Notts County have moved into the top three of the League Two table thanks to a 1-1 draw at Cheltenham Town on Tuesday night.

Originally meant to be played on Saturday afternoon, the fixture at Whaddon Road was moved back due to the adverse weather.

The hosts weighed in with the first effort as Kevin Dawson fired an overhead kick wide while, at the other end, Jon Stead's cross failed to find a teammate's foot to send it goalwards.

Some neat play in middle then lead to a chance for Mohamed Eisa, who got the better of Matt Tootle but could only flash his effort wide.

There was then a controversial moment after the quarter-hour mark when Taylor Moore's soft header back to Scott Flinders was intercepted by Stead.

The veteran forward tried to take the ball round the Robins goalkeeper and was felled in the process, but despite protests from the Notts contingent, no penalty was given.

Nonetheless, the Magpies did go on to break the deadlock shortly before half time through Terry Hawkridge.

Stead got the better of Jamie Grimes down the left and cut the ball back to Hawkridge at the back post, who took a touch and rifled home through a crowd of bodies.

Notts began the second half brightly as Jorge Grant broke away and played a one-two with Shola Ameobi, but the loanee's effort on the slide was eventually gathered by Flinders.

Joe Rodon then turned a dangerous cross out for a corner, and the resulting set piece was volleyed into the side netting by Ameobi.

However, it was Cheltenham who would score the second goal of the game, Joe Morrell's low shot from 25 yards deflecting off Ben Hall and beating the outstretched hand of Adam Collin on 67 minutes.

In the latter stages, Brian Graham was denied by Collin and Eisa was close to winning it for Cheltenham with a free kick in the 85th minute, but Notts held firm for a share of the spoils.

Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have claimed a much-needed three points in a 2-0 win over Stevenage in Saturday's League Two encounter at Meadow Lane.

Jorge Grant came off the bench to open the scoring on 77 minutes, with Shola Ameobi adding a second three minutes later to make sure of victory.

The opening stages of the game brought about opportunities for both sides as Luke Amos bundled the ball into the side netting and Ben Hall sent an effort over the Boro bar.

Ben Kennedy and John Goddard then tested Adam Collin with tentative chances, while at the other end Elliott Hewitt headed over from Terry Hawkridge's delivery.

Neither side could find the breakthrough by the half-time mark, despite Jonathan Smith's shot which went wide, another Goddard effort, and Jon Stead volleying off target from Matt Tootle's cross.

The second half brought about more incisive play from Notts as Stead, Hawkridge and Carl Dickinson weighed in with chances.

Smith then spurned a good opportunity for Stevenage when he was well placed in front of goal but sent a volley straight at Collin, while at the other end Hawkridge's over-hit cross had to be palmed over by Tom King.

Finally the breakthrough came 13 minutes from the end as Grant struck a superb volley into the bottom corner of the net after Stevenage had struggled to deal with Richard Duffy's ball into the box.

And three minutes later came the clincher as Ameobi bravely prodded in a header from Hall, getting a knock for his troubles although he was fine to continue.

The result sees the Magpies climb to fourth in the table and narrow the gap between themselves and third-placed Wycombe Wanderers to one point, though the top three all have a game in hand.

Share your thoughts about the game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County's promotion hopes have taken another blow as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Cambridge United in Tuesday night's League Two encounter at the Abbey Stadium.

The Magpies were comprehensively outplayed in the first half by a side that had won two on the bounce under caretaker manager Joe Dunne, having dispended with ex-Notts boss Shaun Derry's services two weeks ago.

Cambridge were bright from the off and went close in the opening stages of the game as Liam O’Neil’s 20-yard effort sailed wide before Uche Ikpeazu’s low attempt was just the wrong side of the near post.

The closest that Notts came to a goal in the first period came when Liam Noble’s attempted lob on 26 minutes went over the U's crossbar.

Dunne's charges went on to take the lead on the half-hour mark when Jevani Brown's shot took a deflection and ran through to Medy Elito, who took a touch past goalkeeper Adam Collin before firing home.

Billy Waters' shot from the edge of the box was then parried wide by Collin, before Brad Halliday surged forward on the right and forced the Notts custodian into a save with his feet.

Moments before half-time Elito struck an ambitious effort from distance which went only narrowly wide, the whistle effectively putting the visitors out of their misery for 15 minutes.

The restart saw more of the same as O'Neil headed over following Uche Ikpeazu's cross from the byline, but Notts began asserting themselves a little more in search of an equaliser.

