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Joe Jones
In an exciting match in which both competitors gave good accounts of themselves and played positive attacking football, the ultimate match objective of three points was claimed by Shrewsbury, as they managed to pierce the Notts defence just the once, enough to claim the 1-0 win and leave the beleaguered Magpies with a risible ten points from seventeen league games. Shaun Derry opted for the following players in the starting eleven:

Bartosz Bialkowski, Alan Sheehan, captain Gary Liddle, Manny Smith, Kieron Freeman, Callum McGregor, Joss Labadie, Andre Boucaud, Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Danny Haynes, and Marcus Haber.

Meanwhile, the subs' bench consisted of Fab Speiss, Haydn Hollis, Greg Tempest, Ronan Murray, David Bell, Jack Grealish, and Enoch Showunmi.

Notable are the absences of Dean Leacock and Yoann Arquin. Mark Fotheringham however was suspended, the journeyman incurring his fifth yellow card of the season against Wolves, triggering a one-match ban.

The first few minutes saw Freeman carry out some great defensive work to thwart the attacking Shrewsbury players, while Haber, assisted by Liddle, fired a powerful shot, which was well saved by Shrews keeper Chris Weale.

On 13 minutes, centurion Sheehan, on his 100th Notts appearance, swung in a dangerous corner, which was cleared by Parry, while JCR fired over just a few minutes later. Plenty of clearances from both sides meant the first quarter of an hour saw very few shots on goal.

Things would pick up soon after, as Liddle headed another Sheehan corner into the net for a goal… until the referee disallowed it for a suspected push in the box.

Around half an hour in, a Boucaud tackle from Aaron Wildig led to the Shrews midfielder picking up an injury and having to be substituted. His replacement, Preston loanee Nicky Wroe, powered a shot towards the Notts goal not long after coming on, but Bart saved.

More attempts against the Notts keeper came as Adam Reach forced him into a save, before a corner kick fell to Gozie Ugwu, who smashed the ball against the crossbar.

The half would however end with Notts on the ascendancy, as Smith headed wide in injury time before, as the last action of the half, Haynes’ header was deflected off the Shrews line.

The second half began in energetic fashion, with JCR playing a great ball towards Haber, who fired wide. The pendulum would swing back and forth for a period as Ugwu marauded forward with intent, but he wasn’t able to find anyone with his ball, before JCR had a shot of his own at the other end.

Notts were let off as a Shrews corner, just a minute later, was headed towards goal by Darren Jones, whistling just wide. Ugwu had the potential to cause damage shortly afterwards, with a powerful drive, but fired over.

Approaching the hour mark, McAlinden was next to attempt a shot, but Bart gathered successfully, before a Paul Parry drive was stopped by Bart, being called into action more often than he should be. Ugwu attempted a cheeky back-heel into the net, but this was cleared.

Just a minute later, it was onto the other end of the pitch as Notts then plugged away, with JCR and McGregor making nuisances of themselves.

The former then proceeded to beat his marker on 66 and fire through a crowd of players, Weale again saving.

Eventually, the deadlock was broken, a given after all those chances from both sides, but sadly for Notts fans, it was the home side that took the lead. Disappointing because Notts had been on the up, but Adam Reach fired low after Ugwu's header landed towards him.

For a while, it was all Shrewsbury, McAlinden, Ugwu, and Joe Jacobson taking turns tormenting Notts’ back line, but Notts fought back and surprisingly were not able to score, given the calibre of some of their chances. Substitute Jack Grealish was all set to tap the ball home after it fell to him, but somehow, it didn’t go in.

Leading up to full time, Greg Tempest, another sub, had a chance from a cleared JCR shot, but once against the Shrews defence was steadfast.

Injury time saw Notts throw the proverbial kitchen sink at the home side, with Sheehan, Boucaud and third sub Enoch Showunmi all trying desperately to get that cursed equalising goal.

However, this wasn't to be. The Shrews couldn't be tamed, and in an exciting match where much will be said of Notts’ play, it’s a mortifyingly familiar story as once again we leave a football pitch, Meadow Lane or elsewhere, with nothing to show for our efforts, nul points.
Joe Jones
In anticipation of tomorrow's game against 17th placed Shrewsbury Town away at Greenhous Meadow, here are some facts, trivia and statistics regarding the opposition, the fixture and who is expected to be playing for each team. These two teams have met quite regularly over the years – since 1961, the first fixture between the two, they've faced off 43 times. The Shrews hold the ever so slight upper edge, with 14 wins and 16 draws, while Notts have won 13 games.

Since 2005, Notts have played Shrewsbury every season bar 2010/11 and 2011/12. The longest period between meetings is eight years, between 21st December 1963 and 11th September 1971.

