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On This Day: Notts County triumph over Ascoli at Wembley to clinch 1994-95 Anglo-Italian Cup

On this day 23 years ago, Notts County found themselves playing at Wembley for the second season in a row and the fourth time in the decade when they took on Ascoli in the Anglo-Italian Cup final.
Having enjoyed Wembley glory in 1990 and 1991, winning the Third Division playoff final and then its Second Division counterpart, the Magpies then fell flat in 1994 when they fell to a 1-0 loss to a Georghe Hagi-inspired Brescia.
However, they would be back once again just a year later against Ascoli, who boasted Germany star Oliver Bierhoff in their ranks.
In the 1995 showpiece, Notts manager Howard Kendall allowed assistant Russell Slade to lead the team out, whilst recent signings gave way to younger players, long serving players or those who hadn't previously played at Wembley.
One sour note is that only 11,704 spectators turned up, around 5,500 less than for the previous season's final, perhaps due to the team's poor league form - which would ultimately culminate in relegation from the second tier - making the occasional a little too bittersweet.
Notts took the lead on 12 minutes as a long throw by Andy Legg deceived the Ascoli keeper and went into the back of the net, but Tony Agana was judged to have got a faint touch on the ball and so he was credited for the goal.
Ascoli, also fighting against relegation domestically and third bottom of Serie B, equalised on 32 minutes when Shaun Murphy's attempted clearance cannoned off Michael Johnson and fell to Walter Mirabelli, who had the easy task of finishing off.
However, Kendall's side retook the lead and, as it turned out, scored the winner just before the break when transfer-listed forward Devon White headed home from Paul Devlin's cross.
Despite the glory of winning the trophy, the celebrations were muted because Notts were back in training the very next day to prepare for a midweek league clash against fellow strugglers Bristol City, which would yield a 1-1 draw.
One more Anglo-Italian Cup competition would be contested before being discontinued due to fixture congestion, with Port Vale losing to Genoa in the 1996 final.
The Valiants' defeat meant that Notts were the only English team to win the trophy the four seasons that the modern version was contested, having previously been contested in on and off during the 1960s until the 1980s.
Bierhoff went on to score both goals in the Euro 96 final, with Germany beating the Czech Republic 2-1, and would go on to have fruitful spells at Udinese and AC Milan before winding his career down at Monaco and Chievo Verona.
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Joe Jones

Former Notts County defender Sol Campbell overlooked by Grimsby Town due to lack of experience

Former Notts County defender Sol Campbell has suggested that he didn't get the Grimsby Town job due to a lack of experience.
The 43-year-old has been linked with a number of managerial roles but is yet to secure his first coaching job since he retired from football in 2011.
Campbell, once a star for Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and England was believed to be in talks to take the reins at Oxford United in February but nothing came of it.
This led to the one-time Magpie appearance holder to bemoan the fact that "one of the greatest minds in football" was being overlooked for jobs.
Campbell was then was invited for an interview with the Mariners, who eventually appointed former Burnley Under-23s coach Michael Jolley.
"I went to Grimsby for an interview," Campbell told Sky Sports at the weekend. "I didn't have much time to prepare.
"It could be experience, knowing that division, I totally understand and I think it's fair. But you can get people around you who do. I understand there's always a plus and minus in everything you do, but there's experience in knowing the league.
"I'm prepared. If I need to get my hands dirty, I'll get my hands dirty. If I need to get someone around me who knows the league, I'll do that. That's all part of building a team together. You need your mini-team around you to help you."
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Joe Jones

Former Notts County boss Martin Allen takes Barnet reins for fifth time

Former Notts County manager Martin Allen has just begun his fifth spell in charge of Barnet.
The 50-year-old, who had a spell at Meadow Lane between 2011 and 2012, remains well liked at Meadow Lane.
But much like one of those annoying on-off relationships between Z-list celebrities that are constantly plastered all over the news, Allen and Barnet find themselves together once again.
Allen, whose love story with the Bees began in 2003, saw his fourth spell in charge end in 2016 when he left to take over at National League side Eastleigh but lasted just 14 games in the role.
As for Barnet, they parted ways with Graham Westley just over two months in the role to make room for Barnet's return.
Allen returns with Barnet seven points from safety, at the foot of League Two, with eight matches remaining this season.
“Everyone at The Hive London would like to wish Martin the best of luck as he joins our fight to keep Barnet in the Football League,” the Bees said in a statement.
“The club would like to encourage every Bees fan out there to get behind Martin and the team for our crucial eight-game run-in and for us all to pull together as we look to maintain our league status.
“Barnet Football Club can also confirm the departure of head coach Graham Westley and head of technical Mark McGhee with immediate effect.”
We at Pride of Nottingham wish Mad Dog Allen and Barnet all the best - we're sure this time it will last forever and ever.
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Joe Jones

