Jump to content
News Update:
Show all categories

Articles

Our website articles
Joe Jones
Oxford City defender Freddie Grant has expressed his delight at the prospect of playing at Meadow Lane as his side prepares for an FA Cup meeting with Notts County.
The non-league side overcame Colchester United in round one and will now travel to Nottingham for the second-round tie against the Magpies.
Grant, who is the nephew of former Notts manager Martin Allen and also friends with his namesake Jorge, has described the game as massive and insists his side will not be intimidated by the Kop.
“The ground and the crowd are certainly motivating all of our team. Our team gets encouraged by that and we’re not too afraid by that,” Grant told the Nottingham Post.
“It’s massive and because I’m only 20 years old, I only had a year in professional football and never played at such an historic ground.
“For a 20-year-old or ones coming to the end of their career, every single one of us is going to be buzzing to play at Meadow Lane - the massive Kop behind the goal is something we rarely see.
“It’s massive, you’re pinching yourself up until it actually happens.”
Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Joe Jones
Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has praised the fitness levels of his players, insisting that the last-gasp 2-1 win over Colchester United is testament of that.
The Magpies did not let their heads drop after conceding an 89th-minute equaliser to the U's on Saturday and persevered right until the end, when Ryan Yates struck the winner.
"I'm delighted with what they're doing at the minute and I'm sure all the fans are going home proud of them for what they have achieved so far," Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
"These lads have played three games in a week and you can see how fit they are and how strongly they are finishing games.
"Wherever I have been successful in my career we have never given up and we have always run ourselves into the ground - today was another example of that.
"It shows the character of the team and that's what has impressed me most again. I witness it day in, day out.
"They have shown over the course of the season so far that they have togetherness, a willingness not to be beaten and they don't stop."
Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Joe Jones
Colchester United wing-back Ryan Jackson has claimed that his side "outplayed" and "outbattled" Notts County on Saturday, despite leaving Meadow Lane with nothing to show for it.
Shola Ameobi's penalty had given the Magpies the lead but substitute Sanmi Odelusi looked to have salvaged a point for the U's with his 89th-minute strike.
However, there was time for more drama as Ryan Yates glanced home a header to claim all three points for Notts for a 2-1 win and keep them level on points with top-placed League Two side Luton Town.
Jackson told the Daily Gazette: “We deserved a lot more from the game than we got. We worked very hard and played very good football.
“But it was just one of those games where if chances had gone our way, we could have come out winning the game. But sometimes that’s just football and you don’t get what you deserve.
“We outplayed them and we out-battled them and I think we had way too much for them but we didn’t turn those goals into a win.
“We worked our socks off to try and get a goal and when we did, we felt like we were going to get at least a point from the match.
“Credit to Sanmi – he’s worked very hard and that’s when you’ve got to see the game out but it just wasn’t meant to be.
"It was one of those where there was a lapse in concentration. Someone has obviously left their runner and they’ve punished us. We’ve been defending so well and it was just one dip in concentration that led to the goal.”
Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Joe Jones
A "buzzing" Ryan Yates hailed Notts County's last-gasp 2-1 win over Colchester United on Saturday and believes the team's strength in attack and mentality was crucial in the final stages of the game to forge more chances.
Shola Ameobi gave the Magpies the lead in the second half via a penalty before Ross Fitzsimons kept out a U's spot kick of their own, but the visitors struck in the 89th minute to seemingly give them a share of the points.
Yates, however, rattled home a header in the 94th minute to claim victory and keep Notts hot on the heels of Luton Town, both teams on the same amount of points but the Hatters' goal difference keeping them top.
"I'm absolutely buzzing," Yates told the Nottingham Post. "We dominated the second half and got sucker-punched on the counter for their goal. But to come back and win shows the spirit of the team.
"They were a good side. They did both sides of the game really well. They were winning more second balls, putting it in behind us and making things difficult.
"We came in disappointed at half-time but had some firm words from the gaffer and put in a better performance in the second half.
"I know the quality in the squad - our attacking players are unbelievable - so there was always going to be another chance. It fell for me and thankfully I've put it in.
"All credit has to go to the boys. Lewis Alessandra has flicked it on and I was in the right place at the right time.
"Seven points from nine is a good return from the week. With the mentality we have, we're gutted not to have the full nine."
Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Chris
Ryan Yates scored a dramatic last-gasp winner as Notts County kept pace with League Two leaders Luton Town with a 2-1 win over Colchester United.
Shola Ameobi's penalty had put Kevin Nolan's charges in front in the second half after Michael Mandron was adjudged to have held back Yates in the U's box.
Colchester wasted an opportunity to draw level with a spot kick of their own when Ryan Jackson was fouled by Jorge Grant but Mandron’s shot was saved by Magpies goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons.
Substitute Sanmi Odelusi then scored with his first touch in the 89th minute to seemingly give the U’s a share of the spoils.
However, the 94th minute saw Yates head home Grant's corner to ensure that Notts remain level on points with the Hatters and preserved their unbeaten home record in the league.
Pride of Nottingham was at Meadow Lane for the exhilarating victory and interviewed several Magpies fans ahead of kickoff.
Questions asked include whether Jonathan Forte is surplus to requirements, whether Richard Duffy is a liability at the back, and what Notts should do in case Grant and Yates return to their parent club in January.
Share your thoughts about this week's Meet the Fans 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.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Chris
Notts County claimed three points the hard way on Saturday after requiring a 94th-minute winner to see off Colchester United at Meadow Lane.
Shola Ameobi's second-half penalty had given the Magpies the lead and Ross Fitzsimons kept out a spot kick at the other end from Mikael Mandron.
Aubstitute Sanmi Odelusi looked to have salvaged a point for the U's with his 89th-minute strike following an effort from Terry Hawkridge.
However, there was time for more drama as Ryan Yates glanced home a header to seal victory for Notts in a last-ditch 2-1 win which sent Meadow Lane barmy.
The result keeps Kevin Nolan's level on points with League Two leaders Luton Town and five points above the playoff places.
Pride of Nottingham was at Meadow Lane to watch Notts County's superb late win over Colchester United and took photos of fans before, during and after the game.
Are you in our gallery? Find out by checking out this weekend's Faces of PON!
Share your thoughts about this week's 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.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Joe Jones
A dramatic late winner from Ryan Yates kept Notts County level on points with Luton Town at the top of League Two thanks to a 2-1 win over Colchester United at Meadow Lane.
The hosts had gone in front in the 68th minute when Shola Ameobi clinically converted a penalty kick after Mikael Mandron was adjudged to have pulled back Yates inside the area.
Mandron had the chance to make amends for his earlier mistake when Ryan Jackson was fouled by Jorge Grant, but saw his penalty superbly saved by Magpies goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons.
However, the U's did manage to draw level in the 89th minute when Mandron picked out the run of Sanmi Odelusi who kept his composure to slot into the bottom corner of the net.
Notts did not let their heads drop and were rewarded in added time when Yates headed in at the back post from Grant's corner to send Meadow Lane barmy.
Pride of Nottingham has shared the official match highlights off the Notts YouTube channel so you can relive the key moments from the last-gasp win!
Share your thoughts about the 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.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Joe Jones
Notts County claimed three points the hard way on Saturday after requiring a 94th-minute winner to see off Colchester United at Meadow Lane.
Shola Ameobi's second-half penalty had given the Magpies the lead but substitute Sanmi Odelusi looked to have salvaged a point for the U's with his 89th-minute strike.
However, there was time for more drama as Ryan Yates glanced home a header to seal victory for Notts in a last-ditch 2-1 win which sent Meadow Lane barmy.
The result keeps Kevin Nolan's level on points with League Two leaders Luton Town and five points above the playoff places, a great position to be in ahead of a busy festive period in December and early January.
How have the Notts County fans, players and manager reacted to the win? Here's a collection of the best responses.
Kevin Nolan
"It's a fantastic win. Colchester are a good outfit, they've asked us a lot of questions and taken us all the way to the wire.
"We had to be on our mettle on both sides of the ball. They caused us a few problems but I feel we contained them quite well.
"In the first half they played us really well and we didn't get any momentum or creativity going but in the second half, we dominated and looked more likely to win the game."
Ryan Yates
"I'm absolutely buzzing. We dominated the second half and got sucker-punched on the counter for their goal. But to come back and win shows the spirit of the team.
"They were a good side. They did both sides of the game really well. They were winning more second balls, putting it in behind us and making things difficult.
"We came in disappointed at half-time but had some firm words from the gaffer and put in a better performance in the second half."
The players on social media
 
