Jump to content
News Update:
Show all categories

Articles

Our website articles
Joe Jones
Notts County are still in the running for the League Two title despite their 3-1 defeat at Mansfield Town, according to Steve Evans.
A Danny Rose brace and Richard Duffy's own goal saw the Magpies' six-game winning streak come to an end in Saturday's derby at the One Call Stadium.
Evans told the official Stags site: "We've given the bragging rights to our supporters, but we know full well it was a good side we beat today and a hard earned three points.
"They are a quality side - how many teams get six wins in succession? We can only respect and applaud the opposition.
"It was a dominant Mansfield performance and we should have turned round two or three up at the interval. When you don't do that you are looking for the characters in the dressing room.
"You never score a chance unless you are prepared to miss them. It could have been a lot more in the end.
"But they are a good side with good players and an outstanding young manager. My pre-match words don't change from my post-match words - Notts County will be in the shake-up to be the champions."
Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has claimed that Notts County were beaten by the better side as they fell to a 3-1 defeat at Mansfield Town on Saturday.
The League Two table-toppers were undone by Danny Rose's brace and a Richard Duffy own goal as the Stags claimed the inaugural Matt Salmon Trophy at the One Call Stadium.
"I thought they were the better side from start to finish," Nolan told the official Notts website.
"We didn't get going, we didn't do what we normally do and we didn't handle their strengths.
"You have to give credit to them but we could have done a lot of things better and with a lot more efficiency.
"I don't think I can knock the lads' attitude and application to the game, I just think Mansfield looked a bit sharper and were buoyed by the crowd.
"We have no excuses. We were beaten by the better side."
Despite the defeat, Nolan is still delighted with County's run prior to the Mansfield loss, adding: "We've had a fantastic run and what we've done this week can't be taken away from us.
"Not many teams will only have two losses in their first 11 games and a lot of Notts fans would have taken six points from this week.
"I'm delighted with the output of the boys so far this season but today it just wasn't our day and sometimes you have to accept that."
Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Joe Jones
As amazing as Notts County have been for most of September, they sadly fell at the final - and arguably most challenging - hurdle as their League Two derby at Mansfield Town saw them head back down the A60 on the back of a 3-1 defeat.
The first half was a scrappy affair but the Stags enjoyed several gilt-edged chances, the first of the game coming on six minutes when Alex MacDonald's lofted free-kick into the area was nodded by Kane Hemmings into the path of Danny Rose three yards out, but the latter was unable to control and get a decent shot at goal from close range as the ball bounced wide for a goal kick.
Notts then attacked and Jorge Grant saw a curling effort deflect over onto the roof of the net for a corner, and on 18 minutes the Nottingham Forest loanee sent a free kick goalwards which Johnny Hunt hooked over the bar.
Neither side was able to break the deadlock come the half-time whistle but Mansfield got off the mark early after the restart, with Richard Duffy making a hash of a headed backpass which allowed Rose to sneak in and lob the ball over Adam Collin.
On 53 minutes County came close to drawing level during a goalmouth scramble scramble, but David Mirfin was well placed on the line to deny Jonathan Forte from seven yards.
Three minutes late, the visitors were two down as Omari Sterling-James's cross to the far post allowed Hemmings to send a header goalwards which Collin turned onto the post, with Rose pouncing on the rebound and drilling home.
Rose was involved again as the Stags claimed a third, a low cross from the striker taking a deflection off Duffy and into the Notts net.
Kevin Nolan's beleaguered charges did manage to net a consolation late on through a Carl Dickinson free kick, while Shaun Brisley headed against the bar deep into injury time, but it proved a comfortable win for Mansfield in the end and left the Notts boss with work to do on the training ground.
Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
ARLukomski
As Kevin Keegan would say, 'I will love it if we beat them.'
This phrase applies so much to Notts fans for this game.
It's not just about pride, passion or bragging rights.
It's about revenge.
Revenge for the defeats, the pain we have suffered whilst the six fingered *insert swear word here* have celebrated and had their deluded heads up in the sky.
This derby is massive for Notts, not just to keep our unbeaten run and momentum going in the league, but we need to beat Mansfield.
We owe them for the last two seasons and we are need of a good result against them.
Although some fans don't view this as a particularly heated rivalry, others may think differently. For me it's slightly awkward as I was born in Nottingham but live in Mansfield.
But for me, I hate them. I can't stand their fans. They think they are so big, bigger than they actually are. It would be so nice to shut them up for once and show them for what they are. A really small football club.
Unlike previous meetings, this time we have the quality, the passion, the never say die attitude, the mentality and the togetherness. This year we can have them.
So let's back the lads and cheer Notts on to a derby win that has been long in waiting.
Three defeats hurt. They really do. Now it's time for payback. For revenge.
