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Joe Jones
A couple of years ago, Notts County boasted a number of former Manchester United players in Alan Smith, Roy Carroll and Kevin Pilkington. Of those, only Smith is still at Meadow Lane, which has morphed into a bit of a "Newcastle United Old Boys Club" now.
Smith also played at St James' Park, while Kevin Nolan and Shola Ameobi also donned the "other" black and white stripes up on Tyneside.
Having former Premier League players, individuals whose careers continue to be held in high esteem, at Notts is a huge boost on three fronts - on the pitch, off the pitch, and in the marketing department.
(And of course I can't omit Jon Stead from this, even though he's not a former Newcastle man - in fact he played for bitter rivals Sunderland - but he's also a distinguished former PL player with an illustrious career.)
On the pitch, the former PL players can read the game fantastically, what with experience gained against playing for and against some of the top sides in England and some of the top players in the world.
There is also the psychological boost of having players that have played at the top level that the opposition players will have grown up watching and, although some can step up their game accordingly, others will feel intimidated or perhaps even a bit starstruck.
Off the pitch, these players will be a font of knowledge from their years at the top and, alongside ensuring that standards are as high as they can be, will also have a sharp and refined tactical awareness - and of course they can coach their teammates accordingly, as they will be learning from the best.
And the final point, that of marketing, has always been quite important but never so much as the present day, when the explosion of social media ensures that millions, even billions, of people can discover and discuss the latest football information at the touch of a button.
In this respect, having former Premier League players will generate interest from far beyond the NG postcode and even beyond Britain - the likes of Smith, Nolan, Ameobi and Stead will have fans from Man United, Newcastle, West Ham, Bolton, Blackburn and other big clubs eager to find out more about how they're doing at Notts.
When Notts were drawn against Salford in the FA Cup, the game made it on terrestrial largely because of the narrative pitting the side owned by several players of the Class of 92 against a club boasting United alumni. By having an interesting back story, it generates interest and as such will be given the spotlight.
Similarly, the club has featured a lot in the national press in recent months, with Nolan on Sky Sports and BBC Sport, Stead doing an interview in the Daily Mail and so on.
Obviously the club has done a lot of media-worthy things for itself - the changing rooms for example - but that star element has elevated the club above a lot of other lower-league clubs in the media.
In conclusion, the presence of players and coaches that once graced the Premier League has given Notts a massive boost on multiple fronts and, combined with the shrewd ownership and management of Alan Hardy, it's led to the club going upwards both in League Two and in the media spotlight.
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Joe Jones
Luton Town manager Nathan Jones has praised Notts County for showing just why "they are such a good side" in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road.
The Magpies fell behind in the first half against the run of play when Johnny Mullins headed home to put the hosts ahead.
However, Shola Ameobi hit back with a header of his own to earn a share of the spoils for County, who had goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons to thank for a crucial point-blank save late on.
Jones told the official Luton site: "I think it was a fair result in the end. We were nowhere near where we have been, but let's give some credit to Notts County because they must have contributed to stopping us doing that. I thought it was a very tight game, there was very little in it.
"We scored from a set-play, they scored from a set-play and to be fair all our clear-cut chances came from set-plays and second phase. It was one of those games – a real tight game. For the level it's two good sides and we must be the two best sides in the league because the points say that.
"We're both right on cue, both on 42 points after 21 games, that's what you need to go up [two points-per-game]. I think it's a fair result and let's give credit to Notts County, they came here and worked hard and showed why they are such a good side.
"We have been in good form and we wanted to play a certain way. We didn't quite get that and I have given credit to Notts County for that, so I couldn't berate my players for it."
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Joe Jones
Notts County have claimed a superb 1-1 draw away at Luton Town to stay level on points with the League Two leaders.
Shola Ameobi salvaged a point for the Magpies when he headed home the equaliser after Johnny Mullins had given the hosts the lead against the run of play in the first half.
The result kept Notts five points clear of third place and six clear of fourth, as well as putting one of the trickiest fixtures of the year successfully behind them.
How did the Notts fans, players and boss react to the draw? Pride of Nottingham takes a closer look.
