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Notts-Joe: February presents test of character for Notts

Hartlepool United presents Jamie Fullarton an excellent opportunity, as does the run of fixtures taking place within February. Yet, it’s tricky in a sense because we feature the Pools twice within recent weeks of each other and those games are quite hard for teams struggling to insert themselves on the field – especially when the first game is at home.

York City, Leyton Orient and Accrington Stanley are games coming up.

We also face a difficult Plymouth Argyle towards the latter part of the month. York and Accrington are games which I feel we can secure points; it is aided by the fact that Jamie has restored faith in the away performances.

So tomorrow we face the challenge which a struggling Hartlepool United presents and the conversations within our match discussion has instantly raised concerns regarding both midfields.

I don’t think they will sit back, it’s not the style of play they try to incorporate into their tactics.

Most likely, they will build with patience or result to keeping the ball in the air, so that this breaks the game up and allows them to edge closer to playing it on the ground within the final third. They will want to involve their wingers as much as possible, with so many young and eager players and a packed midfield this could make it hard for us to break them down.

Which will be a test of character for Notts to enable play to break them down.

With York City also being a side which struggle, I think this will be the game that could entice confidence from our own attacking play.

Orient are a different scenario, we know that they will look to play with confidence and aggression – whilst Accrington are just your typical League 2 team.

Plymouth being the final fixture of February, will rely on the morale and confidence picked up from the previous five games.

I think picking 10 points could happen; it’s the mid-range of what I would predict personally and much depends on our home performances’ that break up the away games.

I don’t dismiss that there will be tests, yet for us to finish as high as possible (forgetting about the play-offs for now) – we will need to acquire much of the points here, as March could be a month where we could seal further victories.

It may seem negative to think about this now, but I have thought about comments made about next season. Surely re-building in the summer will allow us to focus on challenging wisely for promotion from League 2?

C’mon You PIES!!
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Chris

Jamie Fullarton: 'I want Notts County to improve on Luton performance'

Notts County manager has called on his players to play even better than they did against Luton Town and grab a first home win under his tenure against Hartlepool United.
The Scot has two wins in his first three games in charge, but his one game at Meadow Lane ended badly as AFC Wimbledon cruised to a 2-0 win.
Fullarton said: "I want to see improvement. Not only do I want an improvement on the previous home performance, and result, but an improvement on what we did at Luton.
"We go to win every game we play, and that's clear in my message to the players. And I believe that we can do that no matter whom we play.
"It's about transferring that into our own environment because at home the onus is on you a little bit more to attack. Rather than shy away or be affected by it, embrace it and use it as a positive.
"Against Wimbledon we didn't do that. The game plan they implemented   affected us and meant we couldn't perform to the level we are capable of.”
Can Notts bring joy to their home fans with victory against Hartlepool? Let Pride of Nottingham know.
Joe Jones

Gary MacKenzie's Notts County loan 'could be extended'

Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton has admitted the club could extend Gary MacKenzie’s stay at Meadow Lane.
The Doncaster Rovers defender joined the Magpies on a month-long loan just before the closure of the January transfer window.
Fullarton believes that the 30-year-old’s arrival will only help his young back four improve, with Blair Adams being the oldest at Luton last weekend at 24.
He said: "When we realised Gary was available and we had the opportunity to bring him in, we worked fast on it.
"He is a presence and a voice and he will help with the young defenders what we have in the coming weeks.
"Gary is a defender and I think sometimes, and this applies to all levels of the game, we forget what the role and responsibilities are. The aim is to defend and the second role is to defend again.
“He will have influence, he takes responsibility, he organises and he has fitted in very well already with the younger lads. We are quite young in that department.
"Since coming in, Gary has showed his qualities already. He is a professional. 
"He is experienced enough not just in football, but also in life too. He is 30 and that's a good age. He will get game time here, which he has been short of at Doncaster. 
"It's a win-win scenario all round. We'll see how it goes, but it is definitely an option (loan extension). Much of it will depend on the circumstances at the time.”
 
What do you make of Gary MacKenzie's presence and loan deal at Meadow Lane? Sign up to Pride of Nottingham, visit the forum and join the conversation.
Joe Jones

League Two Preview: Saturday 6th February 2016

This week's fixture list has thrown up some very interesting games and every one is important for all the teams, whether trying to avoid relegation or aiming for promotion. So this week I'm going through each game individually and the importance of each game will become apparent. I've made Notts County v Hartlepool my key game.

*Important Game ** Key Game

Saturday 6th February 2016

*Bristol Rovers v Wimbledon – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-0)
*Cambridge v Dagenham & Redbridge – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (3-0)
Carlisle v Accrington – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-0)
*Exeter v Oxford United – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-2)
Mansfield v Morecambe – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction(2-0)
Newport v Barnet – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-1)
Northampton v York – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (3-0)
**Notts County v Hartlepool – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-0)
Portsmouth v Leyton Orient – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-1)
Stevenage v Crawley – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-1)
*Wycombe v Luton – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-0)
Yeovil v Plymouth – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0-2)

The first game on Saturday sees 4th placed Bristol Rovers striving to strengthen their place in the playoffs playing Wimbledon at 10th who are trying to join them.

Next comes 11th placed Cambridge on 41 points aiming to keep their own promotion hopes going while further damaging 23rd placed Dagenham & Redbridge's survival hopes.

Carlisle at 13th and Accrington at 6th have games to catch up having both only played 25 games, so this game is obviously important for these two teams.

