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sadlad

PoN's January Round Up!

By sadlad, in News,

Looking back over January, the foot of League One is as tight as ever, with no relegation certainties but a cluster of clubs who are in trouble as they search for improved form and more importantly results to clear away from danger a little. Stevenage were dragged into it as playing just three games in the month they secured just a single win, a somewhat surprise 2-0 win over Swindon Town. It was a terrible month for Sheffield United who in December had shown an improvement but last month saw them draw two and win two, not what manager Nigel Clough had bargained for.

Notts County enjoyed wins against Sheffield United and Bradford City at home and a single goal win at Stevenage with a 3-4 defeat at Peterborough and a bizzare 1-5 thumping at home to in-form Walsall where former County players Febian Brandy (with his first senior hat trick) and Craig Westcarr tormented their previous employers.

Shrewsbury Town had a rotten month with no less than four defeats and just the one success which saw the parting of the ways with manager Graham Turner.

Bristol City had to make do with with just two points return from their four games which saw two 1-3 defeats. Crewe managed two wins in five against Carlisle and MK Dons to give them a welcome six points for the month whereas Carlisle's poor season continues with just one win in their four games which included a 0-4 thumping at leyton Orient.

Tranmere managed a win and two draws whilst Crawley only played two games in January, both 2-2 draws. Oldham enjoyed a remarkable comeback to somehow beat Peterborough at Boundary Park by an amazing 5-4 scoreline after being 0-3 down. Colchester were unbeaten in their three games with good wins against Gillingham and Carlisle. Bradford City had to make do with three draws to go with their heavy defeat at Notts County whilst Coventry City had just the one defeat in their four games.

Out of the teams in mid table Swindon continue to win at home but can't do likewise on away soil. Port Vale recorded just the one win and Gillingham and MK Dons showed indifferent form. Moving on to the clubs in the top six, Walsall had a good month with three wins and three draws the highlight being a 5-1 win at Notts County.

Rotherham's season continues to roll with just the one defeat, a surprise 1-3 slip up against Coventry City. Preston and Leyton Orient continue to impress and pick up plenty of points whilst Wolves and Brentford seem to be the teams to watch out for for automatic promotion.
Chris

The Match Officials

By Chris, in News,

Ever wondered about the match officials? Pride of Nottingham introduces this new feature 'The Match Officials', it's your chance to learn a little more about the people in charge on match days. It's aimed towards providing an insight into the games they've officiated, so that we can go into games knowing more about each one.

Well here we are, meet the match officials for our home game against Coventry City on the 08/02/2014. The referee is Carl Berry, with his assistances Joe Hull and Darren Strain. The fourth official is Robert Atkin.

Match Officials;

Referee; Carl Berry has taken control of six league games and one JPT cup tie. Within these 7 games, Carl's managed to avoid sending off a single player but has yellow carded 26 players in 6 of them. The only game in this current season which he's avoided using a card was on Saturday 30th November which saw Shrewsbury Town win away from home 3-1 against Stevenage FC.

Interesting Fact – Carl Berry sent off MK Dons manager Karl Robinson back in January 2012, Karl Robinson was so outraged after the game that he approached the match officials and was reported to say “I want a fair game, I want the right outcome. “People say that some go for you and some go against you but we’ve had no decisions that have won us a game this season.”.

You can follow Carl on Twitter - https://twitter.com/carljberry

Assistant Referees; Joe Hull's been fairly active playing mix roles so far this season. He's been an assistant within the Championship on numerous occasions, having been the 1st assistant 5 times, the 2nd official 4 times and fourth official once.

Darren Strain has spent the majority of this season assisting within League One. He's mainly been the 2nd official 6 times, whilst being the 1st official twice and the fourth official twice.

Interesting Fact – Joe Hull was the 1st Assistant in our earlier encounter this season against Coventry City, the well known game which saw Danny Haynes red carded.

The Fourth Official; Robert Atkin has mainly featured as a 1st assistant, which has seen him do so 4 times within this current season. He's been a second official once and has featured as the fourth official three times.

Interesting Fact – Out of the 8 games Robert Atkin as been a official 4 have resulted in draws, 2 home teams have one whilst 2 away have also won. Whilst our facts above only feature the league, Robert Atkin was the referee in a local game between Ilkeston FC and Grantham Town – His ability was questions by both managers in their post match comments.

Do you have an opinion on the game? - Match Thread

Also, please do leave us a comment below if you have time.
weymouthPIE

We've Met Before...

By weymouthPIE, in News,

Notts County and Coventry City have been playing one another on and off since 1920, although due to both sides see-sawing between divisions for many years, there were often long gaps of a number of years between games.

This Saturday will see the 36th meeting between the two sides. The Magpies have the upper hand over the years, with 17 wins to the Sky Blues’ 11. There have also been 7 draws between the sides. Notts have scored 56 goals against the Sky Blues, while they have netted 49 against us.

The very first meeting between the two clubs took place on 6th November 1920 at Meadow Lane in Division 2. The game ended in a 1-1 draw – Billy McLeod scoring the Notts goal. The following weekend Notts made their first ever trip to Coventry’s Highfield Road stadium, and the match again ended in a 1-1 draw with Sam Richards scoring for Notts.

It wasn’t until 22nd April 1922 that there was a winner in a game between the two sides – Coventry winning 4-2 at Highfield road. But Notts got revenge the following season by doing the double over the Sky Blues on their way to the Division 2 title. Notts won 2-1 at Highfield Road on the opening day of the 1922-23 season – Harold Hill scoring both the visitors goals.

