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Chris

Leyton Orient Preview

By Chris, in Match Previews,

Tonight Notts will meet the very top of League Two, as we prepare to take on Leyton Orient. They've started the 2013/14 season very well, the spirit with their play is positive and they've enjoyed successive victories over some very decent sides. Leyton Orient are undefeated, impressively they've scored a total of 16 goals so far in only 6 games and have only seen 4 goals put past them. Ex Notts County manager Russell Slade will no doubt be fairly confident ahead of our clash, so it's down to the Notts coaches & players to perform on the pitch in order to halt their progress.

Alan Sheehan's made comments to local media about the players owing a big performance, it's got to be asked when does the talk finish and the performances start but on paper we are a very capable League One club.

Notts will be required to hold their heads high and take the game steady, it would be nice to see an improved performance after the recent weeks and Chris Kiwomya will no doubt be looking into turning the season around as quickly as possible, as a loss would result in the worst start to a Notts season for sometime.

Russell Slade's commented that “You look at Notts County on paper and they will improve sooner rather than later.” - We need to transfer this onto the pitch with a good level of performance's, even if we lose every so often.

Chris Kiwomya's promised changes and even went on record to saying we will see a couple of players on the bench, so the lineup could be anyone's guess.

The only known injury (unless I've missed some) is to Haydn Hollis – Although I wonder if Liddle will return back to centre back, although personally I would hope he could remain in midfield and given a role where he's dictating the passing.

My Prediction – 2-1 to Leyton Orient.

COYP!
By Notts-Joe
Joe Jones
Notts recorded a sixth defeat in seven league games this season after going down 2-1 to a spirited Milton Keynes Dons side away.

Former Man Utd reserve Luke Chadwick scored within the first five minutes after a defensive howler by the Notts defenders leaving him clear through on goal, before a curled free kick from Shaun Williams on 37 doubled the Dons lead. Although Notts managed to pull one back in the second half through Callum McGregor, their eagerness to push for an equaliser left them exposed at the back, leaving Patrick Bamford to net in injury time, securing all three points for the team formerly known as Wimbledon.

Although Notts managed to pull one back in the second half through Callum McGregor, their eagerness to push for an equaliser left them exposed at the back, leaving Patrick Bamford to net in injury time and secure all three points for the team formerly known as Wimbledon.

Chris Kiwomya began the game in a 4-4-2 formation, drafting Marcus Haber in attack alongside Danny Haynes. Gary Liddle went into midfield as Manny Smith and Dean Leacock lined up in centre-back.

The 430 travelling Notts fans didn't have to wait too long for another farcical setback this time, Bamford taking only five minutes to seize on a dreadful headed backpass to thread through to Chadwick for an easy goal. 1-0 MK Dons. It could have been 2-0 just a minute later, but the subsequent MK chance was offside.

Notts did get a good chance on the quarter-hour mark, however, when McGregor's cross met Haber's head and troubled home keeper David Martin.

For the majority of the half, however, it was all Milton Keynes. Stephen Gleeson, Samir Carruthers and Bamford all had fine chances to increase their lead.

As has been the case often this season, any potential progress from Notts was thwarted by poor refereeing decisions, as was the case when Haber was tripped by Williams in the home box, but no penalty was given.

To add insult to injury, the same player was then responsible for doubling the Dons lead, with an exquisite free kick from the edge of the box. Bartosz Bialkowski had no chance.

In all fairness, Notts were lucky to only go back to the changing rooms 2-0 down, as two more great chances were just short, from Carruthers and Danny Green.

The Magpies came out in the second half determined to give their fans something to smile about, and they began well, Haynes' half volley ricocheting off the advertising boards. Dons would keep threatening with efforts from Chadwick and Bamford, but Notts had a bit more edge to them, Haber mustering a half chance from a David Bell cross.

The next major chance came on 69 minutes, with a Bamford shot oly just being deflected away by Bart.

On 76 minutes, Notts finally drew blood, Sheehan's brilliant through-ball falling to McGregor, who proceeded to fire into the bottom right corner to make it 2-1.

The rest of the game, however, would all be MK Dons, with a Carruthers shot (kind of) and substitute Izale McLeod's chance when clear through on goal.

Eventually, victory was secured for the home side with a Bamford rebound from a Bart save crossing the line and making it 3-1. Game over, Notts County find themselves rooted at the bottom of League One with one meagre point from six games.
Joe Jones
The feel-good factor following the Liverpool game lasted for all of thirty-seven minutes today at Meadow Lane, as an initially sprightly and confident Notts County fell to pieces once again, this time at the hands of Rotherham, who left Meadow Lane with all three points following a 1-0 win. The Millers took a lead against the run of play through Kieran Agard's close range strike, and never looked back, as Notts' atrocious form continued and left them deep in the relegation mire, behind only point-deduction sufferers Coventry City.

Chris Kiwomya began the game with a 4-5-1 formation, Dean Leacock returning to defence and Yoann Arquin the sole striker behind a packed V-shape midfield.

Buoyed by a crowd eager to watch the team that so thoroughly tested Liverpool in midweek, Notts began with swagger and confidence, and within five minutes had their first chance, but Millers keeper Scott Shearer was able to get to it.

The first proper opportunity for Notts came in the thirteenth minute, when David Bell fired a shot from the edge of the box which tested Shearer. In the same spell of action, JCR whistled a cross across the goalmouth but Arquin was unable to convert.

Rotherham's initial attempts were all well over, as the likes of Lee Frecklington blasted the ball in a manner befitting a rugby conversion. Gary Liddle in particular was on great form in defence, always getting to the ball just in time to block potentially threatening shots. There was even an amusing moment when Shearer completely misjudged a Leacock clearance, seeing it bounce right over his head. However it was nowhere close to goal.

One disappointment during this good period was that JCR had to be subbed off with an injury. Adam Coombes, the young Chelsea loanee and scorer of the equaliser against Liverpool, came on in his place.

