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Chris
League Two is starting to form shape, with teams eager to maintain a level of consistency. Right now, anyone can beat anyone and Tuesday night should make for an interesting encounter throughout the games scheduled to take place.
The prize for Notts is not just the ability to take home 3 points but to ensure the County faithful, that last Friday was just a small blip.
This game is likely to go down to whomever scores first and I feel that Oxford will have to keep tidy at the back, in order to prevent Notts from scoring. A lively striker who can gain support will be required if the Magpies are to win this game.
 
Key Fixtures
Tuesday 18th August 2015
Crawley v Portsmouth
Luton v Bristol Rovers
Plymouth v Carlisle
 
Prediction
For me, Oxford appears to be a team for the taking. I have to admit they go forward very well and look comfortable on the ball. Yet they do not seem organised at the back, with Luton and Crawley seeing their defence pretty shaken when attacked. I predict a narrow 1-0 win to the Magpies, hopefully all 3 points will come back to Nottingham.
 
Match Odds
Oxford United to win 23/20 – Draw 23/10 – Notts County to win 12/5
 
Head to Head
Oxford United – United currently have 2 points after back-to-back draws. Another would put them in or around the same area, whereas a loss could see them dip towards the bottom of League Two. If they managed to grab themselves a home win, they could go as far as 9th themselves.
Notts County – A win would place Notts County quite comfortably back within a play-off place, with a draw seeing them potentially drop to somewhere roughly around 12th. A defeat would see the club fall towards mid table if teams beneath pick up points, so Notts must ensure themselves at least a point, 3 preferably.
 
Key Man
Oxford United; Danny Rose – He will be vital within their procession and attacking play, I feel he will offer the most outlet for Oxford and Notts must keep him quiet throughout the game.
Notts County; Curtis Thompson – I genuinely believe Notts missed him after he was replaced for Jimmy Spencer against Mansfield Town. We need someone who can mix play, by both defending and offering assistance with advanced play. For me, an eager Curtis Thompson is exactly what we need.
 
League Table
 
The teams to watch are the current five undefeated teams within League Two, I feel 2 of the 5 may end up drawing or even losing.
It’s at this stage we will start to see some form of idea on who is to be taken seriously, however form is a funny thing and until the 7th game nobody will know for sure. Yet, this is the perfect time for Notts to strike back before the weekends game against Accrington Stanley.
I believe Portsmouth may go top of the division, with Hartlepool and Wycombe in places right behind them.
As I mentioned previously it’s a slow transition and all teams will still be learning about the true depth of their squads. The table should in truth be quite different compared to how it will be featured here, with teams trading positions and others establishing themselves as front-runners for promotion. It leaves me wondering how many of the favourites within this league will fall victim to teams currently being dismissed as capable of gaining promotion candidates.
Tom Walters
Local derbies are nothing unfamiliar for me. As a kid growing up I saw Notts County take on Mansfield countless times when we were in the old Division 2 and in League 2.
My most vivid memory comes from November 2002 at Meadow Lane. In those days we were watching names such as Mark Stallard, Paul Heffernan, Darren Caskey and Kevin Nicholson take to the Meadow Lane pitch in the hope that bragging rights would be theirs.
For anyone who was there on that cold November night, watching Darren Caskey curl a free-kick into the corner of the family stand net has to be one of the greatest moments Meadow Lane has ever witnessed – it’s certainly one I cherish. As a young lad of 12, it was the stuff dreams were made of when you practiced free-kicks on the school playground. These players shaped my love for the club with their drive and ambition. There wasn’t an abundance of glamour or style in our performances; it was doggid - with plenty of graft, passion and the occasional moment of magic.
So in 2015 on a decidedly warmer August evening, I returned to Meadow Lane with my Dad for yet another derby with Mansfield. My expectations for this one differed – partly because I’m older, without the same childish optimism or unrealistic expectations and also, because the team taking to the field under Ricardo Moniz is of a different breed and style to the one from 2002.
It’s apparent to all Notts fans that Moniz is trying to eradicate the days of long ball football and I for one am delighted with that. This new Notts team have been easier on the eye in their opening games against Stevenage and Huddersfield and have ability in abundance. One player who has caught my eye has to be Stanley Aborah, simply because he has confidence on the ball and the ability to change a game in seconds with flair and a killer pass.
So, would the current crop deliver against Mansfield this time around?
The simple answer was no. The feeling around Meadow Lane before kick-off was excitement and optimism and I have to credit every supporter who turned up on the night – the atmosphere was electric and Meadow Lane was bouncing. Sadly, the performance from the Notts players didn’t live up to the hype and expectation. Mansfield controlled the game from start to finish with Notts looking nervy and rusty throughout. Chances were at a premium, with tiny glimmers from Jenner and Burke but nothing to trouble Mansfield.
I have to congratulate Mansfield on their approach to the match. They were sharper, quicker and in my opinion, hungrier for the three points. Every time there was a 50/50 ball, you always felt Mansfield would win it. Their goals were nothing special however and were avoidable from a Notts perspective – undone by an Chris Clements strike and a soft headed goal from a set piece late on by Tafazolli. Sadly from the stands it was the same old problems – sloppy goals conceded and not enough potency up-front – something that Moniz is only too aware of. Also, it was another poor performance at home – all too familiar from last season. One criticism I have of Moniz is his apparent reliance on 4-3-3 – it simply doesn’t work in League 2 against physical sides like Mansfield.
We were outnumbered in midfield countless times which resorted to us playing long balls from back to front and surrendering possession. Had we played a simpler 4-4-2, I feel we could have competed far better than we did.
I am however, confident that we have a great squad on which to build and we only need one or two more names to make it stronger. Easier said than done, but we need that 20 goal a season striker Moniz is searching for, and we need another commanding centre back. All I can hope for is that the return leg at Field Mill sees a turn in fortunes and we return to winning ways against Oxford on Tuesday.
 