That would never come, however, as Cambridge continued to boss the action in search of a second goal, which looked likelier to come for then than it would have for Kevin Nolan's side.

Eventually the final whistle blew on a narrow but overall comfortable win for the hosts, who claim their third win on the trot.

Notts, meanwhilw, are forced to once again lick their wounds and go back to the drawing board as their hopes of promotion continue to slip from their fingers.

Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have lost further ground in the race for the League Two automatic spots after being held to a 0-0 draw at Newport County on Saturday.

The hosts began brightly as Padraig Amond fired over in the first 30 seconds Dan Butler and Robbie Willmott worked their way down the left flank.

At the other end, Jon Stead was on hand to meet a Carl Dickinson delivery from the byline but the veteran's effort at the near post was wide.

Joe Day was then tested on the quarter-hour mark when he pushed away Elliott Hewitt's drive from range as the contest subsequently become more of a war of attrition in midfield.

There would be little goalmouth action until the latter stages of the first half, when Amond blazed over from a difficult angle and Jorge Grant bent a 25-yard free kick wide of the post.

Neither side could find a breakthrough come the end of the opening 45 minutes and no changes were made when the restart came about.

As with the first half, the game was a slow burner as both teams took a while to get back into the game.

On 55 minutes Joss Labadie found the back of the net but the goal was disallowed for an infringement on Adam Collin.

A quarter of an hour later, Notts spurned a great chance when Grant saw an effort blocked before the ball fell for Alessandra to fire goalwards from the edge of the area.

Day managed to parry the effort, only for the ball to then fall into the path of Liam Noble, who fluffed his lines by blazing high and wide.

Four minutes were added on at the end of the match, with Notts finishing brightly by winning a succession of corners, but ultimately the final whistle blew on a stalemate.

Share your thoughts on the game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have bounced back from their horror week with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Carlisle United on Tuesday night.

Jon Stead's first-half brace did the damage against the Cumbrians, who made it a nervy finish through a deflected Jamie Devitt strike after the break and an inexplicable seven minutes of injury time.

The game began with both sides looking dangerous, the best chance of the first quarter of an hour coming when Matt Tootle exchanged passes with Shola Ameobi to get into the area before rifling wide of the upright.

Notts managed to break the deadlock on 19 minutes when Carlisle gifted the hosts possession and Lewis Alessandra slotted the ball into the path of Stead, who took a touch and rifled an effort off goalkeeper Jack Bonham and into the net.

Keith Curle's charges remained dangerous as Devitt and Kelvin Etuhu fired off target but they conceded once again through an almighty goalmouth scramble that culminated in Stead scuffing home from his own deflection.

County nearly added a third when James Brown's header back towards Bonham actually sailed over the goalkeeper but Stead couldn't get to the ball in time and a corner was conceded instead.

The visitors began the second half brightly and had Notts under the cosh for a period and, although Kevin Nolan's side soon grew back into the game, the third goal of the encounter went Carlisle's way in controversial circumstances.

Notts skipper Richard Duffy was down with a head injury but the Cumbrians played on, substitute Ashley Nadesan playing the ball into the path of Devitt, who in turn hit a deflected finish from the edge of the area.

Meadow Lane was shocked when seven minutes of injury time were announced, which gave impetus to Carlisle to try to find an equaliser, but Notts held firm for all three points which keeps them fourth in the table.

Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County's hangover from the 8-1 defeat to Swansea City in the FA Cup continued with a last-gasp 1-0 defeat at Barnet in League Two on Saturday.

A long kick from goalkeeper Craig Ross long kick set Alex Nicholls through on goal and he fired past Adam Collin to leave the Magpies heading back up the M1 without a point.

The hosts began brightly, with Ruben Bover firing at Collin and John Akinde rifling an effort over the bar.

Noor Husin, seeking his third goal in as many games, threatened with an effort from outside the box, but the ball fizzed wide.

The Magpies suffered a setback early on when Mason Bennett pulled up with a suspected hamstring injury, forcing his withdrawal as Jonathan Forte took his place.

The substitute came close to opening the scoring when he latched on to Collin's long ball forward but Charlie Clough made a last-ditch challenge to stop him from shooting.

Both sides continued to exchange blows as Akinde and Nicholls weighed in with chances while Forte rolled the ball just wide from Shola Ameobi's pass as the half-time whistle blew on a stalemate.

In the second half, Ross kept out another Forte effort, while at the other end, Collin kept out a Jordan Nicholson effort before Akinola rustled the side netting with the follow-up.

