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Kevin Nolan eager to keep momentum going against Everton Under-23s

Despite the controversy surrounding the Checkatrade Trophy ahead of Notts County's game with Everton Under-23s, Kevin Nolan insists he wants to go for a win nonetheless to build on the momentum from Saturday's 2-0 defeat of Chesterfield - as well as getting one over on his beloved Liverpool's Merseyside rivals.
The vast majority of people who support teams in the EFL are plotting to boycott the competition due to the Premier League's academy teams entering teams in an EFL competition - seen as many as the big fish of the top flight imposing their will on the smaller divisions.
Nolan, who acknowledged the criticism of the competition, told the Nottingham Post ahead of Tuesday's game at Meadow Lane: “We want as many clean sheets as possible from now until the end of the season because it gives you a great opportunity to win games.
"It also promotes a winning mentality within the group to make sure that we keep getting better and better as the games come thick and fast. We want it to get to a stage where you get that feeling of invincibility when you are out on the pitch.
“They are a good outfit. David Unsworth is somebody I’ve played against a lot during my career and it will be good to see him. I hope to get one over him because it’s Everton isn’t it?! I will have a lot of friends coming to watch too and they are all bluenoses.
“We actually looked at a lot of Everton’s young players in the summer and in the window last January about the potential of bringing them here on loan. A few of them have since gone to higher divisions. But we’ve got quite a bit of info about them and the analyst Jimmy has worked really hard to get as much data on them as possible.
“I know there has been a lot of criticism of the competition because not every team in the Premier League has bought into it. But we have a job to do and we will put a really strong team out against an Everton Under-23s team who won their league last year.
“It is not going to be a rollover. We are taking it seriously so we are hoping to get off to a good start and get into a run of winning games. I am just really looking forward to it, because it’s the first time I’ve been involved with the competition. It presents the most realistic chance of us getting to Wembley and giving the fans a great day out. All we can do is go at it in a positive manner and enjoy it.”
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Joe Jones

Faces of PON: Top 5 photos from Notts County vs Chesterfield FC

Notts County bounced back from their 2017/18 League Two campaign opening-day 3-0 loss at Coventry City in impressive fashion, seeing off a dirty Chesterfield side 2-0 in Saturday's encounter at Meadow Lane.
A heated encounter, Gozie Ugwu should have earned a red card for a number of clashes with home players, and was hauled off at half time by Gary Caldwell.
Gibraltar international Scott Wiseman, meanwhile, did get his marching orders after hauling down Terry Hawkridge, denying him a clear goalscoring opportunity.
In the end, the encounter was settled by the man of the moment, Jorge Grant, whose looping header to break the deadlock was followed up by a spectacular free kick into the bottom corner of the Spireites net.
Pride of Nottingham was at Meadow Lane for the game and took plenty of photos as part of its regular Faces of PON feature - here are our top 5 pictures!
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Chris

Jorge Grant delighted with "collector's item" header and audacious free kick

Jorge Grant has described his headed goal in Saturday's 2-0 win over Chesterfield as a "collector's item" while admitting his Notts County teammates wanted him to take the safe option with his late free kick and playing it into the corner.
The Nottingham Forest loanee came off the bench in the second half and turned the game on its head as the Magpies managed to break the deadlock against a dirty Spireite side and then sealed the win in injury time.
Grant told the official Notts site: "I don't score many headers - I think that might be the first one I've ever scored. I just let the ball hit my head. It's a bit of a collector's item!
"With the free-kick, a few of the lads were telling me to play the ball into the corner but I didn't want to do that so I asked the referee how long was left!
"He said '10 seconds' and I saw the goalkeeper giving me a bit of room and thought 'I can score here' because I have confidence in my own ability. You have to have that and I'm buzzing it went in.
"Any player who comes off the bench needs to prove a point and that's what I went on there to do. Luckily I made an impact to score the two goals.
"All the boys put in a lot of hard work before I came on. We're always talking about keeping clean sheets because it gives us a better chance of winning games.
"There are still bits to work on but it was much better than last week [at Coventry]. Home form is important so hopefully we can get off to a good start now."
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Joe Jones

Meet the Fans: Notts County 2-0 Chesterfield, Saturday 12 August 2017

Notts County put their woeful 3-0 defeat at Coventry City last week firmly behind them as they claimed a solid 2-0 win against Chesterfield in their first home game of the 2017/18 League Two season.
Jorge Grant proved to be the star once again with an impressive brace consisting of a looped header followed by a stunning free kick in injury time.
Prior to the loanee's goals, it was a heated, controversial game, with Gary Caldwell's side playing dirty and going down to ten men, though it could so easily have been nine bearing in mind Gozie Ugwu's antics.
The result gives Kevin Nolan's side their first win of the new campaign following the loss at the Ricoh Arena in League Two and also in the League Cup at Scunthorpe United.
Pride of Nottingham spoke to a number of fans prior to the Spireites game, asking them a number of questions about the opening games of the campaign and their hopes for the game ahead.
Share your thoughts about this week's Meet the Fans video on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Chris