Once again, Notts ended up conceding against the run of play. On 37, Mustapha Dumbuya, who in all honesty wasn't playing to his usual standard, conceded a free kick on the edge of his box due to a handball. The defender cautioned, Rotherham then whipped in a free kick, and following a chaotic goalmouth scramble, Agard was on hand to poke the ball home.

Following the goal, Rotherham began asserting their presence in the game, and half time came at just the right time, allowing Notts to regroup. In theory.

After a very enjoyable half time Cornish pasty which actually turned out to be the highlight of the afternoon in hindsight, business resumed from where it left off at the whistle.

In all fairness, Notts were the victims of several questionable decisions by the referee in the second half, many of them relating to Rotherham's rough and tumble style, which intensified over time as they tried to see how much they could push their luck.

But the more minutes ticked by, the more Notts just drained in confidence, and by the end of the game they just ceased to threaten the Rotherham goal and miscuing several crosses and passes, much to the chagrin of the home crowd.

There were a couple of isolated instances in the second half where Notts threatened, when Coombes took a shot from the left hand side on 68 minutes following Enda Stevens' free kick, and later on when a penalty appeal was waved away following Coombes' marauding run in the box, which was impeded by two Rotherham defenders.

The game, however, would end 1-0, and there were few positives that could be taken after such a display. Notts have one point from 15 and sit in the relegation places, behind a team whose points tally is in the minus following a points deduction. If we can just close the book on a dire August - League Cup run aside - and start afresh in September, it would be best.

Baby steps must be taken to claw back points and confidence, then if we can start slowly climbing back up the table, then good, but we need to take it step by step, for this is now a relegation battle.
Chris
Notts County come into the game having held their heads high at Anfield having battled for 4-2 defeat in the second half of extra time, having ended the game at 2-2. Rotherham United played on the 28th and enjoyed a game against Aston Villa, where they lost 3-0. The Millers have gotten off well so far in the season and Notts are still looking for their first home with of the season. We here at Pride of Nottingham have taken the time to speak with Miller fan "Ian" and we've asked him a series of 12th questions - Let's get behind the lads on Saturday! COYP!!

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

My name is Ian & live in Rotherham & have been a fan for 42 years.

Last year we met in the cup and you not only managed to get a replay but you brought the game to us at Meadow Lane and played very well. What was your view on this game?

Last years cup replay was one of our performances of the season & we really did "play you off the park" as it were, I hope for more of the same this weekend.

Can you please tell us about your expectations for the new season and how you felt your pre-season went?

I'm not like some Millers fans who are half expecting to run straight through League One & get to the Championship in one go, but it is our long term aim. Mid Table.

Pre-season was good for us, unbeaten on a three game mini scottish tour, then victory v Bolton in our first home friendly, but then home defeats to three Championship clubs, all narrow ones, 2-3 v Middlesbrough, 0-1 v Huddersfield, & 2-3 again v Barnsley, but good experience v Championship opposition!!

Rotherham have a fairly capable side – Have you made any new additions to your squad since our last meeting and how are they settling in?

The squad is OK with competition in most areas. Since last year we've brought in several players, most notably Matt Tubbs from AFC Bournemouth, also, Milsom & Tidser in Midfield, ex Carlisle keeper Collin, right back Brindley, last season at Chesterfield, striker Hylton from Aldershot & Worrall, the ex Bury winger who has been the most impressive of the newbies so far, but they all need time to bed in. The starting line ups so far has mainly been the side that got us promotion.

Four games in, although early days you're showing some very promising signs. Can you give us a basic run down of your last four games?

Last 4 games, OK Right;

10th Aug PNE H 0-0 Tight game with defences on top, could have nicked it but overall fair result

17th Aug Crawley A 2-1 win Should have been more, more comfortable than the scoreline suggests.

24th Aug Shrews H 2-2 Outplayed for large parts of the game by a surprisingly good Shrews side, lucky to get a point!!

28th Aug Villa A 0-3 Comfortably beaten by a Villa side that obviously is taking the Capital One Cup seriously as they played virtually their entire 1st team, but not disgraced, & like Notts at Anfield, will have learned an awful lot from the experience.

On Tuesday we faced Liverpool in the Capital One Cup, where we lost 4-2 after ending 90's all square. Did you watch the game on Sky?

Didn't watch the Anfield game as i'm a footy anorak & was at Derby v Brentford!!!

Who do you think will be your highest goal scorer and which three opposition players do you think will contend for the highest goal scorer overall?

Hard to tell who'll be our top scorer as we seem to get just as many goals from midfield compared to the strikers. High hopes though for Kieran Agard in the scorers stakes, along with Lee Frecklington.

League 1 as a whole, I can see Griffiths at Wolves & Sheff Utds new signing Jose Baxter scoring loads!!

We have a fair few injuries/concerns at the moment – Do you look into opposition sides prior to games and do you feel it could be an area the Millers could benefit from?

I'm sure Mr Evans has done his homework on the Pies & is aware of their collective strengths & weaknesses.

What formation and line up do you see being used by Steve Evans on Saturday?

I think we'll pack the midfield (thats where our strengths are) & go for a 4-5-1 formation leaving Alex Revell as a lone striker with players like Agard & Pringle in support.

Can you tell us which players you feel will pose a threat to Notts County?

Watch out for our midfield three of Ben Pringle, Lee Frecklington & Michael O'Connor, if you can nullify their threat you've got a real chance.

Which Notts County players are you most wary about and how would you try to cancel out their game?

The only Notts player that concerns me is Arquin as he scored an absolute screamer in the first Cup tie at NYS last season & he scored at Anfield didn't he?

On the 28th Rotherham lost to Aston Villa in the Capital One Cup, Did you enjoy the clash and how important is the cup games this season?