Match Reaction: Ref slammed for excess added time in Notts County, Mansfield Town derby

Notts County were pegged back eight minutes into injury time as Mansfield Town's late, late penalty saw them leave Meadow Lane with a point in a 1-1 draw.
The Magpies were on the verge of recording a first league win over the Stags since 2005 in front of a bumper crowd that braved the snowy, cold, treacherous conditions at the San Sirrel.
Kevin Nolan's boys took the lead in the first half through Terry Hawkridge bundling home, but the Stags were given the chance to equalise eight minutes into the seven minutes of added time at the end of the game.
Alex MacDonald headed into the box in the last minute of injury time with the ball hitting Lewis Alessandra on the arm, prompting referee Andy Woolmer to point to the spot.
Kane Hemmings made no mistake from 12 yards, and so the hoodoo against the bitter rivals continues.
How did the Notts contingent (Kevin Nolan, players and fans) react to the result? Here is Pride of Nottingham's post-match reaction compilation.
Kevin Nolan (official site)
"I don't think I've ever been involved in a game with weather conditions like that.
"I'm delighted with the lads for the way they went about it in really difficult conditions.
"We shaded it, had chances and limited them to very few until the last minute, when they are going to throw everything at you.
"The way we handled everything - the occasion, the atmosphere and the conditions - was absolutely spot on.
"They deserved to win after the performance they put in."
Kevin Nolan (Nottingham Post)
“My lads have been robbed of two points. We played really well and they got the goal they deserved. They limited Mansfield to very few chances.
“The first chance they had in which the keeper had to make a save was in the 97th minute.
“I am flabbergasted and I don’t know how we have come off the pitch having drawn the game.
“The referee cost us two points with a horrendous, terrible, decision. It was outside the box and the referee has no excuses.
“It’s so bad because my lads had to earn the right to get a goal and to try for a clean sheet.
“We did enough to win the game, but the referee has given them a penalty out of nothing.
“This is third v fifth. It’s so disappointing and it is happening week in and week out. But I am so proud of my lads.”
Terry Hawkridge (OS)
"I thought we played really well today. It was tough but I thought we dug in well, were the better side on the day and did enough to win the game but some decisions go your way and some don't.
"The lads are disappointed because it was a late goal and we thought we could hold on but we have to carry on and concentrate on the next game. This could prove to be a good point in the end."
The Black and White Army (PON social media)
Lee Atkins: 7 mins stoppage time so he gives a penalty in 7 mins 30 seconds!!! Mmmmmmm.
Derek Gill: Too many points dropped after 90 mins, will cost promotion this year.
Magpie Moomin: The only person who saw a pen was the ref where the F**K did he find 7 mins???
Richard Wood: It was a definite penalty. We asked for trouble tbf.
Dave Woolley: If we had a striker a last minute penalty wouldn’t have mattered. Same old same old.
Geoff King: They could come with us... Getting very interesting.. The top 7 could all look very different on Easter Tuesday.
Ian Rogers: Robbed by a Referee who somehow managed to pluck 7 minutes of added time from thin air, and then play 10 - W ⚓ ! !
Alan Turner: No wonder managers get in to trouble, for speaking their mind. When the FA keep protecting these idiots, and put them in a glass cage. They should be made to be held for their mistakes, and explain them. Not whitewashed over. A lot is riding on games these days. Not only money but people's livelihood. Rant over. ????
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Joe Jones

Faces of PON: Fans brave snowy conditions to support Notts County against Mansfield Town