Tactical Talk: Notts County 2-0 Chesterfield, Saturday 12 August 2017

Notts County got their first win of the 2017-18 League Two season on Saturday after beating a dirty Chesterfield side 2-0 at Meadow Lane.
A controversial and heated encounter, Gozie Ugwu should have earned a red card for a number of clashes with home players, and was hauled off at half time by Gary Caldwell.
Scott Wiseman, meanwhile, did get his marching orders after hauling down Terry Hawkridge, denying him a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Ultimately, Jorge Grant proved to be the star man for Notts once again, coming on as a second-half substitute and opening the scoring with a looping header before curling a wonderful free kick into the Spireites net in injury time.
In this article, Pride of Nottingham looks at several aspects of the game, from the performance to whether the result was fair, and how to build on from a successful weekend.
Was the result fair?
It was difficult to see how Notts would score without the changes made within the second half, Jorge Grant instantly made an impact and his direct approach was greatly lacking prior to his arrival, whilst he also gave the squad some calm edge within the final third. It’s harder to suggest that Notts didn’t deserve the 2-0 win, a superb header and free kick greatly warranted.
How did Notts play?
There were signs of that jagged play we saw against Coventry City in the opening day, however there was little sign of nerves. From a defensive perspective, Notts did very well with Dan Jones frequently winning the ball back or breaking down the play. Going forward Notts passed nicely, though play was often forced or simply rushed. For a debut home performance of the campaign, it was a decent showing by Notts.
How did Chesterfield play?
Quite poor, they moved well but often wasted chances. They looked like a side which knew they would struggle and because of this resorted to being physical – which wasn’t pretty at times. They got the ball into the channels and linked well, yet no real tests were offered bar the odd chance and a one on one with Adam Collin.
Did our tactics work out?
To a degree yes, however the line-up worked from the perspective that Notts wouldn’t concede easily but going forward we had little firepower – not due to a lack of effort or performance. Simply down to the way that Chesterfield played and for the fact we desperately lack pace. The second half changes were very well thought out and changed what was lacking within the first period.
How did the referee perform?
I thought he actually did very well, he seemed to miss things but generally play to continue. He didn’t seem to be on either team's side which makes a change, and I know he made some poor decisions but within League Two I expect this.
Who do we play next?
Everton Under-21s in the EFL Trophy / Checkatrade Trophy; league-wise it’s Wycombe Wanderers who will be another stern test for the Magpies.
How should we play them?
We need Jorge Grant to start, it’s hard to see how we can maximise our creativity from midfield without him. Apart from that, I would keep the line-up very similar to the Chesterfield game – perhaps resting Jon Stead. Adam Collin deserves to retain his place despite opinions, the defence is hard to change after the 2-0 home win and the midfield just needs to think before rushing decisions.
Going into the EFL Trophy Notts should use it to experiment with the strike options, along with one or two changes in midfield.
Here's what Chesterfield fans thought of the game, courtesy of Thecfss.co.uk:
Turrhall: We've been the better team, not by much, but better. Ref atrocious.
Spireitefitzy: If he can get a win from here then Caldwell's stock will go up. Just a shame he has a ready made excuse if we lose. No natural wide players on the pitch and playing strikers wherever he feels like, it's poor and lessens our chances lf winning.
Heart of a Niven: [Joe Anyon] looks tiny in goal. He has absolutely no presence and may as well be on the end of a Subbuteo stick for all the good he does.
Spireitefitzy: Not a sending off, but shouldn't really be putting your arms up there to give the ref the opportunity. Ugwu should be off and serving a three game ban but it was missed, not sure if they can go retrospective if it's not reported so shouldnt be any repercussions. He doesn't look up to this level though.
Westbars Spireite: 8-0 on corners suggests a 1-sided game. I know today is only the second league game (and likely defeat) but things could go very wrong, very quickly for Caldwell off the back of last season's farce. He earned no goodwill at all and has to change things quickly. Now would be a good start.
Spire_78: Could sack Caldwell... probably should for his record alone if nothing else - except i'd have more confidence in Kim Jong-un choosing a replacement. The problems run far far deeper than just a poor manager and a collection of mediocre players. The club is being ruined gradually from the top seemingly without a care in the world - genuinely starting to fear for our League future, if this continues we could quite easily follow the likes of Stockport and York.
gordon_brittas: Lowest ebb, and I can see it getting worse if changes aren't made. Two league defeats to bang average opponents. God knows what the score will be when we play the Luton's and Coventry's of this league.
Exharboroughspireite: This has been coming ever since we didn't roll the dice and backed cook for the final push. Sadly I can't see this having a turnaround until either Allen puts some substantial cash into the club again or finds another buyer. The day to day running of the club Is a disgrace and Caldwell appears to be the third manager on the bounce who simply cannot hack it.
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Chris