Kevin Nolan
"We limited them to very few chances. Ross Fitzsimons pulled off a great save at the end, but overall we had a lot of opportunities - especially in the first half.
"They hit us with a sucker punch, but that's what they do with the quality they have. You can't switch off for a minute.
"Luckily enough we hit them back and it's a fantastic point.
"We respected the fact Luton had really good attacking threats and I thought we thwarted them very well."
Shola Ameobi
"I thought we were the better side. They have a lot of great attacking players but the boys at the back defended unbelievably well and I can't really think of a time when they opened us up.
"It was important that we were solid, which we spoke about before the game, and the guys played them perfectly.
"They've been scoring seven and eight goals against teams here so to limit them to a goal from a set-piece is testament to how hard we worked."
Players on social media
The Black and White Army on PON
Who r ya? You Pies: Great point well deserved , maybe could argue could have won with chances first half , then the late save kept the point so , I'm happy it's a terrific point , any doubts about whether we are contenders need to be forgotten , we are for sure , COYP 
upthepies: Difficult game but a solid point for Notts. I felt impressed with how we approached the game and handled Luton, first half we could have been leading easily.
liampie: it was a good draw but goes to show that we wont win every big game and we certainly wont just lose because the other club is firing in the goals. i am pleased that it sounded like everyone played well, so its a good point and team performance.
Chris: I always felt the game would be one of those that both sides ended up cancelling each other out. I'm not disappointed, I would have taken a draw and the performances sounded impressive. I think it goes along way to showing what we can achieve if we work hard, so just very happy with the point. It sounded like the squad played excellent, and I am pleased for players such as Dickinson who has received a lot of praise. It doesn't feel like a points dropped or anything like that and its just a very positive thing. There was the concern that they might break the defence but credit to each player, even Duffy.
TheSkipper: I listened to the game on the radio, Notts sounded like they put a very impressive performance on show and equally matched Luton Town. Things might not have gone in favour of them at Kenilworth Road but the result is one of the best this season. Notts have an amazing togetherness, in both team spirit and effort and Kevin Nolan must be delighted with how things are. I feel like I can start believing more that we are able to gain promotion, which we can sort the hoofing out once we are out of League Two. There's no negatives about drawing 1-1 to a side like Luton at all. We have nothing to fear against any side provided we respect the approaching opposition.
Neil Lowe: Best result of the season so far IMO.Listened in on the radio and it was pretty clear that Luton are used to things all their own way at Kenilworth Road,and they didn't get that today....and they didn't like it.What a brilliant spirit Notts have under KN,and I also hope this result will show our own doubting fans that we have nothing to fear against any side in League 2.So far,so good,lads.Keep it going.COYP ????????
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Chris
Notts County have emerged from the crunch clash with League Two leaders Luton Town with a very creditable point in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road.
The Magpies fell behind in the first half against the run of play when Johnny Mullins headed home to put the hosts ahead.
However, Shola Ameobi hit back with a header of his own to earn a share of the spoils for County, who had goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons to thank for a crucial point-blank save late on.
The result keeps the Hatters top of the table on goal difference, with Notts breathing down their necks on the same amount of points after 21 games played.
Here is a comprehensive analysis of the game as written by Pride of Nottingham's Chris.
Was the result fair?
As predicted both teams fought hard, and ultimately cancelled each other out. It was one of those performances which highlighted our promotion credentials. Whilst nothing has been won yet, this result will be one which firmly features in the memory of our progression during the 2017-18 season. Fair result? Absolutely.
How did Notts play?
First half Notts played some brilliant football and by all accounts we were unfortunate to have conceded when we did. For an away performance this season, it’s got to be up there as one of the most enjoyable in terms of performance and result for fans. The team performed very well and played against Luton exactly as they should have done.
How did Luton Town play?
They played well, there’s no denying that, but the way that Notts asserted themselves it was always going to be hard and the fact that both teams cancelled each other out, well it highlights how good both sides were respectively. Luton fans should not be disappointed or disgruntled by the result either.
Did our tactics work out?
