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Kevin Nolan: 'Notts County must adapt to pressure of top places'

Kevin Nolan has acknowledged that Notts County need to get used to the pressure of being viewed as one of the big scalps in League Two.
Despite a blip in recent weeks, the Magpies continue to sit second in League Two, just one point behind a very impressive Luton Town outfit.
Up next for Notts is Saturday's league encounter with Newport County in Meadow Lane, and Nolan admits that the raised expectations are a new thing for both players and staff.
"A lot has changed in recent weeks, such as expectations from outside the club," he told the official website.
"People now think we're a good side who are where we should be, which means teams see us as a real threat in this division.
"As a squad and a staff we have not been in this position before and we're still getting used to being one of the teams to beat.
"Last year there was no pressure because of where we were in the league and teams were thinking they had a real chance of getting something from the game but now they come here, show us the respect we deserve and try not to give anything silly away.
"The players have earned that respect over the past few months and we have to find a way to start countering it.
"Hopefully what we do on the training ground will come to fruition and we can combat their strengths while taking advantage of their weaknesses, which will give us a fantastic opportunity to beat anyone."
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Joe Jones

Joe Jones: Just kill off the EFL Trophy already

The EFL Trophy is despised by a significant proportion of football fans, and rightly so.
It's effectively been hijacked by the Premier League for the benefit of their academies to give their reserve teams some competitive action.
This has come at the expense of the teams in League One and League Two, who cannot do the same thing themselves and will even be sanctioned if they fail to field a number of first-team players.
It's not like the teams in the bottom two divisions of the Football League already have 50-odd games to play already when you factor in the 46 standard league games, potentially the playoffs, and the League and FA Cups.
No, let's force their already tired and weary players to turn out not for one extra game, as it was in the past, but three more games as a minimum.
But let's face it, when was the last time that the EFL Trophy actually any good?
Having a competition only open to the 48 teams in the third and fourth tier was never going to throw up any bumper ties.
Previously, there was a 50-50 team that you'd be playing a team that you'd be facing twice in the league anyway.
And even if you were drawn against a team in the league above or below you, it's still unlikely to be the kind of match-up that will make fans excited.
The only exception to this would be if you were drawn against a fallen "giant" - say Blackburn Rovers or Charlton Athletic. Only then would it be somewhat exciting for a fourth-tier team.
But even then, would the more illustrious team actually make any effort in the competition? Winning such a tinpot competition as the EFL Trophy would be a permanent mark of shame for such a team, a reminder that they had once fallen on hard times.
And on top of that, having a competition played largely on weekdays may work if it's something like the Champions League, or the latter rounds of a proper competition like the FA Cup or League Cup, but a midweek trip to Morecambe or Southend is hardly going to generate enthusiasm - and it's not like there's the prospect of better ties ahead.
That said, even having a group with local rivals Mansfield Town and Lincoln City, as it is at present, is not a particularly exciting thing, given it feels forced, plus all the previous points that made the competition shoddy in the first place, plus the Premier League meddling that have rendered the competition at best pointless, at worst outright toxic.
The EFL Trophy is a moribund, pointless and utterly futile competition. The Premier League intervention can either be seen as an attempt to breathe new life into it, or as a parasite or virus that has taken over its host and completely zombified it.
Either way, it reflects badly on the competition, so the best thing would be to just let it die off.
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan: 'Callum Saunders and Elliot Hodge can excite the crowds'

Kevin Nolan has praised Notts County summer signings Callum Saunders and Elliot Hodge, suggesting that they are both players who can get crowds excited.
Both players, brought in at Meadow Lane with a view to development, played in the Magpies' 2-1 defeat to Mansfield Town in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday.
“I thought they did really well and I was really pleased with both of them,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“Callum led the line well and ran the channels which is what he is all about.
“He was probably a little bit unlucky not to get a few more chances but he will get better the more and more he does it.
“Elliot did really well especially in the first half. He did lots of good things and when you’ve got two lads who are hungry, decent, and they’ve got pace, it excites the crowds.
“I was delighted with them and they should be pleased with how they performed.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan backs Notts County to react in the right way against Newport County