Faces of PON: Notts County vs. Chesterfield FC, Saturday 12 August 2017

Notts County got their first win of the 2017-18 League Two season on Saturday after beating a dirty Chesterfield side 2-0 at Meadow Lane.
A controversial encounter, Gozie Ugwu should have earned a red card for a number of clashes with home players, and was hauled off at half time by Gary Caldwell.
Scott Wiseman, meanwhile, did get his marching orders after hauling down Terry Hawkridge, denying him a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Ultimately, Jorge Grant proved to be the star man for Notts once again, coming on as a second-half substitute and opening the scoring with a looping header before curling a wonderful free kick into the Spireites net in injury time.
Pride of Nottingham was at Meadow Lane for the first home game of the season and is delighted to have taken plenty of pictures, both of the game and of the Black and White faithful.
See if you're in this week's Faces of PON! COME ON YOU PIES!

Share your thoughts about this week's edition of Faces of PON 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.
Chris

Match highlights: Notts County 2-0 Chesterfield, Saturday 12 August 2017

Notts County grabbed their first league win of the 2017/18 League Two season in impressive fashion, seeing off a dirty Chesterfield side 2-0 in Saturday's encounter at Meadow Lane.
A game laden with controversy, Gozie Ugwu should have earned a red card for a number of clashes with home players, and was hauled off at half time by Gary Caldwell.
Gibraltar international Scott Wiseman, meanwhile, did get his marching orders after hauling down Terry Hawkridge, denying him a clear goalscoring opportunity.
In the end, the encounter was settled by Jorge Grant, whose looping header to break the deadlock was followed up by a spectacular free kick into the bottom corner of the Spireites net.
Notts have put up the highlights of the game on YouTube - have another look for yourself how the Magpies got on and relive Grant's moments of magic.
Share your thoughts about the Chesterfield game 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.
Joe Jones

Notts Alumni: Steve Cherry

Every remarkable Notts County team over the years has comprised of quality players in every position of the pitch, and as arguably the most important one in any squad, the goalkeeper slot has also been filled by some great names at Meadow Lane.
From Albert Iremonger in the early 20th century to the likes of Kasper Schmeichel and Bartosz Bialkowski in the 2010s, via Jimmy Sirrel's protege Raddy Avramovic in the early 80s, every generation of Notts fans will fondly remember at least one quality name in between the sticks.
The man who occupied this role during County's last truly stellar period, in which they last graced the top flight, is Steve Cherry, a player and individual who remains loved by everyone involved with the Black and White Army.
Born on 5 August 1960 in Nottingham, Cherry started his career across the A52 at Derby County, signing schoolboy forms as a 15-year-old. Three years later he put pen to paper on a professional contract and made 77 appearances for the Rams between 1978 and 1984, also spending a short time on loan at Port Vale between 1980 and 1981. While at the Baseball Ground, he was voted the club's player of the year in 1983.
Cherry then enjoyed a two-year spell at Walsall, where he made 71 appearances, and Plymouth Argyle, where he played 73 times - and picked up the second player of the year award of his career, in 1988 - and while on the Pilgrims' books he also had a short stint on loan at Chesterfield.
In January 1989, a little-known manager by the name of Neil Warnock joined Notts County, and one month into his tenure, his new side lost 3-0 at Chesterfield, who had Cherry in goal. Just a week later, the Nottingham-born goalkeeper's registration was sold from Plymouth to Notts, whose goalkeeper at the time, Mick Leonard, went to Saltergate.
The fee to sign Cherry was £70,000, but Notts more than got their money's worth as the goalkeeper made the number 1 shirt his own, and his time at the club coincided with a meteoric rise through the leagues.
County narrowly missed out on the Third Division playoffs that year, but put it right the following season, finishing third and going all the way to the final, where Cherry kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers at Wembley which took them into the second tier.
The following year they repeated the feat, finishing fourth in the Second Division to qualify for the playoffs, and Cherry was once again impervious in goal as they saw off Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1 in their second trip to Wembley in just as many years.
1991 also saw arguably Cherry's greatest ever game, putting in what was deemed a "heroic performance in a 1-0 win over top-flight Manchester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup, a series of outstanding saves keeping the Citizens out as Gary Lund struck a winner for Notts late on.
Despite the 1991-92 season not going according to plan for Notts, with relegation back to the second tier after just one year in the First Division, Cherry nonetheless impressed in between the sticks, and was named as the club's player of the year that season for his efforts - the third of his career.
All in all, Cherry made 266 appearances for the Magpies - including two more games at Wembley, in the 1994 and 1995 Anglo-Italian Cup finals - by the time of his departure to Glenn Roeder's Watford in July 1995, where he made just four appearances as deputy to Kevin Miller before linking up with former club Plymouth, reuniting him with Warnock once again.
That season, Cherry helped the Pilgrims reach the Third Division playoffs, and much like his time at Notts, he would once again find himself on the winning side at Wembley as the Devon club won promotion with a 1-0 win over Darlington, Cherry keeping another clean sheet at England's national stadium.
The twilight of Cherry's professional career saw him turn out for Rotherham United and Rushden & Diamonds, before several brief non-contract spells at Mansfield Town, Stalybridge Celtic (on loan), Oldham Athletic, and Lincoln City.
He then made several appearances for a number of non-league sides - Kettering, Stalybridge Celtic, Kidsgrove Athletic and Belper Town - before officially hanging up his boots (and gloves).
Cherry went on to work for Lincoln and Macclesfield Town in a coaching capacity, but left the latter in May 2010 to undergo heart surgery, from which he thankfully recovered.
A man whose contributions for Notts County are worthy of a place in the club's hall of fame, Steve Cherry is a true Magpie legend.
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan delighted with Jorge Grant moments of magic

