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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.
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.
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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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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has not ruled out making more additions to his Notts County squad before the transfer window closes this month, but insists he is not targeting a specific position.
The Magpies made 13 signings over the summer, from those expected to be in first-team contention from the off to players earmarked as hot prospects for the future.
Nolan is happy enough with his team, praising owner Alan Hardy for having given him support in the market, but remains open should any particularly good additions crop up - or any injuries to current players.
“We are not actively looking for a certain individual or a certain position,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“Touch wood it doesn’t happen but we could lose a couple of players through injury, then you ask ‘what do we need?’
“So never say never at the minute. I am really delighted with the squad I have been able to assemble and with the backing I’ve had from chairman Alan Hardy in being able to achieve that.
“But if something right comes along then we will probably get it over the line, but, if not, I am really happy with what I already have until the January window.”
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Joe Jones
Despite the controversy surrounding the Checkatrade Trophy ahead of Notts County's game with Everton Under-23s, Kevin Nolan insists he wants to go for a win nonetheless to build on the momentum from Saturday's 2-0 defeat of Chesterfield - as well as getting one over on his beloved Liverpool's Merseyside rivals.
The vast majority of people who support teams in the EFL are plotting to boycott the competition due to the Premier League's academy teams entering teams in an EFL competition - seen as many as the big fish of the top flight imposing their will on the smaller divisions.
Nolan, who acknowledged the criticism of the competition, told the Nottingham Post ahead of Tuesday's game at Meadow Lane: “We want as many clean sheets as possible from now until the end of the season because it gives you a great opportunity to win games.
"It also promotes a winning mentality within the group to make sure that we keep getting better and better as the games come thick and fast. We want it to get to a stage where you get that feeling of invincibility when you are out on the pitch.
“They are a good outfit. David Unsworth is somebody I’ve played against a lot during my career and it will be good to see him. I hope to get one over him because it’s Everton isn’t it?! I will have a lot of friends coming to watch too and they are all bluenoses.
“We actually looked at a lot of Everton’s young players in the summer and in the window last January about the potential of bringing them here on loan. A few of them have since gone to higher divisions. But we’ve got quite a bit of info about them and the analyst Jimmy has worked really hard to get as much data on them as possible.
“I know there has been a lot of criticism of the competition because not every team in the Premier League has bought into it. But we have a job to do and we will put a really strong team out against an Everton Under-23s team who won their league last year.
“It is not going to be a rollover. We are taking it seriously so we are hoping to get off to a good start and get into a run of winning games. I am just really looking forward to it, because it’s the first time I’ve been involved with the competition. It presents the most realistic chance of us getting to Wembley and giving the fans a great day out. All we can do is go at it in a positive manner and enjoy it.”
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Chris
Notts County bounced back from their 2017/18 League Two campaign opening-day 3-0 loss at Coventry City in impressive fashion, seeing off a dirty Chesterfield side 2-0 in Saturday's encounter at Meadow Lane.
A heated encounter, Gozie Ugwu should have earned a red card for a number of clashes with home players, and was hauled off at half time by Gary Caldwell.
Gibraltar international Scott Wiseman, meanwhile, did get his marching orders after hauling down Terry Hawkridge, denying him a clear goalscoring opportunity.
In the end, the encounter was settled by the man of the moment, Jorge Grant, whose looping header to break the deadlock was followed up by a spectacular free kick into the bottom corner of the Spireites net.
Pride of Nottingham was at Meadow Lane for the game and took plenty of photos as part of its regular Faces of PON feature - here are our top 5 pictures!
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Joe Jones
Jorge Grant has described his headed goal in Saturday's 2-0 win over Chesterfield as a "collector's item" while admitting his Notts County teammates wanted him to take the safe option with his late free kick and playing it into the corner.
The Nottingham Forest loanee came off the bench in the second half and turned the game on its head as the Magpies managed to break the deadlock against a dirty Spireite side and then sealed the win in injury time.
