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TheSkipper
Notts County secured a 2-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers at Meadow Lane. David McGoldrick netted an early goal for the Magpies with a low strike from the edge of the box. 
In the second half, Connell Rawlinson extended their lead by tapping in Matt Palmer’s cross from close range. 
Tranmere Rovers put up a fight towards the end, with Josh Hawkes successfully converting Paul Lewis' delivery to give them hope. However, Notts County held their ground and ultimately emerged victorious. 
The visitors made several changes to their line-up from last weekend’s defeat to Salford City. Aaron Nemane was a thorn in Rovers' side, getting behind their defence twice and sending crosses into the box that were handled by Tom Davies. 
Notts County dominated the game, with Macaulay Langstaff eager to contribute with a goal. Tranmere began to find their footing before the half hour mark when Kieron Morris met an excellent long ball from the back but fired over after breaking into the box. An hour into the game, McGoldrick hit the post with a shot from the edge of the box before Dan Crowley fired wide from a few yards out. Just minutes after, Notts County extended their lead as Rawlinson skilfully tapped in Palmer's powerful cross into the goal. Ian Dawes made four substitutions, bringing Kane Hemmings, Hawkes, Sam Taylor and Reece McAlear into the game. 
The hosts were reduced to ten men when substitute Cedwyn Scott had to leave the field with all substitutions already made. Rovers had their best moments in the final ten minutes when Davies hit the bar with a curling shot from range and Taylor went close shortly afterwards after being set up by Hemmings inside the box. 
Hawkes swept home Lewis’ delivery from the right to give Tranmere hope as the 90th minute approached, but Notts County held on through eight minutes of added time to leave Meadow Lane with all three points.
Was the result fair? In a thrilling 90-minute performance, Notts County put in a tremendous effort to take the lead and double it, with plenty of chances for more. Tranmere Rovers, on the other hand, posed little threat.
From the outset, Notts pushed for an early goal, confidently knocking the ball around and making Tranmere work to chase it. For much of the game, Tranmere were chasing shadows as Notts created exciting early chances. The defence was robust and the midfield pinpoint in their passing. John Bostock put in a flawless performance, effortlessly executing complicated passes. While the entire squad performed strongly, John Bostock, Matt Palmer and Richard Brindley stood out as superb.
Tranmere Rovers looked decent when in possession, moving with pace and determination and creating an early opportunity that Luke Norris blasted over the crossbar. However, they struggled to gain control of the game and defensively looked quite poor. Even before conceding, it seemed that if Notts pressed enough, Tranmere would struggle against their quality. While I believe their defence will improve over time, it is currently their main issue and their lack of defensive composure caused them to struggle greatly.
In terms of tactics: seemed to miss things, which perhaps a better official wouldn't have, but this is League Two after all.
Luke Williams once again demonstrated to Notts County fans that his selection of the starting XI was spot on. Tactically, it was perfect, with the only concern being Williams’ habit this season of making all five substitutions at the same time. Ideally, one should be held back in case of injury or fatigue.
The officials: There were missed incidents that made the referee appear quite inept, such as Tom Davies’ clear handball that should have been awarded as a penalty. The referee failed to allow Notts to take quick free kicks, halting play to make them bring it back, while Tranmere were allowed this luxury. While I have few complaints about the assistants, the referee seemed quite out of his depth. Leading up to Tranmere Rovers’ goal, there was another blatant handball that went unnoticed. The referee simply seemed to miss things that a better official might not have, but this is League Two after all.
Next up: Notts County will remain at home at Meadow Lane for their next match against Accrington Stanley. This is an ideal game for the Magpies, as Stanley currently sit just one position above Notts in 4th place, due only to goal difference.
Accrington is a capable side that enjoys attacking football but is also comfortable defending. They often play through the middle, but also like to play out wide once they are near the opposition’s 25-yard box. They can play slowly, patiently waiting for the opposition to move before countering effectively. While they are also capable of playing with speed and aggression, I expect a mix of both at Meadow Lane. Notts should be able to dictate the tempo of the match with their quality midfield.
Shaun Whalley is a comfortable midfielder who likes to get into scoring positions. He can be a threat, with teams usually focusing on more advanced players such as Josh Andrews, Matt Lowe and Leslie Adekoya. Sean McConville is also one of Stanley’s key playmakers, who enjoys pressing and retaining the ball.
Notts should remain largely unchanged from their win over Tranmere Rovers. If their midfield can retain possession and patiently play the ball around, this should give them more time to influence the game. I fully expect Accrington to test the Notts defence, so it will be interesting to see how Richard Brindley adapts to this threat in his new role.
Defence will be the main aim for Notts. They can sit deep and create space behind Accrington Stanley while using players such as Jodi Jones, Adam Chicksen and Aaron Nemane to pose a constant threat out wide. Ideally, this would allow for more coverage from the middle of the park and feed into Macaulay Langstaff.
It promises to be another exciting game, one in which I fancy Notts to do well despite Stanley’s strong start.
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PON_News
The Faces of PON is a fan gallery that captures the excitement and passion of Notts County fans at games. This season, Chris, a photographer, returned to Meadow Lane to take pictures for the first time in the 2023-24 season.
Chris was inspired to start taking pictures at Meadow Lane after being asked to take pictures of fans at half-time many years ago. He decided to bring his camera to the Notts County vs. Tranmere Rovers game and capture the match day vibe throughout the day.
Chris captures the excitement and passion of Notts County fans in his photographs by focusing on their reactions and emotions. He tries to capture the relaxed atmosphere of the second home game, as well as the excitement of the fans. “It was great to see the fans all excited,” he said.