LET'S DO THIS
WE ARE THE BLACK AND WHITE ARMY
COME ON YOU PIES
Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Joe Jones
Notts County and Mansfield Town have met 49 times over the years.
The first fixture between the two was in October 1937, a 2-0 win for the Magpies in Division Three (South).
Notts only just have the upper hand with 18 wins, 17 defeats, and 14 draws.
Between 1989 and 2001, the two sides met six times – and Notts won each time.
County's record over the last 10 meetings, however, is poor, standing at two wins, four defeats, and four draws.
This record is embellished by the fact Notts have beaten Mansfield twice in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in the last two years.
In reality, the Magpies haven't got a league win over the Stags since August 2005.
The Stags were formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans, changing their name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910.
Mansfield won the Football League Trophy in 1987, in their first game at Wembley Stadium. After a 1–1 draw with Bristol City, they won the cup 5–4 in the deciding penalty shootout, thanks to Kevin Hitchcock saving two penalties.
That remains the only cup win in their history, though they did win the Division Four title in 1974-75, Division Three two seasons later, and the Conference in 2012-13.
Famous people from Mansfield include Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington, media presenter Richard Bacon, FA Cup-winning goalkeeper Steve Ogrizovic and award-winning fashion designer Elspeth Gibson.
Team news
Hayden White could return to the Mansfield squad for their derby clash with League Two leaders Notts County at the One Call Stadium.
The right-back missed the midweek defeat at Cheltenham with a groin problem but he is expected to be back in contention if he comes through a full training session on Friday.
However, captain Zander Diamond (groin) and midfielder Joel Byrom (foot) will not recover in time to be involved.
Stags boss Steve Evans has the likes of Calum Butcher, Alfie Potter, Alex MacDonald and Kane Hemmings to call on should he feel the need to make changes.
Notts County manager Kevin Nolan also has a squad blessed with strength and depth and he might make changes despite the impressive 3-0 win at second-placed Exeter City last time out.
On-loan Nottingham Forest midfielder Jorge Grant has strong claims for a recall after two goals from the bench on Tuesday night.
Matt Tootle and Jonathan Forte are also options for Nolan while left-back Dan Jones could be fit again after a hamstring injury.
However, Shola Ameobi's hamstring problem may not heal in time for him to play any part.
Share your thoughts about this match preview on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has expressed his desire to keep Jorge Grant at Notts County beyond January.
The 23-year-old, who is in his second spell at Meadow Lane on loan from Nottingham Forest, has been a revelation for the Magpies.
After scoring six times for Notts in the final three months of last season, Grant has netted eight in 2017-18 and is League Two's joint-top scorer.
Nolan has confirmed that there is a release clause in his contract, telling BBC Radio Nottingham: "There is but not until January. We've just got to enjoy him while we've got him.
"I'm sure we'll be having a bit of a discussion with (Forest sport director Frank McParland, manager Mark Warburton and assistant manager David Weir) that I can keep him until the end of the season.
"I think we can keep improving him. We can still tweak a lot of stuff, and we're looking after him as much as we can as he hasn't had a full pre-season. We don't want to burn him out.
"When you've got someone of his quality on the bench that you can bring on, it's brilliant. It's frightening what the chairman has allowed me to do in assembling a squad over the last year."
Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Chris
Notts County are on the brink of a perfect September, navigating through their six games so far with a 100% record, scoring 12 goals and conceding just one en route to the top of the table.
But now comes the sternest test of all - arguably our fiercest local derby, against Mansfield Town, away from home.
Here is Chris's scouting report for the Nottinghamshire derby.
History
Notts County and Mansfield Town have met 49 times over the years.
The first fixture between the two was in October 1937, a 2-0 win for the Magpies in Division Three (South).
Notts only just have the upper hand with 18 wins, 17 defeats, and 14 draws.
Between 1989 and 2001, the two sides met six times – and Notts won each time.
County's record over the last 10 meetings, however, is poor, standing at two wins, four defeats, and four draws.
This record is embellished by the fact Notts have beaten Mansfield twice in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in the last two years.
In reality, the Magpies haven't got a league win over the Stags since August 2005.
Run-down of their last six features
Saturday 2nd September – Carlisle United 1 Mansfield Town 1
Saturday 9th September – Mansfield Town 4 Grimsby Town 1
Tuesday 12th September – Mansfield Town 0 Wycombe Wanderers 0
Saturday 16th September – Lincoln City 0 Mansfield Town 1
Saturday 23rd September – Mansfield Town 2 Cambridge United 2
Tuesday 26th September – Cheltenham Town 3 Mansfield Town 0
The Players – Fact Sheet
Highest Goal Scorers; Danny Rose 4, Lee Angol 4, Alfie Potter 1 and David Mirfin 1.
Persistent Foulers; Jacob Mellis 4 yellow cards, Calum Butcher 3 yellow cards, Joel Byrom 2 yellow cards and Danny Rose 2 yellow cards.
The Key Players
