Notts County have met Colchester United a modest 38 times over the years, all league encounters except for one Sherpa Vans Trophy tie in 1988. The U's hold the marginal upper edge, having won 14 games to Notts' 16, with 8 draws. All league encounters between the two have never taken place higher than the third tier.

Colchester United Football Club is a baby in English football club terms, having been born in 1937. However, Colchester Town Football Club, the club's predecessor, was around since 1873, but despite dwindling crowds in the mid-1930s, refused to follow its neighbours Ipswich Town Football Club in turning professional, much to the disapproval of its fans and players.

As a result, Colchester United was formed, with the intention of playing professionally, and thrived while its stubborn neighbour fell into decline and eventually folded.

Colchester United are responsible for one of the FA Cup's greatest ever upsets, when, in February 1971, they defeated the infamous Don Revie's Leeds United, an established top flight side who would finish second that season, by three goals to two. The U's were in the fourth division at the time.

Micky Cook holds the all time club record for appearances with Colchester United, having played nearly 700 games between 1969 and 184! Talk about loyalty!

Notable former players include Titus Bramble, Alec Chamberlain, Mark Kinsella, Kevin Lisbie and Newcastle cult hero Lomana LuaLua.

Colchester have a lot of men out injured or suspended for tomorrow's game. Captain Brian Wilson is suspended after receiving his fifth booking of the season in the 2-1 defeat at Tranmere.

Midfielders David Wright and Marcus Bean are injured and will sit out the game against Notts, as Joe Dunne's side aim to pick up what would only be a third win in 20 games.

Long-term absentees Freddie Sears, Gavin Massey, Sanchez Watt, Josh Thompson and Drey Wright remain sidelined.

Notts County have an unchanged squad for the trip to Colchester. Marcus Haber is still suspended. He will serve the final game of a three-match ban, after being sent off against Bradford at the end of last month.

Meanwhile, Joss Labadie and defender Mustapha Dumbuya are still not quite ready to return from injury.

Notts County's head-to-head record against Gillingham is historically pretty poor, winning 8 games, drawing 7 and losing 15 since our first fixture on 25th October 1930.

Fixtures between the two tend to come thick and fast for a certain period of time before ceasing to be for years on end; between 1985 and 1989 we played each other nine times, then no meeting for seven years, squaring up again in October 1996.

Since that league meeting (lost 1-0), another five games took place until March 2000, and then, nothing for eight years!

Our last victory over the Gills was the March 2000 game, where the only goal scored came from Ian Richardson; Notts heroes such as Darren Ward and Mark Stallard also played in that game!

For over 50 years, the record for the fastest hat-trick in the Football League belonged to Jimmy Scarth, who scored three goals in two minutes and 30 seconds against Leyton Orient, on the 1st November 1952.

Sadly in 2004, James Hayter of Bournemouth dispossessed Scarth of said record; he came on as an 84th minute substitute in their game against Wrexham, and scored three times in two minutes and 20 seconds!

Gillingham do however retain one record; having conceded the fewest goals in a 46-match season, when the team conceded only 20 goals during 1995–96.

Former Notts boss Martin Allen led the Gills to the League Two title last season, but a Notts reunion isn't on the cards, as he was surprisingly sacked after a seemingly poor start to the season.

The Gills could have radically changed the face of English football had they not lost against Manchester City in the 1998/99 Second Division play-off final. Had they won, City may have never recovered from a second year on the bounce in the third tier, by their own admission. And let's not forget Gillingham were leading 2-0 will less than two minutes left on the clock!

Instead, as things went, City were back up in the top tier within a few years, just in time to catch the eyes of some very wealthy people casually window shopping in the Premiership...

Shaun Derry says on-loan Callum Ball, Morgan Fox and Bradley Jordan are all in contention for starting places.

Striker Marcus Haber is suspended, while defender Mustapha Dumbuya and midfielder Joss Labadie are injured.

Gillingham are without John Mousinho and Elliott Hewitt, whose loan stints ended early because of injuries.

Charlie Allen has been recalled from his loan spell and Amine Linganzi is expected to be back on the bench.

Striker Danny Kedwell will be assessed following illness but midfielder Steven Gregory and forward Craig Fagan are out.

Former Notts alumni who could line up for the Gills today include Myles Weston and Stuart Nelson.

