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Joe Jones

League One News

By Joe Jones, in News,

Gillingham striker Cody McDonald has signed a new two-year contract at the club.
The 28-year-old, whose previous deal was due to expire in the summer, will now remain at the Priestfield Stadium until the summer of 2017.
McDonald, who is in his third spell with the Gills, has scored 16 goals in 38 appearances this season.
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Port Vale have re-signed Cardiff City midfielder Tommy O'Sullivan on loan until mid-April.
The 20-year-old was on loan at Vale Park earlier this season, making his only Valiants appearance from the bench against Walsall in mid-February.
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Doncaster Rovers have signed Rotherham United striker Jonson Clarke-Harris on a youth loan.
The 20-year-old joined the Millers from Oldham in September for a club record fee and has scored three goals in 14 league games for the Championship side.
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Charlton Athletic midfielder Oliver Muldoon has signed a new contract with the Championship club and joined Gillingham on loan.
The 20-year-old, who is yet to make his senior debut for the Addicks, will remain at The Valley until the summer of 2017.
He will be with the Gills until the end of the season.
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Leyton Orient will be without Romain Vincelot for the remainder of their relegation battle after the midfielder suffered a knee injury.
The 29-year-old Frenchman damaged medial ligaments in the 1-0 defeat at Peterborough on Saturday and will be sidelined for the rest of the campaign.
Vincelot has scored four goals in 33 appearances for the O's this season.
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Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony intends to let caretaker manager Dave Robertson and his team continue in the role.
"I haven't made a call and I don't intend to," MacAnthony told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. "Why would I?
"The three lads who are now in charge, with the rest of the management staff, are doing a great job, and I don't want to put too much pressure on them."
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Aston Villa and Leeds United are said to be keen on signing Jake Andrews from Bristol City.
A clutch of teams are supposedly hopeful of signing the 17-year-old, with the likes of West Bromwich Albion, Hull City and Ipswich Town also said to be keeping a close eye on the central-midfielder.
Chris

Bradford - Scouting Report

By Chris, in News,

The Bantams will be making their way to Meadow Lane on the 14th of March, as they prepare to make a big for a return to a play-off space. However, the Yorkshire side will have other things on their minds which might benefit the Magpies. Notts County comes into the game with much fresher legs and a chance to use the game as a way to distance themselves from the drop.
For both teams this tie should be vastly important to both, so it should be a good game.
Bradford City are in decent form, they come into the game having won two, draw two and lost two within the league. Yet they have been playing quite well within the F.A Cup and set to play Reading in a replay after they drew 0-0 at the Valley Parade.
 
Run down of their last six games.
Wednesday 18th February – Leyton Orient 0 Bradford City 2
Saturday 21st February – Bradford City 1 Walsall 1
Tuesday 24th February – Swindon Town 2 Bradford City 1
Saturday 28th February – Peterborough United 2 Bradford City 0
Tuesday 3rd March – Bradford City 1 Crawley Town 0
Tuesday 10th March – Coventry City 1 Bradford City 1
 
The Players – Fact Sheet
Highest Goal Scorers; James Hanson 11, Billy Clarke 8, Jonathan Stead 8 and Filipe Morais 6.
Persistent Foulers; Jordan Pickford 2 Red Cards and 1 Yellow Card, Stephen Darby 1 Red Card and 4 Yellow Cards, Alan Sheehan 1 Red Card and 3 Yellow Cards and Gary Liddle 9 Yellow Cards.
 
The Key Players.
Rory McArdle, Stephen Darby Alan Sheehan, Gary Liddle, Francois Zoko, Billy Clarke and James Hanson are all pivotal players for Bradford City.
McArdle, Sheehan and Darby are the anchors within their defence, but offer just as much in their offensive play as they do at the back. They work well as a partnership, alerting each other of danger and link well with the Bantams midfield.
Gary Liddle and Francois Zoko offer flexibility to their forward play, whereas Liddle provides a similar role as he did with us within his first season.
Billy Clarke is a player who looks to get involved within the build up and can double up as a striker.
James Hanson is the dangerman, if he has a good game he will the most threat to our back four. He moves along the line, often alluding the opposition defence and pulling into exactly where he is required.
 
Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses.
Bradford City balance their offensive play, with making sure that they're defensively sound. They aim to slowly build, whilst carving out those perfect chances which beg to be put a way. They play as a solid unit, making sure that the experienced heads are the foundation whilst mixing pace and fluid play in their attacks.
Their signings this season have greatly added depth to their play, which has seen them mix up how they break down games depending on who they face.
Sometimes it works well, other times not so much, but they're a very good side and have quickly adjusted back into life within League One. As a side who show quite a lot of resemblance to Rotherham United, especially within the foundations they laid out after gaining promotion.
The Bantams main strengths come from the quality players which they have, they look to build at the right time and this is well drilled into their players by Phil Parkinson. They have a mixed squad, with many of their senior players being the backbones of other successful League One and Two teams. This gives them that added depth, which has seen them been so successful in both the league and the English cups in recent years.
With regards to weaknesses, I see them struggling with pace and skill. If they start slowly, it can take them a while to get into the game. If sides directly hit them, they do buckle to pressure, but much of this falls down to how their midfield are set up and cope.
If we can move the ball quickly, whilst making sure that players are supported within their attacking phases this should provide Notts a decent chance at getting into the game.
However, if they close up shop at the back this could lead to a few issues which Notts must take any chances which present themselves.
 
 
Match Thread - League One Preview - Our Club, Our Passion
 
Chris

Derry's Future At Notts

By Chris, in News,

With the downward spiral of the magpies, there have been a lot of comments pointing out Shaun Derry's future as the manager of Notts County. To a degree, I see where other fans are coming from as I have pointed out certain behaviours and aspects which niggle me surrounding Shaun Derry. However, to a level we must see that he is still learning his trade at this level.

It wasn't that long ago fans were concerned about him leaving for bigger and better things.
Plus on the basis of last season, it wasn't that bad compared to that we have seen. We almost managed to secure a play-off space, which I honestly feel had the right players have been available when we lost the likes of Michael Petrasso, Stephen McLaughlin and of course Louis Laing. I feel we would still be up at the other end of the table, perhaps fighting for the 5th to 6th place.
To be fair, I didn't think we would struggle like we have done and after spending many hours speaking to fans at games everyone seemed to agree at the time.
Yet to sack Shaun Derry at this stage of the season, it doesn't make sense at least for me. 12 games to go? It's not the right time to do it and I would certainly hope the clubs board stand by the man who saved us last season when all seemed lost.
Any new manager would be required to spend time learning his squad, I would at least expect this to take 4-6 games of experimenting, whereby we may get some points but it is just far too risky for me. Plus, what do we go with an experienced manager or another who is new to the role?
I doubt we have the budget to attract a manager who has the experience to which would please the majority of fans, whilst I would like to acknowledge replacing Shaun Derry for Greg Abbott just doesn't make sense at all.
Personally, I think sacking Shaun Derry would relegate us alone at this stage and at least with him we stand a chance of fighting it but we must stand together.
It's been many years since I have seen so many behind the same manager, in fact, I know of fans who didn't like Martin Allen but he would be perhaps the last manager to have the largest percent of the Notts County fan base right behind him.
What we need is for Shaun Derry to settle the squad down in my opinion, this starts with dropping the lone striker and finding a system whereby we don't compensate our attacking capabilities which doesn't leave our defence wide open. Call me traditional, but 442 is the perfect formation, especially since we have two very talented wingers and one who can make the grade provided he's given the chance in William Hayhurst.
I am not forgetting Garry Thompson, for me he can impact from the wing or as a striker but its upfront where I would prefer to see him.
Yet for the first time in a while we have several decent options up front and all they need is the game time, Bálint Bajner could come good and Leroy Lita could prove to be the striker we actually require in the current situation we find ourselves, but whoever starts, they must be played and allowed to settle into a system - cutting and swapping isn't helping anyone.
No doubt it's difficult, it's not going the way we had hoped but we have a good chance of building on the foundations laid out within this season and it would be nice to see the turnover of players reduced, as it would seeing a manager make a complete season in charge, by this I mean from start to finish.
That actually seems weird to say, as you would expect that we have had a manager complete a full season, but we would have to go way back, just before Munto.
I hope we can write our own ending to the season rather than forcing one, for me we must back Derry and hope that it pays off.
 
 
League One Preview - Meet Ronan Murray - Our Club, Our Passion
 
super_ram

League One Round-Up

By super_ram, in News,

Another disappointing result and display from Notts County, but at least the bottom 5 teams all lost too, with the exception of bottom club Yeovil who beat Oldham 2-1. Preston had a good win away at MK Dons, Sheffield United were beaten at home 1-2 by Fleetwood but Bristol City are clear leaders of League One by 10 points after winning away at Crawley 2-1.
Several high scoring games took place also within League One, with a total of 30 goals being across the division.
 
League One Results
Barnsley 3–0 Walsall
Coventry 2–3 Port Vale
Crawley 1–2 Bristol City
Crewe Alexandra 2– 0 Scunthorpe
Gillingham 1–1 Doncaster Rovers
MK Dons 0–2 Preston
Peterborough 1–0 Leyton Orient
Rochdale 2–1 Colchester
Sheffield United 1–2 Fleetwood
Swindon 3–0 Notts County
Yeovil 2–1 Oldham
There were 6 home wins, 4 away wins and 1 draw.
 