The once promising Chelsea academy product and England Under-19’s midfielder Jacob Mellis is a quick minded player, who can play box-to-box and turn the opposition inside out with clever play – he is a great asset for Mansfield and his no-nonsense approach to physical tackles will be something to be aware of.
Paul Anderson is also a very experienced winger, who likes to run directly at times and can unlock sides with a defend cross or well placed through ball.
Mansfield’s star player for me appears to be the 23-year-old striker Danny Rose, who is comfortable in possession and waiting for the perfect opportunity to get a strike on goal. His positioning is generally quite tricky to track and as a result allows him to find space in keys areas.
Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses
In games when allowed to play, Mansfield Town start off very direct and take to attacking with sheer pace. They mix their breaks from all across the park, but in my opinion they look more dangerous when they take to using the flank as a way to cut back in.
They appear to be a very capable side, and quite well organised in terms of their positioning.
Going forward they do have limitations, and their midfield seems to play to far up the field – with their defence weirdly quite deep.
This tends to create a lot of space in the centre of the park, but forces teams to drop back themselves. However, better sides seem very able to hit Mansfield on the break and as a result they then start to appear just like an average League Two team.
Defensively, they look very chaotic when hit and possession is held by the opposition team. Leading to panic and confusion within their defence.
Overall Notts should just look to make use of the wing themselves, as aerial threats appear to be one strong weakness. It’s a game that Shola Ameobi would literally love, as he would be able to calm the place down and allow for more pacier players to be the direct threats.
Free kicks will most likely be won in favour of Notts, as the Stags like to use this to break down the play.
But really, quick movement and clever positioning would work to great effect against Mansfield. If Notts can build positively, control the game in key areas such as the midfield and force them to be more defensive – team should be on the Magpies’ side when it comes to creating decent chances.
Share your thoughts about this scouting report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Joe Jones
Mansfield Town boss Steve Evans has praised Kevin Nolan for his great management of Notts County and admits tomorrow's derby is a benchmark for the Stags.
The Magpies have soared to the top of League Two after 10 games and boast a six-game winning run in which they have conceded just one goal.
Mansfield were tipped to be challenging for promotion but hit a snag in midweek as they fell to a 3-0 defeat at Cheltenham Town.
"First and foremost, congratulations to Kevin Nolan; what a job he's done,” Evans is quoted by the Nottingham Post as saying.
“He's added very selectively to the group and he inherited a good squad, it has to be said.
"People forget that the squad that was put together the season before last was to be a promotion squad.
"This is a real tough challenge for us. They're a squad that have been assembled for well over a season, we're a squad that are two or three months old.
"I know people want to dismiss it, but those that dismiss it really don't know what they're talking about when putting a squad together and how long it takes.
"This is the real test, this is the real benchmark. This is the league leaders who have gone around the country turning win, after win, after win in the opening weeks, so it's a big test for us."
Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Joe Jones
Pride of Nottingham are delighted to announce our new partnership with the Notts Driving School.
Established in 2011, Notts Driving School is run by Jim Foster and Brian Marshall-Lee, fully qualified and experienced driving instructors, and boasts thousands of successful and satisfied clients over the years.
Notts Driving School takes great pride in the knowledge that a high percentage of business comes by way of recommendations from present and past pupils, testament to their success rate and also great service along the learning journey.
The School covers the whole Nottingham area, and lessons are taken in Jim and Brian's dual control, manual, Citroen DS3s which are perfect to help you develop your driving skills.
Alongside standard lessons, Notts Driving School also covers motorway lessons, Pass Plus lessons and theory test practice, ensuring a comprehensive service from the very first lesson to the post-pass final touches.
Areas covered by NDS include Arnold, Aspley, Basford, Bakersfield, Beeston, Bestwood, Bestwood Village, Bilborough, Bramcote, Broxtowe, Bulwell, Burton Joyce, Carlton, Carrington, Chilwell, Clifton, Colwick, Cotgrave, Daybrook, Edwalton, Forest, Forest Fields, Gamston, Gedling, Hyson Green, Lenton, Mapperley, Mapperley Park, Meadows, Netherfield, New College Nottingham, Nottingham City Centre, Nottingham University Campuses, Nottingham Trent University Campuses, Nottingham Schools and Academies, Nuthall, Radcliffe on Trent, Radford, Ruddington, Rushcliffe, Sherwood, Sneinton, Stapleford, The Park, Tollerton, Top Valley, West Bridgford, Wollaton and all adjacent Nottingham suburbs.
Dozens of testimonials have been left on the NDS website, which describe the tuition and demeanour by Jim and Brian as "excellent", "prompt", "adaptable", "patient", "perceptive" and "intuitive" among many other kind words.