Out of the last 28 English football seasons (going back to 1985/86), Notts County and Brentford have been in the same league 18 of those seasons. Bit of a regular fixture then.

Brentford certainly have the upper edge historically, winning 26 out of the 74 meetings. Notts have won 20, while 28 meetings were drawn.

Notts haven't won against the Hounslow side since the 2003/04 season, when we did the league double over them.

Eight draws followed, but the impasse was broken by Brentford beating Notts home and away last season, both 2-1 wins.

Brentford FC started life in 1889 because the members of the Brentford Rowing Club wanted to engage in a sport as a filler during the winter months. By 8 votes to 5, they opted for football instead of rugby.

Notts County legend Tommy Lawton played for Brentford directly after his talismanic spell with the Magpies, scoring 17 goals in 50 games between 1951 and 1953. He also served as player/manager in his final year with the club before leaving for Arsenal.

Uwe Rösler, their current manager, is a Manchester City legend, averaging a goal every three games during his time with the Sky Blues (he was also a beast on Championship Manager 97/98!).

Rösler is also Brentford's first ever foreign manager - every previous manager in the Bees' history hailed from the British Isles.

Brentford is a popular team with many musicians who grace the pages of NME. Hard-Fi lead singer and guitarist Richard Archer, Bluetones guitarist Adam Devlin, Status Quo bassist John "Rhino" Edwards, The Who guitarist Pete Townshend and Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman are all supporters of the Hounslow club.

Since 1954, Brentford have experienced football higher than the third tier for just one season, in 1991/92. Last season, they came within one penalty kick of changing that. Then this happened...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4SK8PP-UP8

New loan signings Morgan Fox, a left-back, midfielder Bradley Jordan, both from Charlton Athletic, and striker Callum Ball from Derby are in contention to make their Notts County debuts after joining until January.

Marcus Haber starts a three-game suspension after his sending off in the 1-1 draw at Bradford City on Tuesday.

Brentford manager Uwe Rosler has no new injury problems as they bid for a seventh win in eight League One games. Versatile team captain Kevin O'Connor is edging closer to full fitness after an ankle injury, but may be rested.

In anticipation of tomorrow's game against 17th placed Shrewsbury Town away at Greenhous Meadow, here are some facts, trivia and statistics regarding the opposition, the fixture and who is expected to be playing for each team. These two teams have met quite regularly over the years – since 1961, the first fixture between the two, they've faced off 43 times. The Shrews hold the ever so slight upper edge, with 14 wins and 16 draws, while Notts have won 13 games.

Since 2005, Notts have played Shrewsbury every season bar 2010/11 and 2011/12. The longest period between meetings is eight years, between 21st December 1963 and 11th September 1971.

The Shrewsbury v Notts game on the 17^th April 1990 is believed to have been the genesis of the renowned “I Had A Wheelbarrow” chant. Shrewsbury were winning 2-0 and began singing a traditional American folk song, On Top Of Old Smoky, in celebration. This was sung in such a strong West Country accent that the Notts fans began singing back jokingly what they believed it sounded like, which was “I had a wheelbarrow, the wheel fell off”. Notts then pulled two goals back in the last ten minutes, and as such the chant was seen as a source of good luck, being sung by Notts fans ever since.

Until 1995, some English teams from cities not far from the Welsh border could play in the Welsh Cup, but winners would have to concede the subsequent European Cup Winners’ Cup place to the best-placed Welsh side as per league and European rules. As a result, Shrewsbury have a rather healthy trophy cabinet, having won the competition six times - 1985 was their last trophy victory - and finishing as runners-up thrice, making them the most successful non-Welsh side ever to compete in the Welsh cup!

Shrewsbury are known for one of the greatest giant killings of all time, as they defeated Premier League Everton in the FA Cup in January 2003. The Shropshire side, in Division 3 and free-falling towards relegation out of the Football League, beat the top tier side 2-1, no small feat against a team who, just a few months prior, broke a rampant Arsenal’s 30 game unbeaten run, courtesy of a young 16-year old prodigy by the name of Wayne Rooney.

