Frankly, I would be surprised if anyone actually decided to take the time to read the following match report, but for those of you who for some reason have decided to open this link and actually read about one of the worst results in the club's recent history, I will try and make it somewhat easier for you to read by keeping it concise and being brutally honest.

Today was shocking and embarrassing beyond belief. Notts County went to Rotherham United and weren't just beaten, not even thrashed, but outright demolished by a score of six goals to nil.

With striker Jimmy Spencer suspended, on-loan Crystal Palace forward Kwesi Appiah made his first start for the Magpies up front. Jack Grealish dropped out of the starting line-up and was replaced by Mark Fotheringham.

Notts adapted a diamond formation that saw Fotheringham join Hayden Mullins and Andre Boucaud to pack out the centre of midfield. Meanwhile, Callum McGregor lined up in an attacking midfield role behind a front two of Appiah and Jamal Campbell-Ryce.

Enoch Showunmi had left a day earlier to go on loan to Torquay United, yet another departure, and the lack of experience on the bench was telling.

The first serious chance actually fell to Notts when McGregor found JCR in the area, but the former Miller's resulting ball across the goal was just too heavy for Appiah.

After that effort, Rotherham began running riot. Their first goal was a tad controversial, to be fair, as a Kieron Freeman tackle on Kieran Agard resulted in a free kick for the home side in the 11th minute. James Tavernier made no mistake from the dead ball.

The Millers soon made it 2-0 when Haris Vuckic’s shot in the 16th minute took a heavy deflection to deceive Bartosz Bialkowski and trickled over the line.

The shellshocked Magpies would soon be picking the ball out of their own net for a third time just 10 minutes later, when Andre Boucaud was caught out in his own defensive area. Alex Revell seized possession from him and proceeded to drive a low shot beyond Bart into the bottom corner.

And before half an hour had even passed, Rotherham were 4-0 up, thanks to Bart's foul on Agard which led to a penalty. The Pole was lucky not to have been sent off, to be fair, but nevertheless, the Millers striker blasted a shot high into the centre of the goal to pile extra misery on the Notts players and fans.

Fast-forward to the second half, and Vuckic soon grabbed his second of the game on the hour as he cut inside from the right-hand side and his deflected shot curled into the top corner.

Goal number six then came just seven minutes before the end, when Tom Hitchcock was able to tap the ball in from close distance.

The Notts away following, which began the game in high numbers and spirits, was a mere shadow of itself by the 90th minute, much like Notts County have been for most of the season.

Some of the Rotherham fans were singing "We want seven! We want seven!". The majority, however, were almost embarrassed, feeling guilty and sheepish about having delivered the footballing equivalent of a public execution.

There was no passion, no enthusiasm, no structure... today could very well be the day when Notts County waved the white flag and gave up on their League One status.

Combined with other results - namely, the other teams in the relegation zone doing well - Notts are now rock bottom of League One once again after a six-goal defeat, five points from safety, with some teams above us having two or even three games in hand, and with just 12 games left for us in the season.

We need a miracle.

Notts County’s history with Rotherham United stretches back just over 60 years, the Magpies losing 2-0 against the Millers at Millmoor on the 17th of November 1951.

However, Notts played the current club’s predecessor, Rotherham Town, all the way back in 1893, and our fans will be glad to know that the Magpies won that first clash by two goals to nil.

The man widely regarded as the first black professional footballer, Arthur Wharton, played for the club, whose first incarnation was “Lunar Rovers”, from 1889 to 1894.

Historically, Notts have fared better in the head-to-head statistics, winning 18 games, drawing 13 and losing 15 against the Millers.

But on the flip side, our last eight fixtures against the South Yorkshire club have ended in five defeats (including that horror show in the FA Cup at home last season), two draws and just one win.

Rotherham United’s best days came in the early to mid-2000s, when they played in Division One (second tier of English football at this point in time), recording wins against the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and West Ham United. They also spent the majority of the 2002-03 season in the play-offs, but tailed off towards the end of the season.

Over the years, the Millers have got their hands on several trophies – they were third tier champions in 1951 and 1981, and fourth tier champions in 1989. They also won the Football League Trophy in 1996, and reached the first ever final of the League Cup in 1961.

Plenty of players have turned out for both clubs, including Les Bradd, Steve Cherry, Julien Baudet, Jonathan Forte, Gary Martindale, Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Kevin Pilkington.

Rotherham’s most famous sons include Gordon Banks, David Seaman, Howard Webb, William Hague MP, Dean Andrews (Life on Mars actor) and the Chuckle Brothers. Meanwhile, Top Gear’s James May went to school in Rotherham.

Rotherham United have a doubt over Wes Thomas, who is nursing a thigh injury, but the striker should feature as the Millers look to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches.

Notts are without striker Jimmy Spencer who is suspended after being sent off in the home defeat against Shrewsbury Town last Saturday. Enoch Showunmi, Kwesi Appiah and Ronan Murray are all possible replacements.

Elsewhere on the pitch, Mustapha Dumbuya, Dean Leacock striker Callum Ball are not likely to return.

Today has to go down as one of the most painful defeats we've suffered in recent months. Against a team we were more than capable of defeating, we raced into a 2-0 lead within the first 15 minutes. And then we go on to concede a goal, get a man sent off in dubious circumstances, and lose the game.

The worst thing? This isn't first time something like this has happened this calendar year. Although rather than taking place away (London Road to be exact), this horror show took place in front of our own fans.

So, just to confirm, Notts County have today squandered a two-goal lead as the club's League One survival hopes suffer yet another blow with a 3-2 defeat to Shrewsbury Town.

The Magpies scored the first goal when Kieron Freeman lashed a cross into the Shrews box on eight minutes, which was delicately finished by Jack Grealish from close range.

Five minutes later, the on-loan Aston Villa youngster won a penalty when he was brought down by Tamika Mkandawire. Alan Sheehan fired his shot down the middle to double his side's lead.

After taking such a commanding lead so early in the game, any team has to be careful not to get complacent and consider their work done, and Notts sadly failed to do this. Just after the half-hour mark, Jon Taylor was able to latch onto Tom Eaves' cross to slot past Bartosz Bialkowski and pull a goal back for Shrewsbury.

Two minutes before the break came the game-changer as referee Seb Stockbridge decided to show a straight red card to Jimmy Spencer for an apparent elbow against Connor Goldson. Once again, Notts were down to ten men.

As luck would have it, Kwesi Appiah, who came on for Callum McGregor in the second half, was then injured by a flailing Goldson arm. Was the Shrews player also sent off? Ha! Don't be daft.

On 66 minutes, the visitors were level when Taylor looped a finish from just inside the Notts box beyond Bart, and just three minutes later, the collapse was well and truly complete for the beleaguered Magpies when David McAllister nudged the ball home, courtesy of a scrappy, improvised finish.

The game ended 3-2 to the visitors and, for Shaun Derry's men, it was a fifth defeat in their last six outings as they dropped to 23rd place in League One, a defeat in a game we should have won and desperately needed to win.

Well, it was always going to be a difficult game, away at a team that was plying its trade in the Premier League two years ago, but one can't help but feel a little deflated after today's display, as Notts County came crashing to a 2-0 defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers, thanks to a brace from midfielder Michael Jacobs, whose goals came either side of half time.

Shaun Derry named an unchanged starting line-up following the 3-0 victory against Coventry City last week, with the only change coming on the bench, as youngster Ronan Murray, back from suspension, came in place of Curtis Thompson.

Wolves had the better of a scrappy opening period, and their first attempt on goal came in the 12th minute as Nouha Dicko cut in from the right and curled a left-footed shot just off target. The same player came close again two minutes later after some good build-up play.

