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Joe Jones
Notts County have triumphed in a topsy-turvy, nervy and ultimately thrilling game against Wycombe Wanderers, claiming a 4-2 win at Adams Park.
The Magpies threatened early on through Shaun Brisley, whose far post header was cleared off the line by Michael Harriman.
Notts then took the lead after just 14 minutes, a pinpoint Dan Jones free kick falling perfectly to Richard Duffy, who made no mistake with a thumping header into the back of the Chairboys net.
Kevin Nolan's charges promptly doubled their advantage in comical fashion just a minute later, as Luke O'Nien's clearance hit Wycombe captain Adam El-Abd and cannoned past goalkeeper Scott Brown.
The visitors continued to impress, with Wycombe forced into another goalline clearance from a Terry Hawkridge effort, Jones causing chaos with another dangerous delivery into the box.
Gareth Ainsworth's side, however, pulled themselves back into the game in the second half, as substitute Nick Freeman scored with a powerful half-volley into the top corner four minutes after coming on.
Debutant Craig Mackail-Smith headed straight at Adam Collin from Harriman's cross, before Joe Jacobson curled home a free kick from 25 yards out, via the inside of the post, to level the scores.
With the travelling Black and White Army fearing a complete collapse, substitute Jonathan Forte was the hero as he latched on to a Shola Ameobi flick-on - from yet another Jones delivery - to head home and edge Notts back into the lead.
Forte was the architect for County's fourth goal, hitting the post and scuffing the rebound along the goalline, before Lewis Alessandra fired the ball over the line in front of 362 away fans.
The result sees Notts edge to fourth in the League Two table, with two wins from three games.
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan is not impressed with those who suggest Notts County is a "route one" team, describing the claims as "ridiculous" and "ludicrous".
The Magpies have won their last two games, but there has been some concern from fans who see the team's style of play as mere hoofball.
“Once we start stamping our authority then we will only get better,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post in response.
“We will get better going forward and we will show what a good footballing side we are.
“I think we’ve been marked because we play Shola Ameobi and Jon Stead up front, but Shola never played in the Premier League and had balls lumped up to him.
“On the floor he is one of the best in the league not just in my team so for people to start shouting that is ridiculous.
“I like to play in the opponents half and I like to see good football and patient football. I don’t like to keep chucking the ball in and it being a battle every single time.
“But if someone is under pressure, then put it in an area that is going to give our forwards or a winger an opportunity but hurt the opposition in the process.
“If you are a centre-half what is the ball you hate? It’s not one coming on to your head, it’s one in behind.
“It’s not about putting balls onto Jon Stead’s head because that’s not his game. A lot of people maybe thought his game was that.
“For people to say that’s what we want to do is ludicrous.”
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Joe Jones
Notts County and Wycombe Wanderers have faced each other a total of 34 times over the years, with the first meeting coming as late as 1995, when the Magpies won 2-0 at Meadow Lane.
The Chairboys are way ahead in the head-to-head, having beaten Notts 16 times and drawn nine – we have beaten them nine times.
The last meeting, however, was won by the Magpies, a 1-0 win in March this year sealed by Shola Ameobi's 27th-minute strike.
In 1887, a meeting held at the Steam Engine public house in Station Road, High Wycombe saw the formation of Wycombe Wanderers FC.
It is highly likely the club was named Wanderers after the famous Wanderers, winners of the first FA Cup in 1872. The club played just friendly matches between 1887 and 1896.
Wycombe first entered the FA Amateur Cup in 1894 and the FA Cup in 1895. In 1895 the club moved to Loakes Park, which would become its home for the next 95 years.
In 1896 the club joined the Southern League and competed in the Second Division until 1908, but in the summer of 1908 the club declined the invitation to retain their membership of the Southern League.
The club decided to pursue amateur instead of professional football and joined the Great Western Suburban League and remained there until the outbreak of the First World War.
After the hostilities had ended the club joined the Spartan League in 1919 and were Champions in successive years. In March 1921 the club's application to join the Isthmian League was accepted.
