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Stat Attack: Notts County vs. Morecambe, Saturday 9 September 2017

Notts County and Morecambe have met just 10 times in their history, with the first ever clash taking place 10 years ago, in September 2007.
On that day, it ended as a 1-1 draw, Michael Twiss putting the visitors ahead at Meadow Lane in the first half, before the late Richard Butcher equalised in the 87th minute.
The Shrimpers are considerably ahead in the head-to-head, with Notts having lost to them five times, beaten them twice, and drawn thrice.
This fixture has yielded a scoreline of 4-1 three times already - once in our favour and twice in Morecambe's (including our last meeting with them, last season at Meadow Lane). Worth a punt for a 4-1 home win tomorrow?
The fixture on 19 September 2009 was former Arsenal and England legend Sol Campbell's only game in a Magpies shirt, while the rematch later in the season, on 17 April 2010, is when Notts mathematically secured promotion to League One.
Football in the town dates back to the turn of the 20th century; however, it was not until 7 May 1920 that Morecambe FC was formed. The club then took its place in the Lancashire Combination League for the 1920–21 season.
The fourteen years from 1960 could be said to be Morecambe's golden era. This included an FA Cup third round appearance in 1961–62, a 1–0 defeat to Weymouth; a Lancashire Senior Cup Final victory in 1968, a 2–1 win over Burnley; and an FA Trophy success at Wembley in 1974, a 2–1 win over Dartford in the final.
Morecambe, a non-league side for most of their history, were promoted to the Football League for the first time in 2007 after winning the Conference Playoff Final, beating Exeter City 2–1 at Wembley in front of over 40,000 fans.
Morecambe was a thriving seaside resort in the mid-20th century. While the resort of Blackpool attracted holiday-makers predominantly from the Lancashire mill towns, Morecambe had more visitors from Yorkshire, due to its railway connection, and Scotland.
Between 1956 and 1989 Morecambe was the home of the Miss Great Britain beauty contest.
Team news
Matt Tootle is back from suspension after serving a one-match ban as Notts County look to stretch their unbeaten run to five in League Two (six in all competitions).
Rob Milsom, Jonathan Forte and Lewis Alessandra, who scored the winning goal at Port Vale, will be pushing for starting places.
Shaun Brisley was taken off at Vale Park folowing a blow to the head but Magpies boss Kevin Nolan is hoping he will be able to slot back into the starting XI alongside centre-back partner Richard Duffy.
Morecambe striker - and former Notts loanee - Vadaine Oliver begins a three-match ban for his straight red card against Accrington Stanley.
Kevin Ellison is likely to take the summer signing's place after he came off the bench to open his account for the season in the 2-1 defeat.
Season-long loan signing Callum Lang could make his first start for the Shrimps after a substitute appearance.
Alex Kenyon, currently sidelined through injury, looks unlikely to be back for the game.
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Joe Jones

Adam Collin praises Shaun Brisley and Richard Duffy centre-back partnership

Notts County goalkeeper Adam Collin has hailed the performances of Shaun Brisley and Richard Duffy in front of him in defence.
The Magpies have a chance to make it six games unbeaten when they host Morecambe in League Two tomorrow.
Collin has kept two clean sheets in the five league games played by Notts so far, but he paid credit to his centre-backs as Brisley fights to be in contention following his injury in the Port Vale win last week.
The stopper told the official Notts website: "It's massive for me to have a consistent back four in front of me.
"Shaun Brisley and Richard Duffy have been outstanding and are forming a good partnership, which makes it so much easier for me to play behind. I know what I'm getting from them nine times out of 10.
"It's so important for the back four and me to have confidence in one another. It's been settled so far but we know people are capable of stepping up as and when they're needed."
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan wants Meadow Lane to remain a fortress ahead of Morecambe clash