 
 
The Black and White Army
Who r ya?? You Pies: 3 very good points against a good side who caused us problems, and what were those offials doing some strange decisions to say the least, but the lads kept going to the wire and got a deserved win, well done from me, COYP
Chris: First half was very daunting to watch, I didn't feel very comfortable and I felt it was a matter of time before they scored. However, they didn't quite have that threat on goal. I do feel they was unlucky, as Duffy elbowed and force one of the Colchester players down onto the ground (penalty any day for me). Thankfully it wasn't given, but I felt the first half was extremely poor. Second half, brilliant - things really clicked and I honestly felt we pressured them very well. We was unlucky at times as our build-up play was amazing and just the finishing which lacked, yet things can't be faulted. I felt the whole squad really put a solid performance and worked well. We deserved the points but what a fantastic save by Fitzsimons!
Elite_pie: A difficult game to sum up, I can understand why the Colchester fans would go home disappointed, but after a poor first half I think we just about did enough in the second to earn the 3 points.  This is just the sort of game we would have gained a point at best over the last few seasons, but Nolan seems to have instilled the 'never say die' attitude he always showed as a player into a fairly limited squad.  It counts for a lot in this division, I've lost count of the number of points we've dropped at Meadow Lane simply because the away side were organised, worked hard, and wanted it more.  To be sitting where we are on 41 points after just 20 games is way beyond my expectations, long may it continue.
Liampie: i am pleased as i thought it was going to end up a draw before the game. even at times during the match i thought it was and it probably should have been with their penalty but i do also feel we was good enough to win. luton is shaping up to be the exeter kind of game now.
TheSkipper: Yesterday is the type of game last season we would have lost and I thought Notts did a great job at pulling ahead once they had scored. I did not see the penalty, so I can't call it but the referee did seem keen to award something in their favour. Thought Notts played solid in midfield but we do need to be more organised at the back as I am concerned about these daft penalties.
BromPie: I thought the referee was terrible, he killed the flow at times and tended to favour Colchester United. The result is just wanted we needed, so for that reason I am delighted. Notts never gave up and ended up getting what they deserved. What a result!
Share your thoughts about this reaction piece 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.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Chris
A dramatic late winner from Ryan Yates kept Notts County level on points with Luton Town at the top of League Two thanks to a 2-1 win over Colchester United at Meadow Lane.
The hosts had gone in front in the 68th minute when Shola Ameobi converted from the spot after Mikael Mandron was adjudged to have held Yates inside the area.
Mandron had the chance to make amends for his earlier mistake when Ryan Jackson was fouled by Jorge Grant, but saw his penalty superbly saved by Ross Fitzsimons.
However, the U's did manage to draw level in the 89th minute when Mandron picked out the run of Sanmi Odelusi who kept his composure to slot into the bottom corner of the net.
Notts did not let their heads drop and were rewarded in added time when Yates headed in at the back post from Grant's corner to send Meadow Lane barmy.
Here is Chris's detailed tactical analysis of the Meadow Lane encounter.
Was the result fair?
I think the first half would have made me sway more towards a draw if Notts hadn’t been so impressive in the second half. Despite the iffy calls from the match officials, I would say the win was deserved.
How did Notts play?
Awful within the first half, it was stagnant and very depressing to watch. The defence just didn’t pressure or deal with anything and up top we weren’t effective at all. This was all put right within the second with a spectacular performance which honestly I felt warranted more goals for the Magpies – however it was entertaining on both parts and Colchester gave as good as they got.
How did Colchester United play?
No end product, they tended to overwork the ball which was fortunate enough for us. Don’t get me wrong, they played well and attacked with flair befitting of a Championship team – yet they never actually had much edge when it really mattered. They was organised very well and as a unit they did fine.
Did our tactics work out?
Reasonably, yet things did change within the second half. We really do need to learn how to break sides down in a more effective manner without waiting for the second half in order to do it – if you remove the penalty, the play was very dangerous at times and Notts played with a sense of confidence which we are becoming accustomed too. I would just like to see it a little more during both halves.
How did the referee perform?
It’s lucky I’m not an expert otherwise I would get fined for my opinion of the referee and match officials. I think they turned up with Richard Duffy, as they all seemed to be sleeping. The referee sided with Colchester, he issued a very soft card to Notts (Matt Tootle) – yet somehow managed to avoid booking several bad challenges, including assault to Jorge Grant. Then we have the incorrect decisions, and favourable free-kicks. They were dire! Enough said…
Who do we play next in the league?