Notts County were pegged back eight minutes into injury time as Mansfield Town's late, late penalty saw them leave Meadow Lane with a point in a 1-1 draw.
The Magpies were on the verge of recording a first league win over the Stags since 2005 in front of a bumper crowd that braved the snowy, cold, treacherous conditions at the San Sirrel.
Kevin Nolan's boys took the lead in the first half through Terry Hawkridge bundling home, but the Stags were given the chance to equalise eight minutes into the seven minutes of added time at the end of the game.
Alex Macdonald headed into the box in the last minute of injury time with the ball hitting Lewis Alessandra on the arm, prompting referee Andy Woolmer to point to the spot, and Kane Hemmings made no mistake.
Pride of Nottingham was at the Lane for the occasion and took photos of our fans - check our gallery to see if you're in this week's Faces of PON!

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Chris

Match Highlights: Was it a penalty in Notts County, Mansfield Town draw?

Notts County came so close to claiming a first league victory against Mansfield Town since 2005 but ultimately fell just short as the opposition scored a late penalty in what ended as a 1-1 draw..
The big League Two derby, which kicked off at 1pm, saw the Magpies take the lead midway through the first half at a snowy Meadow Lane.
Terry Hawkridge was the man who scored the opener, a scrappy goal bundled home from close range after Conrad Logan had palmed Shola Ameobi's header back out into danger.
The Stags improved in the second half but Notts had appeared to have done enough when the clock ticked past the seven minutes of added time.
But the game continued and, in the eighth minute, Lewis Alessandra's handball in the box - though even that is contentious - led to a penalty, which Kane Hemmings converted for an ill-deserved share of the spoils.
Notts County have uploaded the match highlights, and we've shared them on here for you so you can relive the action from the game.
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Joe Jones

ARLukomski's Match Vlog: Notts County robbed by Mansfield Town

Notts County came so close to claiming a first league victory against Mansfield Town since 2005 but ultimately they fell just short in heartbreaking circumstances.
The big League Two derby, which kicked off at 1pm, saw the Magpies take the lead midway through the first half.
Terry Hawkridge was the man who scored the opener, a scrappy goal bundled home from close range after Conrad Logan had palmed Shola Ameobi's header back out into danger.
The Stags improved in the second half but Notts had appeared to have done enough when the clock ticked past the seven minutes of added time.
But the game continued and, in the eighth minute, Lewis Alessandra's handball in the box - though even that is contentious - led to a penalty, which Kane Hemmings converted for a final score of 1-1.
Pride of Nottingham writer and vlogger ARLukomski was at the Lane for the big game and gives his pre-match, mid-match and post-match thoughts.
Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here.
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ARLukomski

Kevin Nolan: 'Notts County were robbed against Mansfield Town'

Kevin Nolan has claimed that Notts County were "robbed of two points" as they played out a 1-1 draw against Mansfield Town on Saturday.
The Magpies took the lead in the first half through Terry Hawkridge bundling home, but the Stags were given the chance to equalise eight minutes into the seven minutes of added time at the end of the game.
Alex Macdonald headed into the box in the last minute of injury time with the ball hitting Lewis Alessandra on the arm, prompting referee Andy Woolmer to point to the spot, and Kane Hemmings made no mistake.
“My lads have been robbed of two points,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post following the derby at Meadow Lane.
“We played really well and they got the goal they deserved. They limited Mansfield to very few chances.
“The first chance they had in which the keeper had to make a save was in the 97th minute.
“I am flabbergasted and I don’t know how we have come off the pitch having drawn the game.
“The referee cost us two points with a horrendous, terrible, decision. It was outside the box and the referee has no excuses.
“It’s so bad because my lads had to earn the right to get a goal and to try for a clean sheet.
“We did enough to win the game, but the referee has given them a penalty out of nothing.
“This is third v fifth. It’s so disappointing and it is happening week in and week out. But I am so proud of my lads.”
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Joe Jones