Upcoming fixtures
Tuesday 10th March 2015
Coventry v Bradford
Yeovil v Bristol City
 
League One Update
Bristol City head League One on 76 points from 35 games, 10 points clear of 2nd placed Preston who have 66 points from 34 games. Swindon occupy 3rd place with 64 points from 35 games with 4th place MK Dons next with 62 points also from 35 games.
The other 2 play off places are taken up by Sheffield United at 5th on 53 Points and Doncaster at 6th with 50 points from 35 games.
The competition for the play off places is very close with Barnsley and Peterborough both on 50 points and also having played 35 games at 7th and 8th only below Sheffield United on goal difference.
The closeness of positions continues with Chesterfield, Bradford, Port Vale and Fleetwood all with 48 points, though Chesterfield have one game and Bradford have two games in hand.
Rochdale lie 13th with 47 points from 33 games, closely followed by Gillingham who have played 35 games and Oldham who have played 34 games, both on 46 points at 14th and 15th respectively.
Walsall are 16th with 44 points from 35 games.
Scunthorpe are 17th with 42 points from 34 games and Crewe are 18th with 42 points from 35 games.
Notts have fallen to 19th with 41 points from 34 games and Coventry are 29th with 36 points from 34 games.
The relegation places are taken up by 21st placed Leyton Orient on 35 points from 34 games, Colchester and Crawley at 22nd and 23rd respectively, each having played 35 games and both on 34 points, with Yeovil rock bottom 24th with 33 points from 35 games.
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The gap between 6th placed Doncaster and 21st placed Leyton Orient is now 15 points.
Notts County are 9 points below a play off place and 6 points above the relegation places.
Bradford will move up to 6th if they beat Coventry on Tuesday.
 
 
Meet Ronan Murray - Q/A with Premiership Scout - League Link-Ups  
william1984

League One Preview

By william1984, in News,

In this weeks PoN's preview to the League One games played on the 14th of March, several key games have been identified – None more important than the Leyton Orient against Yeovil game, which several teams within League One will be looking out for.
Leyton Orient against Yeovil is a key match in the relegation battle with all surrounding teams keeping a close eye on the outcome of the match, a must win for both teams.
 
Important Game – ** Key Game
Saturday 14th March
Bristol City v Gillingham – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-0)
Chesterfield v Coventry – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-0)
*Colchester v Crawley – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0-1)
Doncaster v Peterborough – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-1)
Fleetwood v Rochdale – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-1)
**Leyton Orient v Yeovil – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-0)
*Notts County v Bradford – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-2)
Oldham v Barnsley – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0-2)
Port Vale v Swindon – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0-2)
Preston v Crewe – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (3-0)
Scunthorpe v Sheffield United – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-1)
Walsall v MK Dons – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0-1)
 
My Stand-out Games
Leyton Orient v Yeovil
Colchester v Crawley
Notts County v Bradford
 
Leyton Orient will be hoping to win, which could see them move out of the drop zone depending on results, elsewhere a loss could see them go bottom.
Yeovil will be hoping to win and pick up another three points after a good victory last weekend against Oldham, three points today could move them off the bottom spot.
Colchester will be hoping to win as the bottom four all play against each other and this is their best chance to move out of the drop zone.
Crawley will be hoping to win as three point could move them out of the bottom four, though if they lose they could be bottom.
Notts County will be hoping to win as a losing could see them within a couple of points off the bottom four. Their current form and lack of goal scorers doesn't help against a Bradford side having a good run in the cup again this year.
Bradford will be hoping to win as it could see them move back into the play offs, they will be hoping to improve on their current league form which has seen them drop down the league recently.
 
Thoughts on Notts County vs Bradford
This weeks match sees Notts County against Bradford with both teams struggling to find consistent form, though saying that Bradford have the slightly better league form.
The current results between the two teams show Notts County as slight favourites winning three of the last seven meetings with Bradford winning two and two draws.
The last time Bradford beat Notts County at Meadow Lane was back in 2013 winning 0-1 after extra time in the league cup.
The overall head to head record shows Notts County as favourites winning 26, Bradford 21 and 13 draws.
Notts County have picked up 10 out of 15 points from the last five meetings in the league.
A tough match to predict this week with both teams struggling for form in the league, it isn’t an easy match to call, saying that I think Bradford have been the better side this season so I see them just winning this match.
 
Meet Ronan Murray - Q/A with Premiership Scout - League Link-Ups
 
Joe Jones
It was always going to be a hard task, wasn't it? Just a shame that it went from being promisingly goalless at the break to conceding three in the and having a man sent off - one who is increasingly proving a liability with his lack of discipline - in the second half of today's game, a 3-0 defeat away at Swindon Town.
The Magpies started brightly and could have taken the lead early on as Gary Jones and Liam Noble both tested goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.
Swindon countered through Andy Williams, who had a chance when Haydn Hollis missed a clearance, but the Robins man bent his shot wide of the post.
 