Onwards and upwards!
Son of Berti

Noisy Neighbours

By Son of Berti, in News,

Anyone who kept an eye on League Two last season will have deduced that it is almost impossible for a Club to sustain a high performance level allied to a top league position for the duration of a long exhausting 46 match season in a league which takes no prisoners.
Chairmen and Managers who make the strategic decision to invest heavily in a compact squad of just 16 or so (relatively) costly players may well see their Club jockeying for a top seven position up until Christmas only to find that injuries, suspensions and heavy pitches begin to take their toll in January.
As a consequence they are forced to bring both youth team players through the ranks quicker than is wise and loan players in what turns out to be more often than not a desperate but vain attempt to maintain league position. They watch their hopes of promotion fade quicker than the February sun.
And in their position, you have to ask yourself whether you really want to further jeopardise your chances of promotion by increasing the risk of injury or suspension, by committing your top players to FA Cup, Carling Cup, and Johnson’s Paint Trophy games on top of the 46-game gruelling league campaign.
When Big Sam Allardyce managed Notts County, he made no secret of the fact that he had absolutely no interest in Cup competitions, as his focus was solely on achieving promotion. At least his honesty saved fans a few quid as only the die-hards were willing to part with their hard-earned cash to watch a half-hearted effort on the pitch.
As I write this article on the coach travelling to Huddersfield for our Carling Cup match, I have to confess that I don’t have any idea what Ricardo Moniz’ cup ‘policy’ is going to be.
Will he want to give his ideal starting eleven another competitive 90 plus minutes to continue the gelling process?
Will he want to give those ‘fringe’ players who are knocking on the door a chance to impress him that they should be in the starting eleven for the next league game?
Will he want to give those players who have been injured some valuable rehab game minutes?
Or will he send out a blend of youth players, second-stringers, and those he wants to put in the shop window in the hope that a watching scout will see a potential loan target and reduce our wage bill by a few pennies?
 
(See after-game comment at the end of this article.)
 
Neither the Carling Cup (in its early rounds at least) and certainly not the JP Trophy games will attract large enough crowds to swell Clubs’ income levels significantly. Many season ticket holders stay away from these matches on principle, not understanding why their outlay at the beginning of the season shouldn’t include Cup games.
And the FA Cup matches won’t generate a dream, money-spinning, tie against Premiership opposition until the third round, at the very earliest.
So all that is left to generate any big interest in the early rounds of all three cup competitions is the prospect of a tasty local derby to draw in crowds looking to savour a crunch game.
Which brings us to this year’s opening round of the Johnsons Paintdrying Trophy, when Notts host their noisy neighbours, Mansfield Town. When I first heard news of the draw, I just thought: What a pity. The two teams will have already played each other earlier in the month in a league match and Mansfield are hardly a ‘glamour’ team.
But, thinking on, I realised that this tie actually has the prospect of generating added commitment on the pitch as well as enthusiasm in the stands because, unless the league game results in a draw, the losing side and its fans will be out for revenge and, quite possibly, there will be one or two individual scores to be settled on the pitch as well.
So what at first seemed (to Notts fans, at least) a disappointing 1st round JPT draw, may well turn out to be quite a feisty confrontation.
I, for one, am looking forward to it!
(After-game comment: As we all now know, RM sent out his strongest team at Huddersfield and what a brilliant display of commitment, vision, and ability we were treated to! I consider myself privileged to have been there to witness it.)
Chris

Oxford - Scouting Report

By Chris, in News,

The Magpies will have to put the disappointment behind themselves, after their recent game against Mansfield. All focus must be on the task at hand, whilst of course pushing for all three points.
Oxford United will most likely allow Notts to play, so it should make for an entertaining game within the lower tier.
It’s important neither side sit back, as both teams are prone to making their own mistakes.
 