Luton Town – it’s going to be one of those games, I can tell now. We’ll either do an Exeter City and come out of it looking very strong or they’ll do a Coventry City and turn us over.
How should we play them?
The key thing will be all about how we defend, if we sit back – put our feet up and invite pressure, well I don’t think we will have any nails left.
It’s important that we press, cover and ultimately defend in a manner which makes it hard for Luton Town. If we allow Luton to play as we did Colchester or a number of other teams, well it’s not going to be enjoyable.
There’s a very good chance that both teams effectively cancel each other out, it’s one of them that it’s just so hard to call right now.
If we play to our strengths and allow the midfield to do their job, and press in a manner which highlights our conviction and belief that we are capable of winning any team within League Two.
It will naturally see chances created, it will just be a case of who’s playing up top?
If we have a little bit of pace this will most likely aid us, if Jon Stead is still injured and Jonatyhan Forte too. Well, I don’t know – I can’t see us holding the ball up much, so in most likely event we will need to move and use the ball well.
Colchester fan views (from The U'Sual)
durham_exile: Absolutely gutted and having just seen the highlights we definitely lost 3 points when we deserved a point at the very least. Still years ago we played Buryat Layer Road we were outplayed by the Shakers but managed to win with a Lindsay Smith goal, Bury were hard done by just as we were today but both teams were promoted at the end of the season. Up the U's.
gerry_us: I hate to say "told you so" but U's didn't turn up for the second half until too late. I can't believe that half time talk would have been of a credible draw but County's team talk would have had to be astounding to warrant what happened second half. We did not mount one attack for the first twenty minutes of the second half and just invited County to attack us with renewed enthusiasm especially as they were very second best first half. Pressure mounted on us until the inevitable. Mandron apparently gave up the penalty but not clear enough to comment more. Only being 1-0 down did we return to the earlier endeavours with the resultant penalty award for us. All around were shouting "not Mandron" and how right we were...awful penalty. However continued in attacking ways and finally scored the goal of the game on 88 minutes. Still we failed to protect what would have been a well deserved point when we poorly defended a late corner in 93 minute. You just couldn't make it up. When will we play for 90 minutes? If? we play as we did for first half for the remainder of the season anything is possible. If we play as we did in second half goodness knows what could happen. Just an aside, excellent support from 350 travelling supporters and all were still in the ground at the final whistle.
Share your thoughts about this tactical analysis piece 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.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Joe Jones
Pedro Richards was born on 11 November 1956 in Edmonton, London, to a British father and a Spanish mother.
When he was young, he was taken with his mother to live in the northern Spanish town of Laguardia until the age of 11, when they moved to Nottingham.
Richards's footballing skills were noticed by the Notts County scouts and he was duly taken on as an apprentice by the club before signing professional papers in November 1974.
His debut for the then-Second Division side came shortly after his birthday, on Saturday 23 November, under the tutelage of the great Jimmy Sirrel, though it proved a baptism of fire as Notts lost 3-0 away at Sunderland on that day.
In total, Richards's first season saw him used sparingly, making seven appearances as the Magpies finished 14th in the second tier that season.
The following season, Notts finished fifth in the table and also made it to the fifth round of the League Cup, with Richards now very much a first-team player with 32 league appearances under his belt, though the rise up the leagues would be put on hiatus following Sirrel's departure to Sheffield United.
Richard continued to be utilised by the following man in the dugout, Ron Fenton, and the defender made 41 appearances in the league as the Magpies finished eighth in 76/77.
Notts began the 77/78 season badly and Fenton was sacked in early October, while Sirrel hadn't had the best time at Bramall Lane, which led to the two reuniting and then, as we all know, the rest is history.
Richards continued to star in the County backline in the ensuing years and, in 80/81, was a crucial component of the team that was promoted to the top flight, making 40 appearances in the league that season.
Despite the leap to the top division of English football, Richards continued to impress for Notts as they enjoyed a three-year stint in the big time.
Sadly things would not turn out well for Notts as they suffered back to back relegations and were back in the third tier for the 1985/86 season, Richards's last one at Meadow Lane.
Richards made just 20 appearances in the league that season and was given a free transfer in December, although he was also granted a testimonal at Meadow Lane.
Afterwards, he turned out for the likes of Boston United, Arnold Town, Oakham United, Rolls Royce Celtic and Corby Town on a semi-professional basis.
All in all Richards made 485 appearances for Notts, his sole Football League club, in an illustrious career.
Tragically, Richards died of a rare strain of pneumonia in 2001, just two days before Christmas, aged 45. Hundreds of mourners attended his funeral in The Meadows on New Year's Eve.