Shrewsbury have scored 16 goals all season – a goal a game on average – while conceding 19. Their top scorer, Tom Bradshaw, has 5 goals to his name, followed by Liam McAlinden with 3. Other players, such as Joe Jacobson, Jon Taylor, and Aaron Wildig are capable of scoring, having each netted twice this season, so Notts need to be alert all across the field.

Aaron Wildig is also their midfield hard man, but frankly he isn't a patch on our Joss Labadie – 13 fouls to Labadie’s 61!

Jon Taylor, a potential threat, won’t be playing – he’s suffering from a knee injury. For Notts, meanwhile, Mark Fotheringham is suspended for this match following his fifth booking of the season against Wolves, but Danny Haynes and Dean Leacock are back following their suspensions.

Wolves have played Notts twice since the turn of the century: On 21st September 2010 in the Carling Cup, where Wolves won 4-2, and again just over a month ago, 8th Oct 2013, in the Johnston's Paint Trophy, where Notts won on penalties after a 0-0 draw. This however will be the first visit of Wolves to Meadow Lane this century. Prior to the 2010 clash, you have to go back all the way to 1994 for the last encounter between these two: a 1-0 defeat in Division 1 (second tier).

That's nothing, however. The longest period of time between Notts and Wolves facing off is from January 1935 to November 1976 - a huge 41 years! To put that into perspective, Elvis Presley was four days old at the time of the 1935 fixture, while the 1976 fixture was just nine months before his untimely passing.

A warning to Notts: Wolves retain an impressive TEN players who played a part in their ill-fated Premiership campaign of 2011/12.

They are:

Wayne Hennessey
Carl Ikeme
Richard Stearman
Matt Doherty
George Elokobi
David Davis
Anthony Forde
Jamie O'Hara
Kevin Doyle
Kevin Foley

Wolves boast three top flight titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups, in addition to four Charity/Community Shields. That places them on a par with Newcastle United (13) and just under Manchester City (15) in terms of total trophies won in their history.

Many key players will be missing from both sides due to injuries, suspensions and international call ups. Dean Leacock, Danny Haynes, Mustapha Dumbuya, Jack Grealish, Greg Tempest and Andre Boucaud are unavailable. Callum McGregor may feature.

Wolves, meanwhile, will be missing Sam Ricketts, Kevin Doyle, Matt Doherty, Anthony Forde, Aaron McCarey and Wayne Hennessey.

Notts' disciplinary record has not been good this season: four red cards and 39 yellow cards in all competitions. It makes Wolves' 30 yellow cards (no reds) look positively tame.

Shaun Derry needs to fix the back line problem as soon as possible: Leigh Griffiths, Bakary Sako and James Henry, who should all be available, have NINETEEN goals between them this season in all competitions. They will be coming up against a backline which has shipped ELEVEN in the last three.

Perhaps not the most glamours cup tie for either side, although it's a chance for Notts to progress whilst we see if we have learnt anything from last season. Colin Coopers as made comments about Notts being able to cause an upset, with Shaun Derry's first game in charge. With Hartlepool being an in-form League Two side, it might suggest that the upset could be the other way around as Notts are currently rooted to the bottom of the League One table. The players will most likely want to impress the new coaching team, so playing a club such as Hartlepool will be a good test none the less.

Hartlepool – Play somewhat patiently, they build and attack keeping the football flowing. Luke James is currently the pools highest goal scorer with 7 goals to his name. Jonathan Franks, Anthony Sweeney and James Poole are players Notts will need to watch carefully.

Jack Compton returns for Hartlepool having served a three match suspension, whilst Christian Burgess will be forced to miss the game due to picking up five yellow cards.

Notts – Are currently somewhat injury hit at the moment. Haydn Hollis, Enoch Showunmi, Alan Sheehan, Mustapha Dumbuya and David Bell are doubtful to feature. Marcus Haber is unavailable to play, with Danny Haynes starting his suspension after being sent off last Saturday against Coventry City.

Gary Liddle returns to his former club, where he spent many years. If Notts are to proceed to the next round of the FA Cup, we will be required to be disciplined and focused throughout the game. Shaun Derry is eager to see Notts remain in the hat, just as much as Hartlepool's manager Colin Cooper.

Hartlepool are favourites with odds around 5/4 for a home win, Notts come in around 2/1 and for a draw it's 12/5.

Come On You Pies!!