Run down of their recent games.
Saturday 8th August – Oxford 1 Crawley 1
Tuesday 11th August – Brentford 0 Oxford 4 (League Cup)
Saturday 15th August – Luton 2 Oxford 2
 
The Players – Fact Sheet
Highest Goal Scorers; Danny Hylton 2, Kemar Roofe 2, Johnny Mullins 1 and Liam Sercombe 1.
Persistent Foulers; Alex MacDonald 2 Yellow Cards, Liam Sercombe 1 Yellow Card and Ryan Taylor 1 Yellow Card.
 
The Key Players.
Danny Hylton, Danny Rose, Kemar Roofe, Liam Sercombe and Jake Wright.
Danny Hylton is a lively striker, who has the ability to get quick chances off and generally causes his opposition trouble.
Danny Rose is Oxford's creative player, he likes to be direct and isn't afraid to get into challenges or avoid passes when he is being marked. Likewise, Kemar Roofe and Liam Sercombe like to be direct themselves, with a natural ability on the ball the pair team up well and offer United quite a lot of width.
Jake Wright is their anchor within defence, he tries to keep the game simple but tackles well.
 
Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses.
Oxford United appear to be your typical lower league team, they try to counter breaks after their opposition have thrown men forward. They’re patient and slow at building, yet can inject pace when the need is required. However, to a degree their approach is somewhat scrappy.
The main strength is from their creative players, they look for alternative options when their game plan does not seem to work. They invite play onto themselves, so that they can then hit back with their own attacks and generally try to frustrate their opposition.
With regards to weaknesses, for me it’s all about their scrappy play. Good teams will be able to flood their back line, which would put pressure onto themselves.
Their keeper Sam Slocombe didn’t really impress me within their highlights, he seems to be a risk for me as he didn’t control his area well and when he came to making basic saves – He tended to drop the ball and generally created tension within his own defensive, which lead to Luton Town scoring against them.
If Notts can penetrate through the centre of the box, allowing players to shoot from the edge of the box – Potential tap ins may occur, but crosses is another area whereby the Magpies can exploit.
Joe Jones
Notts have met Oxford United just 26 times in their history, the first meeting coming on 17 October 1964 when a goalless draw at Meadow Lane was the result.
The U's have the upper edge - but only just, with nine wins, nine draws and eight defeats
The last meeting between the two was on 18 March 2006, again a goalless draw at Meadow Lane.
Oxford United were formed as Headington in 1893, adding the suffix United in 1911 after merging with Headington Quarry.
 
In 1950, Headington United became the first professional club in Britain to install floodlights, and used them on 18 December against Banbury Spencer.
They initially played in orange and blue shirts, but changed to yellow home shirts for the 1957–58 season. The reason for the change is unknown.
In 1960, Headington United was renamed Oxford United, to give the club a higher profile.
Oxford won the League Cup in 1986 - then known as the Milk Cup - after beating Queens Park Rangers 3-0 in the final at Wembley.
 
In 2001, Bishop of Oxford Richard Harries conducted an exorcism after the feeling of a malicious force and the team's loss of thirteen of their first seventeen games at the new stadium was blamed on a gypsy curse placed on the club by a Roma man who had been evicted from the site during construction.
The city is known worldwide as the home of the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
University College (in full The Master and Fellows of the College of the Great Hall of the University of Oxford) dates back to 1249. To put it into context, the Magna Carta had only been signed 34 years prior.
Buildings in Oxford are said to demonstrate examples of every English architectural period since the arrival of the Saxons.
---
Oxford manager Michael Appleton may rest Liam Sercombe and Ryan Taylor, as they started Saturday's 2-2 draw at Luton despite nursing pre-season knocks prior to the game.
Patrick Hoban could start after coming off the bench and scoring an injury-time equaliser on the weekend.
New signing John Lundstram is pushing to make his full league debut despite lacking match fitness.
Notts will check on Civard Sprockel after the Dutch defender came off injured for the second time this season against Mansfield last Friday.
Gill Swerts comes back into the reckoning after missing the defeat through suspension but Mawouna Amevor is still banned - he will complete his three-match absence on Tuesday night.
Ricardo Moniz may make changes following the Stags loss and with a squad of some 30 players to choose from he will not be short of options.
Rob Milsom continues to nurse a knee problem while Ronan Murray and Taylor McKenzie are not yet ready to be considered either.
 