The tactics were spot on throughout the game, and the decisions during the match made it hard for Luton. Notts literally matched them and of course we kept them guessing, whilst protecting our weaknesses. Tactically I would say this was spot on.
How did the referee perform?
Reasonable performance by the referee, there’s been little complaints and I think this shows just how efficiently he officiated the game.
Who do we play next?
Grimsby Town – they’re making a solid push for the play-offs and seem to have shaken off their awkward start to the season. This will be another difficult test but one we should be well prepared for at Meadow Lane.
How should we play them?
It’s important that we approach the game with balance, at the back we will have to steady the flow of the game and up-top it’s vital that we don’t waste any good chances that are created.
The battle again will be based on the side which retains the control and has the most influence within midfield, so the game has got to be approached sensibly and well prepared.
Grimsby are most likely to try and break quickly against us, with interlacing balls and runs which will get into those awkward positions.
Most likely, they’ll attempt to break the game down in three ways.
Firstly, by being direct, so it’s important we stand with play and attempt to win the first/second ball.
Secondly, by countering us on the break – which will mean we will have to be mindful of how they attack from this situation and have men aware at the back to handle the space they attempt to create.
Thirdly, I suspect they will be patient and careful with how they pass. If they revert to making simple passes – i.e neat one-two’s and other methods to get forward. Notts will have to assure any ground that is won is well protected.
Controlling the game will be easier if we naturally score within the first half, the second half is always when things to start to click.
I would try to get a feel for the game and press in the manner that keeps them on the back foot.
We have two home games which will be key to our winter run and of course the potential promotion push, let’s create a fantastic atmosphere and finally have a Christmas worth celebrating. You Pies!
Luton Town fan views from the Luton Town Forum
Madpig
In the end that was a fair result. County matched us all the way. I can see why they're with us. There were few real chances and both defences bosses the game.
Where I think they really did their homework was in midfield. We were never given time or space to get things flowing, leaving Hylton and Elliott Lee to make their own chances.
E.Lee was a constant menace to them, couldn't be bullied off the ball at all. Halton suffered his usual brutal treatment by their defenders but never let it get to him.
In defence we were superb, and Mullins was my Mom, he really has become a fine player. We're top, unbeaten in ages and agonisingly one short of our 50th league goal of the season. Good day in all.
ODTT
The game had plenty of ebb and flow to it and was enjoyable for it. As suspected beforehand any of the three possible outcomes were possible but a draw about right consequently. I thought our defence was very nervy in the early stages and looked vulnerable. But looked a lot more composed after we had gone ahead somewhat against the run of play.
Our midfield didn't shine as much as we have come to expect and seemed well covered. O Lee was particularly anonymous I thought and Berry and Shinnie seemed to play well advanced and never seemed to be any great distance apart. Rea did his defensive duties well but appeared hesitant to carry the ball out from deep with ample space in front of him. The two or three times he did push out with the ball he panicked when releasing.
E Lee had a fabulous game, really put in a good shift and never gave the opposing central defenders a moments peace. Surprised in how many headed knock-ons he managed against bigger opponents. Hylton worked hard as well and pulled his markers hither and thither. Not sure what brutal treatment you speak of MP. He gives as good as he gets in a physical area of the game.
The 10/15 minute spell of exquisite football we played soon after half-time was magnificent and worth the entrance fee alone. County hardly got a touch and went very ragged. The save their keeper made from Mullins late on was outstanding and got them the point.
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Joe Jones
Notts County have emerged from the crunch clash with League Two leaders Luton Town with a very creditable point in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road.
The Magpies fell behind in the first half against the run of play when Johnny Mullins headed home to put the hosts ahead.
However, Shola Ameobi hit back with a header of his own to earn a share of the spoils for County, who had goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons to thank for a crucial point-blank save late on to preserve the draw.
The result keeps the Hatters top of the table on goal difference, with Notts breathing down their necks on the same amount of points.
Pride of Nottingham has shared the official match highlights off the Notts YouTube channel so you can relive the key moments from the game.