Exeter at 12th and with 41 points will be trying to stay in touch with the chasing pack while denting 3rd placed Oxfords automatic promotion hopes.

Mansfield at 7th with 44 points are another team trying to stay in the playoff mix playing Morecambe at 14th with 36 points.

Newport at 20th with 27 points take on Barnet in 18th place with 33 points with these two teams trying to distance themselves from the relegation places.

Next comes top of the table Northampton at home to bottom club York.

Skip to 5th placed Portsmouth in the playoff places on 45 points playing Leyton Orient at 9th and with 43 points only one point outside the playoffs.

Stevenage at 19th with 28 points playing Crawley at 17th with 34 points sees another game with both teams hoping to pull away from the lower reaches of League Two.

Wycombe at 8th with 43 points are yet another team well in the promotion race playing Luton at 16th with 35 points.

Yeovil at 21st with 24 points have a difficult game at home to 2nd placed Plymouth who have 56 points.

Tuesday 9th February 2016

Dagenham & Redbridge v Wycombe – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-2)
Hartlepool v Stevenage – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-0)
*Oxford United v Mansfield – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-1)

Tuesdays fixtures continue the important game trend with currently 23rd placed Dagenham & Redbridge playing currently 8th placed Wycombe.

Notts' Saturday opponents Hartlepool take on 19th placed Stevenage at the bottom end of the table while at the other end 3rd placed Oxford entertain 7th placed Mansfield.

My thoughts on the Notts game.

Notts with 36 points and placed 15th from 27 games host 22nd placed Hartlepool whose 25 games have yielded 24 points.

Notts haven't played Hartlepool yet this season and the return fixture takes place later this month on Tuesday the 16th.

The last time the teams played each other was in the FA Cup on 9/11/2013 when pools won at their place 3–2. The last league meetings between the two teams were in 2012/13 in League One when Hartlepool won 2–1 at their place with Notts winning 2–0 at Meadow Lane.

Notts are only 8 points off the playoff places but need to return to winning ways at home to back up the two recent away wins under Jamie Fullarton.

I got my forecast hopelessly wrong a fortnight ago and the Notts performance was hopeless too. I hope my 2–0 prediction doesn't put a jinx on the result this time and that all Pie fans are happy come Saturday teatime.
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super_ram

Preview: Youth Team - Hartlepool

After last week's thrilling late win at Grimsby, the league table has a fascinating look to it.
All the top four teams are on 27 points, with Notts' superior goal difference putting them right on top of the pile.
This Saturday (just like the first team) the young 'Pies are at home to Hartlepool United with the obvious added pressure that in order to stay at the top of the league table, another win is required.
It is hoped that Jack McMillan will have recovered from the knock that saw him limping off the pitch on Saturday and that Yohan Rutty-Smith and Luther Wildin are also fit to resume the fight after both missing the win at Grimsby.
For anyone who can make it down to Arnold FC on Saturday morning to cheer on the young 'Pies - do it - as they rarely serve up a disappointing performance.
COYP!
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shepshedpie

Jamie Fullarton describes former defender Gill Swerts as a "gentleman"

Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton has praised the attitude of former defender Gill Swerts, describing him as a “gentleman”.
The former Belgium international had his Magpies contract terminated by mutual consent on transfer deadline day – just six months into a two-year deal – after a move to Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta failed to materialise.
Having started plenty of games at the start of the season, Swerts lost his place in the team recently and, towards the end of his Meadow Lane tenure, had not even made the substitutes' bench.
"He was a gentleman," Fullarton said of Swerts. "He came to work with the right attitude and worked in a way that you would expect any professional to do.
"Sometimes that doesn't happen, especially when you are not close to the team. But you never would have been able to tell that Gill wasn't involved with the team, given his excellent attitude towards training.
"Superficially, it's tough to let people like that leave, but you have to be as objective as you can in terms of what's the aim and what's the best decision for the football club.
"Even in conversations with Gill, who didn't agree with the decision, realised it was best for all."
Should Gill Swerts have left Notts County? Share your opinion – sign up to Pride of Nottingham, visit the forum and join the conversation.
Joe Jones

Jamie Fullarton: 'Jimmy Spencer departure was a hard decision to allow'

Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton has admitted that the club reluctantly agreed to let Jimmy Spencer leave after he expressed a desire to find first-team football.
The striker left Meadow Lane last Friday and subsequently signed a six-month deal with Shaun Derry's Cambridge United, for whom he scored on his debut at Leyton Orient on Saturday.
The forward had struggled to regain his first-team place after a serious knee injury in the summer of 2014.
Fullarton told local media: "Jimmy expressed a strong desire to leave the club for game time which, like all other players, I could not guarantee.
"So after long discussions we as a club reluctantly agreed to let Jimmy go – we wish him all the best for the future.
"The other players who left were in a different situation as they were not part of the first team squad and were unlikely to be able to force their way into contention.
"It was best for all involved that they further their careers elsewhere." 
Spencer was one of four players to leave the club during the window, with midfielder Gill Swerts, winger Julian Jenner and defender Civard Sprockel also released.
What do you make of the circumstances surrounding Jimmy Spencer's departure? Sign up to Pride of Nottingham, visit the forum and join the conversation.
Joe Jones