Match Report: Notts County denied at the death against Mansfield Town

A penalty awarded after the declared seven minutes of injury time saw Notts County pegged back to a 1-1 draw by Mansfield Town in Saturday's big League Two derby.
A snowy Meadow Lane played host to the two Nottinghamshire rivals, both of whom are thick in the promotion shout.
Notts began brightly in the poor conditions and had their first effort on six minutes as Carl Dickinson played the ball  into the box where Jon Stead sent a header wide of the left post.
Four minutes later, Stags goalkeeper Conrad Logan punched a ball to the edge of his area and Liam Noble was quickest to the loose ball but his attempted lob landed on the roof of the net.
Mansfield took a while to get into gear but soon they were matching the Magpies on the pitch, winning several corners, and Ben Hall did well to clear a cross before Danny Rose could turn it home.
Just after the half-hour mark, the Stags mustered a shot on target when Rose was played the ball on the edge of the Notts box but saw his low effort picked up by Adam Collin.
From the ensuing break, Jorge Grant was able to cross for the unmarked Shola Ameobi just five yards out, but Logan made a save with his legs to send the ball behind for a corner.
The set piece led to County's opener as Ameobi nodded goalwards, Logan parried the header onto the bar and when it came back out again, Terry Hawkridge was on hand to nudge the ball into the back of the net.
Kevin Nolan's side went in at the break a goal up but the visitors improved after the break, with Kane Hemmings, Paul Anderson and Alex MacDonald all weighing in with efforts.
Midway through the second half the handbags came out after Mal Benning had brought Jon Stead down on the flank, with MacDonald and Noble involved in a bit of afters.
Both sides continued to exchange blows but the sucker punch for Notts came 30 seconds past the seventh minute of added time.
MacDonald headed the ball back into the Notts area and it made contact with Lewis Alessandra's arm, prompting the referee to award a penalty which Hemmings slotted low beyond Collin from 12 yards.
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Joe Jones

Stat Attack: Notts County hope to end hoodoo against rivals Mansfield Town

Head to head
The first fixture between Notts County and Mansfield Town was in October 1937, a 2-0 win for the Magpies in Division Three (South).
Mansfield now have the upper edge, with Notts on 18 wins, 19 defeats, and 14 draws.
Between 1989 and 2001, the two sides met six times – and Notts won each time.
County's record over the last 10 meetings, however, is poor, standing at two wins, six defeats, and two draws.
This record is embellished by the fact Notts have beaten Mansfield twice in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in the last two years.
In reality, the Magpies haven't got a league win over the Stags since August 2005.
The Stags have lost none of their last seven league visits to Meadow Lane, keeping clean sheets in each of their last four.
The Magpies have already lost twice to Mansfield this season (once in a league game, once in a EFL Trophy game), last losing three matches to an opponent in a single season in 2002/03 against Wigan Athletic.
Mansfield's last three league games have all finished 1-1, with the Stags taking the lead on each occasion.
Opposition history
The Stags were formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans, changing their name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910.
Mansfield won the Football League Trophy in 1987, in their first game at Wembley Stadium.
After a 1–1 draw with Bristol City, they won the cup 5–4 in the deciding penalty shootout, thanks to Kevin Hitchcock saving two penalties.
That remains the only cup win in their history, though they did win the Division Four title in 1974-75, Division Three two seasons later, and the Conference in 2012-13.
Famous people from Mansfield include Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington, media presenter Richard Bacon, FA Cup-winning goalkeeper Steve Ogrizovic and award-winning fashion designer Elspeth Gibson.
Team news
Kevin Nolan could name an unchanged team from last week's late 2-1 win at Forest Green which extended his side's unbeaten run to three games.
However, the gaffer could also be tempted to restore Matty Virtue to his starting line-up in place of winger Terry Hawkridge.
New Mansfield boss David Flitcroft could be forced to reshuffle his side as they look to bounce back from last week's draw with Colchester United.
Captain Zander Diamond was forced off with a hamstring injury while Jacob Mellis suffered a knock to his ankle in the same game.
However, neither injury is as bad as was first feared and Flitcroft hopes both players could be available for the derby.
Will Atkinson and Paul Digby are among those pushing to start after coming off the bench last week.
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Joe Jones

Mansfield Town boss David Flitcroft describes Notts County as "an intimidating place"