PON head honcho Chris is also a client of the Notts Driving School and says: "When you're learning to drive, you need a teacher than can instil confidence and help with the learning side of things. I was quite nervous in the beginning, however I believe I chose wisely by going with the Notts Driving School. Jim's impressed me, his knowledge and experience with practical driving has made me very confident when out in a car.
"The support is also top notch, and the value is amazing. I feel I've learned so much from Jim and his easy approach to learning monovers - plus he's a brilliant guy and a Notts fan - which has made lessons enjoyable as we often discussed what was happening around Notts!"
Speaking of the partnership, Jim said: "Nottsdrivingschool.com is proud to support both Notts County FC and Pride of Nottingham. Notts is a club at the heart of its community and prideofnottingham.co.uk can be the true voice of the fans.
"So come on, enjoy the blogs, podcasts, and interviews which have made it an excellent online fanzine and forum. With its easy to use and great looking website, No other fans site can touch it!
"So we are delighted to start our partnership with PON and if you or your family or friends are looking for some driving lessons, remember! Notts Driving School isn't a national driving school! It's a Notts one!"
With Notts County's season going from strength to strength, Pride of Nottingham and Notts Driving School have formed a partnership that will ensure both parties grow and prosper in the same way as the Magpies are doing!
To get in touch with Notts Driving School, call  0115 945 5582, visit http://www.nottsdrivingschool.com or email [email protected] today!
Fancy joining Notts Driving School and Bettabytz Computers in showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has urged his Notts County players to stick to their guns and not let the hostile environment get to them in tomorrow's League Two derby with Mansfield Town.
The Magpies have had the perfect September, navigating through their six games so far with a 100% record, scoring 12 goals and conceding just one en route to the top of the table.
To finish the month off, Notts will face a Stags side were earmarked as promotion favourites at the start of the season due to heavy squad investment but were beaten 3-0 at Cheltenham Town in midweek.
"We're going to a really good Mansfield side who have had a tough result in midweek," Nolan told the official Notts website. "They will want to respond and there's no better way to do that than in a derby.
"I'm concentrating on us, hoping we can go there with the confidence, attitude and application we've been playing with recently, but temperament is key more than anything.
"For me it was always about concentrating on what was happening on the field. If you get carried away with the occasion, you start to make mistakes.
"You need a cool head in a hostile environment, which I expect it to be on Saturday. Mansfield will try to make it as difficult as possible for us.
"After the two wins this week we want to finish it off with another positive result.
"The manner in which we won the games against Lincoln and Exeter was  fantastic so we will stick to what we do, try to counter Mansfield's strengths and hit them where we think their weaknesses are.
"We have a fantastic opportunity to get another three points."
Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Chris
It just gets better and better for Notts, who sit proudly atop the League Two table following impressive wins over Lincoln City and Exeter City.
But now, arguably the biggest clash of the season for the Magpies, a trip to the One Call Stadium to face Mansfield Town this Saturday.
Pride of Nottingham spoke to well-known photographer, Billy Davies 'nemesis' and Stags fan Dan Westwell to get the lowdown on his beloved team.
Background: 43 years old, first Stags game 1986. Lots of favourite players over the years, George Foster, Paul Holland, Ian Bowling, Chris Greenacre, Michael Boulding, Bobby Hassell to name a few.
What do you make of current owner John Radford?
I love him. I can’t thank him enough for rescuing us 7 years ago. He’s put a lot of money into the club to get us out of that hellhole we were in for 5 years. I really hope we go up and even if it’s for just one season, I’d love it for us to get to the Championship to fulfil his dream & reward him for everything he has done for us.
You were tipped as promotion contenders at the start of the season - what do you make of that tag?
I think it was the bookies' ignorance. They looked at Steve Evans record of 9 promotions and the fact that we got our business done straightaway & it just made them stick us up as favourites. I think Luton, Exeter, Coventry, Swindon, Wycombe, Cambridge, Carlisle, Crewe, Port Vale should all have been above us in the odds table but the bookies aren’t usually wrong, let’s hope they’re right again in May.
Steve Evans is a very Marmite manager - are you impressed with him as your manager?
When he was appointed I kept pinching myself as i couldn’t believe how lucky we were. I still think we’re lucky although some of his antics are getting a bit embarrassing at the moment, but that’s Steve Evans. Marmite is a brilliant description of him. I would say more people hate him than like him, but i would also say that most clubs in L1 & L2 would love to have him as their Manager, as he’s been there and done it. His experience could be the difference between going up and not going up. He did well by getting all of our signings sorted in June/July, but that made a lot of ignorant people say “Mansfield are spending millions” and “Steve Evans is going to bankrupt Mansfield” but what they didn’t see is that he released 11 players and signed 11 players more or less in the same couple of weeks. Matt Green was on a big wage as were a couple of others, so getting rid of them made us able to sign proper quality players from League One. I don’t think we needed all the players we signed as we had the 4th best defensive record out of all 92 clubs last season, then he goes and signs 3 defenders, but he knows what he’s doing so we have to trust him.