More urgency befell the latter stages of the game and Notts came close to taking the lead when Ameobi saw a shot saved before Jorge Grant and Liam Noble were thwarted by Richard Brindley.

Unfortunately, the scoreline would not stay as it was as Nicholls was on hand to finish off a proper route one goal and give Barnet all three points at the death.

Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County's evening in the limelight ended up being as one-sided as Apollo Creed's bout with Ivan Drago in Rocky IV and yielded the same outcome as Swansea City ran out 8-1 winners in Tuesday night's FA Cup fourth-round replay at the Liberty Stadium.

With the game being televised and Swansea being held to a 1-1 draw in the first game at Meadow Lane, there was real hope that the Magpies would be able to register a very plausible giant killing against a Premier League side who, despite enjoying an upturn in form, remain in a relegation dogfight.

However, things did not go to plan as Carlos Carvalhal's charges cavalcaded into County's half from the off and tested Adam Collin through Tammy Abraham and Nathan Dyer before finding the breakthrough on 18 minutes.

Luciano Narsingh, who struck the opener in the first encounter, was instrumental once again second time round as Kyle Naughton set him free down the right, reaching the byline before cutting back for Abraham to rifle past Collin at the near post.

Before there was even time to properly write down and post the goal information on social media, the Swans doubled their lead, Abraham turning provider with a perfectly weighted through ball which found Dyer, who in turn sidefooted home.

Goal number three came on the half-hour mark as Narsingh, once again deep inside the Notts half, cut the ball back for Dyer to sweep a first-time shot from just outside the area across Collin and into the far corner.

For a couple of minutes, hope was restored among the Black and White Army when Noor Husin, who struck a wondergoal against Crewe at the weekend, was on hand to make the most of a failed Swansea clearance to curl a superb effort from 20 yards out beyond Kristoffer Nordfeldt and just inside the post.

That hope was snuffed out just before the break, however, as Narsingh ran on to a diagonal pass from Kyle Bartley to break free on the right once again, before yet another weighted cutback found Abraham, who slotted past Collin for a 4-1 half-time lead.

There was to be little in the way of damage limitation, however, as Swansea - who, it has to be said, are a completely different beast in recent weeks from the meek outfit of before, given they've beaten Arsenal and Liverpool under Carvalhal's watch - continued to slice through the County defence like a hot knife through butter.

Save from Jon Stead's effort early in the second half, which Nordfeldt kept out, it was largely one-way traffic and four more goals would be scored by the Swans, through Naughton, who punished Collin's poor punched clearance; Wayne Routledge, who placed a low 18-yard shot into the corner; Tom Carroll, who rifled a superb effort into the top corner from range; and Daniel James dispatched number eight.

Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County put in one of their best performances of the season in front of the biggest Meadow Lane crowd of the 21st century in Saturday's 4-1 win over Crewe Alexandra.

The Magpies charged just £2 for tickets for this League Two fixture, which went on to sell out on Friday afternoon, as part of Alan Hardy's one-year anniversary celebrations.

From multi-decade season ticket holders to first-time attendees, the bumper crowd was rewarded with a great display against the Railwaymen after overcoming a wobbly start.

On eight minutes, a mistake in the County defence was seized upon by Jordan Bowery who saw his shot parried by keeper Adam Collin into the path of Shaun Miller, who made no mistake from close range.

However, Notts drew level on 15 minutes as Noor Husin, whose performance against Swansea City was lauded by many fans, pounced on a miscued clearance before taking a touch and rifling a superb effort into the back of the net from about 25 yards out.

Four minutes before the end of the first half the hosts went ahead as Crewe failed to clear their lines as a ball was delivered first from the left, then sent back across goal by Stead, which Elliott Hewitt scuffed into the net by driving into the ground and over Ben Garratt.

Goal number three for the Pies came on the hour mark, a real team effort which saw the ball played into Stead and his lay-off found the incoming Hewitt, who took it in his stride before smashing it past Garratt for his second of the afternoon.

By this point the vast majority of the 17,274-strong crowd (basically everyone bar the travelling Alex fans) were loving what they were seeing and there was time for a cherry on top in the 90th minute.

Aubstitute Mason Bennett, debuting for his loan club, was on hand to apply the finish from close range after Lewis Alessandra's initial effort was saved by Garratt to make it a virtually perfect afternoon for the Black and White Army.

Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County's FA Cup adventure is still alive as the Magpies held Premier League side Swansea City to a 1-1 draw in Saturday's fourth-round encounter at Meadow Lane.