Wycombe enjoyed a fairytale season in 2000–01 as the club reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup. First Division sides Grimsby Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Wimbledon were all beaten before a memorable quarter-final with Premier League side Leicester City.
In a game that has gone down in FA Cup history, striker Roy Essandoh headed an injury-time winner to seal a 2–1 win at Filbert Street as manager Lawrie Sanchez looked on from the dressing room, having been dismissed from the touchline during the game.
The ensuing semi-final at Villa Park saw Liverpool pushed all the way before claiming a 2–1 victory.
Team news
Wycombe are expected to hand a debut to new signing Craig Mackail-Smith against Notts County at Adams Park this weekend.
The veteran Scotland international joined the Chairboys on Thursday having been a free agent after being released by Luton Town.
Mackail-Smith could come straight in to lead Gareth Ainsworth's attack after Paris Cowan-Hall was forced off early on in the 3-2 win at Port Vale last time out.
Paul Hayes and Dayle Southwell are other attacking options for Ainsworth.
There are likely to be several changes to the Notts team following the Checkatrade Trophy tie in midweek.
Magpies manager Kevin Nolan made nine changes against Everton, with only Elliott Hewitt and Lewis Alessandra keeping their places from the team that started the league win over Chesterfield.
Long-term absentee Michael O'Connor is the only player unavailable to Nolan as he seeks a third straight victory in all competitions.
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan claims Notts County are yet to hit their full potential this season, but is pleased that the last two games have been won despite this.
Following a poor 3-0 loss to Coventry City in the League Two season opener, the Magpies put in a solid performance in the League Cup against Scunthorpe United, only losing on penalties.
They then followed it up with victories over Chesterfield and Everton Under-21s, and Nolan believes there is more to come from his charges.
“I feel in the last two games we have been worthy winners despite not reaching the heights I know we can,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“It’s still early days and we have to be patient with these lads. They all believe they can get better and they know can get better.
“That’s a great thing to have when you are winning games and you’re not really hitting your maximum with the ball.
“Without the ball we are getting better and that’s being proven and that’s why teams are finding it difficult to create chances against us."
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Joe Jones
Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth has urged caution to his players ahead of a "big test" against Notts County on Saturday.
The Magpies travel to Adams Park this weekend for a League Two encounter which will see Kevin Nolan's side try and earn a third win on the bounce in all competitions.
"Notts County have got some real quality in their squad, and with Stead and Ameobi up front they bring with them Premier League experience which will be a big test," Ainsworth told the official Wycombe website.
"But we've got more maturity in our back-four this season than we have had in years gone by and I think that will count for something.
"They have also got some young talent; Jorge Grant is a very talented player, and he has scored three times already this season so he will be on the watch list and we need to keep those types of players quiet and we do well on that side of things.
"Whether he starts or not is up to Kevin Nolan, and he (Nolan) comes here with a good record having come down here twice with two different teams and beaten us both times.
"So we need to put that record to bed and get a result that is positive for Wycombe on Saturday, and I'm sure they'll be a good atmosphere as Notts County always travel well and my boys will be well up for it, as they always are."
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Joe Jones
Here is Pride of Nottingham's roundup of all the biggest news stories from League Two over the last week.
- Luton Town striker Isaac Vassell has left the club after just one full season and made the step up to Birmingham City, signing a four-year deal at St Andrew's.
- Newport County will receive the normal share of gate income from their League Cup tie at Leeds United on Tuesday 22 August after being drawn at home but requesting to play away due to pitch refurbishments being done at Rodney Parade, the Championship side agreeing to honour the share.
- Crewe Alexandra have signed Finnish goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen - the 19-year-old son of Bolton Wanderers legend Jussi Jaaskelainen - on a one-year-deal after leaving the Macron Stadium.
- Colchester United have parted ways with winger Dion Sembie-Ferris, leaving by mutual consent to seek first-team football.
- Yeovil Town have signed 22-year-old forward Jordan Green on a free transfer from Bournemouth, penning a one-year deal at Huish Park.