Kevin Nolan has urged his players not to feel sorry for themselves after losing to Mansfield Town in midweek ahead of Saturday's League Two game with Newport County.
A much-changed Magpies outfit fell to a 2-1 defeat against the Stags on Tuesday night in the EFL Trophy.
With a league game now on the horizon, Nolan has rallied his troops and urged them to bounce back from the midweek defeat.
“I want the players to react in the right way to Tuesday, I don’t want them to feel sorry for themselves,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“I want them to show what I believe they can do. I believe in them and I believe they could have done a lot better which is why I was so disappointed with what I saw.
“The best thing about having Saturday, Tuesday, fixtures is that you don’t have to wait long for another game.
“But I was able to give some of the lads some exposure who haven’t had many minutes this season while obviously giving the lads who have been playing a rest.
“I am really looking forward to Newport now.”
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Joe Jones

League Two news roundup: 19-26 October 2017

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.
- Chesterfield have confirmed that midfielder Jordan Flores, on loan from Wigan Athletic, was involved in a car accident on Monday and was taken to hospital for treatment, where it is reported that he will be undergoing surgery.
- Lincoln City have signed former Manchester United youth winger Cameron Stewart, who had been without a club since leaving Ipswich Town in the summer, on a short-term deal until January.
- The EFL has confirmed that "no specific action" will be taken against Stevenage following complaints of stewards acting inappropriately by asking some female Grimsby Town fans to show their bras to security staff ahead of their League Two match at the Lamex Stadium in August.
- Wycombe Wanderers have been forced to recall defender Will de Havilland from his loan spell at Aldershot following a spate of defensive injuries in the Chairboys ranks.
- Carlisle United striker Shaun Miller has become the first player in English football to be retrospectively banned for diving due to 'successful deception of a match official', a new offence which came into force at the start of the season, in their 3-3 draw with Wycombe.
- Coventry City have banned a supporter for life after he came onto the pitch during their home defeat against Forest Green and shouted at the Sky Blues players.
- Mansfield Town have opted to recall midfielder Jack Thomas from his loan spell at National League North side Boston United.
All news stories sourced from BBC Sport and Sky Sports.
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Joe Jones

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan vows to keep supporting Matt Tootle

Kevin Nolan has piled praise on Notts County defender Matt Tootle following his impressive performances for the club this season and vows to remain fully supportive of him.
The 27-year-old notched up his third assist in four games in the 1-1 draw against Carlisle United last weekend when he set up Ryan Yates for the equaliser at Brunton Park.
Aside from his assists and all-round performances, Tootle also weighed in with a goal of his own against Lincoln City, a well-taken shot from a tight angle just inside the box.
“He’s come through Crewe’s academy and anybody who comes through there you would expect them to be good technically and good on the ball," Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“They have that vision and they are taught that from a young age. We’ve been delighted with him. He’s a fantastic lad. He trusts me and knows I want the best for him.
“It’s given him that confidence that he knows I am right behind him. I think he played in a number of positions before I came in and when I got here I wanted him to be right-back and cement that place.
“He’s been brilliant this season as have the majority of the lads.”
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Joe Jones

Pride of Nottingham's PONcast: Episode 30

Hello and welcome to episode 30 of the Pride of Nottingham PONcast, presented by Chris and JJ.
In this week's episode we assess Notts County's 1-1 draw at Carlisle United from last weekend, with an in-depth focus on performance and tactics.
We then look ahead to the Newport County clash this Saturday at Meadow Lane, looking at how the Magpies should approach the game based on their opponents' form and style of play.
We also discuss whether Ross Fitzsimons should remain in goal for the Magpies after Adam Collin recovers from his injury.
Other topics covered include the significance of the EFL Trophy, Kevin Nolan's recent criticism of social media, and plenty more.
All this and more only in episode 30 of the Pride of Nottingham PONcast!
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Chris

