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Joe Jones
Dan Jones has claimed that Notts County's players feel they can beat anybody at Meadow Lane and that recent adverse results have only made the squad stronger.
The Magpies go into Saturday's home game against Newport County second in the table and just one point behind leaders Luton Town.
However, Notts' form has dipped over the last month, with just one win in their last six games in all competitions, but Jones is eager for the team to put recent results behind them.
"The run we went on was fantastic but you are going to have ups and downs during the season," Jones told the Nottingham Post.
"In this league, it's tough because every game is a serious battle.
"Newport are a good side with good players. They have recruited well but I feel we can beat anybody here. The pitch is fantastic to play on, you have no excuses whatsoever.
"We've had a bit of a blip but it makes you stronger as a group. Hopefully on Saturday we can get back to winning ways, put the last few weeks behind us and move on."
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Joe Jones
Notts County and Newport County have met a total of 48 times over the years, the first fixture coming in 1930, which the Magpies won 3-2.
The head-to-head record is skewed in the Magpies’ favour, with 25 wins, 9 draws and 14 defeats.
The last meeting was in May 2017, the last game of last season, and Newport won 2-1 at Rodney Parade to avoid the drop to the National League.
Our record league win is against Newport – an 11-1 hammering. We have also beaten them 5-0, 6-2, 7-0, 6-0 and 8-1 over the years.
Newport, originally nicknamed "The Ironsides" due to Newport being home to Lysaght's Orb Works steel works, started out in the Southern League in 1912 at Somerton Park.
The official name of the club was The Newport & Monmouth County Association Football Club, although the shorter Newport County was soon adopted.
The club were reformed in 1919 and were first elected to the Football League in 1920.
Newport were Welsh Cup winners in 1980 and subsequently reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup Winner's Cup in 1981.
The club was relegated from the Football League in 1988 and went out of business in February 1989, but reformed shortly afterwards and entered the English football league system at a much lower level.
In 2013 the club then won promotion back to the Football League for the first time since 1988.
In the 1970s and 1980s comedian Frank Carson was appointed as a Director and Vice President in order to raise the profile of the club.
Newport-based rappers Goldie Lookin' Chain are also supporters of the club and were the team's shirt sponsors for the 2004–05 season FAW Premier Cup matches.
Team news
Adam Collin has been sidelined for between two to three months with ligament damage so Ross Fitzsimons is likely to retain his place in Notts County's goal, with Branislav Pindroch also an option.
Kevin Nolan made widescale changes in the EFL Trophy loss to Mansfield Town and is likely to restore most of the players who turned out at Carlisle United last week back to the starting XI.
Joss Labadie and Calum Jahraldo-Martin are both out with hamstring injuries for the Exiles, but midfielder Robbie Willmott is available after recovering from a knee problem.
Paul Hayes, who signed for the Exiles after a chat with Newport boss Mike Flynn on LinkedIn, is not expected to be involved as he looks to return to match fitness.
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Joe Jones
Notts County return to League Two action on Saturday with a home game against Newport County.
The Exiles experienced two torrid seasons back to back but survived both times, and now they sit sixth in the standings.
Pride of Nottingham spoke to Newport fan Frank ahead of the game at Meadow Lane to get an insight into his team.
About Frank: I'm in my 30s, been a fan since 1999, and my favourite player is Craig Reid.
1) Charlie Hopkins has recently resigned as a director at Newport and has spoken of a split in the boardroom - how have things been off the pitch at the club in recent years?
Hopkins's resignation letter, which was leaked to the press, was damning in its content - he basically said there was a split in the boardroom and that he could no longer work with some of his fellow directors. Just a few weeks earlier, our old chairman - who was also supposedly at loggerheads with the other directors - resigned, so it seems to be a bit of a power struggle up top at the minute. The board has been very hush-hush in the last few years, a lot of secrecy, and obviously fans want communication to be more transparent with regards to what's going on exactly.
2) You've finished 22nd in League Two the last two seasons but ninth the one before - what led to such a decline in fortunes in recent years?
In summer 2015, our previous chairman Les Scadding resigned - he had won the Euromillions a few years before and invested in the club - and the Supporters' Trust took over, but with a lower budget, players having to be sold, managerial changes and so on, form naturally took a tumble.
3) Newport have several former Notts players in their ranks like David Pipe, Joss Labadie and Scot Bennett - how have they been doing at the club?