Meadow Lane is a unique venue for football matches because it is a traditional stadium that creates a superb atmosphere. Notts County fans are thrilled about Chris’s return to Meadow Lane as a photographer, with many eager to have their picture taken or pose for the camera. “Plenty of fans asked and waved to get my attention,” Chris said.
Some memorable moments that Chris has captured in his photographs at Meadow Lane include the disappointment and hurt of Notts County fans during difficult times, as well as their optimism and hope for the future. There was a particularly memorable moment when Chris encountered two proud grandparents who were eagerly attending their grandson's first game at Meadow Lane. “It stays in my memory,” he said.
The Faces of PON gallery contributes to the match day experience for Notts County fans by allowing them to share their experiences and see their reactions to the pictures once they go live. Chris is passionate about providing fans with memories that they can all share. “It’s something I am very passionate about,” he said.
Chris’s plans for the future of The Faces of PON gallery include keeping it as active as possible and providing fans with photos on match days on a regular basis. Despite facing challenges such as anxiety and confidence issues, Chris is encouraged to keep going and continue giving fans special memories. “My aim is to keep the feature as active as possible,” he said.
Notts County fans feel positively about The Faces of PON gallery and its impact on their match day experience. They appreciate being able to look back at special times with family and friends through Chris’s photographs.
Check out the Pride of Nottingham Facebook group where fans can be further involved with the wider community, join in with the team and members there!
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PON_News
Luke Williams, the head coach of Notts County, provided valuable insights into the game's performance, shedding light on the team's remarkable progress. Celebrating the victory, Luke candidly acknowledged the challenges faced by the team and their resilience in overcoming them.
In his post-match interview, after his side beat Tranmere Rovers, Luke spoke about the team's ability to overcome adversity and their determination to succeed. He praised the players for their hard work and dedication, and emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and concentration throughout the match. 
Luke also discussed the team's strategy and tactics, highlighting their ability to control the game and create opportunities even when facing difficult circumstances. Overall, Luke's comments painted a picture of a team that is constantly striving to improve and grow, both on and off the pitch.
"I don't think the players have done anything to make it more difficult. Just the fact that we had one less player, and really I'm really upset for Cedwyn [Scott] because, you know, he's frustrated to not play, like all players. He just trained so brilliantly and, and he's always ready to come on, and we know how brilliant he is coming into games. He came on and pressed so well and then had to come off, it's gutting," Luke said.
Facing the challenge of playing with 10 men, the team displayed commendable resilience throughout the match. Reflecting on the match dynamics, Luke emphasised the opposition's strength and the team's ability to control the game and create opportunities even with one less player.
"I think the opposition were really good as well because they moved the ball so well and the players had to concentrate a lot to make sure that we shut the spaces and try to stop all the key passes. We've done that pretty well, and then we kept the ball well, but I thought we looked a big threat today. The most pleasing thing was that we were able to control the game but still have a lot of box entries, and I think even with 10 men, at the end, we had a number of opportunities to go and score ourselves, and like I said, against a decent team as well," Luke said.
Luke spoke glowingly of the team's progress and dedication, noting their growth and increased focus on their work. He remained pragmatic when questioned about the hypothetical scenario of not clinching victory despite a strong performance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a high level of focus and concentration.
"I think they were. I think that the group has grown up a lot. I really do mean that, and I think I've probably never witnessed that with a group to that level. They're taking their work more seriously than ever before, and it showed on the pitch today. If we can maintain that level, I think we can look forward to a decent season and play a lot of good football. That's the challenge now, to maintain that level of focus and concentration," Luke said.
When questioned about if his team hadn't won despite a strong performance, Luke's perspective remained pragmatic: "I would be pretty much the same as I am now, in all honesty. Of course, it's impossible to have the same feeling when you didn't win the game, but there's not winning a game [due to mistakes] and there's not winning a game [having played well]. Today, if we hadn't managed to get over the line with a victory, I would take a lot of pleasure from so much of the performance, and I would feel that we would have a chance to win games if we continue to perform like that and even better."
A pivotal moment in the match underscored the team's spirit. Luke recounted Macaulay Langstaff's determination to force a mistake even with one less player: "Yeah, yeah, and it sums up the team and Macaulay. I don't think Macaulay feels pain or anything like that; I think he's wired up wrong. We're really fortunate, but yeah, what a great example of the group because I think they played some lovely football at times, but I think people are learning more and more that we're not built on that. We're built on what you saw: that even with one less player Macaulay is still tearing out to force a mistake, and that's really what we're building."
Luke also shared insights about the injury to Cedwyn Scott and team dynamics: "He felt something in their knee and then again he's another guy who tries to play on, he must have been in agony. So now after as per usual we have to wait for everything to settle down before we can try to examine what is going on inside there. Hopefully it is less serious than we anticipate, but yeah it is very upsetting."
This post-match interview with Luke Williams painted a picture of a team that has come a long way in terms of skill, unity, resilience. The focus on improvement, team spirit, determination to overcome challenges provided a promising outlook for their future matches. The team's ability to control the game and create opportunities even with one less player is testament to their growth and resilience on pitch.
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PON_News
In a thrilling encounter at Meadow Lane, Notts County emerged victorious with a narrow 2-1 win over Tranmere Rovers. The hero of the match, Connell Rawlinson, delivered a performance that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Rawlinson, the match winner, expressed his elation after the game. "Yeah, great. It's obviously nice to get a goal. It's my 16th goal in my career, so I don't get many," he admitted. 
The defender's goal proved to be the decisive moment, and he was quick to highlight its significance. "It was funny because I was speaking with Macca [Macaulay Langstaff] and Sam SL [Sam Slocombe] yesterday, and I thought I'd fancy one. Not that I was going to get one, but I thought I'd fancy one. It's been seven months now, so it was nice that I could contribute, and obviously, with it being the winning goal, you know it means a lot more."