Kevin Nolan wants Notts County to continue their good form at home and continue building Meadow Lane up as a fortress as they prepare to host Morecambe this weekend.
The Magpies are flying high in League Two after putting their opening-day 3-0 defeat at Coventry City behind them, and currently boast a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
Morecambe, however, have proven a bogey team for Notts in recent games, which include two 4-1 wins over the Magpies.
Nolan told the official Notts website: "They've had two good away draws in the last couple of games and they put us to the sword twice last year, playing really well on both occasions.
"You can never take anyone for granted. This is going to be a tough game. We've got a returning Adam Campbell who's going to want to prove himself and Kevin Ellison is a nuisance all game.
"We're not in for an easy ride. We're going to have to be patient."
Meanwhile, the Nottingham Post quotes him as saying: “Teams will come here and respect what we have done.
"That’s a credit to our lads and what they have achieved. What they have to do is ensure they don’t let teams off.
“They have to put them on the back foot, and keep dominating. We want to keep Meadow Lane a fortress and we want teams to fear coming here.
“And when they’ve left we want them to say ‘we are glad we aren’t going there again’. That’s what we want to create, and bit by bit we are getting there.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan: 'Shaun Brisley could be in contention for Morecambe clash'

Kevin Nolan has revealed that Shaun Brisley looks more likely than not to play a part in Notts County's League Two home encounter with Morecambe this weekend.
The defender was taken off late in the Magpies' 1-0 win over Port Vale last week after receiving a blow to the head.
However, when asked about injury worries ahead of the Meadow Lane fixture this Saturday, Nolan provided a positive update about Brisley.
“We have no injury worries,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“Obviously we had Bris (Brisley) who came off in the last 10 minutes or so against Port Vale.
“But he’s come through training and if there are no problems over the next 24-48 hours, we should be free to play whoever we want.
“I'm delighted there was no severe damage. We are not out of the woods yet with him and I said after the game last week that we will look after his welfare.
“We'll make sure he's alright. His health and livelihood comes well before anything else.
“Fingers crossed he will be okay. He's come through a couple of training sessions, but you don’t know what could happen. There could be late concussion and/or he could get blackouts.
“But we’ll leave no stone unturned to make sure he’s okay.”
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Joe Jones

Adam Collin confident of retaining first-team spot in Notts County goal

Adam Collin has declared himself pleased with his performances so far this season for Notts County and believes that he can hang onto the number one jersey providing he keeps doing what he's doing.
The 32-year-old has started each of his side's five League Two games in the current campaign and has kept two clean sheets in that time.
Although Kevin Nolan brought in two goalkeepers this summer in in Branislav Pindroch and Ross Fitzsimons, who have played in the cup competitions so far, Collin is unfazed by the competition.
“I am delighted with my own form and have been since the gaffer came in,” he told the Nottingham Post. “I’m just trying to be as consistent as I can.
“The gaffer always said I was his number one since he walked through the door, which gives you loads of confidence. That’s never changed in my eyes and I am just getting on with the job.
“I know there’s people wanting to take my place and it was the same with (Scott Loach) last year.
“We’ve bought Bran and Ross in and they are ready to come in at any time. So that keeps me on my toes. Only one of us can play but I know if I keep doing what I am doing I’ll be playing every week.”
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Joe Jones