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has praised Jorge Grant after the loanee came off the bench to bag a brace in a 2-0 win against Chesterfield on Saturday.
The 22-year-old nodded home the opener on the hour in the League Two encounter at Meadow Lane before curling an audacious free kick into the back of the net in injury time.
The performance and result are far removed from the opening-day mess in which the Magpies lost 3-0 at Coventry City and builds on the good display at Scunthorpe United in midweek.
“Jorge is a talent and we worked so hard with him when he was on loan with us last year,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“It’s a credit to him that he wanted to come back and work under us again this season.
“We give him that freedom and confidence to go out and play. When you are given that trust by the manager, the staff and the players, you can produce moments of magic like he did.
“I was delighted with his contribution and his reaction to not being in the starting XI. We took the decision not to play him from the off because he didn’t train on Thursday because of a tight hamstring.
“It was about wrapping him up in cotton wool a little bit and making sure we had that talent on the bench.
“You want those players who don’t start, to show the right type of attitude and I felt that all three of our substitutes contributed to the game.”
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Joe Jones

Match Report: Jorge Grant brace helps Notts County to solid win over Chesterfield

A superb two-goal performance from Notts County substitute Jorge Grant has helped Kevin Nolan's side to a 2-0 win over Chesterfield in their first home game of the 2017/18 League Two season.
Both the Magpies and Spireites had lost their first game of the league campaign and were also knocked out of the League Cup, but despite the visitors' thuggish gameplay, Notts emerged triumphant thanks to the man of the moment.
Many Notts fans were surprised by Nolan's decision to revert to the bulk of the side that started the 3-0 hammering at Coventry City, save for Ryan Yates replacing Liam Walker in midfield.
The opening 20 minutes proved pretty uneventful, with Chesterfield registering the first effort of note as Louis Reed flashed a shot wide of the Notts post on 22 minutes.
Shortly before the half-hour mark, Gozie Ugwu clashed with Elliott Hewitt in an off-the-ball incident, an incident which should really have warranted a red card, but the referee only showed him a yellow.
Notts then stepped it up a gear, Shola Ameobi going through on goal after a Reed slip, but opposition goalkeeper Sam Hird pulled off a smart save to force a corner.
On 34 minutes, however, Ugwu had arguably the best chance of the game so far when he was put clean through, but Adam Collin made a save low down.
Normal service resumed afterwards as Notts weighed in with several more chances and, shortly before the break, Gary Caldwell's charges went down to 10 men after Terry Hawkridge was brought down by Scott Wiseman, denying him a clear goalscoring opportunity.
There was yet more room for controversy as Ugwu fouled Richard Duffy to earn himself a final talking-to by the ref, and his manager saw fit to take him off at the break.
Within a minute of the restart, Dion Donohue came close to open the scoring, but he hesitated and Duffy managed to charge his shot down.
The game changed entirely when Grant came on 53 minutes, as he broke the deadlock on the hour mark. Matt Tootle's free kick nodded by the loanee past Chesterfield goalkeeper Joe Anyon and into the net.
Notts could have had a second shortly afterwards when Stead was put through by Ameobi, but just as he had a go, he was barged into by Ian Evatt, the effort being saved and put out for a corner.
Nonetheless, the Magpies would go on to seal the deal late on in the game, Jonathan Forte winning a free kick just outside the box and Grant curling a wonderful effort into the bottom corner.
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Joe Jones

Alan Hardy hails new Notts County 'Premier League quality' dressing room

Notts County have unveiled their new home dressing room at Meadow Lane, with owner Alan Hardy claiming it is "befitting a Premier League club" and manager Kevin Nolan describing it as "probably the best dressing room I've ever seen in my career."
On the eve of the Magpies' first home game of the season, against Chesterfield, the club made the announcement and showed off pictures of the changing room, refurbished by Nottingham-based interior design company Paragon.
Nolan told the official Notts website: "It's breathtaking. No stone has been left unturned. It's probably the best dressing room I've ever seen in my career.
"Hats off to Alan. He's really investing in this club and it's about us now making sure we get positive results on the pitch, because we're certainly seeing them off it."
Hardy, meanwhile, added: "We're delighted with the dressing room. It was touch-and-go, but it's what Paragon do. I had no doubt the project would be delivered on time.
"It was important we created a special environment and experience for the players. Everything is flush and feels like it's been properly designed. We're delighted with the overall impact."
In addition, the owner also spoke to the Nottingham Post and said: "I am absolutely delighted with the outcome as I firmly believe it is a dressing room befitting a Premier League club."
Alongside the dressing room refurbishment, Hardy added that the entire stadium has been jet washed this week after they " quite rightly... came in for some criticism after the Forest game."
 