There are several East Midlands derbies in League Two this season - which is the biggest for you?
The biggest derby for all Stags fans is Ch*sterfield. There is pure hatred there. I know there’s a few Notts fans who hate Stags but I’m afraid the feeling isn’t mutual with most of us. I always call our game ‘the friendly derby’ because that’s how we look at Notts. Don’t get me wrong we love to beat Notts the same as Ch*sterfield, but if you gave us a choice of who to take 6 points from, it would be the woolly ones every time.  Lincoln is another derby game that’s tasty, on a par with Notts. There’s always a few idiots from all 3 clubs who like to cause trouble, as we’ve seen over the years. To back up my ‘friendly derby’ comment, we bring more fans to Notts than we get for home games, because people enjoy the trip to Nottingham, a few beers at the waterfront, Hooters, it’s easy to get to by train and of course with us not having electricity or water over in Mansfield it’s a big treat to visit a big city!
Who are your squad's danger men?
It’s hard to predict our danger men because on paper we’ve got a lot but on the pitch we’ve not really shown much danger apart from a brilliant 80 minutes against Luton. There’s a few who if they show their true potential will be a great asset. Paul Anderson, Jacob Mellis, Will Atkinson, Alex MacDonald, Calum Butcher & Alfie Potter all have got the potential to be match winners on their day and have got experience in the Championship/L1. We’ve also got former Notts defender Krystian Pearce who was player of the season last year. He scored twice against Grimsby recently so I’m sure he would like to grab a goal against his old club.
What do you think the score/scorers will be?
Predicting the game is impossible. My heart says we’ll win 2-0, my head says we’ll lose 0-2. I’d take a point if it was offered now, so I’ll go for a 0-0 draw and get splinters. May the best team win and hopefully it’s football that we’re talking about after the game.
Share your thoughts about this Opposition View piece on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Joe Jones
Here is Pride of Nottingham's roundup of all the biggest news stories from League Two over the last week.
- Carlisle United signed veteran defender Clint Hill on a free transfer, the 38-year-old making over 600 appearances during his career and last playing for Scottish Premiership giants Rangers.
- The EFL has announced that its clubs are in favour of the summer transfer window closing before the season starts, with a formal vote on the matter to be taken in February.
- Lincolnshire Police have announced that they are investigating an attack on the Mansfield Town team bus which happened on Saturday, September 16.
- Luton Town midfielder Luke Berry has been handed a retrospective three-game ban for violent conduct by the Football Association due to his role in a melee during his side's 2-1 win at Wycombe Wanderers.
- Jack Lester is reportedly on the verge to being announced as the new Chesterfield manager.
- Birmingham, Oldham, Gillingham and Chesterfield have reportedly implemented the Rooney Rule as part of their managerial recruitment process.
- Crewe Alexandra midfielder Ryan Wintle faces a lengthy spell out with a stress fracture of his tibia suffered in Saturday's 5-0 defeat by Carlisle United.
All news stories sourced from BBC Sport and Sky Sports.
Share your thoughts about this news roundup on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Joe Jones
Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has claimed that Jon Stead does not get the credit he deserves.
The veteran striker impressed in the 4-1 win over Lincoln City at the weekend, scoring one and assisting Matt Tootle.
Stead went on to make his 100th Magpies appearance in the 3-0 victory at Exeter City on Tuesday, and Nolan paid tribute to the forward, who turned down a move to the United States to extend his Meadow Lane contract in the summer.
Asked whether Stead is given enough credit, Nolan told the Nottingham Post: “No, not at all.
“He knows I have got confidence in him. He knows how much I regard him not just as a player, but as a person.
“On and off the field he is what we are all about. He’s an absolute pleasure to work with day in, day out.
“I now think he is getting his just rewards. What he did on Saturday was absolutely brilliant. To score and then set one up was great.”
Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Joe Jones
Notts County have cemented their hold on top spot in League Two thanks to a clinical 3-0 win over Exeter City on Tuesday night.
In a clash that pitted the top two teams in the division against each other, it was the Magpies who came out on top to extend their lead to three points thanks to Lewis Alessandra's early goal and substitute Jorge Grant's second-half brace.
Here is what the Notts boss, some of the players and several fans had to say following the game.
Kevin Nolan
“I think it was the most complete performance because we were away from home, we got the clean sheet, and scored three goals.
“We came here on a Tuesday night, made five changes and if it doesn’t work people start to question you.
“It’s certainly up there and I love winning every game. It means so much to me to have another fantastic result like this.
Jorge Grant
"Confidence is high but we have to keep level heads. We've had a great start but it's still early on in the season.
"We can't get too high when we win but, at the same time, we can't get too low when we lose."
Players on social media
 
