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Joe Jones
Notts County winger Alex Rodman has claimed that, while the derby defeat to Mansfield Town was disappointing, fans should look at the bigger picture in League Two.
The Magpies lost 3-1 to their local rivals at Field Mill on Saturday, but a win over Morecambe on Tuesday night will put them joint fourth in the table.
"Derbies are one-off games and they mean a lot to both sides, but I don't think it's going to have an impact on us overall in terms of the season," Rodman told reporters.
"I think we are in a good vein of form and despite losing here, we will kick on and hopefully we will do that on Tuesday against Morecambe.
"It's never nice to lose 3-1, but we have two homes games now coming up.
"We've been on a really good run and the derby game probably came at the wrong time.
"The atmosphere and the game is so hyped, but it's one of those things. We will put it behind us and move on."
The Stags loss ended a run of four straight away wins in the league for John Sheridan's team.
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Joe Jones
Notts County manager John Sheridan has ripped into his side for throwing the game away after losing 3-1 at local rivals Mansfield Town on Saturday.
The Magpies spurned a number of chances in the first half as the Stags drew first blood in the second half through Matt Green.
Despite Alex Rodman's equaliser, Green's late penalty and Darius Henderson's injury-time cherry on top left Notts reeling in yet another derby defeat.
Sheridan told reporters: “I am very disappointed to lose the game and the manner of the goals we gave away was ridiculous and is beating me up.
“It is ridiculous how we’ve conceded three goals here today and we need to sort it out quickly.
“I said to them at half-time the game is there for you if you want it, raise your tempo, go and win it.
“But Mansfield came out second half and played a bit more in our face.
“My team talk today was if you win today you’re in the top three with a game in hand. If someone was telling me that and it was there to aim for that’s all you need.
“Players are a different breed today, and we need to get someone who is going to be ugly for an hour and a half, get on people’s backs for an hour and a half instead of just listening to me all the time as I am getting sick of saying it.
“We have thrown that game away. We gave ourselves a lifeline with the goal, but I just can’t condone the goals we are conceding.
“We should have gone in 2-0 up at half-time, but sometimes you don’t take them and it comes back to bite you on the backside.
“It was a lethargic performance and the tempo was too slow first half, even though we were in control.
“I am gutted for the supporters. We had a big following and it was a big game for them.
“It was an absolute disgrace of a penalty to give away. It’s just about reacting quickly instead of delaying. Fortunately we’d got away with one before.
“I want to get out the division this season. I want us to be a good team that people talk about.
"I don’t want people to see us conceding soft goals. I don’t want to be sitting 10th or just doing better than we did last season.
“I think we are a good enough team to do well, but not conceding goals like that.
“Luckily we have a game on Tuesday and on Saturday, two home games, and if we can get six points from them, it will be a bit of comeback.”
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Joe Jones
Notts County were left to rue a host of missed chances as they were beaten 3-1 by Mansfield Town in Saturday's derby at Field Mill.
The Magpies began brightly and came close to scoring within the first 20 minutes as, 10 minutes in, Jonathan Forte cut in from the right and forced goalkeeper Scott Shearer to turn the ball onto the near post and out for a corner.
In the 18th minute, the home side failed to clear a free-kick and Jon Stead turned well to fire goalwards, only for Stags captain Lee Collins to head off the line.
Despite their first-half pressure, Notts were level at the break and, on 54 minutes, substitute Matt Green scored with his first touch when he reached a Pat Hoban knockdown in the box and saw his effort find the net off a deflection off Richard Duffy.
It seemed like John Sheridan's charges had rescued a point when Alex Rodman scored with another deflected finish from a Vadaine Oliver ball eight minutes from time.
But in the 90th minute, Matt Tootle tripped Mal Benning in the box and Green dispatched the penalty high into the top-left corner to register his brace and put Mansfield within touching distance of a win.
In fact, there was still time for fellow sub Darius Henderson to outmuscle two defenders in the box and steer home his first goal for the club.
The result means that County's run of four straight away wins has been brought crashing to a halt.
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Joe Jones
Nottinghamshire rivals Notts County and Mansfield Town have met 47 times over the years.
The first fixture between the two was in October 1937, a 2-0 win for the Magpies in Division Three (South).
Out of the 44 games, Notts have the upper hand with 18 wins, 16 defeats, and 13 draws.
Between 1989 and 2001, the two sides met six times – and Notts won each time.
County's record over the last 10 meetings, however, is pretty average, standing at three wins, three defeats, and four draws.
This record is embellished by the fact Notts have beaten Mansfield twice in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in the last two years.
In reality, the Magpies haven't got a league win over the Stags since August 2005.
The last fixture was particularly painful for Notts as they were routed 5-0 at Field Mill - their worst defeat against Mansfield in their history.