The Shrewsbury v Notts game on the 17th April 1990 is believed to have been the genesis of the renowned “I Had A Wheelbarrow” chant. Shrewsbury were winning 2-0 and began singing a traditional American folk song, On Top Of Old Smoky, in celebration. This was sung in such a strong West Country accent that the Notts fans began singing back jokingly what they believed it sounded like, which was “I had a wheelbarrow, the wheel fell off”. Notts then pulled two goals back in the last ten minutes, and as such the chant was seen as a source of good luck, being sung by Notts fans ever since.

Until 1995, some English teams from cities not far from the Welsh border could play in the Welsh Cup, but winners would have to concede the subsequent European Cup Winners’ Cup place to the best-placed Welsh side as per league and European rules. As a result, Shrewsbury have a rather healthy trophy cabinet, having won the competition six times - 1985 was their last trophy victory - and finishing as runners-up thrice, making them the most successful non-Welsh side ever to compete in the Welsh cup!

Shrewsbury are known for one of the greatest giant killings of all time, as they defeated Premier League Everton in the FA Cup in January 2003. The Shropshire side, in Division 3 and free-falling towards relegation out of the Football League, beat the top tier side 2-1, no small feat against a team who, just a few months prior, broke a rampant Arsenal’s 30 game unbeaten run, courtesy of a young 16-year old prodigy by the name of Wayne Rooney.

Shrewsbury have scored 16 goals all season – a goal a game on average – while conceding 19. Their top scorer, Tom Bradshaw, has 5 goals to his name, followed by Liam McAlinden with 3. Other players, such as Joe Jacobson, Jon Taylor, and Aaron Wildig are capable of scoring, having each netted twice this season, so Notts need to be alert all across the field.

Aaron Wildig is also their midfield hard man, but frankly he isn't a patch on our Joss Labadie – 13 fouls to Labadie’s 61!

Jon Taylor, a potential threat, won’t be playing – he’s suffering from a knee injury. For Notts, meanwhile, Mark Fotheringham is suspended for this match following his fifth booking of the season against Wolves, but Danny Haynes and Dean Leacock are back following their suspensions.
Chris

Wolves - Action Shots

By Chris, in Media,

Yesterday Notts battled bravely against Wolves who are no doubt one of the main contenders for promotion, if not the strongest team in League One. The game saw chances created by Notts, whilst both teams tried to entertain their respective fans. The final result - a narrow one, nil win to Wolves but all in all something very positive considering the lack of depth within the Notts squad. Beata Papierz-Zynda, part of B&O Press photo have kindly granted us permission to use these action shots she took at yesterday game. Please take time to look around our site... You Pies!
Mobile Users please visit | Gallery.

Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Oskar Papierz for allowing us use of his images, we wish him all the best his photography. Here's his Facebook page and Website.
Joe Jones
Bad news and good news about today's home game against the division's strongest side, Wolverhampton Wanderers. We lost today, which does not help with regards to our position in the table, but the level of performance today was much better than in previous games, as we prevented Wolves from playing particularly well, losing only by one goal (and a slip up at that). A very encouraging performance, it is hoped that this is a sign that Shaun Derry is slowly growing into his role and will oversee a turnaround at Meadow Lane.

Hampered by international call-ups, today's team saw Alan Sheehan, Manny Smith, Gary Liddle and returning old boy Kieron Freeman in defence, Callum McGregor, Joss Labadie, Mark Fotheringham and Jamal Campbell-Ryce in midfield, and Ronan Murray partner Marcus Haber in attack. 4-4-2 was the formation, with ever reliable Bartosz Bialkowski in goal.

Wolves, who has managed to hang on to ten players from the 2011/12 Premiership season, started the brighter side, as Jake Cassidy and Bakary Sako had the first concrete chances of the game, even though Notts got a corner as early as the 3rd minute.

The first Notts chance came courtesy of McGregor, who was on the pitch despite playing for Scotland U21's earlier in the week. His right-footed shot from outside the box was blocked.

On 19, Smith got two chances, one after the other, as his header bounced off a crowd of players, while his follow-up shot was deflected by Richard Stearman.

Danny Batth committed a foul worthy of a red card as he upended McGregor on 22, but to the crowd's amazement, he was only booked.

Five minutes later, Jake Cassidy unleashed a powerful drive from outside the box, but this was saved by Bart down to his left as the ball dangerously curled away from him.

Another dangerous Wolves tackle came courtesy of David Davis, his lunge striking Liddle. Comically, the away player hurt himself in the process, receiving a booking for his misdemeanour.

Towards the end of the first half, Bart showed why is so valued with a brilliant diving save to thwart a James Henry shot destined for the top-left corner.

The second half saw JCR get a shot from outside the box on 48, but this missed, swerving to the right of the goal. Meanwhile, Sheehan was responsible for a great block to thwart Sako on 56.

