Jump to content
Show all categories

Articles

Our website articles
Alexlevy0908
There's been many things unusual about 2020, both from a footballing and non-footballing perspective.
One of the many unusual things from a Notts County point of view is that for the first time in any Notts fan's lifetime, Notts have not participated in the FA Cup this year due to an outbreak of COVID cases causing Notts to withdraw from the competition.
As it is FA Cup 1st round weekend, an exciting weekend for any lower league football fan, I thought it would be a good time to look back on Notts's best and FA Cup moments.
The most recent successful FA Cup run for Notts took place in the 17-18 season, when Notts got as far as the 4th round before crashing out after an 8-1 defeat at Premier League Swansea in a game shown live on BBC.
That FA Cup run started almost 3 years ago exactly, with a Friday night under the lights at Meadow Lane against League One Bristol Rovers. Against higher league opposition, Notts came back from 2-0 down to comfortably win 4-2 and prove that we could compete against teams at a higher level.

However, the 2nd round would provide a very different challenge against National League South side Oxford City. This was not the easy win most Notts fans expected, as Oxford City came back from behind twice and looked like taking us to a replay.
However, in the dying seconds of the game Jorge Grant would score a winner which took Notts into the 3rd round for the first time in 6 years. On a personal level, I remember rewatching that game with my dad on BT later (who hadn’t been there) and at 2-2 he asked if I was going to the replay, not knowing what happened next!
There was a lot of anticipation about who Notts would get in the 3rd round, and the draw did not disappoint, sending Notts to Brentford’s Griffin Park one more time before they moved grounds. Notts fans packed out the away terrace that day, and it was a memorable away day as a Jon Stead screamer caused a cup upset and sent Notts into the 4th round.
However, despite bravely taking Swansea to a replay in the 4th round, that would prove to be the end of Notts’s FA Cup journey after losing 8-1 in the replay as previously discussed.
On the subject of Premier League clubs, the last time prior to 2018 that Notts would face a Premier League club in the FA Cup was way back in 2011. With Notts going well in the league under Paul Ince, Notts fans had the additional excitement of a trip to Sunderland in the FA Cup 3rd round.
It turned out to be a memorable away day for Notts, as goals from Lee Hughes and Craig Westcarr sent us into the next round.
The next round brought an even more exciting tie, as Notts welcomed Man City to Meadow Lane. Man City were not the force that they are today, but were improving and spending big money under Roberto Mancini.
With the ITV cameras in town, Notts held Man City to a memorable 1-1 draw, with a Neal Bishop header being cancelled out by a late Edin Dzeko equaliser. Thousands of Notts fans would flock to the Etihad for the replay, but much like Swansea 7 years later our cup run would end in a heavy defeat, losing 5-0 this time.
I hope this article has brought back fond memories of Notts cup runs of recent years. Hopefully the 21-22 season when things are back to normal will bring many more memories for Notts fans, with Notts back in the EFL!