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Joe Jones
Shola Ameobi has claimed that Notts County were the better side in the 1-1 draw against Luton Town, which proved that the Magpies "can mix it with the best" in League Two.
The Magpies impressed against the table-toppers and, even though they fell behind to Johnny Mullins's header, came from behind to claim a point through Ameobi's reply.
"We knew it was going to be tough and the atmosphere was quite ferocious," the veteran striker told the Notts site. "But I think we dealt with it very well, which showed the character of the players.
"We were disappointed to lose the goal after having so many chances but this side have shown resiliency. We had to dig in at times.
"They're a good side at home but we showed our quality. We're delighted to get a point in the end and it goes to show we can mix it with the best in the league.
"I thought we were the better side. They have a lot of great attacking players but the boys at the back defended unbelievably well and I can't really think of a time when they opened us up.
"It was important that we were solid, which we spoke about before the game, and the guys played them perfectly.
"They've been scoring seven and eight goals against teams here so to limit them to a goal from a set-piece is testament to how hard we worked."
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Joe Jones
Despite remaining level with League Two leaders Luton Town on points, Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has spoken of his delight in edging closer to the "safety" 50-point mark.
In Saturday's big game at Kenilworth Road, Johnny Mullins' header put the hosts ahead in the first half but Shola Ameobi hit back with a header of his own to earn a 1-1 draw.
"We limited them to very few chances," Nolan told the official site. "Ross Fitzsimons pulled off a great save at the end, but overall we had a lot of opportunities - especially in the first half.
"They hit us with a sucker punch, but that's what they do with the quality they have. You can't switch off for a minute. Luckily enough we hit them back and it's a fantastic point.
"We respected the fact Luton had really good attacking threats and I thought we thwarted them very well.
"We're ever-closer to that 50-point mark now, which is very pleasing. We've just got to make sure we get there as quickly as possible.
"Let's see if we're still going blow-for-blow with Luton in March/April, because I'm sure they're going to be challenging for the title come the end of the season."
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Joe Jones
Notts County were tasked with the hardest challenge of the season so far in a fixture away at League Two leaders Luton Town but emerged from the game with a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
The visitors threatened first at Kenilworth Road as Ryan Yates sent a header goalwards from Carl Dickinson's delivery but Marek Stech deflected the ball over the bar before the midfielder poked the ensuing corner wide.
Notts continued to threaten, with Jon Stead latching on to Terry Hawkridge's cross before holding off his defender and rolling the ball straight at the Hatters goalkeeper.
Stead then had another chance after outmuscling Alan Sheehan to bring down the ball in the channel before cutting infield on his left foot, but once again Stech was equal to the effort.
However, Luton went on to take the lead against the run of play on 26 minutes with their first shot on target.
Sheehan sent a corner kick to the far post, where Johnny Mullins was perfectly placed to plant a downward header beyond Ross Fitzsimons to send the crowd barmy.
Jorge Grant looked for an immediate reply, shooting at Stech, but the pendulum swung back towards the hosts before Notts finished the half strongly, albeit a goal behind.
Luton made a better start to the second half, Danny Hylton turning his marker and seeing his ensuing effort charged down.
County then threatened as Matt Tootle's cross headed over by Grant, while Yates pounced on a loose ball to sidefoot wide from the edge of the area.
Kevin Nolan's side were able to find an equaliser when Mullins gave away a free kick on the hour mark, which Grant whipped into the box where Shola Ameobi was on hand to nod into the goal.
Fitzsimons was the hero late on as he made a wonderful save from point-blank range against Mullins as the final whistle saw a share of the spoils.
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Joe Jones
Notts County have launched Generation 8, a new initiative which aims to generate interest in the Magpies among youngsters with a view to attracting future fans to the club.
Part of the scheme will see 3,500 replica shirts given to schoolchildren across the county, with a number of schools having already been handed the tops.
Magpies owner and chairman Alan Hardy has invested £100,000 in the scheme and the club plans to visit Year 3 pupils at 75 schools to hand out junior shirts and tickets.
So far Notts have visited Richard Bonington Primary School where they handed out 60 shirts and 700 tickets for next week’s home game against Grimsby Town.