The Villa tie was a great experience for the players & supporters & we enjoyed it despite the result.

Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Ian for taking the time to answer our questions, I'd also like to extend a warm welcome to him as he has since joined us as Bradthemiller! Nice to have another opposition fan in our midst
Joe Jones
Could he, god forbid, knock him out? As it was, Apollo prevailed, just about, but nobody could begrudge Rocky for his titanic effort, especially when coming back down from an insurmountable position, and in the process, gained the respect and appreciation of the sporting world. Apollo tonight was played by Liverpool Football Club, while Notts County were sublime in their role as Rocky, taking the Premier League club into extra time and threatening a shock, before the Reds were able to finally labour to a 4-2 win against the Magpies. Chris Kiwomya began in a 4-4-2 formation, with new signing Enda Stevens, a loanee from Aston Villa, in the left-back position, while Gary Liddle, Manny Smith and Muzzy Dumbuya completed the defence. David Bell, Joss Labadie, Mark Fotheringham and JCR were in midfield, while Callum McGregor was pushed up front alongside Yoann Arquin.

For Liverpool, their starting line-up was a signal of intent that they were taking the competition seriously, fielding Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Kolo Toure and Daniel Sturridge in their starting 11.

Things did not start well for Notts, as the first chance for the Reds, in the fourth minute, was also their first goal. Raheem Sterling, the highly-rated England youngster who terrorised the Scotland Under 21s just two weeks ago, weaved through the Pies defence, before firing a shot which slipped past Bartosz Bialkowski's grip. 1-0 Liverpool.

The first twenty-five minutes were virtually all Liverpool, and included chances from Gerrard and Sturridge, while a free-kick from the Reds skipper was smashed against the post by the head of Daniel Agger, subbed on after an injury to Aly Cissokho. When Notts enjoyed their first spell of possession on twenty-six, the passes were greeted with enthusiastic "OLE!"s from the travelling contingent. Manny Smith had a half-chance which went straight to Reds keeper Simon Mignolet, while at the other end, Jordon Ibe and Sterling threatened the Notts goal.

On the half-hour mark, it seemed like Notts' night was crashing around them, as Liverpool got their second. Gerrard, unplayable at the best of times, played a beautiful defence-splitting through ball to Sturridge, who then smashed it past Bart. 2-0, and I won't lie, the words "Spain versus Tahiti" began flashing into my head. Notts would be lucky not to concede any more in the first half, as the defenders stepped it up a gear - JCR was playing like a man possessed, both in attack and in defence, while Liddle was responsible for a great charge down against Toure. Then, Bart's amazing reaction stop on 34 denied Agger a certain goal. Dumbuya's miscontrol on 37 allowed Liverpool to break through, but Liddle's intervention denied them, an action whereby he was lucky not to have given away a penalty. The final meaningful chance saw Gerrard smash the ball against the post on 40.

The second half saw Notts make an effort to retain possession, which worked well to unsettle Liverpool. For a while, the Reds lost their groove and couldn't manage more than a few half-chances. On the hour, Notts stepped it up a gear. McGregor was responsible for winning the first of two corners, before attempting a powerful long shot which was saved. Just two minutes later, a foul on Labadie led to a free kick just outside the box. Then it happened. Smith's superb latch-on from the Fotheringham free kick was met by the head of Arquin, and so the ball went into the Liverpool net. 2-1, Liverpool rattled, Notts ecstatic at having breached the Premiership side's clean sheet and seeing where they could go on from there.

From then on it was a very even game, Toure once again striking the post on 69, while Sturridge chanced a header from yet another great Gerrard ball.

This would carry on until the 82nd minute. When something even greater happened. Dispossessing Liverpool in their own half, Notts played a wonderful passing game, getting the ball from McGregor over to Arquin on the right hand side, before the striker advanced deep into the Liverpool box and playing a loose chip-cum-cross into the path of Adam Coombes, who smashed it through the Reds rearguard... and so it was 2-2. Cue raucous celebrations from the home fans and disbelief from the wider world of football fandom and punditdom.

And so the game would end all square... except League Cup games are decided on the night. And so the team with history and prestige couldn't beat Liverpool in 90 minutes... extra time it was to be.

An even first half of extra time, where the only action of note was the injury to Toure, was sadly ended with a tame shot from Sturridge which trickled through Bart's fingers from a tight angle, while the second half saw Jordan Henderson finally apply the finishing touch to Liverpool's hard-fought victory with a burst through the Notts defence followed by a placed shot.

4-2 was the final score, but for the sheer fact that Liverpool had to go to extra time, the result not assured until the 110th minute, shows just how deep Notts County dug and how far they pushed Liverpool, particularly when you consider the home side were cruising at 2-0 after thirty minutes. An amazing atmosphere, an amazing match, and an amazing night for all fans concerned.
Chris

Liverpool - View

By Chris, in Opposition Views,

This is a pretty special opposition view for us here at Pride of Nottingham. It's certainly not your typical one and although this is no doubt one of my personal favourites, I comment unbiased on how welcoming the responses. I've taken the time to speak with Matt who is currently based in Swansea, he's taken the time to answer our questions for us all to read. Liverpool will no doubt come into the game openly confident - Notts will have to play makeup with a fair portion of our fans but this is a game where they can show us fans what the shirt really means to them. Come On You Pies!

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

I'm Matt originally from Southport (a seaside town with little of note), I've lived in Bournemouth, St ives and currently reside in the Premiership City of Swansea.

I grew up in a none football household in a town around 20 miles from Liverpool and in those type of families you just fall into football, I remember watching England beat San Marino 7-1 (They needed a clear 7 goals to go through and conceded after 10 seconds) and I think I just generally fell in love with heartbreak, I liked Liverpool as it was local enough and my friends on the whole generally supported them, plus the other two Everton and Manchester United had both been teams of my brother in his ever changing youth, so naturally sibling rivalry takes hold.