Rawlinson's goal wasn't the only talking point of the match. His skilful play and teamwork came to the forefront, as he played a crucial role in getting the ball from left to right and right to left, quickly changing the course of the attack. Reflecting on his performance, he said, "I thought I did okay. I'm still progressing and trying to get into our flow as we go. The more important thing now is the performances we put on. In the last five games, we've shown that we can play at the level."
The defender's modesty shone through when asked about his position in the team. Despite his match-winning contribution, he emphasised the depth of the squad and the importance of rotation. "No, because we have a great squad of players, and anyone can come in at any given time. It's going to be a long season, so it's vital to keep everyone fresh," he said.
Playing under the guidance of Luke Williams has undoubtedly contributed to Rawlinson's growth as a player. "Playing under Luke Williams has been brilliant," he exclaimed. "He came in last season, and I thought he elevated players far beyond what they thought was possible for themselves. His philosophy is great, and Ryan Harley's one-on-one work with players is also beneficial."
Rawlinson's sentiments resonated with the fans who were out in full force at Meadow Lane. The connection between the fans and the team was palpable, and Rawlinson acknowledged its impact. "There's a strong connection between the fans and the team, especially at home. We feel that support, and it's a big boost for us on the pitch. The roar of the crowd gives us that extra push to keep pushing for a goal."
With a 100% home record in the league and the fans' unwavering support, Notts County is poised for a promising season ahead. Connell Rawlinson's contribution both on and off the pitch is a testament to the team's unity and determination.
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Have a read of the Pride of Nottingham match report on yesterday’s impressive 2-1 win over Tranmere Rovers.
PON_News
Notts County achieved a well-earned 2-1 win against Tranmere Rovers at Meadow Lane, concluding the first month of the league season.
David McGoldrick scored an early goal for the Magpies with a low shot from the edge of the box that beat Luke McGee. In the second half, Connell Rawlinson increased their lead by tapping in Matt Palmer’s cross from close range.
Tranmere Rovers put up a fight towards the end, with Josh Hawkes successfully converting Paul Lewis' delivery to give them hope. However, Notts County held their ground and ultimately came out victorious.
The visitors made several changes to their line-up from last weekend’s 4-3 loss to Salford City. Chris Merrie and Charlie Jolley, who made his first league start in 18 months, replaced Lee O’Connor and Luke Norris.
Aaron Nemane was a thorn in Rovers' side, getting behind their defence twice and sending crosses into the box that were handled by Tom Davies. However, Notts County soon found an opening when McGoldrick perfectly placed a low shot across McGee from the edge of the box, giving them the lead at 12 minutes.
Notts County dominated the game, with Macaulay Langstaff eager to contribute with a goal. He was first denied by Connor Jennings on the line before scuffing a shot over from a few yards out a minute later. Tranmere began to find their footing before the half hour mark when Kieron Morris met an excellent long ball from the back but fired over after breaking into the box.
Lewis was penalised for fouling Jodi Jones in the box but felt he was brought down in the box himself shortly afterwards. Referee Thomas Parsons remained unconvinced. Davies leapt high to meet a cross from the right but could only find Aidan Stone's gloves as the half-time whistle blew.
An hour into the game, McGoldrick hit the post with a shot from the edge of the box before Dan Crowley fired wide from a few yards out. A few minutes later, Notts County doubled their lead when Rawlinson tapped in Palmer’s fierce delivery across goal.
Ian Dawes made four substitutions, bringing Kane Hemmings, Hawkes, Sam Taylor and Reece McAlear into the game. The hosts were reduced to ten men when substitute Cedwyn Scott had to leave the field with all substitutions already made.
Rovers had their best moments in the final ten minutes when Davies hit the bar with a curling shot from range and Taylor went close shortly afterwards after being set up by Hemmings inside the box. Hawkes swept home Lewis’ delivery from the right to give Tranmere hope as the 90th minute approached, but Notts County held on through eight minutes of added time to leave Meadow Lane with all three points.
Join in with the Notts County match discussion and share your post-match thoughts and all the key moments from the 2-1 win against Tranmere Rovers at Meadow Lane.
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PON_News
Notts County will host Tranmere Rovers at Meadow Lane for their fifth Sky Bet League Two game of the season. The Magpies will be looking to continue their solid form, having bounced back from a 5-1 defeat to Sutton United on the opening weekend with a three-match unbeaten run. 
Their most recent victory was a 3-1 win over Doncaster Rovers, with last season’s top scorer Macaulay Langstaff netting two goals.
Tranmere, on the other hand, have had a modest start to the season, losing three of their first four matches. They were recently beaten 4-3 by Salford City and may be without Luke Norris and Lee O’Connor, who were both substituted at half-time during that match. The Rovers will be looking to bounce back and get their season back on track.
This match promises to be an exciting encounter between two sides eager to climb up the League Two table. Notts County will be hoping to build on their recent good form and secure another three points in front of their home fans. The Magpies have shown that they are capable of scoring goals and will be looking to put Tranmere under pressure from the outset.
Tranmere, meanwhile, will need to tighten up at the back if they are to come away from Meadow Lane with a positive result. They have conceded 11 goals in their last four matches and will need to improve defensively if they are to stop Notts County’s attack.
Both sides have plenty to play for, and it should make for an entertaining match. Notts County will be hoping that their home advantage and recent good form will give them the edge, while Tranmere will be looking to cause an upset and get their season back on track. The stage is set for an exciting encounter between two sides with plenty to play for.