- Wycombe Wanderers have signed veteran striker Craig Mackail-Smith on a one-year deal following his release by Luton Town.
- Port Vale have signed 20-year-old winger Jack Stobbs from Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on loan for the rest of the season, becoming the Valiants' 16th signing of the summer.
- Barnet have confirmed that full-back Elliott Johnson will spend considerable time on the sidelines after suffering a "long-term" knee injury in the Bees' League Two defeat of Luton on 12 August.
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Joe Jones
Ryan Yates has revealed that his decision to join Notts County on loan was mainly influenced by Kevin Nolan being manager at the club.
The 19-year-old, who is on the books at Nottingham Forest, joined the Magpies for a season-long spell at the start of the season.
Despite being tracked by a number of teams interested in his services, Yates decided to go for a loan move over the Trent.
“First and foremost my decision to come here was because of Kevin Nolan being the manager,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“That was the main reason. He has played in the Premier League and I’ve not really had that kind of person to learn from yet.
“He was a central midfielder like me and a goalscorer. He had that leadership and is somebody I really look up to.
“I remember watching all his goals thinking I want that to be me one day so it’s going to be really good experience for me.”
Yates, who scored on his Notts debut against Scunthorpe United in the League Cup, also hailed the presence of other former Premier League players at Meadow Lane, such as Shola Ameobi, Jon Stead and Alan Smith.
“At the start I was a bit in awe because I couldn’t believe I was training with all these types of players.
“Being with the under-18s and the under-23s you don’t get that, so I am just trying to feed off their experience.
“I am trying to take it all in because they are not always going to be around. Shola is always giving me advice so I am trying to take that information and learn every day.
“These players have been there and done it, then dropped down the leagues."
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Joe Jones
Following a poor start to the season for Notts County, things are looking up.
A solid performance against Scunthorpe United in the League Cup, a cracking win against Chesterfield in the kind of dirty archetypal League Two game that would have stumped the Magpies in seasons past, and a good runout for some of the fringe players against Everton Under-21s in the Checkatrade Trophy, the attention now turns back to the bread and butter and our second league away day of the campaign, against the Adebayo Akinfenwa-led front line of Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park.
Ahead of Saturday's game, Pride of Nottingham spoke to Chairboys fan Ben Caplan to get an insight on the opposition.
About Ben: He has been a Wycombe fan since he was four years old, his dad taking him to games from an early age, and his favourite player is Sam Saunders.
You went from just surviving relegation in 2014 to finishing in the playoffs, mid-table and close to playoffs the next three seasons. What issues were addressed after the 2013-14 relegation battle?
In all fairness, I feel we just got lucky with who we signed, both permanently and on loan. Players like Alfie Mawson, Aaron Pierre, Nico Yennaris, Josh Scowen, Fred Onyedinma, Aaron Amadi-Holloway, they're all playing above League Two now.
Just missing out on the playoffs last season - what do you feel the team could have done better, any particular games you felt you should have won?
I feel we were awful last season to be fair. Games we should have won? Against Spurs in the FA Cup!
How did you do in the transfer market this summer? Any standout signings? What about departures - anyone left who you will miss?
We've only signed players over 30, but Craig Mackail-Smith today looks quality. Aaron Pierre's left for Northampton, we'll miss him.
Who are the three players who could pose the biggest danger to Notts this weekend?
Adebayo Akinfenwa of course. Sam Saunders is also quality and Paris Cowan-Hall when he comes back from injury.
Do you fancy Wycombe to make the playoffs this season - and maybe go one better and get promoted?
No. In all honesty, I reckon we'll finish mid-table this season.
Score/scorer prediction for Saturday?
2-0 to Wycombe, Akinfenwa and Nathan Tyson with the goals.
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has stressed that Notts County cannot just focus on Adebayo Akinfenwa in Saturday's League Two trip to Wycombe Wanderers.
The veteran striker is one of the biggest names in lower-league football due to his physique and is a difficult proposition for any opposition back line.
