at the start of the season.

Was the result fair?

In my opinion Notts easily deserved something from the game and for once, I think we can say we were unlucky as a side not to come away with all three points – however, a draw is a fair result considering.

How did Notts play?

Notts played with spirit, which in time will start seeing away wins picked up, after going into the lead – they looked to counter and create chances, rather than sitting back, which only invites play. After losing Noble, Notts reorganized and came back much stronger after the half time whistle had blown. Overall Notts fought well to take the lead twice, putting on a decent away performance.

How did Wycombe play?

I think the home side seemed surprised by how quickly Notts took control of the game, obviously conceding a penalty wouldn’t help but before the sending off – they didn’t seem to create many clear cut chances. They played as I expected, with determination to make use of their team’s ability and once Notts were down to 10 men – this was ever more present within their display.

Did our tactics work out?

I think Ricardo Moniz actually started the game with the right tactics, formation, and even the right players within those positions. The inclusion of Robert Milsom allowed Notts to be direct and he gave us something, which we have been missing for quite a while.

How did the referee perform?

I obviously cannot comment much on the performance of the referee, however a few fans have said he seemed to give the home side ‘advantage’ after the penalty and on reflection it does seem he was a little persuaded not to issue Wycombe players yellow cards. Overall, I do think he called the game fairly okay.

Who do we play next?

Notts now face Liam Noble’s former club Carlisle, on Saturday 19^th December. The Magpies will have to come away with more than a point here, it’s a game whereby Notts could claim a push towards the play-off places.

How should we play them?

The direct approach will be key against Carlisle, however the absence provided by the red card to Noble within the Wycombe game will probably leave a void for Notts to fill. Yet with the potential return of Stanley Aborah, Notts should play with a similar setup as to yesterday’s game. Using the flanks will give Notts good width within the game, which in turn could free up our holding midfielders – This game will be about who leads by example within midfield.

Read our full 'Match Report' Here - Join our 'Match Discussion' Here

Notts lead Wycombe twice, yet stumbled after going down to 10 men. Notts took an early lead though Jon Stead's timely placed penalty after Adam Campbell was fouled by Aaron Pierre.

The Magpies midfielder Liam Noble then saw red (his a second red card of the season) after clashing with Luke O'Nien and, soon after, Michael Harriman headed the home side level.

Adam Campbell then capitalized from a low cross from Rob Milsom but Aaron Amadi-Holloway's looping header meant Notts would only earn a point away from home.

Read our full 'Match Report' Here - Join our 'Match Discussion' Here

Notts County's Youth team bowed out of the FA Youth Cup to an excellent Luton Town team who have now gone 22 games unbeaten this season.

Notts were without Jake Payling and Yohan Rutty-Smith their powerful, left sided wide player through injury but otherwise they were at full strength.

Right from the off Luton dominated the game playing some neat passing and creating a number of shooting chances.

After only fifteen minutes Notts fell behind when a pacy Luton forward got on the end of a through ball to slot past the Notts keeper for the first goal.

Only four minutes later Notts were two goals adrift after some neat passing in the Notts half released a Luton forward on goal who shot home.

Notts were up against a good team but they never stopped giving it their all in an attempt to get back into the game.

In a rare Notts attack, Montel Gibson was through on goal, inside the area, when he was brought down with a desperate tackle. The referee had no hesitation in awarding the penalty and brandishing a red card to the Luton defender.  Montel himself got up to take the penalty and confidently tucked the ball away on the half-hour.

With Luton now down to ten men the Notts fans were hoping for an increased amount of possession, but it didn't happen as Luton continued to control the game.

Half-time: Notts 1-2 Luton

After only six minutes of the second half ten man Luton went further ahead when a corner was headed in off the underside of the bar.

Full-time: Notts 1-3 Luton

Notts gave everything to combat Luton's excellent team work but to no avail.  Even when Luton went down to ten men they were still an absolute pleasure to watch.

The Notts youngsters have a break now until January 9th when they take on Doncaster at home.  Hopefully the young 'Pies can put this defeat behind them and go all out to win the league title.