The only moment of note being a flare up on far touchline that saw Jack Stephens and Paddy McCourt go in the book after a late tackle on Williams.
Swindon were passing well and making Notts work hard to keep them at bay, with the goalless scoreline remaining that way going into the break.
The hosts wasted a couple of chances in the first ten minutes after the restart, but just before the hour, they broke the deadlock.
Taylor Swift, picking the ball up 30 yards from goal, marauded into Notts's final third before unleashing a curling effort to beat Carroll at full length.*
 
Not long afterwards, Swift fired a shot that Carroll parried and in trying to get to the rebound bundled into Williams, prompting the referee to award the hosts a penalty.
Williams duly stepped up and sent the Northern Irishman the wrong way to double his side's lead.
After the goals Town controlled the game without creating much, and Notts self-destructed with six minutes to go when Liam Noble talked himself into two bookings and a sending off in quick succession.
It allowed Harry Toffolo to complete the scoring with the game nearing its conclusion, latching on to Massimo Luongo’s rebounded effort to score from close range.
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*Actually is John Swift. Since the match report is so miserable, I thought I'd throw you something to make you sit up.
Joe Jones
Notts County have met Swindon Town on 62 occasions, the first time being 103 years ago in the FA Cup. On that day in January 1911, the Robins beat the Magpies 2-0 at the County Ground.
Of the 62 clashes, 24 have been won by Notts, 26 by Swindon, and 12 have been drawn.
The last meeting between the two was in December last year, when the Robins won 3-0 at Meadow Lane, thanks to an Andy Williams brace and a strike from Massimo Luongo.
The club was founded in 1879 by Reverend William Baker Pitt. Yes, you read that right! Whilst curate of Christ Church, the high church of Swindon, Pitt formed Swindon Association Football Club to provide recreation for young men in his parish.
 
Swindon won the Southern League championship in 1910-11, earning themselves a Charity Shield clash with Football League champions Manchester United.
This, the highest-scoring Charity Shield game to date, was played on 25 September 1911 at Stamford Bridge with Manchester United winning 8–4!
Some of the proceeds of this game were later donated to the survivors of the Titanic.
During World War II, The War Department – the government body responsible for the supply of equipment to the armed forces in the UK – took over the County Ground in 1940, where for a while prisoners of war were housed in huts placed on the pitch. For this, the club received compensation of £4,570 at war’s end.
Swindon Town were the first League club to use floodlights, having had them installed in 1951.
The County Ground is also the only football stadium in the world with a Rolex watch acting as its timekeeper –the clock on the Stratton Bank stand featuring its name was erected to celebrate promotion in 1963.
Swindon have spent one season in the top flight, in 1992-93, during which Glenn Hoddle managed them. Sadly, they didn't do too well, being relegated at the end of the season after conceding 100 goals.
The most notable silverware in the Robins’ possession is undoubtedly the League Cup, won in 1969 after beating Arsenal in the final at Wembley.
Royle Family and Two Pints Of Lager actor Ralf Little was rumoured to be on trial at Swindon back in 2002, though the funnyman later claimed that he was just training with the squad. Pint-sized jazz singer Jamie Cullum is also a fan of the Robins.
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Swindon look set to be without Louis Thompson for a few weeks after the midfielder suffered suspected shoulder ligament damage last weekend against Crewe.
He has returned to parent club Norwich City while he awaits a specialist's opinion on the injury.
Nathan Byrne should recover from a dead leg sustained in the midweek defeat to Gillingham.
Ben Gladwin is expected to be fit after a neck injury, while Jack Stephens and Anton Rodgers could return after suspension and injury respectively.
Notts have no new problems as they look to seal back-to-back wins in the league for the first time since October.
Leroy Lita could be handed his full debut after making his first appearance for the club as a substitute against Colchester United in midweek.
Shaun Derry can also call on Alan Smith, Will Hayhurst, Nicky Wroe, Sean Newton and Balint Bajner should he want to reshuffle his his starting XI.
Ronan Murray will miss the remainder of the season with a recurrence of a groin problem he suffered in training.
Joe Jones

League One News

By Joe Jones, in News,

Notts County striker Ronan Murray will miss the rest of the season because of complications with a groin injury. Murray, 23, has not played since January because of the problem and boss Shaun Derry confirmed the forward will miss the last 13 games of the season.
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Fleetwood Town have signed midfielder Akil Wright from Northern Premier League side Ilkeston.The 18-year-old has moved for a "undisclosed but sizeable fee" according to Ilkeston, with further clauses also included.
 