On the quarter-hour mark, however, Bakary Sako was able to pick out Scott Golbourne on the overlap and the left-back’s cross was nodded home at close range by the unmarked Jacobs.

Wolves continued to dominate after their opener, Sako’s powerful effort from a tight angle having to be turned around the post by Bartosz Bialkowski.

County nearly pulled one back midway through the first half, as James Spencer picked out Callum McGregor in the box with a fine ball, but the County youngster poked his shot just wide.

Wolves were soon back on the attack as Sako’s powerful shot was parried by Bart, Alan Sheehan having to make a frantic clearance from the rebound.

The Molineux outfit were 2-0 up just before the hour, as Richard Stearman strode forward into the final third and squared a ball for Jacobs. The 22-year-old proceeded to bend home a 25-yard shot that squirmed past Bart.

It could easily have been 3-0 moments later when Jacobs’ through-ball sent James Henry racing clear but the Polish shot-stopper made a smart save in a one-on-one.

The home side kept threatening and consolidating their dominance throughout the rest of the game, but with 11 minutes of the game left, Notts missed a great chance to pull a goal back when Jack Grealish headed over from Jamal Campbell-Ryce’s cross.

The Magpies are now back in the relegation zone.

Another match day, another turn of events. Just when it seemed that we were perilously edging back towards the drop zone, comes another great performance, another great result, and another reassessment of our chances of surviving the drop.

Notts County comprehensively beat Coventry City this afternoon, as goals from Hayden Mullins, Jimmy Spencer and Alan Sheehan secured a fantastic 3-0 win.

Shaun Derry gave Spencer his full debut less than a week after signing from Huddersfield Town, as he replaced the big man Enoch Showunmi in attack. Meanwhile Mullins, who had made his first County appearance off the bench against Preston North End, lined up in the starting XI in place of Mark Fotheringham.

And despite Kevin Pilkington's immense performance between the sticks in last week's defeat at Preston North End, Bartosz Bialkowski was restored as the Magpies' Numero Uno.

The club paid tribute to former Notts legend Tony Hateley, who sadly passed away a week ago at the age of 72, by staging a minute's applause before the game.

Once proceedings got underway, the Sky Blues had the first chance of the game, as on-loan forward Nathan Delfouneso struck a shot that whizzed past the Notts post. The Pies hit back with a free kick from Callum McGregor that flew high above Joe Murphy.

Just before the quarter-hour mark, however, Notts were in the lead, thanks to a great run and cross from Jamal Campbell-Ryce that was met by the head of Birmingham City loanee Mullins. His goal sent the home stands into raptures.

Sheehan very nearly scored a few minutes later, but Murphy made a good save to thwart the left-back, before denying Manny Smith twice in quick succession.

Just after the half-hour mark, Notts doubled their lead courtesy of a simply fantastic strike from Spencer. The 22-year-old, let go by the Terriers on Transfer Deadline Day, certainly gave his former employers some food for thought after he won the ball in the final third, before striking a sumptuous 30-yard howitzer into the top-right corner.

Kieron Freeman and McGregor could have scored more goals before half time, but Coventry did just enough to keep the score down to 2-0.

The Sky Blues made two changes at the break, highlighting their desperation, but Notts weren't to do a Peterborough this time, and in fact increased their lead when JCR was fouled in the Coventry box three minutes before the end.

Sheehan stepped up and, making amends for his earlier miss, struck a great penalty to take the scoreline past "respectable" into "thrashing".

We've now stuck our heads just out of the relegation mire again, but with the sides below us having several games in hand, we've got to home that they don't make the most of the potential points up for grabs.

Notts currently occupy 19th place in the League One table, but are a solitary point above Sheffield United in 21st.

Well, where do we start? An amazing performance by Kevin Pilkington, but a pretty mediocre performance by Notts County, as we went down 2-0 to Preston North End today at Deepdale.

The goals were scored by Craig Davies and Joe Garner - a contentious penalty - but were it not for Pilks's sterling performance, it could have been much worse.

Shaun Derry was forced to pick the Notts goalkeeping coach today as Bartosz Bialkowski was unavailable through illness, while regular stand-in Fabian Spiess was still sidelined with a hand injury.

As a result, the 39-year-old took place between the posts, while youth teamer Harry Andrews was on the subs' bench.

In addition, Gareth Roberts took place in the starting XI today, at left-back, while Alan Sheehan shifted into central defence as a replacement for Dean Leacock.

Following Andre Boucaud’s trip on Garner in the very first minute, a dangerous free-kick from Paul Gallagher was pushed clear by Pilks.

At the other end, Jamal Campbell-Ryce burst down the flank before setting up Callum McGregor. The young Scot couldn't find Jack Grealish though.

A few minutes later, McGregor was able to set up Mark Fotheringham, but his shot was then deflected wide for a corner.

On the quarter-hour mark, The ball fell to Davies, who cracked off a volley from 20 yards on the turn. Pilks then pulled off a stunning save to thwart the Preston man, while two minutes later, Enoch Showunmi's thumping header cleared the bar by inches.

Midway through the first half, ex-Forest man Garner got his head onto a cross from John Welsh, but his effort was just off target. The Magpies were then able to launch a quick counter-attack and nearly scored through Grealish, his effort swerving away from goal.

A few minutes before half-time, Fotheringham nearly drew first blood for the away side through a deflected shot, but his effort, which wrong-footed Preston keeper Declan Rudd, went just wide and into the side netting.

After the break, Preston came back with intent, and very nearly scored if not for Welsh defender Roberts's timely last-gasp interventions.

Midway through the second half, North End broke the deadlock. Neil Kilkenny fed the ball to Davies, who was then given the space and time to turn towards goal before sending a shot soaring into the top-right corner. Pilks had no chance with that one.

To make matters worse, the home side doubled their lead within seven minutes. A penalty was gifted to Preston for a foul on Davies, despite the tackle being made outside of the Notts box.

Sadly, when a referee tells you that a red flower is a yellow flower, it's a yellow flower. Garner stepped up and converted the penalty for his 14th goal of the season, as well as giving Preston an insurmountable two-goal lead.

The game finished 2-0, and, well, we're right back in the mire.

Well, here we go again. So much for progress. After a brave but ultimately fruitless effort in midweek against Peterborough United, today was a case of reverting back to the hapless, embarrassing displays of the first half of the season, as Notts capitulated 5-1 to Walsall in front of a home crowd.

The Magpies were boosted by the return of Callum McGregor, who had been so effective in 2013 for the boys in black and white. He lined up just behind striker Enoch Showunmi in place of the suspended Ronan Murray, with wingers Jack Grealish and Jamal Campbell-Ryce either side.

The first ten minutes were quite even, Walsall's Sam Mantom getting a shot in after two minutes, but McGregor replying with a great attempt not long after.

This impasse would be broken in the 24th minute, as former Notts player Craig Westcarr spotted Febian Brandy’s forward run with an incisive through-pass. Brandy, another former Magpie, simply rounded Bartosz Bialkowski with his first touch and placed the ball into an empty net.

Less than 10 minutes later, Brandy scored his second, after Notts were caught out following on from a corner. Milan Lalkovic beat Kieron Freeman and lashed a ball through to the Saddlers striker, who fired a shot into the top-left corner.

On the stroke of half-time, Brandy proceeded to seal his hat-trick, as another great Westcarr cross-chip fell to his teammate, who duly finished with his head. 3-0 at half time.

Things didn't get better after the restart, as a free kick taken by Sam Mantom fell to the unmarked Andy Butler, who had an easy header into Notts net.

