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Chris

View of our upcoming games

By Chris, in News,

In our next three games, Notts will be playing Colchester United at home. They will then be travelling to play Brentford away from home, upon the return the following game is again at Meadow Lane, this time it will be against Port Vale. This will leave us with the final run down of fixtures, only four remaining for the fight of survival. These three fixtures will be what makes the grades for Notts, without good results here then the previous two wins will be for almost nothing. The interesting factors are the two home games, both teams are in poor form and are sides we could get results over. The partnership of Murray and Spencer, especially any goals from Ronan Murray will be vital to our great escape.
Pride of Nottingham's last edition mentioned how I saw our side potentially pick up between 4 and 9 points. Notts managed to pick up 7, we also mentioned how 'great escapes don't always go to plan'. Something which upon reflection seems to be very true, as we have once again placed ourselves back within a good chance of surviving. A lot will go down on these next three games, it is now do or die time.
 
Colchester play with a similar system to us, they're a side which can create chances but often fail to make them count. Although they're struggling now, they did start the season off fairly well.
Jabo Ibehre is their highest goal scorer with 8 goals so far this season, Freddie Sears is not far behind with 7, whilst Marcus Bean is their 3rd highest goal scorer with just 4 goals. Craig Eastmond is their most persistent booked player, he currently stands on 9 yellow cards. Brian Wilson and Marcus Bean share 8 each. Three players share a single red card, these being Sanchez Watt, Magnus Okuongae and Daniel Pappoe.
 
In their last four games, they've picked up a total of 4 points. They narrowly lost by one goal to Crawley Town, against Shrewsbury they managed to win 1-0, a 2-2 draw is all they could muster against Bristol City and they lost 4-2 last Saturday to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Brentford are a very capable League One team, they possess a lot of fire power and on their day they can play some very crisp football.
Clayton Donaldson is their highest goal scorer with 17, Marcello Trotta is their second highest goal scorer with 13 goals to his name. Harlee Dean and George Saville share 8 yellow cards each, whilst Tony Craig and keeper David Button are they only two bee's players to be sent off.
In their last four games, they've picked up a total of 9 points. Their form is very impressive, as to be expected with a side competing for an automatic place. They beat Tranmere Rovers 2-0, overcame the Orient by winning them by 1 goal, they cruised past Coventry City 3 goals to 1 and stumbled to our friends Rotherham United (great result for you BradtheMiller).
Port Vale are surprising me this season, however they're now without former County marksman Lee Hughes. This is great for me, as I wouldn't want to see him score against us! They're a good side on the day, however they often come very in-complacent.
Tom Pope is their highest goal scorer with 15 goals, Jennison Myrie-Williams is their second highest marksman with 9 goals. Carl Dickinson is their most persistent fouler with 13 yellow cards to his name, whilst Chris Lines is on 9. Chris Lines is also the only Vale player to be sent off once.
In their last four games, they've picked up a total of 4 points. They lost 2-0 to Leyton Orient, drew 2-2 to Coventry City, beat Tranmere Rovers 3-2 but received a whipping of their own last Saturday against Bristol City who score 5 goals against them.
I see Notts picking up 4 points, with our current form we might be able to get 6 to 7 points. Stranger things have happened, prior we was sunk and renewed hope keeps our battle going! Could we beat Brentford?
My key game is against Port Vale – this game will help us see if we can or can't survive the drop, however knowing Notts it will leave us setup like a tv cliff hanger. Colchester United are clearly beatable, Brentford will be a tough test but we could get something. Port Vale at home, without Lee Hughes will certainly be more promising and they're a side we could get something from. A win would be fantastic, which should be our aim.
 
COYP!!
Joe Jones
Notts County have met Colchester United a modest 39 times over the years, all league encounters except for one Sherpa Vans Trophy tie in 1988.

Notts hold the marginal upper edge, having won 17 games to Colchester's 14, with 8 draws. All league encounters between the two have never taken place higher than the third tier.

The last encounter, back in December 2013 away at the Colchester Community Stadium, ended in a resounding 4-0 win for the Magpies!
Here's hoping for more this time round 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 United, having played nearly 700 games between 1969 and 1984! Talk about loyalty!
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.
For more facts about Colchester, check out https://twitter.com/colchesterfacts *
Mustapha Dumbuya is expected to be fit but may struggle to replace Curtis Thompson in a Notts side chasing a third consecutive victory and eager to complete The Great Escape.
We will actually climb out of the relegation zone if we win, Shrewsbury fail to win and Carlisle and Tranmere, who play each other at Prenton Park, draw.
Defender Alex Wynter is expected to make his Colchester debut after joining on loan from Crystal Palace.
Sanchez Watt's quad problem is easing but he is unlikely to feature.
 