The Stags were formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans, changing their name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910.
Mansfield won the Football League Trophy in 1987, in their first game at Wembley Stadium. After a 1–1 draw with Bristol City, they won the cup 5–4 in the deciding penalty shootout, thanks to Kevin Hitchcock saving two penalties.
That remains the only cup win in their history, though they did win the Division Four title in 1974-75, Division Three two seasons later, and the Conference in 2012-13.
Famous people from Mansfield include Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington, media presenter Richard Bacon, FA Cup-winning goalkeeper Steve Ogrizovic and award-winning fashion designer Elspeth Gibson.
Betting odds
As the home side, most bookies are favouring Mansfield to win, with odds of around 6/5 and 5/4 for a Stags victory. This is despite them being 14th in League Two and without a league win since August.
Notts, meanwhile, are in the region of 11/5 for a win, while a draw is also around 11/5 - generous odds for an in-form team who have won five of their last seven league games.
Find out the latest betting odds between Mansfield and Notts.
Team News
Jack Thomas and Kyle Howkins could return to the Mansfield Town squad for the derby visit of Notts County.
Midfielder Thomas and centre-half Howkins have only returned to full training this week after recovering from groin and hamstring injuries respectively.
However, Stags boss Adam Murray has not ruled out the possibility of either of them being involved in Saturday lunchtime's clash.
Alex Iacovitti, on loan from Nottingham Forest, will miss out once more as he is still away on Scotland Under-21 duty.
Notts will check on the fitness of captain Michael O'Connor and goalkeeper Adam Collin.
The former sustained a minor groin injury last week while the latter had to withdraw from the warm-up at Rochdale ahead in the EFL Trophy due to illness.
Stanley Aborah is likely to come into central midfield should O'Connor miss out while Scott Loach is ready to fill in should Collin remain absent.
Magpies manager John Sheridan's only other concern is Curtis Thompson, who is still coming back from an ankle injury.
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Joe Jones
Notts County forward Jon Stead has been named the Sky Bet League Two Player of the Month for September.
The 33-year-old has bagged five goals in as many games to take his season’s tally to nine.
Notts County manager John Sheridan told reporters: “He’s played a massive part for us so far this season.
"To be fair to him, he’s made a lot of the goals himself. We know he’s got that ability - he’s played at a high level for most of his career and I’m very pleased to have him in my team.
“I’m very pleased for him that he’s won it - it’s recognition for his really good start to the season."
Stead, whose current scoring spell is his best since playing at Huddersfield in 2003-04, said: “I’m very happy - I’ve had a decent month and scored goals.
"Sometimes, especially with managers, you can get this award and then things go horribly wrong! Hopefully there’s no curse involved and I can carry on scoring.
“It’s nice to be recognised across the division. I think the last one I got was at Huddersfield, so it’s only taken me another 13 years to get one!"
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Joe Jones
So the time has come once again to look forward to a heated derby between Notts County and Mansfield Town, their biggest rivals in the division.
As with all derbies, the two league fixtures between rivals will tend to stand out in any given season - even a poor campaign for a team can retain some pride if they have claimed good results over their rivals.
The 2015-16 season will go down as one of County's most miserable in history - high expectations quickly turned to relegation worries, turmoil behind the scenes, and many fans simply proclaiming they could take no more, especially given the rot that preceded in the previous two years.
And of course we have the derby results. Who could forget those? Neither Notts nor Mansfield fans, that's the answer - but for completely different reasons.
The Ricardo Moniz hype was swiftly brought down by the Stags' 2-0 win over the Magpies at Meadow Lane in August 2015, and the Dutchman never really recovered from that.
Then we have 16 April 2016, one of the darkest days in Notts' history, when they went down 5-0 to their rivals at Field Mill.
Sure, there was a Johnstone's Paint Trophy win in there too, but let's face it, they're not taken particularly seriously, so as signals of progress and intent, it's all about the league fixtures.
The harsh reality is that Notts have not beaten Mansfield in the league since 2005 (seven fixtures came and went since then, to be precise) which is not good form at all.
However, things seem to be much different now. In John Sheridan, Notts have a good no-nonsense manager who, despite a few teething problems, has done a good job of getting the club competing on the pitch again - and results have been coming too.
I would go as far as to say that the Magpies are better placed to go into a derby than they ever have, so for the first time in a while, I am feeling positive of us getting a good result at Field Mill.
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Joe Jones
Mark Crossley has pledged to help take Notts County back to "where it belongs" as he targets a promotion challenge this season.
The Magpies are flying high in League Two, having won five of their last seven games, and optimism is higher at Meadow Lane than it has been for a while.