Opposition View: Morecambe (H), 9 September 2017

Notts County are flying high at the minute, currently unbeaten in five in all competitions and sitting fifth in the League Two table with 10 points from five games.
September is a busy month - having got one fixture out of the way, a 1-0 win at Port Vale, we now embark on the second of seven league games, against Morecambe at Meadow Lane.
The Shrimps have been widely tipped to endure a difficult season, but they are somewhat of a bogey team for Notts, given they're unbeaten in four and have registered two 4-1 wins.
Pride of Nottingham spoke to Morecambe fan Brian ahead of Saturday's game to get an insight on the opposition.
About Brian: I've supported the Shrimps since 1995 - a good year as we were promoted into the Conference - and my favourite player of all time is Kevin Ellison.
What happened last season with the whole ownership saga?
Wish I had an actual proper answer for you! Was all a bit of a mess really. So a Brazilian businessman, Diego Lemos, takes over the club in September. He then goes AWOL, then another suit, Joseph Cala, turns out saying he's the new owner, then Lemos comes back, then the whole thing ends up in court and now it's in the hands of a guy called Graham Burnard. Just a load of nonsense.
You're celebrating 10 years in League Two this season. How would you assess your first ever decade in league football?
Nothing less than we deserve. We had been steadily rising up the leagues - it's not been quick, but it's about getting there. Being promoted from non-league is hard but we've persevered and got there in the end, and we've had a good run so far in League Two, got some great results along the way and really just enjoying the ride.
In an era of hiring and firing managers, you've had just three different men at the helm since 1994. Do you see it as a kind of honour to have had such a little turnaround?
Well, the manner in which the club changed manager in 2005-06 was a bit unsavoury - Jim Harvey took us into the Conference and kept us near the top for ten years, then he sadly suffered a heart attack - he recovered, thankfully - which saw Sammy McIlroy take the helm supposedly until the end of the season. Jimmy then came back and was sacked, with McIlroy getting the job permanently. Left a very bitter taste in the mouth, but the club was then promoted the following year, so that was sort of forgotten. But as for the original question, yeah, it's good that each manager has had the chance to create a legacy here. Don't really see it much anymore nowadays.
You've had one playoff finish in 2009-10. Can you see Morecambe challenging again for a top seven place this season?
I would be surprised if that was the case. Below the top 3 that season, it was all up for grabs, the playing field was so even among the clubs - we were 4th on 73 points, Northampton were on 67 and finished 10th. Now you've got clubs in League Two with huge budgets that are signing Championship-quality players, so unless we get another perfect storm, it's unlikely. But we've got a fairly large squad with a lot of youngsters, so we should be competitive.
Who are Morecambe's danger men in the current squad?
Adam McGurk joined us on deadline day and he's a striker who caused us no end of trouble when playing against us so we're hoping he hits the ground running for us. Vadaine Oliver is suspended at the minute but he looks a handful, and same for Callum Lang, the young loanee from Wigan. Garry Thompson and Kevin Ellison aren't getting any younger but they've still got goals in them.
Final score?
Notts are a tricky proposition at the minute, you're on form and are unbeaten at home, but I'm hoping our good recent form against you guys will hold up, so I'm going to say a 1-1 draw.
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan hails "proper man's man" Richard Duffy

Kevin Nolan has described Notts County captain Richard Duffy as a “proper man’s man”.
The defender produced an impressive performance against former club Port Vale last weekend, helping the Magpies clinch a 1-0 win at Vale Park and helping them climb to fifth in the table.
It capped off what has been a good start to the season for Duffy who has been handed the skipper’s armband in the absence of injured midfielder Michael O’Connor - and is a huge turnaround from last season, when he was being derided by many Notts fans for poor performances.
“He was perfect (against Vale) and I’ve had full confidence in Duffer since I walked through the door,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “He is a proper man and a proper man’s man.
“You can see that by the way he conducts himself on the pitch and the way he marshals the defence.
“He and Shaun Brisley are starting to form a great relationship. It’s a great partnership going forward.”
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Joe Jones

Shola Ameobi: 'Notts County was on its knees when I arrived at Meadow Lane'

Shola Ameobi has admitted that Notts County was "on its knees" when he joined in February this year, but is happy at the improvements since and is eager to bring honour back to the club.
The former Newcastle United striker, a former colleague of Notts boss Kevin Nolan at St James' Park, arrived at Meadow Lane with the club battling relegation from League Two.
Things are much different at present, with new owner Alan Hardy investing in the club and engaging with the fans, while on the pitch, the team is in the top seven of the fledgling table, making for a feelgood vibe.
“The club was on its knees. The first time I came into the dressing room, I could sense that,” Ameobi told The Guardian.
“The players had played four games under Kevin, winning one and drawing one but, before that, they had lost 10 in a row. It is hard to escape that rot.
“It’s been about trying to get the honour back. It’s important that we build something positive for the city; build a winning, positive culture. The players have to have respect for the club they’re playing for.
"That’s what I’m all about – making sure you’re wearing the shirt with pride and giving everything. We’ve been able to do that in the short space of time I’ve been here.”
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Joe Jones

Les Bradd: 'I would have never become Notts County record goalscorer without Jack Wheeler'