Former Notts County trainee takes charge of American football team

Former Notts County trainee Darren Powell has taken charge of United States football side USL San Antonio.
The 43-year-old, from West Bridgford, took the reins last month at the new franchise, playing in the American third division.
He said: "From the very first conversation I had I could see it was a very exciting project and I'm keen to help and be a part of it.
I don't see it as daunting. When you're coaching and you're ambitious and learning your trade all the time at various levels, you're always aspiring to be at the next level. 
"It's a natural progression at this point in my career. It's more than building a first team, you're also trying to set a structure in place for young players in San Antonio.”
Powell made the move across the Atlantic in 1991, having been a trainee with the Magpies when Neil Warnock was manager.
Do you know Darren or have similar stories to share, either about yourself or others that have made a similar leap into world football? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the site, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Alex Greenwood departs Notts Ladies for a 'significant' fee

Notts County Ladies have completed the sale of England defender Alex Greenwood to Liverpool Ladies 'for a significant' fee.
Alex has been a pinnacle player for the Lady Pies since arriving at the club in 2015, helping the side respectfully finish two successful campaigns and also most recently helping Notts reach Wembley in the F.A Cup.
The 22-year-old featured also featured in the Continental Tyres Cup Final last season.
Former FA WLS 1 champions, Liverpool have added Alex Greenwood in order to strengthen their squad after making an additional six signings, and Scott Rogers was keen to sign the Lioness and liverpool born left-back.
"This is a fantastic move for me and I am really enthusiastic about the new season, I had a great year at Notts County but this represents an exciting, new challenge and one that I am really looking forward to." Alex told the official site.
The fee, although undisclosed is believed to be a club record sale for Notts County who 'reluctantly' accepted the offer from Liverpool.
"We received a significant bid from Liverpool, which was close to our valuation for the player, and considering her wish to leave we reluctantly accepted the offer," Notts County Ladies chief executive Matthew Alexander said.
"Notts County wishes Alex all the best for the future."
Do you feel Notts Ladies should have sold Alex Greenwood? How can they put the fee to good use? - Join in our discussion here.
Chris

Gill Swerts leaves Notts County by mutual consent

Former Belgium international Gill Swerts has had his Notts County contract terminated by mutual consent.
Having arrived at Meadow Lane on a two-year deal last summer, the ex-Feyenoord, AZ Alkmaar and Vitesse Arnhem player made 16 appearances before falling down the pecking order in recent weeks.
Jamie Fullarton told the official website: "We received an offer for Gill last week but that fell through at the last minute which was disappointing for the player. This led to discussions between myself and the player which resulted in the decision that it was in the interests of both the club and Gill for him to move on.
“He’s been a top professional since I came through the door and I know he’ll be missed in the changing room. Sadly though he wants first team football at this moment but I can't guarantee any player that but we obviously wish him all the best in the future.”
 
What are your thoughts on Swerts' departure? Let Pride of Nottingham know by joining the site, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

'Gary MacKenzie' arrives at Meadow Lane on a 28-day loan

Notts County first team manager Jamie Fullarton has completed the signing of Gary MacKenzie on loan, the deal is initially for twenty-eight days.

The 30-year-old Doncaster Rovers defender has enjoyed spells with more recently Bradford City, Blackpool and MK Dons.

The Magpies’ are looking to further shore up their defensive options with this arrival after recently managing to keep a clean sheet against Luton Town last Saturday.

Speaking to the club for the first time, Gary said “I’ve got plenty of experience in the league above but it should work out for everybody. If I can benefit Notts County and myself then everyone is happy.”

“My job is to organise and keep clean sheets in the defence but I also like to play football – it makes the game more enjoyable. But the important thing for me is to concede fewer goals.”

Jamie Fullarton was quick to speak about his connection with MacKenzie by saying “Gary is a player I’ve known form a number of years from his time with Rangers and Dundee. You find yourself tracking players throughout the years and how they can complement your setup at the time.”

“Obviously I’m delighted to bring him in because I feel he offers us something different, he’s a true leader who will help develop our young defenders in the first team and make a big contribution.”

The Magpies’ are also said to be looking at former Rams defender Miles Addison and ex-Plymouth winger Jason Banton who are said to be training with the club.
What do you think of this signing? Does it reassure you that the defence is being strengthened? Don’t forget to have you say below or within our community discussion, as we welcome Gary MacKenzie to Meadow Lane – Here.
Chris

Former Magpie 'Alex Kenlock' joins Ryman Divison One Side East Grinstead Town

Former Magpies’ striker Alex Kenlock has joined East Grinstead Town.

Alex was part of the set-up, which enjoyed travelling to Spain back 2014, where he was part of the Football League Education system with Notts County’s youth team and had signed his first professional deal with the magpies in April 2015.

The forward, who spent several years with Notts County – after progressing through the academy ranks, has joined the Ryman League Division One South Side on Friday.