Find the latest content - Here or join in with our discussions - Here

Wycombe Wanderers will be hoping to mount a successful push towards the play-offs and after a disappointing outcome last year – The Chairboys will be hoping to do one better within the 2015/16 season, after losing to Southend United in last year’s play-off final. Gareth Ainsworth’s side hasn’t been doing that badly this season, however they have hit a dry patch as of lately.

They have won only two of their last six games, having drawn three and lost once.

The Buckinghamshire side are currently 10^th with 30 points, only 3 behind the play-offs and only 4 places above the Magpies who sit on 28 points.

Run-down of their last six games.

Saturday 24^th October – Wycombe Wanderers 1 Carlisle United 1
Saturday 31^st October – Mansfield Town 0 Wycombe Wanderers 2
Saturday 21^st November – AFC Wimbledon 1 Wycombe Wanders 1
Tuesday 24^th November – Yeovil Town 0 Wycombe Wanderers 1
Saturday 28^th November – Wycombe Wanderers 2 Portsmouth 2
Tuesday 1^st December – Bristol Rovers 3 Wycombe Wanderers 0

The Players – Fact Sheet

Highest Goal Scorers; Garry Thompson 5, Michael Harriman 5, Aaron Halloway 3 and Luke O’Nien 3.

Persistent Foulers; Marcus Bean 6 Yellow Cards, Aaron Pierre 6 Yellow Cards, Luke O’Nien 5 Yellow Cards and Michael Harriman 4 Yellow Cards.

The Key Players.

Ex Magpies winger Garry Thompson has continued from where he left off with Notts, having found form with Wycombe and knowing how ex-players tend to punish us – I would have him as their main threat.

However, they have several players able to attack and create play.

Paul Hayes is an experienced player who can be tricky.

With Michael Harriman and Sam Wood offering width, Michael holds the ability to score and create chances. Anthony Stewart would be the main defender I would single out, he combines the midfield well and leads at the back.

Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses.

Wycombe Wanderers are a decent League Two team, who know exactly what it takes to do well and achieve wins within this division. They are a possession-based team, who can make the most of chances, which present themselves and work hard as a unit.

Their main strengths come from build-up play, they like to put balls into the box and have multiple players who are able to deliver well-placed crosses. When organized well, they appear to be hard to break down.

When reverting to long balls, they seem to lose shape but can play nice football down the wing and the centre of the park. Set pieces, especially corners are things Ricardo’s men must be aware of.

Perhaps more noticeably is their lack of concentration and indecisive with how best to move the ball forward. Weaknesses at the back come from scrappy play, especially unnecessary fouls and this allows pressure to grow on themselves. Once asserted, their defending can go missing and prone to making mistakes.

Notts would gain advantage in my opinion by playing direct football, which focuses on pressuring the Wycombe left back and centre pairing.

This past Saturday Pride of Nottingham took time to speak with three fans after the goal thriller between Notts County and Newport County, where spectators were treated to a 7 goalfest.

Newport County struck twice in the opening 10 minutes through Mark Byrne and Alex Rodman, but the Magpies were level by the break through Liam Noble and Izale McLeod.

Just when it seemed like it would be honours even at the Lane, Noble popped up six minutes into injury time to clinch a thrilling win.

Pride of Nottingham returns with the 'Aftermath' feature. Many thanks to the fans who spoke to us!

Click the play button to watch this feature.

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Notts are back on the road with three upcoming away games, the first port of call will be against Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday 15^th December. The hosts will most likely make the game hard for our lads, with Adams Park set to stage two teams hoping to make their push towards the play-offs.

Wycombe Wanderers have won two of their last six league games, drawing three and losing only the once.

The Match Officials for the game will be referee Nicholas Kinseley, assistants Marc Wilson and Colin Lymer, and fourth official Simon Barrow.

Referee: Nicholas Kinseley
From: Essex

His matches involving Notts County within the last four seasons;

He hasn't refereed a Notts game during this period.