So far Liverpool have won their opening two games in the Premership, do you feel confident that you can overcome the recent League Cup form?

Losing to Swansea was not the worst result I have witnessed as a fan, and we won it the year before, if you mean general cup runs of recent years then yes, I think Brendan may treat them with a little more respect this season (well I hope so), I think it's a chance for him to get his hands on some silverware and so I think yes we should be though we should always be aware of opposition from the lower leagues.

We lost on Saturday to a late goal at home to Stevenage, who your rivals Everton also face in the same competition. How much would like to see Stevenage win them?

I'm a Liverpool fan, the only reason I would like to see Everton lose is it is less competition if we were to progress and that goes for several other teams, never been the biggest fan of this "anti rival" nastiness that seems to be all over football, a fan of a different club is not scum, he is a fan of football, that is a positive (It's very unique but I guess that relates back to my upbringing).

How are Liverpool fans adjusting to life with Rodger Red Hat?

I think for the majority of Liverpool fans (Though I can't speak for all) we are warming to him, I was a massive fan due to what I saw here in Swansea (Have friends who were able to get me tickets so enjoyed a lot of his first season in the premiership and also some of the promotion push). Others have had to warm to him but yeah he has got this team playing some brilliant football especially in the second half of last season, he had the hardest act to follow so in doing so he has had to work extra hard but on the whole he is a likeable bloke with ideas and the right philosophy he will hopefully go far.

Your currently being linked to Derby County young marvel Will Hughes – How do you feel about this and would you sign him if it were possible?

Will Hughes from what I know and have seen and watched is one of the most exciting prospects so yes of course it would be great but I do feel we need more "now" signings as our youth system looks full of exciting talent.

What are your hopes and aspires for the rest of your season?

Cup runs and a push for fourth, significant improvement on last season though would do, I think a cup win may help Brendan a lot.

What are match days like for you, do you travel home and away? Can you give our fans a typical insight to a Liverpool fans day?

I usually only go to home matches, I enjoy going back north, I tend to travel up on a morning if it is a saturday or if it is an lunchtime or sunday match will stay over with my brother.

I don't get to go to as many Liverpool matches as I want usually around 5 or 6 a season. My typical day would be lots of travel, a pint or two in one of the many locals near Anfield and hopefully an enjoyable 3 points, Stoke was far from enjoyable but probably the most tense and excited anfield had been in a number of years especially with the penalty save at the end.

Do you have any recollections of seeing Notts County play? If so could you please share your memory of this.

Only on Television sadly, I do like to watch alot of football and so was generally excited about the first game of the season which saw the young Liverpool product Conor Coady get a few minutes for Sheffield United, I felt you were unlucky by going down to 10 and kept the game quite tight, I expect you will be a tough opposition for us.

What formation and line-up do you think Brandon Rodgers will choose, do you feel he might field some reserves and rest some first team players?

I think he is more than likely to stick to the formation that has been put out in recent games which is a 4-2-3-1 I would expect him to rest a number of the first team but not as many as some expect, I reckon Sturridge, Toure, Agger, Johnson, Enrique and Aspas will all be missing.

Who do you see as being your main threats towards our defence?

I expect Ibe and Sterling to both play and have both looked good at premier league level, I also expect Borini to finally chip in with a decent finish or two. Sterling though will be key though as he is forever improving.

Do you know much about Notts County – If so, who do you see being a game changer for us?

I don't sorry but I expect your entire team to up for this, a trip to Anfield is always special.

Can you please tell us about Liverpool, Anfield and anything you feel that will be interesting for our travelling fans.

The people are really friendly it is one of the things you'll take away from your visit, also the food outlets across from the ground serve some really excellent grub, I couldn't recommend one as I'm a fan of most of them.

Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Matt for taking the time to answer our questions, we appreciate his responses and it's refreshing to read. I really enjoyed his views on rival clubs and couldn't help but feel the game would better if more fans were the same (excluding a bit of banter of course).
Joe Jones
So, here we are. The cup competitions have gifted us with a fantastic tie against one of the big Premiership teams for the second time in three years. After the double header against eventual FA Cup winners Manchester City, Notts County prepare to travel to none other than Liverpool, one of the most successful and best supported clubs in England, for a League Cup Second Round tie. Liverpool need no introduction. Their history is illustrious and trophy-laden. They have won the league a massive 18 times - though it is best not to mention they've never won it under its current format.

The Premier League - the FA Cup seven times, the UEFA Cup three times, and the pinnacle of European football, the European Cup / Champions' League five times.

Most crucially for Notts, they are the most successful side in the League Cup, having won it eight times. It's a competition they thrive in. All of the above makes it sound like a tall order for Notts County. To knock out a side of such pedigree in the second round would send shockwaves throughout the footballing world.

Notts, though, have played several big teams in the last couple of years, and the majority of the time, have given a very good account of themselves. We were ten minutes away from a famous win against Man City in 2011, held Juventus to a 1-1 draw in the Juventus Arena later on that year, and against Galatasaray, lost out only to a final-minute howitzer from World Cup finalist and Treble-winning Wesley Sneijder. So they should be able to step up their game and give it a good go. They'll have to, after the display against Stevenage.

Liverpool are in good form at the moment. They've won both their Premiership games 1-0 and have plenty of players that are in top form, such as Daniel Sturridge, who scored against Villa.

The Reds are expected to field a second-tier side, however, but this doesn't lessen the threat for the Magpies. Raheem Sterling's recent display against the Scotland Under 21s was nothing short of scintillating, while Fabio Borini netted twice against Manchester United U21s a week ago. Iago Aspas had a marvellous pre-season, netting four and assisting three, and the veteran Martin Skrtel is expected to line up in defence.