On the following day, he made his debut for Matt Longhurst’s side in a 0-0 draw against Herne Bay.
Don’t forget to leave a comment below – alternatively you can see what’s happening in and around PON – Here | Also, don’t forget to join the community Here.
Chris

League Two Round-Up: Weekend Saturday 30/1/2016

Well, what a pleasure it is that, after last week’s awful performance, I am now commenting on a second consecutive away win for Notts under Jamie Fullarton’s leadership. Also this time by all accounts it was a thoroughly deserved win.
Here are the League Two results for the weekend:
Saturday 30th January 2016
Accrington 1–0 Bristol Rovers
Wimbledon 2–3 Yeovil
Crawley 0–1 Mansfield
Dagenham & Redbridge P–P Carlisle
Hartlepool 0–2 Exeter
Leyton Orient 1–3 Cambridge
Luton 0–2 Notts County
Morecambe 1–2 Newport
Plymouth 0–1 Wycombe
York 2–1 Stevenage
Today there were 2 home wins, 7 away wins, 0 draws and 1 postponement.
League Two Update
Northampton had no game but remain top of League Two with 58 points from 27 games.
Plymouth could have gone top due to Northampton's inactivity but lost at home 0–1 to Wycombe and stay in 2nd place with 56 points from 29 games. Wycombe move up to 8th on 43 points from 27 games.
Oxford lost 3–0 at home to Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup but remain 3rd with 51 points from 27 games.
Bristol Rover stay 4th on 47 points from 29 games despite losing 1–0 away at Accrington who move up to 5thwith 45 points and still have games in hand, having played only 25.
Portsmouth put in a very plucky performance in the FA Cup losing 2–1 at home to Premiership side Bournemouth but drop to 6th with 44 points from 26 games.
Mansfield's 1–0 win away at Crawley lifts them into the final play off place at 7th with 44 points from 29 games, with Crawley dropping to 17th on 34 points from 29 games.
There are no positional changes below Crawley at the basement end of the League Two table with York, although beating Stevenage 2–1 remain 24th and bottom with 20 points from 27 games.
Notts County win leapfrogs them over Morecambe, Luton and Crawley and up 3 places to 14th with 36 points from 27 games.
The gap between 6th and 7th placed Portsmouth and Mansfield, who are both on 44 points and 14th placed Notts County with 36 points is now down to 8 points. 
Portsmouth have played a game less than Notts County but Mansfield have played 2 more.
Notts County's cushion from the bottom end has increased to 16 points.
 
Upcoming fixtures
League Two – Tuesday 2nd February 2016
Luton v Yeovil
Morecambe v Portsmouth
Notts' next game is at home on Saturday 6th February 2016 against Hartlepool United with a 3:00pm kick off.
Hartlepool at 21st are 7 places and 12 points worse off than Notts and will host Notts in the return League Two fixture on Tuesday 16th February 2016.
The sacking of Ricardo Moniz and surprise appointment of Jamie Fullarton has created concern, unrest and to a degree a split amongst the Notts faithful. A win with a good performance will go a considerable way to restoring Notts fans belief and hopes for the future. 
This season could still turn out to be memorable for the right reasons.
 
Share your thoughts on this week's League Two action on the Pride of Nottingham forum.
super_ram

Match Report: Youth Team - Grimsby Town

Notts were without Luther Wildin and Yohan Rutty-Smith and faced a tough game on a cold and breezy morning at Grimsby Town's training ground. The team was reorganised slightly and in came Jake Payling at left-back and Alex Howes on the left side of midfield.

The game settled down to be an even contest with both sides going close on occasions.

On 24 minutes Notts fell behind when a loose pass was intercepted and fired home from about 20 yards by the Grimsby striker.

Two minutes before half-time Montel Gibson chased what looked to be a lost cause but forced the keeper into an error and he could only blast the ball against Montel's body and watch as it rebounded into the goal.

Half-time 1-1

The second half continued as the first half with a keenly contested game and fierce tackles flying in at times. Mid way through the second half the game was stopped for a few minutes when one of the strong tackles put skipper Jack McMillan on the floor for quite a while.  Eventually he was able to stand up and walk but only off the pitch as he was substituted.

The game looked all set for a 1-1 draw but in the 89th minute Montel Gibson hit a shot which bounced off a defender's back and looped into the path of substitute Sam Osborne (?) who immediately crashed the ball past the helpless 'keeper for a late winner. With the snow falling the final whistle went soon after.

The young 'Pies were slightly below their best but dug in really well to take all three points which will take them to at least second in the league with leaders Scunthorpe losing at Mansfield.

I spent a very enjoyable second half chatting to a Manchester United scout - as the saying goes, you never know who is watching you.

Next Saturday the young 'Pies are at home to Hartlepool.

COYP!
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shepshedpie

Alan Smith praises Jamie Fullarton's structural management style

Notts County midfielder Alan Smith has praised Jamie Fullarton’s structural approach to the game and team setup, comparing him to Shaun Derry’s brand of management.
The Magpies made it two wins out of three since the ex-Nottingham Forest youth coach took charge as they claimed a 2-0 victory at Luton Town.
Smith said: "I think since the gaffer's come in we've worked on a structure, trying to emphasise the fact that you are free to go and play, but you play from a structure.
"It will take time, but we've had two away performances and you've seen that infrastructure pay dividends already.
"The demands with the new manager are based on a structure and a platform to go and express yourself.
"It needs to be from that structure and it reminds me of when Shaun Derry was here – structure and how he wants things done in terms of discipline and so on.
"With that you can create talented players, but players who are knowledgeable about how to play football the right way, at the right time, at difficult places like Luton.
"It can't be overlooked that Luton is a difficult place to go. Things like that build players for the future.
"And I think that the more we work as a team together we can only get better. Once confidence builds and we get a few more wins we can hopefully have a good end to the season."
The win at Kenilworth Road puts Notts 14th in League Two on 36 points, eight points off seventh place and with at least one game in hand over five of the seven teams above them, up to and including seventh-placed Mansfield.
 