Notts face yet another important meeting tomorrow afternoon at Meadow Lane. The visit of Tranmere Rovers is hardly a glamorous one, but an ugly performance is all that it will take to relieve the pressure on the pies. Chris Kiwomya has made a lot about not having a starting eleven and suffering from constant injuries and suspensions. However, I take a different view and believe that the management just cannot nail down the best set-up and team. This is by no means a jibe at the management, they shook things up with a different formation on Tuesday night.

Whilst it saw more shots by Notts, the defence were left abused and exposed. It’s hard to imagine that the 5 goals shipped on Tuesday will put him off an attacking approach tomorrow though.

It is hard to say what formation Kiwomya will adopt. With the emphasis on attack it would be surprising to see any of McGregor, Haynes, Haber, Liddle, Bell or Grealish absent from the starting line-up. Arquin could well start but has been seen to better effect coming off the bench.

Sheehan, Leacock and Smith will be amongst the defenders but whether Dumbuya will be reinstalled is another question.

Tranmere Rovers have Jason Koumas available again but James Wallace is still making slow progress back from an injury.

Tranmere sit 17th with 5 points on the board with their latest result seeing them lose 3-4 to Brentford. They currently have a worse goal difference than Notts by one goal, but their ability to score goals is something Notts will be forced to address.

They are likely to play on the counter attack at Meadow Lane so Notts must ensure they do not fall into the trap of all possession and no intent. Notts must make use of their wings and hurt Tranmere whenever possible.

Notts are actually favourites with the bookmakers to win tomorrow at 6/4. Tranmere are best priced at 85/40 with the draw at 12/5.

This is a very hard match to address in terms of a prediction.

This certainly won’t be a match for those hunting out a glamorous attacking football display. It will be a rough, physical match that will require a ruthless approach from Notts. With so much pressure upon the players, nerves will be tingling, but if Notts are able to put in a good display and get a point as a minimum, there will be a lot to build upon after recent efforts.

To be frank, we must cross our fingers, get down the Lane and hope that Notts can turn things around. Tranmere, although not world beaters, aren’t fools and will take advantage where they can.

You Pies!
By James Constantine

Tonight Notts will meet the very top of League Two, as we prepare to take on Leyton Orient. They've started the 2013/14 season very well, the spirit with their play is positive and they've enjoyed successive victories over some very decent sides. Leyton Orient are undefeated, impressively they've scored a total of 16 goals so far in only 6 games and have only seen 4 goals put past them. Ex Notts County manager Russell Slade will no doubt be fairly confident ahead of our clash, so it's down to the Notts coaches & players to perform on the pitch in order to halt their progress.

Alan Sheehan's made comments to local media about the players owing a big performance, it's got to be asked when does the talk finish and the performances start but on paper we are a very capable League One club.

Notts will be required to hold their heads high and take the game steady, it would be nice to see an improved performance after the recent weeks and Chris Kiwomya will no doubt be looking into turning the season around as quickly as possible, as a loss would result in the worst start to a Notts season for sometime.

Russell Slade's commented that “You look at Notts County on paper and they will improve sooner rather than later.” - We need to transfer this onto the pitch with a good level of performance's, even if we lose every so often.

Chris Kiwomya's promised changes and even went on record to saying we will see a couple of players on the bench, so the lineup could be anyone's guess.

The only known injury (unless I've missed some) is to Haydn Hollis – Although I wonder if Liddle will return back to centre back, although personally I would hope he could remain in midfield and given a role where he's dictating the passing.

My Prediction – 2-1 to Leyton Orient.

COYP!
By Notts-Joe

So, here we are. The cup competitions have gifted us with a fantastic tie against one of the big Premiership teams for the second time in three years. After the double header against eventual FA Cup winners Manchester City, Notts County prepare to travel to none other than Liverpool, one of the most successful and best supported clubs in England, for a League Cup Second Round tie. Liverpool need no introduction. Their history is illustrious and trophy-laden. They have won the league a massive 18 times - though it is best not to mention they've never won it under its current format.

The Premier League - the FA Cup seven times, the UEFA Cup three times, and the pinnacle of European football, the European Cup / Champions' League five times.

Most crucially for Notts, they are the most successful side in the League Cup, having won it eight times. It's a competition they thrive in. All of the above makes it sound like a tall order for Notts County. To knock out a side of such pedigree in the second round would send shockwaves throughout the footballing world.