Run down of his last three games:

League Two – Saturday 24^th October 2015 – Bristol Rovers 1-4 Newport County (1 yellow card, no reds)
League One – Saturday 24^th November 2015 – Peterborough 3-2 Barnsley (4 yellow cards, 1 red card)
League Two – Saturday 12^th December 2015 – AFC Wimbledon 1-2 Stevenage (1 yellow card, no reds)

In his last three games 6 yellow cards have been issued and only 1 red card.

So far this season in total of thirteen games, he has shown thirty-five yellow cards and five red cards - 2.6 yellow cards per game.

Assistant Referee: Marc Wilson
From: Cheshire

Last three games:

League One – Tuesday 24^th November 2015 – Gillingham FC 2-0 Rochdale AFC
Championship – Saturday 28^th November 2015 – Fulham 1-1 Preston North End
Championship – Saturday 5^th December 2015 – Brentford 2-0 MK Dons

Assistant Referee: Colin Lymer
From: Hampshire

Last three games:

Football Conference – Tuesday 24^th March 2015 – Dover 0-1 Grimsby Town
Football Conference – Saturday 28^th March 2015 – Dartford 1-2 Altrincham
Football Conference – Tuesday 14^th April 2015 – Welling 2-1 Wrexham

Fourth Official: Simon Barrow
From: Staffordshire

Join in with the PON Match Discussion: Here - Have your say.

Catch up on all of the latest content throughout our website - Here

Notts County dismayed and delighted in equal measure on Saturday by beating Newport County 4-3 in their League Two clash at Meadow Lane.

The Exiles struck twice in the opening 10 minutes through  Mark Byrne and Alex Rodman, but the Magpies were level by the break through Liam Noble and Izale McLeod.

The former Crawley man powered a diving header into the opposition net in midway through the first half to put Notts ahead, but Newport levelled with just six minutes to play through Scott Boden.

Just when it seemed like it would be honours even at the Lane, Noble popped up six minutes into injury time following sustained pressure in the box from Notts to give his side a thrilling win.

Pride of Nottingham is eager for fans to relive the game in comforting hindsight and knowledge that it resulted in a victory for the Magpies, so we have provided a link to the match highlights.

Read the PON: 'Match Report' or join our 'Match Discussion'.

Ricardo Moniz has praised Notts County for not giving up against Newport and ‘deservedly’ winning the game 4-3, even though their ‘two-faced’ aspect needs to be sorted out.

The Exiles struck twice in the opening 10 minutes through Mark Byrne and Alex Rodman, but the Magpies were level by the break through Liam Noble and Izale McLeod.

The former Crawley man nodded in midway through the first half to put Notts ahead, but Newport levelled with just six minutes to play through Scott Boden.

Just when it seemed like it would be honours even at the Lane, Noble popped up six minutes into injury time to clinch a thrilling win.
 
Moniz said after the game: "We can be brilliant or we can be horrible. In the first 30 minutes what was going through my mind was that we must show some fight because that's all you can do.

"You want to reach out to the players because you cannot give up, even if it had become 3-0 which it could have happened. 

“We were totally lost, but we had to restore the organisation of the team and they were powerless when we began to put them under pressure

"It was such a big win for us. The players were unbelievably happy, but everybody will be saying how come you have these two faces?

"The inconsistency is the story of the season. We are trying to get a little bit nearer to sorting it. But it was a deserved win." 

Notts are now 14th in League Two, five points behind the playoffs.

Notts County dismayed and delighted in equal measure on Saturday by beating Newport County 4-3 in their League Two clash at Meadow Lane.

The Exiles struck twice in the opening 10 minutes through Mark Byrne and Alex Rodman, but the Magpies were level by the break through Liam Noble and Izale McLeod.

The former Crawley man nodded in midway through the first half to put Notts ahead, but Newport levelled with just six minutes to play through Scott Boden.

Just when it seemed like it would be honours even at the Lane, Noble popped up six minutes into injury time to clinch a thrilling win.