Comment on this story by signing up to the Pride of Nottingham community, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Notts County clinch second win in three games away at Luton Town

Another matchday, another gambit of emotions for Notts County fans. First came relief with a solid yet unspectacular win at Crawley. Then despair with a poor performance against AFC Wimbledon. 
And now, delight as the Magpies clinch an impressive 2-0 win away at Luton Town, with former Notts star Alan Sheehan opening the scoring with an own goal before Jon Stead wrapped up all three points with a fantastic solo strike.
The Magpies began the half brightly and piled on the pressure onto their opponents with a succession of set pieces, but the Hatters then upped their game and forced a number of corners, though Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu volleyed over the bar in the 18th minute.
The Hatters succeeded in getting the back into the back of the net on the half-hour mark, but Cameron McGeehan handled the ball in the build-up and accrued a booking for his troubles.
The first half ended with both sides on the attack, as Stead was denied by Elliot Justham and moments later lashed a daisy cutter wide, and at the other end Ruddock Mpanzu had arguably one of the best chances to open the scoring when he was clean through on goal but failed to find the back of the net.
It was a case of backs to the wall for Notts after the restart as Luton were quick off the starting blocks and maintained a good spell of pressure, although Elliott Hewitt very nearly scored from a 50-yard free kick after spotting Justham off his line.
Just before the hour, however, Notts surged into the lead, and it was a bit of a “script moment” as a Magpie surge down the Hatters right was followed up by an effort from Wes Atkinson, which took a hefty deflection off none other than Sheehan before dropping into the net.
Jamie Fullarton’s charges were invigorated after the opening goal, though they still had to watch out when Joe Pigott lined up a shot on the edge of the box, but Haydn Hollis was on hand to block before Carroll claimed.
Midway through the second half it got even better for Notts as Stead picked up the ball in midfield and drove at the Luton defence single-handed before slotting underneath Justham for his side’s second goal.
The win at Kenilworth Road is Notts County's second win in three games and only the third away win of the season, while Fullarton's away record reads two played, two won, three scored and zero conceded.
Credit to Dan Westwell for the image.
 
What did you think of the game? Sign up to Pride of Nottingham, visit the forum and join the conversation.
Joe Jones

Half Time Report: Goalless between Luton Town, Notts County

It is goalless between Luton Town and Notts County at the halfway point of Saturday’s League Two clash at Kenilworth Road.
The Magpies began the half brightly and piled on the pressure onto their opponents with a succession of set pieces.
On the whole, the first quarter of an hour or so proved relatively scrappy, before the Hatters upped their game and forced a number of corners, though Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu volleyed over the bar in the 18th minute.
The game opened up around and past the midway point, with Ruddock Mpanzu scuffing an effort wide 23 minutes in before drawing a save from Roy Carroll five minutes later. 
In between the 22-year-old's chances, Izale McLeod shanked a shot over the Luton bar after being put through by Jon Stead.
The Hatters succeeded in getting the back into the back of the net on the half-hour mark, but Cameron McGeehan handled the ball in the build-up and accrued a booking for his troubles.
Notts continued to repel the hosts’ attacks but there was panic when Craig Mackail-Smith got the better of two defenders as he marauded down the pitch, although his 30-yard effort was ultimately stopped by Carroll.
More tenacious play was to follow from Mackail-Smith in the 39th minute, this time down the left, as he got the ball over to McGeehan, who couldn’t get his shot away.
The half ended with both sides on the attack, as Stead was denied by goalkeeper Elliot Justham and moments later lashed a daisy cutter wide, and at the other end Ruddock Mpanzu had arguably one of the best chances to open the scoring when he was clean through on goal but failed to find the back of the net.
 
What did you think of the first half? Visit the Pride of Nottingham forum now and join the conversation.
Joe Jones

Liam Noble: 'Alan Smith is responsible for my goalscoring form'

Notts County midfielder Liam Noble has expressed his delight at Alan Smith’s decision to remain at Meadow Lane instead of moving to Plymouth Argyle.
The ex-Manchester United man turned down a switch to the League Two promotion contenders, who had offered him an 18-month deal last week, in order to stay at Meadow Lane.
Noble is delighted with the 35-year-old's decision and admitted he had become his go-to man for advice this season and even said he had helped improve his goalscoring.
Noble said: "If the team that is near the top of the league want you, then you must be doing something right.
"It's brilliant and all the lads look up to him, especially me. I love him. He plays in my position and I've learned so much from him.
"Early on in the season when I was arriving late in the box and scoring goals that was down to him. 
"He was taking me on the training pitch telling me I was too eager to get into the box and I had to time my runs a bit better. 
"I've got eight goals this season and that's down to him. He's first in, last out. 
"It's absolutely brilliant he is staying until the end of the season."
 
What do you make of Noble’s opinion of Smith? Let Pride of Nottingham know.
Joe Jones

Jimmy Spencer, Civard Sprockel and Julian Jenner leave Notts County by mutual consent

Three players have departed Meadow Lane today as Jimmy Spencer, Civard Sprockel and Julian Jenner have all left Notts County by mutual consent.
The latter two were recruited by previous boss Ricardo Moniz last summer and have struggled to hold down a place in the first-team.
Jenner has made 15 appearances for the Magpies this season, although just four of them have been starts, while his teammate has started seven games for the club.
Spencer, meanwhile, joined in February 2014 and scored five goals in 13 games, but suffered a knee ligament injury in July of that year and was out for eight months. He has started just one game this season.
Head of recruitment Guy Branston said: "Jimmy's aware there are clubs chasing his signature so he won't be without a club for too long. He's been a great pro throughout a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
"Civard and Julian have been true professionals throughout and have always tried their best to break into the first team.
"Unfortunately it hasn't worked out for either player in the way we had hoped, and all parties have agreed it is in the best interests for both to move on."
 