Share your thoughts about this video on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
PON_News
Notts County has confirmed which players have been offered new deals after the 2019/2020 retained list was published on the official website.
The club has announced that five players will be released, with manager Neal Ardley offering 7 new deals to others. Whilst Enzio Boldewijn, Damien McCrory, Jim O'Brien, Connell Rawlinson, Cal Roberts, Sam Slocombe, Wes Thomas, Ben Turner, Kyle Wootton and Tiernan Brooks remaining under contract.
Neal Ardley said via the OS: "This is always the toughest day in a manager’s calendar, but it’s especially difficult this year as we are saying goodbye to great lads who have given their absolute all to the cause
The relationship I have with these boys goes beyond that of a typical manager and player. They have all bought into mine and the club’s philosophy and helped take us to a play-off final and an FA Trophy semi, achievements we could only have dreamed of at this stage last year." He added.
Richard Brindley, Kristian Dennis, Michael Doyle, Dion Kelly-Evans, Alex Lacey, Joe McDonnell and Sam Osborne have all be offered new deals.
"Unfortunately football is a cruel sport and disappointing news is par for the course in any player’s career. All I can do is publicly thank each of them for their efforts and wish them all the very best for the future." Ardley added further.
Released:
Zoumana Bakayogo
Regan Booty
Tom Crawford
Mitch Rose
Scott Wilson
Whilst 3 of the 5 come as no surprise, Regan Booty, and Tom Crawford does due to their potential.
The Pride of Nottingham wishes all of the players departing Meadow Lane all the very best.
Share your thoughts about this article on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Chris
On occasions, I have been asked why I support Notts County? It’s not enough to have it in your blood or to have shared the best part of your childhood attending games with your grandfather who lived and breathed the magpies.
I always reply, when it’s good – it’s incredible, and when it’s a rollercoaster, you’re closer because you’re a community at the end of the day.
Some fans might prefer to have it easy; however, I feel most wouldn’t.
Notts County isn’t chosen, it chooses you and, on days like today, it’s fantastic to see a proud fanbase come together.
The pain from relegation I believe it makes you stronger, it makes me more determined, and I feel the club’s history is one which deserves to be preserved. Each part of the Notts County community does its part, and when together it’s something special.
Life in Non-League has been much better than I imagined, I am incredibly proud of the squad, and I feel we are much stronger for all the turmoil.
Our new owners seem keen to learn from the past, they’ve back Neal Ardley and allowed him to assemble a squad which as fans we can be proud of.
Making the National League playoff final feels a huge step forward and, I won’t repeat Barnet fans mistake by bragging about being in the Football League. Still, I do feel confident about playing Harrogate.
Throughout the day, it’s been a joy to share and see how the supporters’ got behind today’s game – below I will share some of the build-up as we lead into the game as a community.
Mark Cotton - "Let’s see Who’s rocking there county shirts on play off semi final day."