Wright joins striker Ashley Hunter in moving to the League One side from the Derbyshire side this season.
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Defender George Ray has signed a new two-year contract with League One side Crewe Alexandra.
The 21-year-old centre-back has agreed a deal that will keep him with the Alex until the summer of 2017.
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Colchester United boss Tony Humes does not know if defender Sean Clohessy has a future at the club, after a show of dissent towards the manager.
Clohessy, 31, refused to shake Humes's hand while being substituted against Doncaster last weekend.
He was then dropped for Tuesday's League One loss to Notts County and will not face Rochdale on Saturday.
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Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson says reaching a Wembley FA Cup semi-final would be a bigger achievement than their League Cup final appearance.
League One Bradford will reach the semi-finals for the first time in 104 years if they beat Reading on Saturday.
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Peterborough United caretaker boss Dave Robertson hopes he is giving chairman Darragh MacAnthony a dilemma over whether to give him the job full-time.
Robertson has won both of his games in charge since Darren Ferguson left his role as manager of the League One club.
And this week he will meet MacAnthony, who is set to fly into the country.
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New Coventry City boss Tony Mowbray says he hopes to help the Sky Blues back to where they "rightfully belong".
The new City boss is charged with the task of halting the ex-Premier League side's relegation to the fourth tier of English football for the first time since 1959
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Blackpool's Steven Davies is on the verge of a move to Sheffield United after requesting to leave Bloomfield Road.
The striker was pulled out of the side that lost 1-0 at Birmingham after asking manager Lee Clark for permission to speak to the League One club.
Chris

The Match Officials

By Chris, in News,

Saturday 7th of March, Swindon Town will be hosting Notts County at the County Ground. 4th place Robins will be hoping to get back to winning ways, as their form in recent weeks has been quite poor and they will be looking to overcome this on home soil. Notts County will be hoping to reform their earlier away form which saw them peak quite highly at the start of the season.
The Robins have only won once in their last six games, four have ended in losses and a further game a draw. After this game, Notts will face Bradford and Rochdale both at home.
The Match Officials for the game against Swindon Town will be Gavin Ward, with his two assistants Darren Blunden and Colin Lymer. The fourth official will be Andrew Laver.
 
Match Officials
Referee; Gavin Ward
From – Surrey
His matches involving Notts County and Swindon Town in the last four seasons;
League One – Tuesday 29th January 2013 – Portsmouth 0 Notts County 2 – 2 Yellow Cards & 1 Red Card
League One – Saturday 9th February 2013 – Swindon Town 1 Hartlepool United 1 – 3 Yellow Cards
League One – Tuesday 29th October 2014 – Notts County 3 Oldham Athletic 2 – 2 Yellow Cards
League One – Saturday 21st December 2014 – Swindon Town 2 Coventry City 1 – 6 Yellow Cards
League One – Saturday 22nd February 2014 – Leyton Orient 2 Swindon Town 0 – 5 Yellow Cards
League One – Saturday 20th September 2014 – Swindon Town 5 Sheffield United 2 – 4 Yellow Cards
 
Run down of his last four games this season;
Championship – Saturday 7th February 2015 – Rotherham United 2 Ipswich Town 0 – 2 Yellow Cards
Championship – Saturday 14th February 2015 – AFC Bournemouth 1 Huddersfield Town 1 – 1 Yellow Cards
League Two – Tuesday 24th February 2015 – Cambridge United 0 AFC Wimbledon 0 – 3 Yellow Cards
Championship – Wednesday 4th March 2015 – Norwich City 0 Wigan Athletic 1 – 7 Yellow Cards
In his last four games 11 yellow cards have been shown and no red cards.
So far this season in a total of 26 games he has shown 96 yellow cards and 5 red cards.
That's roughly 3.6 yellow cards per game.
 
Assistant Referee; Darren Blunden
From – Kent
Last 3 officiated games;
Tuesday 27th January 2015 – Walsall 0 Preston North End 0
Saturday 24th January 2015 – Oxford United 2 Exeter City 2
Wednesday 21st January 2015 – Fulham 3 Nottingham Forest 2
 
Assistant Referee; Colin Lymer
From – Hampshire
Last 3 officiated games;
Sunday 28th December 2014 – Braintree 1 Eastleigh 5
Saturday 24th January 2015 – Barnet 4 Southport 0
Saturday 14th February 2015 – Telford 2 Dartford 3
 
Fourth Official; Andrew Laver
From – Hampshire
Do you have an opinion on the game? - Match Thread
Also, please do leave us a comment below if you have time.
 
 
Match Thread - Scout Report - Meet Ronan Murray
 
Chris

Swindon - Scouting Report

By Chris, in News,

The Magpies head to the County Ground on the 7th of March, Notts County prepare to take on 4th place Swindon Town who have found themselves in perhaps the worst form they've been in throughout the whole season. The Robins have only won once within their last six games, 1 ended as a draw and four resulted in losses.
Notts County come into the game having enjoyed a frustrating 1-0 victory away from home over Colchester United. This will be seen as a test for the Black & White army, as we aim to improve our own form.
 