Not even an hour on the clock and Walsall were 5-0 up, as Westcarr, ever the tormentor, grabbed a goal for himself against his former club, a simple route one strike following a long punt from the Walsall keeper.

The only positive from Notts was a stunning free kick from McGregor just after the hour, a scant consolation after having been thoroughly eviscerated.

Walsall have scored five or more goals away from home today for the first time since 1997 – a 7-0 FA Cup win at Macclesfield.

Meanwhile, Notts have conceded nine goals in two games and currently sit in 18th.

Don't let that fool you - we're only a point clear of the relegation zone, and have played the most games in the division (29). Four of the six sides below us have THREE games in hand.

Today's storms over Meadow Lane look set to stay for a lot longer.

What a manic game. Seven goals, two of which came in the first seven minutes, a sending off after quarter of an hour, a candidate for the League One Goal Of The Season, various penalty appeals turned down and more corners and set pieces that we care to remember. This was tonight’s game between Notts and Peterborough.

With plenty of news having unfolded throughout the course of the day, including a pitch inspection, players coming in and others being transfer listed, there was plenty to talk about before the game, never mind afterwards.

Notts got away to the perfect start as a cross from Alan Sheehan fell to Enoch Showunmi, who thumped the ball from six yards past Joe Day. Four minutes gone on the clock, advantage Magpies.

Buoyed by this great opening spell, things would get even better, because just three minutes later, a cross from Kieron Freeman fell to young Ronan Murray, who finished off the move by striking low past the Posh keeper.

Peterborough, blown away by this early rampage which saw them having to chase a two-goal lead after just seven minutes, upped the tempo and nearly pulled a goal back almost immediately, were it not for a last-ditch save from Bartosz Bialkowski’s legs.

Notts were able to weather the Posh advances initially, whilst getting a couple more efforts on goal, though not as effective as the early strikes.

On the quarter-hour mark, an off-the-ball incident saw Murray receive a straight red, meaning Notts would have to play the rest of the game - 75 minutes - with just ten men.

The dynamic start to the first half continued when the home side had a penalty appeal turned down, as Andre Boucaud allegedly fouled Danny Swanson in the box. The ref, however, gave nothing.

Unrelented, Posh kept coming, and eventually halved the deficit when Nicky Ajose, showing good control, fired the ball past Bart and into the net. The Pole just about got to it, but it squirmed past his fingertips. 2-1 and a sending off, all within 30 minutes.

Showunmi was then subbed off in the 32nd minute, Derry replacing the big man with Danny Haynes, who just today had been placed on the transfer list.

Haynes very nearly scored after coming on, Manny Smith playing him in over the top. The ex-Charlton man then fired a low shot, but Day managed to save the effort.

The Notts fans that paid £28 for a ticket weren’t to be disappointed, because the game would keep on giving drama. A period of end-to-end football ensued, with Notts chances coming from Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Andre Boucaud and Haynes, while Britt Assombalonga and Swanson weighed in with chances for the Posh.

The second half began with Peterborough fired up and eager to equalise. With less then ten minutes played since the restart, a rampant Posh duly got their equaliser, courtesy of Assombalonga’s header.

Peterborough took their foot off the pedal somewhat after their second goal, and Notts began the unenviable task of trying to redeem their wasted two-goal advantage. However, just as Notts pushed forward in a bid to retake the lead, in came the third Posh goal, an unstoppable long-range strike from Ajose.

That wasn’t to be the end of the story. Almost immediately, Jack Grealish, the young prodigy whose presence tonight was in doubt following on from his dead leg at the hands of Stevenage last weekend, drilled a left-footed shot past Day to make it 3-3.

Ajose, having already scored a brace, went one better and got his hat-trick with five minutes to go, as a goalmouth scramble took place in the Notts box following a corner, and the ex-Manchester United striker bundled the ball into the net.

There would be no last-ditch Notts equaliser; the game would finish 4-3, and though you cannot bemoan the sheer effort put in by Derry's boys, one cannot help but wonder what it could have been, had there been eleven men on the pitch.

Well, folks, what a turnaround. Remember how we were dead and buried just a few weeks ago?

We've played three games this year. We've won all three. And we're now in 16th place in the League One table!

Today a great defensive performance saw us beat bottom of the table Stevenage 1-0. Callum Ball, his loan spell from Derby County extended, scored the only goal of the game to ensure the Magpies would extend their winning run.

In the meantime, Bartosz Bialkowski, our frankly ridiculously awesome goalkeeper, carried out another imperious performance between the sticks to deny the familiar Francois Zoko and his new comrades.

Notts, unchanged from their victory against Sheffield United, had to stave off Boro within the first five minutes, when Filipe Morais, assisted by Luke Freeman's cross, latched on to a dangerous ball to head downwards towards goal, only to be denied by Bialkowski's fine reflexes.

The ex-Chelsea player then struck again shortly after, but his shot was again parried away by our Polish man-barrier.

Just before the half-hour mark, Bart had to deny a swift turn-and-shot from Michael Doughty. Up next to try his luck was former Magpie Zoko, who, despite his desire to get on the scoresheet against his old club, was also denied by Bart's array of goalkeeping weaponry, the goalkeeper diving at the Ivorian's feet.

Jack Grealish, the skilful young player on loan from Aston Villa, was constantly targeted by the cynical (you don't say!) Boro players, to the point that Derry thought it best to sub him off. Ball came on for the youngster.

Stevenage, frustrated by Bart's heroics, found themselves sucker-punched just before the break, (Question: How good does it feel to use that word about our opposition? Answer: Very!) when, in the 42nd minute, Ball (the man) drove the ball (the spherical object) home through a crowded penalty area.

Stevenage attempted to launch a fight-back after the break, courtesy of Zoko and Lucas Akins, who scored on Tuesday against Swindon Town for his side's first league win since November, but Bart, with a little help from Manny Smith and Mark Fotheringham, wasn't to be beaten.

Ball was denied a second goal by home keeper Chris Day. A poor headerby Luke Jones saw the on-loan striker race into the area, but Day’s outstretched leg saved the, well, day.

Stevenage boss Graham Westley went for broke late on, but his side could not unlock a superb Notts back line.

The final whistle eventually went, to the sheer relief and joy of the travelling Notts fans.

Yes, we have played a game or two more than the sides below us, but should we keep this form up, then we should be safe! Fingers crossed, people!

Notts County came back from a goal down to defeat Sheffield United 2-1 today in a tense game at Meadow Lane.

Blade Conor Coady's goal within the first two minutes of the match deflated the Magpies faithful, but rather than making it an afternoon to endure and suffer for all those linked with Notts, the team in black and white made a real fist of it and came back thanks to goals from Enoch Showunmi and Mark Fotheringham.

Shaun Derry went for a 4-2-3-1 formation today, Showunmi playing as the lone striker. There was good news and bad news today regarding County’s playing staff: on the plus side, Kieron Freeman and Callum Ball were both made available for the Magpies after the club arranged for both to return on loan, but on the flip side, the majestic Callum McGregor was back at Celtic after his loan expired.

If anyone has seen the Harry Enfield sketch where the Arsenal 1930s team plays the Liverpool squad of the 1990s, it has a legendary quote whereby the old-school commentator begins the game with: “And they’re off… and it’s a goal.”

That’s what it felt like for the Notts fans, as Coady played a quick one-two with frontman Chris Porter to allow him into the Notts box, and made no mistake with a composed first-touch finish past Bartosz Bialkowski. 1-0 down, less than two minutes played.

Notts were down, but not out. They picked themselves up and went for the jugular almost instantly, as Jamal Campbell-Ryce cut inside two away players at the Blades end. However, he fired over. Then, in quick response, Porter and Coady combined again to threaten the Notts defence, but this time, the effort was wide.