All in all this will prove a difficult game for Notts, but as I mentioned before, if the players can give it all they've got on the day, then who's to say we can't at least give them a scare? COYP!
Chris
Pride of Nottingham brings you action shots from the game against Stevenage at Meadow Lane last Saturday. Stevenage managed to score right in the final minutes, taking all 3 points with them in the process. The lads will need to pick them up for tomorrows game and inspire the fans! You can see all the photos from Saturday's match day provided by Oskar Papierz - Mobile users please see the link below which will take you to our gallery - 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.
Chris

PoN on One - #4

By Chris, in Media,

We see the return of the PoN on One! In this edition we see a little twist as we turn it into a special feature for our Capital One cup tie against Liverpool. I've taken the time to ask two American based fans questions ahead of the tie, whilst throwing in the traditional quiz at the end. We will be following up with an Opposition View tomorrow but if you ever wondered how fans from another country get around timezones etc. We have this covered in this addition! I very much hope you'll enjoy reading this, as it's a feature which brings fans together in a good way. Keep tuned for more news, reports, articles and of course features such as this.

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

Liverpool - Mike; My name is Mike Creuzer, and I've been an EPL fan since I was about 11 give or take, and I'm 22 now so half my life! My brother and I would watch the games when we were younger.

Notts County - Dana; Well Firstly: My name is Dana Shoup. I was born in Ketchikan Alaska, been playing soccer/football my whole life, i'm 29, spent some time in England going to Harlaxton University just outside Grantham. We did a tour of the grounds of Notts County and it was 2003 when Notts was really close to dissolution and literally fans were knitting scarves just to make some extra money for the club. I absolutely fell in love with the notts family after that and I have one of those hand knit scarves proudly up on my wall right now. I did what I could as a broke college student to help. and I've been a big fan since. Become a lot more involved in the last few years though.

What's it like being a fan of an English club in America – For example do you find it difficult keeping tabs on the games?

Liverpool - Mike; Here in the States, American football is the primary sport and to get soccer/world football, let alone EPL, you have to pay for special channels. We used to pay for it until it was too expensive. Since then, I stream online or catch the game at a local bar. It is very very difficult to stay on par, but I do what I can to catch the noteworthy matches.

Notts County - Dana; It's Hard to be a fan so far away, especially cause every game you want to be at Meadow Lane chanting with the rest, but thank the internet and things like Twitter and Facebook to really keep close on games and how all the fans are feeling, being able to talk with players, owners, board members, it really has let me become more involved and I'm thrilled about it. Biggest problem really is being able to watch the games, obviously with Notts being lower in the divisions, i'm stuck with watching a lot of Premier games. And at least if I can't buy season tickets, there's options like sponsering players or Lifeline to help out from afar.

Can you please tell us what you know about the opposition your team faces and how you feel the Capital One Cup game will go?

Liverpool - Mike; I know very little about Notts other than they are a very old and well respected club. Probably not wise to say to Notts fans but I'm not too worried. Liverpool have won this cup more than anyone else, so they clearly understand what needs to be done. We have a young side but a strong one. We do have some issues we need to clean up in the back, though, so it'll be interesting to see how things play out.

Notts County - Dana; I know Liverpool enough to know they didnt have the best year last year, they have quite the Biter on their team, Gerrard who they have had forever has been amazing for them. Just like how I love Notts being the oldest club in the world, I have a love for players that stay with their club for a long time as well. Obviously Liverpool wont start their best squad, I hope we can take advantage of that, maybe knock in a few quickly and maybe knock them up a bit to take away their confidence, if they can do that, we can pull it off!

Who's your current favourite player and why?

Liverpool - Mike; Gerrard. He has always been a solid presence of fortitude not just as Liverpool's skipper but for England as well. Got a fantastic boot on him and I certainly hope he has many more years left in him. Carra retiring was tough, he was a close second.

Notts County - Dana; Favorite Player.... I was a massive fan of Bart and Spiess last year, just love the amount of wonderful saves they have done for us. Bart has taken some knocks but he just keeps being an amazing player/goalkeeper for us. And because he has, He has really made it to where I think we can win against anyone. I've seen undefeated teams lose to a team that shot just one shot while that undefeated team shot 30 plus times and their goalkeeper saved some 20 shots. I just really appreciate what goalkeepers do out there. Its the one position I just have no ability to play.

Lastly – What were your reaction to the cup draw and what are your expectations for the season?

Liverpool - Mike; I'm looking forward to catching a good number of these games. Bristol City/Crystal Palace, Doncaster Rovers/Leeds, and of course Liverpool/Notts. As for the season as a whole, really interested to see what's going to happen with some of these transfers. Looking forward to watching a great season!

Notts County - Dana; Reaction to the cup draw... I mean I'm all about moving on in the cup so I would have liked to see maybe an easier opponent, but I would say getting a bigger club early, they may be more relaxed, not far enough in the cup yet to be really determined or in better form so its a stronger possibility that we can pull of a stunner and of course more money for the club is always a benefit in my mind. I'd love to see us pull off a run like Bradford City. and Expectations, every year from the start til the end, I'm hoping and shooting for promotion, I know we lost some key players, but I will back Notts no matter what and believe we can pull off anything. Cause it comes down to 90+ minutes and honestly anything can happen. I had a scoring drought one soccer season and suddenly one game I had 4 goals and 3 assists, I couldnt do anything wrong and it was against a good team. You just never know.

-Quiz-

Q1) In which year did Anfield open and what is the current capacity of the stadium? (closet to both figures will get the full points)

Liverpool - Mike; 1884, and I have no idea but I'd guess at maybe a bit over 40,000

Notts County - Dana; 1884 and 45,525

Q2) What was the score the last time Notts played Liverpool at Anfield?

Liverpool - Mike; I have absolutely no idea.

Notts County - Dana; 4-0 Liverpool in 1991-1992 Season

Q3) Have Everton ever ground shared with Liverpool – Yes or No?

Liverpool - Mike; Oh I doubt that very much, too tough a rivalry for that.