Pedro Richards ticks all the boxes - he came through the ranks at Notts County, he spent his entire professional career with them, he helped them into the top flight and kept them there, he played against some of the best teams in the world, and he was a seriously nice person.
Therefore Pride of Nottingham is delighted to honour him among our Notts Alumni.
Rest in Peace Pedro.
Share your memories of Pedro Richards 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.
ARLukomski
Notts County claimed three points the hard way on Saturday after requiring a 94th-minute winner to see off Colchester United at Meadow Lane.
Shola Ameobi's second-half penalty had given the Magpies the lead but substitute Sanmi Odelusi looked to have salvaged a point for the U's with his 89th-minute strike.
However, there was time for more drama as Ryan Yates glanced home a header to seal victory for Notts in a last-ditch 2-1 win which sent Meadow Lane barmy.
The result keeps Kevin Nolan's level on points with League Two leaders Luton Town and five points above the playoff places, a great position to be in ahead of a busy festive period in December and early January.
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.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has hailed Notts County's "fantastic win" against Colchester United and said his players are showing the right character to be towards the top of the league.
Shola Ameobi's penalty had given the Magpies the lead but substitute Sanmi Odelusi looked to have salvaged a point for the U's with his 89th-minute strike.
However, there was time for more drama as Ryan Yates glanced home a header to claim all three points for Notts for a 2-1 win and keep them level on points with top-placed League Two side Luton Town.
“This is a fantastic win for us because Colchester are a good outfit,” Nolan told the official Notts site. “It’s a seven-point week for us and I am absolutely delighted with it.
“They played us really well in the first half and we couldn’t get any momentum or creativity going.
“But I thought we dominated the second and I thought we had some really good chances.
“I thought we were well worthy of the win, but it just shows you the character that we kept going after conceding such a late equaliser.
“I’ve spoken about this team’s character and what they have showed me is they have it in abundance and togetherness.
“They have a willingness not to get beat and you have seen that consistently throughout the season.
“They are embracing being at the top end of the league. They are sticking together when we are not playing so well and that is a great trait to have as a team.”
Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.
Joe Jones
Notts County remain level on points with League Two leaders Luton Town and sit five points above the playoff places thanks to a last-gasp 2-1 win over Colchester United.
Neither side was able to open the scoring by the break, although the U's were the better side in the opening stages, but Kevin Nolan's charges soon got into gear and weighed in with several dangerous chances.
In the second half, however, the Magpies stepped up a gear and should have had a penalty on the hour mark.
Matt Tootle's pass found its way to Lewis Alessandra and the winger fired an effort towards goal, only for Frankie Kent to block the shot with his hand, but nothing was given by the referee.
Notts came close again two minutes later when goalkeeper Sam Walker made a smart low save to keep Carl Dickinson’s drive after Jorge Grant’s effort was blocked.
Colchester's resistance was finally broken midway through the second half when Ryan Yates was hacked down by Mikael Mandron in the area for a penalty which Shola Ameobi rattled home.
The U's were then given a golden opportunity to equalise from the spot themselves ten minutes later when Ryan Jackson was fouled in the area by Grant, but Ross Fitzsimons pulled off a great save down low to deny Mandron.
It looked as though the points would be shared when Terry Hawkridge gave the ball away in a dangerous position and the visitors got forward, with Sanmi Odelusi clinically slotting past the Notts keeper in the 89th minute.
However, the hosts found a winner four minutes into injury time as Yates headed in at the back post after Grant's corner was flicked on to send Meadow Lane barmy.
Share your thoughts about the match 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.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Joe Jones
Alan Hardy has urged "everyone" - Notts County fans, both committed and lapsed, Nottingham Forest fans, and whoever else - to get down to Meadow Lane today and take advantage of the £10 tickets for the Colchester United game.
The Magpies remain within touching distance of top spot in League Two and, should they win against the U's and better Luton Town's result, they will go back to the summit.
In his weekly Nottingham Post column, Hardy wrote: "We come into the fixture joint-top on points, with only goal difference separating us and Luton Town. We also have a proud home record to protect, having tasted defeat at the Lane only once in the league since Kevin Nolan and I arrived in January.
"There is a real sense that something special is brewing at Notts County and, by lowering ticket prices this weekend, I urge everyone to come along and see the brilliant work that’s going on at the world’s oldest Football League club.
"For Forest fans, it’s another opportunity to track the amazing progress of Ryan Yates and Jorge Grant, and for those with a general passion for football it’s a chance to watch a side who have chalked up 11 goals in their last three home matches.