* May not necessarily be true facts!
Chris

The Match Officials

By Chris, in News,

Saturday the 29th of March, Notts return to action at Meadow Lane against Colchester United. They currently sit 17th, four points off the relegation zone and six points above Notts County. However, we have already beaten Colchester United earlier away from home this season.

Notts come into the game having beaten Crewe 3-1. Colchester lost 4-2 in their last game against Wolves. The Match Officials for Saturdays game against Colchester United will be referee Lee Collins, with his two assistants David Avent and Mark Russell. The fourth official will be Neil Hair.
 
Match Officials
Referee; Lee Collins has taken control of twenty-one games, he's been the referee in two F.A Cup ties and one JPT clash. During these games he's issued a total of 57 yellow cards, whilst he's only sent off a total of three players. He's featured eleven times in League One, nine times in League Two and once in the Championship.
Interesting Fact – Unlike Uncle Colin's claims last Tuesday regarding our last match official, this is spot on. Lee Collins sent off Danny Haynes in our away game against Coventry City. He issued 4 yellows and a single red card, however I personally feel the scissor kick on Greg Tempest not long after deserved the colour red.
 
Assistant Referees; David Avent has been the 1st assistant five times so far this season. He's been the 2nd assistant once and the fourth official three times. The majority of league games come from the Championship, whilst he's featured five times combined in League One and Two.
Mark Russell has featured as the 2nd assistant six times so far, he has been the 1st assistant three times and he currently hasn't featured as the fourth official so far within the 2013/2014 season. Four of these games have taken place in the Championship, a further four more within League One. None have taken place in League Two, however Mark Russell has made an F.A Cup appearance.
Interesting Fact – This one is for Super Ram, both assistants have featured in both home and away ties for Derby County against QPR. On the 10/02/14 David Avent was the 1st assistant in Derby's 1-0 home win over QPR. However Mark Russell featured as the 2nd official on the 02/11/13 in QPR's 2-1 over Derby County.
 
Fourth Official; Neil Hair hasn't yet featured as the fourth official so far this season. He's featured once within the Championship, three times in League One and twice in League Two. Neil Hair has been the referee in four conference games, all of which have been high scoring games - 1-4, 3-2, 5-3 and 3-3.
Interesting Fact – Neil Hair has recently stepped up within the 2013/2014 season, after officiating numerous U21's matches within the highest division at U21's level. In the 3 games Neil's officiated at the U21 level, within this season. He hasn't booked or sent off a single player!
 
Do you have an opinion on the game? - Match Thread
Also, please do leave us a comment below if you have time.
Joe Jones
Oh my days. Can this season get any more topsy-turvy? How many times have we been dead and buried this season? How many times have we turned a corner, only to find ourselves in the quagmire again? The saga continues with today's impressive 3-1 victory away at Crewe Alexandra.

Shaun Derry made one change from the XI that routed Carlisle United on Saturday, replacing Mustapha Dumbuya, who suffered a groin injury on against the Cumbrians, with Curtis Thompson.
Notts were quick off the blocks, Jimmy Spencer firing over with a long-range effort. Gary Liddle also threatened in early on when he got a header on target from an Alan Sheehan free kick.
In the 10th minute, the Magpies drew first blood when Jamal Campbell-Ryce's cross towards the back post was met by the head of Liddle. The ball beat Ben Garratt to give Notts the lead, much to the chagrin of the home crowd.
The away side continued to pile on the pressure in the first half, efforts from Spencer and Jack Grealish causing more panic in the Alex box.
Crewe, to their credit, nearly scored towards the end of the first half when defender Matt Tootle picked out Chuks Aneke, but the on-loan Arsenal youngster's effort flew wide of the mark.
 
After the break, the Railwaymen were determined to pull a goal back, and Uche Ikpeazusaw a dangerous header fly onto the roof of the net in the early stages.
JCR was a constant threat, and nearly doubled his side's lead midway through the second half, were it not for a great stop from Garratt, while at the other end, the ever-impressive Bartosz Bialkowski pulled off an amazing stop from a long range Abdul Osman howitzer.
Just when it seemed that Notts players, staff and fans would run out of self-grown keratin to nervously consume, in went the second goal to send the Magpies faithful into raptures, courtesy of Ronan Murray. Following some more great work from JCR, the 22-year-old Irishman, whose stock is constantly rising, was able to cut inside and fire a shot inside the left-hand post.
Notts made it three with just three minutes to go, and once again it was Murray, who pounced on a long ball and rounded Garratt to net his second of the game.
Crewe did manage a scant consolation in injury time, Mark Ellis's heavily deflected shot, but despite Bart's frustration at having had his clean sheet soiled, the rest of the Notts faithful could shrug it off, for the final whistle went not long after.
So then! Notts are now off the bottom! There is still work to do, because new table-proppers Stevenage have two games in hand, but the relegation battle has been blown wide open - just two points separate the Magpies from safety now.
Well, I've written Notts off several times this season - I'm sure I'm not the only one - but the club continues to defy all logic and form to keep things interesting. Can we do it? Can we stay up?
 