Notts County - Dana; No, I think Everton moved to Goodison Park and then Liverpool was formed and took over Anfield after Everton left. So they didnt share grounds at the same time. Ha I think I'm guessing this right.

Q4) Who were Liverpool's highest goalscorers last season and also who were Notts County's?

Liverpool - Mike; Suarez had 10 or 11 and Gerrard had 5. I've only ever watched a few Notts games, we rarely get any Championship or L1 here.

Notts County - Dana; Suarez, Sturridge, Gerrard and JCR, Judgey, Arquin, and Bishop

Q5) Steve Finnan had a successful career with both clubs – How much did Notts County sign him for and how much was he later sold for. Please combine your two answers and let us know the figure roughly?

Liverpool - Mike; Finnan was on the 2005 CL side, but I don't know how much he was purchased for or sold for.
Don't be too tough on me fellas. I cant name every player or every game final, and I can hardly say I know a lot about the history of Liverpool or any other club. But I will say that football in the UK is the best sport in the world. The passion from the fans, the skill from the players, the intensity of the matches, all make me love every minute. Thanks for the opportunity to talk with you, got one hell of a community here!

Notts County - Dana; 300,000 and sold for 600,000 for Notts, So made a good 300k off of him, not too bad

Final Score

Mike - 2
Dana - 4

Pride of Nottingham would like to thank both Mike and Dana for taking part in this feature, it's something we hope to do more often, so if you're interested in taking part please contact me.
Joe Jones
Four league games into the season, Notts County still have just one point to their name, after a toothless, substandard performance against Stevenage FC at Meadow Lane. In a match where both teams struggled to gain a foothold into the game, the Hertfordshire side pounced on a defensive error to score in the final minute, courtesy of James Dunne. As has been mentioned here before, a curious refereeing performance hindered Notts on occasions, but they should have come away with at least a point against lacklustre opposition. The Magpies recalled Gary Liddle to defence, after his three-match ban for his sending off in the season opener against Sheffield United.

The side was slightly weakened, however, as Alan Sheehan, Dean Leacock and Danny Haynes were all missing. Greg Tempest, Manny Smith and Adam Coombes were in the starting XI in their place.

The first meaningful action of the game involved the Stevenage goalkeeper, Chris Day, handling the ball outside his box after a long punt by Notts keeper Bartosz Bialkowski which was within the reaches of Coombes. Normally warranting a red card, Day wasn't punished.

Not long after, David Bell's free kick caused havoc in the Stevenage box, pinballing into the path of Liddle, but his volley wasn't a problem for Day.

On twenty minutes, Tempest's good cross fell to Yoann Arquin, but he failed to control and Day once again saved.

The covering left-back provided another good cross on 25, but Roarie Deacon did well to flick it away.

On 33 minutes, Stevenage finally threatened, Robin Shroot firing a 30-yard shot which was easily saved. Four minutes later, Bart was finally called into action, Darius Charles' curled shot being acrobatically palmed away. Up until then, Notts had been huffing and puffing, without quite blowing the defences away.

Just before the interval, Callum McGregor and Shroot, for Notts and Stevenage respectively, fired over the opposition crossbars.

After the fifteen-minute break, in which yours truly checked the football results to see whether his accumulators were holding up, a cigarette in the designated smoking area and the purchase and consumption of one of the very tasty Cornish pasties from the catering section, the game restarted with Notts nearly taking the lead, a Liddle header nearly falling to Coombes, before Jon Ashton headed over his own crossbar and to safety.

After a couple more half-chances, Charles split the Notts defence wide open, allowing Shroot a one-on-one opportunity against Bart. However, he and Liddle did enough to thwart the danger.

On 72, Jeremy Balmy made his debut, in place of Adam Coombes.

The referee, regularly calling fouls on seemingly innocuous Notts challenges while letting Stevenage tugs and tackles slide, kept incurring the ire of the home fans in the Kop, the chants reaching a nadir when Mark Fotheringham was booked for dissent.

Notts continued to push for a goal, but the vast majority of play was conducted through the wings as opposed to midfield, and virtually every cross was deflected away from goal by the Stevenage defence. Balmy, in particular, may have not been ready yet for the first team, for he made several mistakes in the final third.

Stevenage are known for being a bogey team for Notts in recent years, and sadly for the sanity and blood pressure of the home faithful, this trend continued when Shroot's ball took a deflection and fell to Dunne, who converted from close range in the final minute.

One of the most frustrating performances I have seen from Notts, there are things which need to be addressed urgently, because I do not wish to be supporting a League Two team next season. More cohesion is needed, less focus on single players - Bell was the key man today, and even though he was good, we cannot rely on one player all the time - and more care and thought needs to go in the substitutions, because today they were not very well executed.
UniPie
Pressure on the Pies - Fortress Meadow Lane holds play to a Notts team looking to break their maiden this weekend and strike up their first win of the 2013/4 season campaign. The visitors, Stevenage, arrive as one of only 3 teams not to score a point this season. Albeit one of those teams is Coventry who are on -4 points having started on -10, after having a point deduction for going into administration back in March. Notts have not been in imperious form themselves so far, facing stiff tasks against two promotion favourites, Peterborough and Sheffield United.

Notts will take heart though from the last 30 minutes against Walsall where a much improved display with attacking football started to come to fruition.

No doubts about it, Notts really need to be picking up three points here. It is Notts easiest task to date, facing a Stevenage team well out of form. Even more emphasis is placed on the need for a Notts win as last season’s poor home record was a major reason for a lack of points on the table.

David Bell looked the part for Notts against Walsall and although sure not to be match-fit, Kiwomya will surely want to get him on the field to show what he can do again. It will a fascinating what Kiwomya decides to do with Gary Liddle.