Credit to Dan Westwell for the image.
super_ram
Blair Adams made his first Notts County appearance this season, returning from injury in Friday nights 2-0 defeat by Mansfield and says Notts players must put their bodies on the line when defending in dead ball situations. Notts have conceded from set ball deliveries in the opening games this season and also at the end of last season.
He says "It's something we have to work on. You've got to want to head the ball away for the team, put your face in where it hurts. It's something we need more of."Commenting on his return injury Blair added that although being a bit rusty he will improve and feels he can form a successful defensive partnership with half time substitute Graham Burke.
 
He added "I'm pleased to get 90 minutes. I've had a couple of setbacks. I'm looking to get my fitness back now".
"I'll be up and down the wing and hopefully chipping in with a few assists".
"When Graham came on I thought we linked up quite well. It's promising. The quality of his crosses are a huge asset."
"You saw when he came on he put three or four unbelievable balls in."
"It was a shame we started lethargically. They got out the traps quicker and that should have woken us up a bit".
"We weren't at our best but we've got a good chance to put it right this week".
Chris

The Match Officials

By Chris, in News,

Tuesday 18th August, Notts County travel to the Kassam Stadium to play Oxford United. Notts go into the game after losing our local derby against Mansfield 2-0.
The U's come into the game having enjoyed their own cup success away from home against Brentford where they won 4-0, they also battled bravely against Luton Town to get a share of the points.
Both teams will be eager to acquire the maximum points available, so that they kick start their season.
The Match Officials for the game against Oxford United will be Rob Lewis, with his two assistants Richard Hulme and Nick Hobbis. The fourth official will be Timothy Wood.
Due to the fact we are at the start of the season, it seems pointless to mention stats and so, I will include some details about the officials.
 
Match Officials
Referee; Rob Lewis
From – Shropshire
After looking at previous games whereby Rob Lewis has featured as a referee, it would suggest that he is a very adequate match official. In fact, last season he only issued 2 red cards and several match reports highlight his control and decisions through the game as being generally spot on.
 
Assistant Referee; Richard Hulme
From – Somerset
Sadly yet again, there is very little information regarding Hulme as an assistant referee.
 
Assistant Referee; Nick Hobbis
From – West Midlands
Nick was born in Birmingham and has spent numerous seasons officiating games as an assistant referee.
 
Fourth Official; Timothy Wood
From – Gloucestershire
Do you have an opinion on the game? - Match Thread
super_ram
The Lady Pies beat Bristol Academy 1-0 in FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup competition last Sunday.
Notts Ladies had previously lost to Chelsea in the Womens FA cup final at Wembley and again to them, rather surprisingly as they are currently bottom of the league, in FA WSL 1 league the following week.
Rachel Williams first half goal was enough to win the match.
Ellen White also had a couple of chances go wide and Jess Clarke had a goal disallowed for being offside.
Lady Pies manager Rick Passmoor said "this win will have helped restore confidence".
“We’ve had a bit of a tough time, but we had ten days to recharge the batteries” he said.
“We then sat down and had a real big heart-to-heart about what can we do and where we can get better and a lot of it is just about confidence and hopefully today will go towards that."
“We needed to get the belief back. We can’t turn into bad players and a bad team overnight."
“We have to look at the mentality of the lead up to the FA Cup and how much it took out of them, and then reassuring them and showing them lots of evidence about how they played in the first half of the season."
“Today was about getting that win, getting the confidence back. We had the chances and hopefully there is a bag full of goals coming.”
Bristol didn't create many chances and substitute, Frankie Fantom-Brown was stretchered off with 20 minutes remaining leaving them to play with 10 players but their manager, Willie Kirk, accepted that the better team on the day had won.
Attendance - 490.
Chris

League Two Preview

By Chris, in News,

Another late Tuesday night is calling for football fans to encourage their sides onto victory; Pride of Nottingham is taking a look into the fixtures set to play-out on the 18th of August – as Notts prepare themselves for Oxford away from home.
Meanwhile a host of teams will be hoping to lead the League Two table come the end of the night, as several top teams feature against difficult teams.
Five teams start the night with perfect records, having all won their opening two games.
 