Would you have kept any or all of these three players? Join the Pride of Nottingham community, visit the forum and join the conversation.
Joe Jones

Stat Attack: Luton Town vs. Notts County

Notts and Luton have faced off 67 times, with the first meeting coming in January 1912 when the Magpies secured a 4-2 away win in the FA Cup.
The record is heavily slanted towards the Hatters, who have 34 wins to Notts’s 14, 19 draws completing the head-to-head.
Out of the nine matches between the two that have taken place since the turn of the century, Notts have won three, drawn three and lost three.
Luton Town Football Club was formed on 11 April 1885, the product of a merger of the two leading local teams, Luton Town Wanderers and Excelsior.
The club was the first in southern England to turn professional, making payments to players as early as 1890 and turning fully professional a year later.
It joined the Football League before the 1897–98 season, left in 1900 because of financial problems, and rejoined in 1920.
Luton reached the First Division in 1955–56 and contested a major final for the first time when playing Nottingham Forest in the 1959 FA Cup Final.
The team was then relegated from the top division in 1959–60, and demoted twice more in the following five years, playing in the Fourth Division from the 1965–66 season. However, it was promoted back to the top level by 1974–75.
Luton Town's most recent successful period began in 1981–82, when the club won the Second Division, and thereby gained promotion to the First. Luton defeated Arsenal 3–2 in the 1988 Football League Cup Final and remained in the First Division until relegation at the end of the 1991–92 season.
Between 2007 and 2009, financial difficulties caused the club to fall from the second tier of English football to the fifth in successive seasons. The last of these relegations came during the 2008–09 season, when 30 points were docked from Luton's record for various financial irregularities.
Luton then spent five seasons in non-League football before winning the Conference Premier in 2013–14, securing promotion back into the Football League.
The club's nickname, "the Hatters", reflects Luton's historical connection with the hat making trade, which has been prominent there since the 1600s. The nickname was originally a variant on the now rarely seen straw-plaiters. Supporters of the club are also called Hatters.
Luton is associated with two very different colour schemes—white and black (first permanently adopted in 1920), and orange, navy and white (first used in 1973, and worn by the team as of the 2015–16 season).
During the 2014–15 season, Luton Town had an average home league attendance of 8,702 – the second highest in League Two behind only Portsmouth.
In the 2013–14 season, when the club were in the Conference Premier, the club had significantly higher support than the other clubs in its league, with an average home attendance of 7,387; more than twice compared to the second highest of 3,568.
The record for the most appearances for Luton is held by Bob Morton, who turned out for the club 562 times in all competitions between 1946 and 1964. Morton also holds the record for the most Football League appearances for the club, with 495.
Fred Hawkes holds the record for the most league appearances for Luton, having played in 509 league matches. Six players, Gordon Turner, Andy Rennie, Brian Stein, Ernie Simms, Herbert Moody and Steve Howard, have scored more than 100 goals for Luton.
---
Luton will be without Danny Green and Josh McQuoid when they face Notts on Saturday. The former is out of action with ankle ligament damage sustained against Cambridge United, earlier in the month, while McQuoid underwent a knee operation this week and is expected to be out of action for at least a month.
Hatters manager Nathan Jones could have goalkeeper Mark Tyler and winger Ryan Hall back in contention but they are going to make a last minute decision on the pair.
Stanley Aborah remains a concern for Notts after sustaining a knee injury in training. He missed last weekend's home defeat to AFC Wimbledon and is still struggling with the problem.
Fellow midfielder Liam Noble is back in contention for a starting place after making his comeback from a four-match suspension as a second-half substitute against the Dons.
Winger Will Hayhurst has cruciate knee ligament damage and is unlikely to play again this season.
 
Discuss the build up to Saturday's game on the Pride of Nottingham forum.
Joe Jones

League Two Preview: Saturday 30th January 2016

Here I go again, with a look at the upcoming games in League Two. Again I've highlighted a few games I think are important, although every game is important in one way or another. I've made Luton v Notts my key game.
*Important Game ** Key Game
Saturday 30th January 2016
*Accrington v Bristol Rovers – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-2)
Wimbledon v Yeovil – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-0)

League Two Preview Saturday 30th January 2016

Crawley v Mansfield – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-1)
Dagenham & Redbridge P – P Carlisle
Hartlepool v Exeter – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-0)
Leyton Orient v Cambridge – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-0)
**Luton v Notts County – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-1)
Morecambe v Newport – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-0)
*Plymouth v Wycombe – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (3-1)
York v Stevenage – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0-1)
Tuesday 2nd February 2016