Manny Smith has lacked any run in the side for over a year, but he has improved with every minute he has been on the pitch. I hope he gets his chance to retain the centre back spot with Liddle tried in midfield. It’s the middle of the park in which Notts need to be more effective, and so I feel it would be worth a gamble to try Liddle out in the middle of the park.

Graham Westley will hope to keep things tight and hit Notts on the counter attack as they so sorely did in a 2-1 defeat at home last time. Freeman and Shroot look the main dangers in the Stevenage side, but Notts are more than capable of shutting them out.

I will be very pleased if Kiwomya really goes for this one and puts out an attacking line up to show the fans what this side can do. Playing it defensively against this side will only make the game tenser and a point will be fairly dissatisfying.

So come on you pies!
By James Constantine
Chris
On the 4th of February 2013, on the back of the dismissal of then manager Keith Curle. Pride of Nottingham took to asking questions ahead of our opposition view, a feature where we collect the views of fans from other League One teams. We spoke to a Boro fan called 'Chris' and he provided us with his thoughts ahead of game and we decided to take time out and catch up with Chris, has he made some interesting comments regarding his clubs progress. So although we have already done our main opposition view - you might find it insightful to see how he feels now.

Last season you finished 18th, when we approached you last time you mentioned "As I've said I'm predicting a lower mid-table finish for us" How content were you with this finish?

Not happy. I didn't expect us to continue our brilliant form for the entire season, but the way in which we collapsed under Smith after the new year was extremely demoralising.

You also mentioned that none of your players posed a threat to us last season, how have things changed and did you have promising signs pre-season?

We've shipped out some of the players who seemed to put too little effort in, and brought in players who perhaps don't have the same level of natural ability but will give everything for the cause. Player to watch now would, in my opinion, be Darius Charles - whether he plays left back, centre back, or up front!

After 3 opening games, it's a little too early to see the bigger picture but how do you feel about the start to the 2013/14 campaign?

There are promising signs, but we need to start picking the points up sooner rather than later.

What did you make of the appointment of Graham Westley?

I was happy with it. Didn't understand the anger when he left, Preston being the massive club they are. After a torrid time under Smith we needn't somebody who would get the most out of our limited resources.

What formation do you see Westley choosing, along with the starting 11 players?

Previously he's generally stuck with 4-4-2, occasionally with a 4-5-1 away from home. Favoured line-up possibly being: Day; Wedgbury, Jones, Ashton (Captain Fantastic), Hartley; Morais, Dunne, Tansey, Freeman; López, Charles

How do you see this season going and where do you see Stevenage finishing?

Probably about the same as last season, but with hopeful signs for next season and a squad that the manager gets the most out of! I'll say 17th.

If you found this to be interesting, why not have a read of the Opposition View from last season.

Last Seasons Opposition View - Read Here

This Seasons Opposition View - Read Here

Pride of Nottingham would like to thank you for taking the time to read this update, we hope you find these to be interesting and we would like to throw our appreciation to Chris for providing us once again with his views.
Chris
Notts County obviously come into this game in a very similar situation, after lost their opening two games and coming away from Walsall having earned a draw. Stevenage haven't yet collected a single point, as they have lost all three of their opening games. They lost 3-4 to Oldham on the 3rd of August and narrowly lost by one goal each to Swindon and Leyton Orient. Pride of Nottingham's taken the time to speak with traveling fan Gareth, who has kindly taken time out of his evening to answer our questions. We hope you enjoy this feature and find it to be useful information - You Pies!

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

I'm 28 years old and been a fan for about 8 years now.

How do you feel about the ending of last seasons campaign and did you query any of the players who were released?

Was quite releaved to see the back of last season really. Was a complete disaster from about October time. No queries about any of the players that were released, I trust the managers judgement over my own.

Can you tell me about your pre-season, the signings you've made and how things were generally with the club with regards to the new season?

Pre-season was generally successful. Had quite a few new faces brought in again and they look decent, Sam Wedgbury especially at right back has stood out. We had a good victory over a QPR team that had a few first team players in the squad, We were on par with a strong Leeds team for 60 minutes before conceding a couple of goals. Smashed my hometown team of Biggleswade 6-0 in what was a very enjoyable day.

After 3 opening games, it's a little too early to see the bigger picture but how do you feel about the start to the 2013/14 campaign?

Although results don't lie, and we have lost all 3 league matches so far, I've seen some promising signs from most of the new players. We had an excellent victory in the cup against Ipswich sandwiched between our league games which was a nice one to win.

Realistically how do you see Saturday ending and are you confident about the game?

I'd be happy with a point on Saturday, just so we can get off the mark and I suspect that is what we will get out of the game.

How do you see your season going and where do you think you will finish?

Graham Westley has always been known to have a strong finish to the season. I think we won 14 out of our last 15 matches when we won the conference, conceding only 3 goals in the process. I can't really see us troubling the promotion places this season, top half would be an excellent season in my eyes. I always tell everyone that I think we will finish top of the bottom third this season. In reality anything above the relegation places will do just nicely.

Out of all the League One clubs, which have you been looking forward to seeing and why?

I'm most looking forward to visiting Peterboro away, Mainly because it is local and will make for a good drinking opportunity. I've actually watched Peterboro vs Notts County twice over the years, as a friend of mine has a Notts County supporting Dad so I tagged along a couple of times.

Which Stevenage players would you see posing a threat to the Notts County defence?

Luke Freeman is always a threat when on the ball and can create a chance out of nothing. Greg Tansey will also cause trouble if he has his shooting boots on and Darius Charles will be a handful if he plays as a striker for this one.

Who would you have marked on Saturday and who would you point out to be our danger-men?

Enoch Showumni sounds like he has had a decent start to the season so I reckon he could be the danger man.

Averagely how many games do you make in a season, including cup games?

I make every home league and cup games and always try to make it to about 4 or 5 away games.

League One is understandably harder this season, we've seen some big clubs fall and some others return to it. Who do you feel will go up this season?