@magpiejue

@NottsGeezer

@Mitch Whiley

@DangerousSausage
















@super_pie







Brian Barry - "Buzzing over here in Ireland."

Share your thoughts about this article on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
ARLukomski
The play-offs are on. Finally, the National League gave the go ahead for them and the chance for one of six teams to win promotion to League Two for the 2020-21 season.
The season was eventually decided on a PPG basis which meant most clubs kept their original position in the final standings bar a few changes.
The biggest change of them all coming with Barnet moving from 11th to 7th and a play-off date with Yeovil. The stoppage of the league meant The Bees climbed above Stockport, Solihull, Woking, and Hartlepool due to points-per game.
The format for the play-off will be in its third year. The winner of 4th vs 7th will 3rd and the winner of 5th vs 6th will play 2nd. Winner of the semi-finals goes to Wembley.
Tranmere and Salford have prevailed over the past two seasons with them finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively.
So, with the dates and fixtures sorted, let’s go through the runners and riders and see where they stand.
Harrogate Town
Position: 2nd
Top scorer: Jack Muldoon (13)
This will be Harrogate’s second season in the National League play-offs and with most of the squad still at Wetherby Road from last season, they will know what’s needed to get over the line.
Unlike last season, they will not need to go through the play-off quarter-finals as they finished runners-up behind Barrow, meaning they will compete in the semi-finals and will have to win one game to get to the final instead of two.
Town will feel they could have caught Barrow having been only four points behind The Bluebirds before the season was cancelled with the two still having to play each other at Wetherby Road.
Harrogate will have home advantage for the play-off and the stats are in their favour, having picked up 40 points from 19 games at home. 61% of Town’s points came at home and they will be looking to use that to their advantage when they host either Boreham Wood or Halifax Town on July 25th. In fact, Harrogate have only lost one home game since the start of September.
Jack Muldoon was top scorer for Simon Weaver’s side with 13. He has usually been partnered with one of Jon Stead or Mark Beck. The ever-dangerous Brendon Kiernan hit 7 goals during the campaign and was ever present throughout the season on the wing. Midfield pairing Jack Emmett and club captain Josh Falkingham were also regulars during the season and will most likely keep their partnership for the play-offs.
They have also been able to retain loan trio Alex Bradley, Jack Diamond and Kian Harriott. Scott Brown returns from Warrington Town.
Connor Hall and Will Smith formed an effective central partnership, even if they did end up conceding more than Notts, Boreham Wood and Barnet. Smith himself, played more minutes in the league than any other Harrogate player.
Their expansive style has helped them no end this season and they have done brilliantly, but with a squad short on numbers, do they have the depth needed? They recently had to say no to a friendly against Celtic due to risk of injuries as they only manager Simon Weaver said the squad only had four defenders.
Harrogate’s record against the rest of the play-off teams
Notts: L
Yeovil: WW
Wood: DL
Halifax: WD
Barnet: W
Record is W4 D2 L2. 14 points from a possible 24.
Notts County
Position: 3rd
Top scorer: Kyle Wootton (13)
Notts’ first season in non-league in football has been built on steady progress and stability on and off the pitch. Financial troubles over the summer meant players and staff were paid late until, in late July, Christoffer and Alexander Reedtz bought the club. Within days, wages had been paid and the transfer embargo lifted. Notts only started signing players 3 days before the season began, meaning they were pretty much a month and a half behind everyone. After an expected slow start, due to the number of signings and time needed for the playing style to get going, Neal Ardley’s side picked up form in September and ascended into an assault on the National League play-offs.
A blip of form in November was turned around and from December onwards, Notts were statistically the best team in the league, picking up more points than any other team. They also kept the most clean sheets and conceded the least goals during that time too. Top scorer Kyle Wootton signed permanently in January and Notts also captured Blyth Spartans ace Cal Roberts who would go on to become a fan favourite very quickly.
Kristian Dennis and Wes Thomas also hit double figures whilst Enzio Boldewijn (who scored 7) and the experienced Michael Doyle were both key parts in Notts’ push for promotion. Doyle himself has already been through five play-off campaigns with other clubs (3 with Sheffield United and 1 each with Portsmouth and Coventry City). Another part of Notts’ good season was a solid defensive record. Alex Lacey and Connell Rawlinson formed a solid defensive partnership. In the 10 games they started together from December onwards, Notts only conceded 5 goals, with 7 clean sheets being kept during that time.
Before the main part of the season was cancelled, Notts were on the best run of form of any team in the last six games, and they will hope to pick up where they left off.
Notts’ record against the rest of the play-off teams
Harrogate: W
Yeovil: L
Wood: WD
Halifax: WW
Barnet: L