 
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Joe Jones

Stat Attack: Notts County vs. Chesterfield, Saturday 12 August 2017

Notts County have played Chesterfield a total of 66 times over the years, the first meeting coming on the 29th November 1930 in the FA Cup.
The game took place at the Spireites' old ground, Saltergate, and finished 2-1 to the Magpies.
The head-to-head record favours Notts, with 27 victories, 20 defeats and 19 draws.
The last time the two teams met was on 7 February 2015 in League One, the outcome a 1-0 win to Chesterfield at Meadow Lane.
Nobody knows the date when the first incarnation of Chesterfield Football Club was formed. A Derbyshire Times newspaper report from 2 January 1864 noted a scheduled game between "Chesterfield and Norton football clubs", suggesting that a club in the town was active from at least 1863.
By contrast, club historian Stuart Basson had placed a formally constituted Chesterfield F.C. as being established as an offshoot of Chesterfield Cricket Club in October 1867.
The early history of the club is dotted with tumult and instability - the club lost the right to play at Saltergate following worsening relations with Chesterfield Cricket Club, while in 1915 the subsequent incarnation of the club, Chesterfield Town, was put into voluntary liquidation.
To fill the footballing gap left in the town, Chesterfield Borough Council reformed the club on 24 April 1919, giving it the name Chesterfield Municipal F.C.
After the Football Association and Football League made it clear that they were against a council-run club, the entity became independent, reflected in the name change to Chesterfield F.C. in December 1920.
The club have been successful in terms of minor silverware, winning the Fourth Division (and its subsequent reincarnations) a record four times, while also claimin the Anglo-Scottish Cup in 1982 and the Football League Trophy in 2012 (and finishing runners-up in 2014).
The 1996–97 season saw Chesterfield beat six clubs including Nottingham Forest to reach the semi-final of the FA Cup for the first time. The semi-final match against Middlesbrough was drawn 3–3 after extra time; Chesterfield lost the replay 3–0.
The club's nickname, The Spireites, comes from the Church of St Mary and All Saints in Chesterfield, famous for its crooked spire.
Famous Chesterfield players include Ernie Moss, Kevin Davies, Gary Stone, Jason Lee, Walter McMillen, Sam Hardy, Gordon Banks, Herbert Munday, Steve Ogrizovic, Barry Sunday, Freeman Hardy and Willis Edwards.
Famous fans include glamour model Jo Guest, presenter Robert Primrose Wilson, and ex-Arsenal goalkeeper John Lukic.
Team news
Kevin Nolan has no fresh injury worries ahead of Notts County's meeting with Chesterfield, but has spoken of the selection dilemma facing him.
Following a disappointing display in the 3-0 defeat at Coventry City, Nolan made eight changes against Scunthorpe United in the League Cup, with the replacement players putting in a much improved display.
Jonathan Forte, in particular, impressed and could put pressure on Jon Stead and Shola Ameobi ahead of Nolan picking his strike force for Saturday's League Two game.
Chesterfield captain Ian Evatt returns for the Spireites after missing the 4-1 cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday through suspension.
Fellow defender Jordan Sinnott will be monitored after he picked up a thigh injury in last week's league opener against Grimsby Town, which also finished in defeat.
Robbie Weir and Charlie Wakefield are options to return to the side after being on the bench at Hillsborough in midweek.
Jerome Binnom-Williams (ankle) and Joe Rowley (shoulder) remain unavailable with injuries suffered in pre-season.
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Joe Jones