David Pipe's a Newport legend, pure and simple - he's had several spells at the club, gives his all and is a very passionate player - he's definitely improved and mellowed out a bit since his earlier spells too. Joss Labadie is our captain and has been very good for us, although he is a bit of a loose cannon - though at least he's not done his Luis Suarez impression while here! And Scot Bennett was impressive in his loan spell from you guys and since joining us permanently he's been solid both in defence and midfield.
4) Who are your club's danger men?
As you know, Labadie is a cracking midfielder, and he has formed a great partnership with Ben Tozer and Matty Dolan this season, but sadly he's been ruled out for at least a few weeks with a hamstring injury. And up front, Frank Nouble and Padraig Among are dynamic players who have bagged a fair few goals between them, while Shawn McClousky has been used sparingly but also knows where the goal us.
5) Score and scorer prediction
Even without Labadie, I fancy us to continue our good form - 3-1 win for Newport, Amond and Nouble to get three between them.
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Chris
With the distraction of the midweek EFL Trophy game out of the way, Notts County can get back to the fixtures that matter.
Up this Saturday is a League Two home game against Newport County, a team that survived in the Football League by the skin of their teeth the last two seasons but currently sit sixth in the standings.
The Magpies remain in a very healthy second place in the table but there can be no denying that performances and results have slightly slipped recently, so Kevin Nolan will be eager to get the ball rolling once again.
In this week's Scouting Report, Chris has an in-depth look at the opposition and how Notts should approach the game.
History
Notts County and Newport County have met a total of 48 times over the years, the first fixture coming in 1930, which the Magpies won 3-2.
The head-to-head record is skewed in the Magpies’ favour, with 25 wins, 9 draws and 14 defeats.
The last meeting was in May 2017, the last game of last season, and Newport won 2-1 at Rodney Parade to avoid the drop to the National League.
Run-down of their last six features
Tuesday 26th September – Crawley Town 1 Newport County 2
Saturday 30th September – Luton Town 3 Newport County 1
Saturday 7th October – Newport County 2 Yeovil Town 0
Saturday 14th October – Forest Green Rovers 0 Newport County 4
Tuesday 17th October – Newport County 1 Colchester United 2
Saturday 21st October – Newport County 1 Mansfield Town 1
The Players – Fact Sheet
Highest goalscorers: Shawn McCoulsky 7, Padraig Amond 6, Frank Nouble 5 and Joss Labadie 3.
Persistent foulers: Joss Labadie 4 yellow cards, Matthew Dolan 4 yellow cards, Ben White 4 yellow cards and Mark O’Brien 3 yellow cards.
The Key Players
Despite the obvious flaws about Joss Labadie, i.e. his temper, he is a good technical player on the ball, who can move into good positions or dictate the play with his passing ability. He’s also dangerous if given time to shoot and can really be an influential player on his day.
Also former Magpie player David Pipe is a forward thinking player that likes to use his distribution as a way to unlock opportunities for his side – in our last game of the 2016-17 season he was paramount in the Exiles bid to overcome defeat and also to remain a League Two team.
Attacking duo Frank Nouble and Shawn McCoulsky offer a lot of dynamic play  up top, with the latter being someone who can instantly impact a game for the better once coming off the bench as a substitute.
Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Newport County are a much more organised outlet this term, they focus on attacking and controlling games this way – which can see a mixed performance in terms of the result.
They tend to keep players back, which doesn’t always mean they get a feel for their own attacking play.
However, they can break with pace and have good deliveries from set pieces – including a very respectful long throw specialist which can cause their opposition some headaches when used effectively.
On the ground they are quite confident and this is where they prefer to keep the ball, as it allows their better players to threaten carefully.
As a result, to being quite deep, their defence tends to invite play and I would pin point a lack of focus at the back.
At times it’s almost kamikaze defending, with little communication and this allows teams which remain focused to come out on top – a lot of the goals conceded by Newport County fall under this scenario.
Yet they don’t give teams a lot of time on the ball, rather they rush to cover or block – and again this results in them often leaving their keeper exposed.
Route-one football is something which Newport can take advantage from, although it can be a weakness from a defensive point of view.
Notts really need to focus on getting wide, whilst making the most of space which comes available as they move as a unit going forward.
If we are clever in possession and patient, openings will arise where players such as Grant or Stead may get a clinical shot a way towards goal.
Set pieces, especially corner kicks are something whereby the Magpies may create a chance.
Distribution of the ball is key, being steady at the back – in terms of being alert and quick to danger will ensure the control remains in an home advantage.