Record is W4 D1 L2. 13 points from a possible 21
Yeovil Town
Position: 4th
Top scorer: Rhys Murphy (17)
Yeovil, like Notts, had takeover issues to sort out, but they also got their problems sorted out behind the scenes and the feel good factor from that translated to on pitch performances with The Glovers hovering in the top three for a chunk of the season.
Sarll’s side started slowly but soon burst into life with seven wins in a row that took them into the top three and they were hot on the heels of Bromley and then Barrow but, when presented with a chance to take top spot, they didn’t take it. They were ever-present in the top 7 all season, but their inconsistency from the Christmas period onwards caught up to them and they finished in 4th. They won only 3 of their last 10 games, drawing and losing four.
Rhys Murphy was the standout player for Darren Sarll’s side, netting 17 goals whilst strike partner Courtney Duffus scored 13. Lee Collins and Luke Wilkinson were regulars in central defence as was the experienced Carl Dickinson at left-back. Charlie Lee led The Glovers in midfield and played more minutes in the league than any other Yeovil player (2,569 minutes played). Myles Hippolyte was a dangerous source of attacking intent from the wing, contributing five goals and being ever present during the campaign.
Sarll’s side play a pressing style and they attack in numbers which can leave them exposed at the back on occasions. Murphy is a devious goal poacher and can be hard to mark. Duffus also popped up with his share of goals, meaning the pair were responsible for almost half of Yeovil’s goals.
Yeovil’s record against the rest of the play-off teams
Harrogate: LL
Notts: W
Wood: DL
Halifax: WW
Barnet: L
Record is W3, D1, L4. 10 points from a possible 21
Boreham Wood
Position: 5th
Top scorer: Kabongo Tshimanga (18)
This is Boreham Wood’s second appearance in three seasons in the National League play-offs, having fallen at the final hurdle in their last appearance, losing 2-1 to Tranmere at Wembley in 2018. They will have to go through the quarter finals again, as they did in 2018.
Luke Garrard should be praised for the job done with a limited budget. Wood recruited smartly and steadily progressed throughout the season, being very well drilled and organised but being intelligent in possession as well.
Wood started slowly, winning only two of their first nine games and after 18 games they were 14th, although only 4 points off a play-off place. After this however, Luke Garrard’s side didn’t look back and lost only one of their last 19 games which included a 15-match unbeaten run between late October and late February.
Kabongo Tshimanga and Tyrone Marsh formed a superb partnership up front scoring 32 goals between them (18 for Tshimanga and 14 for Marsh). This accounted for 58 percent of Boreham Wood’s goals. Femi Ilesanmi, Tom Champion and Kane Smith were all regulars in defence and Ilesanmi was only second in minutes played behind Tshimanga. Sorba Thomas also shone showing his potential.
Boreham Wood’s record against the rest of the play-off teams
Harrogate: DW
Notts: LD
Yeovil: DW
Halifax: W
Barnet: DD
Record is W3 D5 L1. 14 points from a possible 27
Halifax Town
Position: 6th
Top scorer: Liam McAlinden (10)
Halifax were pre-season relegation favourites but with a small budget and small squad, they defied the odds and Pete Wild guided The Shaymen into the play-offs, which they were a constant part of throughout the campaign.
Throughout the first month of the season, they would trade the lead of the National League with Woking and Bromley and they would win 7 of their first 9 games. They would stay in the promotion race from then on but hit a bad patch of form between early October and late December where they would win only 1 game in 11, losing six and going winless at home in 6 games (five home games in the winless run and 1 game in September).
Pete Wild’s side turned this around in the new year with an unbeaten run of 7 games and moving them up to 3rd but 3 defeats in their last 4 meant they finished 6th before seasons end.
Liam McAlinden would be top scorer with 10 goals but would leave for Stockport in January. Devante Rodney would be another key asset for Town with his pace and agility and would score four goals in eight appearances in his loan spell in the second half of the season. However, Rodney recently joined Port Vale and will not be available for the play-offs. Cameron King was a creative spark in midfield during the season and scored 6 goals in 31 appearances. Nathan Clarke, Matty Brown, Josh Staunton and Niall Maher form the backbone of the team with Clarke and Brown in central defence and Staunton and Maher in central midfield.
In the 2019-20 season, Halifax’s away form was the worst out of the play-off contenders and that is something they will have to get right quickly as they will need to win two away games to reach Wembley. Pete Wild has done a good job to get The Shaymen into the play-offs. Can they do it despite being unfancied?
Halifax’s record against the rest of the play-off teams
Harrogate: LD
Notts: LL
Yeovil: LL
Wood: L
Barnet: WD
Record is W1 D2 L6. 5 points from a possible 27
Barnet
Position: 11th (7th on PPG)
Top scorer: Simeon Akinola (15)
Barnet snuck into the National League play-offs on points-per-game. The Bees were originally 11th when the season was curtailed but had played 4 less games than 7th placed Stockport, and so jumped above The Hatters, Solihull, Hartlepool, and Woking.