Run down of their last six games.
Tuesday 10th February – Oldham Athletic 2 Swindon Town 1
Saturday 14th February – Scunthorpe United 3 Swindon Town 1
Saturday 21st February – Swindon Town 1 Crawley Town 2
Tuesday 24th February – Swindon Town 2 Bradford City 1
Saturday 28th February – Crewe Alexandra 0 Swindon Town 0
Tuesday 3rd March – Swindon Town 0 Gillingham Town 3
 
The Players – Fact Sheet
Highest Goal Scorers; Andy Williams 20, Michael Smith 14, Jonathan Obika 8 and Massimo Luongo 6.
Persistent Foulers; Nathan Thompson 3 Red Cards and 10 Yellow Cards, Jack Stephens 1 Red Card and 7 Yellow Cards, Louis Thompson 1 Red Card and 6 Yellow Cards and Yaser Kasim 8 Yellow Cards.
 
The Key Players.
Jonathan Obika, Michael Smith and Andy Williams are Swindon Town's robust front line. Massimo Luongo, Yasir Kasim and Louis Thompson are the key men in midfield, whilst Wes Foderingham is a stand out goal keeper within this league.
Jonathan Obika is a player who creates a lot, whilst also proving he can finish chances himself. The former Tottenham Hotspur youngster forged a name within League One and he will be one to watch.
Michael Smith and Andy Williams are traditional marksmen, who can cause any side danger as their goal tally's suggest.
Massimo Luongo is Swindon Town's rock within the midfield, he pulls the strings and can pin point pass to advancing wide men. Yasir Kasim is a tricky player to retain, his movement generally causes opponents problems.
 
Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses.
Swindon Town seize and thrive under the opportunity to run at their opposition, if they're allowed to do so they can quickly control and dominate games. They have a reputation for being a passing side who can quickly turn carefully created attacks into dangerous chances.
Their main focus is being direct, focusing on attacking down the flanks. They have the ability to break down sides quite easily from the centre of the park, whilst shooting from distance, whilst their forwards can be extremely dangerous when presented with a chance within the penalty box.
Although they're currently struggling, many of their chances come from creative play and bursting runs, where they find players in open space and are easily able to support themselves through their attacking phases.
The Robins main strengths are skill, speed and spotting gaps within the oppositions defence. Whilst all of League One know how deadly they can be on goal sight, Swindon Town do often waste decent chances but again they have the creativity to just repeat the process which makes them extremely dangerous to face.
Weaknesses are mainly within their disciplinary records, several players are prone to making bad decisions and becoming heated as a direct result. Defensively they're very well setup, however if pressed, their defence are prone to stray and do poor passes which can easily be picked up. With their age being considerably young, they're quite inconsistent on the field but can still finish sides off with a touch of class.
If the game doesn't sway in their favour, concentration tends to drop which can allow decent teams to punish them.
 
Match Thread - Q/A with Premiership Scout - Meet Ronan Murray
 
william1984

League One Preview

By william1984, in News,

After Tuesday nights win over Colchester United, Pride of Nottingham returns with another preview into the League One fixtures played on the 7th of March. The form of many sides is vastly becoming important as teams prepare to bid for safety, whilst others are maintaining their play-off push and others aiming to secure a health position.
MK Dons against Preston is an important game this week as MK Dons try to move back into 2nd place above their opponents Preston, while Preston will be hoping to pull away from MK Dons.
 
* Important Game – ** Key Game
Saturday 7th March
Barnsley v Walsall – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0-1)
Coventry v Port Vale – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-1)
Crawley v Bristol City – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0-2)
*Crewe v Scunthorpe – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0-1)
Gillingham v Doncaster – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0-2)
**MK Dons v Preston – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-1)
Peterborough v Leyton Orient – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-0)
*Rochdale v Colchester – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-0)
Sheffield United v Fleetwood – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-1)
Swindon v Notts County – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (4-0)
Yeovil v Oldham – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0-0)
 
My Stand-out Games
MK Dons v Preston
Crewe v Scunthorpe
Rochdale v Colchester
 
MK Dons will be hoping to win, which would see them move back upto 2nd place while a win for Preston could see them move clear of their opponents today.
Recent form shows Preston as favourites in this key match for automatic promotion, a win for Preston and results going their way elsewhere could see them have a two game advantage over their rivals, already having a game in hand.
Crewe will be hoping to win as they try improve on recent form, a win could give them a cushion from the drop zone while yet another win could see them in serious danger.
Scunthorpe on the other hand already have a nice cushion from the drop zone, but another win today could see them upto 10 points clear of the drop zone.
Rochdale will be hoping to win and results go right elsewhere, which could put them within two points of the play offs while Colchester are in desperate need of three points after losing to Notts County in the week, which has seen them drop further into the relegation battle.
 