Things were back on level terms in the 26th minute, as Showunmi converted a JCR cross past the Blades keeper to make it 1-1. Yes, it bounced off his chest, but they all count.

United must have taken our equalising goal as an affront, since their players and fans decided to launch into a series of reducers on the pitch, and constant chants of “handball!” from the stands.

Nevertheless, the first half ended 1-1.

The second period began as a bit more sedate affair, the first meaningful chance coming in the 63rd minute, as Porter set Jose Baxter up, but the forward’s effort skidded wide of the left-hand post. Stephen McGinn was then given too much space just two minutes later, but luckily he too was wide of the mark.

Notts, however, made the wasteful United pay shortly afterwards. Alan Sheehan, marauding down the left wing, skinned Harry Maguire and delivered a pinpoint cross that fell to Fotheringham. The veteran’s header was saved, but his quick reflexes allowed him to rush forward and tap the rebound into the net. Cue wild celebrations in the Kop.

The rest of the match made for some incredibly nervy viewing, as Notts seemed to invite the Blades forward to attack on too many occasions.

Nevertheless, their efforts were all wasted, and the final whistle, blown after five whole minutes of stoppage time, lifted the roof off Meadow Lane.

Notts are still in the drop zone, but are just a point from safety, in 21st place. The vibes are becoming increasingly positive around the place. Watch this space folks!

Well, what better way to start the New Year than with a resounding win and a clean sheet? Notts County did what Arsenal and Aston Villa couldn’t do a year ago, by comprehensively thrashing Bradford City. The Bantams lost 3-0 in front of the Notts faithful, courtesy of goals from Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Callum McGregor and Jack Grealish.

Shaun Derry made just one change from the defeat at Crawley Town – Alan Sheehan’s suspension meant Manny Smith partnered Dean Leacock at centre-back.

The first five minutes were fairly hectic, as JCR had a chance from 20 yards, following some good work alongside McGregor. Just two minutes later, Jason Kennedy struck a shot for Bradford which was saved by Bartosz Bialkowski.

On 12, Smith bravely denied James Hanson a certain goal-scoring opportunity with a defensive header, while two minutes later, Enoch Showunmi’s shot was way off the mark.

Notts old-boy Ricky Ravenhill was then denied by another block not long afterwards.

Eventually, the Magpies took the lead, as a great individual goal from JCR saw the winger cut back inside from the left and firing into the bottom left corner. 1-0 Notts.

That wasn’t it from Notts in the first half – Showunmi very nearly set a great chance up on a plate for McGregor, were it not from an interception by Matthew Bates.

After the break, Notts picked up where they left off, with the front line constantly threatening the Bantams defence.

It wasn’t until the 68th minute that Bart was tested, but as always, the Polish keeper was able to make an acrobatic save to thwart a Gary Jones free kick.

Shortly afterwards, Bart then denied Mark Yeates and Kyel Ried with more brilliant saves.

Notts weren’t to be sucker-punched this time round, as a late flurry saw them turn a narrow scoreline into an emphatic one.

Firstly, Jack Grealish’s great run saw him slice open the Bradford defence, before turning provider and feeding the ball to McGregor. The young Scot made no mistake from the right-hand side of the box.

The young Aston Villa loanee, not content with a great performance and assist, then proceeded to bag himself a goal in injury time, courtesy of some great work by Showunmi.

Just when it seemed that we were down in the doldrums, Notts just won’t give it up. Though still in the bottom four, we’re just three points from safety, and I tell you what, the whole bottom half is as tight as can be – five points separate 21st place from 12th place!

Just when it seemed that Notts County would turn another corner, comes another poor display of football that sees us pick up no points and leave us in trouble once again. Today’s 1-0 defeat to Crawley Town means we slip once again to the foot of League One. And so we end 2013 at the bottom of the league and, the halfway point passed, fears of us playing next year in the bottom tier of the Football League are becoming more and more founded.

Shaun Derry began the game in a 4-2-3-1 formation, picking striker Enoch Showunmi in place of young Ronan Murray.

Crawley were on the front foot early on, winning two corners in the first minute. Jack Grealish blocked Sergio Torres’ shot, while Alan Sheehan dealt with a Nicky Adams attempt.

In the sixth minute, Notts had the first chance of the game, courtesy of their first corner. Sheehan’s header was cleared off the line by Andy Drury, while a Callum McGregor free kick was met by Morgan Fox, whose volley was wide.

However, Crawley were intent on securing the win. On 12, Jamie Proctor’s mis-hit shot, following a great cross by Adams, let Notts off the hook, while seven minutes later, Mike Jones unleashed a 20-yard shot required Bartosz Bialkowski to make a neat save to his left. Emile Sinclair also weighed in with a low effort.

Notts had a good chance to take the lead a little later on, but Mark Fotheringham’s volley wasn’t hit very well following a good Fox delivery headed on by Showunmi.

Just before the break, Jamal Campbell-Ryce was upended in the Crawley box, but the referee wasn’t interested. At the other end, Bart was beaten by a Sinclair effort, but luckily the shot went wide.

The second half saw Notts begin brightly, but Crawley would take the lead in the 54^th minute, a simple goal from a corner which was headed in by defender Mark Connolly.

The rest of the game, save from a good effort by substitute Murray, was all Crawley. Countless shots rained upon the goal, but luckily for Notts, Bart was on absolutely amazing form, keeping the scoreline respectable.

Things would get even worse for the Magpies, as Alan Sheehan was sent off with eleven minutes to go. The full-back was given a second yellow, and so he walked. Yet another Notts game to finish with ten men.

When the game finished, 1-0 was actually a very flattering result, considering how many we could have conceded were it not for our sterling keeper. And much as this is a taboo to mention, with the January transfer window looming, who wouldn’t be looking at a player of Championship, possibly even Premiership standard, playing for a team sitting at the foot of the third tier, and decide to make a bid?

If he does, then our League One status is as good as gone.

Notts County could not capitalise and build on their three-game unbeaten run today at Vale Park, as Port Vale defeated the Magpies 2-1. The first half saw the home side dominate the game and take the lead through a disputed penalty by Jennison Myrie-Williams, before Ronan Murray equalised with a great goal on the stroke of half time.

A peculiar refereeing decision on the 79th minute, the second one of the game, saw a second penalty gifted to Port Vale, and converted by Gavin Tomlin, which would prove decisive. Shaun Derry was forced to omit Gary Liddle and Callum Ball from the starving eleven, both having suffered injuries against Bristol City last Saturday.

Mark Fotheringham and Ronan Murray came on in their place, while Mustapha Dumbuya returned just in time to replace Kieron Freeman, recalled by Derby County on Christmas Eve.

Port Vale were on top in the opening stages of the game, Lee Hughes making a nuisance of himself within just a few minutes. In the 6th minute, Carl Dickinson lashed in a great cross which was seized by Bartosz Bialkowski before Hughes could get to it.

The Pole would have to be on his toes again just a few minutes later, as a through ball by Tomlin fell to the ex-Notts striker. Again, the keeper saved before he could get his foot to it.

The first Notts chance fell to Morgan Fox on ten minutes, but his header cleared the bar.

On 24 minutes, a Port Vale ball was judged to have been handled by Andre Boucaud in the box, and a penalty was given to the home side. Williams made no mistake from the spot, giving his side the lead.

After a bit of a lull, the home side would continue to threaten, as Dickinson and Williams came close on several occasions.

Notts had been struggling for the majority of the half, but solace came in the form of Murray on 43 minutes. Isolated and rather ineffective up until that point, he lashed in a shot from the edge of the box which beat Sam Johnson. And so it was 1-1 on the stroke of half time.