Darren Currie’s side started relatively strongly, picking up 19 points from the opening 10 games. However, between September 21st and November 23rd, a run of 2 wins in 12 which included 7 losses left them in 16th place. They would turn this around through the Winter and New Year and The Bees would lose only 1 of their last 13 games, winning seven. They were left with several games in hand after string of postponements but their good end to the season kept them in play-off contention.
Simeon Akinola top scored with 15 and was a constant menace to 5th tier defences. Ephron Mason-Clark and Josh Walker showed their potential through the season, with the former scoring four and the latter scoring eight goals.
Ricardo Santos and Callum Reynolds were the regular starting pairing in central defence whilst Scott Loach played more minutes than other Bees player. Wesley Fonguck was a key player in Barnet’s season, making runs from midfield to support the attack and showing good agility and footwork to retain possession of the ball when Barnet were pressing.
Barnet’s record against the rest of the play-off teams
Harrogate: L
Notts: W
Yeovil: W
Wood: DD
Halifax: LD
Record is W2 D3 L2. 9 points from a possible 21
Share your thoughts about this preview on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Matty Jackson
(Nearly) 30 years of hurt
4 days, 6 weeks and 29 years ago was the last time Notts County were in the playoffs. Back then the Division 2 playoff promotion spot was won under Neil Warnock. That was the 1990/91 season, over nine years before I was born. Since then only one (arguably anti-climactic) playoff attempt- in the 2017/18 season- was made. It is probably an understatement to say: “The club's results in recent years have not lived up to the high expectations” (Reedtz brothers, 2019). Oddly it even feels turbulent times are behind us and that we are in somewhat calmer waters (ironic for the current global pandemic situation). With stable owners, an effective manager and a talented squad it may be time for us to end the (nearly) thirty years of hurt.
Starting eleven
Choosing of the starting XI is a job I am very glad is not on my shoulders. Upon checking the National League table, it can be seen we have some rather respectable statistics. ‘Goals against’ (GA) is the 2nd best in the league (to Solihull Moors- 37 goals) and ‘Goals for’ is the joint 2nd best in the league. Unfortunately, we are joint with fellow playoff contenders Yeovil and Harrogate, so this will be the best test of our defensive abilities.
Following the arrival of Kyle Wootton and Cal Roberts, the performances of Dennis, Enzio and Thomas have all been brought up a level. With Enzio’s magnificent sniper shots and Wootton’s noticeable physical presence surely, they are to start on the 25th at 5pm. I have always liked ‘a big man, little man’ style of forward play and would love to see Wootton paired with Dennis. With all this said I haven’t even discussed Roberts, who showed his ability with a goal in the Boston friendly.
When seeing the GA statistic (38 goals) as 2nd best I was quite shocked. Defensive quality has never been a strong attribute in my recent memory of Notts sides. Encouragingly, with solid presences of Turner, Rawlinson and Lacey I do believe they will do a service, backed up by the likes of Brindley and McCrory.
Obviously, we need our skipper Doyle in the centre of the field and with ball players O’Brien and Booty at hand, leaving a strong bench ready to jump on and refresh the legs.
Opposition
As I write this article, I am listening the to Yeovil v Barnet playoff quarter final. The winner of which is to visit Meadow Lane and contest against us for a place in the National League playoff final. With COVID-19 disrupting the season the Points Per Game (PPG) method used to decide playoff and relegation spots this season have had much criticism (as George Faulconbridge highlighted to me when he explained about the relegation of Ebbsfleet on a difference of 0.094 PPG between them and Maidenhead United). Whilst some teams do properly kick-on with their season just after Christmas I feel this doesn’t reflect the talent of Barnet’s squad.
Optimistically, my prediction is we will win against Yeovil (despite some surprising scores in our most recent friendlies) and go to Wembley with Harrogate Town FC (who I am sure will win against Boreham Wood at 2:30pm 25th July). However, the playoffs always seem to throw all certainty out the window.
Share your thoughts about this article on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Chris
Notts County fan flags have been pouring into the club ahead of the semi-final game against either Barnet or Yeovil.
With magpie’ fans wanting to make their presence felt, despite the absence due to the game being played behind closed doors and, the restrictions of COVID-19.
The club has announced that various flags will be on display around Meadow Lane, with the fans’ being placed inside the Derek Pavis Stand.
Teaming up with One Stop Promotions, fans can design a vast array of concepts within their own flag and, Lian Martin has told the Pride of Nottingham that over 80 have been purchased so far – with the 100 marks being expected to be broken during the weekend.
Fans have until 9am of Monday 20th July to purchase theirs ahead of the historic playoff semi-final, as Notts County push to make their Football League return via Wembley.
Pride of Nottingham is pleased to be joining many other magpies with our very own flag which has been produced by the club’s partner One Stop Promotions.
 