Thoughts on Swindon vs. Notts County
This weeks match sees Notts County against Swindon with both teams struggling to find consistent form, though saying that I think Swindon are easily the better team. I’ve predicted Swindon to win easy.
The current results between the two teams show Notts County as slight favourites winning three of the last seven meetings with Swindon winning two and one draw.
The last time Notts County beat Swindon at the County Ground was back in 2011 winning 1-2.
The overall head to head record shows Swindon only just being favourites winning 23, Notts County 22 and 12 draws.
Notts County have picked up 7 out of 15 points from the last five meetings in the league.
Most people in all honesty would probably say this is an easy match to predict the winner.
On paper Swindon are easily the better side, Their forms just better but of late its fairly bad picking only 4 points up from the last 15, while Notts County have only won two of their last five and looks even worse.
When you look further back, only getting 10 points from a possible 30. I hate to say it and I have been positive the last few weeks, but I see us getting hammered.
 
Match Report - Meet Ronan Murray - PoN's Live Centre  
Chris

Meet Ronan Murray

By Chris, in Media,

Since coming to Meadow Lane two years ago, Ronan Murray has quickly established himself as one of Notts County’s first-choice players. The young Irishman originally signed to the club on a short-term contract as one of four successful trialists in 2013, but he went on to play a key role in helping the Magpies avoid relegation from League One with nine goals in 16 starts.
Of course, there was the odd setback, most notably the red card on the quarter-hour mark of that Peterborough United game, but the mark of a true professional is learning from your mistakes and proving doubters wrong – and Murray did just that.
 
Pride of Nottingham has spoken to the 23-year-old hotshot about Notts County’s season.
 
What have you made of the game so far?
Well I think we've played well, I think Paddy McCourt's done well for us, he's really been our best player. He looks bright, so hopefully he will continue in the second half and keep giving the ball to him basically.
 
What time do you think the full score will be?
Well hopefully we can get back into it, hopefully the gaffer can give them a good talking too and they'll come out flying in the second half really. As I say keep giving the ball to Paddy and Jam on the right and hopefully they can make things happen. Hopefully Bajner and big Garry up there and can do the business in the box. So, hopefully we can come back from this and we need it, we need it at home – like seven in the last eight are obviously not good enough so, we need to get the fans our side here.
 
Have you been enjoying your time at Notts?
Yeah, yeah, I'm loving it. Loving it really, this season hasn't really set off for me but hopefully I will have a good end to it.
 
Is there any news on your injury?
Yeah I just had a scan on it yesterday it, on my groin, so hopefully the results come back all clear and then I can crack on with training. There's just a few questions over it, scan is clear I can take it from there.
 
Meet the Fans [special] - Meet Ronan Murray
Watch the Video
 
[center]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFO4jiObYpQ
Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Ronan Murray for taking the time to speak to us, we wish him all the very best with his injury and hope that he finds his form again soon.
 
You Pies!!
 
 
Last Match Report - Meet the PoN - Q/A with Premiership Scout  
Joe Jones
Notts picked up a desperately-needed three points this evening as a Paddy McCourt goal in the second half was enough to seal a 1-0 win away at Colchester United. Within the opening ten minutes of the game, Gary Jones saw his effort deflected behind for a corner.
Moments later, Jamal Campbell-Ryce skipped past two defenders and struck a low shot that had to be tipped round the post by Sam Walker.
The Colchester stopper continued to shine as he denied JCR once again before saving a venomous drive by Blair Adams that looked destined for the top corner.
 
Notts risked conceding late on in the first half when slack defending left George Moncur with a free chance at goal, but Roy Carroll was equal to the effort.
Following the restart, the Northern Irish keeper had to be at his best to deny Gavin Massey, who had unlocked the Notts back line and raced through on goal.
The visitors were finally able to break the deadlock 68 minutes in when Campbell-Ryce curled a cross towards the back post, where McCourt was able to nod home.
Minutes later, Notts got out of jail again when a deflected Macauley Bonne strike was deflected and required Adams to clear off the line.
Following that attempt, the Magpies were able to see the game out and secure a much-needed three points.
Notts are by no means out of trouble, and there's a very tricky fixture away at Swindon Town this weekend, but it's a decent start - let's hope we're able to turn the corner now!
Joe Jones
Notts County have met Colchester United a modest 41 times over the years, all league encounters except for one Sherpa Vans Trophy tie in 1988. Notts hold the marginal upper edge, having won 19 games to Colchester's 14, with 8 draws. All league encounters between the two have never taken place higher than the third tier.
The recent history between those two sides is very positive for the Magpies - we have won the last six games against the Essex side, by an aggregate score of 17-3!
The last game was back in August last year, a 2-1 league win at Meadow Lane.
Colchester United Football Club is a baby in English football club terms, having been born in 1937. However, Colchester Town Football Club, the club's predecessor, was around since 1873.
Despite dwindling crowds in the mid-1930s, though, they refused to follow its neighbours Ipswich Town in turning professional, much to the disapproval of its fans and players. As a result, Colchester United was formed, with the intention of playing professionally, and went on from strength to strength while its stubborn neighbour fell into decline and eventually folded.
 