Grant told the official Notts site: "I don't score many headers - I think that might be the first one I've ever scored. I just let the ball hit my head. It's a bit of a collector's item!
"With the free-kick, a few of the lads were telling me to play the ball into the corner but I didn't want to do that so I asked the referee how long was left!
"He said '10 seconds' and I saw the goalkeeper giving me a bit of room and thought 'I can score here' because I have confidence in my own ability. You have to have that and I'm buzzing it went in.
"Any player who comes off the bench needs to prove a point and that's what I went on there to do. Luckily I made an impact to score the two goals.
"All the boys put in a lot of hard work before I came on. We're always talking about keeping clean sheets because it gives us a better chance of winning games.
"There are still bits to work on but it was much better than last week [at Coventry]. Home form is important so hopefully we can get off to a good start now."
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Chris
Notts County put their woeful 3-0 defeat at Coventry City last week firmly behind them as they claimed a solid 2-0 win against Chesterfield in their first home game of the 2017/18 League Two season.
Jorge Grant proved to be the star once again with an impressive brace consisting of a looped header followed by a stunning free kick in injury time.
Prior to the loanee's goals, it was a heated, controversial game, with Gary Caldwell's side playing dirty and going down to ten men, though it could so easily have been nine bearing in mind Gozie Ugwu's antics.
The result gives Kevin Nolan's side their first win of the new campaign following the loss at the Ricoh Arena in League Two and also in the League Cup at Scunthorpe United.
Pride of Nottingham spoke to a number of fans prior to the Spireites game, asking them a number of questions about the opening games of the campaign and their hopes for the game ahead.
Share your thoughts about this week's Meet the Fans video 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.
Chris
Notts County got their first win of the 2017-18 League Two season on Saturday after beating a dirty Chesterfield side 2-0 at Meadow Lane.
A controversial and heated encounter, Gozie Ugwu should have earned a red card for a number of clashes with home players, and was hauled off at half time by Gary Caldwell.
Scott Wiseman, meanwhile, did get his marching orders after hauling down Terry Hawkridge, denying him a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Ultimately, Jorge Grant proved to be the star man for Notts once again, coming on as a second-half substitute and opening the scoring with a looping header before curling a wonderful free kick into the Spireites net in injury time.
In this article, Pride of Nottingham looks at several aspects of the game, from the performance to whether the result was fair, and how to build on from a successful weekend.
Was the result fair?
It was difficult to see how Notts would score without the changes made within the second half, Jorge Grant instantly made an impact and his direct approach was greatly lacking prior to his arrival, whilst he also gave the squad some calm edge within the final third. It’s harder to suggest that Notts didn’t deserve the 2-0 win, a superb header and free kick greatly warranted.
How did Notts play?
There were signs of that jagged play we saw against Coventry City in the opening day, however there was little sign of nerves. From a defensive perspective, Notts did very well with Dan Jones frequently winning the ball back or breaking down the play. Going forward Notts passed nicely, though play was often forced or simply rushed. For a debut home performance of the campaign, it was a decent showing by Notts.
How did Chesterfield play?
Quite poor, they moved well but often wasted chances. They looked like a side which knew they would struggle and because of this resorted to being physical – which wasn’t pretty at times. They got the ball into the channels and linked well, yet no real tests were offered bar the odd chance and a one on one with Adam Collin.
Did our tactics work out?
To a degree yes, however the line-up worked from the perspective that Notts wouldn’t concede easily but going forward we had little firepower – not due to a lack of effort or performance. Simply down to the way that Chesterfield played and for the fact we desperately lack pace. The second half changes were very well thought out and changed what was lacking within the first period.
How did the referee perform?
I thought he actually did very well, he seemed to miss things but generally play to continue. He didn’t seem to be on either team's side which makes a change, and I know he made some poor decisions but within League Two I expect this.
Who do we play next?
Everton Under-21s in the EFL Trophy / Checkatrade Trophy; league-wise it’s Wycombe Wanderers who will be another stern test for the Magpies.
How should we play them?