In this new feature, Pride of Nottingham will analyse all aspects of the game, from the result to the tactics, and also rate the performance of the referee and the Notts players, as well as working out how the Magpies can push on going forward.

Was the result fair?

On the merit of how Notts played overall and for our attacking ability, I would say that we deserved the victory. It was end to end and entertaining, with us outplaying Newport once we had sorted ourselves out.

How did Notts play?

It was very difficult to see how Notts could get into the game early on, we were none existent at the back, and the organization really had to be stepped up. Going forward, the Magpies played with ambition and desire – This I feel helped to win over the crowd and once the support came, Notts were showing promise throughout their attacks and even started to pressure off from themselves at the back.

How did Newport play?

They played much better compared to the highlights I had studied before the game; they kept the ball on the ground mostly and worked the ball forward. However, if we have concerns regarding our defence – Newport must have this themselves, as the only flaw was their inability to mark or defend properly.

Did our tactics work out?

It’s hard to say, I don’t think tactically we was prepared – especially earlier on within the game and I think some squad inclusions added pressure on. I think once confidence came, plus the crowd started to show their appreciation for how the several players who took the game under their wings, along with changes made to underperforming players it all sorted itself out – however, had Newport’s defence not been so poor, the easy answer would have been no.

How did the referee perform?

The referee didn’t really stand out, I think he called the game moderately well and for once it was noticeable with how the game was ability to pan out. Of course, accidents happened which would leave some fans questioning his decisions but he honestly didn’t seem to favour either side in my opinion.

Who do we play next?

Next up is Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday 15th December. This will be one of three ‘make or break’ games for Notts, with Carlisle and Hartlepool all being away from home.

How should we play them?

Our away form desperately needs improving, however Wycombe have the ability to beat good sides within this division and I would class it difficult for that reason alone. The home advantage will be something they’ll want to use to their favour, much like Cambridge but without several changes to our squad we should be able to give them a game regardless.

Notts ratings:

Carroll 5.5, Hewitt 6 (Amevor 6), Sprockel 3 (Milsom 6), Sheehan 7, Audel 6, Campbell 6.5, Thompson 6, Noble 9, Burke 6 (Murray – Unrated), Stead 5.5, McLeod 6.5

Read the PON: 'Match Report' or join our 'Match Discussion'.

Game number 20 for the Magpies and what a roller coaster ride for the Notts faithful. Two goals down in 10 minutes, level just before half time, in front on 71 minutes, concede an equaliser in the 83rd minute but grab a 96th-minute winner thanks to Liam Noble.

Notts move up to 14th, 5 points off a play-off place, with a game in hand over most teams, and with a 16 point safety margin from relegation.

Saturday’s results in League Two:

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

Today there were 4 home wins, 3 away wins, 3 draws and 2 postponements.

League Two update:

Northampton's 4 – 3 away victory at Luton means they are 2 points clear at the top of League Two with 43 points.
Carlisle remain 6th thanks to a 1 - 1 away draw at the expense of Oxford who now sit 2nd with 41 points.
Portsmouth move up to 4th after thrashing Hartlepool 4 – 0,while Shaun Derry's Cambridge United continue their climb up the table to 12th , on 29 points ,after winning away at Plymouth who are 3rd with 40 points.
Accrington fall to 5th after their home game against Notts' next opponents ,Wycombe Wanderers,was postponed.
Mansfield occupy the last play off place at 7th, after drawing with 9th placed Leyton Orient, with Bristol Rover's 2 -1 home win over York moving them up to 8th on the same number of points, 33, as Mansfield and consigning York to bottom placed 24th.
Yeovil's 2 – 2 draw with 19th placed Barnet lifted them off the bottom to 23rd but with the same points total, 12, as York.
Hartlepool,Newport,Dagenham & Redbridge remain 20th,21st and22nd respectively

Upcoming fixtures:

Tuesday 15th December 2015
Only one League Two midweek fixture this week: Wycombe Wanderers v Notts County

Tuesday night's game gives both teams a chance to climb closer to a play off place.Whatever the outcome Wycombe will still have another game in hand and would move up to 8th, level with Mansfield with a win but remain 10th with a draw. A Draw would only see Notts climb by one place but a Notts win would see them go above Wycombe to 10th on 31 points and within touching distance of a play off place. A very good time for Notts to get their away form sorted.

