"The Belief Was Always There" – Matty Platt on Notts’ Recent Form

Notts County defender Matty Platt has praised the team’s recent run of form, acknowledging the squad’s belief and resilience as they push for continued success in League Two.

The 27-year-old, who joined the Magpies from Bradford City in the summer, has played a key role in the club’s defensive solidity and is eager to maintain momentum.  

Speaking after the latest match, Platt reflected on the team's outstanding record of eight wins in their last ten fixtures.

"Yeah, it's been good, it's been really good," he said. "The form of late has been obviously really good. So yeah, it's been great to be around the place, all the lads are in good spirits as you'd imagine. Just looking to carry on really and go again on Thursday."  

Notts County's remarkable turnaround came after a disappointing defeat to Salford City, a result that served as a wake-up call for the squad. Platt admitted that the loss forced the players to reassess their performances and refocus on their objectives. "I think it kind of just, looking back, got us all in a headspace of we need to be better than that," he explained.

"I think we had a belief that if we all perform to the levels that we can do, this is what we can achieve, the run of form that we've been on. I think at the time there were some home truths spoken and I think everyone has clicked into gear since then and shown what we're really about."  

A significant factor in Notts County’s success has been their defensive stability, with the team recording 12 clean sheets this season, a tally bettered only by AFC Wimbledon.

Platt acknowledged the importance of keeping things tight at the back, stating: "I think at the start of the season we had some goals set for clean sheets and goals against, and stuff. I think we've been pretty good in that department, pretty solid. I've said it before in this league, it's huge. Clean sheets are what you can base success off because I think we've got goals in the team. If we can keep the back door shut, we're always going to have some level of success."  

Platt's aerial dominance has also been a crucial component of the team’s defensive strength. According to statistics, he ranks in the top 10% of League Two players for aerial duels, an aspect of his game he recognises as vital. "I think in this league you're always going to come up against teams that are going to put it on you.

They're going to play long balls up to physical strikers and no matter who you are, you've got to deal with that," he noted. "Obviously aerial duels are huge for that. I think also what we are really good at is winning the second as well. If one of us at the back do win the first header, that's great, but obviously the second ball is just as equally as important."  

Looking ahead, Notts County face a challenging away fixture against Port Vale, who are unbeaten in League Two this year. Platt acknowledged the difficulty of the task but expressed confidence in his team’s ability. "It's a tough place to go but I think the form we've been in, we're really confident going into the game. If we keep on doing what we're doing, there's no reason why we can't go there and pick up a result," he said.  

The match will also be televised, an aspect that does not faze Platt. "Yes and no," he said when asked if it still feels special to play in front of a national audience. "I suppose you might get a few more messages after the game or before the game than what you might do usually. But yeah, it's one of those things. As you say, there's so many games that are on TV these days, especially us this year, we've had a lot of half-12 kick-offs on a Saturday. So, yes, I suppose it's nothing new to us."  

Despite the team’s impressive form, Platt insists that discussions about a potential title push are premature. "No, I think it's one of those. I think at this stage in the season there's so much football left, there's so many points still to play for that it's just the same case as always and just focus on the next game," he stated. "Keep trying to pick up three points and if that means that we put some pressure on Walsall, so be it. But not at this stage, I think it's too early to be thinking about that."  

With Notts County in excellent form and confidence running high, Platt and his teammates will be looking to extend their impressive run and make a statement against Port Vale.

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