Chris Buckley: Key Notts County players have considerably upped their game

Winning football games is never the easiest thing to achieve. However, when you do manage to pull it off, it restores a sense of pride, not just within the club and its players but it spreads within the fan community.
The momentum it builds can be a very powerful psychological tool, which I believe is a part of why Notts County have managed to assert themselves strongly after the opening day defeat to Coventry City.
It’s been a long time since the club has felt like it’s moving in the right direction, and I believe we should continue to aim high.
Another aspect which only deserves praise is the fact that key players have upped their game – something which started from day one after Kevin Nolan arrived at Meadow Lane.
It would be unfair to suggest that the form which turned the club around during the 2016-17 season lies anywhere else and I feel strongly that the majority of the squad have continued this within their own right into 2017-18.
It’s this kind of form and focus which I would like the club to work towards now. However, I don’t suggest this isn’t the case – I do feel the focus has been lost somewhat.
Adam Collin has been a different keeper this term, he’s really impressed me and I still feel right now he doesn’t get the praise he deserves.
For the most part Richard Duffy has been solid, although admittedly I am not his biggest fan – I do feel he offers something which contributes to the success we are seeing on the field.
Dan Jones as a new signing has been paramount and has given the club a lot more pace at the back – after the shaky start he really has found his form prior to the recent injury.
At right back, Matt Tootle has been probably the most consistent player, something which I noticed myself last season.
He just seemed a different character on and off the pitch, and I am pleased to see that he feels open enough to talk about depression – something which I myself suffer from.
That’s the thing about the 2017-18 season, every player has largely been working towards the same goal and the added competition really has helped people thrive – perhaps not Tootle as much as Nolan has suggested recently but it certainly has for players such as Collin, Jonathan Forte and Carl Dickinson.
Whilst Nicky Hunt is a good character to have around, and someone capable for players to learn from, he really hasn’t done anything to push Tootle for his position.
I know it won’t be a popular opinion, however I would rather see Elliott Hewitt push Tootle because all Elliott requires is time to learn and gain experience.
However, it is still a positive note just how much widely across the pitch we have improved and there is depth within the squad when you take games seriously.
Whilst again, people suggest that Notts are unable to maintain their current form, if targets are a part of what got us here, ambition and desire should be more than enough to help us on our way with a return to form.
This is exactly why I feel the club should continue to aim high, we need to dig deep and believe – reverting back to the basics will help (as will keeping the ball on the ground).
And I really don’t believe in the curse of the Manager of the Month, if you remain grounded and focused on your tasks at hand, this is nothing more than praise for a job well done.
The majority of fans know that have leaders on the pitch, perhaps not captain material but we have a squad which cares – so let’s keep Notts flying high.
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Chris

Kevin Nolan backs Alan Smith to get more goals for Notts County

Kevin Nolan has backed Alan Smith to score even more goals for Notts County after opening his account for the club on Tuesday night.
The 36-year-old, who played as a striker early in his career, equalised for the Magpies in the EFL Trophy meeting with Mansfield Town, although the Stags went on to win 2-1 at Meadow Lane.
Despite the defeat, Nolan was full of praise for Smith and backed him to chip in with more goals, even if he acknowledges he's not going to be regularly playing full games.
“I thought Smudger was great and you are going to get that from him every time he plays,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“He loves the game and still has that hunger, but unfortunately his legs don’t let him get to 90 minutes as much as he would like them to do.
“But he was brilliant and took his goal really well. That’s what you expect when you put him up there because he’s done it all his career.
“I’ve told him he will be a forward and I am expecting him to come up with a couple of goals here and there.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan praises Matt Tootle standout form for Notts County

Kevin Nolan has singled Matt Tootle out for praise and suggested that competition from summer arrival Nicky Hunt has pushed his form to a new level.
Tootle grabbed his third assist in four games in the 1-1 draw against Carlisle United last weekend when he set up Ryan Yates for the equaliser at Brunton Park.
“We brought Nicky Hunt in during the window and that was to always make sure that Toots pushed on, and if he did have that sticky spell, we had somebody of Nicky’s class to come in,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“That’s not to take away from what Toots has been doing but I think Nicky has pushed him to new levels.
“He is breathing down his neck for the right-back spot. We haven’t got just a number one right-back anymore.
“We have two who are pushing each other to the maximum. Toots has arguably been the standout player over the last four or five weeks.
“I am delighted with him, as I am all my players.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan frustrated at Notts County defending in Mansfield Town defeat