Notts County defender Thierry Audel has expressed his eagerness to put the result at Cambridge United behind him and move forward, adding that he and his teammates are more comfortable than they were following their two-week break.

The Magpies welcome Newport County to Meadow Lane on Saturday, the hosts’ first game since the 3-1 defeat against Shaun Derry’s new side on 28 November.

Audel told reporters: “We’ve been working really hard this past week. When there is a break you have to rest, but also you have to communicate with the other players so you can come back better after the break."

“We have to put Cambridge behind because that’s football. Whether you win a game or lose a game, you have to move forward."

“We don’t have the results that we want, but it’s midway through the season, we have lot of games coming, and all of us as players feel more comfortable now – but we need to get results."

“We’re still working on it, I’m sure we will do well as we have a lot of good players in every position and we believe we have the ability to do it now.”

Notts currently sit 16th in League Two, seven points off the playoffs.

Ricardo Moniz still doesn't know how long it will be before Stanley Aborah will be available for selection, The midfielder limped off and was replaced during Notts 4-2 victory against Barnet. The summer signing has made 20 appearances for the Magpies, scoring one goal, and has been one of Notts more consistent players.

Stanley had another scan last week and, speaking to local media, Moniz said he was constantly being monitored and assessed.

“It's day to day with Stanley at the moment,” he said

“Obviously it was a very bad challenge which put him out of the game, but I cannot say how long he will be out for.”

“He is constantly being monitored because obviously he is an important player for us”.

“We want to make sure he is right.”

Jon Stead, who missed Notts defeat by Cambridge, is also in the treatment room recovering from a muscle tear.

Although Stead is making progress, Moniz couldn't say when the striker would be fit to return to League Two action.

“He has a good chance and that is all I can say,” he said.

“He has been working with John (Wilson) the physio.”

“We will have to wait and see how he is.”

“At the moment though a date can't be put on his return. We will have to wait and see how he is.”

To discuss Stanley Aborah's injury visit here or alternatively join our 'Match Discussion'.

Notts County manager Ricardo Moniz has urged his team to train like ‘every day is their last’ in a bid to improve their form away from home in League Two.

The Magpies’ record at Meadow Lane is impressive enough, with six wins and a draw out of 10 games, but on the road it’s a completely different story, with just one win out of nine.

Moniz told local media on Thursday: "We didn't win too many home games last season, but this season we have tried to excite the crowd."

"We have only lost three at home in the league and okay against Northampton we didn't have enough."

"We played very well against Plymouth but lost, and against Mansfield we lost too which was deserved."

"The rest of the games we have dominated, but of course it is away from home we need to improve."

"Sometimes we have a lack of confidence to go and make the 2-0 like Thierry (Audel) at Cambridge for example."

"(Izale) McLeod can make the 2-0 at Wimbledon, but we are not confident enough in our own strength."

"But it is a process you cannot implement in three months. What we can do and what we must do is train every day like it is your last."

"And of course we confront each other on the inside, it is sharp and nobody must underestimate that. I must give confidence to people who don't have it."

"I see in a game who wants the ball and who doesn't, who wants to press his opponent for 90 minutes and who doesn't."

"A lot of time it is to do with a lack of physical power. In League Two, when a defender is under pressure I believe he will panic."

"We are okay at home, but for Cambridge for example, we refused to keep the ball. That is what we must improve."

Notts welcome Newport County to the Lane on Saturday.

Discuss what's happening in and around Notts within our community forum - Here.

Jordan Richards has returned to Notts as his successful three month loan spell with Boston United has come to an end. Loan rules prevented an extension to the original loan deal but he will be eligible to resume in January, which is what he would like if Ricardo Moniz has no plans for him at Notts. Jordan believes his own interests would be best served by returning to Boston in the new year.