Fixtures
Saturday 26th August 2023
Mansfield Town vs Stockport County
Walsall vs Grimsby Town
Gillingham vs Colchester United
Harrogate Town vs Morecambe
MK Dons vs Doncaster Rovers
Salford City vs Accrington Stanley
AFC Wimbledon vs Forest Green Rovers
Newport County vs Sutton United
Barrow vs Wrexham
Swindon Town vs Crawley Town
Bradford City vs Crewe Alexandra
Prediction
Despite their league position, Tranmere Rovers could prove to be a difficult team for Notts County. They have a strong squad and are capable of causing problems for the Magpies. While Aidan Stone may be comfortable in goal, Tranmere could pose more of a challenge than some fans may expect. Notts will need to control the game and prevent Tranmere from having any one-on-one opportunities with Stone.
My prediction is a 3-1 win for Notts.
Match Odds
Notts County to win 11/20 - Draw 16/5 - Tranmere Rovers to win 4/1
Head to Head
Notts County - the Magpies are currently undefeated in their last three games, with two wins and a draw. At home, they looked shaky in the first half against Grimsby Town but managed to put on an impressive display in the second half to turn the game around. Morale will also be high for Notts coming into this game, having enjoyed a 3-1 away win over Doncaster Rovers.
Tranmere Rovers - on the other hand, has been less impressive. They have lost three games and only managed a single win at home against Harrogate Town. This is their second away game of the season, which could give Notts a home advantage. However, Tranmere didn’t fare too badly against MK Dons in their only away game so far, losing by just one goal.
Key Man
Notts County's Aden Stone will play a crucial role for the Magpies as they face Tranmere Rovers, who are looking to get their season back on track. Comparing the two teams, it appears that Stone could be the difference between victory and a draw. His role as goalkeeper may be tested today, so it's important that he performs at his best.
For Tranmere Rovers, Kristian Dennis is a name well known to Notts fans. He's a striker capable of punishing a team just for allowing him to find space. Dennis should be a live wire for Tranmere, and it's important that Notts don't allow him to slip past, despite having only scored one goal so far this season. Dennis has the ability to turn games on their head.
League Table
Gillingham currently sits at the top of the table, closely followed by MK Dons. Both teams have relatively easy games on paper. However, Colchester United, who are currently at the bottom of the League Two table, may just do MK Dons a favour as they face struggling Doncaster Rovers at home.
The only chance for MK Dons to reach the top of the table at the end of the fixtures is through goal difference. If Gillingham draws or wins, they will remain at the top of League Two. AFC Wimbledon is right behind MK Dons and faces a struggling Forest Green Rovers side.
Accrington Stanley has a difficult game ahead as they travel to face a strong Salford City side. Barrow hosts Wrexham in what promises to be an interesting match, with Notts County fans keeping a close eye on the score to see if Barrow can secure a win.
Morecambe plays Harrogate Town, which could result in an away win for the Shrimps and see them climb up a few places in the table. Bradford City has an opportunity to gain some vital points as they face Crewe Alexandra, who are only two points ahead despite being seven places above them in the table.
A win for Notts County today could see them rise as high as second place, depending on other results. Realistically, a good home performance could see them finish in fifth or sixth place.
Let us know your thoughts throughout today’s game against Tranmere Rovers by sharing your thoughts in the Pride of Nottingham match discussion.
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PON_News
Notts County will be looking to continue their solid form when they host Tranmere Rovers at Meadow Lane on Saturday 26th August (3pm) in their fifth Sky Bet League Two game of the season.
 The Magpies endured a baptism of fire upon their return to League Two, suffering a humbling 5-1 defeat at the hands of Sutton United on the opening weekend. However, Luke Williams' side have responded by embarking on a three-match unbeaten run, most recently beating Doncaster Rovers 3-1 on the road.
Last season’s top scorer Macaulay Langstaff opened his account for this term with two goals in the win over Doncaster. Langstaff had gone three games without finding the net, but will be eager to make up for lost time should he lead the Magpies’ line again. He will be hoping to continue his good form and help his side secure another three points.
Tranmere have had a modest start to the season, losing three of their opening four matches in League Two. Last weekend, they were beaten 4-3 by Salford City at Prenton Park. Rovers may be without Luke Norris and Lee O’Connor after the pair were substituted at half-time during their defeat by Salford. They will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeat and get their season back on track.
This match promises to be an exciting encounter between two sides looking to climb up the League Two table. Notts County will be hoping to build on their recent good form and secure another three points in front of their home fans. The Magpies have shown that they are capable of scoring goals and will be looking to put Tranmere under pressure from the outset.
Tranmere, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeat and get their season back on track. They have shown that they can score goals, but will need to tighten up at the back if they are to come away from Meadow Lane with a positive result.
Both sides have plenty to play for, and it should make for an entertaining match. Notts County will be hoping that their home advantage and recent good form will give them the edge, while Tranmere will be looking to cause an upset and get their season back on track.
The stage is set for an exciting encounter between two sides with plenty to play for. Notts County and Tranmere Rovers will both be looking to secure a valuable three points in their quest to climb up the League Two table. With both teams capable of scoring goals, it promises to be an entertaining match with plenty of action at both ends of the pitch.
Notts County have been impressive in recent weeks and will be full of confidence heading into this match. They have shown that they can score goals and will be hoping to continue that trend against Tranmere. The Magpies have also been solid at the back, conceding just two goals in their last three matches.
Tranmere, meanwhile, have struggled defensively in recent weeks and will need to improve if they are to come away from Meadow Lane with a positive result. They have conceded 11 goals in their last four matches and will need to tighten up at the back if they are to stop Notts County's attack.
Overall, this promises to be an exciting match between two sides with plenty to play for. Notts County will be hoping that their home advantage and recent good form will give them the edge, while Tranmere will be looking to cause an upset and get their season back on track. It will be down to Notts County to maintain their current form and to pick up their second league win at Meadow Lane, provided they can break down Tranmere Rovers.