Notts County legend Les Bradd has revealed how he would have never become the club's all-time top goalscorer were it not for the support of Jack Wheeler.
The Buxton-born forward played for the Magpies between 1967 and 1978, helping them climb steadily away from the lower reaches of the fourth division into a comfortable second division position.
However, Bradd - who 137 goals in all competitions for Notts - admits things could have been a lot different were it not for a one-to-one conversation with then-caretaker manager Wheeler during the a "low ebb" for the player.
He told Notts TV's Team Talk: “Jack was Mr Notts County for 25 years, he did every job you could think of.
“If it hadn’t have been for him, I wouldn’t have become the top all-time goalscorer – I was at a low ebb when my father took ill with cancer in 1968 and my mind was all over the place.
“He pulled me over to one side and I told him everything – Kettering, a non-league club, had come in looking for me and I said I was going to go there and start a new life.
“He took me into the stands, sat me down for an hour and we talked and talked and he said ‘follow this line’ and that’s what I did.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan: 'Discussion about throwing bodies on the line helped Notts County defend better'

Kevin Nolan has spoken of how a discussion with his Notts County players about throwing bodies on the line following their 3-0 opening-day defeat to Coventry City helped improve their defensive play.
The Magpies boss was happy with the clean sheet recorded on Saturday as his side secured a 1-0 win at Port Vale, with the likes of Richard Duffy and Dan Jones putting in great performances at the back.
“We want clean sheets and at Coventry we didn’t see that desire to stop the opposition from scoring,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “We didn’t throw bodies on the line and we had a chat about it.
“Since that day, we’ve got better at it and as time goes on we will continue to improve.
“It’s something we are working hard at and I think we will get good positive clean-sheet performances from now until the end of the season.
“We didn’t have many when I walked in the door, but if you stop the opposition from scoring and can nick a goal, then you win the game. I was delighted with them.”
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Joe Jones

Pride of Nottingham's PONcast: Episode 23

Hello and welcome to Pride of Nottingham's PONcast, episode 23.
In this week's episode we discuss Notts County's 1-0 win over Port Vale, recap August 2017 and look forward to September's remaining fixtures, analysing each team that the Magpies will be coming up against over the next three weeks.
PONcast hosts Chris and JJ also discuss the possibility of Saturday night 7:45pm kickoffs being introduced, and whether the game should resist changes to the traditional 3pm slot on Saturday.
All this and more in PONcast episode 23, only on Pride of Nottingham!
 
 
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Chris

Kevin Nolan warns Notts County players against complacency

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has warned his players not to let complacency kick in following their impressive start to the League Two season.
The Magpies are currently five games unbeaten following their 1-0 win over Port Vale, a great turnaround following their 3-0 hammering at Coventry City on the opening day of the League Two season.
Following the victory at Vale Park, September will now bring two home fixtures in succession, against Morecambe and Swindon Town, but derbies against Lincoln City and Mansfield Town will come later this month.
“We are delighted with the start we have had, but gutted that we haven’t had an even better one," Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“It’s important that you keep your feet on the ground because we had a great start last year.
“There was a chance to go in the top three last season, and I will be reminding the players about that.
“Complacency can’t kick in. When you are on a run like this, we have to make sure we work harder to ensure we keep driving this club forwards.”
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Joe Jones

Fundraising launched for Notts County creation meeting plaque outside Nottingham Mercure Hotel

A fundraising drive has begun to design and install a plaque outside the Nottingham hotel where a meeting was held to create Notts County Football Club.
On December 7, 1864, a group of individuals gathered in Suite 102 in what was then the George Hotel - now the Mercure Hotel - on George Street, Hockley, and created the first professional ‘foot-ball’ club in the world.
Notts fan Andy Black has started a crowdfunding page with the aim of raising £450 so a plaque - the idea of which was proposed by the Nottingham Civic Society - can be installed by the Mercure Hotel's entrance to pay tribute to this historic meeting.
He told the Nottingham Post: “I am just a football fan and I am passionate about my club. After helping to raise funds for the Jimmy and Jack statue outside the stadium, I was asked to help raise funds for this plaque.
"I want to give Notts County fans the opportunity to contribute to a plaque to go outside the hotel.
“Nottingham Forest have the Brian Clough statue right in the city centre and I’d like to see more recognition of County in the centre of town.
"It will be of interest to tourists too who come through the city centre and will want to learn about the history of the club."