Referring to Boston United Jordan said "I'd love to come back, particularly if I'm not going to get a look in at Notts."

"In that case, I would be better off enjoying my football out on loan."

Boston manager Dennis Greene has turned to former Derby County youngster Mo Adams to fill the gap left by Richards departure as he fulfils a similar holding midfield role. However Greene would still like to bring Richards back after Christmas.

"I really hope so and we're working on it," said Greene.

"I don't think he can come back until January, but we're certainly working on it."

Notts ladies and Scottish International Leanne Crichton has extended her stay at Meadow Lane.

The central midfielder has put pen-to-paper on a new one-year deal with the magpies and is pleased with her personal contributions throughout her first season at Notts, whilst hoping to help the club further by achieving silverware next season.

She said “Last year was good year for us, but it’s now time to build on the success of last season and bring silverware back to Meadow Lane”.

“I am delighted to be extending my contact for another year, the club has been everything and more than what I expected and the fans were a huge reason behind my decision to stay.”

The lady pie has been key in Notts ladies team, with manager Rick Passmoor selecting her for all but two games last season. She played a key role in helping Notts reach the women’s F.A Cup final and the Continental Tyres Cup Final.

Leanne grew up playing football for her hometown club Glasgow City, before moving onto fellow Glaswegian side Celetic and Scottish side Hibernian but later re-signed for her hometown club Glasgow City where she reached the Champions League.

She has since settled within Nottingham and has committed another season to the lady pies, after signing the new one-year deal with Notts County. At the start of the 2015 season, she became a professional footballer by making the move to Notts.

Discuss what's happening in and around Notts within our community forum - Here.

Fans who are preparing to travel to the Carlisle game are advised to pick up their travel and tickets beforehand. The game will be taking place at Deepdale Stadium (Preston), with the match moved due to the flooding experienced at Carlisle.

If you are planning to travel via coach, we have listed all the current options known to us below.

Notts County have been allocated 300 tickets, for all information leading to up-to the away day, you will find within this article.

Match Tickets are priced at:

£15.00 - Adults
£10.00 - Seniors (65 years and above)
£10.00 - Young Person (17-21 years of age)
£5.00 - Under 16

*must be purchased with an adult or senior ticket.

Supporters Club travel is as follows:

Coach leaves at: Saturday 19^th December at 10am
Adults: £20
Under 16’s: £14
Under 11’s: One FREE with each paying adult.

To book your seat, please contact: 07946021408
Official travel is as follows:

Coach leaves at: Saturday 19^th December at 9:30am
Adults: £21
Under 18’s: £10.50

For more information please visit the OS website - Here

Pride of Nottingham wishes all Notts safe travelling and for the black & white army to spur our lads onto victory. C’mon You Pies!!!

Football League chairman Greg Clarke has announced he will stand down from his post at the end of the season.

The former Leicester City chairman, who was appointed in March 2010, will stay in the role until the league holds its annual general meeting on 10 June.

"I leave with the Football League in excellent health and with solid foundations in place," he said.

"Clubs are largely in better financial shape and there is a greater solidarity between our three divisions."

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Portsmouth defender Matt Clarke says he is open to extending his stay at Fratton Park.

Clarke joined Pompey on loan from Championship side Ipswich Town in August.

The 19-year-old has made 16 appearances for the League Two side so far this season.

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York City have released defender Keith Lowe by mutual consent.

The 30-year-old joined the Minstermen from Cheltenham in January 2014 after a loan spell.

He won the club's player of the year award last season but found himself out of favour after Jackie MacNamara took over from Russ Wilcox last month.

Lowe, who started his career with Wolves, made a total of 92 league appearances for the Bootham Crescent side.

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Mansfield Town manager Adam Murray says defender Luke Jones will almost certainly have to retire because of an Achilles tendon injury.

Jones, 28, has not played for the Stags since rejoining them from Stevenage for a third spell in May 2014.