The first chance of the second half fell to the home side, as Williams' free kick flew over, but on 52 minutes, a great spell from Notts saw Jamal Campbell-Ryce fire a dangerous cross right across the Vale goal, desperately deflected by a defender and out for a corner. Boucaud's shot from the corner was saved, however.

As the game opened up in the second half, JCR had a good chance saved by Johnson, while Boucaud was once again thwarted by the Vale keeper on 58.

The home side's attempts would get more and more dangerous, but Bart's saves would get better each time too, as he pulled out some majestic stops to thwart Tomlin more than once. Tom Pope also came very close with a left footed strike from the centre of the box.

Sadly, despite the end-to-end action which could have seen the game go either way, another controversial penalty was given against Notts on 79, when Tomlin was judged to have been brought down by Dumbuya. As Hughes and Williams had been substituted, Tomlin took the penalty himself, and made it 2-1.

Notts tried desperately to come back into the game, but by this point, had been ground down by the home side's overly physical nature and refereeing decisions, and so the game would end 2-1.

The result sees the Magpies slip to 23rd on 18 points, level with bottom side Crewe. The Railwaymen, however, have a game in hand.

Notts County rode out a tempestuous, bad-tempered and badly refereed match to earn a draw against struggling Bristol City. Playing in front of a bumper crowd at Meadow Lane, the Magpies fell behind to a penalty at the end of the first half, awarded under bizarre circumstances and converted by City captain Sam Baldock. However, referee Charles Breakspear, officiating his first Football League match, then gave Notts a penalty at the end of the second half, which Alan Sheehan struck down the middle to make it 1-1.

The game would end this way, though Notts will be sweating on the fitness of Gary Liddle and Callum Ball, who suffered injuries at the hands (and feet) of the overly aggressive opposition.

Manager Shaun Derry named an unchanged first team for the first time since taking charge of Notts. The bench had a few changes, as veteran keeper Kevin Pilkington replaced the injured Fabian Spiess and Haydn Hollis made way for Greg Tempest.

The atmosphere in the ground was electrifying, given the higher than usual turnout and the return to the Lane of Steve Cotterill, our League Two-winning manager.

Notts began the game in lively fashion, though Bristol had the first shot, courtesy of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas's break and, subsequently, Bobby Reid's shot from outside the box on five minutes. Bartosz Bialkowski was right on it, however.

A flurry of activity came on the quarter-hour mark, as the lively Jamal Campbell-Ryce sent a fantastic ball to Ball. The striker couldn't hit it goalwards, but it then fell to Callum McGregor. His effort blocked, the sphere fell again to JCR, whose effort on the right hand side of the box was, however, high and wide.

On the half hour mark, a crunching challenge from Greg Cunningham on Gary Liddle saw the Notts lynchpin crumble to the ground. The referee, amazingly, didn't see fit to punish the Bristol player, as Liddle was forced to make way for Mark Fotheringham.

Cunningham very nearly added insult to injury a minute later, but his header was saved by Bart. The Pole was on hand to keep out a low Baldock shot too.

On 38, Emmanuel-Thomas escaped the offside trap and came close to scoring, but Bart made an excellent save to deny the 15-goal hitman. Kieron Freeman then made a crucial goal line clearance to keep out his follow-up.

The referee then really came into his own when he decided to give a penalty for a minor altercation involding Dean Leacock and Aden Flint. After skipper Baldock converted from six yards, he then booked the Notts defender, much to the ire of the Notts faithful who were getting increasingly incensed with the farce.

The first half didn't actually end until around 4pm, because Callum Ball was then victim of another horrendous tackle, the third in the first half alone by the away team (Jack Grealish was brought down just a few minutes earlier by Louis Carey but was alright). Ball sadly had to be stretchered off after taking a blow to the head, such was the extent of his injury. Ronan Murray came on in his place.

The half time break was an exercise in letting off steam for the majority of the Notts fans, outraged at an absolute fiasco of a first half.

Things didn't get better at the start of the second half, as Bristol carried on their thuggish, aggressive play. On 53, Alan Sheehan's quick free kick saw McGregor curl a shot inches wide. Another penalty call was then waved away as Murray was fouled, the referee judging the tackle in the box not to be worthy of punishment.

On 53, Alan Sheehan's quick free kick saw McGregor curl a shot inches wide. Another penalty call was then waved away as Murray was fouled, the referee judging the tackle in the box not to be worthy of punishment.

A double effort from McGregor just after the hour invigorated the increasingly frantic and agitated Notts fans, the young Scot firing just over, then just wide on 63.

On 68, Bart made another great save against Emmanuel-Thomas, whose right-footed shot from outside the box was saved following a good diagonal ball from Reid.

The fans were eager for Enoch Showunmi to come on, in a bid to give the Bristol defence some grief, and their wish came true as the big frontman came on in the 77th minute.

McGregor then came agonisingly close once again with five minutes to spare, but his shot, following a cheeky backheel from Grealish, was just the wrong side of the bottom left corner.

Notts would earn redemption with just a few minutes to spare, as they were awarded a penalty following an infringement by Marvin Elliott. The celebrations as Sheehan converted to earn his team the draw were pure catharsis.

It could have actually ended perfectly for the Magpies as Showunmi was one-on-one right at the death, but unfortunately his good effort struck the Bristol post and bounced out.

That would prove to be the last action of the game, and perfect though it may have been, the Notts were more than happy to have claimed a rightful point after a game laden with aggression and incompetence.

Notts County recorded their biggest away win of the season today as they destroyed Colchester United by four goals to nil at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Jack Grealish and Morgan Fox gave the Magpies a healthy lead in the first half, before Callum McGregor and Gary Liddle completed the rout in the second half against the shellshocked U's.

Manager Shaun Derry opted for the 4-5-1 / 4-3-3 used in the win against Gillingham. The only change in personnel was Callum Ball, replacing Danny Haynes in the starting 11.

The first chance of the game came to Liddle in the third minute, after a neat ball teed up by McGregor. His side footed shot was comfortably saved by Sam Walker though.

Colchester got their first chance on five minutes, as Clinton Morrison seized on a loose ball in the centre of the box to fire a low shot, but Bart saved well.

Long throws were the order of the day from the Colchester starting eleven, and one in the eighth minute fell to Alex Gilbey, who powered the ball towards Bart with a header. Again, saved by the Pole.

Fifteen minutes played, Alan Sheehan put his set piece skills to good use as his dangerous free-kick was cleared away, before the Irishman then launched an ambitious 30-yard shot towards goal, which sadly was over.

As the game went on, Notts grew in confidence and asserted themselves into the game, the skilful Grealish getting several shots in and repeatedly breaking through the U's defence with his pace. The occasional flash of Colchester intent was thwarted by the Notts defence or keeper.

Grealish was eventually rewarded for his endeavour and hard work with a goal in the 30th minute. A good low cross from JCR was met by the young Aston Villa loanee, who kept his composure to fire a low shot past Walker into the bottom left corner. First blood to Notts.

Despite the setback, the U's would continue to drive forward and use those long throws to cause chaos in the Notts defence. Gilbey and Jabo Ibehre were able to get several shots in quick succession on 35 minutes in this manner, all wide or saved though.

Notts withstood the brief barrage, but rather than just consolidate the lead, they went on to extend it right on the stroke of half time. A great cross from Ball on the far side fell kindly to Fox, who proceeded to tap it in at the back post.

Half time, and Notts go in with a healthy 2-0 lead.

Colchester kicked off the second half with intent, Craig Eastmond firing a dangerous shot from outside the box, which Bart saved, and Okuonghae picking up the ball in the Notts box but firing high, a great chance gone amiss. This followed a yellow for Liddle, booked for a tough challenge.