Notts then won the reverse fixture at Meadow Lane a week later 2-0, with goals from Horace Cope and Jack Cook.

With County winning promotion to Division 1 that season, there would not be another league meeting between the sides for 8 years, although in 1925 they did meet for the one and only time in the FA Cup – Notts winning 2-0 at Highfield Road in the first round on 10th January 1925 – thanks to goals from Donald Cock and Arthur Davis.

The two sides got back to playing each other in the league in 1930, in the Division Three South.

On 21st March 1936, Coventry racked up their biggest ever win over Notts with a 5-1 victory at Highfield Road on their way to the league title. They finished 1 point clear of Luton Town, 2 clear of 3rd placed Reading and 4 clear of 4th placed QPR, scoring 102 goals over the season.

The two would not meet again until the opening day of the 1950-51 Division 2 season, when Coventry picked up their first win at Meadow Lane with a 2-0 win. But Notts got their revenge at Highfield Road on 16th December, with the legendary Tommy Lawton scoring a brace in a 2-1 win.

Notts did the double over City again in 1951-52 as City finished second bottom of Division 2 and were relegated, leaving another 9 year gap before the sides met again, by now both in Divison 3. They enjoyed a busy Christmas in 1960, facing each other on consecutive days. The first meeting was on Boxing Day at Highfield Road and ended in a 2-2 draw – Notts goals coming from Roy Horobin and Bobby Forrest. The following day at Meadow Lane, County won 3-0 – with goals from Gerry Carver, a Don Roby penalty (Roby went on to play for Derby County later that season, one for you super_ram), and an Austin own goal.

The 1963-64 Division Three season was one of complete contrast for both sides. The Sky Blues finished top of the league, equal on 60 points with Crystal Palace but they won the league thanks to their haul of 98 goals. Notts on the other hand finished bottom of the league having conceded 92. Amazingly this was not the worst defensive record of the season – that honour went to second bottom Wrexham, who conceded 107 goals!

City did the double over Notts with a 3-0 win at Meadow Lane and a 2-0 win at Highfield Road.

Again, there was a 14 year wait before the sides met again in Division 1. Notts won both meetings in 81-82, and they racked up their biggest win over City on 16th February, with a 5-1 win at Highfield Road – the goals coming from Mark Goodwin, Rachid Harkouk, Gordon Mair, Trevor Christie and John Chiedozie (who also went on to play for Derby).

They repeated the score-line the following season at Meadow Lane on their way to a second successive 15th place finish in Division 1. This time Justin Fashanu scored 2 goals, and the other 3 game from Aki Lagtinen, Iain McCulloch and Paul Hooks.

On 14th September 1991, Notts visited Highfield Road for what turned out to be the last time, and suffered a 1-0 defeat on their way to relegation from Division 1.

Notts’ 1-0 win at Meadow Lane in April 1992 turned out to be the last meeting between the sides for 16 years, before league 2 Notts visited Championship Coventry’s Ricoh Arena for the first time in the first round of the League Cup in 2007 – City winning 3-0.

Last season saw the first league meetings between the sides in 20 years, with goals from Yoann Arquin and Andre Boucaud helping us to our first win at the Ricoh. The final game of the season ended in a 2-2 draw at Meadow Lane.

When the two sides met at Sixfields back in November, City won 3-0, and in truth we were lucky it was only 3-0. Since then however, things have changed, and we're a much tougher proposition who won't simply roll over.

Both of us have been involved in some high scoring games this season, here's hoping Notts can avenge the Sixfields slaughter of November and gain 3 massive points on Saturday. COYP!
Joe Jones
Well, where do we start? An amazing performance by Kevin Pilkington, but a pretty mediocre performance by Notts County, as we went down 2-0 to Preston North End today at Deepdale.

The goals were scored by Craig Davies and Joe Garner - a contentious penalty - but were it not for Pilks's sterling performance, it could have been much worse.

Shaun Derry was forced to pick the Notts goalkeeping coach today as Bartosz Bialkowski was unavailable through illness, while regular stand-in Fabian Spiess was still sidelined with a hand injury.

As a result, the 39-year-old took place between the posts, while youth teamer Harry Andrews was on the subs' bench.

In addition, Gareth Roberts took place in the starting XI today, at left-back, while Alan Sheehan shifted into central defence as a replacement for Dean Leacock.

Following Andre Boucaud’s trip on Garner in the very first minute, a dangerous free-kick from Paul Gallagher was pushed clear by Pilks.

At the other end, Jamal Campbell-Ryce burst down the flank before setting up Callum McGregor. The young Scot couldn't find Jack Grealish though.

A few minutes later, McGregor was able to set up Mark Fotheringham, but his shot was then deflected wide for a corner.

On the quarter-hour mark, The ball fell to Davies, who cracked off a volley from 20 yards on the turn. Pilks then pulled off a stunning save to thwart the Preston man, while two minutes later, Enoch Showunmi's thumping header cleared the bar by inches.

Midway through the first half, ex-Forest man Garner got his head onto a cross from John Welsh, but his effort was just off target. The Magpies were then able to launch a quick counter-attack and nearly scored through Grealish, his effort swerving away from goal.

A few minutes before half-time, Fotheringham nearly drew first blood for the away side through a deflected shot, but his effort, which wrong-footed Preston keeper Declan Rudd, went just wide and into the side netting.