Hogarth Academy were also paid a visit and 30 shirts were presented to pupils by two of the club’s players along with another 400 tickets for the game against Grimsby.
“Engaging with the community, as I’ve always said, is critically important to Notts County both for the now and for the future,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post.
“If we are to be a success on and off the field, then we have to get out there and show the county what our principles are and how we want to achieve our ambitions
“That is why I am absolutely delighted with this scheme because children are the lifeblood of any football club. They are the next generation of supporters and are hugely important to this club’s future.
“And I have been absolutely delighted with the response we have had so far. If we can see more black and white shirts being worn around the county, then it will be a job well done.”
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Joe Jones
Head to head
Notts County and Luton Town have faced off 70 times in their history.
The first meeting came in January 1912 when the Magpies secured a 4-2 away win in the FA Cup.
Luton dominate the head-to-head with 35 wins over Notts, 20 draws and 15 defeats.
Out of the 11 matches between the two that have taken place since the turn of the century, Notts have won four, drawn four and lost four.
The Hatters have won just one of their last four League Two matches against Notts (D1 L2), failing to score in two of the previous three matches between the two sides.
The Magpies have lost two of their last eight matches against Luton at Kenilworth Road in the Football League (W3 D3).
Stats
Luton have scored 20 goals in their last five league matches at Kenilworth Road (W4 L1), conceding five - no side has won more home matches than Luton in League Two this season (8 - also Notts County).
Notts County have gone five away matches without a victory in League Two (D3 L2), having won four on the bounce prior to this run; The Magpies last went longer without an away victory in February last season (a run of seven consecutive away defeats).
No League Two side has scored more goals in the last 15 minutes of matches than Luton (13 - four more than the next best side - 9, Notts County).
History
Luton Town Football Club was formed on 11 April 1885, the product of a merger of the two leading local teams, Luton Town Wanderers and Excelsior.
The club was the first in southern England to turn professional, making payments to players as early as 1890 and turning fully professional a year later.
It joined the Football League before the 1897–98 season, left in 1900 because of financial problems, and rejoined in 1920.
Luton reached the First Division in 1955–56 and contested a major final for the first time when playing Nottingham Forest in the 1959 FA Cup Final.
The team was then relegated from the top division in 1959–60, and demoted twice more in the following five years, playing in the Fourth Division from the 1965–66 season. However, it was promoted back to the top level by 1974–75.
Luton Town's most recent successful period began in 1981–82, when the club won the Second Division and gained promotion to the First.
Luton defeated Arsenal 3–2 in the 1988 Football League Cup Final and remained in the First Division until relegation at the end of the 1991–92 season.
Between 2007 and 2009, financial difficulties caused the club to fall from the second tier of English football to the fifth in successive seasons.
The last of these relegations came during the 2008–09 season, when 30 points were docked from Luton's tally for various financial irregularities.
Luton then spent five seasons in non-League football before winning the Conference Premier in 2013–14, securing promotion back into the Football League.
The club's nickname, "the Hatters", reflects Luton's historical connection with the hat making trade, which has been prominent there since the 1600s.
The nickname was originally a variant on the now rarely seen straw-plaiters. Supporters of the club are also called Hatters.
Luton is associated with two very different colour schemes - white and black (first permanently adopted in 1920), and orange, navy and white (first used in 1973, and worn by the team as of the 2015–16 season).
Team News
James Collins could return for Luton in the top-of-the-table clash against Notts.The eight-goal striker has missed the last five games with a leg injury but has this week resumed training.
Harry Cornick is also close to returning after a hamstring problem.
Scott Cuthbert and Alan McCormack, however, remain on the sidelines for the Hatters.
Notts striker Shola Ameobi is a doubt for the trip to Kenilworth Road as he has been nursing a groin problem in recent weeks.
If Ameobi is fit he will play up front alongside Jon Stead, replacing Lewis Alessandra.
Few other changes are expected, though a possible change in midfield could see Robert Milsom come in for Elliott Hewitt.
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Chris
So here comes the big one... Notts County travel to Luton Town on Saturday as first takes on second in League Two.