McGregor, always with an eye for goal, had two good attempts on 62 and 64, but the Wolves defenders were able to block both of these.

Tackles (and indeed cards) were also flying, as the young Scot, plus Fotheringham and Freeman, all received yellows during the course of the second half.

Sadly, Notts' great rearguard action was finally thwarted on 76 as Ethan Ebanks-Landell made the most of a Notts slip up to score, after Henry's delivery was not dealt with by the defence.

Despite this, Notts were determined not to go down without a fight, kept pushing forward and tried desperately to net an equaliser. McGregor came agonisingly close in the final ten minutes, but sadly, Wolves were impenetrable, and thus the match finished 1-0.
Joe Jones
Wolves have played Notts twice since the turn of the century: On 21st September 2010 in the Carling Cup, where Wolves won 4-2, and again just over a month ago, 8th Oct 2013, in the Johnston's Paint Trophy, where Notts won on penalties after a 0-0 draw. This however will be the first visit of Wolves to Meadow Lane this century. Prior to the 2010 clash, you have to go back all the way to 1994 for the last encounter between these two: a 1-0 defeat in Division 1 (second tier).

That's nothing, however. The longest period of time between Notts and Wolves facing off is from January 1935 to November 1976 - a huge 41 years! To put that into perspective, Elvis Presley was four days old at the time of the 1935 fixture, while the 1976 fixture was just nine months before his untimely passing.

A warning to Notts: Wolves retain an impressive TEN players who played a part in their ill-fated Premiership campaign of 2011/12.

They are:

Wayne Hennessey
Carl Ikeme
Richard Stearman
Matt Doherty
George Elokobi
David Davis
Anthony Forde
Jamie O'Hara
Kevin Doyle
Kevin Foley

Wolves boast three top flight titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups, in addition to four Charity/Community Shields. That places them on a par with Newcastle United (13) and just under Manchester City (15) in terms of total trophies won in their history.

Many key players will be missing from both sides due to injuries, suspensions and international call ups. Dean Leacock, Danny Haynes, Mustapha Dumbuya, Jack Grealish, Greg Tempest and Andre Boucaud are unavailable. Callum McGregor may feature.

Wolves, meanwhile, will be missing Sam Ricketts, Kevin Doyle, Matt Doherty, Anthony Forde, Aaron McCarey and Wayne Hennessey.

Notts' disciplinary record has not been good this season: four red cards and 39 yellow cards in all competitions. It makes Wolves' 30 yellow cards (no reds) look positively tame.

Shaun Derry needs to fix the back line problem as soon as possible: Leigh Griffiths, Bakary Sako and James Henry, who should all be available, have NINETEEN goals between them this season in all competitions. They will be coming up against a backline which has shipped ELEVEN in the last three.
Joe Jones
On an evening that began promising so much, it all crumbled to bits and finished with Notts County having to be put out of their misery. Humiliated, insulted and injured. Oldham Athletic, a team which hasn't exactly been setting the League alight, ended up playing us off the park in tonight's Johnston's Paint Trophy quarter-final and smashed five goals past us, all but annulling what should have been a joyous occasion for Ronan Murray, who bagged his second in two games.

Shaun Derry's second game in charge saw Fabian Speiss resume JPT duties in goal after his stellar display against Wolves in the previous round, while Manny Smith began at centre-back and young Murray was slotted into attack.

The game started with Oldham on the front foot, Danny Philliskirk getting two shots in the first ten minutes, the first a curler which hit the post, the second going wide. Meanwhile, Jonson Clarke-Harris fired another shot towards Speiss, which was deflected courtesy of a great one-handed save.

The signs were there for a Notts attack, though, with a Gary Liddle attempt early on, which was blocked, and a Sheehan free kick claimed by Paul Rachubka.

Then came the breakthrough, as young Murray beat his marker and latched on to a pass from Joss Labadie before driving it under and past Rachubka for the first goal of the match. Thirteen minutes gone and it was 1-0 Notts.

It really should have been 2-0 but for the unmarked Liddle's missed header from up close. Labadie was next to threaten the goal but his low shot from 25 yards was caught. This after the Notts front pack had been causing trouble in the Oldham area.

Sadly, this was to be the last time Notts would be in the lead this game, as James Tarkowski made up for his earlier lapse by finishing a move started by Korey Smith's cross on the half hour mark.

Arquin did very nearly surprise the home team and crowd with a long range volley, but sadly it dipped too soon and was saved. However, the same player was responsible for a rash tackle in the Notts box that led to a penalty kick being awarded to Oldham, which Philliskirk made absolutely sure to convert.

And so, Notts would go back into the dressing rooms 2-1 down.

Things were to get much, much worse, however. First came the red card for Dean Leacock for an off-the-ball incident with Clarke-Harris.