Mansfield Town boss David Flitcroft has described Notts County as "quite an intimidating place" as he gears up for his first Nottinghamshire derby.
The 44-year-old has only been in charge of the Stags since the start of March, leaving Swindon Town to take over from Steve Evans in the Field Mill dugout.
As derbies between the two go, Saturday's clash at Meadow Lane is arguably one of the most significant in recent years, with both sides in the thick of the League Two promotion race.
“They play a certain way and do things how Kev (Kevin Nolan) likes to play and we’ve got to combat that,” Flitcroft told the Nottingham Post. "We must make sure on the day we turn their strengths into weaknesses and that we are stronger in what we do.
“Notts can be quite an intimidating place. They have made it a fortress and we have to try to take ownership ourselves, which can only come through the performance of the players and the energy they show which will cascade onto our fans.
“Notts have had a good season. Kevin has had that momentum from last season. He went in there just after Christmas time and built momentum. Obviously the owner's backed him. He is a great football man, but we have to concentrate on our game.
“They are up there for a reason. If you are in the top three over the course of a season then you’re doing something right. We have to understand that. But since I came in here from day one we’ve been concentrating on Mansfield Town and what we can do to improve and how we can get better. We are certainly seeing small signs of that.”
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Joe Jones

Notts County defender Matt Tootle talks Mansfield Town and slug celebration

Matt Tootle has urged Notts County to have "fire in the belly and ice in the mind" when they face Mansfield Town on Saturday.
The two Nottinghamshire teams are high up in the League Two table and will lock horns at Meadow Lane for points and bragging rights.
“When I was younger it always stuck with me that you should have fire in your belly and ice in your mind,” Tootle told the Nottingham Post.
“I’ve always stuck by that and no matter what the atmosphere is in the stands, you have to take yourself out of that situation.
“It’s just another game and you’ve got to keep your head. I’ve always been good at that and you hope everyone else does the same.
“Saturday is going to be a great advert for League Two and for us to both be in the mix is fantastic.”
Should Tootle score against the Stags, or in subsequent games, he suggested that his famous slug celebration might not be wheeled out.
“I don’t want the slug to be something that I do every time because it will get boring otherwise,” he said.
“I want to do other things. No matter what, I will point at myself and give it the big one.
“But I don’t think I will be doing the slug again unless it’s two years until I score.
“I did not expect the slug to go down like it did, but it’s just a bit of fun. It gets noticed and people think I am a bit mad for doing it.
“But the next celebration could be the dinosaur. I will put some time and thought into it.
“Myself and Elliott Hewitt did have one based on Magnet and Steel from Max and Paddy. But I will keep everyone updated.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan questions why Notts County have given Mansfield Town so many tickets for League Two derby

Kevin Nolan has questioned why Notts County have given Mansfield Town so many tickets but is eager for his players to do what they've been doing for most of the season when the two sides clash on Saturday.
The Stags travel to Meadow Lane for the 1pm kickoff, which will see two sides in the thick of the promotion race duke it out for points and, given the huge rivalry between the two, bragging rights.
“It’s just like any other rivalry and you live it and feel it,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“Everybody knows about it around the city and they’ve got 4,000 fans coming, which says it all. Although, I don’t know why we have given them that many tickets, I must admit.
“But I am looking forward to it. I don’t think I have managed to beat them since I’ve been here.
“We lost there earlier in the season, and then we lost in the Checkatrade Trophy when we made plenty of changes.
“We didn’t get off to the best of starts in that game as we conceded so early on, but I just think we are going to be really well prepared.
“If the lads can be what they have been for the majority of the season, then I feel we can come away with a really good result on Saturday and we will all be celebrating.
“That’s what we want. We want to keep plugging away and keep the momentum building.”
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Joe Jones

Notts County midfielder Noor Husin wins February League Two Goal of the Month award for strike against Crewe Alexandra

Notts County midfielder Noor Husin has picked up the February award for League Two Goal of the Month.
The goal in question was the equaliser in County's 4-1 win over Crewe Alexandra on February 3.
It saw the 21-year-old pick up the ball outside the box after a free kick had been poorly headed clear, before rifling home a superb long-range effort into the top-right corner.
Husin, who beat Swindon Town's Matt Taylor and Cheltenham Town's Joe Morrell to the gong, was presented with the award at his club's training ground.
"It's a good individual prize to win," he said. "I was up against some good goals so I'm delighted to win it.
"I thought I would just try and hit it and keep it on target. Luckily it flew in the top corner!"
The winners of the Sky EFL Goals of the Month are chosen by a fan poll on the Sky Sports website, with Pride of Nottingham sharing the link on its forum and on its social media pages, urging fans to vote.
The shortlist for the poll is decided by a judging panel following suggestions from supporters via Twitter.
The judging panel comprises of Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman, Sky Bet Sponsorship Executive Michael Holinski and EFL Senior Media Manager Rob Meaden.
Share your thoughts about this news story 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.
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Joe Jones