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Joe Jones
Mike Flynn has talked up Newport County's prospects in Saturday's League Two encounter at Notts County, urging the his side to become the first team to inflict a league home defeat on the Magpies this season.
The Exiles survived in League Two last season courtesy of a final-day win over Notts at Rodney Parade, and this time round they appear a much different proposition, sitting sixth in the table.
When asked by the official Newport site about Notts' unbeaten home record in the league, Flynn responded: “I didn’t know that if I’m honest but if that’s true then it’s there for the taking.
“Let’s be the first team to be beat them there in the league. They are a strong team and it’s going to be a tough game. But they’ve had a little dip in form now so hopefully we catch them at the right time.
“It’s all about what Newport team turns up on the day and what Notts County team turns up as it is in most games in this league.
“I’m confident we can go there and cause them problems, I just hope we have that killer touch and we go there and get the win because the boys have been magnificent.”
Flynn also spoke highly of Notts boss Kevin Nolan, adding: “They’ve got an ambitious young manager in Kevin Nolan. He’s played at the highest level, seen what has worked in the league.
"They’ve obviously got some backing as well, so he’s been able to build a strong squad and I’m sure they will be up there come the end of the season.
“If you can put together a competitive squad and be consistent in this league then you know that you’ll be in the top half of the table for sure.”
And Meadow Lane also got praised by Flynn, telling the site: “It’s a great football stadium. It’s full of tradition and I’m really looking forward to going there.
“They’ve started really well, and I think the way they tried to relegate us last season will mean the boys are up for it.”
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has acknowledged that Notts County need to get used to the pressure of being viewed as one of the big scalps in League Two.
Despite a blip in recent weeks, the Magpies continue to sit second in League Two, just one point behind a very impressive Luton Town outfit.
Up next for Notts is Saturday's league encounter with Newport County in Meadow Lane, and Nolan admits that the raised expectations are a new thing for both players and staff.
"A lot has changed in recent weeks, such as expectations from outside the club," he told the official website.
"People now think we're a good side who are where we should be, which means teams see us as a real threat in this division.
"As a squad and a staff we have not been in this position before and we're still getting used to being one of the teams to beat.
"Last year there was no pressure because of where we were in the league and teams were thinking they had a real chance of getting something from the game but now they come here, show us the respect we deserve and try not to give anything silly away.
"The players have earned that respect over the past few months and we have to find a way to start countering it.
"Hopefully what we do on the training ground will come to fruition and we can combat their strengths while taking advantage of their weaknesses, which will give us a fantastic opportunity to beat anyone."
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Joe Jones
The EFL Trophy is despised by a significant proportion of football fans, and rightly so.
It's effectively been hijacked by the Premier League for the benefit of their academies to give their reserve teams some competitive action.
This has come at the expense of the teams in League One and League Two, who cannot do the same thing themselves and will even be sanctioned if they fail to field a number of first-team players.
It's not like the teams in the bottom two divisions of the Football League already have 50-odd games to play already when you factor in the 46 standard league games, potentially the playoffs, and the League and FA Cups.
No, let's force their already tired and weary players to turn out not for one extra game, as it was in the past, but three more games as a minimum.
But let's face it, when was the last time that the EFL Trophy actually any good?
Having a competition only open to the 48 teams in the third and fourth tier was never going to throw up any bumper ties.
Previously, there was a 50-50 team that you'd be playing a team that you'd be facing twice in the league anyway.
And even if you were drawn against a team in the league above or below you, it's still unlikely to be the kind of match-up that will make fans excited.
The only exception to this would be if you were drawn against a fallen "giant" - say Blackburn Rovers or Charlton Athletic. Only then would it be somewhat exciting for a fourth-tier team.
But even then, would the more illustrious team actually make any effort in the competition? Winning such a tinpot competition as the EFL Trophy would be a permanent mark of shame for such a team, a reminder that they had once fallen on hard times.
And on top of that, having a competition played largely on weekdays may work if it's something like the Champions League, or the latter rounds of a proper competition like the FA Cup or League Cup, but a midweek trip to Morecambe or Southend is hardly going to generate enthusiasm - and it's not like there's the prospect of better ties ahead.
That said, even having a group with local rivals Mansfield Town and Lincoln City, as it is at present, is not a particularly exciting thing, given it feels forced, plus all the previous points that made the competition shoddy in the first place, plus the Premier League meddling that have rendered the competition at best pointless, at worst outright toxic.
The EFL Trophy is a moribund, pointless and utterly futile competition. The Premier League intervention can either be seen as an attempt to breathe new life into it, or as a parasite or virus that has taken over its host and completely zombified it.