The hosts began brightly as Jorge Grant and Jon Stead combined to get the ball into the box and Elliott Hewitt came within a whisker of turning home at the far post.

Swansea took a while to get into gear, with Mike van der Hoorn and Tammy Abraham failing to trouble Adam Collin, whose return to fitness coincided nicely following Ross Fitzsimons's suspension.

Around the half-hour mark the visitors began to provide more of a threat as Van der Hoorn and Wilfried Bony both mustered more significant chances.

Notts, however, resisted and looked like going back in the dressing rooms all square but on the stroke of half time Carlos Carvalhal's charges took the lead.

The Magpies' defence was cut open as Ki Sung-yeung, on for the injured Renato Sanches, rolled the ball into the path of the overlapping Luciano Narsingh down the right side of the penalty area.

The Dutch forward made no mistake, beating Collin with a low shot into the far corner of the net to edge the swans ahead just at the right time.

Notts were much improved after the restart, however, and Jorge Grant had three chances to equalise as he went close with a free kick, then rifling over the bar, then nodding a header just wide.

Grant made amends by turning provided as a rejuvenated County side launched another attack in the opposition third, his low ball across the face of goal turned home at the far post by Jon Stead.

Swansea, desperate not to add another fixture to their schedule given their Premier League strugglers, pushed forward in a bid to restore their lead.

Ki's dangerous 80th-minute strike was parried down low by Collin while Bony sent a header just wide of goal as Kevin Nolan's side held firm en route to a famous draw and a replay at the Liberty Stadium.

Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have suffered a second League Two home defeat in the space of three days as Crawley Town emerged 2-1 winners at Meadow Lane on Tuesday night.

The Magpies' unbeaten league home run came to an end at the weekend as Exeter City won 2-1 and the Red Devils won by the same scoreline in a game which ended in rambunctious circumstances.

Kevin Nolan's side began brightly, forcing five corners in the first ten minutes, and nearly took the lead when Matty Virtue's shot was hacked off the line by Josh Lelan.

Lewis Alessandra then came just as close when Liam Noble's header came off an opposition defender and fell to the winger but his shot on the turn clipped the top of the bar on its way over.

The pendulum soon swung the other way, however, and Crawley enjoyed a bright spell before taking the lead on 25 minutes.

Lelan’s throw on the right was flicked on by Thomas Verheydt towards Jimmy Smith, who made the most of the space at his disposal to volley beyond Ross Fitzsimons and inside the right-hand post.

The first half ended with Notts on the back foot, save for Virtue heading a yard wide in stoppage time from Dan Jones’s cross.

The restart saw the hosts push forward in a bid to chase an equaliser and enjoyed several good chances as Grant volleyed wide of the post before Stead curled wide of the upright.

Eventually the equaliser came when Lelan was adjudged to have handled inside the area for a Notts penalty, which Stead dispatched low to the keeper's right.

Unfortunately, County's hopes of hanging on to a point were dashed in stoppage time when Virtue was shown a second yellow card before Fitzsimons, looking to send a claimed corner upfield, was blocked by Mark Connolly.

The Notts keeper lashed out and kicked the Crawley man, prompting the ref to not only send him off, but to award the visitors a penalty, which Josh Payne slotted home.

Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have lost their superb unbeaten home record in League Two after fellow promotion chasers Exeter City claimed a 2-1 win at Meadow Lane on Saturday.

Boss Kevin Nolan fielded a different-look side to their usual XI, with Richard Duffy and Matt Tootle both sidelined, and a much-changed midfield including Matty Virtue, Noor Husin and the returning Liam Noble.

The Magpies fell behind after just eight minutes as a contentious free kick whipped in by Lee Holmes was met by Dean Moxey, who struck the post before the rebound was converted by Jake Taylor.

Notts mustered a couple of half-chances as a Jon Stead header from Dan Jones's delivery bounced tamely to Christy Pym and Lewis Alessandra also failing to beat the Exeter keeper with a shot from the corner of the box.

However, Pym was largely untroubled in the first half, while the visitors were more dangerous and doubled their lead on 42 minutes through Stockley.

The Grecians top scorer latched on to a long ball forward, got the better of Shaun Brisley and found the bottom corner from the edge of the area to leave the Notts contingent reeling at the break.

The second half saw Notts grow into the game, but not before several more dangerous attempts from Stockley, one denied by Elliott Hewitt's goalline clearance and the other cannoning off the woodwork.

However, the deficit was halved on 73 minutes when Troy Archibald-Henville hauled substitute Shola Ameobi down in the box, prompting the referee to point to the spot.