*Luton v Yeovil – Kick Off 19:45pm – Score Prediction (2-0)
Morecambe v Portsmouth – Kick Off 19:45pm – Score Prediction (2-2)
My first game features 6th placed Accrington against 4th placed Bristol Rovers. Accrington have games in hand having only played 24 games and have 42 points while Rovers have played 28 games, 4 more than Stanley but have 47 points so points are vital to both these teams in their quest for promotion. I've gone for a 2-2 draw.
My second important game is 2nd placed Plymouth at home to 9th placed Wycombe. Argyle will go top with a win as current leaders Northampton don't have a game this week. Wycombe at 9th with a win and favourable results, could climb into the play off places. My prediction is a 3-1 win for Plymouth.
Luton feature twice in my highlighted games as they have a midweek game as well as hosting Notts on Saturday. On Tuesday they are again at home, this time to Yeovil who are struggling in 22nd place. I've gone 2-0 for this one.
Once again I feature Notts as my key game.
**Luton v Notts County
Luton are at 13th and are 2 places and one point better off than Notts. They have also played one more game than Notts' 26.
Earlier this season on 12/9/2016 Notts beat Luton 3-2 at Meadow Lane.
Notts still have 20 games to make an impact on League Two but Jamie Fullarton really needs all 3 points to make up for last weeks let down and to stop Notts' season fizzling out completely.
Sorry folks but I've gone for a 1-1 draw.
super_ram

Luton Town - Opposition View

The Magpies' take on Luton Town tomorrow at the Kenilworth Road Stadium, which will be the second time Notts have played them within the 2015/16 season. On Saturday 12th September 2015, Notts managed to defeat Luton Town at Meadow Lane after enjoying a 2-0 lead upto the 71st minute, when the Hatters responded and then quickly drawn level on the 76th minute.
Liam Noble sealed all three points by scoring in the final seconds, the final score 3-2 to Notts County.
In this feature, Notts-Joe has taken the time to put several questions to two Luton Town fans - Beanite and Matt kindly took the challenge to respond in-depth for our own faithful's and beneath you will be able to gauge tomorrow's opposition. Find out what they both fans have had to say!
Could you tell Pride of Nottingham a little bit about yourself, such as how long you have supported Luton Town?
Beanite: Although born in Lutonia I'm one of  the many exiled Hatters. Having lived in Hampshire for the last 30 years a home game for me is a 150 mile round trip. My first match was the 4-0 win over Doncaster Rovers in Feb 70. Who was to know then that the young defender we'd signed from Fulham would still to this day hold the record for scoring 5 goals in a match for England!
Matt: I'm a 29 year old season ticket holder who has been going to Kenilworth Road for 24 years. My first game was a drab 0-0 draw with Sunderland on a cold December day in 1992. Despite this, I was hooked, and was rewarded the following season with our fantastic run to the FA Cup semi-final, beating Newcastle and West Ham on the way before losing 2-0 to Chelsea at Wembley.
That's pretty much the high point of my Luton supporting life. There have been a few highs, namely our first season back in the Championship under Mike Newell (where I genuinely thought we could get promotion to the Premiership), the FA Cup ties with Liverpool, beating Norwich as a Conference side and the vast majority of our Conference Championship season where it just seemed as though we could turn up anywhere and win. However Luton's recent history is largely a tale of woe, synonymous with player sales, relegations and points deductions. However all that is now behind us and, with a new manager and shiny new stadium on the horizon, the future could very well be orange.
How do you feel your seasons going so far? What was your hopes at the start and have you since reflected on them?
Beanite: It's fair to say that we all had high hopes for the squad that John Still had assembled at the start of the season. Unfortunately he wasn't able to put out a good enough team & he has now returned to his roots, albeit with the gratitude from all Hatters for returning us to the FL.
Matt: In a word, horrifically. That may sound dramatic however such were the expectations at the beginning of the season given the quality of player we bought in, the results and more worryingly the performances were incredibly disappointing. If you had asked 100 Luton fans at the beginning of the season what their expectations were, I'm sure 99 would have said automatic promotion. It was only a catastrophic loss of form from February onward that saw us drop out of the top 3 (and then 7) last season and so the additions of Scott Cuthbert, Danny Green, Paddy McCourt and Craig Mackail-Smith would surely propel us to the summit. Or not.
As much as I like the guy and will forever be grateful for him hauling us out of the Conference, it was the right decision to part ways with John Still. The tactics (or lack thereof) were akin to what most people would call 'hoofball', which is not ideal when CMS and Jack Marriott up top are about 5'8. These tactics may have been acceptable had they produced results however the lack of wins, goals and entertainment duly saw Mr Still make way.
It will be interesting to see how Nathan Jones does with this group of players. I still believe the majority are 'above the level' players who were hamstrung by the previous management teams negative tactics. Jones is seen as a forward thinking coach and has said he wants to bring Tiki-Taka to Kenilworth Road. The early signs are encouraging, but time will tell.
Many Notts fans would have like to see Alan Sheehan return to Meadow Lane, what do you make of this signing for Luton and did it come as a surprise?
Beanite: TBH I'd never heard of him but then any player who scores his first goal against whatfor'd has got to be a top signing!
Matt: It did come somewhat out of the blue. Our defense has been shaky all season, particularly since Sumo (Steve McNulty) moved to Tranmere to be closer to his family. There was a huge gap in defense and a massive lack of leadership in his absence, so I wasn't surprised that Nathan Jones bought a center half in. It was slightly more surprising that he replaced Luke Wilkinson (sold to Stevenage) who had probably been the least best of a bad bunch when in came to center halves this season.
I'm yet to see Alan Sheehan play as I couldn't make it to his debut up in Mansfield, however I hear only good things. I've done a little bit of YouTube trawling and his left foot is a thing of beauty. Hopefully we can sort our issues at center half and move Sheehan too left back to get the most out of him.
Which of your 2015/16 signings have stood out? Are you disappointed personally by any?
Beanite: Two signings stand out for me, Jack Marriott from Ipswich and Magnus Okuronghae from Col Utd. I guess we are expected to feel disappointed with Craig M.S. but this chap works his proverbials off and playing him as a winger with hoof ball probably wasn't John Still's finest moment.
Matt: It's been a really mixed bag for our signings this season. Some, such as Jack Marriott and Danny Green have shone in patches. Others like Craig Mackail Smith and Paddy McCourt have rather flattered to deceive (although the former has spent most of the season trying to win headers against center halves and the latter has started one game since October), whilst others have been outright disappointing. Scott Cuthbert and Magnus Okuonghae, I'm looking at you.
I have faith however that they are decent enough players who were playing to instructions which rather hampered their abilities. Jack Marriott has pace to burn and has had a lot of success coming off of the bench. Cameron McGeehan has a lovely knack of being in the right place at the right time to score from midfield. I really think Nathan Jones' appointment will do them all (and indeed the entire squad) the world of good.
What did you make of the game between our two teams at Meadow Lane earlier on in the season? Did you think the result was fair and which Notts player stood out the most?
Beanite: A draw would have been a fairer result back in Sept. Stand out contributor on the day for you would have to be Ben Toner!!
Matt: I was unfortunate enough to be at Meadow Lane to watch us lose to yet another late goal. This was exacerbated by the fact I had spent the previous two days in Doncaster at the races and had about us much luck as Scott Cuthbert did trying to keep up with Izale McLeod.
It was a frustrating performance as we went 2-0 down with barely a whimper. It was only after the second goal that we started to play and scored two pretty good goals. I swear Jonathon Smith has never hit a ball that well in his life. Seriously, watch him try and make a 5 yard pass if he plays Saturday.