The same player then fell in the Notts box under pressure from Manny Smith, but despite a rabid home crowd baying for Magpie blood, the referee denied Oldham the opportunity of a second penalty.

James Dayton then scored goal number three after being played into space on 67 minutes and slotting the ball past Speiss.

If that wasn't game over, then Philliskirk made sure it would definitely be with goal number four, as he controlled a low cross into the penalty area from the right-hand side and fired a shot past the shellshocked Speiss into the top-left corner of the goal.

Jordan Bove's horrendous tackle on Notts old boy turned debutant Kieron Freeman - who's played for each of the big three Nottinghamshire clubs plus Derby County, and is only 22 years old - resulted in the home player being sent off, restoring the balance from a numerical perspective.

However, there was no balance when it came to the quality of football and, crucially, the scoreline, particularly when goal number five came, the lone siege repeller Speiss doing well to block Philliskirk's shot but unable to do anything about Clarke-Harris' rebound.

Out of the FA Cup. Out of the Johnston's Paint Trophy. Eleven goals conceded in the last three games alone. Rock bottom of the table...

All is not good at Meadow Lane.
Joe Jones
Shaun Derry's first match in charge of Notts County sadly ended in defeat at the hands of Hartlepool United in the first round of the FA Cup. Even though Notts gave a great account of themselves towards the end of the game having pulled it back to 3-2 in the last ten minutes, the scoreline remained the same at the final whistle, knocking the Magpies out of the competition at the very first hurdle. Derry's debut side had three changes from the one that lost at Coventry last week, with Yoann Arquin replacing Danny Haynes, Curtis Thompson slotting in at right-back.

Jordan Holt's place in the team lost, and Jamal Campbell-Ryce in instead of Greg Tempest.

The first attack of the game came from the dangerous Luke James, who ran past Thompson on the wing and attempted a low cross, winning a corner as Dean Leacock forced it behind.

The first ten minutes saw another two chances, both by Jonathan Franks, first firing wide on the volley from outside the area after a free-kick and then a closer effort being blocked by Alan Sheehan.

On the quarter-hour mark, the League 2 side broke the deadlock, as a Simon Walton free-kick was headed home by Jack Baldwin.

Notts, however, responded in fine fashion, a Joss Labadie shot rebounding off Walton and Leacock to make it 1-1 just two minutes later.

Notts had a good spell thereafter, Leacock having two further attempts on goal, one wide and one saved, while Callum McGregor fired a low shot but was saved comfortably. In between, Baldwin fired a header towards Bart from a Hartlepool corner, but was saved.

On 41 minutes, Hartlepool then regained the lead, which they wouldn't relinquish. Andy Monkhouse's shot from the edge of the area was nicely parried by Bart, but the rebound was prodded in by James.

The first half over, there was plenty to mull over for Derry. The second half began with Hartlepool imposing themselves once again, James Poole having two attempts at 50 and 55 minutes, but the pendulum would swing Notts' way as the away side began pressing.

Even though we had mustered ten corner kicks by the 70th minute, we still weren't threatening the goal properly, and sadly, we'd come to rue those missed opportunities, because on 74 minutes, a scramble in the Notts goalmouth saw James once again smash the ball into the net for 3-1.

A deflated Notts did however manage to net a consolation, substitute Ronan Murray firing into the net from a good Sheehan cross, but despite the away side's continued pressing, they were unable to pull it back to 3-3, and so Notts are out of the FA Cup and will miss out on the chance to make it to the glamorous Third Round.
Chris

Hartlepool Preview

By Chris, in Match Previews,

Perhaps not the most glamours cup tie for either side, although it's a chance for Notts to progress whilst we see if we have learnt anything from last season. Colin Coopers as made comments about Notts being able to cause an upset, with Shaun Derry's first game in charge. With Hartlepool being an in-form League Two side, it might suggest that the upset could be the other way around as Notts are currently rooted to the bottom of the League One table. The players will most likely want to impress the new coaching team, so playing a club such as Hartlepool will be a good test none the less.

Hartlepool – Play somewhat patiently, they build and attack keeping the football flowing. Luke James is currently the pools highest goal scorer with 7 goals to his name. Jonathan Franks, Anthony Sweeney and James Poole are players Notts will need to watch carefully.

Jack Compton returns for Hartlepool having served a three match suspension, whilst Christian Burgess will be forced to miss the game due to picking up five yellow cards.

Notts – Are currently somewhat injury hit at the moment. Haydn Hollis, Enoch Showunmi, Alan Sheehan, Mustapha Dumbuya and David Bell are doubtful to feature. Marcus Haber is unavailable to play, with Danny Haynes starting his suspension after being sent off last Saturday against Coventry City.