Notts County Fan View: Chesterfield, 12 August 2017

Notts County are preparing for the first home game of the 2017/18 League Two season, hosting local rivals Chesterfield at Meadow Lane on Saturday.
The Magpies did not get off to a particularly good start, losing 3-0 at Coventry City last week, but a much-changed team put in an impressive display at Scunthorpe United in the League Cup on Tuesday, taking the League One side all the way to penalties at Glanford Park.
Now, the clock is ticking down to the opportunity to see Notts back on hallowed turf, and what better way to start than against a local enemy who was relegated last season? It's a pretty exciting fixture and it should hopefully be a good game - with Notts getting the spoils (hopefully!).
Pride of Nottingham spoke to two Notts fans, Jürgen Halligan and Nigel Nattrass, about their thoughts on how the game against Chesterfield will pan out, as well as a couple of general questions about themselves and how they see the season going.
Jürgen Halligan
Jürgen has been a Notts fan since 1974 - he had previously never been to a football match so he wandered down to Meadow Lane to see Notts beat Oxford 4-1 and got bitten by the Black and White bug.
His favourite Notts player of all time is Don Masson, while his favourite current Magpie is Shola Amoebi.
Q1) What games between Notts and Chesterfield do you remember from years gone by?
I can remember losing 2-1 at Saltergate and Jack Lester continously diving.
Q2) Which of the East Midlands derbies this season are you looking forward to the most?
Has to be Mansfield.
Q3) Are you worried about our start to the season or should things be alright?
Only played one league game, long way to go.
Q4) Out of all the new signings, who do you think will have the most impact?
Ryan Yates looks a very good loan signing.
Q5) Where do you think Notts will finish this season?
10th in the table.
Q6) Who do you think will finish in the top 3, in the playoffs, and in the bottom two?
Top three: Luton, Coventry, Port Vale. Playoffs: Mansfield, Swindon, Exeter, Forest Green. Bottom two: Yeovil and Morecambe.
Nigel Nattrass (aka Natty)
Natty has supported Notts since 1970. He was born into a Notts supporting family and is athird, if not fourth, generation fan. His grandad saw the last game at Trent Bridge and the first game at Meadow Lane.
His favourite all-time player is Don Masson, while his current pick is Jorge Grant.
Q1) Have you ever been to Saltergate and/or the Proact Stadium?
I went to Saltergate many times since the early 1970s. Been two or three times to the Proact because I follow the development / youth team when I can.
Q2) Which of the East Midlands derbies this season are you looking forward to the most?
All of them... but particularly Lincoln.
Q3) What fixtures are you most looking forward this season and why?
The playoff final!! And Forest Green Rovers away (new ground for me).
Q4) Who should be playing in goal - Collin, Fitzsimons or Pindroch?
Fitzsimons, based on his display on Tuesday night.
Q5) Who do you think will be our key player this season?
Jorge Grant.
Q6) Promotion this season - yes or no?
I think automatic promotion is asking too much, but I'll be disappointed if we aren't at least in with a shout of making the playoffs come Easter. I see no reason why we shouldn't make the playoffs and then anything can happen.
Share your thoughts about this feature 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.
Chris

Lewis Alessandra hails competition for places at Notts County

Lewis Alessandra admits making the Notts County squad this season will require each player to be at their absolute best because of the competition for places.
Following the Magpies' 3-0 defeat at Coventry City on Saturday, Kevin Nolan made eight changes for the League Cup game at Scunthorpe United.
The new XI yielded a much improved performance which saw the League One Iron pushed all the way to penalties, though the Magpies sadly succumbed 6-5.
Alessandra was one of several players who watched the game from the stands and the winger admits he faces a fight to regain his place in the side.
“It would be tough to change the team after Tuesday because the lads did that well,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“It’s never nice to lose on penalties, but if you’re looking at it as a whole you can’t be too disheartened by the performance.
“We were playing against good opposition and it was a massive improvement from Saturday. Everyone who stepped in was awesome.
“We were disappointed collectively not to go through on the night, but you want that competition for places.
“If you are not pulling your weight or performing too well, there’s a guy behind you wanting to take the shirt off your back.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan: 'I don't want a basketball match against Chesterfield'

Kevin Nolan has urged his players to ensure Notts County's game against Chesterfield on Saturday does not turn out to be a "basketball match".
The Magpies have played two games so far this season, against Coventry City in League Two and Scunthorpe United in the League Cup, and both of those saw his charges concede three goals.
With the Spireites coming to Meadow Lane at the weekend, Nolan is clear about what he wants from his players.
Though acknowledging Chesterfield have not had a good start to the season either, Nolan is aware they'll be dangerous.
“They (Chesterfield) lost to Grimsby on the opening day and then had a heavy defeat to Sheffield Wednesday,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“But they are a good side and they will come to try to cause us problems.
“Having played against Gary (Caldwell) a few times, he likes to play the game in the right way.
“I am expecting it to be a good spectacle, but I don’t want a basketball match. I want a clean sheet and a win.”
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Joe Jones