After the break, Preston came back with intent, and very nearly scored if not for Welsh defender Roberts's timely last-gasp interventions.

Midway through the second half, North End broke the deadlock. Neil Kilkenny fed the ball to Davies, who was then given the space and time to turn towards goal before sending a shot soaring into the top-right corner. Pilks had no chance with that one.

To make matters worse, the home side doubled their lead within seven minutes. A penalty was gifted to Preston for a foul on Davies, despite the tackle being made outside of the Notts box.

Sadly, when a referee tells you that a red flower is a yellow flower, it's a yellow flower. Garner stepped up and converted the penalty for his 14th goal of the season, as well as giving Preston an insurmountable two-goal lead.

The game finished 2-0, and, well, we're right back in the mire.
Joe Jones
These two clubs, two of the oldest in the country (and by extension, the world) go back over 125 years. The first fixture between the two took place in November 1888, when Preston North End defeated the Magpies 7-0 in the first ever season of the Football League.

The 1888-89 season saw Preston remain unbeaten throughout, and would go on to become English football's first "Invincibles", a feat which remained unbroken until 2003-04 when Arsenal also went the whole season without losing. So really, Notts being thumped so heartily wasn't quite such a worrying thing!

Aside from Preston going the whole season unbeaten, they were also the first EVER winners of the Football League. Oh, and they won the FA Cup that year too!

The two clubs have met a total of 86 times, and sadly (for us Notts fans) the Lilywhites have the upper hand by quite a significant margin. They're won 40 times, while the Magpies have won 23 games. 23 draws have taken place.

The two teams that have played the most games overall in the Football League are, in fact, Notts County and Preston North End!

Meanwhile, Preston are ranked as the fourth most-successful English football club of all time domestically.

Over the years, there have been some varied scorelines. We've talked about the 7-0 back in 1888, but we've also had 6-2, 6-1, 6-0, 4-3 and 4-2.

Recently, meetings have been tamer (from a goal-scoring perspective). Since the turn of the millennium, we've clashed seven times, and between the two teams, a mere five goals have been scored.

The National Football Museum was originally situated in Deepdale, Preston, but was moved to Manchester in 2012.

Deepdale was used as the venue for the England U21s when they played Iceland in March 2011. Deepdale was used again at the end of the 2011-2012 season to host three U19s Elite Round matches with England, Slovenia and Switzerland all taking to the famous pitch. The three games were held at the end of May over six days.

Preston have made the play-offs in a record eight seasons, spanning all three league divisions, but have not yet been promoted via this route.

Preston have Neil Kilkenny available for tomorrow's game.

The midfielder, who penned a permanent deal with North End at the start of January, was sent off against Bradford in midweek and was due to serve a three-game ban before the FA overturned the decision on Thursday.

Striker Kevin Davies, meanwhile, will complete a three-match suspension of his own, but will return for the FA Cup replay with Nottingham Forest next Wednesday.

Otherwise, Lilywhites boss Simon Grayson has a full squad to choose from with the likes of Keith Keane, Chris Humphrey and Lee Holmes ready to replace Kilkenny.

Notts County have no new problems ahead of the trip to Preston and manager Shaun Derry will select from an unchanged squad.

After seeing his side thrashed 5-1 at home by Walsall last weekend Derry must decide whether to give those players a chance to redeem themselves or make changes at Deepdale.

The likes of Kwesi Appiah, Curtis Thompson, Greg Tempest, Haydn Hollis and Callum Ball are waiting in the wings should Derry opt to freshen things up.

Forward Ronan Murray will serve the second game of his three-match suspension while Mustapha Dumbuya and Gary Liddle remain out injured.

The new boys, Gareth Roberts and Hayden Mullins, will also be eager to make their Notts debuts.
Joe Jones
Well, here we go again. So much for progress. After a brave but ultimately fruitless effort in midweek against Peterborough United, today was a case of reverting back to the hapless, embarrassing displays of the first half of the season, as Notts capitulated 5-1 to Walsall in front of a home crowd.

The Magpies were boosted by the return of Callum McGregor, who had been so effective in 2013 for the boys in black and white. He lined up just behind striker Enoch Showunmi in place of the suspended Ronan Murray, with wingers Jack Grealish and Jamal Campbell-Ryce either side.

The first ten minutes were quite even, Walsall's Sam Mantom getting a shot in after two minutes, but McGregor replying with a great attempt not long after.

This impasse would be broken in the 24th minute, as former Notts player Craig Westcarr spotted Febian Brandy’s forward run with an incisive through-pass. Brandy, another former Magpie, simply rounded Bartosz Bialkowski with his first touch and placed the ball into an empty net.

Less than 10 minutes later, Brandy scored his second, after Notts were caught out following on from a corner. Milan Lalkovic beat Kieron Freeman and lashed a ball through to the Saddlers striker, who fired a shot into the top-left corner.

On the stroke of half-time, Brandy proceeded to seal his hat-trick, as another great Westcarr cross-chip fell to his teammate, who duly finished with his head. 3-0 at half time.

Things didn't get better after the restart, as a free kick taken by Sam Mantom fell to the unmarked Andy Butler, who had an easy header into Notts net.

Not even an hour on the clock and Walsall were 5-0 up, as Westcarr, ever the tormentor, grabbed a goal for himself against his former club, a simple route one strike following a long punt from the Walsall keeper.

The only positive from Notts was a stunning free kick from McGregor just after the hour, a scant consolation after having been thoroughly eviscerated.