Jon Stead then subsequently despatched the penalty, sending Pym the wrong way, but despite a late flurry of attacks, they couldn't find an equaliser to prolong their unbeaten home record.

Share your thoughts about the game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have left Sincil Bank with a point after Jorge Grant struck the equaliser in Saturday's 2-2 League Two draw with Lincoln City.

The visitors began brightly as Lee Frecklington gifted them possession just after kickoff, but the new signing from Rotherham United made amends by ushering the ball back to his goalkeeper with Jon Stead bearing down on goal.

Grant then headed over the bar at the back post from Terry Hawkridge's cross, before again blazing over after being played in by Lewis Alessandra, but on the whole, the game provided little in the way of excitement for the opening 35 minutes.

Notts went on to take the lead as debutant Matty Virtue did well to keep the ball alive at the six-yard box before shifting it to Alessandra, who in turn stood the ball up at the back post for Jon Stead to nod into the back of the net.

However, no soon had the Magpies edged in front, the Imps - who lost manager Danny Cowley from the touchline after he had remonstrated with the referee - had drawn level through Frecklington, who was on hand to rifle home Matt Rhead's headed flick-on.

On the stroke of half time, a clever ball down the side of the Lincoln defence from a free kick was rolled to Stead, but his effort was kept out by goalkeeper Paul Farman, who narrowed the striker's angle and made the block.

In the second half, Matt Green came close to taking the lead when he beat the offside trap to send a header goalwards from six yards out, but Ross Fitzsimons was able to hold on.

Green, however, did manage to find the net midway through the half when Danny Rowe's ball down the right channel found the striker, who this time made no mistake in slipping the ball underneath the Notts keeper to edge Lincoln ahead.

It wouldn't be long before Notts would get back on equal terms as a long throw from Elliott Hewitt caused confusion among the Imps back line en route to Grant, who smashed the effort home via the underside of the bar.

Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has succeeded in his mission to have the nation talking about Notts County after guiding his side to a giant-killing 1-0 win at Brentford in the third round of the FA Cup.

Jon Stead, part of the Bradford City team that shocked Chelsea in the fourth round two years ago, struck a fantastic winner midway through the second half to get the Magpies into the hat at the expense of their Championship opponents.

Nolan made just one change to the side which beat Port Vale earlier this week, with Terry Hawkridge - himself an FA Cup run veteran thanks to his exploits with Lincoln City last season - replacing Jonathan Forte in the XI.

Bees boss Dean Smith, meanwhile, made eight changes following their Championship defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday.

Notts began brightly at Griffin Park, with Elliott Hewitt crossing into the path of Stead, who fired on the turn but saw his effort go wide.

Stead continued to cause the opposition defence problems and he missed another opportunity moments later when he flicked a Jorge Grant free kick over with his right foot.

On 13 minutes, Brentford went on the attack, but Chris Mepham's header from Josh McEachran's free-kick was easily saved by Fitzsimons.

The Magpies, however, continued to have the better of their opponents, who did not properly threaten until 25 minutes when Florian Jozefzoon forced a good save from Fitzsimons, while Neal Maupay tested the Notts keeper soon after.

Neither side could force the issue by half time, but Brentford came within a whisker of grabbing the opener shortly after the hour when substitute Ollie Watkins almost scored with his first touch, but his shot hit the post, bounced back against the keeper and rolled along the line.

The Bees' missed opportunity proved their demise as Notts went up the other end, with Stead cutting inside from the right-hand channel before curling a superb effort beyond Daniels and into the far corner.

Maupay, Jozefzoon and Yoann Barbet all went close as the hosts desperately sought to find an equaliser, while Emiliano Marcondes struck the far post with a header in stoppage time, but the day belonged to the Magpies.

Share your thoughts about this game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have claimed their second win in three League Two games after Jon Stead scored a late penalty to secure a 1-0 victory over Port Vale.

The Magpies had lost 1-0 at Swindon Town two days ago but bounced back by beating a Vale side that had notched up wins over Luton Town and Coventry City over the festive period.

Notts created the first chance of the afternoon, Lewis Alessandra seeing a powerful strike blocked by Tom Anderson on five minutes.

At the other end, Anderson volleyed just over the bar from inside the area in the 10th minute, while Ben Whitfield's dangerous cross three minutes later had to be clawed away by Ross Fitzsimons.

Vale came close again on 19 minutes when Danny Pugh's corner pinballed around the Notts area but Whitfield's eventual connection was charged down by Richard Duffy.