How should the Magpies approach this game? What are their opponents' strengths and weaknesses?
PON's Chris has a look in this weekend's Scouting Report.
Head to head
Notts County and Luton Town have faced off 70 times in their history.
The first meeting came in January 1912 when the Magpies secured a 4-2 away win in the FA Cup.
Luton dominate the head-to-head with 35 wins over Notts, 20 draws and 15 defeats.
Out of the 11 matches between the two that have taken place since the turn of the century, Notts have won four, drawn four and lost four.
Run-down of their last six features
Saturday 21st October – Crawley Town 0 Luton Town 0
Saturday 28th October – Luton Town 0 Coventry City 3
Saturday 11th November – Cheltenham Town 2 Luton Town 2
Saturday 18th November – Luton Town 7 Cambridge United 0
Tuesday 21st November – Luton Town 3 Carlisle United 0
Saturday 25th November – Crewe Alexandra 1 Luton Town 2
The Players – Fact Sheet
Highest Goal Scorers: Danny Hylton 13, James Collins 9, Dan Potts 6 and Elliot Lee 6.
Persistent Foulers: Dan Potts 7 yellow cards, Alan Sheehan 6 yellow cards, Danny Hylton 4 yellow cards and Scott Cuthbert 2 yellow cards and a single red card.
The Key Players
At the back Dan Potts leads with example, he’s a very capable defender and likes to get forward as much as possible.
His ability to strike the ball and contribute to attacking play is equally as effect as his leadership at the back.
Meanwhile, in midfield, duo Olly Lee and Jack Stacey are the creative outlets for Luton Town.
They enjoy breaking down teams with clever passing, whilst showcasing an array of different types of passing in order to maximise their attacks.
Upfront they are blessed with several options on goal, however the prolific Danny Hylton suits their style of play well and likes to cause as much problems for the oppositions defence.
Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Luton Town as can be expected are a well organised team, both at the back and going forward.
They like to use the flanks as their main outlet for breaking down teams, using a mix of low and high pass in order to get into key areas.
In the air they’re naturally very impressive and deliver inch perfect crosses from a wide range of areas that results in chances being created.
They commit players going forward, however the shape they often play means they have cover throughout the field of play.
Despite being a very attacking minded team, they don’t pressure sides by maintaining the ball and do like to invite play onto themselves – however this is something that they tend to use to counter.
When they’re playing well, Luton are a very difficult team to break down and they are comfortable playing the ball on the ground and defending it within the air.
Position-wise they don’t tend to leave much space, and cover areas which other teams often tend to forget about when being so heavily focused on attacking play – however, Luton do tend to allow teams to shoot from distance.
When they feel comfortable they do allow teams to pass, and their focus can temporarily be lacking but usually only for brief breaks.
When they don’t have a grip of the game, play is more open and teams with pace often find this to be the best method of attacking.
Likewise, being patient in possession and moving the ball around nicely is something which they tend to worry less about – which can be a mistake on their part.
Notts will have to be fully alert to the dangerous capabilities that Luton Town presents.
In the air they’ll have to show no fear, whilst on the ground we really do need to be quick at covering the ball and attempting to win it back.
Going forward, Notts will naturally need to make use of set pieces – whilst switching the areas in which they attack would be something that might catch their defence napping.
We really will be required to be strong on the ball, whilst creative and smart within our play going forward.
There will be little chance for mistakes, so we need to focus on playing them at their own game and forcing them to repeatedly attempt to figure out how best to break us down.
I think both teams will cancel each other out, for us it’s just a case of being alert at the back and taking whatever chances we may get on goal.
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has provided an update on Michael O'Connor's rehabilitation, saying the Notts County club captain is doing really well and is on the right track.
The 30-year-old needed surgery to repair his cruciate ligaments and on his meniscus, an injury picked up against Portsmouth in April last season.
Nolan says he is delighted with the progress made so far by the midfielder and hasn’t ruled out a return by the end of the season.
“Occy’s professionalism has shown right through this process,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“He’s had a few minor setbacks, but the way he’s gone about it, the way he’s attacked this injury – he’s doing really well.