Gary Liddle returns to his former club, where he spent many years. If Notts are to proceed to the next round of the FA Cup, we will be required to be disciplined and focused throughout the game. Shaun Derry is eager to see Notts remain in the hat, just as much as Hartlepool's manager Colin Cooper.

Hartlepool are favourites with odds around 5/4 for a home win, Notts come in around 2/1 and for a draw it's 12/5.

Come On You Pies!!
Joe Jones
Earlier this week we played well against Oldham, winning 3-2. The optimist in me hoped this would be the turning point. The cynic in me was wary of believing this, as we've had several false dawns already this season that came to nothing. I may as well have trusted the pessimist, because the one step forward that was Tuesday evening was followed by three steps back today against Coventry City. A reckless sending off on the stroke of half time and not one, not two, but three soft goals conceded by Notts meant we left Northampton (temporary home of CCFC) pointless, our goal difference worsened, at the bottom of the table, and with suspensions for Joss Labadie and Danny Haynes.

Steve Hodge made one change from the Oldham victory as Dean Leacock, back from illness, returned to captain the team at centre-back. Young Jordan Holt remained at left-back, Alan Sheehan partnered Leacock in the centre, and Gary Liddle was today's right-back.

The first twenty minutes were pretty actionless, save for two Coventry corners and a foul on Jack Grealish. The 19th minute brought the first chance of the game, Noel Clarke following on from Coventry skipper Carl Baker's good work to fire at Bartosz Bialkowski.

On 26, Franck Moussa's right footed shot from outside the box was well blocked, and three minutes later, it was Notts' turn to threaten, Callum McGregor's cross being headed over by Grealish.

The 31st minute saw Clarke get two chances in, but Bart was on form to thwart them both.

On 32, McGregor's long range effort was blocked by the Coventry defence, before a lull which was broken on the 40th minute, with Conor Thomas' shot going well over.

Two minutes later, our young Scot, our top scorer so far this season, had a great chance to open the scoring, but his shot from the centre of the Coventry box was too high.

Then came the rush of blood and potentially the moment Notts threw the match away - a dangerous, throat-high challenge by Haynes catching Jordan Clarke. The referee had no choice but to dismiss the striker on the spot. Another dangerous challenge followed in injury time on Greg Tempest, but Baker was let off lightly with a booking.

The first half ended 0-0, but after the break, it took just two minutes for Coventry to change all that, as left-back Blair Adams provided a low cross-pass to Clarke, who smashed it in from close range into the top left corner.

The rest of the game would be all Coventry. Quite literally too, as Notts didn't muster a single chance on goal after half time.

The "home" side sliced through our buttery defence twice more, Clarke getting his second after seizing on a botched Mark Fotheringham pass and chipping over Bart, and Callum Wilson rounding the keeper and firing into the empty net after the County back four missed a routine clearance.

So there we go. A very poor performance which will have consequences beyond this game, courtesy of Labadie's yellow for his dive and Haynes' stupid red card seeing the two suspended for one and three games respectively. We're back at the bottom, with a paltry 10 points from fifteen games. Meanwhile, Bristol City, on the same points total but with a better goal difference, could well rise out of the relegation spots if they win their game in hand.

Positives? Well, if the new manager, whoever he may be, can really give the players a kick up the backside, restore confidence both at the front and at the back, stop leaking so many silly goals, and get the forwards scoring, maybe we can gain some sort of consistency with our results and we may climb out of this quagmire.

Hopefully.
Joe Jones
In Notts County's first match following the departure of Chris Kiwomya, the Meadow Lane faithful were treated to a five-goal thriller against Oldham Athletic which, we are glad to announce, went the right way, as the Magpies won a topsy-turvy match 3-2. Danny Haynes got on the end of a great Greg Tempest cross to head his side into the lead, before Adam Rooney bundled the ball into the Notts net on the stroke of half-time. The hour mark saw Notts triple their tally courtesy of Yoann Arquin and Callum McGregor, before a free kick from Johnson Clarke-Harris and twenty minutes of extensive pressure from Oldham ensured the home fans wouldn't need nail clippers for the next few weeks.

Caretaker manager Steve Hodge opted to give Academy defender Jordan Holt his debut at left-back, in a makeshift starting eleven which excluded Mustapha Dumbuya, Marcus Haber, Dean Leacock and Adam Coombes. Bartosz Bialkowski and Jack Grealish would return to the team, though, after their respective short-term injury spells.

Notts had a good start to the first half, Haynes crossing to Tempest on five minutes, the youngster heading wide, before the former had a chance of his own two minutes later.

Grealish also managed to get two quick corners in succession and Joss Labadie was put clean through by Curtis Thompson, the move sadly disallowed for offside.