Kevin Nolan has expressed his frustration with how cheaply Notts County gave goals away in Tuesday night's 2-1 defeat to Mansfield Town in the EFL Trophy.
The Magpies fell behind in the first minute when a mistake by Haydn Hollis was seized upon by Lee Angol, who drilled home from range.
Although Alan Smith drew the hosts level, the Stags struck a winner when Branislav Pindroch punched a cross into the path of CJ Hamilton, who chested the ball down and converted from 15 yards.
“I am very frustrated and disappointed because of how cheaply we gave goals away,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“There were a lot of good individual performances, but we just weren’t at the level where we need to be.
“We have lots of work to do and I was disappointed in the manner Mansfield won.
“There wasn’t much in it and I don’t think they deserved to win the game, but I don’t think we did anything to deserve the win either.”
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Joe Jones

Match Report: Notts County defeated by Mansfield Town in EFL Trophy

Notts County remain second in Group G of the EFL Trophy following their 2-1 defeat against Mansfield Town at Meadow Lane on Tuesday night.
Both Kevin Nolan and Steve Evans made 10 changes to each of their squads with a view to checking out how the fringe players performed.
The Magpies were hit with an early sucker punch, however, as a mistake from Haydn Hollis allowed Lee Angol to claim the ball and rifle into the bottom corner goal from 20 yards out, beating the diving Branislav Pindroch.
Mansfield could have had a second a few minutes later, with the unmarked Paul Digby heading goalwards from a corner, only for the Slovakian keeper to claw the ball out on the line.
Notts soon found their groove and weighed in with a number of chances, though there was another scare midway through the first half when former Magpie Jimmy Spencer struck the woodwork.
The ball rebounded to Angol, who had an open goal to fire into, only for Shaun Brisley to weigh in with an impressive last-ditch tackle.
Nolan's side went on to find an equaliser through a short corner which was crossed by Liam Walker to the back post, flicked back into the centre by Brisley, and poked home by Alan Smith.
The second half saw more chances traded between both teams, but with Notts stepping it up a gear, they were once again caught out by a Stags goal courtesy of poor work at the back.
Paul Anderson's cross, rather than being firmly claimed by Pindroch, was half-heartedly punched away into the path of CJ Hamilton.
The 22-year-old controlled with his chest before smashing a right-footed effort into the roof of the net from 14 yards to seal victory for the visitors.
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan eager to renew acquaintances with ex-Notts County loanee Marc Bola

Kevin Nolan has expressed his eagerness to catch up with former Notts County loanee Marc Bola when the Magpies host Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup on November 3.
The Arsenal full-back joined Notts on loan at the start of January and made 13 appearances as the club survived relegation from League Two.
Now on loan at the Memorial Stadium, Bola is expected to line up for Rovers as they travel to Meadow Lane for the first round of the world's oldest cup competition.
“I am really looking forward to the game and seeing Boles again,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“I was really pleased to get him on the last day of the January window last season and he came here and did well.
“I think he learned a lot given what he was doing playing academy football and being in those luscious surroundings that he would have at Arsenal.
“He came here and cracked on. He had a fantastic back end to the season and got a really good move to Bristol Rovers.
“I wish him well and I hope he is playing when he comes back here. It will be nice to see him and I hope that Jorge Grant, Terry Hawkridge, Liam Walker or Lewis Alessandra gets the better of him.”
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Joe Jones