ARLukomski: I fancy Notts County to end derby curse against Mansfield Town this weekend

So the big match is upon us. Notts County against Mansfield Town.
And you know what, I’m sick of losing to these lot. It really is getting annoying.
It’s fair to say our record against Mansfield really isn’t the best. This century, in the league, we’ve played them 14 times, winning once, drawing five and losing eight times.
Notts haven’t beaten Mansfield in the league since September 2005, a 3-2 win at Field Mill with a late winner courtesy of Glynn Hurst.
However, after seven years apart in different divisions, both of these two returned to playing each other in 2015-16. It was not a good season for Notts. The first home game of the season saw us lose the Nottinghamshire derby 2-0. However, it’s the reverse fixture that makes the headlines for all the wrong reasons for Notts. A 5-0 defeat. A defeat, which summed up the Ray Trew era. A lack of fight, effort and passion.
Notts were 1-0 down at half time and in the second half went to 3-5-2 and went for it in hope of getting back into the game. Sadly, it didn’t work and once the second went in, Notts gave up.
A lot changed that summer. Players, manager, board members. Notts returned to Field Mill on October 8th and lost again. A 3-1 defeat in a game, which I summed up as being an absolute joke. John Sheridan said it how it was ‘we lost to two deflections and a penalty.’
A lot of things still annoy me about that game. We should have been 3-0 up at half time. Jonathan Forte missed a one-on-one chance, Jon Stead hit the post, and also had another good chance. Alex Rodman equalised in the 82nd minute but I knew something controversial was coming. You could just sense it.
It was. Mansfield were awarded a penalty in the 90th minute for what most would call ‘a 50-50’ but Matt Tootle took so long to clear the ball. They scored a 3rd in the 93rd minute as well.
In the reverse fixture on January 14th, Notts halted a run of 10 successive losses in Kevin Nolan’s first game in charge, with the game finishing 0-0. Mansfield were in good form coming into that game but Notts held firm. =
In fairness, nothing much really happened in that game. Ben Whiteman came close to scoring with a deflected effort, which was well saved by Adam Collin. Michael O’Connor came close for Notts in the second half. In the 90th minute, a shot by Mansfield was saved by Collin and cleared by Carl Dickinson in a moment where my heart skipped a beat.
The 3-1 defeat earlier this season again showed a lack of fight in which we crumbled under the pressure. Stead missed an easy chance from close range and Danny Rose starred as Mansfield ran out winners yet again.
Form coming into this game has never been important. The four games in which Notts have lost against them, they have had the better form coming into each one. The 0-0 draw in January was the only time in which Mansfield had the better form coming into the derby.
There is a slight theory behind this game too, as every time there has been a Tuesday night fixture preceding the derby, Mansfield have won.
2015/16 (0-2) Huddersfield 1-2 Notts, Sheff Wed 4-1 Mansfield – Notts lost the derby
2015/16 (5-0) Notts 1-0 Hartlepool - Notts lost the derby
2016/17 (3-1) Rochdale 2-1 Notts, Port Vale 0-1 Mansfield - Notts lost the derby
2017/18 (3-1) Exeter 0-3 Notts, Cheltenham 3-0 Mansfield - Notts lost the derby
Notts have looked brilliant recently and I have the feeling this could the game in which we end the derby curse. Richard Duffy has said about how the players had a talk during the rot they were going through on how to turn it around. He also said they are now doing what they were doing when they were doing at the start of the season.
I’ve also had friends who are Mansfield fans messaging me saying that the style of play since David Flitcroft came in has got worse. Danny Rose and Alex MacDonald have been two players who played well under Steve Evans but haven’t done so far under Flitcroft.
This game is also massive for the promotion race. A Notts win and promotion is in their own hands with 8 games to go. A Mansfield win and they are right back in it with a game in hand. A draw is no good for either team and only hands the advantage to Wycombe and a recently resurgent Coventry. Notts must win to retain their advantage in the promotion race and finally end our awful record in this fixture.
A last word to the fans. We cannot be outsung like last time. Players thrive off the support and it could make all the difference come Saturday. We cannot be outsung.
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ARLukomski