He scored at Meadow Lane last season as the Chairboys won 2-0, though he failed to get off the mark in the reverse fixture, but Nolan insists Wycombe have other dangerous players in their front line.
"To only focus on Akinfenwa does a disservice to Wycombe and the quality they put into the penalty area," he told the official club website.
"They play to their strengths and stretch defences with Nathan Tyson and Paris Cowan-Hall up alongside Akinfenwa. They work well as a team.
"It's not about them being reliant on one man because they still do well even when Akinfenwa doesn't.
"Gareth Ainsworth has a good, solid unit there with players who are positive on the ball so it will be another tough test for us.
"They have a number of threats but if we stop them and play to our own strengths we will hopefully have a good day on Saturday.
"We did a good job on them last season; it was one of the best performances after I came in. Hopefully we can emulate that and be a bit more clinical in front of goal."
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Joe Jones
Notts County manager Kevin Nolan has vowed to keep using Alan Smith up front rather than in midfield.
The former England international came to prominence as both a striker and as a right-winger during his time at first club Leeds United.
However, he was converted to midfield while he was on the books at Manchester United, where he's largely remained in terms of position since leaving Old Trafford.
Despite his positional reshuffle, former Newcastle United teammate Nolan used him up front in the Checkatrade Trophy win against Everton Under-21s in midweek.
He told the Nottingham Post: “He holds the ball up and he’s got a lovely touch. You can see when he gets into them holes, he can play them through balls fantastically well.
“He’s a great lad, and everybody who knows him around the club knows how much it means to him to play games and I thought on Tuesday night it showed again that he was a big performer.
“I thought him and Jonathan Forte caused Everton a lot of problems. I thought they linked up really well and in certain patches looked really good.
“The goal was a great knock down by Smudge and a great turn and finish by Forte. I was really pleased with their output.”
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has revealed that Alan Smith remains a key player of his Notts County setup.
The former England international played in the 2-1 win over Everton Under-21s in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday, setting up Jonathan Forte for the opening goal.
However, he was left out of the squad for the 2-0 win over Chesterfield, which prompted a talk between the two regarding Smith's future at Meadow Lane.
“We had a bit of a heart to heart at the weekend because I left him out for the Chesterfield game,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“But he knows I am honest and truthful so I told him that he’s still got a major part to play in our team.
“It may not be the part he has always been used to as a player, but it is in the respect of how he carries himself around the ground, in training and when he gets his minutes on the pitch.
“He’s always first class and the reason he can do what he does is because he’s a first class professional."
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has revealed that he could try and recruit several Everton academy players on loan after their Under-21s played at Notts County in the Checkatrade Trophy.
The Magpies claimed the win after Jonathan Forte and Haydn Hollis edged them into a comfortable lead, with Anton Donkor's strike proving a mere consolation as the final score was 2-1.
Notts, who have been making the most of the Premier League loan market in recent months, could now take a look at the Toffees youngsters, according to Nolan.
“A lot of them impressed me,” he told the Nottingham Post. “I think there are a few lads in their team who thrived under the pressure of playing in the stadium and the atmosphere they had.
“We’ll have a little look at the video and if there is anyone, I’ll be asking (Everton academy coaches) David Unsworth and Francis Jeffers if anybody is available.
“We’ll swap numbers and I am sure they will drop us a text if they feel anyone can help us.”
Prior to the game, Nolan had said: “I am sure that myself and David Unsworth will have a chat after the game and if anybody is available, he will make us aware of that.
“So if there is somebody who catches our eye at least we can have the conversation face to face because you normally get the best answers that way."
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Joe Jones
Pride of Nottingham are delighted to announce our new partnership with Nottinghamshire company Bettabytz Computers.
Based in Mapperley, Bettabytz is a one-stop repair shop which offers a wide range of services aimed at fixing all the important electrical and electronic devices which we could not live without.
Established in 2001 by Notts County fan Kevin Searcey and based on the Mapperley high street since 2009, Bettabytz have invaluable knowledge and experience in repairing desktops, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, TVs and many other household electricals.