Watch this space.
Joe Jones
Notts County’s head-to-head history with Crewe Alexandra dates back to September 1893, when the Magpies faced the Railwaymen at the Alexandra Recreation Ground. The result was a 2-0 win for Notts.

After several further meetings in the late 1890s, the fixture would experience a hiatus of 63 years; between 1896 and 1959, the two teams didn't play each other.
 
The Alex have been on the receiving end of several thumpings at the hands of the Magpies – in 1894, we beat them 9-1 and 5-1, in 1896 we won 6-0, in 1959 we recorded a 4-1 victory, 1970 brought a 5-1 victory… oh, and we thrashed them 4-0 just five months ago at Meadow Lane!
The origins of the “Alexandra” moniker in the club name aren’t fully known. Whether they took the name from a hotel, patronised by those connected with the railway works and where they held their meetings, or whether it was after Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who married Queen Victoria’s eldest son, later King Edward VII, is open to speculation.
Crewe is synonymous with arguably one of the greatest and most longevous managers in the English game: Dario Gradi. He is the Alex’s very own Sir Alex Ferguson, having managed the club between 1983 and 2011, with the exception of a hiatus between 2007 and 2009 where he nevertheless took the reins on a caretaker basis for a period. He currently manages the Academy. Speaking of which…
Crewe Alexandra’s academy is one of the best and most renowned in the English lower leagues. The Academy is known to stress technical excellence, which accords with the aim to have the first team play attractive, passing football.
Most of the club's achievements in youth development have come from none other than Gradi, and alumni include Geoff Thomas, David Platt, Robbie Savage, Neil Lennon, Steve Jones, Rob Jones, Danny Murphy, Seth Johnson and Dean Ashton and David Vaughan.
Impressively, Crewe’s final fixture of the 2012-13 season, a 2-0 win against Walsall, involved a starting XI made up entirely of Academy players.
In 2013, the club won its first-ever major silverware after beating Southend United 2-0 in the Johnstones Paint Trophy final at Wembley.
 

Crewe are known as the Railwaymen because of the town’s links to the British train network. Crewe station was completed in 1837 and is one of the most historic railway stations in the world. Nowadays, as well as serving the town of Crewe that has grown near it, it still operates as a major junction on the West Coast Main Line (WCML). It also serves as a major station on the WCML and as a major rail gateway for the North West.
The town of Crewe has an interesting roll call of local legends, including rugby player Mark Cueto, professional BMX racer Shanaze Reade, 1990s heartthrob Adam Rickitt (ask a female friend or relative between the ages of 25 and 30), Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle, and Jimmy MacDonald, also known as the voice of Mickey Mouse!
(And if anybody here is or knows a fan of Adam Rickitt, he’s going to be in the Big Reunion 2014. I’m literally jumping for apathy)
Crewe are without suspended midfielder Anthony Grant after his late red card in Saturday's 3-1 win at Gillingham.
Abdul Osman comes in as the Alex, now two points clear of trouble, bid to build on their unbeaten three-game run.
Meanwhile, Shaun Derry seems likely to name the side that started Saturday's 4-1 win over Carlisle.
Dean Leacock was among the substitutes against the Cumbrians after a thigh injury but may have to wait for his recall.
Chris

The Match Officials

By Chris, in News,

Tuesday the 25th of March, Notts will make their way to Gresty Road to play Crewe Alexandra. They currently sit 19th, one above Tranmere and two above Carlisle. They're two points off the Carlisle and only 1 between Tranmere. However, we beat Crewe Alexandra 4-0 at home earlier in the season.

Notts come into the game having beaten Carlisle United 4-1. Crewe enjoyed a 3-1 victory over Gillingham. The Match Officials for Tuesdays game against Tranmere Rovers will be referee Sebastian Stockbridge, with his two assistants Amy Fearn and Ken Haycock. The fourth official will be Alan Clayton.
 