Notts owner Alan Hardy added: "We are extremely proud of our status as the world’s oldest Football League club and commend Andy’s efforts to commemorate our birthplace.
"The meeting that took place inside the Mercure in 1864 was hugely significant for the sport and the plaque will be a fitting way for people to learn more about our club’s unrivalled history."
The Post has also revealed that the plaque is going to be black with white writing, the colours of the club, and that the fundraisers hope to have the money raised by the end of October so the plaque is ready to be unveiled on the anniversary of the club’s creation in December.
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan: 'Players backed out of Notts County move due to inability to guarantee first-team football'

Kevin Nolan has revealed that several prospective signings backed out of a move to Notts County as he would not guarantee them first-team football.
The Magpies strengthened their squad throughout the summer but did not make any further additions on deadline day.
A number of players, such as Sheffield Wednesday's George Hirst and Nottingham Forest's Tyler Walker, plus an Everton academy forward, were all linked to the club, but no moves materialised.
On the subject of his goal-getters, Nolan told the Nottingham Post: “I have goals all over the pitch. It’s great because on the bench I know I can bring quality on as well.
“I’ve got Lewis Alessandra, Jon Stead, Jorge Grant, Jonathan Forte, Shola Ameobi, Richard Duffy and Shaun Brisley – they’ve all got goals in them.
“We have them all over the team and that’s why I was happy with our business and how early we did it.
“But like I said if that special one had come up, and it wasn’t for the want of trying, but we were either priced out of a move, or players didn’t think they could dislodge who we already had up front.
“They didn’t want to fight for their position and wanted guarantees they would play first-team football but I don’t offer guarantees to anyone even my players about playing week in or week out.”
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Joe Jones

Lewis Alessandra happy to make impact for united Notts County team

Lewis Alessandra has expressed his delight with grabbing the winning goal for Notts County at Port Vale, but also hailed the togetherness and effort of the whole team.
The winger came off the bench on Saturday at Vale Park and, with his first touch, bundled home Jorge Grant's cross to open the scoring with what proved to be the winner.
However, the entire Magpies setup had to be at their best when they fell to 10 men following three substitutions and Shaun Brisley's departure due to injury.
“That’s what you want to do as a substitute - come on and make an impact and I was happy to do that within 30 seconds,” Alessandra told the official Notts site.
“I want everyone in this team to be doing well, but I’ve done my job today by coming off the bench and making an impact.
“It would have been nice to cap off a great day with a second goal but we’re more than happy with three points.
“Victories like this mean a lot when you’ve had to really work for it, as you could see by the reaction from the lads at the end of the game.
“The big thing in this team is the togetherness. There are five or six captains which is really good for us, especially with the blend of youth in the team.
“The manager has built a team full of great lads. We’re a tight-knit group and we enjoy working for each other.
"The camaraderie in the group is fantastic and, with regards to strength in depth, this is the best League Two side I’ve played in.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan hails substitutes as Notts County edge past Port Vale

Kevin Nolan has found himself praising his Notts County substitutes once again as the Magpies claimed a 1-0 win at Port Vale.
With the League Two game evenly poised on a knife-edge, its solitary goal came through Lewis Alessandra, who came off the bench to score with his first tough, bundling home a Jorge Grant cross.
The task of holding on to the lead was made all the more difficult after Shaun Brisley had to be taken off following a head knock and, with all three substitutions already made, Notts had to see the game out with 10 men.
“I was delighted with the win and I spoke about it a lot in my recent press conferences and after games in that the lads coming off the bench were making an impact,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“Rob Milsom came on and was absolutely first class and really steadied us. He made a fantastic contribution.
“Fortes and Lewis also played their part. If you look at Lewi he played right-back at the end after the injury to Shaun.
“It’s not his position but was fantastic. We knew what to do when we went down to 10 men because we’ve practised it.
“As soon as it happened, the lads knew exactly what to do and what their responsibilities are.
“We leave no stone unturned and It’s a credit to the lads that they take it all on board.
“It wasn’t the greatest spectacle but when you go away and you get a clean sheet and win 1-0, then it’s fantastic.
“The fans will go away not remembering anything about the game, but knowing they’ve won the match.”
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Joe Jones