 
 
Pride of Nottingham would like to thank One Stop Promotions for kindly supplying these pictures showcasing our flags production, don't forget with each order Notts County Football Club will receive £10.
Share your thoughts about this article on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Chris
Although there is no football going on right now, support for our beloved Notts County remains just as strong as ever, if not more so.
Show off your love and appreciation for the Magpies with Pride of Nottingham's brand new Notts-themed phone backgrounds, completely free to download.
You can choose between a variety of backgrounds featuring the likes of Cal Roberts, Tom Crawford, Craig Mackail-Smith, Kyle Wootton, Kristian Dennis, Mitch Rose, Wes Thomas, Jim O'Brien and Enzio Boldewijn.
Enjoy our 7 brand new exclusive mobile wallpapers.
Here's a collection of the newest releases - You Pies!


To download, head over to our wallpaper page.
DangerousSausage
The nineties were a mixed decade for Notts to say the least, starting with two trips to Wembley and a return to the top flight. However, the five years after relegation from the first division were marked by bewildering sackings, even more bewildering managerial appointments, a cost-cutting drive overseen by Colin Murphy and, finally, relegation to the fourth division in 1997 (at that time the third division, now known as League Two. I know).
This was our first relegation to the fourth division for almost three decades, since the early days of Jimmy Sirrel. To my 17-year-old self at least it was almost as unimaginable as our relegation of 2019. We hadn't played many of the teams in that division in many years and were perceived by other clubs' fans as fallen giants (we had been hosting Manchester United and Liverpool five years before, after all). We were Everybody Else's Cup FinalTM.
The team was managed by Sam Allardyce, who had been appointed in January 1997 a few months after his sacking at Blackpool. Allardyce had failed to keep us up – in fact, we had embarked on a club-record winless run of 20 games, most of which were on his watch. He wasn't blamed for relegation, however, with most fans acknowledging that he had inherited a demoralised and bloated squad.
Allardyce had already thinned out the squad the previous season, and the sole pre-season additions were Dennis Pearce and Mark Robson, who beefed up the left-hand side. Gary Strodder, in his third season at the club, formed the heart of a sound defence and was partnered by Graeme Hogg, Matt Redmile and Ian Richardson at various points. The previously hapless Ian Baraclough moved into midfield and was given a new lease of life. Phil Robinson was another regular, giving us plenty of strength and tenacity in the centre of the park. The team was captained by Ian Hendon, a very steady right-back and a sublime taker of penalties.
Following a nervy but important win over Rochdale on the opening day and a comfortable win at Hull, we encountered our first setback at home to John Beck's “industrial” Lincoln side. After harshly showing Devon White the red card, the referee failed to spot that ex-Notts striker Phil Stant's winner for Lincoln was approximately seven miles offside, sparking furious scenes. But that was to remain our last defeat until November, with Notts establishing themselves near the top of the table in what looked like a close fight for promotion.
During that time we recorded what was to be our last home victory over Mansfield until last season, with Gary Martindale scoring the only goal (which also had a strong whiff of offside about it). The match was rather more low-key than our more recent encounters with the Stags, however.
On 3 December we won 1-0 at Brighton (who were groundsharing at Gillingham at the time) in front of a now-unimaginable crowd of 1,279. It was to be the start of a record-breaking run. The following week we moved to the top of the table for a final time after a 5-2 win over a dreadful and relegation-bound Doncaster side.
This was also the time that Gary Jones came to life. The hard-working striker scored just five goals before Christmas, but finished the season on 27 goals and in the form of his life – form he would sadly never replicate at Notts or any of his subsequent clubs.
We travelled to Lincoln during January with a score to settle and a club-record ninth consecutive win in our sights. In excess of 2,000 Notts fans made the short journey, myself incuded, and accounted for nearly half the crowd. And we were to be rewarded with a bombastic first-half performance and a 3-0 half-time lead – we were cruising, the only question seemed to be how many we would score. Just a couple of minutes into the second half, keeper Darren Ward attempted to clear a back-pass up the pitch but succeeded only in kicking thin air, and moments later the ball was in our net. Suddenly Lincoln came alive and ran us ragged. Just thirteen minutes after Ward's miskick, they were level.
Seconds after the restart, Notts were back in the lead. And ten minutes later the Lincoln keeper attempted a clearance, but the tireless Jones charged it down. Instead of being allowed to tap the ball in the net, Sean Farrell sprinted ahead of him and claimed the goal for himself, much to Jones' annoyance. Not that the travelling fans cared. Notts were now well on their way.
A 2-0 win at Mansfield the following week (with hundreds of Notts fans locked out outside the ground) extended the winning run to ten, before it finally came to an end with a draw against Shrewsbury. But by now the chasing pack were melting away; it already seemed a matter of when we won promotion, not if. Shaun Derry left for Sheffield United after the Lincoln match, with Andy Hughes replacing him days later.
With every passing week it became apparent that we really were going to be champions by Easter. Promotion would have been possible with a win over Colchester on 21 March if other results went our way. We drew 0-0 and they didn't. So it was on 28 March 1998 that we became the first Football League team to win a championship in March, when we beat Leyton Orient 1-0 in front of a crowd of 8,383. Mark Robson scored the only goal and Sam Allardyce led the festivities on the pitch after the match, grabbing the microphone and “treating” us to a rendition of “We Are the Champions”.