Match Officials
Referee; Sebastian Stockbridge has taken control of eighteen games, he's been the referee in two F.A Cup ties and one JPT clash. During these games he's issued a total of 72 yellow cards, whilst he's sent off a total of six players. He's featured eight times in League One, nine times in League Two and once in the Championship.
Interesting Fact – Sebastian Stockbridge was the match official in our home game against Tranmere Rovers which ended 2-0 to us. He issued 4 yellow cards in that game, two a piece to each team. Leacock and Labadie were the players of ours to be cautioned.
 
Assistant Referees; Amy Fearn has been the 1st assistant once so far this season. She's been the 2nd assistant twice and the fourth official once. The majority of league games come from League One, whilst she's featured five times in the conference division(s) as a referee.
Ken Haycock has featured as the 2nd assistant once so far, he has been the 1st assistant six times and the fourth official twice. Six of these games have taken place in League Two, whilst he's only featured so far once in League One. Two games however fall within the Championship, one as the 1st assistant and the other as the fourth official.
Interesting Fact – In November 2006, Amy officiated games under her maiden name which was Raynor. After a Non League game, Mike Newell made controversial comments about Rayner by saying "It is bad enough with the incapable referees and linesmen we have but if you start bringing in women, you have big problems". Mike Newell was fined £6,500 and warned by Luton Town. On a more positive note, Amy became the first female referee within the Football League back in 2010.
 
Fourth Official; Alan Clayton has been the fourth official three times so far this season. He's featured four times within the Championship, three times in League One and twice in League Two. Alan Clayton has featured equally within three match official roles - 1st official 3 times, 2nd official 3 times and the fourth official 3 times.
Interesting Fact – Alan Clayton has officiated four games which have ended in being a draw, two games ending with home wins and three games with an away win. Hopefully after the 25th, it will be four away wins.
 
Do you have an opinion on the game? - Match Thread
Also, please do leave us a comment below if you have time.
Joe Jones
22nd March 2014. Mark the date. Today was quite possibly one of the best single match days for all Notts fans.

Derby County's 5-0 demolition of the Red Dogs, aside from being an amazing example of schadenfreude over the arrogant neighbours, must have spurred on the Notts players, because they then went out and played like a side chasing promotion, not on the verge of relegation, as they thrashed Carlisle United 4-1 and gave themselves a tiny, infinitesimal glimmer of hope.
The match started in a scrappy manner, with the visitors having the game's first chances, courtesy of Brad Potts and Sam Byrne.
On the quarter-hour mark, good play by Jimmy Spencer led to the youngster setting up Jamal Campbell-Ryce, the winger's subsequent cross nearly finding Jack Grealish at the back post.
Carlisle nearly scored in the 21st minute when they broke quickly following an Alan Sheehan free kick, but the offside flag came up, while on the half-hour mark, Bartosz Bialkowski had to be at his best to thwart Lee Miller.
Just a few minutes later, the under-pressure Magpies took the lead thanks to Haydn Hollis, his header sending the Notts fans into raptures.
The offside flag rescued the home side once again after another chance by Miller, before Notts then doubled their lead to the delight of the Meadow Lane faithful.
The brilliant Spencer held the ball up brilliantly before playing it to Gary Liddle, who then sent a low cross Ronan Murray's way for him to tap home.
 
Caution was the order of the day for everyone involved with Notts, who have let this kind of lead slip one too many times this season, and the home side was nearly beaten from a David Amoo chance.
Just after the restart, Hollis, who had only scored his first ever goal for the Magpies earlier on in the game, only went and doubled his personal career tally with an incredible header to put his side 3-0 up.
The youngster, surely gunning for a hat-trick, then showed his great defensive credentials by clearing the ball when under pressure from David Symington.
James Berrett then pulled a goal back for Carlisle just before the hour, his long-range shot bouncing off the post and beating Bart.
However, the Cumbrians weren't about to embark on an amazing final 30 minutes and score a further three goals to break Notts hearts, not this time.
The fantastic Liddle, whose presence has been sorely missed this season, scored arguably one of the greatest goals Meadow Lane has seen in recent years with an outstanding overhead kick past Jordan Pickford in the 70th minute. Take a bow, son.
With Carlisle completely deflated, Notts were able to register several more chances, but the game would end 4-1.
In the grand scheme of things, we have to remember that we are still bottom of League One, five points from safety. Things are still not looking rosy, we still have to keep plugging and repeating performances like today's if we're to survive this horrendous quagmire.
But whatever happens, enjoy today, fellow Notts fans. This weekend, Nottingham belongs to the Magpies.
Joe Jones
Carlisle United and Notts County have met on just 27 occasions since their first clash back in October 1959, a Fourth Division clash that was won by the Cumbrians 2-0. Out of those, the Magpies have won 15 and lost 9, with just 3 draws.