Tempest and Haynes linked up again on 20 minutes, the striker's effort being deflected wide for a very significant corner - taken by Sheehan, Tempest got on it, then crossed over to Haynes for a very well placed header into the back of the net.

Oldham tried to push forward following the goal, but succeeded only in obtaining the first yellow card of the game, courtesy of David Mellor's foul on Labadie.

Grealish was next to try his luck, his header from the centre of the box going just wide. Sheehan was key there with a great cross.

On the half hour mark, James Wesolowski tried to pull one back for Oldham with a shot from outside the box, but this went well wide.

More half-chances would continue to be traded, though Labadie found himself one-on-one with Mark Oxley on 38, a great chance, but the Oldham keeper did just enough to deflect the shot.

The next significant act in the game was, sadly, yet another of those sucker punches which Notts have been suffering from all season. After a scrappy exchange between the two teams, Rooney managed to connect his head onto the ball and it did just enough to breach the goal line. The linesman awarded the goal, and on the cusp of half-time, 1-1 it was.

The start of the second half saw Manny Smith replace Thompson because of an injury, Gary Liddle shifting to right-back in the process.

The first significant contribution of the half was from the Latics, James Dayton breaching the Notts defence but overhitting his chip past the goal.

On 52, the same player attempted a right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left hand side of the Notts goal, but luckily it was just a bit too high.

After several more Oldham chances, courtesy of Mellor and Clarke-Harris, it was Notts' turn to do the sucker-punching after the game seemed to be slipping from beneath them. Liddle's cross was duly converted by Arquin on the hour, and 2-1 it was, to the joy of the three and a half thousand Notts fans in the stadium.

The pendulum would swing Notts' way, as the next ten minutes would all be Notts - courtesy of attempts by Haynes and McGregor - before the young Scot, stellar all season for the Magpies, then got his sixth league goal of the season thanks to a sweet left footed shot which sailed past Oxley.

There was a catch, though. We weren't to go into the 70th minute without Oldham getting a goal back. A soft free kick by Clarke-Harris pulled it back to 3-2.

The rest of the game was virtually all Oldham. Rooney and Anton Rodgers weighed in with shots, but thanks to a great defensive display in the final twenty minutes, Notts ground out the win. The Magpies find themselves off the foot of the table and in double figures for points. Though we can't declare we've turned a corner just yet - it would be the third time this season at least - it's a positive, and combined with the departure of Chris Kiwomya, it looks like real change is finally coming to Meadow Lane at last.
Joe Jones
Another match day, another defeat. It seems almost like Notts County are starting matches a goal down. Today's visitors at Meadow Lane were Preston North End, and despite Notts' overall decent performance, Iain Hume's 74th minute goal was unanswered, and at this stage of our season, we cannot keep throwing points away. Chris Kiwomya's squad suffered several injuries prior to the game, meaning changes had to be made. Fabian Speiss replaced Bartosz Bialkowski, Alan Sheehan filled the centre-back role vacated by Manny Smith, and Curtis Thompson played as a right-back.

Mustapha Dumbuya was slotted in the left-back position. Also, Joss Labadie and Danny Haynes replaced Mark Fotheringham and Yoann Arquin.

The Magpies had to withstand a barrage of shots from Preston, riding high in the league, in the opening minutes of the game. On the 11th minute came the first Notts chance, Greg Tempest curling a shot towards the bottom left corner. This was saved by keeper Declan Rudd.

More Liliwhites chances came knocking in the ensuing period, Stuart Beavon and Keith Keane firing just over.

On 22 minutes, some good passing set free Adam Coombes, but he fired wide.

On 33 came the next big moment, Speiss having to be sharp to thwart Beavon's strike following a defensive slip-up.

Preston would get increasingly physical as the game went on - Haynes was impeded on 33 but nothing was given, while just a few minutes later, Kevin Davies went in with an elbow on Sheehan. This was only given a yellow card.

On 37, Haynes capitalised on a Preston defensive slip-up, but like Beavon earlier on, this couldn't breach the respective net.

Notts had a good little spell after that, Thompson drawing a foul, and Sheehan's free kick falling to Andre Boucaud. His shot saved, Coombes then headed wide.

John Welsh then launched in with a nasty tackle on 44, for which he was booked, while a minute later, Haynes received a yellow of his own for a foul on Bailey Wright.

Half time out of the way, the second half restarted with Callum McGregor receiving a Coombes pass and firing just over, before later providing a cut-back for Tempest, whose great effort was saved well by Rudd.

On 52, County had the upper hand, a Boucaud free kick testing the Preston defence to the limit and allowing McGregor to come close again.The ensuing corner forced Rudd to make another good save, this time from Coombes.

On 69, Josh Brownhill burst through on goal, but a brave save thwarted him, the rebound from Hume going wide.