The club organised a “gala day” on the final day against Rotherham United, who had play-off ambitions of their own, but it was probably the prospect of another round of celebrations that drew a season-best crowd of 12,430 to the Lane. The team duly obliged with a stylish 5-2 win after falling behind in the first half. Notts finished the season on 99 points – we were simply too good for the fourth division.
And so we returned to the third level at the first attempt. We had the wind in our sails and a proven, popular manager at the helm – hopes were high that we could enjoy a successful era with Allardyce at the helm as we had under Sirrel and Warnock before him. Although those hopes were to be dashed, the 1997-98 season still left us with lots of happy memories.
On the up:
Steve Finnan – Signed permanently during the previous season, Finnan disappointed and ended up warming the bench. He blossomed during 1997-98 though, making the right wing spot his own. Finnan was sold to Kevin Keegan's Fulham the following season and subsequently made over 100 appearances for Liverpool, featuring in their Champions League victory over AC Milan.
Doncaster Rovers – Doncaster were in dire straits in 1997-98, with a chairman who tried to set fire to their own ground and a team made up of his relatives and youth-teamers. They were relegated on a goal difference of -83. After a takeover the following summer, they returned to the League in 2003 and have never looked back.
Swansea, Cardiff, Hull and Brighton – These clubs all finished in the bottom five of the basement division in 1997-98, and all have played in the Premier League since. In the twenty-odd years since 1997-98, the bottom five teams from this season have fared rather better than the top seven...
Disappearing from view:
Devon White – The popular Nottingham-born striker, who played most of his football for QPR and Bristol Rovers, had returned for a second spell the previous season. He scored his final Notts goal in the farcical defeat at home to Lincoln City and was harshly sent off ten minutes later. He joined Shrewsbury just weeks later as Gary Jones and Sean Farrell consolidated their place in the team.
Z block – At this time the Kop still belonged to away fans, often giving them an acoustic advantage. The vocal Notts fans were in the side of the Sirrel stand closest to the Family Stand, meaning that the songs and chants could often only be heard across half the pitch.
Scarborough FC – The Seadogs made the play-offs this season, losing to Torquay in the semi-finals. However, the following season they were dramatically relegated to the Conference on the final day courtesy of a Jimmy Glass goal for Carlisle, and were never to return to the League.
Share your thoughts about this article on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
 
ARLukomski
Notts County claimed a 4-0 win over Eastleigh at Meadow Lane in the National League on Saturday afternoon.
With the non-league competition giving teams the green light to play despite the coronavirus pandemic, five 3pm kickoffs went ahead in the division on Saturday.
A total of 4,942 were in attendance at Meadow Lane as Kyle Wootton put Neal Ardley's men ahead in the 15th minute from a Kristian Dennis cross.
The provider then turned scorer in the second half with a header of his own.
Wootton added his second with a cool effort and Eastleigh goalkeeper Max Stryjek denied Cal Roberts from an acute angle soon after.
But the Notts man would soon beat the Eastleigh goalkeeper with a low finish and the visitors' goal faced more pressure before the final whistle.
Here is Pride of Nottingham vlogger ARLukomski's take on events.
Share your thoughts about this video on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Chris
Notts County claimed a 4-0 win over Eastleigh at Meadow Lane in the National League on Saturday afternoon.
With the non-league competition giving teams the green light to play despite the coronavirus pandemic, five 3pm kickoffs went ahead in the division on Saturday.
A total of 4,942 were in attendance at Meadow Lane as Kyle Wootton put Neal Ardley's men ahead in the 15th minute from a Kristian Dennis cross.
The provider then turned scorer in the second half with a header of his own.
Wootton added his second with a cool effort and Eastleigh goalkeeper Max Stryjek denied Cal Roberts from an acute angle soon after.
But the Notts man would soon beat the Eastleigh goalkeeper with a low finish and the visitors' goal faced more pressure before the final whistle.
Pride of Nottingham was at Meadow Lane for the game - see if you've made it in this week's Faces of PON!

Share your thoughts about this video on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Simon Clark
Go on, hands up if you thought Kyle Wootton would turn out to be this good when Notts County signed him on loan from a struggling League Two side at the end of August?
Granted, one of the things fans have constantly complained about is the lack of a big, strong target man. Someone who can hold the ball up, bring other players into the game, win the headers and generally lead the line in a way which helps the poachers like Kristian Dennis and Wes Thomas find the space to play their own game.
At the point of signing him, Wootton had a League record of 15 goals in 101 games and 2 goals in 22 games on loan to Nation al League sides.
Hardly the stuff to whet the appetite but that just shows how misleading statistics can be – especially when a lot of those appearances were from the bench.
His full debut at home to a dour Solihull side which came to stifle the game, and did that superbly in a goalless draw, didn’t really give much of an idea. But away at Sutton United the following Saturday took your breath away.