Notts, though, have played several big teams in the last couple of years, and the majority of the time, have given a very good account of themselves. We were ten minutes away from a famous win against Man City in 2011, held Juventus to a 1-1 draw in the Juventus Arena later on that year, and against Galatasaray, lost out only to a final-minute howitzer from World Cup finalist and Treble-winning Wesley Sneijder. So they should be able to step up their game and give it a good go. They'll have to, after the display against Stevenage.

Liverpool are in good form at the moment. They've won both their Premiership games 1-0 and have plenty of players that are in top form, such as Daniel Sturridge, who scored against Villa.

The Reds are expected to field a second-tier side, however, but this doesn't lessen the threat for the Magpies. Raheem Sterling's recent display against the Scotland Under 21s was nothing short of scintillating, while Fabio Borini netted twice against Manchester United U21s a week ago. Iago Aspas had a marvellous pre-season, netting four and assisting three, and the veteran Martin Skrtel is expected to line up in defence.

All in all this will prove a difficult game for Notts, but as I mentioned before, if the players can give it all they've got on the day, then who's to say we can't at least give them a scare? COYP!

Pressure on the Pies - Fortress Meadow Lane holds play to a Notts team looking to break their maiden this weekend and strike up their first win of the 2013/4 season campaign. The visitors, Stevenage, arrive as one of only 3 teams not to score a point this season. Albeit one of those teams is Coventry who are on -4 points having started on -10, after having a point deduction for going into administration back in March. Notts have not been in imperious form themselves so far, facing stiff tasks against two promotion favourites, Peterborough and Sheffield United.

Notts will take heart though from the last 30 minutes against Walsall where a much improved display with attacking football started to come to fruition.

No doubts about it, Notts really need to be picking up three points here. It is Notts easiest task to date, facing a Stevenage team well out of form. Even more emphasis is placed on the need for a Notts win as last season’s poor home record was a major reason for a lack of points on the table.

David Bell looked the part for Notts against Walsall and although sure not to be match-fit, Kiwomya will surely want to get him on the field to show what he can do again. It will a fascinating what Kiwomya decides to do with Gary Liddle.

Manny Smith has lacked any run in the side for over a year, but he has improved with every minute he has been on the pitch. I hope he gets his chance to retain the centre back spot with Liddle tried in midfield. It’s the middle of the park in which Notts need to be more effective, and so I feel it would be worth a gamble to try Liddle out in the middle of the park.

Graham Westley will hope to keep things tight and hit Notts on the counter attack as they so sorely did in a 2-1 defeat at home last time. Freeman and Shroot look the main dangers in the Stevenage side, but Notts are more than capable of shutting them out.

I will be very pleased if Kiwomya really goes for this one and puts out an attacking line up to show the fans what this side can do. Playing it defensively against this side will only make the game tenser and a point will be fairly dissatisfying.

So come on you pies!
By James Constantine

This Saturday Notts will make the relatively short trip to the Black Country to take on Walsall at the Banks's Stadium. The Magpies have started the season badly, losing both league games against Sheffield United and Peterborough, while the Saddlers have a 100% record so far in competitive football this season, winning both their league games and their Capital One cup tie. Furthermore, Walsall haven't yet lost a competitive game at home this calendar year - their last loss was on Tuesday 13th November 2012, crashing out to Lincoln City in the FA Cup Second round.

Their defeat to Swindon Town a week before was their last loss in the league. The head to head record doesn't reveal much - the last game between Notts and Walsall was just six months ago, when the teams shared points in a 1-1 draw at the Banks Stadium. The reverse at Meadow Lane, in August 2012, saw the Saddlers win 1-0. The 2011/12 season, however, saw Notts defeat Walsall twice in the league. In addition, the West Midlands team haven't beaten Notts at home since 2006.

The player to watch for Walsall is winger James Baxendale. Having recently signed a three-year deal at the club, he is full of confidence at the moment, and his last two games saw him scoring in each. Meanwhile Craig Westcarr, the ex-Notts player, netted a brace against Tranmere in the season opener, and always relishes encounters against his old club.