Sadly, the substitute player scored just five minutes later, tapping in from close range after Scott Laird beat his marker on the left wing and produced a great cross upon which the finish was applied by Hume.

The rest of the game was virtually all Preston, as Laird, Hume and Keane kept pounding away, but they will be happy with the goal, the clean sheet and the three away points as the final whistle blew on the game.

Frankly, if we can't break this cycle of one step forward and three steps back, the final whistle will be blowing on our spell in League 1.
Joe Jones
Notts County started well, and they finished well, but the middle bit left a lot to be desired as they slipped to another defeat, this time away to Gillingham. 2-1 was the final score after Chris Whelpdale and Danny Kedwell netted two goals in the space of five first-half minutes, strikes that shouldn't have gone in. Wonderkid Callum McGregor's strike in the second half, fantastic as it was, proved nothing more than a consolation. Chris Kiwomya began the game in a 4-3-2-1 formation, Yoann Arquin the lone striker in front of a midfield of McGregor, Jamal Campbell-Ryce.

Greg Tempest, Andre Boucaud and Mark Fotheringham. Manny Smith partnered Gary Liddle in centre-back, the latter named as captain.

The first chance of the game fell to former Notts player Myles Weston, whose right footed shot went wide.

Notts were decent in the opening spell, enjoying a fair bit of possession and winning several free kicks. JCR managed to get a shot in early on too, while Sheehan also joined the action, his left footed shot falling straight to Nelson on the eleven minute mark.

Except for a chance by Charlie Lee on 16 minutes - courtesy of some slack defending, a sign of things to come - it was mostly Notts doing the threatening, JCR and Fotheringham weighing in with chances of their own.

Then, and how many times have I written it this season, came the sucker punch. Whelpdale capitalised on defensive errors to slot the ball into the bottom corner on 24 minutes.

Barely five minutes passed when the Gills doubled their lead, this time Kedwell doing the damage, again being given the opportunity on a platter from the Pies.

Notts, the wind out of their sails, did manage a great shot which rattled off the crossbar pretty soon after, courtesy of the returning - Campbell-Ryce, but on the whole, more goals could have been conceded if not for the Gills' profligacy in front of goal. Likewise, Notts were able to get quite a few crosses into the Gills box, but with nobody to get onto the end of them, it meant the scoreline remained 2-0 at half time.

Bartosz Bialkowski was once again on top form, stopping balls from Michael Harriman, Weston and Whelpdale, while outfield for the Pies, JCR worked his socks off and got several chances in towards the hour.

The Gillingham clean sheet was finally breached as McGregor unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box on 79 minutes, right past ex-Notts stopper Stuart Nelson, to make it 2-1.

Between 82 and 86 minutes, Notts managed four corners. One a minute. And yet, they weren't able to make anything from those. Gillingham successfully weathered the storm, and as it was, the match ended 2-1 to the home side. Notts remain in the drop zone, and after seemingly taking several steps forward after the Tranmere and Crewe games, we have stumbled a dozen steps back.
Joe Jones
After what felt like an eternity of international football, Notts were back in action at the County Ground against Swindon Town, but sadly, despite Bartosz Bialkowski's heroics, they were unable to withstand the barrage from the home side, losing 2-0 after two first half goals from former Newcastle prospect Nile Ranger and Danny N'Guessan. An injury to on-loan Villa prodigy Jack Grealish meant Adam Coombes was slotted in his place, Chris Kiwomya keeping the 4-3-3 side which had been so successful prior to the international break. The Magpies began well, as they created chances early on.

Two of Alan Sheehan's free kicks threatening in the first ten minutes, However, Swindon drew first blood in the 11th minute, Ranger's header from an Alex Pritchard corner breaching Notts' clean sheet.

Bart stopped the scoreline from becoming 2-0 just moments later, his deflection denying Pritchard's header after the restart. Mustapha Dumbuya and Dean Leacock then proceeded to clear the danger.

Callum McGregor unleashed one of his trademark long distance howitzers on the quarter hour mark after finding space in the Robins' half, but keeper Wes Foderingham was equal to it.

On 28, Dumbuya fouled Nathan Byrne on the byline, thus conceding a penalty. N'Guessan made no mistake from the spot.

2-0 down, Notts wouldn't take it lying down. McGregor tried another long range effort which flew just wide, while Danny Haynes managed to nutmeg the keeper and into the net, but this was ruled out for offside.

Andre Boucaud, the Magpies midfield maestro, sent Dumbuya clear on the right wing, but the subsequent cross was dealt with on 36 minutes. while just before half time, Gary Liddle was at hand to deny another Ranger effort.

Notts were under the cosh straight away after the restart, but Bart made a great save from a Swindon free kick, before being saved by the woodwork just after.