Crossley, Sheridan's right-hand man at Notts, is up for the challenge of rescuing the club from the doldrums of the fourth tier.
"The club certainly shouldn't be where it is (in League Two)," the Barnsley-born ex-goalkeeper said.
"The club is too big – you don't get this kind of set-up at this level. So it's our job to try to take it back where it belongs. We are trying to do that.
"But first things first, we are trying to stabilise and get a squad together that can challenge, then we can move on from there."
Up next for Notts is Saturday's derby at Mansfield Town - an early kickoff - before taking on Morecambe in Tuesday's rescheduled fixture.
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Joe Jones
John Sheridan has bemoaned Notts County's defending in Tuesday's EFL Trophy tie at Rochdale, but insists he can take good things from the game.
Jonathan Forte put the Magpies ahead at Spotland but two second-half goals from the hosts gave them the spoils.
"We've had some good chances especially in the second half, but I am really disappointed with the goals we conceded," Sheridan said.
"It's just people making the wrong decision at the wrong time.
"They had a five to 10 minute spell when they got the advantage.
"But I thought we responded really well and created some good opportunities to get back in the game.
"I thought we played well. I don't like losing, but I can take good things from the game."
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Joe Jones
Notts County have succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Rochdale in their EFL Trophy Group F clash at Spotland.
The Magpies took the lead in the 25th minute when a free-kick from the right was turned goalwards by Haydn Hollis and saved by Josh Lillis, but in the scramble that followed, the ball was bundled over the line by Jonathan Forte.
John Sheridan's side took their one-goal lead into half time, but Dale began the second half more brightly and grabbed an equaliser just after the hour mark.
A Steven Davies header was blocked out to the edge of the area and picked up by Oliver Rathbone, who picked out Davies on the left of the area with a measured pass.
Davies then found space to square the ball for Sanmi Odelusi who slid in to direct the ball home.
From then on Rochdale turned the screw and were ahead seven minutes later when a long ball into the box was pulled down by Davies and he slotted beyond goalkeeper Scott Loach.
Notts tried desperately to claw back another goal that would have forced penalties, but the hosts held firm and secured the win.
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Joe Jones
Mark Crossley insists that the EFL Trophy should not be seen as a waste of time, claiming that the opportunity to play at Wembley makes the tournament worthwhile.
The competition has been under criticism by fans for the inclusion of Premier League academy teams this year.
However, the Notts County assistant manager is treating it seriously, and wants his players to treat tonight's game at Rochdale with respect.
"We want to win the game it's as simple as that," he told reporters.
"The game against Hartlepool down here showed that it was the start of something good for us.
"It was our first win at home so we always take it very seriously.
"I have been with a manager who has won this competition (in John Sheridan at Chesterfield), so when you get to the semi-final and the final, it's special.
"You get to play at Wembley so what more do lads at this level want?"
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Joe Jones
Notts County and Rochdale have met a total of 40 times over the years, with the first meeting coming on the 10th December 1949. During this FA Cup clash at Spotland, the Magpies triumphed 2-1.
The last meeting between the two was on 17 March 2015, a League One clash at Meadow Lane which Notts lost 2-1.
Our record over the years is impressive though - 17 wins, 13 draws and 10 defeats.
Rochdale AFC was formed in 1907, and in their entire history, they have only ever switched divisions six times.
They have had three promotions and three relegations, with promotion coming in 1969, 2010 and 2014, while relegation came in 1959, 1974 and 2012.
The club reached the League Cup final in 1962 – the first time a club from the bottom league division has reached the final of a major competition – where they lost to Norwich City.
Rochdale played 36 consecutive seasons in the Football League's bottom division from 1974 to 2010, the longest time any team has been in the bottom division of the League, with some even derisively renaming it "the Rochdale Division".
The club have the lowest average position of all the clubs which have existed continuously in the Football League since its expansion to four divisions in 1921–22 (76th), and since its expansion to 92 clubs in 1950–51 (79th).
Additionally, they share with Hartlepool United the distinction of having played the most seasons in the Football League without ever reaching the top two tiers (82 seasons through 2009–10).
Rochdale play their home matches at Spotland, which has a capacity of 10,249.
The stadium was built exclusively for the Dale in 1920, but since 1988 the ground has been jointly owned by the football club, Rochdale Council and Rochdale Hornets.
---
Notts County are expected to make several changes to the team for the EFL Trophy trip to Rochdale.
Competition rules state that six players who started the abandoned game against Morecambe on Saturday must play.
Assistant boss Mark Crossley nonetheless wants the fringe players to give it their all and put themselves in contention for a starting spot in the derby against Mansfield Town.
"This is a chance for them to give the manager a problem to pick a team for Saturday," he said.
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Joe Jones
This week's Meet the Fans video sees Pride of Nottingham chat to Notts County supporters before the Morecambe game!