Walsall have scored five or more goals away from home today for the first time since 1997 – a 7-0 FA Cup win at Macclesfield.

Meanwhile, Notts have conceded nine goals in two games and currently sit in 18th.

Don't let that fool you - we're only a point clear of the relegation zone, and have played the most games in the division (29). Four of the six sides below us have THREE games in hand.

Today's storms over Meadow Lane look set to stay for a lot longer.
Joe Jones
Notts and Walsall’s fixture history dates back to the 1890s, but there haven’t been that many fixtures despite over a century of head-to-heads.

The first game took place on the 20th January 1894 and resulted in a 2-0 win for the Magpies.

In total, there have been 62 fixtures between the two sides, and this time, Notts holds the upper edge with 26 wins. The Saddlers have won 19 times, and 17 draws have taken place.

Walsall were formed as Walsall Town Swifts in 1888 when two local teams, Walsall Town F.C. and Walsall Swifts F.C. merged. The newly formed team’s first match was against Aston Villa, and resulted in a draw

Two players from this early era received England caps while at the club: Alf Jones and Albert Aldridge. They remain the only Walsall players to be so honoured.

In 1896, the Swifts changed their name to Walsall FC, the name that lives on today.

The club's nickname, The Saddlers, reflects Walsall's status as a traditional centre for saddle manufacture.

Walsall had Arsenal and England legend Paul Merson on their books a decade ago, as player and player-manager.

Sky Sports' Soccer AM have given Walsall the nickname "Warsaw" due to the similarity when pronouncing Walsall and Warsaw. The presenters of Soccer AM often refer to Walsall as "our friends from Poland".

Notts County are without suspended striker Ronan Murray, who was sent off in Tuesday's 4-3 loss at Peterborough.

Kwesi Appiah, who impressed making his debut as a substitute in that game, is pushing to replace Murray - as are fellow loan signings Callum Ball and, yes, Callum McGregor.

Walsall are without left-back Andy Taylor (knee), so Malvind Benning is likely to deputise.

The Saddlers are unbeaten in five and boast the best away defensive record in League One, having conceded 10 goals.
Chris

View of our upcoming games

By Chris, in News,

After the popular demand of our last upcoming games article, Pride of Nottingham returns with a view of Walsall FC, Preston North End, Coventry City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Shrewsbury Town. On 21st of January 2014 Notts County played against Peterborough United, it was a game fans perhaps didn't foresee quite en-frilling but in fact Notts secure two very early goals. The game ended 4-3 in Peterborough's favour, however the passion installed by Shaun Derry surely as captured a significant change. Thing's don't get easier for the Magpies, these next few games will be tricky.

In our last edition I mentioned how we needed to prepare ourselves for the great escape, never did I think we would collect a huge 9 points from the 5 games played. However, I did feel Notts could gain 6, although realistically I felt 4 would be quite rewarding.

This doesn't mean it's all over, however it bides us some time and a chance to gain additional points to push us adrift of the relegation zone.

Walsall FC are a side which play free flowing football, although this isn't always the case and the perfect example would our scrappy away encounter at Bescot Stadium.

Craig Westcarr is their highest goal scorer notching up 11 so far this season. Adam Chambers is their most persistent fouler with 6 yellow cards, although Andy Taylor isn't far behind with 5. Andy Butler is their only player to be sent off, although he has been yellow carded twice.

In their last four games, they've picked up an impressive 8 points after drawing to Brentford 1-1 on the 18th January 2014. Sam Mantom clinched three points for saddler's as they beat Oldham Athletic 1-0, whilst at Tranmere Rovers they drew 1-1. Walsall also beat Sheffield United 2-1, which seen the club secure all 3 points after a 17 minute goal from Chris Porter.

Preston North End have finally settled within League One, they're a much better side under Simon Greyson and they're a side which should not be under estimated.

Former Nottingham Forest front man Joe Garner is their highest goal scorer with 13 goals, however they also have former Bolton Wanderers striker Kevin Davies who's scored 5. John Welsh and Bailey Wright share 6 yellow cards each. Kevin Davies, Stuart Beavon, Neil Kilkenny and Paul Gallagher have all be sent off once.

In their last four games, they've picked up 7 points in the league but notably defeated Ipswich Town 3-2 in the F.A Cup 3rd round replay. A late equaliser for Coventry meant the score finished 1-1, they lost 2-0 to Wolves. Beat Port Vale 3-2 after leading 3 nil for 69 minutes and they beat Shrewsbury Town 1-0.

Coventry City despite struggling with financial hardship and starting this 2013/2014 campaign with -10 points, are a very capable side but they are not the same side without leading striker Leon Clarke.

Naturally Leon Clarke is their highest goal scorer with 18 goals, however Callum Wilson notched up 15 and Franck Moussa with 13. A lot depends on if they can keep Leon Clarke who surprised the Sky Blues fans by handing in a transfer request, although they process a very talented attacking squad. John Fleck and Conor Thomas both share 6 yellow cards each, whilst Carl Barker is the only Coventry City player to be sent off.

In their last four games, they've picked up 6 points. Two draws, 1-1 to Preston North End and 2-2 to Crawley. They beat Rotherham United 3-1 away from home in a game they were originally losing and draw to Oldham ending 1-1. On the 4th of January 2014 they also beat Barnsley 2-1, after also going down by 1 goal in the 3rd round of the F.A Cup. They now await Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the 4th round which will take place on the 24th of January 2014.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are a side doesn't require an introduction, although we have some good results against them this season – they are a Championship side still featuring quite a few of their Premier League squad back from 2012.