Steve Evans to make wholesale changes at Notts County in EFL Trophy

Mansfield Town boss Steve Evans has confirmed that he will make wholesale changes for tonight's EFL Trophy clash at Notts County as he played down the importance of the competition.
While Notts boss Kevin Nolan has stressed that he is taking the competition seriously, the Mansfield boss admitted that he was more concerned about their League Two game with Exeter City at the weekend.
"We want to go there and represent our football club with some pride, but at the same time, I'm just honest with our supporters,"  Evans told the official Stags site.
"I watch managers around this Checkatrade and they blag it that they're going to be at full strength and then make nine changes, and suchlike. We will make significant changes tomorrow night.
"We'll go there and people will see how committed we are, as we always are as a management team, from the first ball to the last ball.
"By the same token, we've got four games in the space of 14 days now; Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday, and they're big games. The Exeter and Shaw Lane games are big games.
"I watch managers around this Checkatrade and they blag it that they're going to be at full strength and then make nine changes, and suchlike. We will make significant changes tomorrow night.
"We're going to give players an opportunity to step up and be in the team on Saturday. Go and be a real top performer against Notts County and you'll probably start against Exeter.
"We've got three or four that are desperate to play, that want to get in the starting line-up on a regular basis and they've got a fantastic platform at Notts County tomorrow night.
"It's more important to have a freshness about our team against Exeter than [getting] anything against Notts County."
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan hints at changes for Notts County EFL Trophy meeting against Mansfield

Kevin Nolan has suggested that he will make numerous changes to the Notts County starting XI for tonight's EFL Trophy meeting with Mansfield Town.
Although the Magpies boss is taking the much-maligned competition seriously, he appears eager for some of his lesser-used players to stake their claims for a first-team place at Meadow Lane tonight.
“It’s a great game for the players who haven’t had the exposure of minutes they perhaps would have wanted,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“It’s a chance for them to show me that they are ready and waiting so if we do get an injury, they are raring to go.
“We have a squad capable of handling the cup competitions as well as the league. So there’s no pressure on the players because they are part of this squad for a reason.
“They are pushing the 11 to new heights and maximum levels, but what they’ve got to do is now prove why we either retained them or signed them.
“They’ve got to enjoy it because it’s in a good competition, a great pitch, a great stadium and a great dressing room. Enjoy that fact, take the bull by the horns and express yourself.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan eager to maintain momentum in Mansfield clash

Kevin Nolan has stressed that he wants Notts County to give their all in Tuesday night's EFL Cup home encounter with Mansfield Town.
The Magpies currently sit second in Northern Group G on three points, level with Lincoln City, who won their opening group game against the Stags 3-1.
Although the competition - currently branded as the Checkatrade Trophy - continues to divide opinion among fans and club staff up and down the country, Nolan is eager to get to the next stage, maintain their unbeaten home record, and get one over on their local rivals.
“We want to win the game and get through to the next round,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“We want to have a good run and keep the momentum going. We are at home and we have that mentality in which we feel we can beat anyone.
“And we should have that feeling, but it’s going to be a tough game because it’s a derby and they will throw everything at us.
“They will raise their game as they did last month when we were top of the league so my lads should not be expecting anything less.
“But since they have beaten us they haven’t won since and there’s no better way to take the pressure off by winning a derby.
“It’s a chance for them to get back to winning ways and I am sure Steve Evans will be looking at that.
“We want to use our proud home record to our advantage. Every win means something and hopefully it can start a bit of momentum.”
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Joe Jones

Adam Collin sidelined with ligament damage

Kevin Nolan has confirmed that Adam Collin has suffered ligament damage and is likely to be out for between two and three months.
The 32-year-old limped off in the second half of the 2-1 win over Barnet earlier this month after injuring his knee.
Scans have since revealed the extent of the damage and while Collin will not require surgery, he is set to be out for a minimum of eight weeks.
“We are not talking about a long-term injury, we are talking about a medium one,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“It could be eight weeks or it could be 12 so he’s not going to be back any time soon.
“We will do what is right by the lad. It’s a blow, but it’s an opportunity for Ross (Fitzsimons) or Bran (Pindroch) to stake a claim to be number one.
“That’s why we have recruited them two because we knew if something like this was to happen, we had two great understudies who can step into his boots.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan: 'Ultimate goal is to get to the top'