We need Jorge Grant to start, it’s hard to see how we can maximise our creativity from midfield without him. Apart from that, I would keep the line-up very similar to the Chesterfield game – perhaps resting Jon Stead. Adam Collin deserves to retain his place despite opinions, the defence is hard to change after the 2-0 home win and the midfield just needs to think before rushing decisions.
Going into the EFL Trophy Notts should use it to experiment with the strike options, along with one or two changes in midfield.
Here's what Chesterfield fans thought of the game, courtesy of Thecfss.co.uk:
Turrhall: We've been the better team, not by much, but better. Ref atrocious.
Spireitefitzy: If he can get a win from here then Caldwell's stock will go up. Just a shame he has a ready made excuse if we lose. No natural wide players on the pitch and playing strikers wherever he feels like, it's poor and lessens our chances lf winning.
Heart of a Niven: [Joe Anyon] looks tiny in goal. He has absolutely no presence and may as well be on the end of a Subbuteo stick for all the good he does.
Spireitefitzy: Not a sending off, but shouldn't really be putting your arms up there to give the ref the opportunity. Ugwu should be off and serving a three game ban but it was missed, not sure if they can go retrospective if it's not reported so shouldnt be any repercussions. He doesn't look up to this level though.
Westbars Spireite: 8-0 on corners suggests a 1-sided game. I know today is only the second league game (and likely defeat) but things could go very wrong, very quickly for Caldwell off the back of last season's farce. He earned no goodwill at all and has to change things quickly. Now would be a good start.
Spire_78: Could sack Caldwell... probably should for his record alone if nothing else - except i'd have more confidence in Kim Jong-un choosing a replacement. The problems run far far deeper than just a poor manager and a collection of mediocre players. The club is being ruined gradually from the top seemingly without a care in the world - genuinely starting to fear for our League future, if this continues we could quite easily follow the likes of Stockport and York.
gordon_brittas: Lowest ebb, and I can see it getting worse if changes aren't made. Two league defeats to bang average opponents. God knows what the score will be when we play the Luton's and Coventry's of this league.
Exharboroughspireite: This has been coming ever since we didn't roll the dice and backed cook for the final push. Sadly I can't see this having a turnaround until either Allen puts some substantial cash into the club again or finds another buyer. The day to day running of the club Is a disgrace and Caldwell appears to be the third manager on the bounce who simply cannot hack it.
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.
Chris
Notts County got their first win of the 2017-18 League Two season on Saturday after beating a dirty Chesterfield side 2-0 at Meadow Lane.
A controversial encounter, Gozie Ugwu should have earned a red card for a number of clashes with home players, and was hauled off at half time by Gary Caldwell.
Scott Wiseman, meanwhile, did get his marching orders after hauling down Terry Hawkridge, denying him a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Ultimately, Jorge Grant proved to be the star man for Notts once again, coming on as a second-half substitute and opening the scoring with a looping header before curling a wonderful free kick into the Spireites net in injury time.
Pride of Nottingham was at Meadow Lane for the first home game of the season and is delighted to have taken plenty of pictures, both of the game and of the Black and White faithful.
See if you're in this week's Faces of PON! COME ON YOU PIES!

Share your thoughts about this week's edition of Faces of PON 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.
Joe Jones
Notts County grabbed their first league win of the 2017/18 League Two season in impressive fashion, seeing off a dirty Chesterfield side 2-0 in Saturday's encounter at Meadow Lane.
A game laden with controversy, Gozie Ugwu should have earned a red card for a number of clashes with home players, and was hauled off at half time by Gary Caldwell.
Gibraltar international Scott Wiseman, meanwhile, did get his marching orders after hauling down Terry Hawkridge, denying him a clear goalscoring opportunity.
In the end, the encounter was settled by Jorge Grant, whose looping header to break the deadlock was followed up by a spectacular free kick into the bottom corner of the Spireites net.
Notts have put up the highlights of the game on YouTube - have another look for yourself how the Magpies got on and relive Grant's moments of magic.
Share your thoughts about the Chesterfield game 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.

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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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