Both team have relatively full squads to pick from, with Manny Smith back for Notts after his suspension. Gary Liddle, who received a straight red in the first game of the season, will have completed his suspension after today. Walsall, meanwhile, have defender Andy Taylor on the sick list, still recovering from an injury.

Even though it's early days, Notts crucially need to get points on board sooner rather than later, but Walsall are in form and may provide a stern challenge. My prediction: a 1-1 draw.

Joe Jones

Pride of Nottingham brings you our Preview, Notts Reignite Season with Feisty Encounter! I remember not too many moons ago when Notts were at London Road facing the Posh in what could be described as one of the feistiest and tensest matches in recent history. A 2-3 all thriller was matched off the field with a good old-style brawl with ex-Notts manager Craig Short getting stuck in. It’s hard to imagine a brawl off the field this time around with the cool composed maturity Chris Kiwomya oozes. It is though unlikely he’ll be sat in his slippers tonight relaxing surrounded by black and white candles in his latest Notts County bathrobe. No, not at all.

Instead, the manager has a defensive nightmare upon his hands caused by the suspension of Smith and Liddle along with young Haydn Hollis out injured.

This arrives perfectly in time for a match against a Peterborough United side who score goals wherever they go. They slotted a cool five past Colchester on Tuesday night and Darren Ferguson will surely be out to keep things simple tomorrow afternoon. Whilst there is quiet on the Meadow Lane turf now, a ferocious bombardment is seemingly heading Notts way tomorrow with the likes of Bostwick, McCann and Tomlin all hunting for goals.

Notts aren’t a damsel in distress though in the face of a brutal, ugly, goal scoring menace in United. Alan Sheehan looks the likeliest to partner Dean Leacock with the mightily impressive Dumbuya slotting in at right back. Perhaps left back will be filled by Tempest? The young lad looks the most natural talent currently being harvested by Notts and he seems most fitting to this position.

In the middle, Mark Fotheringham – fozzy to the diehards, is a man who loves a tackle and so long as he watches his discipline, will provide some much needed fight. McGregor looks a talent having been brought in on loan from Celtic and it’s hard not to see him playing after a great display against Fleetwood.

In the goals department, the towering Enoch Showunmi must start alongside Danny Haynes, a partnership that could flourish particularly given the formers recent efforts. Showunmi could be the hold-up man we need tomorrow which could allow Haynes to be creative around the big man.

Notts could well take the counter-attacking philosophy tomorrow and this could well suit the players we have available. Providing the defence can hold off the immediate attacks of Peterborough and get the balls in good areas and retain possession, anything is possible.

The bookmakers have Peterborough at 7/5 with Notts best priced around 9/4 so in theory, they see us having a better chance tomorrow than against United. So for me, a point would be very good to kick us off on the board. Avoiding defeat at all costs is a priority tomorrow and Kiwomya will know we need points on the table. I find it hard to envisage a Pie being unhappy with a point tomorrow…

You Pies!
By James Constantine

Jeff Hughes returns to Meadow Lane tomorrow evening no more than two months since he departed to the League Two outfit. Having scored on Saturday, the wide man looks to have settled in and there’s a sense that he could well be on the score sheet again tomorrow. Without dipping into the various opinions that have tried to interpret the form of Friday night’s performance against Sheffield United, it is hard to know what Kiwomya will do with the Notts side. It is most likely that the squad will be rotated considering pre-season feels as if it has hardly finished.

Without Gary Liddle at the heart of defence, an opportunity could well show itself to Manny Smith who could possibly rate as the most unlucky of Notts’ playing staff. Having not been able to get a game for love nor money, he could finally have a chance to stake his claim to the centre half position.

At the top end of the Notts squad, it’s likely that Enoch Showunmi could start after his beautiful strike against United. Who partners him is also wide open with Arquin and Haynes having both been unable to really feature in the United match. Adam Coombes could make his debut; it mostly depends on how seriously Kiwomya would like to take this fixture.

Notts are currently priced around 6/5 for the win with Fleetwood just a shade over 5/2. The draw is priced around 3/1 and again I envisage a low scoring game with Notts really needing to display some creativity and ability in passing forward and creating goal scoring chances.

It is most certainly not going to be the game of the season; perhaps the best outcome tomorrow is a good Notts performance including some of the newer and younger players. A lot of Notts’ ambitions rest on the players performing consistently and being better in attack than they were last season.