Kevin Nolan has expressed his desire to manage at the top level some day but insists he is happy at Notts County at present.
The 35-year-old has worked wonders for the Magpies since taking the job on January 12 this year, steering the club to safety last season and overseeing a rise up League Two which now sees the club second in the table.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Nolan said: "The ultimate goal is to get to the top. But at this minute in time I have been given a fantastic opportunity to manage a fantastic club."
"I am loving every minute of it at the moment, although not so much when we lose, but fortunately we have not lost too many this year.
"You can never switch off and sleep. I have about four or five hours sleep a night.
"As a player, I was one who would sleep as much as I could. Once the kids were at school and after training I would have an hour before picking them up.
"But it is all worth it on a Saturday, seeing your team perform and getting a win. There's no better feeling.
"I don't want to think that I played in the Premier League and Championship all my career, that's where I ply my trade as a manager but, of course, it's the ultimate goal.
"This is my apprenticeship of now trying to become a good manager and have longevity in management."
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan takes to MOTD2 Extra

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan was one of the guests on BBC football show MOTD2 Extra on Sunday.
Alongside host Garth Crooks, former Everton midfielder Leon Osman and New York Times journalist Rory Smith, he gave his thoughts on a number of football stories, including Manchester United's defeat at Huddersfield Town.
On Jose Mourinho's post-match rant at the John Smith's Stadium
"Mourinho was very angry with what happened. I'm sure he will have told the team what he was going to say on television.
"When you are as big as Man United and results come that way he has a duty to tell the truth. Herrera said the same. They are well rehearsed.
"Huddersfield was rocking before the game and the players were up for it. United's players have to realise what to expect. They have to take responsibility."
On the Terriers beating United
"It shows how much it meant that David Wagner said it was one of his proudest moments.
"Huddersfield have set the stall out now. They have to stay at that level. If they do that they will find success.
"Wagner will not have had to get his players up for that game.
"I remember it when we got promoted with Bolton and beat Man United at Old Trafford. You remember everything you are told to do because you are so up for the game."
On West Ham United striker - and former Newcastle United teammate - Andy Carroll
"Andy Carroll is a good example of someone who trains differnt to how he plays in games.
"He is around in games, 100mph, jumping into people in games but on a cold Monday morning on the training ground he has his hat on, huddling."
On Tottenham Hotspur and England youngster Harry Winks
"I watched Harry Winks a couple of seasons ago in a game against West Ham. He was a big part of helping Tottenham turn the game around.
"Living down there, you hear a lot from Spurs fans who are excited about him.
"We are League Two and we have to wait for all the business above us to be done. We get the lads on loan who have not been able to find a League One club.
"When you get a gem like Winks, Pochettino has clearly realised he doesn't need to send him on loan and use him in the right way."
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Joe Jones