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PON_News
Notts County's versatile player Richard Brindley opened up about the team's journey this season, shedding light on their recovery after a lacklustre opening match. 
Brindley, a seasoned footballer renowned for his adaptability, shared his insights on the squad's transition to League Two and his new role in the back three.
"The first game of the season was nowhere near good enough," admitted Brindley, addressing the team's initial setback. "It was incredibly hard for us to look at, but we needed to extract the negatives and put it right as quickly as we could."
Brindley emphasised the team's commitment to rectifying their performance swiftly, acknowledging that the challenges in League Two are markedly distinct from those they faced in the National League. "Last year was very different. The challenges were different. We had to have the courage and bravery to put things right," he explained, adding that the squad learned to find positives in the face of adversity.
Speaking about the transition from National League to League Two, Brindley remarked, "Teams in League Two play a different style of football. They're less possession-based and focus more on quick, direct play." He highlighted the heightened quality in the play, particularly in terms of long balls and second balls, which requires adaptability from defenders.
The conversation naturally turned to Brindley's pivot to a new role in the team's back three formation. "It's a position I've never played before," he revealed. "But I'm really enjoying it. The role suits me down to the ground, allowing me to be composed and control the game."
Describing his duties in this role, Brindley explained, "My main objective is to regain possession and distribute accurately. I'm like a sweeper, reading the game and making passes that set up players like John Bostock and Dan Crowley to create opportunities."
Brindley's enthusiasm for his current position was evident when he spoke about the surrounding players. "We've got an exceptional squad. Every single player can help us win," he declared, expressing his confidence in the team's potential.
Regarding his manager's decision to entrust him with a new role, Brindley said, "I'm always open to learning new things. I'm lucky to have amazing coaches who help me grow mentally and physically."
As Notts County prepares for upcoming home matches, Brindley expressed optimism. "We have a wonderful opportunity to capitalize on our home advantage," he stated. The relentless schedule has pushed the team to remain focused, highlighting the importance of quick recoveries and maintaining a winning attitude.
Brindley concluded on a note of determination and team spirit. "My main objective is to ensure this team wins. Whether it's right centre back, centre back, or any position, I'm happy to contribute," he affirmed.
In the ever-evolving landscape of football, players like Richard Brindley stand as exemplars of adaptability, ready to take on new challenges and push the team toward their goals. As the Magpies' navigates the League Two season, Brindley's versatility and commitment continue to shine brightly on and off the pitch.
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Join in with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion as Notts County prepares to host travelling Tranmere Rovers at Meadow Lane.
PON_News
Luke Williams, the head coach of Notts County, addressed the media ahead of their upcoming match. Williams, who is responsible for leading the football team, shared his thoughts and insights on the game. 
Williams stated that he has seen signs of improvement in the team, but there is still a lot of work to be done. He believes that the team has an opportunity to make a step forward or to stay where they are, and he is pushing for everyone to step forward. Williams is determined to improve the team's levels and to help them reach their full potential.
The head coach's comments come as Notts County prepares for their next match against Tranmere Rovers. The team will be looking to build on their performance in their first game and to continue improving as the season progresses. The upcoming match will be an important test for Notts County, and all eyes will be on Williams and his team as they take to the field.
He admitted that their first game was tough and that the team is currently in an okay position, but there is still a lot of room for improvement. "I think we've got a lot to do, we have to improve our levels and I would say I've seen signs that we're improving, but certainly yeah we're okay but we, you know we have an opportunity now to make a step forward or to stay where we are, and obviously we're pushing for everyone to step forward now," Williams stated.
Williams emphasised the need to eliminate errors from their gameplay and improve their overall quality and efficiency. "We have to take some errors out of what we're doing and, we have to improve air quality and be more efficient at what we do well," he explained. 
He also stated that errors often stem from something that happened previously, such as a tactical position or a non-negotiable part of their play. "All comes from somewhere, the errors don't arrive on their own, they come from something that happened before, and you have to trace it back. Often it will be something that is a tactical position, that is something that we would say is like a non-negotiable part of our play," Williams said.
When asked about his preferred style of play, Williams stated that he is not particularly interested in style, but rather in winning. 
"I'm not interested in the style of play too much, I just want to win," he said. He explained that there is only one way to guarantee a strong likelihood of winning, and that is by creating enough chances to win games while denying enough chances for the opposition. 
"Overall I would say we created enough chances to win games and denied enough chances for our position that we won many games that we deserved to win, and we have to try to do the same thing," Williams said.
Williams acknowledged that the team has room for improvement and emphasised the need to eliminate errors and improve their overall quality and efficiency. 
He also stated that his focus is on winning rather than style of play. It will be interesting to see how the team performs in their upcoming match.
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In this article, we bring you the latest news from League Two. From injuries and signings to stadium developments and cup matches, we've got all the latest updates from around the league.
The Pride of Nottingham has compiled a comprehensive round-up of the latest happenings in League Two. From Accrington Stanley's Sean McConville being ruled out for three months to Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster retiring for a second time, we've got all the latest news and updates.
So sit back, relax, and dive into the world of League Two as we bring you all the latest stories and developments from around the league. Whether you're a fan of one of the teams or just a lover of football, there's something for everyone in this comprehensive round-up.
Accrington Stanley midfielder Sean McConville has been ruled out for about three months after suffering "multiple ligament tears" in Saturday's 2-1 home win over Harrogate. The 34-year-old had to be stretchered off late on in the game. Boss John Coleman said the veteran, who has scored two goals in four games this campaign, will be a big loss for the team. Stanley are currently fourth in League Two with seven points from their opening four matches.