“He had a lot of problems in that knee but it’s a testament to him, Tom Hallas and the people working behind him.
“He’s done fantastically well and he’s got to continue working hard. We’ve just got to keep the reins on him and let him not go too fast too soon.
“We want him back as quickly as possible, but as I always say, the health of the player is the most important thing.
“We want him back when he’s right. He’s in a good place and I am absolutely delighted.
“What a result it would be to have him back for the final few weeks of the season.
“He has experience, intelligence and being your skipper, it would be a massive boost for everyone around the club.”
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Joe Jones
Luton Town boss Nathan Jones has praised Kevin Nolan for doing a "fantastic job" in transforming Notts County's fortunes ahead of their League Two meeting tomorrow.
The Magpies sit second in the table, level on points with the top-placed Hatters, going into Saturday's crunch clash at Kenilworth Road.
A year ago, Notts were in the middle of a barren losing run which saw them tumble all the way to the bottom reaches of the table, until Alan Hardy's takeover and appointment of Nolan steered the ship.
Jones, voted November's L2 Manager of the Month, told the official Luton site: "The worst that can happen to us is we end up in second place after the game and they end up top.
"It's not the worst thing in the world, but it's a big game and we want to win those games.
"We want to win and they will want to win. Both teams I would imagine would be going out to do that. I don't think it sets a marker down, it's just a big, big game you want to win."
"With the two sides in terms of points and league status, it's two of the best in the league and there's very little to separate us, only our goals scored separates the two teams.
"Kev's done a fantastic job there. He's got a real good team together, he's recruited well.
"I know what type of character he is and he's instilled that in the players. So it will be a fabulous game and I hope we play the way we have in these big games lately.
"It's two sides going head to head and I imagine both sides will try and win the game as they've got such a good record as well, so we're looking forward to it.
"A draw might be a good result for them, or for us. In terms of what they have done lately, they're in excellent form, we're on the same points. They've showed they can win away from home as well as at home."
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has remained tight-lipped about how to line up his Notts County side to face Luton Town in Saturday's big League Two clash at Kenilworth Road.
The Magpies sit second in the table, level with points with the Hatters, who boast an impressive goal difference to sit top.
Much has been made of Luton's powerful attack and free-scoring, and Nolan insisted that his side is relishing the encounter, which will give the winner a psychological boost heading into the festive period.
“I am not going to say how we are going to go about it, because Nathan Jones (Luton’s manager) will know what I am going to do,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“They have played some lovely free-flowing football this year and you have to give them massive respect in terms of how they have gone about it.
“But with the players they have I am sure that is what he (Jones) expected so it’s about us trying to exploit their weaknesses.
“They may think they don’t have any, but we’ve seen some that we think they have.
“If we can exploit them then we will give them a run for their money.
“But we have to be respectful of what they do at home because they’ve hit a team for eight and two others for seven.
“They’ve done that three times and they are a good side with some quality players, who they have paid lots and lots of money for.
“But like I say when we do what we do then we give ourselves a fantastic opportunity of winning.
“It’s going to be a tough ask, but it’s one we are all relishing and looking forward to.”
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Joe Jones
Hello and welcome to episode 34 of the Pride of Nottingham PONcast, presented by Chris and JJ.
In this week's episode we discuss Notts County's FA Cup second-round win over Oxford City, looking at how we performed and whether we were worthy of a win.
We then move on to the third-round draw, which gave us a tie away at Brentford, and determine just how good a tie it is from both a glamour perspective and how winnable the game is.
We also preview the Magpies' upcoming League Two clash with table-topping Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, an encounter which could go a long way in determining who's going to get their hands on the title.
In addition we discuss Alan Hardy's revelation that Notts are losing £40,000 per month in win bonuses for players and coaches.
All this and more only in episode 34 of the Pride of Nottingham PONcast!
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Pride of Nottingham

Pride of Nottingham is an independent fansite devoted to Notts County, the world’s oldest professional football club. Created in 2013, it has served as a source of Magpie news, features, match previews, reports, analysis and interviews for more than three years.

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