You Pies.
By James Constantine

In a sense, this is an indirect gem for those amongst us who enjoy the speculation and prediction phases of the modern game and present us with a robust challenge.

The challenge of predicting the composition of the league table come the end of the season has thankfully already been undertaken here on Pride of Nottingham. This leaves me with the slightly easier, but still baffling task of dissecting and digesting what may happen come 9:35 on Friday.

I must admit, I was slightly worried with the departures of Judge, Hughes and Kelly. A few holes were appearing in the squad and as a Notts fan it is always hard not to feel uneasy. Alas those holes were filled in as quickly as they appeared and it must be said both the backroom and playing staff have done a sterling job in replacing and building what was lost.

Dumbuya, Fotheringham, Bell and of course Haynes have entered the squad and seem to have provided grit to the cause so badly needed in League One. Perhaps it is thought, rightly so, that passion and determination are more important on a wet and windy night up in the far North in January than raw technical ability. Thus with Fotheringham already talking like a leader off the pitch, it is thought he can add character to the tough personalities within our squad.

Yoann Arquin looks reinvigorated. His goal against Ipswich was a sign more of confidence than of a change in ability. Alan Sheehan remains at Left Back and the solid trio of Bart, Liddle and Leacock are enough to build any great League One side. With some great fixtures and performances across pre-season it is fair to say that nothing bad can be said or aligned to the way in which Notts will have prepared for Friday.

A few murmurings of impending signings from Scotland nestle themselves at the glee of fans wanting to see even more quality brought to the side. For the purposes of Friday’s game, we shall leave it to you to speculate on these quietly spoken words.

Thus, with Notts looking in respectably fine shape heading into Friday’s game, what can we expect from Sheffield? They harbour a new manager at the helm in the form of David Weir who has wasted no time in imposing himself on a rather flat side who lost out in the play-offs of last season.

Febian Brandy, remember him? He has been brought into the side along with Lyle Taylor, a 23 year-old who netted 29 times for Falkirk last season. Conor Coady has come in on-loan from Liverpool to support the other end of the United side already boasting Liverpool first team appearances.

Both sides will want to start with three points, talk about stating the obvious. But I don’t see either team being too open at the back. Important to start out well and accumulate points early on, I fail to see either side willing to take too many risks in going for broke to fulfil this theory.

A front two likely to compose of Haynes and Arquin, will both be raring to make a goal scoring debut in the 2013/14 season. From my perspective though, I would be very happy to come away with a point and see a good solid performance with lots of potential demonstrated.

It would not be far off in saying we are about equal with Sheffield United going into this match in terms of new signings and pre-season activity. The bookmakers tell a different story though with United best priced 20/21 to win with Notts a 10/3 shot. Reputations should be avoided with no competitive matches having been undertaken at this point and thus my prediction for this Friday is a good display with a 1-1 draw. Or, if I’m being cheeky, a 1-0 victory to Notts.

You Pies

James Constantine. @JConstantine22

Tomorrow Saturday 23rd of March, Notts County will make a trip to Swindon Town who are currently 3rd in the table. The County Ground will hopefully not fall victim to the weather that we are seeing, as the snow is starting to flurry down. It's pretty cold out in Nottingham, so it would be interesting to hear what it's like currently in Swindon. Notts come into the game having beat Scunthorpe United with a Dean Leacock goal sealing all 3 points in County's favour, all surrounding the club will say it's a nice returning gift for his team and fans.

Swindon Town themselves having picked up three vital points at Yeovil Town last Tuesday, will hope to return to home soil collecting a further 3 more points by continuing their form against Notts county.

Their manager Kevin MacDonald has urged The Robins to keep backing the team as Notts County visit the County Ground.

Notts County will visit Swindon Town with very little risk, the expectations seen regarding the play-offs would surely now be seen as a miracle, so it's important that the lads just go out hoping to have fun and claim victories on the back of improved performances.

Tommy Miller's fitness is currently being monitored after he picked up a suspected calf injury, with Louis Thompson returning after being on international duty with the Welsh under-21's.

Jamal Campbell-Ryce has a knock, who is likely to miss the game. Right back Kelly continues to struggle with his calf injury which has seen him miss the past couple of games.