Carlisle United is one of the northernmost clubs in the Football League, just 10 miles from the Scottish border, and one that’s normally mentioned among the most difficult away days – talk of “Carlisle away” is one for the most hardcore fans, especially in midweek.
(Newcastle United are further north than Carlisle, however)
The Cumbrians have spent a season in the top flight, back in 1974-75, and recorded a double over Everton, as well as home victories over eventual champions Derby County, former titleholders Ipswich Town, Arsenal, Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers. They were sadly relegated at the end of the season though.
Carlisle is the smallest location, by population, to have had a resident top-flight English football club since 1906. Prior to this, Accrington FC, Darwen, Grimsby Town & Glossop North End were smaller.
Despite their small stature, the club has experience moderate success with regards to silverware – they have won a Third Division title back in 1965, two Fourth Division championships in 1995 and 2006, and two Football League Trophies, back in 1997 and 2011. They have also
Carlisle are famous for one of the most dramatic Great Escape scenarios in all of English football, when on-loan goalkeeper Jimmy Glass scored in the last 10 seconds of their final game of the 1998-99 season against Plymouth Argyle to keep the Cumbrians in the Football League at the expense of Scarborough.
 
Notts County have new loan signing Josh Vela available but are again without centre-half and captain Dean Leacock.
Leacock suffered a thigh injury in the defeat against MK Dons earlier this month and is still not fit, so Haydn Hollis is likely to keep his place.
Sean O'Hanlon is back in training for Carlisle United, but boss Graham Kavanagh is cautious about the defender's chances.
Pascal Chimbonda is unlikely to be fit, while Liam Noble is out for the season.
Chris

The Match Officials

By Chris, in News,

Saturday the 22nd of March, Notts will be defending all the points at Meadow Lane, as we welcome Carlisle United. They currently sit 20th, one position above the relegation zone. However, they're seven points above us and one above Stevenage who sit on the 21st position. This game will literally be do or die.

Notts come into the game having lost to Tranmere Rovers 3-2. The Match Officials for Saturdays game against Carlisle United will be referee Graham Scott, with his two assistants Joe Clark and Richard Wigglesworth. The fourth official will be Nigel Smith.

Match Officials

Referee; Graham Scott has taken control of twenty-two games, he's been the referee in two F.A Cup ties, one Capital One Cup game and one JPT clash. During these games he's issued a total of 87 yellow cards, whilst he's sent off a total of ten players. He's featured seven times in League One, three times in League Two and twelve times in the Championship.

Interesting Fact – Here's something different. In the seven games Graham Scott has officiated in League One, the only home team to win is Wolverhampton Wanderers. They beat our friends Tranmere Rovers 2-0. Whilst 4 games have all ended up as 0-1 wins for the away team, the two other games resulted in 1-1 draws. Hopefully we can break this pattern!

Assistant Referees; Joe Clark has been the 1st assistant seven times so far this season. He hasn't featured as the 2nd assistant in the football league and he's been the fourth official three times. The majority of games equally come from League One and Two at 5 a piece, whilst he hasn't featured at all within the Championship.

Richard Wigglesworth has featured as the 2nd assistant four times, he's been the referee five times within the conference and the fourth official once in League Two. The majority of games have been as the match official within the Conference, whilst two each come from League One and Two.

Interesting Fact – This is not the English rugby union star or a children's entertainer (which with the last name you'd expect as a fictional character to please children). Who infamously sent off Marcus Maddison, in a game Lee Hughes scored from the penalty spot.

Fourth Official; Nigel Smith has been the fourth official three times so far this season. He's featured five times within the Championship, three times in League One and twice in League Two. Nigel Smith has featured more times as a 2nd assistant than any other match official role.

Interesting Fact – He featured as the fourth official in our 1-1 draw against Bristol City, so some blame for the unpunished challenges on two of our players – more importantly the crucial injury to Gary Liddle falls on Nigel Smith's shoulders as he should have seen it!

Do you have an opinion on the game? - Match Thread
Also, please do leave us a comment below if you have time.
Joe Jones
Another game, another defeat, another nail in the League One coffin. Today's result, a 3-2 defeat away at Tranmere Rovers, means that Notts County remain rock bottom of the table, seven points from safety, and worse still, we have lost eight of the last ten games. Staving off relegation will truly be a miracle at this stage of the season.