Leigh Griffiths is their highest goal scorer with 13 goal, whilst Bakary Sako is on 7. David Davis is the most persistent fouler in the Wolves side with 7 yellow cards and Richard Stearman is their only player to be sent off once – Surprised by this? I am.

In their last four games, they've picked up 4 points which as seen them drop from league leaders to 3rd place and they're now 5 points behind Leyton Orient who sit back on top. Wolves beat Preston 2-0, they lost 1-0 Gillingham FC, draw 1-1 to Tranmere Rovers and drawing 1-1 to Leyton Orient.

Shrewsbury Town are one of the weaker teams in League One, although they cannot be written off. They're a side that can surprise teams who fail to mark their offensive players.

Tom Bradshaw is their highest goal scorer on 5, Joe Jacobson and Dave Winfield have 4 yellow cards each and Jon Taylor's their only player to be sent off once.

In their last four games, they've picked up 3 points. They lost heavily to Rotherham United by 3 goals to nil, they narrowly lost 3-2 to MK Dons and again to Leyton Orient, the final score 2-0. However, they beat Oldham Athletic 2-1 – the Shrews first win since the 30th of November 2013.

I see Notts picking up 7 points, realistically who knows after our recent form but 5 would seem about spot on.

My key game is against Coventry City – they're a side I see entertaining us at Meadow Lane, with a reasonable chance of achieving something from the game. Walsall and Shrewsbury are games which strike me as 'winnable', Shrewsbury Town being the side we must defeat for sure.

COYP!!
Joe Jones
What a manic game. Seven goals, two of which came in the first seven minutes, a sending off after quarter of an hour, a candidate for the League One Goal Of The Season, various penalty appeals turned down and more corners and set pieces that we care to remember. This was tonight’s game between Notts and Peterborough.

With plenty of news having unfolded throughout the course of the day, including a pitch inspection, players coming in and others being transfer listed, there was plenty to talk about before the game, never mind afterwards.

Notts got away to the perfect start as a cross from Alan Sheehan fell to Enoch Showunmi, who thumped the ball from six yards past Joe Day. Four minutes gone on the clock, advantage Magpies.

Buoyed by this great opening spell, things would get even better, because just three minutes later, a cross from Kieron Freeman fell to young Ronan Murray, who finished off the move by striking low past the Posh keeper.

Peterborough, blown away by this early rampage which saw them having to chase a two-goal lead after just seven minutes, upped the tempo and nearly pulled a goal back almost immediately, were it not for a last-ditch save from Bartosz Bialkowski’s legs.

Notts were able to weather the Posh advances initially, whilst getting a couple more efforts on goal, though not as effective as the early strikes.

On the quarter-hour mark, an off-the-ball incident saw Murray receive a straight red, meaning Notts would have to play the rest of the game - 75 minutes - with just ten men.

The dynamic start to the first half continued when the home side had a penalty appeal turned down, as Andre Boucaud allegedly fouled Danny Swanson in the box. The ref, however, gave nothing.

Unrelented, Posh kept coming, and eventually halved the deficit when Nicky Ajose, showing good control, fired the ball past Bart and into the net. The Pole just about got to it, but it squirmed past his fingertips. 2-1 and a sending off, all within 30 minutes.

Showunmi was then subbed off in the 32nd minute, Derry replacing the big man with Danny Haynes, who just today had been placed on the transfer list.

Haynes very nearly scored after coming on, Manny Smith playing him in over the top. The ex-Charlton man then fired a low shot, but Day managed to save the effort.

The Notts fans that paid £28 for a ticket weren’t to be disappointed, because the game would keep on giving drama. A period of end-to-end football ensued, with Notts chances coming from Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Andre Boucaud and Haynes, while Britt Assombalonga and Swanson weighed in with chances for the Posh.

The second half began with Peterborough fired up and eager to equalise. With less then ten minutes played since the restart, a rampant Posh duly got their equaliser, courtesy of Assombalonga’s header.

Peterborough took their foot off the pedal somewhat after their second goal, and Notts began the unenviable task of trying to redeem their wasted two-goal advantage. However, just as Notts pushed forward in a bid to retake the lead, in came the third Posh goal, an unstoppable long-range strike from Ajose.

That wasn’t to be the end of the story. Almost immediately, Jack Grealish, the young prodigy whose presence tonight was in doubt following on from his dead leg at the hands of Stevenage last weekend, drilled a left-footed shot past Day to make it 3-3.

Ajose, having already scored a brace, went one better and got his hat-trick with five minutes to go, as a goalmouth scramble took place in the Notts box following a corner, and the ex-Manchester United striker bundled the ball into the net.

There would be no last-ditch Notts equaliser; the game would finish 4-3, and though you cannot bemoan the sheer effort put in by Derry's boys, one cannot help but wonder what it could have been, had there been eleven men on the pitch.
Joe Jones
Notts County and Peterborough have met a grand total of 43 times over the years, dating back to the 1960s.

The first meeting between the two, a Third Division fixture on the 7th September 1961, ended in a 2-2 draw.

Our record win over the Posh is a 6-0 drubbing at Meadow Lane in the 1970-71 season, while our record defeat to them is a 5-1 loss in 1963.

Peterborough United are nicknamed "The Posh" because Pat Tirrel, then manager of Fletton United - the current club’s previous incarnation - was reported to say he was "looking for posh players for a posh new team".