 
 
 
The fans (from PON's match discussion of the Exeter game)
Upthepies: Surprise start to the game to go 1-0 up minutes into the first half. I thought the team defended bravely after a shaky period, the players re-group at half time. I don't know what Kevin Nolan said but whatever it was they came back out more determined. Richard Duffy was class tonight! Yet Ryan Yates stole the show for me. He worked very hard and his engine never stopped.
Liampie: Wow, 3-0 win over a very decent team. it sounded like we played very well in the second half especially. So pleased right now!
Chris: At the moment everything's going our way! 3-0! Two goals by Jorge Grant and of course the opener by Lewis Alessandra. Mark Stallard and Charlie Slater labelling the game 'the performance of the season by Notts', well the first half sounded like a write off towards the end but Notts have remained focused and sealed a good display.
Who r ya?? You Pies!!:  Omg what a win and performance , strong in defence good going forward getting those goals , Gorge Grants on fire league 2 defences are terrified lol COYP
Countyman: I just want to say it, WE ARE STILL TOP OF LEAGUE TWO. 3-0 win over Exeter? Fantastic!
Share your thoughts about this reaction piece on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Chris
Notts County have cemented their hold on top spot in League Two with a clinical performance to beat second-placed Exeter City 3-0 at St James Park on Tuesday night.
Lewis Alessandra set the Magpies on their way with an opportunistic lob after just two minutes before substitute Jorge Grant added a further two goals in the second half.
The result, a sixth successive league victory for Kevin Nolan's men, sees them three points clear at the top of the table.
Here is an in-depth analysis of the game from Chris.
Was the result fair?
I take a lot of joy from saying this, Notts County wholeheartedly deserved to win at Exeter yesterday! The home side simply failed to take their chances in the first half, and a superb second half performance sealed the victory for the Magpies – there’s no luck involved at all, the better team went home happy.
How did Notts play?
Notts played very well, the first half had patches but at the back Richard Duffy ensured that Adam Collin was well protected. From the off, Notts looked bright and eager to prove to League Two that they’re a serious outfit meaning to do the business this campaign. A very strong, spirited second half saw the Magpies play some good stuff.
How did Exeter play?
I wouldn’t suggest they played badly, however their hyping up of the game really didn’t help them. It gave The Grecians the pressure, especially being on home turf and despite some good chances in the first half – they just simply weren’t able to tuck of their opportunities a way.
Did our tactics work out?
The five changes meant that Notts had several pairs of fresh legs playing, a decision which in all fairness could have backfired – however with this Notts squad we all know that players are more likely to respond positively. From the off, Lewis Alessandra proved this point and it shows just how universal the team tactics are right now. Kevin Nolan did his homework by injecting height into the squad, so tactically we were spot on.
How did the referee perform?
The referee did alright, and for once I find myself thinking that we actually had a sensible referee. Due to this the game played out quite smoothly, and although some decisions may have been missed – I think it worked in favour of both teams rather than any decisions to favour a single team.
Who do we play next?
Next up is six fingers, seven toes and no thumbs – aka Mansfield Town. This game has more momentum behind it than the Exeter City game, thus making it far more important and no doubt a tricky local derby.
How should we play them?
Notts have been building nicely from the back in recent games, it’s important that we play with the right balance against Mansfield – as I feel they will try to press us more and ultimately attempt to close us down.
It’s important that we keep the play simple, passing short and avoiding anything fancy.