Tactical Talk: Carlisle United 1-1 Notts County, Saturday 21 October 2017

Notts County kept up the pressure on League Two leaders Luton Town with a 1-1 draw at Carlisle United on Saturday.
The Magpies struggled in the first half as Hallam Hope edged the Cumbrians ahead in the 24th minute at Brunton Park.
County failed to clear Nicky Adams's cross and Jamie Devitt's ball was bundled home by Hope from close range.
However, Kevin Nolan's side stepped it up a gear in the second half and got their just reward.
Terry Hawkridge played in Matt Tootle, whose cut-back was drilled into the net by Yates, and the visitors left with a share of the spoils come the final whistle.
Here is Chris's analysis of the game.
Was the result fair?
The final result was probably about right, both teams failed to maximise their chances but overall the point was good for both camps.
How did Notts play?
First half Notts failed to impress, whilst they struggled to take hold of the game and this really worked more in favour for Carlisle United who have earned a lot of praise from fans and the local media.
The second half was much improved with Notts showing at times that they’re a capable side, producing some good moves and eventually a well worked goal.
How did Carlisle play?
Very entertaining in spells. They passed the ball around the park very nicely and demonstrated exactly what I pointed out within my scouting report. First half they easily controlled the game and passed through Notts without any complications. Overall they did very well and stuck at making it difficult for Notts.
Did our tactics work out?
The majority of fans will highlight that first half failed simply due to the lack of movement and of course passing. The team really struggled to work with the tactics and it was clear after 20 minutes that something needed changing, thankfully this happened in the second half and Notts adjusted themselves well to the changes implemented.
How did the referee perform?
There’s little to say about the referee, so this would suggest he and his match officials had an alright game.
Who do we play next?
Newport County – in the league Notts face the Exiles but before that they face Mansfield Town in the EFL Trophy which will have some bearing on how the Magpies perform at Meadow Lane – a good performance would naturally help.
How should we play them?
I don’t pretend to be an ‘expert’, however a lot fans will always have an opinion and I am simply one of them.
Against Newport, Notts really must highlight what type of a team they are by sticking to passing the ball along the ground. It really does help settle down the play, whilst giving players a true feel for the game.
I think it’s important to try and make the Ameobi/Forte combination work. It simply doesn’t work to stick Forte up top alongside Alessandra – there’s no physical presence and nobody hold the ball.
Defensively we just need to be wary about shots from distance and make it hard for chances to arise from inside our own area – the perfect example would be how we allowed the game last season to escape us.
This is a perfect game for Notts to collect some points, whilst lifting the levels of morale around the camp after a few very disappointing performances.
So, if we approach the game wisely and build nicely during the game – I am confident that we will be able to keep the other County at bay. It will just be a case again of being clinical up front and stead in defence.
Carlisle fan views (from The Cumbrians)
Seesaw50: Not as entertaining somehow as Tuesday but we played well especially first half and didnt see them as a better side given their position in the league. Shame we couldn't find the second goal , but their goal was from the same frailty, poor defensive work.....it was like slow motion.
Seabird: First half was really good, problem was when County changed things and pressed us stopping the passing game from the back we had not the quality on the bench to be able to change things effectively ,bit sorry for Curle a no winner what ever he did. If only we had Whke or Yabo.
Crunchblue: We looked a good team first half, we just seem to be lacking someone to get in the right positions to finish chances. We played some really good football and if we'd had a Charlie Wyke or a Lee Miller leading the line, we'd have put the game to bed by half time.
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Chris

Match Reaction: Carlisle United 1-1 Notts County, Saturday 21 October 2017

Notts County have kept up the pressure on League Two leaders Luton Town following a 1-1 draw away at Carlisle United.
Hallam Hope put the hosts ahead midway through a first half in which the Magpies were under the cosh.
Kevin Nolan's charges, however, improved after the break and levelled on 58 minutes when Ryan Yates converted Matt Tootle's cross.
Neither side could find another goal, which keeps Notts second in the league, just one point behind the Hatters.
Here is some post-match reaction from the Notts manager, players and fans.
Kevin Nolan
"It's a good point against a good side. We're delighted with it, although it could have been three because we had some good chances in the second half, which we dominated.
"Ross made some fantastic saves in the first half but I think we showed them a bit too much respect and we didn't get in amongst them.
"It was a great reaction in the second half and we fully deserved to get back into it. The most important thing after a defeat is not to lose the next one.
"We've got to respect the point because these are the ones which will mean a lot come the end of the season."
Ross Fitzsimons
"With us up near the top, it was important for me to slot straight in.
"That's the nature of the beast. You could be out for six months but, straightaway, it can come thick and fast. It's important to be mentally and physically ready.
"I'm delighted with how I've been playing, and with a point [against Carlisle]. I don't think teams will take a lot of points there so to come away with a draw was brilliant after Tuesday."
The players on social media
 
 
 