Services offered include virus removal, system reinstalling, data recovery, hardware valeting, optimisation, screen repair & replacement, motherboard repair & replacement, and much more.
The great service offered by Bettabytz has led to customers leaving great feedback - a quick look on their website will show you the following comment by Kim Chesters: “Took my laptop to Kev yesterday, all sorted and working again by this morning! What excellent service. Definitely worth keeping that fridge magnet with the telephone number on it!!”
Mark Ryan, meanwhile, said: “Popped in today with a base unit. Called back within a few hours and all fixed and even cleaned - 5-star service! Highly recommended.”
With both PON and Kevin being fully behind the Magpies, proud of their local community and eager to deliver nothing but the best possible service for those who engage with them, the two parties linking up is a no-brainer.
Regarding the partnership, Kevin said: "I'm very happy to come on board with Pride of Nottingham. They've been doing a fantastic job covering Notts over the last couple years, so linking up with them and working together is a great opportunity."
In addition, Bettabytz are currently offering £5 off virus removal and computer reformatting, and £10 off new or refurbished computers over £100, so if you're after either giving your current computer some TLC or getting a new device, this is a great opportunity for you.
PON and Bettabytz are looking ahead to a great 2017/18 season and will be cheering on Notts as they play their way to promotion! COME ON YOU PIES!!!
Bettabytz Computers is located on 625 Woodborough Road, Mapperley, Nottingham, NG3 5QG. To get in touch with Bettabytz Computers, visit their website www.bettabytz.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 0115 952 2781.
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has hailed his Notts County charges for putting in a great performance against Everton Under-21s in the Checkatrade Trophy.
The Magpies, playing before a crowd of just under 1,500 at Meadow Lane on Tuesday night, took the lead via Jonathan Forte and consolidatedit via Haydn Hollis.
Although Toffees substitute Anton Donkor halved the deficit in the second half, Notts saw the game out to claim a 2-1 win, keeping their momentum going after their 2-0 win over Chesterfield in League Two at the weekend.
Nolan told the official Notts website: "We were really good in the first half. I thought we dominated and were deservedly 2-0 up.
"There was some lovely interlinking play here and there but in the second half, when Everton changed formation to 4-4-2, we didn't get a handle on it as quickly as I would have liked.
"They went a lot more direct and caused a lot of problems.
"Everton are known for bringing through really good youngsters and there are clearly more there based on what we saw out there tonight.
"We knew they would throw everything at us but we stood up to it. The lads responded well and showed resiliency not to concede another goal.
"I am delighted with the outcome from the last couple of games and we are all now looking forward to the Wycombe game at the weekend."
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Joe Jones
Notts County got their Checkatrade Trophy campaign off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory over Everton Under-21s in Tuesday's fixture at Meadow Lane.
The game was played out before a largely empty stadium as many fans boycotted the competition due to what they see as the Premier League imposing itself on the EFL, but there were still just under 1,500 people in the stands - arguably one of the evening's better attendances across the country.
Kevin Nolan made a total of nine changes to his starting XI and they started on the front foot against a young team which looked almost overawed by the occasion in the early stages.
Indeed, Notts took the lead on the half-hour mark when Jorge Grant nodded a header into the path of Jonathan Forte, and the striker controlled, turned his man, and drilled the ball into the bottom corner.
It wasn't long before the Magpies doubled their advantage, Elliot Hewitt heading a deep centre across the face of the goal and Haydn Hollis being given the simplest of tasks to prod the ball over the line from two yards out.
Everton were more impressive after the break and duly halved the deficit as substitute Anton Donkor picked up the ball in space on the left of the County penalty area before rifling a ferocious shot that found the net via the foot of the post.
The hosts were able to see the game out without too much difficulty, and the relatively low number of fans in attendance were pleased with Notts having put in a solid performance, but in all honesty, the whole thing felt like a friendly.
The focus of all fans now - boycotting or not - will turn to what really matters; the League Two encounter with Wycombe Wanderers this weekend.
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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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