League Two news roundup: Swindon Town and Grimsby Town appoint new managers

What's been happening in League Two over the last week?
Here is Pride of Nottingham's round-up of the biggest League Two news from the last seven days.
- Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman won February's L2 Manager of the Month award for guiding his side to 16 points out of a possible 18 during the month.
- Player of the Month went to Swindon Town forward Marc Richards, who scored five goals in six appearances in February.
- Swindon Town appointed former Derby County, Hull City and Preston North End boss Phil Brown as manager until the end of the season.
- Grimsby Town also appointed a new man at the helm of their first team - former Falkirk coach and Cambridge University graduate Michael Jolley.
- Also at Blundell Park, the club have signed forward Gary McSheffrey until the end of the season.
- Chesterfield's League Two game against Lincoln City was stopped to allow an air ambulance to land on the Proact Stadium pitch after a supporter was taken ill.
- Dover Athletic signed Forest Green Rovers winger Keanu Marsh-Brown on loan until the end of the season.
- Exeter City captain Jordan Moore-Taylor could be ruled out for some time after injuring his knee in last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Carlisle United.
- Cheltenham Town have launched a "full investigation" after alleged "homophobic comments" by some fans during Saturday's win at Swindon Town.
- Highly rated Accrington Stanley youngster Calum Hatton Warbrick, 10, joined Everton's academy.
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Joe Jones

Former Notts County youth player Jamie Parkes comes third in horse racing debut

Former Notts County youth player Jamie Parkes has come third on his horse racing debut.
The 18-year-old was released three years ago from the Meadow Lane academy for being too small, but coach Mick Leonard suggested the prospect of going down the jockey route.
Although Parkes was not interested at first, given his disappointment at failing to make the grade at Notts, he soon warmed to the idea and began learning the ropes, enrolling at the Northern Racing College near Doncaster.
After graduating from the college, Parkes spent time with Mick Appleby prior to joining Martyn Meade’s Newmarket stable.
On Wednesday his journey took the next step up when he raced in the 20:45 at Wolverhampton, partnering Sociologist for Meade in a 1m1f handicap, and came third in the race.
“Football was my life, it broke my heart,” Parkes told the Racing Post.
“I was sceptical about being a jockey at first. I didn’t sit on a horse until I was 16, but now I love it and I'm really looking forward to making a career in racing.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan: 'Mansfield Town are no mugs'

Kevin Nolan is looking forward to Saturday's League Two derby between Notts County and Mansfield Town but warns that the opposition are "no mugs".
Both sides are in the hunt for automatic promotion this season, with the Magpies hoping to make it four games unbeaten, deal a big blow to a direct promotion contender, and claim regional bragging rights.
Although the game will be the first Nottinghamshire derby for new Stags manager David Flitcroft, Nolan is still mindful of their strong squad and will treat them with respect.
“It’s going to be really tough for us because Mansfield have got a fantastic squad, team and all of that,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“They are no mugs and we know that. We will respect them like we always do and if you do that, you give yourselves a good chance of getting a result.
"We are really looking forward to it.”
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Joe Jones

Richard Duffy: 'Notts County, Mansfield Town derby will bring a different kind of pressure'

Richard Duffy has stressed that Notts County's weekend meeting with Mansfield Town will bring "a totally different kind of pressure".
The two Nottinghamshire rivals will lock horns at Meadow Lane early on Saturday afternoon, both eager to get three points to boost their automatic promotion ambitions.
Last time they faced off in Nottingham, Kevin Nolan had just taken over at County as he set about trying to stave off relegation from League Two.
“You look and read things like any normal person. You can’t look too far ahead because it will bite you on the bum,” he told the Nottingham Post. “Mansfield is the next game. Beating them is our aim.
“It’s a different kind of pressure than when we last played them here. I think we were bottom (they were second bottom) when Mansfield came to town, but we picked up a valuable point.
“It’s a totally different kind of pressure now. We were facing pressure not to fall out the Football League as the oldest league club. It’s different pressure now, but it’s a nice pressure.
“It’s a big occasion for both sets of fans. We’re big rivals and we’re both looking for the three points bearing in my mind where we both sit in the table. We’re both looking to get in that top three at the end of the season.”
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Joe Jones