"He's had two years of hell. His main focus is being able to live day-to-day life as best he can," Murray told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"He still can't walk to 100% and we're gutted for him as a football club."

Jones made 25 league appearances in his first spell with the club before helping them to promotion back to the Football League in 2012-13, scoring eight goals in 33 league games.

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Oxford United manager Michael Appleton has questioned why any of his key players would want to leave the League Two leaders.

Midfielders Kemar Roofe and Callum O'Dowda have excelled this term for the in-form U's.

Roofe, who has scored 12 goals this season, has been linked with a move to the Premier League.

"I think the most important thing for them to do at the minute is to do it here," Appleton told BBC Radio Oxford.

"Why would you want to go to a Championship club right now when the reality is you might be on the bench each Saturday?

"If there are big clubs monitoring Callum and Kemar, at the right time, they will make a serious offer."

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Armand Gnanduillet's loan spell at Stevenage from Chesterfield has been extended until January.

The 24-year-old striker has scored twice in 10 appearances for the League Two side, helping Boro go unbeaten throughout November, a run of five matches.

Gnanduillet has had previous loan spells at Tranmere and Oxford since signing for Chesterfield in 2013.

Stevenage are currently 18th in League Two having won five league games from the 20 they have played this season.

Newport County's disastrous start to the season is only just starting to see a new silver lining, with four draws and two wins under their belts within their last six league games – It’s not so easy to dismiss this struggling League Two team. Impressive victories have come against Bristol Rovers (4-1) and a 3-0 win over promotion favourites Luton Town.

The Monmouthshire (Wales) side are currently 21^st with 19 points, seven away from the relegation zone and only six behind the Magpies.

Run-down of their last six games.

Saturday 21^st October – Bristol Rovers 1 Newport County 4
Saturday 31^st October – Newport County 2 Northampton Town 2
Saturday 14^th November – Accrington Town 2 Newport County 2
Saturday 21^st November – Newport County 0 Yeovil Town 0
Tuesday 24^th November – Oxford United 1 Newport County 1
Saturday 28^th November – Newport County 3 Luton Town 0

The Players – Fact Sheet

Highest Goal Scorers; Scott Boden 6, Lenell John-Lewis 5, Oliver McBurnie 3 and Scott Barrow 2.

Persistent Foulers; Danny Holmes 1 Red Card and 1 Yellow Card, Scott Barrow 4 Yellow Cards, Jazzi Barnum-Bobb 4 Yellow Cards and Matt Partridge 3 Yellow Cards.

The Key Players.

Front pair Scott Boden and Lenell John-Lewis are Newport County’s threats on goal, John-Lewis is one which particularly will require attention. The 5’11 striker can double up as Winger whereby his pace can be put to use.

On-loan Magpie Scott Bennett has also been performing well for the Exiles, with several calm performances being praised with local media.

Zak Ansah currently also on-loan from Championship side Charlton Athletic and is also a player the Notts defence must be aware of.

Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses.

Newport County would be best described as a team which utilises their players as a tight unit, they attempt to suss out their opposition and are not afraid to be direct with their play. However, it’s neither patient or progression based with the tempo aimed to be kept high from the start to finish.

Their strengths are dynamic balls, which off load within deep dropping passes that allow for freely found movement.

As mentioned, they tend to break sides down by mixing their passes – yet frequently play long balls that are placed into no-man’s-land, solely aimed at causing pressure within their oppositions half. These balls are chased so that Newport can keep men behind, which allows them to sustain pressure as they attempt to break sides down.

Weaknesses are mainly the lack of commitment from their defence, as sides appear to be easily able to create chances and combined with stray passes, often as a direct result to them trying to gain ground by hitting long balls to anyone.

And yet, they do not look comfortable trying to sustain a steady flow of possession.

If Notts can dictate the tempo and pass the ball around whilst being careful not to allow the Exiles to keep the ball in the air, chances are likely to present themselves. The key thing I feel the Magpies must focus on is using their width, enabling bodies to be picked out for passes but we must attack directly to avoid being blocked off.