Fletton, previously known as the 'Brickies', re-formed as Peterborough and Fletton United in 1923, and both nicknames were in use through the 1920s, although supporters complained that 'Posh' references were sometimes used by newspapers in a derisory manner.

Peterborough and Fletton United folded in 1932, the present club was formed two years later and a Midland League debut against Gainsborough Trinity on 1st September 1934 was greeted with cries of 'Up The Posh' from the crowd.

14 years ago, Peterborough United clashed with Victoria Beckham, aka “Posh Spice”, over the use of the “Posh” nickname. She had apparently objected to Peterborough's plans to register "Posh" and "The Posh" as registered trademarks, but eventually backed down after realising the club had been using that nickname some 50 years before she was born.

Notts and Peterborough played a blinder of a game back on the 28th September 2010 at London Road, the Magpies surging into a two-goal lead courtesy of Ben Davies, before Gabrial Zakuani’s header halved the deficit. Craig Westcarr restored the away side’s two-goal lead, before Craig Mackail-Smith made things tense for the last half hour thanks to his angled shot.

The game is also known for a 22-man brawl at the final whistle, which resulted in an FA charge for both teams and a £15,000 fine.

Not many injuries to talk about before tonight’s game. Lee Tomlin is back from suspension for Posh but Tommy Rowe (thigh) and Michael Bostwick (hamstring) are doubts.

For Notts, Jack Grealish is a doubt, the club and manager not indicating whether he will start or not.

Callum Ball is pushing to start after scoring the only goal as a substitute in the win at Stevenage.
Joe Jones
Well, folks, what a turnaround. Remember how we were dead and buried just a few weeks ago?

We've played three games this year. We've won all three. And we're now in 16th place in the League One table!

Today a great defensive performance saw us beat bottom of the table Stevenage 1-0. Callum Ball, his loan spell from Derby County extended, scored the only goal of the game to ensure the Magpies would extend their winning run.

In the meantime, Bartosz Bialkowski, our frankly ridiculously awesome goalkeeper, carried out another imperious performance between the sticks to deny the familiar Francois Zoko and his new comrades.

Notts, unchanged from their victory against Sheffield United, had to stave off Boro within the first five minutes, when Filipe Morais, assisted by Luke Freeman's cross, latched on to a dangerous ball to head downwards towards goal, only to be denied by Bialkowski's fine reflexes.

The ex-Chelsea player then struck again shortly after, but his shot was again parried away by our Polish man-barrier.

Just before the half-hour mark, Bart had to deny a swift turn-and-shot from Michael Doughty. Up next to try his luck was former Magpie Zoko, who, despite his desire to get on the scoresheet against his old club, was also denied by Bart's array of goalkeeping weaponry, the goalkeeper diving at the Ivorian's feet.

Jack Grealish, the skilful young player on loan from Aston Villa, was constantly targeted by the cynical (you don't say!) Boro players, to the point that Derry thought it best to sub him off. Ball came on for the youngster.

Stevenage, frustrated by Bart's heroics, found themselves sucker-punched just before the break, (Question: How good does it feel to use that word about our opposition? Answer: Very!) when, in the 42nd minute, Ball (the man) drove the ball (the spherical object) home through a crowded penalty area.

Stevenage attempted to launch a fight-back after the break, courtesy of Zoko and Lucas Akins, who scored on Tuesday against Swindon Town for his side's first league win since November, but Bart, with a little help from Manny Smith and Mark Fotheringham, wasn't to be beaten.

Ball was denied a second goal by home keeper Chris Day. A poor headerby Luke Jones saw the on-loan striker race into the area, but Day’s outstretched leg saved the, well, day.

Stevenage boss Graham Westley went for broke late on, but his side could not unlock a superb Notts back line.

The final whistle eventually went, to the sheer relief and joy of the travelling Notts fans.

Yes, we have played a game or two more than the sides below us, but should we keep this form up, then we should be safe! Fingers crossed, people!
Joe Jones
This edition of Pride of Nottingham's popular feature the "Stat Attack" focuses on the rise of Stevenage FC, formerly known as Stevenage Borough, are part of a “new guard” of Football League clubs that have risen up from the non-league in the last decade or so. As such, there haven’t been many fixtures between themselves and Notts County. All meetings between the two have come in the last three years. Stevenage have been a bit of a bogey team for the Magpies over the (three) years. They’ve won four of the six encounters, while Notts have won the other two.

The Boro were the first team to win a competitive final at the new Wembley Stadium in 2007, beating Kidderminster Harriers 3–2 to lift the FA Trophy in front of a competition record crowd of 53,262. They then went on to win the same trophy again just two years later and were runners up the following year. #NonLeagueBarcelona

Stevenage, after being promoted into the Football League in 2010, earned back-to-back promotions when they beat Torquay United 1–0 at Old Trafford in the 2010–11 League Two play-off final.

The Herts club was involved in a bitter spat with Premier League Newcastle United back in 1998, as they clashed in the FA Cup.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9345266.stm

Stevenage should be unchanged after ending a seven-match winless run in midweek by beating Swindon Town.

Francois Zoko, ex-Magpie and scorer of 12 goals in 22 appearances for his new club, will start in attack against Notts, but defender Ben Chorley serves the second game of a three-match ban.

Notts County have no new injury or suspension problems.