Notts County duo Matt Tootle and Ben Hall visit Dovecote Primary School as part of FITC-delivered project

Notts County defenders Matt Tootle and Ben Hall visited Dovecote Primary School in Clifton as part of the Football In The Community-delivered Premier League Primary Stars project.
During the afternoon, the two answered questions from the Key Stage 2 pupils and got involved in their PE session.
The Premier League Primary Stars project uses the appeal of the Premier League and professional football clubs to inspire children to learn, be active and develop important life skills.
As well as engaging children in physical activity and healthy living, PLPS uses the power of the beautiful game to teach core subjects such as Maths, English, PE and PSHE (personal, social, health and economic education).
Tootle told the FITC site: “I hadn’t done a school visit for a while so it was nice to do it today. I like answering the kids’ questions and just making them happy I suppose.
"At that age, they’re just really curious and some are football-mad like I used to be so it’s really nice for them to be able to ask us anything they want to know.
“Also when I was a young kid, I got snubbed by a footballer so I always said to myself – if I ever become a footballer, I’ll never snub anyone so I’m trying to be a good role-model now.”
Brighton loanee Hall, who was making his first school visit, said: “It was great interacting with the kids and nice to see their faces light up as they saw us.
“Some of the questions were tricky but it was really enjoyable. The kids obviously look up to us and it’s a nice way of giving back to the community."
Find out more about Notts County FC Football in the Community by clicking here.
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Joe Jones

Notts County, Mansfield Town to compete for Matt Salmon Trophy at Meadow Lane

Notts County and Mansfield Town will contest the Matt Salmon Trophy when they face off at Meadow Lane on Saturday.
Matt, who died last May aged just 25 after a long battle with cancer, had a work experience spell in the medical department at Meadow Lane before spending three-and-a-half years with the Stags as academy physio.
Both sides competed for the trophy in the reverse fixture at Field Mill in September, with Mansfield winning on that occasion, and the fixture at the Lane will be the final time the trophy will be at stake.
Notts also announced that Matt's family will be welcomed into hospitality for the League Two match, which kicks off at 1pm, while a number of his friends will be in the stands.
Notts chairman and owner Alan Hardy told the official club site: “We saw in the reverse fixture how loved and respected Matt was by people from both clubs.
“He left such a positive impression on all who knew him and we’re proud to once again be remembering him by competing for a trophy named in his honour.
“This serves as a timely reminder that football – as important as it is to us – is not the be all and end all.
"We look forward to having his family here with us and paying our respects to such a popular young man.”
Mansfield CEO Carolyn Radford told the Stags site: "We all know of the fierce rivalry between Mansfield Town and Notts County, but this is an instance in which both clubs are united to remember someone who was genuine, hard-working and warm-hearted.
"I know Matt would have been really touched by the outpouring of love from the football community and we thank Notts County and their chairman Alan Hardy for remembering Matt with us in this way.
"As a family club, we were all devastated to learn of Matt's passing last year and his wife and family remain in our thoughts and prayers."
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan challenges Notts County to mount another unbeaten run in League Two

Kevin Nolan has challenged his Notts County players to put together another unbeaten run as they seek to finish the League Two season off in the automatic promotion places.
Saturday's 2-1 win over Forest Green Rovers means the Magpies currently stand on three games without defeat, alongside victory over Stevenage and a draw with Cheltenham Town.
“Earlier in the season when we had a couple of losses we have always gone eight, nine, 10 games unbeaten,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“That’s the challenge to the boys now because seven points out of the last nine is a fantastic return.
“We probably should have nine out of nine but for refereeing decisions which I am disappointed about.
“But we just have to keep looking after ourselves. We have a really tough game this weekend and everybody is looking forward to it.
“We will have a game plan and if we stick to it we have every chance of getting 10 points out of 12.”
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Joe Jones

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