When Notts assumes control by passing around the centre of the park, spreading the ball out wide – it creates so much space that opposition sides don’t know whether to drop deeper or push up tighter.
This is a vital aspect, as will allowing Jon Stead to gather players to make him tightly – in all fairness it would be useful to have Shola Ameobi back as his holding up of the ball and clever flicks would had a lot to our game plan.
However, we just have to be sensible within our play and use the creativity that players like Rob Milsom and Jorge Grant have to offer.
Exeter fan views (from Exeweb)
grecian-near-hell: Personally I didn't rate Notts County that highly, I thought they were slow and ponderous with too many wayward passes for a table topping team, and will be found out (like ourselves) shortly. That said we were worse. I didn't think we had any shape about us, the defence could so easily have been ripped apart with a far worse scoreline than 3-0 had NC had speedy wingers/forwards.Regrettably I think TAH has had his day he's got the turning circle of a juggernaut and last night neither of the Troy's appeared to have any understanding of what the other was doing. Like NC too many wayward passes from defence and midfield to runners who weren't there.
Jayden Stockley really needs to contact David Wheeler to find out how he seemed to float so long after he jumped for the ball, too often last night Stockley had jumped too soon and was on the way down before the ball got to him either from kick offs or crossing and on a couple of occassions this could have bought us a goal - he really does need to parctice his heading and jumping, but that's the (alleged) £400k difference I suppose.
The midfield also had a nightmare, as mentioned too many passes going astray Lee Holmes not weaving his magic.
The match although billed as top of the table did not live up to expectations which was a shame bearing in mind the good sized crowd for a midweek match.Oh well live and learn and we move on matches like last night emphasised why we are a fourth division side with players to match.
DanceMagnet: A simple question, Mr Tisdale. When you're up against two slow defenders in Nicky Hunt and Richard Duffy, why do you start with no pace up front? Instead you play Stockley and Reid together when it was blatantly obvious at Coventry that partnership wasn't working and would likely suit there central defenders more than somebody capable of running at them.
It was also pretty obvious from the start that the midfield needed strengthening. Why that did not happen at half time (at the latest) I'll never know. Boating should have been on then. Instead, we have to wait until we go two down until we make a substitution - too bleeding late, mate.
Mr Jan Yeo: We were punished for some sloppy play, but I didn't feel we were far away from that being a completely different result. Seen us play a lot worse and still get something from the game.
County were good and played us off the park for long periods. We seemed to struggle initially to break them down but definitely had a few decent spells that would've seen the game completely change if the ball had fallen right. We can't win them all and aren't the best in the league, so I'm not too surprised. We'll bounce back soon enough.
Share your thoughts about this tactical analysis piece on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

About PON

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.

Useful Links

Support PON

Enjoy our content? Want to help us grow? Your donation will go a long way towards improving the site!

donate-pon.png

Meet the Team

Chris Chris Administrators
super_ram super_ram Global Moderators
DangerousSausage DangerousSausage Global Moderators
CliftonMagpie CliftonMagpie Global Moderators
TheSkipper TheSkipper Media

Social Media

Home
Dashboard
Sign In Register
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Pride of Nottingham uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To approve, simply continue using the site or click 'I accept' Terms of Use.

  I accept