And last but not least, Jack Grealish is available after extending his loan from Aston Villa!
Chris
Stevenage FC come into the game having impressively defeated play-off chasing Swindon Town at home 2-0. The struggling League One team who currently sit bottom of the table, find themselves in a similar situation as ourselves. On Saturday the 4th of January 2014, Stevenage FC managed to beat Doncaster Rovers in the 4th round of the F.A cup by 3 goals to 2. Prior to their win against Swindon Town in the league, Stevenage have struggled to pick up points having lost 3 games and drawing 2. Pride of Nottingham returns with our opposition view which gives you an insight of a Stevenage FC fan.

Firstly, could you please tell prideofnottingham.co.uk a little about yourself such as how long you've been a Stevenage fan?

I moved to Stevenage in September 2005. I started going to watch Boro as a football loving neutral who felt he should support his local club, but quickly became a fan due to the great team ethic on show at Broadhall Way. I got my first season in the conference winning season and we haven't looked back since!

At the start of the season what was your expectations and how does this compare to where Stevenage currently find themselves?

We're bottom, so obviously I was hoping/expecting better than that. Realistically I was hoping for mid-table this season finishing 10-15th (which could still happen). We have a lot of squad re-balancing to do since Smith left and I don't expect that to be a quick process. Staying up would be a massive achievement from here, if we do that I can see a promotion challenge in 2015-16.

How do you think opposition fans view Stevenage FC?

The stereotypical view is "big, strong and physical" and you often get a tag of cynical thrown in for good measure. I'm happy for fans and teams to think that because that mean they underestimate the quality of the team to their detriment. I do think we have a problem with some match officials who come with those tags in the back of their mind and give all the 50:50s against us, but that's probably just my red and white tinted spectacles. Given we have one of the smallest budget in the league we have to make up for that with organisation and work-rate which is what the manager insists on from his players.

Can you tell us what your thoughts are Graham Westley, do you rate or like him as a manager?

Graham is an interesting character, you love him at your club and everyone else hates him (a bit like Neil Warnock). I wasn't a supporter of bringing Graham back last season because I didn't see how a man who left the club to take a 'bigger' role and then failed in that role could come back and still have respect in the dressing room. He clearly does though, and I love the team ethic he insists on from his footballer. Team before self. We know players will have to have the right mentality to sign for us, which is a major plus.

After picking up François Zoko on a free transfer, as Notts deemed him to be surplus to requirements. He seems to have found form for Stevenage, what is your view on this?

Zoko has been excellent, just what we needed and much better than he expected given we signed him on a free having been released from you guys. We lacked a clinical goal scorer and front man, particularly when Darius Charles was injured against Everton in the league cup (he's just now back after a lengthy break which is great for us!) I was delighted to see we'd signed him til the end of the season because without him I struggled to see where our goals were coming from to keep us up. Zoko himself has said he's enjoying playing a consistent position as the lead striker, which he hasn't had at previous club which might explain his change in performances.

Which League One team have you most looked forward to seeing play so far this season?

Peterborough, and in truth they were pretty disappointing. I enjoyed seeing Bozzie (Michael Bostwick) who was a massive player for us back in the day, but he's wasted at centre back. Far more potent in the Steven Gerrard type midfield role he played for us!

What have been your best and worst experiences as a Stevenage fan?

It's been mostly good. My best and worst experiences were both against Sheffield United, beating them at the Lamex in Novermber of the 2011/12 season, but then losing to them in the play-off semi final of the same season. Growing up a Wednesday fan it's always good to see United losing, but don't ask me about Stevenage 5 Sheffield Wednesday 1, I nearly exploded that day.

How important is Saturday for you and what do you think the outcome will be?

I don't think it's helpful to over-egg the importance of a single game. I wouldn't call it a must win. Every game is important though due to the hole our pre Christmas form has left us in. We particularly need better results against the teams around us in the league, so clearly we desperately need to get one over on you tomorrow!

What formation and starting 11 do you see Graham Westley choosing?

Westley will go 4,4,2. I expect to be unchanged from Swindon on Tuesday with Day in goal, Smith at right back, Hartley at left back, Jones and Ashton center backs. Doughty and Heslop in central midfield, Freeman left mid, Morais right mid, Akins and Zoko up front. Morais, Freeman and Akins will rotate positions throughout the game. We have had a couple of loan signings recently but I wouldn't expect to see them in the starting line up, maybe from the bench.

Which Stevenage players do you feel pose Notts County their main threat?

Zoko is obviously our most potent goal threat but Freeman is our man most likely to take someone on, beat them and create space for the rest of the team. He has great pace and technical ability and is deceptively strong for his size, if he can get his decision making and end product right he will follow in George Boyd's footsteps and play at the highest level.

How would you handle the main threats to Stevenage and which opposition players do you think will be key to have mark out of the game?

Enoch Showumni has goals in him, and Danny Haynes's pace will be a threat since our back 4 is short of pace. If If we can keep you playing in front of us and stop you threading through balls behind the back-line that will make the afternoon a lot more comfortable.

What is Stevenage like for travelling supporters? Can you tell us where opposition fans might find parking or things to do before kick off?

Stevenage is a friendly town and club. The East Terrace fans do like some banter with the away fans, but it is all good natured and comedy away fans get great respect. Parking near the ground is limited. Fairlands Valley Park has match day car-parking and is easily reached. If coming from the A1(M), follow the A602 as it should lead you to the car park, which will be on the left. If coming from the A10 along the A602, you will have to double back on yourself at the roundabout outside the ground to reach the car park. (Pinched from http://www.boroguide.co.uk/clubs/stevenage.php#.UtlASvvLcts a great resource for away fans).