Shaun Derry lined the Magpies up in a 4-4-2 formation, shuffling things around across the board. Ronan Murray lined up on the left wing, with Jimmy Spencer and Nathan Tyson the two frontmen.
Tranmere came out all guns blazing at the start of the game, winning four corner kicks in the space of two and a half minutes, but were unable to fashion anything from these set pieces.
In the 10th minute, James Wallace headed wide a fourth corner from Jason Koumas, and just a minute later, Jake Cassidy fired a shot straight at Bartosz Bialkowski.
Notts soon took the lead through Murray, as the away side’s first corner wasn’t cleared properly, and the ball fell to the young Irishman who made no mistake with an emphatic strike.
The lead lasted for just over 10 minutes, because Notts soon encountered defensive problems of their own, failing to clear a ball that fell to Koumas. The former Cardiff City and West Bromwich Albion attacking midfielder duly struck a powerful shot straight into the corner to level proceedings.
Just a few minutes later, the game was turned upside down when the home side made the most of some more haphazard defending to take the lead. Ryan Lowe was allowed too much space following a straightforward cross, and the Birkenhead club’s top scorer this season didn’t need to be asked twice, smashing the ball home.
More drama ensued when Gary Liddle was fouled in the Tranmere box, the outcome of which was a penalty to Notts. Alan Sheehan, previously flawless from the spot, lined up to take the shot, but this time, there was to be no luck of the Irish as he saw his shot saved by the feet of Owain Fon Williams.
Midway through the first half, Murray came close, but once again Fon Williams made a great save, with Jimmy Spencer failing to convert the rebound, while just three minutes later, a desperate scramble in the Notts box saw Murray hack the ball off the line following an Ash Taylor header.
The first half ended with Tranmere in the lead. The second half kicked off with some sterling work from Jamal Campbell-Ryce, who played in two great crosses just after the restart, which sadly lacked a finishing touch.
 
Just after the hour, Notts won a free kick near the box, which Sheehan nominated to take. He more than made amends for his earlier penalty miss, because from nearly 30 yards out, he lashed in a simply sensational strike which smashed into the net to pull the score back to 2-2.
After the game’s fourth goal, the match opened up immensely, and both teams registered numerous chances in the ensuing stages of the half, a flurry of end-to-end action.
In the 32nd minute of the second half, Max Power, who had come on for injured Tranmere skipper James Wallace, unleashed a dangerous shot that stung Bart’s palms, but the ensuing corner was headed wide.
Just a few minutes later, Fon Williams spilled a routine JCR cross, but Murray couldn’t make the most of the ensuing opportunity.
Disaster then struck in the 84th minute as Steve Jennings tried an ambitious shot from distance. It was struck perfectly, flying into the back of the net and sending the home fans into raptures. 3-2 with just six minutes to go.
Notts tried desperately to get something back from the game, but it proved too little too late.
Joe Jones
Notts County’s history with Tranmere Rovers goes back 81 years, the first clash between the two coming in January 1933. Playing at Prenton Park – their ground since 1912 – the Birkenhead-based outfit defeated the Magpies 2-1 in the FA Cup.

There haven’t been many games between the two over the years – just 43 fixtures overall. The head-to-head is perfectly poised with both sides having won 17 games each, with nine draws. So tomorrow’s not just worth three points –it’s for the overall head-to-head!
 
Our form against Tranmere this millennium is not bad – three wins, three defeats and two draws. We beat them back in September 2-0 so hopefully it bodes well for tomorrow.
Our most significant game against Tranmere is undoubtedly the Third Division Playoff Final between us and them at Wembley 24 years ago. Goals from Tommy Johnson and Craig Short saw the Magpies clinch promotion to the second tier through the playoffs on the 27th May 1990, the first of two consecutive promotions.
 
Tranmere reached the League Cup final back in 2000, where they lost against Leicester City. This was the last League Cup to be played at the old Wembley ground.
One of the greatest English players of all time, Dixie Dean, made his debut for Tranmere aged 16 years 355 days back in 1924. He went on to play for rivals Everton and scored 60 goals in the 1927-28 season, a record that still stands to this day (he also played for Notts County, don’t you know!).
 
Legendary BBC commentator David Dimbleby is a Tranmere Rovers supporter. Meanwhile, during a gig in 2013, The Cult's lead singer Ian Astbury announced on stage he was a Tranmere Rovers FC supporter at the O2 Academy in Liverpool.
It has also been common knowledge among Rovers fans that singer Elvis Costello has also proclaimed to be a fan.
Birkenhead Park is acknowledged to be the first publicly funded park in Britain.
Tranmere Rovers have failed to win any of their last three games and slipped into the relegation zone in midweek. However, caretaker manager John McMahon will select from the same squad that lost 2-0 at Brentford on Tuesday.
 