Notts continued to play good football despite Colchester's growing presence in the game, JCR and McGregor causing trouble on the hour mark with good runs into the U's half.

Both sides by this point were going for broke, Notts wanting to capitalise on their lead and momentum, Colchester desperately trying to pull one back. The game became a great display of end-to-end football, chances falling to both teams one after the other.

As the tempo went up, so did the intensity of the players, and as such, the frequency of tackles. Eastmond and McGregor were booked in quick succession on 69 and 71.

Grealish very nearly got a second on 79, but his shot, following a Sheehan corner, smashed against the post.

Not to worry, as McGregor would soon get his customary goal as per his sterling performances, finishing a move started by Andre Boucaud by slotting home from the left-hand side past Walker.

Colchester didn't even have time to compose themselves when the Purple Rain came storming down once again on the beleaguered U's, Grealish crossing to Liddle who pretty much walked the ball into the net a mere three minutes later.

And so the game ended, 4-0, the joint-biggest win of the season (alongside the 4-0 win at Crewe a few weeks back). What made this all the sweeter was the fact it was away, it was a second win on the bounce, and it finally sees us come off the foot of the table.

All in all, a great game for Notts today, as we won convincingly against Gillingham FC, but it certainly didn't look that way in the first 40 or so minutes. A lacklustre, disjointed first-half performance nevertheless managed to yield a goal, courtesy of the frankly unplayable Callum McGregor, while the second half, which began with an equalising Gills goal, was a great display of attacking football in which Jack Grealish and sub Callum Ball, alongside the young Scot, tore the visitors to pieces.

Shaun Derry began the game in a 4-5-1 formation, Morgan Fox getting his first league start at left back. He replaced Manny Smith after the centre-back suffered a knock, as Alan Sheehan moved to the heart of defence alongside skipper Dean Leacock. The back four was completed by reliable Kieron Freeman.

Within the first two minutes, Freeman's free kick fell to Danny Haynes, but he somehow conspired to miss from six yards.

Not long afterwards, former Notts player Myles Weston got a cross in at the other end, but Charlie Lee headed over.

As the foundations were set for a tense and scrappy game, the Gills came within a post's length of taking the lead, Danny Kedwell's header across goal falling to Bradley Dack, whose touch grazed the inside of the post and trickled out.

Quite a few decisions seemed to go against Notts more often than not; midway through the first half, a McGregor shot was handled by Gills' Adam Barrett in the box, but no penalty was given.

After an initial 40 minutes that were an eyesore to Notts fans - some began leaving for the bar as early as 35 - the tactic of getting the ball to the flanks and attempting to cross finally, surprisingly, paid dividends. Jamal Campbell-Ryce managed to get the ball to McGregor, and courtesy of some scrappy pinballing in the box, the young Scot retained the ball and was able to fire into the net. 1-0 Notts.

The second half then began poorly for Notts, and within 90 seconds, were pegged back to 1-1. Dack met a cross from the right at close range and although Bartosz Bialkowski got his hand on the ball, he was unable to prevent it from trickling inside the right-hand post.

However, McGregor, ever the star man, scored an exquisite goal just eight minutes later. He picked up Gary Liddle's ball in front of the Gills goal, but rather than smash it in brutally and thoughtlessly, he weaved into position, made fools out of their defenders, then powered a shot into the net. 2-1, the crowd went wild.

Things would get even better when the ineffective Haynes was replaced by Derby loanee Callum Ball. The rest of the game saw him, McGregor and Grealish completely terrorise the Gillingham defence.

The away side had some good attempts and very nearly pulled it back to 2-2 after Jake Hessenthaler's corner was met by Donervan Daniels, but McGregor only found himself in the right spot at the back to make a stupendous goal-line clearance. Adebayo Akinfenwa had a great chance of his own but Bart was equal to it with an amazing save on 72.

The icing on the cake came courtesy of Grealish on 87. He picked up the ball, weaved past the Gills defence, and finally rifled a fantastic shot into the net, to the sounds of "Shoot! Shoot! SHOOOOT!" coming from the Kop.

The valiant Magpies were able to see out the game, and when the final whistle came, the Notts fans were jubilant. Great performance, great result, and despite still being bottom of the table, we're three points from safety, though we need to see how the games in hand of the teams above us pan out.

What a game, but what a cruel result. A right slug-fest of a match, with both teams trading chances like two boxers would trade jabs and hooks, full of end to end action, with the result only confirmed by one individual slip-up... I'm afraid I'll have to use the word "sucker-punch" once again this season, because that's exactly what happened against Notts. Brentford ran out 1-0 winners today thanks to one, completely against the run of play. And it hurts.

Alan Sheehan was back on the left side of defence after recovering from his knock in midweek, while Loanee Morgan Fox was named among the substitutes alongside fellow new recruit Callum Ball from just down the A52. Meanwhile, Marcus Haber’s red card at Bradford meant Shaun Derry would pair Callum McGregor up with Danny Haynes in attack.

The game began well for the Magpies, who saw Jack Grealish fire a shot in the fourth minute. David Button, Brentford keeper, then denied Haynes' follow-up. Just a minute later, Haynes marauded forward and caused panic in the Bees defence, but Button was quick to it.

Next attempt came from the visitors, Adam Forshaw curling just past the Notts post from a good 25 yards out on eight minutes.

Jamal Campbell-Ryce, on a kind of renaissance since Shaun Derry's appointment, lashed in a cross which very nearly went in, sadly flying just beyond the back post. Just a few minutes later, a Sheehan free kick bounced awkwardly in the Brentford box, but Alan McCormack cleared.

At the other end, Forshaw again caused trouble, sending a volley wide on 22.

The action kept coming thick and fast, and on 25, Liddle thought he'd scored his second goal for Notts, but his scissor kick was blocked off the line by Clayton Donaldson.

On the half hour mark, William Grigg sent a low cross into the Notts area, but Dean Leacock blocked it well and punted it upfield.

On 38, Andre Boucaud lashed a right-foot shot from outside the box, but Button sewed it up well, while in the 42nd minute, Haynes marauded into the box and crossed low, only for JCR to blast it over.

Sadly, the 44th minute saw Boucaud gift the ball to Toumani Diogouraga, who sliced it in for Grigg to prod home.

A massive blow, Notts nevertheless came back fighting in the second half. On 50, a Haynes cross was thwarted by a Brentford handball, which the ref didn't give, the subsequent Liddle cross coming to nothing.

Grealish, McGregor and JCR were working fantastically together, seeing countless shots and crosses blocked or saved, before another near-deadly mistake by Boucaud deep in the Notts half luckily didn't see Notts go 2-0 down, Bart parrying the subsequent shot away. Likewise with a great Donaldson shot which went ever so slightly wide on 61.

This would continue right until the end of the game, both teams trading shots, to the tune of 20 for Notts and 15 for Brentford, on average one every three minutes in the match plus injury time.

If this was a boxing match, Notts would have come out on top, with better possession, more shots on goal, and thrice the amount of corners, were it not for the knockout blow administered by Gregg at the end of the first half.

Notts will also feel aggrieved with another abject refereeing display, having seen two potential penalty shouts for handball waved away.

Good display from Notts, much better than those monstrosities in the weeks leading up to Chris Kiwomya's sacking. But good displays alone won't cut it any more. We need points, and we need them desperately.

What will it take for Notts to win a game, never mind enough of them to actually climb up the table? Six points from safety now, and in danger of slipping away week on week.