* Important Game – ** Key Game
Tuesday 18th August 2015
Accrington v Mansfield – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (0-1)
AFC Wimbledon v Cambridge – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (1-2)
Barnet v Northampton – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (1-1)
**Crawley v Portsmouth – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (2-3)
Dagenham & Redbridge v Exeter – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (0-2)
Hartlepool v Newport – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (1-0)
Leyton Orient v Stevenage – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (2-2)
*Luton v Bristol Rovers – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (2-0)
Morecambe v Wycombe – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (0-1)
*Oxford v Notts County – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (0-1)
**Plymouth v Carlisle – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (2-1)
York v Yeovil – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (1-0)
 
My Stand-Out Games
Crawley v Portsmouth
Luton v Bristol Rovers
Plymouth v Carlisle
 
Crawley will be hoping to get their first win of the season against promotion chasing Portsmouth, it will be potentially high scoring with the home side looking to capitalise on the return of out of favour striker Izale McLeod. The former Pompey star will be hoping to establish himself back within the Red Devils and encouraging a win may see him gain his wish. Despite predicting the score in favour of Portsmouth, I don’t think they will have it all plain sailing.
At the start of the season Luton were tipped as one of the front-runners for promotion; however, their League Two campaign has been nothing but easy. Whilst Bristol Rovers will be hoping for back to back wins on the road after beating Yeovil Town 1-0.
Plymouth Argyle will have a tough home game against Carlisle, as both sides will be hoping to avoid defeat. On paper, advantage seems to favour the home side who are in some decent form but have been struggling to iron out defensive woe’s, which has prevented them from retraining a perfect start to the season. Carlisle has the ability to push sides, which they will be hoping to make the most of on Tuesday.
 
Thoughts on Oxford United vs. Notts County
Despite the performance strung together at home on Friday night, I think Notts will be eager to make amends and will no doubt be a very good side away from home.
Notts will have problems within their squad selection and potentially will lead a completely new line-up at the front, with Jon Stead likely to miss the game. Jimmy Spencer is most likely to start, with the issues continuing at the back due to key players being missing.
Oxford has collected two very hard fought draws, with them highlighting their ability to score in previous games.
Comparing the sides head to head, Notts narrowly lead with 9 wins but also share 9 draws, whilst Oxford have won 8 of the ties themselves.
Much like the Stevenage game, I suspect the difference will be down to who scores first and yet, if the Magpies show a little bit of their cup spirit away from home against Huddersfield Town. Then perhaps I cannot write them off so easily, if Oxford United do open the account within our game first. Let’s hope it proves to be a bright display and no matter what, both sets of fans go home happy and entertained.
Joe Jones
Ricardo Moniz has made it clear that his Notts County side need to be more clinical and incisive in attack if they are to progress in League Two this season. The Magpies succumbed to a meek 2-0 defeat at Meadow Lane against bitter rivals Mansfield, a loss that changed the mood among the Notts faithful from euphoric to funereal within 90 minutes.
Aside from the two poorly conceded goals, another worrying thing for Notts was how little they offered in the final third – Stags goalkeeper Brian Jensen was barely tested all game.
Moniz said: “We were not able to create anything in the first half… in the first two games I was critical about that. In difficult games where it's so close you need the escape.
"In the first half, Jenner, instead of shooting, he had to pull the ball back. In the second half we had the cross from Burkey but it's not enough to be a favourite team (to go up) when we are so limited up front.
"This is not an offence to anyone, but you need that extra quality against a compact wall of defenders.
"Jon was too isolated in the first half. He needed support from Jimmy Spencer – he was fresh. They have to create chances but they depend on the crosses and Mansfield were very organised at the back.
"We had the cross from Burke and two possibilities with Jenner. This is not enough. Blair Adams and Scott Bennett have to overlap so we can create more."
Notts have the chance to redeem themselves almost instantly with Tuesday evening’s visit of Oxford United.
super_ram

League Two Round-Up

By super_ram, in News,

After a great start to the season Notts County came back down to earth with a resounding bang following Friday nights dismal performance in the 2-0 defeat at home to local rivals Mansfield Town.
Saturday's fixture also took place with 8 teams claiming victories out of 11, 5 of which have managed to retain a perfect start, as Wycombe, Leyton Orient, Portsmouth, Northampton and Hartlepool United claim back to back league wins.
Here are Friday's and Saturday's results.
 
League Two Results
Friday 14th August
Notts County 0-2 Mansfield Town
 
Saturday 15th August
Barnet 0–2 Wycombe Wanderers
Carlisle 4–4 Cambridge
Crawley 1– 2 AFC Wimbledon
Dagenham and Redbridge 1–3 Leyton Orient
Luton 2–2 Oxford
Morecambe 1–0 Accrington
Newport 2–2 Stevenage
Northampton 3–0 Exeter
Plymouth 1–2 Portsmouth
Yeovil 0–1 Bristol Rovers
York 1–2 Hartlepool
There were 2 home wins, 6 away wins and 3 draws.
 