Colchester United are responsible for one of the FA Cup's greatest ever upsets, when, in February 1971, they defeated the infamous Don Revie's Leeds United, an established top flight side who would finish second that season, by three goals to two. The U's were in the fourth division at the time.
The U's won the Football League Trophy (now the Johnstone's Paint Trophy) in 1996-97. and also compete in a competition called the Essex Senior Cup, a tournament contested by mostly non-league clubs within the region (Colchester usually field a youth/reserve team for this), winning this trophy back in 2009-10.
Micky Cook holds the all time club record for appearances with Colchester, having played nearly 700 games between 1969 and 1984.
Notable former players include Titus Bramble, Alec Chamberlain, Mark Kinsella, Kevin Lisbie and Newcastle cult hero Lomana LuaLua.
 
The town of Colchester is said to be the oldest recorded town in Britain on the grounds that it was mentioned by Pliny the Elder, who died in AD 79. It was for a time the capital of Roman Britain, and is a member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network.
Since 2006, Colchester has been one of 12 places in the UK where Royal Salutes are fired to mark Royal anniversaries and visits by foreign heads of state.
---
Colchester midfielder Tom Lapslie could return from an ankle injury, but Sammie Szmodics is unlikely to feature as he is still recovering from a foot problem.
George Moncur came off the bench in Saturday's loss at Doncaster and is pushing for a starting place after recovering from tonsillitis.
Notts have no new injury worries - Alan Smith, Will Hayhurst, Sean Newton and Gary Jones are all options if boss Shaun Derry wants to make changes.
william1984

League One Preview

By william1984, in News,

In this weeks PoN's preview to the League One games played on the 3rd of March, there's a crucial game being played which our fans will be hoping to see positive news from – This important tie is between Colchester and of course Notts County, this game could see either side make steady progress in their bid for survival.
Colchester against Notts County is a important game this week as Colchester try to move back out of the drop zone while Notts County are fighting to stay out of the drop zone.
 
* Important Game – ** Key Game
Tuesday 3rd March
Sheffield United v Peterborough – Kick Off 7:30pm – Score Prediction (2-1)
Barnsley v Coventry – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (1-0)
Bradford v Crawley – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (2-0)
**Colchester v Notts County – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (0-1)
Fleetwood v Scunthorpe – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (1-1)
Leyton Orient v Bristol City – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (0-3)
*MK Dons v Chesterfield – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (2-1)
Port Vale v Oldham – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (0-0)
*Preston v Doncaster – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (1-0)
Rochdale v Crewe – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (1-0)
Swindon v Gillingham – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (3-1)
Yeovil v Walsall – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (1-2)
 
My Stand-out Games
Colchester v Notts County
MK Dons v Chesterfield
Preston v Doncaster
 
Colchester will be hoping to win as they fell into the drop zone on Saturday, a win against a struggling Notts County side, as results elsewhere favouring Colchester could move them back out of the drop zone.
Notts County will be hoping to win today as loss could put them in the bottom four and if results elsewhere go against them. Notts County will be hoping to pick up their first points in four matches.
MK Dons will be hoping to make up for Saturdays result against a struggling Coventry side with a win today against a Chesterfield side struggling to find their form from the first half of the season.
Chesterfield will be hoping to add another 3 points after their win on Saturday against Fleetwood, their first win in four games.
They will be hoping they can find there early season form to beat possibly the best side in the league in my eyes, only challenged by Bristol city.
Preston will be hoping to continue their excellent form which has seen them unbeaten in February and become possible automatic promotion contenders.
Doncaster will be hoping carry on from Saturday after beating Colchester, though in the previous two matches before they showed signs of their early season bad form losing against Bristol City and an average Port Vale side.
 
Thoughts on Colchester vs Notts County
This weeks match sees Notts County against Colchester with both teams struggling to find consistent form. I’ve predicted Notts County to just edge it.
The current results between the two teams show Notts County as overwhelming favourites winning six of their last seven meetings.
The last time Colchester beat Notts County at Meadow Lane was back in 2003 winning 2-3.
The overall head to head record shows Notts County being slight favourites winning 19, Colchester 14 and 7 draws.
Notts County have picked up 15 out of 15 points from the last five meetings in the league.
A tough match to predict but I’ve predicted 1-0 to Notts County.
 
 
Last Match Report - Q/A with Premiership Scout - League Link-Ups  

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Pride of Nottingham

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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