Such a shame the game was called off because of torrential rain, but it was still nice to hear the thoughts of Magpies fans, many of whom were in good spirits with their team flying high!
 
 
 
 
 
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Joe Jones
Mark Crossley has praised Stanley Aborah for his "good response" to being left out of the Notts County lineup in the wake of Michael O'Connor's absence.
The Belgian made a rare start against Morecambe on Saturday, a game which was abandoned after 10 minutes because of torrential rain.
Aborah, who replaced rested captain O'Connor, went close to scoring on two occasions before ref Dean Whitestone called a halt to the League Two match.
"Michael picked up a groin strain at Exeter and it's only a strain," Crossley said.
"We just felt that – and Michael did too – that if he did play it could have put him back three or four weeks.
"We decided that Stanley has been champing at the bit to get back in the team so we felt it was the perfect time for Michael to step aside and Stan to come in.
"He started really brightly and showed a really good response to being out of the team.
"And that's what we want. We want a good squad with people ready to come into the team when needed."
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Joe Jones
Mark Crossley has claimed that the decision to halt Saturday's League Two fixture between Notts County and Morecambe was correct as it was too dangerous to continue.
The game at Meadow Lane got as far as the 10-minute mark when referee Dean Whitestone decided to take the players off before calling off the game altogether.
Torrential rain, complete with heavy thunder and lightning, rendered the pitch unplayable, and Crossley believes it was the right call.
"It was unplayable," said Crossley. "Alex Rodman nearly broke his leg not because of a bad tackle but because the ball just stopped.
"It was getting pretty dangerous out there so he (the referee) definitely made the right call.
"I have encountered something like it before across the river when I was playing for Forest against Tottenham.
"But it wasn't rain, it was snow. Fifteen minutes in the snow just came from nowhere.
"Nobody could see the ball so that comes a pretty close second.
"It was unbelievable how much water came down and when the referee was bringing the players off I thought it was because the players were getting hurt by the hailstones.
"But seriously, it was ridiculous. And with the lightning and the forecast not indicating it would get better, the referee made the correct call."
The two clubs will meet on Monday to rearrange the fixture.
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Joe Jones
Notts County and Morecambe have only met eight times in their history, with the first ever clash taking place less than 10 years ago, in September 2007.
The Shrimpers have a slight advantage, with three wins over Notts, three draws and two defeats. Our last meeting, in December last season, ended as a 2-2 draw.
The fixture on 19 September 2009 was former Arsenal and England legend Sol Campbell's only game in a Magpies shirt, while the rematch later in the season, on 17 April 2010, is when Notts mathematically secured promotion to League One.
Football in the town dates back to the turn of the 20th century; however, it was not until 7 May 1920 that Morecambe FC was formed. The club then took its place in the Lancashire Combination League for the 1920–21 season.
The fourteen years from 1960 could be said to be Morecambe's golden era. This included an FA Cup third round appearance in 1961–62, a 1–0 defeat to Weymouth; a Lancashire Senior Cup Final victory in 1968, a 2–1 win over Burnley; and an FA Trophy success at Wembley in 1974, a 2–1 win over Dartford in the final.
Morecambe, a non-league side for most of their history, were promoted to the Football League for the first time in 2007 after winning the Conference Playoff Final, beating Exeter City 2–1 at Wembley in front of over 40,000 fans.
Morecambe was a thriving seaside resort in the mid-20th century. While the resort of Blackpool attracted holiday-makers predominantly from the Lancashire mill towns, Morecambe had more visitors from Yorkshire, due to its railway connection, and Scotland.
Between 1956 and 1989 Morecambe was the home of the Miss Great Britain beauty contest.
Team News
Louis Laing is back in contention for Notts County after missing out against Exeter City in midweek through suspension.
The defender may struggle to regain his place in the team, however, after John Sheridan's side kept their first clean sheet of the season in League Two at St James Park.
Sheridan can also call on the likes of Vadaine Oliver, Adam Campbell, Graham Burke, Stanley Aborah and Aaron Collins should he wish to change things round.
Alan Smith should be fit again soon while fellow midfielder Curtis Thompson could be back from his long-standing ankle problem in another two to three weeks.
Morecambe will check on the fitness of Tom Barkhuizen - the forward scored the Shrimps' first goal in the 2-2 draw at Barnet on Tuesday night but was taken off during the second half due to a calf problem.
Defender Alex Whitmore, on loan from Burnley, will be available again having served the final game of his three-match suspension following his red card against Doncaster earlier this month.
Manager Jim Bentley must also decide whether to stick with on-loan Tranmere striker Cole Stockton, who marked his return to the side following a virus with a late equaliser to earn a point at The Hive.
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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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