Match Reaction: Port Vale 0-1 Notts County, Saturday 2 September 2017

Notts County's season continues to go from strength to strength after a solid 1-0 win over Port Vale in Saturday's League Two fixture at Vale Park.
Lewis Alessandra came on as a substitute and scored with his first touch of the game in the second half to edge the visitors ahead.
The Valiants didn't offer much and, even with Shaun Brisley coming off injured and leaving the Magpies down to ten men having made all their substitutions, they still couldn't find a way back into the game.
County's victory means that they are unbeaten in five games in all competitions (and if you were to specify it as "in the 90 minutes", then we drew with Scunthorpe United too, technically speaking!) and, in League Two, sit an impressive fifth in the table, with 10 points from five games.
Here is some of the reaction from some of the Notts players, the manager, and the Black and White Army.
Kevin Nolan
"It wasn't the greatest spectacle but when you go away, get a clean sheet and a win it's just fantastic. And then you hear all the fans singing at the end, not remembering much from the game but knowing they've won!
"Port Vale are under a bit of pressure so we knew they were going to come out all guns blazing and trying to put their stamp on the game. But I thought we rode that out well and didn't give them many opportunities.
"Thankfully, when the chance came our way, Lewis was on hand to put it in the back of the net. We're absolutely delighted."
The players
Lewis Alessandra
“Victories like this mean a lot when you’ve had to really work for it, as you could see by the reaction from the lads at the end of the game.
“The big thing in this team is the togetherness. There are five or six captains which is really good for us, especially with the blend of youth in the team.
“The manager has built a team full of great lads. We’re a tight-knit group and we enjoy working for each other. The camaraderie in the group is fantastic and, with regards to strength in depth, this is the best League Two side I’ve played in.”
Jorge Grant
Adam Collin
Carl Dickinson
Ryan Yates
Liam Walker
The fans (from PON's Port Vale match discussion thread)
Liampie
Brill result yesterday, its wins like this which will impact our final league position so i am delighted.
Upthepies
Good win but Port Vale could have easily got the victory themselves. In the first half they had a cracking chance which they wasted and the performance was not good enough. It was an awful game for both teams. Very scrappy.
Ell100t
Didn't get to see the match, but only needed to watch the highlights to see what an impact Dan Jones had on the game. Two moments of defensive brilliance. I know it is only one game, but personally I am very relieved with our start to the season as it doesn't feel like it is over before it has began for the first time in a while. Not getting too carried away, but just very thankful to finally see some more positivity around the players and the fans.
Countyman
Very uninspiring performance but the players kept at it and got the win. Port Vale don't look like much of a side in league two but I just hope nobody gets carried away. If we win a few or lose one, people just get all OTT.
The Skipper
Port Vale wasn't really bad they just looked like a team without any real ideas. They could have taken the win for themselves after two early chances which Collin saved and then Jones running back when they was clear through. I am not all that bothered about the performance because the training ground will sort that. At this stage its just good to get the points!
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Joe Jones

Match highlights: Port Vale 0-1 Notts County, Saturday 2 September 2017

Notts County's impressive run this season continues to gather pace after a 1-0 win at Port Vale on Saturday.
The Magpies faced their third League One-relegated opponent in their first five League Two games of the season at Vale Park in the first weekend of September.
However, the Valiants have not been in good form this campaign, and they succumbed to a defeat at the hands of Notts thanks to substitute Lewis Alessandra's second-half strike.
Despite going down to ten men due to Shaun Brisley's injury after all three substitutions had been made, Kevin Nolan's charges continued to impress and saw the game out with little trouble.
The result sees the Magpies in an impressive fifth-place position (or joint-third if you will) in the table, with 10 points from five games.
Admittedly, it was not the prettiest of games, but a win's a win's a win.
And if you want to relive the performance - and of course the celebrations for the goal and the final score - Notts County's official YouTube channel has got the highlights up.
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Joe Jones