Either way, it reflects badly on the competition, so the best thing would be to just let it die off.
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has praised Notts County summer signings Callum Saunders and Elliot Hodge, suggesting that they are both players who can get crowds excited.
Both players, brought in at Meadow Lane with a view to development, played in the Magpies' 2-1 defeat to Mansfield Town in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday.
“I thought they did really well and I was really pleased with both of them,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“Callum led the line well and ran the channels which is what he is all about.
“He was probably a little bit unlucky not to get a few more chances but he will get better the more and more he does it.
“Elliot did really well especially in the first half. He did lots of good things and when you’ve got two lads who are hungry, decent, and they’ve got pace, it excites the crowds.
“I was delighted with them and they should be pleased with how they performed.”
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has urged his players not to feel sorry for themselves after losing to Mansfield Town in midweek ahead of Saturday's League Two game with Newport County.
A much-changed Magpies outfit fell to a 2-1 defeat against the Stags on Tuesday night in the EFL Trophy.
With a league game now on the horizon, Nolan has rallied his troops and urged them to bounce back from the midweek defeat.
“I want the players to react in the right way to Tuesday, I don’t want them to feel sorry for themselves,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“I want them to show what I believe they can do. I believe in them and I believe they could have done a lot better which is why I was so disappointed with what I saw.
“The best thing about having Saturday, Tuesday, fixtures is that you don’t have to wait long for another game.
“But I was able to give some of the lads some exposure who haven’t had many minutes this season while obviously giving the lads who have been playing a rest.
“I am really looking forward to Newport now.”
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Joe Jones
What's been happening in League Two over the last week?
Here is Pride of Nottingham's round-up of the biggest League Two news from the last seven days.
- Chesterfield have confirmed that midfielder Jordan Flores, on loan from Wigan Athletic, was involved in a car accident on Monday and was taken to hospital for treatment, where it is reported that he will be undergoing surgery.
- Lincoln City have signed former Manchester United youth winger Cameron Stewart, who had been without a club since leaving Ipswich Town in the summer, on a short-term deal until January.
- The EFL has confirmed that "no specific action" will be taken against Stevenage following complaints of stewards acting inappropriately by asking some female Grimsby Town fans to show their bras to security staff ahead of their League Two match at the Lamex Stadium in August.
- Wycombe Wanderers have been forced to recall defender Will de Havilland from his loan spell at Aldershot following a spate of defensive injuries in the Chairboys ranks.
- Carlisle United striker Shaun Miller has become the first player in English football to be retrospectively banned for diving due to 'successful deception of a match official', a new offence which came into force at the start of the season, in their 3-3 draw with Wycombe.
- Coventry City have banned a supporter for life after he came onto the pitch during their home defeat against Forest Green and shouted at the Sky Blues players.
- Mansfield Town have opted to recall midfielder Jack Thomas from his loan spell at National League North side Boston United.
All news stories sourced from BBC Sport and Sky Sports.
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has piled praise on Notts County defender Matt Tootle following his impressive performances for the club this season and vows to remain fully supportive of him.
The 27-year-old notched up his third assist in four games in the 1-1 draw against Carlisle United last weekend when he set up Ryan Yates for the equaliser at Brunton Park.
Aside from his assists and all-round performances, Tootle also weighed in with a goal of his own against Lincoln City, a well-taken shot from a tight angle just inside the box.
“He’s come through Crewe’s academy and anybody who comes through there you would expect them to be good technically and good on the ball," Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“They have that vision and they are taught that from a young age. We’ve been delighted with him. He’s a fantastic lad. He trusts me and knows I want the best for him.
“It’s given him that confidence that he knows I am right behind him. I think he played in a number of positions before I came in and when I got here I wanted him to be right-back and cement that place.
“He’s been brilliant this season as have the majority of the lads.”
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Chris
Hello and welcome to episode 30 of the Pride of Nottingham PONcast, presented by Chris and JJ.
In this week's episode we assess Notts County's 1-1 draw at Carlisle United from last weekend, with an in-depth focus on performance and tactics.
We then look ahead to the Newport County clash this Saturday at Meadow Lane, looking at how the Magpies should approach the game based on their opponents' form and style of play.
We also discuss whether Ross Fitzsimons should remain in goal for the Magpies after Adam Collin recovers from his injury.
Other topics covered include the significance of the EFL Trophy, Kevin Nolan's recent criticism of social media, and plenty more.