Probably the toughest set of teams in league 1 since we entered it. I have money on Wolves to win the league so I expect them to go up. Could be joined by any out of about 10 teams but I expect Peterboro to grab the runners up place and Brentford to win the play-offs after just missing out last season .

Finally, what are the positives you can point out about your team right now?

Positives about the team is that the players now seem to always give 110%. They may not technically be the best players in the league but you can guarantee that anyone that plays under Graham Westley will give it their absolute all. Were in a bit of a transition period again with a lot of changes to the squad since the end of last season so it's going to take time for the team to gel properly but I think we should be Ok.

Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Gareth for taking the time to answer our questions. Please keep tuned for a special update from one of our previous opposition fans, as we catch up with Chris. A Boro fan who we spoke to last season.
Joe Jones
A determined Notts finally got their first point of the season as they battled to a 1-1 draw away at the Banks's Stadium against Walsall. Romaine Sawyers opened the scoring at the start of the second half, before substitute Yoann Arquin levelled with just over fifteen minutes to go. However, controversy reigned as Arquin had a perfectly good goal not given, and another given offside, both late in the second half. Chris Kiwomya reinstated Manny Smith to the heart of defence, the ex-Saddler back from his suspension, so Alan Sheehan and Mustapha Dumbuya were back to their rightful full-back positions. Tempest was on the bench after his game at left-back last week.

Notts started brightly, Danny Haynes firing a shot within the first minute which flew across the face of goal. At the other end, Ashley Hemmings attempted a chip, but it was well-blocked.

A lot happening within the first few minutes, a mistake by Mal Benning allowed Enoch Showunmi to thread through to Jamal Campbell-Ryce, whose shot was rather innocuous, before, again at the other end, ex-Notts player Craig Westcarr failed to control the ball properly after rounding Bartosz Bialkowski.

The lively start continued with Sawyers fouling Joss Labadie on the fifth minute, giving Notts a free-kick 25 yards out. Labadie fired a powerful shot which was skilfully saved by Richard O'Donnell.

The Notts midfielder would get booked just three minutes later, his reprisal on Sawyers sending him into the book.

More half chances continued to come the way of both teams, before Callum McGregor came very close to opening the scoring, but the Walsall keeper managed to get just enough on the ball to prevent this.

The fouls and subsequent free kicks kept coming, with Westcarr coming under particular scrutiny from the Notts defenders, but the middle period of the second half didn't see anything more concrete materialise.

Dean Leacock also went into the book after half an hour for getting one too many fouls in after Westcarr was targeted again.

Towards the latter end of the first half, Danny Haynes received a knock and was subbed off, to be replaced by ex-Chelsea forward Adam Coombes.

The half ended with a cracking chance to put Notts 1-0 up, again by Scottish starlet McGregor, with an effort which sailed just over the bar.

Sadly, as with other games this season, Notts found themselves at the end of a sucker-punch, because within the first few minutes of the second half, Walsall found themselves 1-0 up, Sawyers' powerful right-foot attempt from 25 yards beating Bart on 49 minutes.

A shell-shocked Notts struggled to pick themselves up from this setback, as Westcarr and Hemmings added to the Walsall chances within a few minutes.

Just before the hour, Mark Fotheringham had a good attempt to equalise, but his shot went wide. Westcarr countered with a good run and shot for Walsall which shook the net - from the back luckily.

David Bell's introduction, in place of JCR, seemed to invigorate the team, as Notts pushed on in a bid to get this equaliser. Bell had several cracking chances on 64 and 68 minutes, which gave the travelling Notts fans a bit of a kick-start after the setback.

Better was to come for the Magpies, as substitute Arquin, who scored the equaliser against the Saddlers six months ago, repeated this feat by levelling the score with a close-range header. Credit goes to Sheehan for providing a great cross from the left wing.

As the invigorated Notts fans called for a winner, a controversial goalmouth incident took place on the Walsall goalmouth, as Arquin beat O'Donnell to a header and it looked to have gone in, but the linesman didn't give it.

In injury time, Arquin again had the ball in the net, but this was given as offside, and as a result, the game finished 1-1. A hard-earned away point as Notts finally take themselves off nul points, but what will it be made of the disallowed goals at the end of the second half?
Joe Jones
This Saturday Notts will make the relatively short trip to the Black Country to take on Walsall at the Banks's Stadium. The Magpies have started the season badly, losing both league games against Sheffield United and Peterborough, while the Saddlers have a 100% record so far in competitive football this season, winning both their league games and their Capital One cup tie. Furthermore, Walsall haven't yet lost a competitive game at home this calendar year - their last loss was on Tuesday 13th November 2012, crashing out to Lincoln City in the FA Cup Second round.

Their defeat to Swindon Town a week before was their last loss in the league. The head to head record doesn't reveal much - the last game between Notts and Walsall was just six months ago, when the teams shared points in a 1-1 draw at the Banks Stadium. The reverse at Meadow Lane, in August 2012, saw the Saddlers win 1-0. The 2011/12 season, however, saw Notts defeat Walsall twice in the league. In addition, the West Midlands team haven't beaten Notts at home since 2006.

The player to watch for Walsall is winger James Baxendale. Having recently signed a three-year deal at the club, he is full of confidence at the moment, and his last two games saw him scoring in each. Meanwhile Craig Westcarr, the ex-Notts player, netted a brace against Tranmere in the season opener, and always relishes encounters against his old club.

Both team have relatively full squads to pick from, with Manny Smith back for Notts after his suspension. Gary Liddle, who received a straight red in the first game of the season, will have completed his suspension after today. Walsall, meanwhile, have defender Andy Taylor on the sick list, still recovering from an injury.

Even though it's early days, Notts crucially need to get points on board sooner rather than later, but Walsall are in form and may provide a stern challenge. My prediction: a 1-1 draw.

Joe Jones

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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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