Upcoming Fixtures
Tuesday 18th August 2015
Accrington v Mansfield
AFC Wimbledon v Cambridge
Barnsley v Northampton
Crawley v Portsmouth
Dagenham and Redbridge v Exeter
Hartlepool v Newport
Leyton Orient v Stevenage
Luton v Bristol Rovers
Morecambe v Wycombe Wanderers
Oxford v Notts County
Plymouth v Carlisle
York v Yeovil
 
League Two Update
Game number two of the 2015/16 season and Portsmouth continued their promotion hopes by winning at Plymouth.
Leyton Orient ,Northampton and Hartlepool all won and share top spot with Portsmouth on 6 points, behind Wycombe wanderers on goal difference.
Mansfield drop to 7th after temporarily occupying top spot, with 4 points the same tally as 6th placed Cambridge.
Notts now lie 9th with 3 points.
Yeovil, York, Barnet and Dagenham and Redbridge are in the bottom places all losing their first two games.
-
Notts next game is away at Oxford on Tuesday.
Oxford are placed 16th with 2 points, having drawn their 2 opening games.
Still very early days but a Notts win will put them right back in the promotion mix, a defeat will add to Friday nights despondency.
Joe Jones
Amazing how quickly a positive atmosphere can evaporate, eh?
Following Notts County’s great start to the season, which saw a solid 2-0 win at Stevenage and a stunning 2-1 win at Championship side Huddersfield in the League Cup, more than seven thousand Notts fans came through the Meadow Lane turnstiles to watch what they hoped would be a gutsy, positive and possibly fruitful performance from the Magpies against Mansfield Town, their local rivals.
At 9:45pm, what we ended up with was a nearly funereal mood as Notts were outplayed, outmuscled and outscored on our own patch, with nearly three thousand Stags fans going barmy in the away end – and rightfully so, given that their team cruised to an ultimately straightforward 2-0 win.
Defeats are always hard to swallow, but by including the fact that the performance was so meek, so bland, and that it was against a bitter rival that will now claim bragging rights, it makes it all the more difficult.
Inevitably the early stages were all about getting stuck in, something that Mansfield were always going to do. Three crunching tackles came in the first two minutes, with Nathan Thomas’s clatter with Civard Sprockel saw the latter rolling around in agony and the former shown an early yellow card.
On six minutes, the visitors could have easily gone ahead after Thierry Audel gifted the ball to Chapman. He found Matt Green, who set up Nathan Thomas in front of goal, but Roy Carroll pulled off a wonderful save, flinging his body in the way and deflecting the ball onto the bar.
Notts could barely get out their own half for the first quarter-hour as Mansfield pressed emphatically, but on 18 minutes they had their first concrete chance as a Hunt clearance clipped Pearce and landed in the path of Julian Jenner, whose powerful shot whizzed wide of the side netting.
Sprockel was then booked three minutes later for handling on the edge of the box, and Ryan Tafazolli was then booked for infringement, clattering into Carroll and dropping him into the net.
Stanley Aborah set up Notts' best move of the half when he released Jenner to lash a low ball into the box which Jon Stead connected with, drawing a good save from opposition stopper Brian Jensen.
For Notts’s occasional flashes of quality, Mansfield fully deserved their lead when it came nine minutes before the break. Green released Clements into the box, and the latter bore down on goal and curled a low effort into Carroll’s bottom-right corner, sending the away contingent into delirium and the home fans into mourning.
A double change for Notts ensued at the break when Jimmy Spencer replaced Curtis Thompson and Graham Burke came on for Kyle Da Silva on the left wing, the intended formation a 4-4-2.
The tone was set for the rest of the evening when Sprockel suffered an injury just three minutes after the restart, as Haydn Hollis had to be subbed on. Notts had no more substitutions left.
Despite this hindering situation, Notts began the second half brightly as Spencer shot over and Jenner drew a decent save from Jensen.
At the other end, Green set up Thomas for a shot from a right angle that Carroll was forced to turn round at the near post.
The action yo-yoed between the two sides for a period as, on 53 minutes, County’s best move so far saw Stead send Jenner in on goal, Jensen smothering his low finish.
In the 67th minute, Green was inches away from being able to reach a Jack Thomas cross from the left and head home from close range.
Notts then countered with Burke cutting a low cross into the path of Spencer, and a tap-in is all it would have taken to put us level – but Malvind Benning bailed Mansfield out with a stunning sliding interception on the line.
The Pies soon cooled down and ran out of steam as the persevering Stags struck their match-killer with nine minutes to go, Benning whipping a long free kick from the left and Tafazolli rising virtually unmarked to head home just inside the post.
Many Notts fans had seen enough at this point and, over the next ten minutes, seats were vacated, while some trouble flared up at the far-left end of the Kop after it appeared that a Mansfield fan ran across to start a fight.
The Kop faithful all turned to watch the action on their left, well aware that, by that point, there was nothing really worth watching on the pitch any more. Notts had been defeated. There was little to suggest that they could pull back even just one goal, and when the final whistle blew, the procession out of the ground began.
It’s early days, of course, but given that the last few years have been dross for many of the home-attending Notts fans, and with hopes and expectations sky-high for those entering Meadow Lane on Friday evening, this was not good enough.
Ricardo Moniz and his charges will need to go back to the drawing board, because in League Two, many teams will play how Mansfield did - and if we keep playing to their tactics and meekly surrendering, they will win like Mansfield did.
 