 
The Black and White Army
Liampie: Difficult game but pleased we got the point. i think we are running out of ideas due to the limitations in the squad tho. Nolan needs to think about things a little more.
Upthepies: The first half was quite poor for Notts. We didn't seem able to use the ball all that well and we played in a similar fashion to previous games which allowed Carlisle to play us off the park. I think they should have been at least 3-0 by that point and I would say we are lucky with the draw. That is why I would take the point but its hard not to feel disappointed. Same old Notts I am afraid!
TheSkipper: First half was dire, really there are worse words I could use to describe it with but I will stick with that considering people cant accept others point of views. I thought we played quite well in the second half and we scored a well worked goal. I do not see how Kevin feels we should have won the game because I felt the better team was Carlisle. I do think we matched them better in the second half and assumed control of the game well. Good point? Yes but the performance really needs to be consistent.
Leon Reeve: First half we were nervous and played like a team scrapping for points at the wrong end of the table. Second half, a lot more grit and determination and we nearly won it and was probably just the better team. Not sure why the stewards think it's acceptable for a home fan to throw the ball at one of our players in an aggressive manner and then abuse him and the majority of the away fans.
Thomas George Polkey: Good point for Notts and nearly getting a winner but hitting the post. Least we didn't get thrashed 5-0 this time like last season. I'm sure Nolan would be fairly pleased with this point today.
Michael Doroszenko: Take that anytime just happy to be bringing something home still hanging around the top 3 with a good run now just maybe just you never know coyp!
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Joe Jones

Joe Jones: 'Notts County fans cannot be blamed for being overly cautious at times'

So we're a third of the way through the League Two campaign and the table does not lie. Notts County are second in the standings, with 30 points from 15 games and the second-best goal difference out of the 24 teams at + 9 (and Luton are way ahead of everyone else this season with +22).
Yes, if you had asked me back in July if I would have taken this position for the Magpies a third of the way through the season I would not only have said yes, but I probably would have laughed at you for suggesting something so implausible.
But as it stands, here we are nicely right near the top of the league, only one point behind a very impressive Luton outfit. And yes, credit where credit's due with regards to Alan Hardy and Kevin Nolan's work, not only in stopping the rot last season but for the top-to-bottom repairs carried out on and off the pitch.
Both Nolan and Mark Crossley have hit out at negativity from fans in recent weeks, while Hardy has also found himself in the firing line a couple of times on social media. And I do know where they're coming from - it does seem like some people would moan if Notts snapped up Lionel Messi, probably saying he's too old and that young English players should get a chance instead.
But with regards to the performances, there can be no denying that, at various points over the last few weeks, standards on the pitch HAVE slipped, and that Notts have resorted to lumping the ball from the back towards the attackers and bypassing the midfield. This isn't fans being ungrateful or disrespectful, it's making a point about what, and I'll say it again, at various points over the last few weeks, has been witnessed by the fans.
Football is a public game which relies on thousands, if not millions, of eyeballs on the pitch (and the money which comes with people wanting to see the action), and fans will have opinions about what they see. Sure, there will be unreasonable ones and there will be downright hostile ones, but by and large, the majority of fans have their heads screwed on and, although they know in the grand scheme of things the club is doing fantastically well, it's a case of alarm bells beginning to ring if standards begin to slip and getting a little panicky.
In all fairness, can you blame fans for getting panicky given Notts have a history of beginning the season well, only for it to go downhill? We have been scarred by years and years of being right up there and starting to believe, only for things to go **** up.
One year ago today, Notts had beaten a superb Portsmouth side 2-1 away at Fratton Park, leaving us sixth in the table with 21 points from 14 games. And you won't need reminding what happened after that.
No, I am not being all doom and gloom. I am not saying this will happen again. I know things are much different both behind the scenes and on the pitch, and there is more chance that Leicester City will go on to win the Premier League again this season than Hardy nor Nolan allowing things to slip more than a fraction.
What I am saying is that Notts fans may be a little jumpier than others - a few years ago we were officially voted the most stressed out fanbase in the top four divisions - so the term I will use is "once bitten, twice shy" with regards to alarm bells ringing.
Football is never meant to be an easy ride. It's only easy in hindsight, when a championship has been wrapped up, and that's usually when the DVDs come out so fans can relive the key moments safe in the knowledge that everything will pan out great.
So even though we KNOW that, deep down, the club is a million miles away from the shambles of yesteryear, fans should not be blamed for being a little uneasy at times.
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Joe Jones

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