A wonderful all round performance capped with a fantastic goal gave huge hope that we might have the striker we’ve been waiting for since Jimmy Spencer. With 16 goals at around a goal every other game, he has certainly found the scoring touch as well as helping his colleagues – and let’s not forget that holding the ball can also take pressure of the defence and give them time to reorganise.
It’s strange to think that when January came around, one of our fears was that we’d lose him as he was attracting the attention of League clubs. Thankfully, he settled so well at Notts and speaks so highly of the management that it appears that was never really likely as soon as we made our move to make him a Notts player rather than a loanee.
I think that could turn out to be one of the best signings we could have made, because there are very few players around at this level who can do what he does and, if we are able to get back in the League, I have no doubts that he’ll do just as well in League Two.
Another thing to consider is the amount of work he gets through. While Ardley likes to rotate his players, and rarely plays any of the others strikers twice in a week, Kyle Wootton hardly misses out and leads the line in a manner which shows far more maturity than his 23 years. I feel there is much more to come and am really looking forward to him being a major part of the club at least for the immediate future.
One downside of performing well at a lower league club is that it’s difficult to hold on to them, so let’s enjoy him while he’s here.
Share your thoughts about this feature article on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
PON_News
Notts County reached the semi-finals of the FA Trophy with a 5-0 win over Aveley at Meadow Lane on Saturday.
It took the Magpies half an hour before breaking down the resolute Millers, with Jim O'Brien breaking the deadlock.
Tom Crawford's curling effort doubled County's lead and Sam Osborne found the target to give Neal Ardley's side a deserved advantage at the interval.
Kyle Wootton's 16th of the season made it four with an hour played and Scott Wilson, who signed on Friday, came off the bench to mark his debut by completing the scoring.
Pride of Nottingham vlogger ARLukomski was at Meadow Lane for the game.
Here are his pre, mid and post-match thoughts about the victory.
Share your thoughts about this video on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
ARLukomski
Notts County returned to the National League playoff places thanks to a 1-1 draw with Woking at Meadow Lane.
The hosts started brightly with Kyle Wootton being denied by Craig Ross and Kristian Dennis firing narrowly wide from the edge of the area in the 13th minute.
Woking, however, opened the scoring five minutes into the second half when Dave Tarpey's cross was turned in by Max Kretzschmar.
The home side missed a good chance to equalise when Callum Roberts cleared the bar in the 68th minute but they were level two minutes later when Dennis fired in.
With only three games going ahead in the National League on Saturday, County's point was enough to move them into sixth place.
Pride of Nottingham's ARLukomski was at the Lane for the game - here are his pre, mid and post-match thoughts.
Share your thoughts about this video on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
PON_News
Notts County reached the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy after overcoming Yeovil Town 2-1 at Huish Park despite finishing the game with nine men on the field.
Connell Rawlinson opened the scoring in the seventh minute of the game before Wes Thomas was dismissed for raising his hands to an opponent shortly before half-time.
However, Notts were able to double their lead despite the numerical disadvantage, Kyle Wootton coming off the bench to net in the 70th minute of the game.
Courtney Duffus pulled one back at the end of a move which saw Damien McCrory sustain an injury which left the Magpies with nine men on the field for the closing exchanges.
Pride of Nottingham's ARLukomski was at the game - here is his take on the afternoon's events.
Share your thoughts about this video on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
PON_News
Notts County recorded a superb 3-0 derby win over Chesterfield at Meadow Lane to remain in the National League playoff place hunt.
The Magpies went close after nine minutes when Connell Rawlinson headed a cross from Enzio Boldewijn back across goal and the ball hit the post, before the Dutchman then saw his free kick crash against the crossbar.
Chesterfield were awarded a penalty in the 39th minute for a foul on David Buchanan by Alex Lacey but Notts keeper Ross Fitzsimons saved Scott Boden's spot-kick down to his left.
The home side took the lead in the 51st minute when Boldewijn charged forward and slammed a 20-yard effort into the top corner of the Spireites net.
Notts doubled their advantage lead just before the hour when Kyle Wootton headed in and the striker tapped home a third goal with 15 minutes left after Boldewijn's effort was saved.
Pride of Nottingham was at Meadow Lane for the game - see if you've made it in our latest Faces of PON!

Share your thoughts about this gallery on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

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.

Useful Links

Support PON

Enjoy our content? Want to help us grow? Your donation will go a long way towards improving the site!

donate-pon.png

Meet the Team

Chris Chris Administrators
super_ram super_ram Global Moderators
DangerousSausage DangerousSausage Global Moderators
CliftonMagpie CliftonMagpie Global Moderators
TheSkipper TheSkipper Media

Social Media

Home
Dashboard
Sign In Register
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Pride of Nottingham uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To approve, simply continue using the site or click 'I accept' Terms of Use.

  I accept