Pride of Nottingham to sponsor Jonathan Forte home kit for 2017/18 season

Pride of Nottingham are delighted to announce that we have sponsored Jonathan Forte's home kit for the 2017/18 season.
The Barbados international is currently in his fourth spell at Notts County, having joined permanently from Oldham Athletic in July 2016.
Prior to that, Forte had been on loan at Notts three times, in 2008 (four games, four goals), 2009 (14 games, four goals) and 2012 (10 games, five goals).
This season, the Sheffield-born striker made his first appearance in the League Cup penalty shootout defeat to Scunthorpe United at Glanford Park, where he impressed up front.
Notts manager Kevin Nolan had revealed prior to the game that he and Forte had a "frank discussion" at the weekend but, following the 120 minutes plus spot kicks at Scunthorpe, he had nothing but good things to say about the 31-year-old.
“He harried them, he created chances for himself as well as others,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“It’s just exactly what I wanted from Forte which was to use what he’s best at. That was using his pace and a good touch to try to get shots off. He did all of it and I thought he was excellent on Tuesday night.
“We had a frank discussion after the Coventry game and a few home truths come out. But he responded in the right way. He proved to me that he wants to be here and fight for his place.
“That’s a great thing for me because he’s putting pressure on Jon Stead and Shola Ameobi which they thought they probably didn’t have on Tuesday night. So I have options and that’s great."
Pride of Nottingham would like to wish Forte all the best for the remainder of the 2017/18 season - COME ON YOU PIES!!!
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PON_News

Kevin Nolan: 'Notts County players will have others breathing down their neck for starting XI spot'

Kevin Nolan has admitted that each Notts County player will have others in their position "breathing down their neck" when it comes to squad selection this season.
The Magpies began their season with a 3-0 hammering at Coventry City, but an impressive display at Scunthorpe United in the League Cup in midweek, following eight changes, has given the gaffer food for thought.
Nolan admits he does not know who he will be selecting for Saturday's game against Chesterfield at Meadow Lane, but is happy to know that every player will have to be at the top of their game.
"All the lads are going home not knowing whether or not they will be in the team on Saturday," he told the official club site.
"I don't know my team yet. I'm going to have a meeting with my coaching staff and will have to make tough decisions, but that's what I want.
"There will be 11 lads who will have earned the shirt on Saturday but they have to keep it because they have others breathing down their neck for their position."
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan: 'Ryan Yates is going to make massive contribution to Notts County'

Kevin Nolan has praised midfielder Ryan Yates's contributions in Notts County's League Cup game at Scunthorpe United, suggesting he will go on to do more for the Magpies as the season goes on.
The 19-year-old, who joined last week from Nottingham Forest on loan, impressed at Glanford Park on Tuesday night and weighed in with a goal to make it 3-3 in extra time to take the game to penalties, which Notts sadly lost 6-5.
“His performance showed why we chased him from day one,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“We knew what he had and the quality he possesses.
“He is going to make a massive contribution to us and I am delighted that he has scored his first goal.
“He’s not as fit as he said he was! ...I’m only messing. The two Forest boys Ryan and Jorge Grant did themselves really proud. But it wasn’t just those two, it was everybody.”
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Joe Jones

Opposition View: Chesterfield (H), 12 August 2017

Ahead of Notts County's first home fixture of the 2017/18 League Two season, against local rivals Chesterfield, Pride of Nottingham spoke to Spireites fan Gary Hewitt (@Gooey1983) about his team to get a better insight on the opposition.
About Gary: I've been a Spireite since I went to my first game in 1995 against Blackpool with my dad and grandad, and always found a pride at following my home town team, felt a sense of belonging. This is despite moving to Scunthorpe in 1993, I always felt 'home' was still Chesterfield. I'm second cousin of Chesterfield legend Jamie Hewitt, who scored at Old Trafford against Middlesbrough in 1997! I try to get to about half of the games a season, work depending.
What went wrong last season and what has the club done to address relegation so far?
I believe the biggest mistake we made last year was our shocking recruitment in January. We brought in a group of young, naive youngsters who quite simply weren't up for a relegation scrap, and one in particular was sent home in disgrace. Our inability to defend set pieces and weakness down the spine of the team also cost us plenty of goals.
There are quite a few East Midlands clubs in League Two this season. Which fixture are you most looking forward to and why?
Naturally Mansfield due to the history between the 2 towns and clubs, I love the atmosphere! I'm also looking forward to Lincoln away as it's a nice city which has plenty of good pubs to choose from. I know Nottingham quite well too so County is another I look out for, again because we'll make it a full day out. If I had to choose... got to be Mansfield!
What's your favourite memory as a Chesterfield fan and why?
The moment Jamie Hewitt slammed a last minute equalising header in against Middlesbrough in FA cup semi in 1997! I was only 14 and just remember losing control of where I was for quite a while and ending up far away from my family!
How do you reckon you'll do this season?
Tough one... I'm going to say top 10. Play-offs will be a surprise to me.
Which players are likely to be the biggest threat?
Ian Evatt is a stalwart at the back and reads the game so well and marshals the back line like nobody else. I've got high hopes of Chris O'Grady too due to the level he's recently played at and he holds the ball up well and brings others into the game.
Can we get your score and scorer predictions for Saturday?
We need a clean sheet but I don't think we'll get one! I'm going for 2-2 with O'Grady and Reed our scorers.
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Chris

Kevin Nolan happy with selection headache ahead of Notts County, Chesterfield game