Both sets of fans really need to get behind their respective squads, it will be a very good occasion for the 'Wheelbarrow Song' to be repeatedly sung and I personally hope to hear all Magpie supporters firmly getting behind the team and silencing the home crowd.

Previous results might leave us asking questions, it's now we stay loyal and help to build for the upcoming season.

On Tuesday the 12th of March 2013, Notts County put in another less than desired performance as they lost 1-0 to Preston North End. The echo's of discontent from fans rained down from the kop stand, as cries for more passion were clearly being heard. Notts now have to prepare themselves for Scunthorpe United who sit in the 20th position, so many fans will again want to see the desire in our play and the players will have to show a level of passion themselves, pride and dedication, just a sign that we can do much better!

Scunthorpe come into the game having lost two out of three, although they managed to hold off Stevenage to a 1-0 win prior to the two defeats. They narrowly lost to Coventry City 2-1 on the 9th of March 2013, so they can certainly show character.

The return of Dean Leacock will no doubt see interesting changes to the back of the pack, although it would be a shame to cost young Haydn Hollis his place as he been pretty reliable. Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Alan Judge are doubtful to play a part in the game, so we can only speculate that a start is now on the cards for young Curtis Thompson.

Brian Laws has confirmed that there are no fresh injury concerns. He is also set to start his recent loan signing Anthony Forde, who joins them on loan from Wolves. Also, this may come as a surprise to some of our fans, Scunthorpe leading goal scorer Karl Hawley is likely to make his return for the away side at Meadow Lane on Saturday.

The form of both sides seems very much hit and miss If Notts County can keep their heads high and play free flowing, passing football and work on trying to get on the end of chances then we could very well walk away with the 3 points, I certainly hope the fans can help give them a boost and chant, as no doubt they will, but our support can be the light to the recent results, showing we are behind the club regardless of disappointment.

A couple of good showings, improved work rates and possible victories right now would go along way to reward the fans and bring players own morale up, it could also raise interest for next season.

Please help us share our work, we 'pride' ourselves on trying to represent the fans. Thank you for taking the time to read and support us! COYP!

After a disappointing showing on Wednesday night, Notts have had just 2 full days to prepare for Saturdays away trip to Crawley. With Wednesday looking like 2 points dropped, it seems Notts will be unable to reach the play offs this season. So with this in mind, let us have a look at what tomorrow might install. Notts are 3 places higher sat in 10th over Crawley by 2 points. However Crawley have 2 games in hand over Notts and for a team that has been very quiet all season, Crawley will be looking to join Notts on level points.

Crawley have lost 1 game in their last 5 matches and beat Bury 2-0 in their latest match whilst drawing to Carlisle 1-1 in the match prior to that. Notts’ loss on Wednesday came on the back of a win against Carlisle and a point against Tranmere.

The biggest blow for Notts comes as Dean Leacock picked up his 10th yellow card of the season and will miss tomorrows match. Leacock has certainly been a lynch pin of the Notts back four (or three) and will be sorely missed. This will provide however a chance to Manny Smith who has been suffocated of any game times this season. Of course, this is no certainty as Haydn Hollis put in a solid performance on Wednesday and could be partnered up with Gary Liddle at centre half. Both John Cofie and Julian Kelly are likely to miss out on tomorrows match with a facial injury and hamstring problem respectively.

Crawley could see the return of their top goal scorer Billy Clarke who has netted 12 goals already this season. He did not feature midweek and is likely to be much stronger and fitter in time for Notts’ game tomorrow. Crawley captain Josh Simpson is still absent with an ankle injury and Kyle McFadzean is still absent with a virus that he contracted in November.

Tomorrows match is certainly one in which features many injuries and absentees. Notts, although collecting more points than has been the case this season, have not been performing to a very good standard. It is likely that tomorrow will be a scrappy affair with both teams attempting to grind out a result to better off their standing. Notts still look unable to score and with Leacock missing, the midfield will be oh so vital in protecting the back line, as well as aiding the front pairing.

With all this considered, I am going to predict a draw tomorrow. The speculative score prediction would be 0-0 with Notts looking unable to do anything but defend and Crawley being a middle of the park team who have not been able to break down teams this season. All that said, expect a 4-4 all draw tomorrow…