When the sucker punch came it wasn't unexpected. We had already dropped points to Oxford, Pompey and Bristol Rovers because of late goals and you could see it coming as soon as Cuthbert bundled McLeod over. It was the right result and I couldn't complain with the final score.
Obviously McLeod stood out for Notts having run Cuthbert and Wilkinson ragged all game, although most center forwards have this year. The left midfielder who may have been Aborah, also gave our right back a torrid time all game, and he wasn't seen in the first team for many months after that.
What line-up do you feel will be selected on Saturday for Luton and who are your main threats?
Beanite: It's hard to guess the line up with a new manager but the main threats to watch out for would be Justham, O'Donnell, Cuthbert, Sheehan, Howells, Smith, Lawless, Ruddock, Marriott and CMS.
Matt: It's difficult to judge what formation we will go on Saturday. Jones' first game he went 4-4-2 with a fully fit squad and we drew. We then had 6 players injured and through necessity switched to a 4-5-1/4-3-3 with wingers for the game at Mansfield and won 2-0. My gut feeling is that you don't change a winning side we will line up the same as at Mansfield with the possible exception of Alan Sheehan moving out to left back and Magnus Okuonghae coming in to partner Scott Cuthbert. That would see us line up a bit like this.
                          Justham
O'Donnell Cuthbert Okuonghae Sheehan
                    Lawless Smith
                        McGeehan
Ruddock-Mpanzu               McCourt
                    Mackail-Smith
The main threats will come from the wings. Paddy McCourt looks rejuvenated under Nathan Jones and had a great game up at Mansfield. However most of our hopes with be on Pelly Ruddock-Mpanzu. Pelly was signed on loan and then permanently from West Ham as a center half in our Conference title season and was immense. He then spent the bulk of the next 18 months injured or "a week away from fitness" as John Still kept telling us. When he did play he had moved to central midfield and then out to the wide right position. He's fast, powerful and strong as an ox. He grabbed an assist and a great goal up in Mansfield and if he's on song your left back is in for a long afternoon. Outside of that, McGeehan has 9 goals despite being played out of position on the left wing for most of the season and Jack Marriott loves coming off the bench to run at tired defenses.
Who do you feel will gain promotion from League Two and who do you think will be relegated?
Beanite: Aided by a £10m grant from the local taxpayers it would be criminal if Northampton don't go up. Plymouth and Oxford both play fairly high tempo football so it's hard to see the present top 3 change. One or two teams always come from nowhere towards the end of the season so why not a Luton v Notts PO for the final place?
Newport and Yeovil for the drop as York always seem to get the luck when it matters and D&R will probably have 4 or 5 ex-Hatters in the team shortly.
Matt: I think Northampton and Oxford are nailed on now. Northampton in particular have been very impressive and Oxford have recruited well. Plymouth will probably take the last automatic place. The playoffs are a lottery and a lot will come down to who takes momentum into them. I think Accrington are a really good side but it depends whether Windass and Crook leave in this window or the summer. Wycombe will be there or thereabouts, as will Pompey. However I'll go for Bristol Rovers who I've been impressed with in both games against Luton.
Relegation-wise I think York are doomed and the John Still effect at Dagenham might see them jump above Yeovil and send them down.
Lastly, what do you feel te score will be?
Beanite: A close game with the home team shading it by the odd goal! Safe trip to all the Magpies making the journey South.
Matt: Tough one. From what I saw earlier in the season, defending is neither of our strong points so their could be goals. That said we haven't conceded in the two games under Nathan Jones. I'm going to say 3-1 Luton with 2 goals from Cameron McGeehan and a 25 yard free kick from Luton legend, Alan Sheehan ;-)
Pride of Nottingham would like to thank both Beanite and Matt for taking the time to do this feature - If you haven't already joined us, why not consider it? You can do so by visiting - Here | Also, don't forget to check our other content - Here.
Chris

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