Notts County are without injured captain Dean Leacock, and midfielder Gary Liddle is a doubt after picking up a knock in the midweek loss to Milton Keynes Dons.
Midfielder Andre Boucaud is unavailable for ‘personal reasons’, but striker Jimmy Spencer returns after suspension.
sadlad

PoN's February Round Up!

By sadlad, in News,

Notts County endured a disappointing February with 0-2 defeats at Preston and Wolves and a 2-3 reverse at Shrewsbury but did chalk up a 3-0 home success over Coventry City. Shrewsbury only had that win V. Notts County to shout about with a draw and two defeats to complete their month. Crewe excelled themselves with two wins which were against Sheffield United (3-0) and at Port Vale (3-1). Meanwhile Stevenage and Tranmere had similar months with both teams chalking up two wins apiece. Carlisle suffered three 1-2 defeats but managed to take three points of Bradford City and Coventry. Oldham recorded two wins and a draw but were defeated twice and Bradford City has a mixed bag by winning two, drawing two and lost two.
 
Crawley only played two games all month which were both away due to games being postponed on their own pitch but were unbeaten with a win at Walsall and a draw at Swindon. Colchester had a quite terrible month with just one point and one goal scored in their five games.
There was two wins in the month for Gillingham as was the case for Bradford City. Coventry had a bad February with just one win to show for their efforts however it was a different story for ever-improving Sheffield United with four wins from five which rightfully earned Nigel Clough the manager of the month award.
Port Vale suffered a disappointing February with just a single win. Walsall played just three games which resulted in two defeats and a draw at Peterborough.
Swindon could only muster a single victory from their five games and it was a mixed bag for MK Dons whilst Peterborough won two of their three games.
Rotherham's fine form continued with three wins and a draw and Preston's three wins and three draws cemented their play off dream would continue.
Brentford only played three games and only won the once whilst Leyton Orient stuttered a little but still secured two more wins. Wolves won their three games with out conceding a goal and look good bets for an automatic place.
Chris

The Match Officials

By Chris, in News,

Saturday the 15th of March, Notts will make their way to Prenton Park to play Tranmere Rovers. They currently sit 21st, one position inside of the relegation zone. However, they share the same amount of points as Stevenage FC. This encounter will perhaps be a typical relegation class, with Notts desperately needing the points.

Notts come into the game having drawn to Leyton Orient, however they lost 3-1 to MK Dons. The Match Officials for Saturdays game against Tranmere Rovers will be referee Keith Stroud, with his two assistants Paul Graham and Scott Oldham. The fourth official will be Nicholas Gibbons.
 
Match Officials
 
Referee; Keith Stroud has taken control of twenty-three games, he's been the referee in three F.A Cup ties, three Capital One Cup games and one JPT clash. During these games he's issued a total of 135 yellow cards, whilst he's sent off a total of seven players. He's featured six times in League One, five times in League Two and twelve times in the Championship.
Interesting Fact – Keith Stroud is the man who officiated our opening game against Sheffield United, it finished 2-1 and Gary Liddle saw straight red. This was all shown live on sky, whilst 17,944 fans packed into Bramall Lane.
 
Assistant Referees; Paul Graham has been the 1st assistant ten times so far this season. He's been the 2nd assistant eight times and the fourth official fourteen times. The majority of games come from the Championship, whilst he has featured thirteen times in League One and eleven times in League Two.
Scott Oldham hasn't featured as the 2nd assistant so far, he has however featured as the fourth official three times. These games are a mix of games throughout the English leagues and he has featured as a lower league referee in a number of games.
Interesting Fact – Paul Graham's featured in quite a few high profile Midland games – Notably (especially for Super Ram) is Derby's 5-1 victory of Blackpool. He was also the fourth official at our away game against Shrewsbury Town that ended 1-0 in the favour of the Shrews.
 
Fourth Official; Nicholas Gibbons has been the fourth official four times so far this season. He's featured twice within the Championship, six times in League One and twice in League Two. Nicholas Gibbons has featured more times as a 1st assistant than as a fourth official but the majority does fall within League One.
Interesting Fact – He featured as the 1st assistant in my very first away game, which was our 2-1 defeat away from home (under Keith Curle) against Hartlepool United. This was on the 02/02/2013, a game I apologise for bringing up.
 
Do you have an opinion on the game? - Match Thread
Also, please do leave us a comment below if you have time.
Joe Jones
So close, yet so far, and ultimately so futile.