On 53, Jay McEveley attempted his best Callum McGregor impression with a 30-yard shot, but this was just over the bar.

This would continue for a while, as Swindon began to run rampant. Ranger would have several more shots, as would Yaser Kasim and Massimo Luongo. Bart made impressive saves each time.

Then came the lifeline. Boucaud played in Haynes, who then threated through to McGregor. The young Scot was then felled in the box, prompting the referee to blow for a penalty. Haynes would take, to take the scoreline to 2-1 and give Notts a chance... but sadly he fired well over. 2-0 still.

More chances continued to be traded, McEveley firing wide not long after the penalty and Haber unable to control the stray ball after Foderingham attempted to clear off his line. Another McGregor shot went just wide on 78, before Bart made yet another amazing save from Byrne on 84.

Two more chances would be on the cards, Fotheringham (that's the Notts midfielder) heading against Foderingham (Swindon keeper), while at the other end Byrne once again bothered the woodwork.

An exciting game eventually finished 2-0, but the scoreline could have been so different were it not for Bart's immense saves and were we a little more clinical in front of the Swindon goal.
Chris
A decent performance away at Carlise which narrowly ended in defeat, saw Notts County's attention switch back to Meadow Lane. On a day expected to see a return of many fans, it was vital that the players and even coaching staff got the tactics spot on. In a crowd of over 6k Notts played Crewe Alexandra in a game which saw four goals for the home side! A very impressive display and a sign of things are starting to improve for us as a struggling side. Here are the action shots kindly taken by and granted permission by B&0 Press Photo! We hope you enjoy them - You Pies!
Mobile Users please visit | Gallery.

Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Oskar Papierz for allowing us use of his images, we wish him all the best his photography. Here's his Facebook page and Website.
Joe Jones
Notts County made the most of a bumper crowd on Saturday to record an emphatic, crushing win against Crewe, scoring four past them and keeping a clean sheet in the process. Callum McGregor was undoubtedly the star of the game, scoring two superb goals in the first half, before playing a hand in Danny Haynes' goal for Notts' third. Marcus Haber then wrapped up the comprehensive victory with a fine looping header. Chris Kiwomya, having been suitable impressed by the victory against Tranmere and the positive display away at Carlisle, kept the same starting eleven as in those two games.

On the bench, Romello Nangle made way for Adam Coombes. Courtesy of the reduced ticket prices, just under 6,000 people sat in the home stands at Meadow Lane, and it wouldn't be long before they would be treated to some action (after a quiet first ten minutes). Mustapha Dumbuya, assisted by McGregor and Jack Grealish, saw his cross/shot blocked, and shortly after, Grealish then hit the bar with his cross.

Alan Sheehan would suffer an injury and have to come off on twelve minutes, Greg Tempest coming on for him.

Joss Labadie then came agonisingly close with a header from about two yards out, bouncing out literally a foot outside the post.

Notts would impose themselves on the game in the first thirty minutes, and although Crewe would get a couple of half-chances, the home side dominated possession and play. Then, on the 33rd minute, the impressive McGregor found space and lashed a marvellous shot past the keeper and into the goal from 25 yards. 1-0 Notts.

Crewe, missing several key players, kept plugging away in a bid to restore parity, Byron Moore and Max Clayton getting some decent chances in, but the unstoppable McGregor produced another moment of magic to double Notts' lead, his left-footed shot from the centre of the box beating Steve Phillips once again on 41 minutes. Dumbuya was instrumental in this goal, courtesy of his good work on the right wing.

The Notts players were treated to a standing ovation at the end of the first half for their efforts and two-goal lead, but much better was to come in the second half.

Grealish was Ronaldo-esque in his play, and despite getting fouled repeatedly by the Crewe players, he was unfazed. On 51 minutes, his backheel pass fell to McGregor, who fired just wide. A shame, for that would have certainly been a contender for Goal of the Season.

Not to worry, because Notts weren't finished yet. A Mark Fotheringham free kick on 55 minutes very nearly went in and proved a signal of intent. Just after the hour, Grealish's chipped shot wasn't dealt with appropriately by Phillips, and all Danny Haynes had to do was smash it into an open net from six yards. 3-0 Notts, the fans unable to believe what was happening given their league position.

Tempest was also on fine form, marauding into the Alex half at every opportunity and providing fine crosses, one of which nearly led to Labadie heading it in. The youngster did manage to bag himself a worthy assist, however, on 83 minutes, as his delivery was met by the head of Haber - on for Haynes who suffered an injury - for the fourth. A great looping header, it provided the icing on the cake for what was an absolute pleasure of a matchday for the Notts fans.

Notts have benefited greatly from such a display and result - they're now out of the relegation zone, and the four unanswered goals have gone some way to restoring a goal difference statistic battered by the games against Leyton Orient and Peterborough.

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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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