Barrow have signed former Southampton striker Sam Bellis on a one-year deal after a successful trial. The 20-year-old left the Saints earlier in the summer, having failed to make an appearance for the first team. Before joining Southampton, he spent time in Manchester City's academy, where he worked under Barrow assistant Adam Temple. The Bluebirds are currently sixth in League Two with seven points from their first four matches of the season.
Morecambe have been given a three-point deduction, suspended until 30 June 2024, for not paying players on time. The club admitted to a breach of English Football League regulations, with wages owed for March being paid three days late. Controlling shareholder Jason Whittingham must also deposit an amount equal to 125% of their monthly wage bill to cover any future delays. March's payment delay came before Morecambe were relegated to League Two. Whittingham and Colin Goldring, who own the club, put them up for sale in September 2022 and stepped down from the board.
Newport County manager Graham Coughlan says new rules calculating added-on time are putting players at risk. The English Football League has introduced a more "accurate" way to calculate playing time, leading to far more beyond the regulation 90 minutes. But Coughlan does not expect anything to change until "the Klopps and Guardiolas" complain. "There you go again, you see another nine, 12 minutes on the clock, that's not healthy," Coughlan said.
Notts County striker Macaulay Langstaff said he knew the goals would come after breaking his duck on Saturday. Langstaff finished as the National League's top-scorer last term as his 42 goals fired the Magpies to promotion. The 26-year-old failed to find the net in the first three League Two games of the season but scored twice as County overcame Doncaster 3-1.
Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster has retired from playing for a second time. The 40-year-old former Manchester United and England stopper came out of retirement to rejoin Wrexham in March 2023 after an injury to Rob Lainton. Foster played a key part as Wrexham won promotion back to the Football League last season and signed a one-year extension only last June.
Manager Phil Parkinson acknowledges Wrexham are still coming to terms with the increased physicality of life in League Two. The National League champions came back from 4-1 down to draw 5-5 with Swindon in a remarkable game on Saturday. Wrexham are currently 15th in the table, having taken five points from four league games since returning to the EFL.
Bradford City has confirmed the departure of Bantams scholar Alfie Bradshaw today with the 16-year-old joining Premier League club Nottingham Forest to progress in their Academy. The teenager had only signed a scholarship with the West Yorkshire outfit this summer after rising through the ranks with the Bantams, impressing those at Valley Parade. Now, he’ll switch Yorkshire for Nottinghamshire with the youngster initially joining Forest as a scholar before going on to pen a professional contract with the club in September which will run until 2026.
Forest Green Rovers FC’s new “environmentally friendly” timber stadium is a step closer to fruition as their latest plans have been put forward. The club was granted outline planning permission for the new 5,000 seat ground near junction 13 of the M5 in December 2019. And now Dale Vince’s Ecotricity Group Limited has submitted a planning application to Stroud District Council for the layout, scale and external appearance of the stadium.
AFC Wimbledon have announced they have sold out their allocation for their EFL Cup second-round clash at Premier League side Chelsea. The Dons confirmed on their social media on Wednesday afternoon they had sold 4,298 tickets at Stamford Bridge. Johnnie Jackson’s side booked their place in the second round after a 2-1 win at Plough Lane over Championship side Coventry.
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Macaulay Langstaff, in a recent post-match interview, reflected on his performance and expressed mixed emotions. 
While he was delighted with his performance in the first three games, he also expressed disappointment at not getting a hat-trick despite scoring two goals. Langstaff praised the fans for their support and spoke about the team’s recent success, saying that they were looking to build on it with two home games coming up. 
He remained optimistic about the team’s future prospects and praised the connection between the fans and the team. In addition to his own performance, Langstaff also spoke about his teammates and their contributions to the team’s success. With two home games coming up, they are looking to build on their recent success and continue their winning ways. 
"Delight. He's been unbelievable," Langstaff said, reflecting on his performance in the first three games. "We've seen it in the game at home. How devastating it can be going forward."
Despite scoring two goals, Langstaff expressed disappointment at not getting a hat-trick. "I'm probably more disappointed not getting a hat-trick than I'm happy with scoring two goals," he said. 
He praised the fans for their support, saying that it helped the team when they were singing their names. "It was just that massive boost going into the game all the way through the game," he said.
Langstaff also spoke about the team's recent success, saying that they were looking to build on it. "We've got a great path forward to build on two home games coming up," he said. "If we can win them, we'll be well amongst it."
Langstaff remained optimistic about the team's future prospects, saying that they were not panicking after their first game without a win. "We knew that after the first game," he said. "Not winning, it's not panic stations. There's a long way to go after a few wins in league."
The team has been performing well, with a win-draw-win record in their last three games. Langstaff said that this was a good result and that they were happy to get back to winning ways after their second game. "Obviously play through the weekend and then to win the game of today as well," he said. "Yeah, it's been a good one."
Langstaff also praised the connection between the fans and the team, saying that it had helped them to perform better on the pitch. "Obviously they're unbelievable, and I can't put into words how much it helps us when they're singing our names," he said. "We came for the warm-up and all the fans were already in their seats singing. It was just that massive boost going into the game all the way through the game."
In addition to his own performance, Langstaff also spoke about his teammates and their contributions to the team's success. He mentioned how everyone on the team was working hard and putting in their best effort to achieve their goals.
Macaulay Langstaff expressed satisfaction with his performance and optimism about the team's future prospects. With two home games coming up, they are looking to build on their recent success and continue their winning ways.
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Notts County triumphed over Doncaster Rovers with a 3-1 victory at the Eco-Power Stadium. 
In a post-match interview, manager Luke Williams shared his insights on the impact of goals on the game and individual player performances.
According to Williams, the outcome of the game would have been entirely different if the goals hadn’t gone in. Doncaster had a solid game plan and were well-prepared. 