Yet another false dawn, or the sign of Notts finally getting their act together? Today, our beloved and beleaguered team travelled to the Coral Windows Stadium to face the valiant warriors of the 2012/13 Carling Cup, Bradford City, and came away with a point. Gary Liddle scored his first ever goal for Notts just before half time, a few days after having one disallowed but Mark Yeates' equaliser on 69 minutes ensured a share of the spoils for both teams.

Shaun Derry made a couple of changes to the team that lost against Shrewsbury on Saturday: Alan Sheehan was left out of the squad with a suspected knock, Greg Tempest taking his place. Dean Leacock was back in defence, Liddle and Andre Boucaud lined up together in midfield alongside Jack Grealish and Jamal Campbell-Ryce, with Marcus Haber and Danny Haynes up front in a 4-4-2 position. Joss Labadie, like Sheehan, didn't make the team, while Callum McGregor was rested on the bench.

The first chance fell to Nakhi Wells on eight minutes, who, following a headed flick-on from James Hanson, lashed the ball towards goal, but flew wide.

Following a foul on Kyel Reid, a free kick from Gary Jones was well punched away from Bart, but Notts were getting forward at every opportunity, the first serious Notts chance coming from JCR after some great work by Liddle in midfield and a good Kieron Freeman run on 18 minutes.

Just three minutes later, the hosts threatened with a Reid cross which Leacock headed away at the last moment, denying Wells a chance.

Bradford seemed to have drawn first blood, but Rory McArdle's nod-on to Wells was ruled out for offside.

This merely invigorated the Bantams, who then began imposing themselves on the game. On 26, Jones was given too much pace by the Notts players in midfield, but just as he seemed geared up to take a shot, his selflessness proved costly, setting up Reid who fired wide.

Towards the break, Bradford were able to stop Liddle and Manny Smith clearing the ball in the final third, and Wells' follow up shot fell kindly to Bart.

And as people were beginning to stand up to head towards the bar or smoking area to beat the crowds, Notts struck to go into the dressing rooms 1-0 up. Grealish's run down the centre allowed him to play Haynes into the City box. He then whipped a low cross past the home side defence and to Liddle, who prodded the ball in for his first goal in a Notts shirt.

The 15-minute break must have seen Bradford being given the hairdryer treatment by their manager, as they came out with the sheer intent to equalise as soon as possible.

From the off, a Reid cross was deflected out for a corner by Tempest, and the following corner saw a great header from Hanson being emphatically turned away by Bart. Leacock then denied the same player with a great last-ditch block moments later.

Notts had some good chances following on from that barrage, courtesy of Haynes, but Bradford piled forward time and time again, Bart's saves proving crucial more often than not.

However, the equaliser finally came when substitute Yeats fired a long range shot into the bottom left corner, Bart unable to work his magic for once.

The game would finish all square, only our second draw all season, but not before things kicked off in injury time, Haber becoming the umpteenth Notts player to see red this season (a tad harsh this time though), and the red mist even spread to the coaching staff, Greg Abbott being dismissed from the touchline for his heated contributions.

In an exciting match in which both competitors gave good accounts of themselves and played positive attacking football, the ultimate match objective of three points was claimed by Shrewsbury, as they managed to pierce the Notts defence just the once, enough to claim the 1-0 win and leave the beleaguered Magpies with a risible ten points from seventeen league games. Shaun Derry opted for the following players in the starting eleven:

Bartosz Bialkowski, Alan Sheehan, captain Gary Liddle, Manny Smith, Kieron Freeman, Callum McGregor, Joss Labadie, Andre Boucaud, Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Danny Haynes, and Marcus Haber.

Meanwhile, the subs' bench consisted of Fab Speiss, Haydn Hollis, Greg Tempest, Ronan Murray, David Bell, Jack Grealish, and Enoch Showunmi.

Notable are the absences of Dean Leacock and Yoann Arquin. Mark Fotheringham however was suspended, the journeyman incurring his fifth yellow card of the season against Wolves, triggering a one-match ban.

The first few minutes saw Freeman carry out some great defensive work to thwart the attacking Shrewsbury players, while Haber, assisted by Liddle, fired a powerful shot, which was well saved by Shrews keeper Chris Weale.

On 13 minutes, centurion Sheehan, on his 100th Notts appearance, swung in a dangerous corner, which was cleared by Parry, while JCR fired over just a few minutes later. Plenty of clearances from both sides meant the first quarter of an hour saw very few shots on goal.

Things would pick up soon after, as Liddle headed another Sheehan corner into the net for a goal… until the referee disallowed it for a suspected push in the box.

Around half an hour in, a Boucaud tackle from Aaron Wildig led to the Shrews midfielder picking up an injury and having to be substituted. His replacement, Preston loanee Nicky Wroe, powered a shot towards the Notts goal not long after coming on, but Bart saved.

More attempts against the Notts keeper came as Adam Reach forced him into a save, before a corner kick fell to Gozie Ugwu, who smashed the ball against the crossbar.

The half would however end with Notts on the ascendancy, as Smith headed wide in injury time before, as the last action of the half, Haynes’ header was deflected off the Shrews line.

The second half began in energetic fashion, with JCR playing a great ball towards Haber, who fired wide. The pendulum would swing back and forth for a period as Ugwu marauded forward with intent, but he wasn’t able to find anyone with his ball, before JCR had a shot of his own at the other end.

Notts were let off as a Shrews corner, just a minute later, was headed towards goal by Darren Jones, whistling just wide. Ugwu had the potential to cause damage shortly afterwards, with a powerful drive, but fired over.

Approaching the hour mark, McAlinden was next to attempt a shot, but Bart gathered successfully, before a Paul Parry drive was stopped by Bart, being called into action more often than he should be. Ugwu attempted a cheeky back-heel into the net, but this was cleared.

Just a minute later, it was onto the other end of the pitch as Notts then plugged away, with JCR and McGregor making nuisances of themselves.

The former then proceeded to beat his marker on 66 and fire through a crowd of players, Weale again saving.

Eventually, the deadlock was broken, a given after all those chances from both sides, but sadly for Notts fans, it was the home side that took the lead. Disappointing because Notts had been on the up, but Adam Reach fired low after Ugwu's header landed towards him.

For a while, it was all Shrewsbury, McAlinden, Ugwu, and Joe Jacobson taking turns tormenting Notts’ back line, but Notts fought back and surprisingly were not able to score, given the calibre of some of their chances. Substitute Jack Grealish was all set to tap the ball home after it fell to him, but somehow, it didn’t go in.

Leading up to full time, Greg Tempest, another sub, had a chance from a cleared JCR shot, but once against the Shrews defence was steadfast.

Injury time saw Notts throw the proverbial kitchen sink at the home side, with Sheehan, Boucaud and third sub Enoch Showunmi all trying desperately to get that cursed equalising goal.

However, this wasn't to be. The Shrews couldn't be tamed, and in an exciting match where much will be said of Notts’ play, it’s a mortifyingly familiar story as once again we leave a football pitch, Meadow Lane or elsewhere, with nothing to show for our efforts, nul points.

On an evening that began promising so much, it all crumbled to bits and finished with Notts County having to be put out of their misery. Humiliated, insulted and injured. Oldham Athletic, a team which hasn't exactly been setting the League alight, ended up playing us off the park in tonight's Johnston's Paint Trophy quarter-final and smashed five goals past us, all but annulling what should have been a joyous occasion for Ronan Murray, who bagged his second in two games.

Shaun Derry's second game in charge saw Fabian Speiss resume JPT duties in goal after his stellar display against Wolves in the previous round, while Manny Smith began at centre-back and young Murray was slotted into attack.

The game started with Oldham on the front foot, Danny Philliskirk getting two shots in the first ten minutes, the first a curler which hit the post, the second going wide. Meanwhile, Jonson Clarke-Harris fired another shot towards Speiss, which was deflected courtesy of a great one-handed save.