Notts County were stunned in the first two minutes, destroyed by the hour mark, gave themselves a glimmer of hope in the final quarter of the game, then saw their gamble of committing every man to the final third backfire with a last-minute concession.

Ultimately, the Magpies fell to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Milton Keynes Dons, a loss which now surely renders the chasm between ourselves and safely insurmountable.
Shaun Derry was buoyed by the news that his previously injured trio of Gary Liddle, Dean Leacock and Mustapha Dumbuya, who played against Leyton Orient on Saturday, were all fit for tonight’s clash.
 
The Magpies were quick off the starting blocks, and saw two great chances in the first 90 seconds as Callum McGregor struck with a powerful long-range effort and forced a corner. Immediately after, Hayden Mullins saw his great volley cannon off against the bar.
Before the home fans could get too excited, the perennial sucker-punch came a matter of seconds later. Dele Alli, the England U18 striker, was given too much room at the back, and was able to simply slot the ball past Bartosz Bialkowski for the first goal of the game.
With five minutes on the clock, Izale McLeod came close to doubling the Dons’ lead, but this time Bart was able to get a touch on the ball.
On-loan striker Nathan Tyson tried his luck after a great through-ball by Mullins, but the former Nottingham Forest man fired wide from 20 yards. This was then followed by another two attempts from McLeod for the opposition.
The first half was a frantic affair for both teams, but the Dons had the finer chances, thanks to efforts by Alli, Antony Kay and Daniel Powell, and were it not for Bart’s heroics, the Magpies could have easily been several goals down by the break.
One-time Manchester United and England player Alan Smith was also guilty of a dreadful tackle on Liddle midway through the first half, who let’s not forget has only just come back from a lengthy lay-off, but the frontman, who now plies his trade for the League One outfit, received just a yellow card.
The Magpies’ resistance came crumbling down in the 55th minute, when the young Alli, once again gifted the opportunity, was able to pretty much pass the ball into the net.
Eventually, Notts had a reprieve when Jordan Spence handled the ball inside the Dons box, and Alan Sheehan, ever reliable from the penalty spot, struck a shot into the bottom right corner to put his side within a goal of the opposition.
And so it came to injury time, and the Dons conceded a corner. Notts had no choice but to pile all their men, including Bart, forward, but as it is with this final throw of the dice, it can sometimes backfire, and sadly, with the Magpies backline exposed, the away side were able to break and score a third, once again courtesy of Alli.
I hate to say it, but based on our form and how much distance there now is between us – at the bottom – and safety, I think that we’re going to be playing in League Two next season. Despite being a not overwhelming five points behind, three of the teams immediately above us have a game in hand. Carlisle have two. And crucially, our form is atrocious - we have lost seven of our last ten games.
I would love, nay adore, to be proved wrong come May, but now it really is time to be realistic.
Joe Jones
If we take into account that the Milton Keynes Dons began their history in 2004, then Notts County have faced the club just 11 times. The first fixture took place in 2006, which was won by the Dons 3-2.

Its predecessor, Wimbledon, was around for over 110 years, but nonetheless, Notts have only played six games against them.

A depressing statistic: out of 17 games between the Magpies and both Dons incarnations, we’ve only won once.
 
The Buckinghamshire-based outfit has been the subject of much controversy since its former incarnation, Wimbledon, moved from London to Milton Keynes, discarded its previous history and became the Milton Keynes Dons. Many feel aggrieved that such a move should have taken place.
Just two former Wimbledon players are currently plying their trade for the new club: captain Dean Lewington, and goalkeeper David Martin.
The town of Milton Keynes has only been around since 1967, and is comically known for its statues of concrete cows and many, many roundabouts (300, or if you count painted bumps, over 1000!).
 
Notts County manager Shaun Derry is expected to name an unchanged team after his starting line-up impressed during the goalless home draw with Leyton Orient, which means that the trio of Gary Liddle. Dean Leacock and Mustapha Dumbuya would retain their places after returning from long-term injuries.
James Spencer will complete a three-match suspension but Derry has the likes of Tyrell Waite, Ronan Murray, Mark Fotheringham and Haydn Hollis to call on should he want to make any changes.
 
MK Dons do not expect to have any new problems for the clash. Jordan Spence received treatment for an ankle injury for around five minutes during the second half of their victory over Swindon on Saturday, but the defender completed the game at the County Ground and should be fit for tomorrow.
Larnell Cole's withdrawal at half time against the Robins was thought to be tactical and the midfielder should also be in the squad.
Mark Randall may be an addition to the away team tomorrow. The former Arsenal youngster has been training with the Dons and has agreed a deal with his hometown club until the end of the season.

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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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