Kevin Nolan has admitted that he will have "some hard decisions to make for Saturday" in terms of team selection for Notts County's home game against Chesterfield in League Two.
The Magpies made eight changes to their starting XI in Tuesday's League Cup game at Scunthorpe United following a poor 3-0 defeat at Coventry City last Saturday.
The much-changed Notts side put in a great display at Glanford Park, taking the lead and then twice pegging the Iron back after falling behind, only succumbing at the death on penalties.
“I’ve got some hard decisions to make for Saturday, but that’s what I want,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“We made eight changes on Tuesday, and I suspect many were thinking ‘oh this is a second team’. It wasn’t. It was a first team who had a lot of games between them.
“That’s why they were able to play the way they did on Tuesday and take on the information so quickly.
“To a man they were absolutely brilliant. Everybody contributed, even the lads who were sat in the stands.
“They got right behind the lads. Everyone did the club proud and I am delighted with that.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan proud of Notts County performance at Scunthorpe United

Kevin Nolan has declared himself proud of Notts County's performance against Scunthorpe United in Tuesday's League Cup first-round clash at Glanford Park.
The Magpies took the lead in the match but went on to fall behind twice, only to peg their opponents back both times for a final score of 3-3 and taking them all the way to penalties.
Only one spot kick was missed - unfortunately it was one from Matt Tootle, which at sudden death, gave the Iron passage to the next round of the competition.
Nolan told the official Notts website: "I never get too high when we win or too low when we lose - but I do get proud when I see a performance like that.
"The lads were really upset with their performance on Saturday but I think we showed, as a squad, what we're about.
"I'm absolutely gutted we didn't make it into the next round. We took a very good League One side all the way to the wire and on another night we could have nicked it.
"It's going to be tough because a lot of the lads have run themselves into the ground. We'll be assessing them. Some will need wrapping up in cotton wool more than others.
"We'll have as many fit and raring to go as we can going into the weekend."
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Joe Jones

Match Report: Notts County succumb on penalties to Scunthorpe United in League Cup

Notts County have certainly enjoyed some memorable nights in the League Cup over the last couple of years. The epic showdown with Nottingham Forest in 2011. Taking the mighty Liverpool to extra time in 2013. The eight-goal thriller with Aston Villa.
And right on cue, on yet another odd-numbered year, comes another League Cup classic featuring the Magpies - the opponents, Scunthorpe United, may not be quite so glamorous as the above, but it was nonetheless a titanic tussle which went all the way to penalties, though sadly, the outcome was a defeat, albeit a heroic one.
In a game played under heavy rain that seemed at risk of potentially being postponed as it went on, Jorge Grant hit a speculative effort from 20 yards out which hit the bar and was turned behind for a corner.
From the resulting corner, the Nottingham Forest loanee opened the scoring after Rob Milsom’s cross into the box was not dealt with by the Iron defence and Grant steered into the far corner.
Scunthorpe switched formation from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 at the break which made them more threatening, and 61 minutes in, Paddy Madden had the ball in the back of the net, though he was deemed to be offside.
However, the hosts were given a route back into the game when Conor Townsend was brought down by Terry Hawkridge, prompting the referee to award a penalty which Madden slotted into the bottom left-hand corner.
With just four minutes left of normal time, Duane Holmes put the Iron ahead after racing through onto a Sam Mantom pass, and it looked like County's resistance was over.
However, injury time brought about a Notts equaliser when Milsom’s corner was met by the head of Shaun Brisley, hitting the post with his first chance, before pouncing on the rebound and levelling the game, which meant extra time.
Seconds before half-time in the extra period, Hakeeb Adelakun played Madden through on goal, who bore down on goal and slotted past Ross Fitzsimons, although the Magpies were a man down in defence after Shaun Brisley went down injured at the other end.
Nonetheless, Kevin Nolan's side would draw level once again when another Forest loanee, Ryan Yates turned inside the box and drove his shot past Matt Gilks, who had little time to react to the strike.
And so it went down to penalties, whose new format - and its resulting name - has singlehandledly served as free advertising for one of the most "iconic" pop bands of the 20th century.
One player on team A would take a spot kick, then two players on team B would take their penalties, then two from team A, and so on, rather than the simple one on each team alternating. So rather than ABAB, it's ABBA.
Alan Smith, Curtis Thompson, Rob Milsom, Shaun Brisley and Jonathan Forte all succeeded with their penalties, but Scunthorpe's efforts were all converted too, and sadly the man to fluff his kick was a Notts man, Matt Tootle.
Nonetheless, it was a gutsy, doughty performance which Nolan and his boys can take much from going into Saturday's encounter with Chesterfield, the first Meadow Lane league game of the season.
And judging by how things have panned out over the last decade, expect a complete non-event in the League Cup in 2018 before another corker in 2019.
Share your thoughts about this match report 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.
We at Pride of Nottingham want you to enjoy all our content for free. If you fancy helping us provide even better content, however, please consider contributing to PON by clicking here!
Joe Jones

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