"But my loudest call is to our lapsed supporters – those who perhaps felt disengaged during previous regimes but whose interest has been reignited by our recent form and good work off the field.
"I accept we’re still at the beginning of a long journey as a club but now is the time to get behind the team to help them keep up the amazing form which has seen us go from flirting with relegation to dreaming of promotion in only a matter of months.
"Our collective disappointment at Tuesday night’s draw at Yeovil Town shows just how far this club has come in such a short space of time. Twelve months ago we’d have been delighted with a point, but now we have come to expect more.
"This is a new, ambitious Notts County. Why wait until after Christmas to see if we’re still up there? We need your support now to keep the momentum going."
Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Chris
We're 19 games into the season and top spot in League Two keeps changing hands more often than a game of "pass the parcel".
Notts County were top of the table until Tuesday night, when a 1-1 draw at Yeovil Town saw Luton Town return to the top on goal difference.
But this weekend we go again and the team standing between the Magpies and three points is Colchester United, who currently sit in a very healthy ninth place in the standings.
How should Notts line up against the U's? What's their style of play and how can we counter it in order to be most effective and clinch victory? PON's Chris aims to answer these questions in this Scouting Report.
History
Notts County have met Colchester United 43 times over the years, all league encounters except for one Sherpa Vans Trophy tie in 1988.
The Magpies are in front when it comes to head-to-head, having won 21 games to Colchester's 15, with seven draws.
The first fixture between Notts and Colchester took place on 23 February 1959 at Layer Road, a Division Three clash which finished 4-1 to the U's.
The last fixture was last season on 1 April, the Magpies winning 3-1 at Meadow Lane.
All league encounters between the two have never taken place higher than the third tier.
Run-down of their last six features
Tuesday 17th October – Newport County 1 Colchester United 2
Saturday 21st October – Coventry City 0 Colchester United 0
Saturday 28th October – Colchester United 3 Crewe Alexandra 1
Saturday 11th November – Barnet 0 Colchester United 1
Saturday 18th November – Colchester United 0 Morecombe 0
Tuesday 21st November – Colchester United 1 Lincoln City 0
The Players – Fact Sheet
Highest Goal Scorers: Sammie Szmodics 7, Mikael Mandron 6, Kyel Reid 3 and Ryan Jackson 2.
Persistent Foulers: Tom Lapslie 6 yellow cards and 1 red card, Mikael Mandron 4 yellow cards and 1 red card, Lewis Kinsella 4 yellow cards and Doug Loft 4 yellow cards.
The Key Players
Mikael Mandron is a versatile player, who can play out wide or up front. He’s a player that Notts will have to mark wisely, as he will cause some trouble if allowed to find space.
In an attacking midfield position Sammie Szmodics is capable of lashing a shot towards goal from distance; he’s also a threat during set pieces and from corner kicks.
Lastly at the back Tom Eastman tends to lead the line and offers something to both Colchester United going forward and protecting the back.
Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Colchester United like to get the ball out wide where they have pace, whilst showing determination to take on the opposition with direct runs.
They also tend to knock it back into the centre of the park where again they like to run in order to create chances and find space.
They can carefully craft chances whilst not being afraid to be patient within their build up play.
The majority of chances fall just outside the opposition area where they aren’t afraid to have a pop at goal – which will be a test for Notts to ensure they close them down early as possible.
Tactically they build in the right way, showing a nice mixture of styles and methods in order to create organic chances.
However, they’re prone to wasting chances but nonetheless they’re a team to be wary of.
At the back they are quite solid and well organised, teams find it hard to gain space – whilst breaking them down isn’t easy at all.
They hide their weaknesses well, which teams often explore during the half way period on how to exactly attack them – this will be a good test for the creative players within the Magpies’ ranks and the centre pairing within midfield will need to be knocking on Colchester’s door in terms of causing them problems.
I can’t see many one-on-ones being created, so Notts may be force into drawing fouls for free kicks or taking shots themselves from distance.
Share your thoughts about this Scouting Report article 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.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

About PON

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.

Useful Links

Support PON

Enjoy our content? Want to help us grow? Your donation will go a long way towards improving the site!

donate-pon.png

Meet the Team

Chris Chris Administrators
super_ram super_ram Global Moderators
DangerousSausage DangerousSausage Global Moderators
CliftonMagpie CliftonMagpie Global Moderators
TheSkipper TheSkipper Media

Social Media

Home
Dashboard
Sign In Register
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Pride of Nottingham uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To approve, simply continue using the site or click 'I accept' Terms of Use.

  I accept