All this and more only in episode 30 of the Pride of Nottingham PONcast!
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Chris
Winning football games is never the easiest thing to achieve. However, when you do manage to pull it off, it restores a sense of pride, not just within the club and its players but it spreads within the fan community.
The momentum it builds can be a very powerful psychological tool, which I believe is a part of why Notts County have managed to assert themselves strongly after the opening day defeat to Coventry City.
It’s been a long time since the club has felt like it’s moving in the right direction, and I believe we should continue to aim high.
Another aspect which only deserves praise is the fact that key players have upped their game – something which started from day one after Kevin Nolan arrived at Meadow Lane.
It would be unfair to suggest that the form which turned the club around during the 2016-17 season lies anywhere else and I feel strongly that the majority of the squad have continued this within their own right into 2017-18.
It’s this kind of form and focus which I would like the club to work towards now. However, I don’t suggest this isn’t the case – I do feel the focus has been lost somewhat.
Adam Collin has been a different keeper this term, he’s really impressed me and I still feel right now he doesn’t get the praise he deserves.
For the most part Richard Duffy has been solid, although admittedly I am not his biggest fan – I do feel he offers something which contributes to the success we are seeing on the field.
Dan Jones as a new signing has been paramount and has given the club a lot more pace at the back – after the shaky start he really has found his form prior to the recent injury.
At right back, Matt Tootle has been probably the most consistent player, something which I noticed myself last season.
He just seemed a different character on and off the pitch, and I am pleased to see that he feels open enough to talk about depression – something which I myself suffer from.
That’s the thing about the 2017-18 season, every player has largely been working towards the same goal and the added competition really has helped people thrive – perhaps not Tootle as much as Nolan has suggested recently but it certainly has for players such as Collin, Jonathan Forte and Carl Dickinson.
Whilst Nicky Hunt is a good character to have around, and someone capable for players to learn from, he really hasn’t done anything to push Tootle for his position.
I know it won’t be a popular opinion, however I would rather see Elliott Hewitt push Tootle because all Elliott requires is time to learn and gain experience.
However, it is still a positive note just how much widely across the pitch we have improved and there is depth within the squad when you take games seriously.
Whilst again, people suggest that Notts are unable to maintain their current form, if targets are a part of what got us here, ambition and desire should be more than enough to help us on our way with a return to form.
This is exactly why I feel the club should continue to aim high, we need to dig deep and believe – reverting back to the basics will help (as will keeping the ball on the ground).
And I really don’t believe in the curse of the Manager of the Month, if you remain grounded and focused on your tasks at hand, this is nothing more than praise for a job well done.
The majority of fans know that have leaders on the pitch, perhaps not captain material but we have a squad which cares – so let’s keep Notts flying high.
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has backed Alan Smith to score even more goals for Notts County after opening his account for the club on Tuesday night.
The 36-year-old, who played as a striker early in his career, equalised for the Magpies in the EFL Trophy meeting with Mansfield Town, although the Stags went on to win 2-1 at Meadow Lane.
Despite the defeat, Nolan was full of praise for Smith and backed him to chip in with more goals, even if he acknowledges he's not going to be regularly playing full games.
“I thought Smudger was great and you are going to get that from him every time he plays,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“He loves the game and still has that hunger, but unfortunately his legs don’t let him get to 90 minutes as much as he would like them to do.
“But he was brilliant and took his goal really well. That’s what you expect when you put him up there because he’s done it all his career.
“I’ve told him he will be a forward and I am expecting him to come up with a couple of goals here and there.”
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has singled Matt Tootle out for praise and suggested that competition from summer arrival Nicky Hunt has pushed his form to a new level.
Tootle grabbed his third assist in four games in the 1-1 draw against Carlisle United last weekend when he set up Ryan Yates for the equaliser at Brunton Park.
“We brought Nicky Hunt in during the window and that was to always make sure that Toots pushed on, and if he did have that sticky spell, we had somebody of Nicky’s class to come in,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“That’s not to take away from what Toots has been doing but I think Nicky has pushed him to new levels.
“He is breathing down his neck for the right-back spot. We haven’t got just a number one right-back anymore.
“We have two who are pushing each other to the maximum. Toots has arguably been the standout player over the last four or five weeks.
“I am delighted with him, as I am all my players.”
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Pride of Nottingham

Pride of Nottingham is an independent fansite devoted to Notts County, the world’s oldest professional football club. Created in 2013, it has served as a source of Magpie news, features, match previews, reports, analysis and interviews for more than three years.

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