“They stifled a lot of Notts County’s build up and were waiting for us to make a mistake, so they could pounce,” he explained. However, the goals changed the course of the game, and Williams believes that today’s outcome would have been very different if they hadn’t been clinical.
One player who stood out was Jim O'Brien, who Williams described as a massive part of the side. “When he doesn’t start, he is not happy with me,” Williams revealed. “However, he is always ready and when he plays, he plays superbly.” 
Williams expressed concern that O'Brien is going to be a brilliant coach, but praised him as a brilliant player for this team and a dedicated servant to this club.
Williams also mentioned that the team will have an extra day off on Sunday and Monday. “I think an extra day [off], so we have Sunday and Monday off,” he said. “Because the players need to get away from me, and then we start to build up again.”
Reflecting on the opening day, Williams acknowledged that it can be difficult to find positives in every bad situation. However, they can turn it into a positive by remembering how terrible they felt when they let down their fans, who showed up in numbers and sang all the way through. 
“If you don’t want that feeling again, you have to be really focused and concentrate on all the small details,” he advised.
In addition to his praise for O'Brien, Williams also reflected on the team's overall performance. He mentioned that it was easy to do 20 minutes because even when the players were warming up, it felt like they had already kicked off. "There are so many shirts and voices," he said. "We are very lucky and fortunate."
Notts County delivered a strong performance with standout individual performances and effective tactics. The team will aim to build on this victory in their upcoming matches.
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Macaulay Langstaff, the talented football player we all know and love, has recently achieved a new milestone in his career. He scored his first couple of goals in the English Football League in just three games.
It was a proud moment for Langstaff as he achieved this milestone. “Yeah obviously proud moment to get my first couple of FL goals,” Langstaff said. “It’s been three games now and probably hasn’t bothered me as much as people expect.”
Langstaff had a couple of chances in the first few games and always says he worries when he doesn’t get the chances. “If I’m not getting the chances then I’m doing something right,” he said. Thankfully, the two goals came there and with the goals came the three points.
Langstaff mentioned that there was a time last season when he went three games without a goal. “It happens,” he said. “As a forward, I think because of the amount of goals I scored last year. It probably made a big deal out of it. Maybe it would have been the fact it was the first three games. That’s why people were speaking about it and said obviously he stepped up a level, can he score a goal at this level? but it didn’t really bother me too much,” he said. “I knew the goals were gonna come. I’m thankful to kick that.”
The team has worked on scoring from set pieces since the gaffer came in. “Probably the first two games when the gaffer came in we weren’t scoring from set pieces and that’s something he changed quite quickly,” Langstaff said. 
“Getting the ball and a free play because every player you know we are devastating going forward.” So yeah, it was a quick free kick and then the quality from John was unbelievable. “We know he’s got that quality with his left foot, and it took me a little bit by surprise,” he said. “There was a defender just ahead of me and I thought he was gonna head it away on a thankful that came off of a foot into the bottom corner.”
The game started really well, controlling it from the first minute. “You know we probably didn’t create as much in the 1st 20 minutes but controlled the game really well,” he said. “We didn’t give anything away.” And then once the first goal controlled the rest of the half and then the early goal set that was so important. 
“Because if you keep ongoing one nil up in the last 20–30 minutes it can become a problem if they put pressure on or sort of kill the game with that second goal control it from there,” he said. The session was unbelievable, and they made a lot of good forward attacks as well but just couldn’t quite get that third goal until Jodi scored the third goal. “And yeah it was game over from there,” he said.
The team has so many good players that if one is in a box, someone else is probably free. “And they might get attracted to someone else,” he said. But Sam Austin was brilliant today. 
“In the first half, he put an unbelievable crossing for me, there was a defender on the line headed over the bar, and it was Unbelievable,” he said. He told Sam to just keep on doing that because he got so much quality. And in the second half, early in the second half, he put that cross into the box and I couldn’t really miss it, the cross was that good.
Langstaff is proud to have scored his first couple of FL goals in three games and is confident that more will come as long as he keeps getting chances.
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The Faces of PON returned for the 2023-24 League Two season, capturing the emotions and reactions of Notts County fans as they entered the Eco-Power Stadium (Keepmoat Stadium) for their away game against Doncaster Rovers.
The Magpie fans were in full spirit, impressing through the game with their support. Chris Buckley, the Pride of Nottingham gaffer, was hands-on, taking pictures of the fans.
Speaking to fans before the game, it seemed an unknown game as to what to expect. Chris felt that a 2-1 Notts win was on the card, whilst the majority of fans that he spoke to struggled to draw a conclusion.
Despite the mounting anticipation, the support remained remarkably composed and showed no signs of any nervousness or uncertainty. With the away end making the atmosphere feel very much like a home game, and the reactions were incredible. Each goal, the away end went into raptures.
One memorable moment was when Saint Raymond put his hand up for a high-five and both he and Chris embraced in a man hug and started jumping up with pure joy.
“It was crazy, in a fun and enjoyable way,” said Chris. The buzz created by our travelling support truly brought out the emotions, reminiscent of another unforgettable experience at Wembley. Another highlight was Macaulay Langstaff’s celebration with his permanent smile and fist celebration in front of us for the second goal - absolutely magic, and he deserved the brace!
The 3-1 victory against Doncaster Rovers puts things into perspective. Yes, Doncaster Rovers were poor but Notts didn’t allow them to really get going. The 3-2 win at home over Grimsby gave us 3 much needed points, yet it’s our away form which really needed a positive result with the hammering Sutton United gave us and then the draw against Morecambe.
This win is a boost, as we have been improving and the confidence from such a solid performance is something we can draw from. The importance of the match is that it can encourage us to strive to get victories on the road. The togetherness between club, players and fans is massive, and it’s a winning formula. Having our first away win of the season, with such a dominant performance will be a game that we can build on from.