Tactical Talk: Port Vale 0-1 Notts County, Saturday 2 September 2017

Notts County's season continues to go from strength to strength after a solid 1-0 win over Port Vale in Saturday's League Two fixture at Vale Park.
Lewis Alessandra came on as a substitute and scored with his first touch of the game in the second half to edge the visitors ahead.
The Valiants didn't offer much and, even with Shaun Brisley coming off injured and leaving the Magpies down to ten men having made all their substitutions, they still couldn't find a way back into the game.
In this piece, Chris has taken an in-depth look at how both sides played, whether the result was fair, and how to move forward.
Was the result fair?
I feel the result may have probably been fairer as a draw, however I do think Notts performed better than Port Vale – so victory to the Magpies isn’t unjust or unworthy for the Valiants.
How did Notts play?
Notts tried to change the tempo of the game at times, only for Port Vale to bring it back down to the ground to which slowed down the game massively. Notts could have done with creating more clear chances, with a cutting edge, but overall the win wasn’t pretty at all.
How did Port Vale play?
They played like a team struggling to adapt to the division, despite having signed some new players – this probably also impacted their play. Port Vale struggled to get hold of the game and looked largely ineffective throughout the pitch.
Did our tactics work out?
The simple answer would be yes, yet this type of game is where in-game tactics could have been used to give Notts more of an edge. I’m not complaining though as everything worked well, yet from a tactical point-of-view there could have been positive changes. Yesterday’s game was largely down to performances and the type of play which emulated from it.
How did the referee perform?
Average League Two referee is how most would sum up Robert Lewis. There will always be something questionable decisions, yet he allowed the game to flow and generally didn’t interfere too much.
Who do we play next?
Morecambe – this will be a difficult game in terms of the physicality for Notts. They’re a side which we must show we can play against, and well.
How should we play them?
It’s quite obvious that Kevin Nolan already has the basis of his starting 11, any changes will merely reflect on the opposition or injuries/knocks picked up.
Personally, I would look into forming a holding midfield and include the absentee Rob Milsom – he will allow Notts to fight the type of tactics which Morecambe will try to play with, whilst his ‘move forward’ frame of mind will allow Notts to go forward in a positive way.
I highly suspect there won’t be any changes up top, however I would start with a bit more pace there if possible. Shola Ameobi will be influencing the midfield and anchor play, so if Jon Stead starts he must play closer to the Morecambe defence.
He could use Jorge Grant, as someone who could release him but there’s no doubt in my mind that Notts must look to retain the ball and move promptly with it. Draw the fouls and use it to gain ground, whilst any free-kicks outside of the penalty will be key.
Port Vale fans view (courtesy of One Vale Fan):
Jeffers: We can't score goals as we don't play with strikers other than the cart horse up front. It's not Tom Pope's fault but his best days are behind him. Where is the pace to frighten defenders... lying on the sick bed.
Jacko51: In our last 12 league games we have failed to score in 9 of them. Brown won't solve this problem by playing Tom Pope on his own up front with no one within 30 yards of him. Tom won't outrun the defence so you can't play the ball in behind. There is no point hoofing the ball in the air to Pope if no one is near him to pick up the knock downs. It's absolute madness to keep doing the same thing game after game and expecting a different outcome.
Jeffers: Tom played well against Crewe but not today. Jones gave him 20 yards and caught him. Don't be blinded by Toms heart on the sleeve attitude, but he will be lucky to get 10 goals. He never was blessed with pace, but my frustration is that he needs legs around him which Brown doesn't see.
Bluedevil: Why did Brown make his first substitution when he did? We had no shape or threat after his changes, County couldn't have believed their luck. Brown snatched a defeat from the jaws of victory today.
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Chris