The station is 15 minutes walk from the ground and is well sign-posted.

If you are at Stevenage early your best bet is to head up to the Old Town where the best restuarants and pubs are. In the New Town you will find a high street full of generic shops and a Wetherspoons like every other town center you've ever been to. Nearer to the ground Our Mutual Friend is a CAMRA pub with great real ales and ciders, and there is also a bar behind the away stand called The Broadhall Suite in which home and away fans can watch the lunchtime kick-off amicably. If you fancy a pre match stroll head north from the ground through Fairlands Valley Park which has woodland and lakes. It will be very muddy at this time of year though!

Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Patrick for stepping in and recovering this feature as all seemed lost. We wish Stevenage FC all the best with regards to the rest of their season and hopefully the best team will win on Saturday.
Chris

Liddle's Injury Update

By Chris, in News,

On the 21st December 2013, a Meadow Lane fixture against Bristol City took place. On the half hour mark, a crunching challenge from City player Greg Cunningham on Gary Liddle saw the Notts player crumble to the ground. The referee, amazingly, didn't see fit to punish the Bristol player, as Liddle was forced to make way for Mark Fotheringham. The final outcome was a draw, but frustratingly the Magpies lost a key part of their team. The injury is on the minds of many Notts fans & the PoN community, for whom Liddle's return to fitness is a key concern in the battle against relegation.

Fans have received limited news since his injury, except for the fact that Liddle may be out for the remainder of the season.

However, a recent video interview published by Notts County on the Magpie Player saw Gary speaking about the injury and what he has been up to. He began by saying: “It's different obviously, I've played a lot of games over a number of years and I haven't been injured in any of that.” He went on to add: “I've been spending a lot time in the gym at the moment with the physios but yeah, I've got my head around it now, it's frustrating sitting in the stands and watching but I am working very hard to come back as quickly as possible”.

The fact he’s returned quickly to conditioning gym work and is working alongside the physios is clearly a good thing.

Gary continued: “Well, from the time after the injury, you know the first thing that we’ve done was to get it scanned and the results that came back (showed) that there was a little bit of ligament damage – a couple of ligaments. An operation wasn't needed, that was the first positive news that we got. I was more or less straight back into the gym after the swelling had come down to get fit again. You know I must say I'm feeling great, it's not going to be any time soon I don't think but yeah things are working well, I am doing a lot of time on bikes and swimming pools, cross trainers, but I feel like I am training for a triathlon more than coming back for football - I am keeping my fitness up which is the important thing.”

So it's now confirmed that there was no breakage, it's ligament/muscle related and that there isn't any need for him to have an operation. Promising news so far.

To find out more visit the Magpie Player; Link Here
Joe Jones
Notts County came back from a goal down to defeat Sheffield United 2-1 today in a tense game at Meadow Lane.

Blade Conor Coady's goal within the first two minutes of the match deflated the Magpies faithful, but rather than making it an afternoon to endure and suffer for all those linked with Notts, the team in black and white made a real fist of it and came back thanks to goals from Enoch Showunmi and Mark Fotheringham.

Shaun Derry went for a 4-2-3-1 formation today, Showunmi playing as the lone striker. There was good news and bad news today regarding County’s playing staff: on the plus side, Kieron Freeman and Callum Ball were both made available for the Magpies after the club arranged for both to return on loan, but on the flip side, the majestic Callum McGregor was back at Celtic after his loan expired.

If anyone has seen the Harry Enfield sketch where the Arsenal 1930s team plays the Liverpool squad of the 1990s, it has a legendary quote whereby the old-school commentator begins the game with: “And they’re off… and it’s a goal.”

That’s what it felt like for the Notts fans, as Coady played a quick one-two with frontman Chris Porter to allow him into the Notts box, and made no mistake with a composed first-touch finish past Bartosz Bialkowski. 1-0 down, less than two minutes played.

Notts were down, but not out. They picked themselves up and went for the jugular almost instantly, as Jamal Campbell-Ryce cut inside two away players at the Blades end. However, he fired over. Then, in quick response, Porter and Coady combined again to threaten the Notts defence, but this time, the effort was wide.

Things were back on level terms in the 26th minute, as Showunmi converted a JCR cross past the Blades keeper to make it 1-1. Yes, it bounced off his chest, but they all count.

United must have taken our equalising goal as an affront, since their players and fans decided to launch into a series of reducers on the pitch, and constant chants of “handball!” from the stands.

Nevertheless, the first half ended 1-1.

The second period began as a bit more sedate affair, the first meaningful chance coming in the 63rd minute, as Porter set Jose Baxter up, but the forward’s effort skidded wide of the left-hand post. Stephen McGinn was then given too much space just two minutes later, but luckily he too was wide of the mark.

Notts, however, made the wasteful United pay shortly afterwards. Alan Sheehan, marauding down the left wing, skinned Harry Maguire and delivered a pinpoint cross that fell to Fotheringham. The veteran’s header was saved, but his quick reflexes allowed him to rush forward and tap the rebound into the net. Cue wild celebrations in the Kop.

The rest of the match made for some incredibly nervy viewing, as Notts seemed to invite the Blades forward to attack on too many occasions.

Nevertheless, their efforts were all wasted, and the final whistle, blown after five whole minutes of stoppage time, lifted the roof off Meadow Lane.

Notts are still in the drop zone, but are just a point from safety, in 21st place. The vibes are becoming increasingly positive around the place. Watch this space folks!

About PON

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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