The signs were there for a Notts attack, though, with a Gary Liddle attempt early on, which was blocked, and a Sheehan free kick claimed by Paul Rachubka.

Then came the breakthrough, as young Murray beat his marker and latched on to a pass from Joss Labadie before driving it under and past Rachubka for the first goal of the match. Thirteen minutes gone and it was 1-0 Notts.

It really should have been 2-0 but for the unmarked Liddle's missed header from up close. Labadie was next to threaten the goal but his low shot from 25 yards was caught. This after the Notts front pack had been causing trouble in the Oldham area.

Sadly, this was to be the last time Notts would be in the lead this game, as James Tarkowski made up for his earlier lapse by finishing a move started by Korey Smith's cross on the half hour mark.

Arquin did very nearly surprise the home team and crowd with a long range volley, but sadly it dipped too soon and was saved. However, the same player was responsible for a rash tackle in the Notts box that led to a penalty kick being awarded to Oldham, which Philliskirk made absolutely sure to convert.

And so, Notts would go back into the dressing rooms 2-1 down.

Things were to get much, much worse, however. First came the red card for Dean Leacock for an off-the-ball incident with Clarke-Harris.

The same player then fell in the Notts box under pressure from Manny Smith, but despite a rabid home crowd baying for Magpie blood, the referee denied Oldham the opportunity of a second penalty.

James Dayton then scored goal number three after being played into space on 67 minutes and slotting the ball past Speiss.

If that wasn't game over, then Philliskirk made sure it would definitely be with goal number four, as he controlled a low cross into the penalty area from the right-hand side and fired a shot past the shellshocked Speiss into the top-left corner of the goal.

Jordan Bove's horrendous tackle on Notts old boy turned debutant Kieron Freeman - who's played for each of the big three Nottinghamshire clubs plus Derby County, and is only 22 years old - resulted in the home player being sent off, restoring the balance from a numerical perspective.

However, there was no balance when it came to the quality of football and, crucially, the scoreline, particularly when goal number five came, the lone siege repeller Speiss doing well to block Philliskirk's shot but unable to do anything about Clarke-Harris' rebound.

Out of the FA Cup. Out of the Johnston's Paint Trophy. Eleven goals conceded in the last three games alone. Rock bottom of the table...

All is not good at Meadow Lane.

Shaun Derry's first match in charge of Notts County sadly ended in defeat at the hands of Hartlepool United in the first round of the FA Cup. Even though Notts gave a great account of themselves towards the end of the game having pulled it back to 3-2 in the last ten minutes, the scoreline remained the same at the final whistle, knocking the Magpies out of the competition at the very first hurdle. Derry's debut side had three changes from the one that lost at Coventry last week, with Yoann Arquin replacing Danny Haynes, Curtis Thompson slotting in at right-back.

Jordan Holt's place in the team lost, and Jamal Campbell-Ryce in instead of Greg Tempest.

The first attack of the game came from the dangerous Luke James, who ran past Thompson on the wing and attempted a low cross, winning a corner as Dean Leacock forced it behind.

The first ten minutes saw another two chances, both by Jonathan Franks, first firing wide on the volley from outside the area after a free-kick and then a closer effort being blocked by Alan Sheehan.

On the quarter-hour mark, the League 2 side broke the deadlock, as a Simon Walton free-kick was headed home by Jack Baldwin.

Notts, however, responded in fine fashion, a Joss Labadie shot rebounding off Walton and Leacock to make it 1-1 just two minutes later.

Notts had a good spell thereafter, Leacock having two further attempts on goal, one wide and one saved, while Callum McGregor fired a low shot but was saved comfortably. In between, Baldwin fired a header towards Bart from a Hartlepool corner, but was saved.

On 41 minutes, Hartlepool then regained the lead, which they wouldn't relinquish. Andy Monkhouse's shot from the edge of the area was nicely parried by Bart, but the rebound was prodded in by James.

The first half over, there was plenty to mull over for Derry. The second half began with Hartlepool imposing themselves once again, James Poole having two attempts at 50 and 55 minutes, but the pendulum would swing Notts' way as the away side began pressing.

Even though we had mustered ten corner kicks by the 70th minute, we still weren't threatening the goal properly, and sadly, we'd come to rue those missed opportunities, because on 74 minutes, a scramble in the Notts goalmouth saw James once again smash the ball into the net for 3-1.

A deflated Notts did however manage to net a consolation, substitute Ronan Murray firing into the net from a good Sheehan cross, but despite the away side's continued pressing, they were unable to pull it back to 3-3, and so Notts are out of the FA Cup and will miss out on the chance to make it to the glamorous Third Round.

Earlier this week we played well against Oldham, winning 3-2. The optimist in me hoped this would be the turning point. The cynic in me was wary of believing this, as we've had several false dawns already this season that came to nothing. I may as well have trusted the pessimist, because the one step forward that was Tuesday evening was followed by three steps back today against Coventry City. A reckless sending off on the stroke of half time and not one, not two, but three soft goals conceded by Notts meant we left Northampton (temporary home of CCFC) pointless, our goal difference worsened, at the bottom of the table, and with suspensions for Joss Labadie and Danny Haynes.

Steve Hodge made one change from the Oldham victory as Dean Leacock, back from illness, returned to captain the team at centre-back. Young Jordan Holt remained at left-back, Alan Sheehan partnered Leacock in the centre, and Gary Liddle was today's right-back.

The first twenty minutes were pretty actionless, save for two Coventry corners and a foul on Jack Grealish. The 19th minute brought the first chance of the game, Noel Clarke following on from Coventry skipper Carl Baker's good work to fire at Bartosz Bialkowski.

On 26, Franck Moussa's right footed shot from outside the box was well blocked, and three minutes later, it was Notts' turn to threaten, Callum McGregor's cross being headed over by Grealish.

The 31st minute saw Clarke get two chances in, but Bart was on form to thwart them both.

On 32, McGregor's long range effort was blocked by the Coventry defence, before a lull which was broken on the 40th minute, with Conor Thomas' shot going well over.

Two minutes later, our young Scot, our top scorer so far this season, had a great chance to open the scoring, but his shot from the centre of the Coventry box was too high.

Then came the rush of blood and potentially the moment Notts threw the match away - a dangerous, throat-high challenge by Haynes catching Jordan Clarke. The referee had no choice but to dismiss the striker on the spot. Another dangerous challenge followed in injury time on Greg Tempest, but Baker was let off lightly with a booking.

The first half ended 0-0, but after the break, it took just two minutes for Coventry to change all that, as left-back Blair Adams provided a low cross-pass to Clarke, who smashed it in from close range into the top left corner.

The rest of the game would be all Coventry. Quite literally too, as Notts didn't muster a single chance on goal after half time.

The "home" side sliced through our buttery defence twice more, Clarke getting his second after seizing on a botched Mark Fotheringham pass and chipping over Bart, and Callum Wilson rounding the keeper and firing into the empty net after the County back four missed a routine clearance.

So there we go. A very poor performance which will have consequences beyond this game, courtesy of Labadie's yellow for his dive and Haynes' stupid red card seeing the two suspended for one and three games respectively. We're back at the bottom, with a paltry 10 points from fifteen games. Meanwhile, Bristol City, on the same points total but with a better goal difference, could well rise out of the relegation spots if they win their game in hand.

Positives? Well, if the new manager, whoever he may be, can really give the players a kick up the backside, restore confidence both at the front and at the back, stop leaking so many silly goals, and get the forwards scoring, maybe we can gain some sort of consistency with our results and we may climb out of this quagmire.

Hopefully.