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Match Preview: Notts County Seek First Win Against Grimsby Town


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As Notts County prepare to host Grimsby Town at Meadow Lane this Thursday evening, both teams will be eager to climb the League Two standings.

With only one win between them after two games each, Notts County and Grimsby Town find themselves in 16th and 13th place respectively, making this an important early clash.

Notts County's optimism is fuelled by the reinforcements to their squad, even after selling star striker Macauley Langstaff. Stuart Maynard's team are still seeking their first victory of the season, having drawn all three matches in all competitions. The Magpies showed resilience in their last game, recovering from a two-goal deficit against Fleetwood Town to secure a 2-2 draw with a last-minute penalty.

Grimsby Town, under David Artell, find themselves in a similar situation. After losing their opener to Fleetwood Town, they narrowly edged out Bradford City on penalties in the EFL Cup and then secured a dramatic 3-2 win over Cheltenham Town, thanks to a 90th-minute winner from Jordan Davies. A victory against Notts County would be the Mariners' first back-to-back wins in League Two since March 2023.

Maynard may stick with the same starting line-up that fought back against Fleetwood, though veteran forward David McGoldrick could feature from the bench. Grimsby Town are likely to retain the team that beat Cheltenham, with Evan Khouri expected to keep his place at left-back after an impressive performance.

Notts County have scored eight goals in their last six league matches but have also conceded nine, showing defensive weaknesses. Their home form has been inconsistent, with two wins and two defeats in the last six matches at Meadow Lane. Grimsby Town have struggled away from home, losing five of their last six away games. Despite scoring eight times in their last six matches, their defence remains a concern, having conceded seven goals.

The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a thrilling 5-5 draw, with both defences exposed. Fans can expect another entertaining and high-scoring affair, with both sides eager to tighten their defences and secure a crucial three points early in the season.

In summary, this promises to be an intriguing contest between two sides looking to establish themselves in the top half of the table. With both teams showing vulnerabilities at the back but capable of scoring, Thursday's encounter at Meadow Lane could provide plenty of excitement and be an early indicator of their ambitions for the season.

Add your thoughts to the Pride of Nottingham match discussion, be sure to join in and have a read of what other fans have to say about tomorrow's game. COYP!

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I would be tempted to start David McGoldrick over Jatta, though both are in good form. I think Jatta might cause more trouble coming on from off the bench, with McGoldrick's experience helping to keep the front organised and ready to pounce. I am sure whatever the starting line-up will be, it will be strong and a good selection. A win would be very nice, but I do feel a draw could be possible again. I am not worried about these types of games ending up as 3 points. It will come as the season progresses.

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i am looking forward to the game, it will be a nice early game under the flood lights and a chance to see the pitch under them. i do think we need the points but i am not worried provided we dont lose. i mean it would not be the worst thing but right now we could do with a boost. a win would do that, it would give the squad confidence and more importantly encourage stuart maynard.

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I remember when Craig Mackail-Smith and Jon Stead gave us hope when we played them. But the last time with Jim O’Brien in charge was unpredictable and all over the place. It wasn’t his fault; I thought he did well to take temporary charge after Luke Williams left. I wouldn’t mind a boring draw, provided we played well and caused them headaches. There’s no reason why Notts couldn’t get the first win of the season, but I am mindful that if we try to throw everything at Grimsby, with it being one of those games where we want to win as friendlies due to our rivalry, it might not work out like that.

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A solid performance from start to finish, with plenty of chances and good play, would go a long way. It’s still early in the season, but we should have beaten Fleetwood Town, who were a very good team. The second half should have seen us get a third goal to win. Had we been a bit more alert to their threats, I am sure those would have been our points. But now we have to focus on Grimsby and preventing them from scoring. Alex Bass, despite conceding two, looks a top keeper.

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Looking at our recent form, it’s clear that while we have the ability to score, our defence needs tightening. The team has shown a fighting spirit, especially in the comeback against Fleetwood Town. If we can bring that same energy against Grimsby Town, we have a solid chance. Artell’s side has momentum after their EFL Cup win, so they'll be tough opponents. I agree with comments about starting McGoldrick; his presence could be pivotal. Meadow Lane will be buzzing, and I hope the atmosphere propels our lads to our first win. Even a strong draw with a solid performance would set a positive tone for the upcoming fixtures.

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I agree that the eleven that finished the match against Fleetwood should start the match Thursday evening.

I think that Tsaroulla could be key on the left hand side for Notts because he's good going forward & also good at defending.

If Notts can cut out those defensive mistakes that were so prevalent last season, this is a match that we should comfortably win.

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Good preview. It might be unpopular for me to say this, but David McGoldrick’s best position is on the bench. I fully expect him to start cup games and some matches where we can afford to give him a chance. I just wouldn’t in a game like Grimsby. Despite his experience, he has little speed, and if we rely on him, he will burn out fast. He’s a good player, but part of the issue last season was caused by him burning out and being tired. He’d make a bigger impact coming off the bench.

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I believe it will be a decent game, but I don't believe we will witness more than 3 goals on this occasion.

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