(Credit to Dan Westwell for the image - and congrats on the result, you totally deserve it)
Chris

The Build-Up

By Chris, in Match Previews,

All is to play for today with the local derby being moved forward from its original schedule due to our neighbours game against Rotherham United. The game is likely to start off lively, with both teams having the chance to sit top of the League Two table.
Mansfield come into the game with a draw and a loss in the League Cup against Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.
On the other hand Notts have started very brightly after the end to their pre-season, on paper the Magpies will also be the favourites.
 
Key Fixtures
Friday 14th August 2015
Notts County v Mansfield
 
Saturday 15th August 2015
Barnet v Wycombe
Plymouth v Portsmouth
 
Prediction
Mansfield Town cannot be written off for their start so far within the 2015/16 campaign, it’s early in the season and teams are still finding their feet after assembling their new looking squad. The Stags have made some decent signings for the League Two level and will be fired up for the local derby game between us. I see the game ending 3-1 in our favour! C’mon You Pies!!!
 
Match Odds
Notts County to win 21/20 – Draw 12/5 – Mansfield Town to win 5/2
 
Head to Head
Notts County – If Notts manage to pick up their second win of the season, it would see them move top of the League Two table temporarily. A draw would also have the same temporary effect, with the potential of ending up anywhere from 5th to 12th in my opinion. A loss would see us drop to around the upper half/mid table.
Mansfield Town – A win for the Stags would see them move top of the division temporarily, allowing them to safely secure a upper half place. A draw would see them remain around the mid table and perhaps even drop towards the lower half, as will losing.
 
Key Man
Notts County; Stanley Aborah – He’s been a breath of fresh air since arriving and his presence allows Notts to play in a way which allows our advancing players more space to go forward themselves. He offers a mix of creativity, which watching his passing ability and trickery will be key to breaking down Mansfield.
Mansfield Town; Craig Westcarr – The thorn in any side he features for against Notts, his ability to read the game and elude defenders will make him the Stags main threat with doubts hanging over Matt Green.
 
League Table
The current table shows 9 sides starting off quite healthy, with Portsmouth, Notts County and Plymouth Argyle all being tipped for promotion by the majority of bookies.

 
After today’s results, the league won’t look too much different until the games set to face off on Saturday take place. It’s there I imagine the table will look quite different, with perhaps sides like Luton Town picking up maximum points and advancing up the table.
Notts could go top as already mentioned, the same applies for Mansfield and this is another reason why the game between the two is paramount to both sides.
There’s not a great deal in which I can mention right now, I don’t expect the leading pack to form until at least 7-9 games into the season. Yet, I do feel Notts have started brightly enough to warrant their odds for promotion and after making 18 signings so far, it shows just how much work has been made behind the scenes to start the season off so brightly. I think after Saturday, if my prediction is correct, Notts will find themselves around 2nd or 3rd which would be a fantastic position to push on from.
Chris

Mansfield - Scouting Report

By Chris, in News,

The Magpies host Mansfield at Meadow Lane later today, the fixture is one which both sets of fans have been looking forward to and it should be an action packed game, with Stag fans flooding down to the ground to support their team.
Mansfield will be looking to claim their first victory of the 2015/16 season, whilst also trying to protect their current undefeated record. With only one game in, the Stags will be required to find the determination to bring out the best of their play.
Whilst, Notts must continue with their impressive form within this local derby.
 
Run down of their recent games.
Saturday 8th August – Mansfield Town 1 Carlisle United 1
Tuesday 11th August – Sheffield Wednesday 4 Mansfield Town 1
 
The Players – Fact Sheet.
Highest Goal Scorers; Ryan Tafazolli 1, and Malvind Benning 1
Persistent Foulers; Adam Chapman 1 Yellow Card.
 
The Key Players.
Matt Green (if fit), along with former Magpie players Craig Westcarr and Kristian Pearce.
There's doubts over Green's chances to start the game against Notts, however he is a very mobile striker who can stride into play and literally create chances, with the natural ability to finish.
Mansfield have a fairly experienced squad, balanced out with ambitious signings and a core of physical players, with grit for the lower league. Adam Chapman is another player in which Notts should be aware of, however I left him out of the key players because of his inconsistency.
Craig Westcarr requires no introduction, he is a player who can drift in and out of games. His ability to read movement, the game and of course a certain level of luck has made him a dangerous asset for whoever he features for.
If Kristian Pearce plays to his potential, he will be the rock within the Stags defence. However, it is notable that Mansfield do possess other players of similar ability. Facing up against your former club usually brings the best out of players and I genuinely feel Pearce will be a player advancing Magpies must be aware of.
 
Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses.
Adam Murray has impressed me with the amount of business and quality in which Mansfield have introduced to their ranks, it leaves questions to if they do require additional strength, but they have assembled a decent side for this division. They're an attacking side which shows no fear of going forward, but are prone to being a little physical to say the least.
Mansfield haven't started off that badly considering, I feel the current results are down to players getting used to each other and although they took the lead against Carlisle, they didn't threaten them enough in my opinion.
They like to lump the ball forward, making sure that teams have to match their physical attributes in order to find more time on the ball. Naturally, they attack via the flanks but also through the centre the park.
The Stags main strengths come from their ability to get forward, whilst the key figures offer strength allowing them to avoid being push overs.
Free flowing, fast paced football seems to bring pressure to the Mansfield defence and I have noticed the prone mistakes at the back from set pieces like corner kicks. Notts will have to use all their experience to avoid altercations, as Mansfield will no doubt attempt to rough up play, but if Notts keep the ball down, move quickly I feel this will be far too much for an newish assembled Stag side.
Joe Jones

League Two News

By Joe Jones, in News,

Manager Terry Butcher has expressed hopes that Regan Poole will remain at Newport County beyond this transfer window.
After impressing in County's 2-1 League Cup defeat at Wolves, Poole said he did not know if a move would happen during the window given he’s said to be on Fulham’s radar.
Butcher said there had been no fresh inquiries and added: ''I am very optimistic he will stay here.''
Poole, 17, still has a year left on his scholar's contract, but has already been offered a new senior deal by the club.
--
Portsmouth midfielder Ben Close has signed a one-year contract extension at Fratton Park.
The 19-year-old's current deal at the League Two club had been due to expire at the end of this season.
Having come through the ranks, Close has made 10 senior appearances following his debut in the last campaign.
His most recent appearance came in Pompey's 2-1 win at home against Championship side Derby County in the League Cup first round on Wednesday.
--
Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale has claimed that centre-back Jordan Moore-Taylor could be available by the end of the month after returning to training.
The 21-year-old had surgery in June after breaking the same bone in his foot for the third time in a year.
"He should be back in the reckoning in two or three weeks," Tisdale said.
--
Oxford United have signed midfielder John Lundstram on a free transfer following his departure from Everton.
The 21-year-old, who has played for England up to Under-20 level, has agreed a two-year contract, having ended last season on loan at Scunthorpe.
Lundstram came through the Everton youth system but never made a first-team appearance for the Toffees.
--
Mansfield boss Adam Murray has claimed that he wants the club to progress every year after last term's relegation near-miss.
The Stags have made 14 signings so far this summer and drew their first game of the season at home to Carlisle United.
Murray, 33, said: "Last year we were nearly relegated. We need to make sure that this year we progress and become a team.
"Our aim is to progress every year as we move forward through the season. It's not just about the team, it's about taking the club forward. We know we can be successful in this league."
--
Striker Jabo Ibehre can be a useful goalscoring option for Carlisle United, manager Keith Curle has claimed.
The 32-year-old had scored just 83 goals in 461 league games with eight clubs before his summer move to Brunton Park, but has three in two for Carlisle so far.
--
Hartlepool assistant manager Sam Collins has admitted he does not know if he’s preparing his side for Saturday's trip to York City, with boss Ronnie Moore in Spain with his ill daughter.
Collins took charge of Pools' 1-0 League Cup win at Fleetwood Town on Tuesday in Moore's absence as Billy Paynter's winner maintained their 100% start to the season.
"It's been not a nice few days but that win is for Ronnie and his family," Collins told BBC Tees.
"I'm sure he'll be really pleased, we'll see how Charlotte is for Saturday and hopefully she'll be feeling a lot better."
--
Oxford United midfielder Kemar Roofe has claimed that his 40-yard lob against Brentford in the League Cup is the best goal of his career.
Roofe was among the scorers as Michael Appleton's side stunned Championship Brentford at Griffin Park in a 4-0 win.
"Originally, I was going to hit first time. But, I knew the keeper was off his line and I had time to take a touch," Roofe said.
--
Morecambe captain Peter Murphy will be out for 12 weeks after damaging knee ligaments in Saturday's opening League Two game at Hartlepool.
The 25-year-old midfielder joined the Shrimps from Wycombe this summer, but in the eighth minute of his competitive debut at Victoria Park he suffered a tear of his medial collateral ligament in his right knee.

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