Notts Alumni: Brian Stubbs

The one-club man. Uncommon even in the olden days, such an entity is now rarer than a unicorn. Though there have been some in recent years - Jamie Carragher, Francesco Totti - they are a dying breed, although you do get some who spend 99 percent of their pro career at one club and then have one final payday elsewhere - nobody could begrudge Steven Gerrard his swansong at LA Galaxy, for example.
One example of a fully-fledged bona fide one-club man at Notts County is Brian Stubbs. Born on 8 February 1950 in Keyworth, he is a prodigal son of Nottingham who, despite his impressive performances and illustrious career, was never swayed by a move away from Meadow Lane.
Stubbs was a student at the illustrious sporting institution of Loughborough University in the late 60s and was impressing for their football team when, during the 1967/68 season he was offered a trial by Nottingham Forest.
However, this was not to be his step into the professional game - he waited one more year before penning a deal with Notts County, under the then manager Billy Gray - who departed soon after to be replaced by caretaker manager Jack Wheeler.
Stubbs made his debut at inside-right for the Magpies, who were toiling in the Fourth Division at the time, but given his power, toughness and determination, he was soon converted to a central defender, which as the years went on, turned out to be a stroke of genius.
He made just two appearances in 1968/69 as Notts finished 19th in the table, just three points clear of the bottom four, but there was a storm - of a good kind - brewing at the club, because as we all know, the 1969/70 season would herald the arrival of a certain Scottish manager by the name of Jimmy Sirrel.

As the Swinging Sixties rolled to an end, Stubbs revelled in his new role in defence and, with the Glaswegian taking the helm in November 1969, the 19-year-old made 35 appearances as Notts entered the summer of 1970 with a much-improved seventh-placed finish in the fourth tier.
Sirrel's impressive work truly came to fruition the following season, when the Magpies became champions of the Fourth division, finishing nine points clear of runners-up Bournemouth, and Stubbs had by this point developed into such a quality defender that he was voted Player of the Year.
Stubbs had developed an impressive centre-back partnership with David Needham, who was at the club between 1965 and 1977, and despite other clubs sniffing around Stubbsy, he was never persuaded to leave Meadow Lane, as third division status became second division status and, following eight years in the second tier, the dream had finally been accomplished - Notts became a top tier club in 1981.
Sadly, it would seem that Stubbs never did get the chance to turn out in the First Division - According to David McVay in Steak Diana Ross II, "he was denied his moment of glory and an appearance in the top flight by the management duo who refused to pick him despite his outstanding service."

Stubbs made 426 league appearances in total for Notts, scoring 21 goals and played for eleven years at the club, his entire professional career, and to this day he is still welcomed back with open arms at Meadow Lane.
According to The League Paper, Stubbs still lives in his native Keyworth and "worked in the building industry and before becoming a painter and decorator until his ­retirement", and, back to McVay's book, "still socialises and throws the odd dart in public houses south of the River Trent".
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan says Shaun Brisley is okay following knock at Port Vale

Kevin Nolan has given a positive update on Shaun Brisley after the defender suffered a blow to the head in Notts County's 1-0 win over Port Vale on Saturday.
The centre-back was knocked to the ground after the blow late on in the game and had to be taken off.
This left the Magpies to see the rest of the match out with 10 men after they had already made all three substitutions.
However, Nolan is not worried about the long-term prognosis, telling the Nottingham Post: “He’s okay, he was up and about afterwards.
“Shaun is a great lad and he wanted to stay on. He could remember everything which is always a good sign.
"But we have to make sure we look after him and the welfare of the boy.
“He’s a strong competitor and hopefully we won’t miss him for too many games. But we will do what is right by him because that’s the type of club we are.”
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Joe Jones

ARLukomski's Match Vlog: Port Vale vs. Notts County, Saturday 2 September 2017

Notts County's impressive run this season continues to gather pace after a 1-0 win at Port Vale on Saturday.
The Magpies faced their third League One-relegated opponent in their first five League Two games of the season at Vale Park in the first weekend of September.
However, the Valiants have not been in good form this campaign, and they succumbed to a defeat at the hands of Notts thanks to substitute Lewis Alessandra's second-half strike.
Despite going down to ten men due to Shaun Brisley's injury after all three substitutions had been made, Kevin Nolan's charges continued to impress and saw the game out with little trouble.
The result sees the Magpies in an impressive fifth-place position (or joint-third if you will) in the table, with 10 points from five games.
ARLukomski, a Notts vlogger and Pride of Nottingham contributor, discussed the fixture ahead of kickoff, gave his thoughts as the game went on, and talked about the performance and result after the final whistle.
Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here.
Share your thoughts about this vlog 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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ARLukomski

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