The Faces of PON continues to capture the passion and emotion of Notts County fans, providing a unique perspective on match days. Be sure to check out the gallery on the Pride of Nottingham website and Facebook page.
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Notts County secured a comfortable victory against Doncaster on a windy summer afternoon, with Macaulay Langstaff scoring his first English Football League goals and Jodi Jones adding a third. Langstaff scored with a volley and header on either side of half-time, while Jones sealed the win with an excellent finish in front of a packed away end. Doncaster managed to score a late consolation goal, but it did little to dampen the spirits of Notts County as they claimed their second win of the season.
Richard Brindley was recalled to the heart of Notts County's defence, replacing Adam Chicksen, after being left out of Tuesday’s draw at Morecambe as a precaution. Brindley was joined by Kyle Cameron and Aden Baldwin in the back three, while Aidan Stone continued in goal after keeping his first clean sheet on the Lancashire coast. On the right, Sam Austin replaced Aaron Nemane, who was named among the substitutes, while Jones continued on the left.
John Bostock returned to the base of midfield alongside Matt Palmer after having his minutes managed in midweek. Langstaff was supported by Dan Crowley and David McGoldrick. McGoldrick was involved in the game’s first notable incidents, scuffing a long-range shot wide under pressure before being shown a yellow card for shooting after the referee had stopped play.
After Bostock was cautioned for a foul 25 yards out, Notts County took the lead from a set-piece routine. The ball was returned to Bostock in a crossing position, and he produced the perfect delivery for Langstaff to guide home on the volley. Langstaff came close to scoring again moments later but was denied by an excellent defensive header which prevented him from converting Austin’s looping cross - the final goalmouth action of the half.
Doncaster made three changes at half-time, but it did not prevent Notts County from doubling their lead within a minute of the restart as Austin’s cross from deep was headed home by Langstaff. It was 3-0 on 54 minutes when Crowley advanced into space and saw his dangerous cross fumbled by Lawlor, allowing Jones to cut inside and find the bottom corner from eight yards. In the end, Stone was denied consecutive clean sheets as Notts County failed to clear their lines inside their own area and Sotona scored a last-gasp consolation goal.
Was the result fair? Completely fair. Doncaster Rovers were so far out of their depth that, had Notts managed to secure a fourth goal, the game could have easily seen a fifth for the Magpies.
In terms of performance, it took Notts County some time to get into the game. However, they started off well and looked comfortable. Doncaster made it hard early on as they pressed every ball and Notts really had to work to create space. Macaulay Langstaff’s opening goal, after the short free-kick, turned the game on its head and forced the home team to be braver, which in turn opened the game up for Notts.
Doncaster Rovers were incredibly poor. Their fans have made several comments about this themselves, although those tinted glasses of red make them believe we were nothing more than average. Everything wrong with their team we saw in the season in which Notts were relegated in 2018/19. They lacked fight, organisation, and their end product was terrible. It took Notts to switch off for them to score in the final minutes of the game. Otherwise, Doncaster simply wouldn’t have any positives from the game. They looked beneath National League standards. Extremely poor; I had thought they’d show more spirit but just like their fans in attendance, they were lacklustre.
In terms of tactics: spot on. There was a lot of talk about Aaron Nemane being left on the bench. I think Luke Williams’ rotation and tactics, including the preparation in training, were spot on. The fact that Nemane was absent yet we still looked as lively once the game opened up spoke volumes for the manager’s decisions.
The officials: I don’t have any comments on the assistants because they were just what you would expect at this level. Whereas the official, I felt he was extremely poor. He appeared quite biased towards Doncaster, allowing them to go in with aggressive challenges without a warning or card. Their desire to waste time with throw-ins wasn’t identified at all, whilst it seemed that Notts couldn’t get a break from his decisions. Thankfully, it didn’t cost us. However, under the new stricter rules David McGoldrick should’ve been booked for kicking the ball away - yet it’s a bit of a daft rule, especially when Doncaster players achieved the same thing but were unpunished for time-wasting.
Up next for Notts is a home return to Meadow Lane against Tranmere Rovers and a perfect opportunity to get back-to-back wins as Tranmere have had a very disappointing start to their League Two season.
Now, Tranmere Rovers do have a lot of quality in their team, but they are hindered due to their one draw, three defeats and only a single win.
Similar to Notts before Doncaster - it shows that teams are still adjusting to the new season. The prospect of this game when the fixtures were released was one I still fancied our team to do well in; yet with the impressive vocals of our fans’ support and being at home, I feel it gives us a massive edge at Meadow Lane to showcase that we are a very good team especially when it comes to our own fortress.
I would hope Richard Brindley is fine to continue within the middle of the three centre-backs; I would still choose Kyle Cameron and Aidan Baldwin provided he is not out. Continuing to establish a consistent backing will only bolster strength in the long term.
Jodi Jones has shown that dropping him would be hard even if it was due to bring him on for his impact - which we saw a lot of last season - meaning we could make the most of his excellence at a point where Tranmere Rovers are tiring. However, I would keep him in and just bring Aaron Nemane back into the starting line-up.
John Bostock, Matt Palmer, Dan Crowley and Macaulay Langstaff all write themselves into the potential line-up I feel.
Perhaps this game is where we see what difference David McGoldrick can make from off the bench? Allowing someone else to slot in; perhaps Cedwyn Scott or Sam Austin.
Scott could play as a support option to Langstaff while covering a more midfield role and then double up as a shadow striker. Whereas Austin could show more of that urgency to get the ball forward into important areas we can exploit.
In truth, I think it’s unlikely to rest David McGoldrick due to his experience and attributes he brings to Notts, but it’s a tempting thought.
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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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