There was a controversial moment when Shaun Brisley was brought down on the edge of the area, but the referee awarded neither a free kick nor a penalty.

County then enjoyed a spell of pressure as Stead rifled Matt Tootle's cutback over from range before Jonathan Forte and Ryan Yates saw efforts kept out by keeper Ryan Boot.

Vale finished the half asking questions of the hosts' defence, with Whitfield volleying over and Antony Kay heading off target, but neither side could break the deadlock come the break.

Following the restart, Notts began strongly, Forte firing wide after latching onto a long ball over the top and Lewis Alessandra seeing his volley deflected off target.

The pendulum continued to swing back and forth as Vale enjoyed several chances, with Anderson seeing an effort of his own deflected wide, plus a header sent off target, while Marcus Harness saw two efforts blocked after slaloming into danger.

Grant was the next Notts player to see a penalty appeal waved away after he went down under Harness' challenge in the area.

However, it was third time lucky as Stead was brought down by Harness 86 minutes in and the referee pointed to the spot, the veteran striker stepping up and hammering his penalty into his top-left corner.

Although Vale finished strongly, they could not pull back an equaliser as the final whistle saw Notts claim all three points.

Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have ended 2017 on a sour note as their unbeaten run in League Two came to an end in a 1-0 defeat at Swindon Town on Saturday.

In an uninspiring first half, the Robins got the ball in the back of the net with the first real sighting of goal for either side on 12 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside.

Amine Linganzi connected with Ellis Iandolo's free kick on the volley and sent the ball beyond Ross Fitzsimons, but the midfielder was in an offside position and the goal was disallowed.

Shaun Brisley then hauled down Kaiyne Woolery 20 yards out for another opposition free kick, with a low drive from Luke Norris met by a good save from Fitzsimons down to his left.

County's best chance to take the lead fell to Jon Stead, who met Liam Walker's cross with a diving header that flew straight at Reice Charles-Cook in the Town goal.

The second half saw Swindon take the lead just a minute after the restart as Norris received a cut-back from Anderson on the left and rolled the ball past Fitzsimons from 12 yards.

Woolery sought a second for David Flitcroft's five minutes later when he surged forward from halfway, held off Elliott Hewitt and fired from the edge of the box, but it flew into the side netting.

Fitzsimons was again the next keeper to be called into action as he pushed away a dipping 25-yard free-kick from Iandolo midway through the half.

County tried to build pressure in an effort to force an equaliser in the closing stages and almost grabbed one with virtually the final kick of the game.

However, Charles-Cook produced a smart save to tip over Brisley’s header from a corner and condemn Notts to defeat in their final outing of the calendar year.

Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion with a 4-1 win over Morecambe at the Globe Arena.

Kevin Nolan made four changes to his side, taking into consideration the glut of festive games and also injuries to Shola Ameobi and Jonathan Forte.

Matt Tootle, Carl Dickinson, Terry Hawkridge and Ameobi - who started the 3-3 draw with Cambridge United - made way for Nicky Hunt, Dan Jones, Liam Walker and Lewis Alessandra.

The opening stages of the Boxing Day game in Lancashire were cagey but Notts were soon up and running with a 13th-minute breakthrough.

Former Magpie Adam Campbell gave the ball away sloppily in his own half, which prompted an assault by the visitors.

Lewis Alessandra edged into the box and cut the ball back for Jorge Grant to rifle home from 10 yards.

Notts then doubled their lead on 21 minutes, the provider turning goalscorer when Morecambe failed to clear their lines from a free kick and Alessandra half-volleyed beyond Barry Roche.­­­­

The Shrimpers ended the half strongly as Andy Fleming twice fired efforts wide from 20 yards, Garry Thompson headed straight at Ross Fitzsimons from close range and Campbell volleyed a Thompson cross over from close range.

However, Notts went on to add a third just before the hour when Grant exchanged passes with Jon Stead before sliding the ball past Roche.

The rout was completed four minutes from time as Alessandra joined Grant in netting a brace, the winger scoring at the second attempt after Roche had kept out his initial shot.

Although Callum Lang sullied County's clean sheet with a curling effort over Fitzsimons from the edge of the box, it would prove little more than a consolation for the beleaguered hosts.

The result keeps Notts four points behind Luton Town, who won 5-0 at Swindon Town -  County's next opponents - but crucially, it puts the Pies seven points clear of fourth place.

Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have fought back from three goals down to claim a 3-3 draw with Cambridge United in Saturday's League Two clash at Meadow Lane.

The visitors, managed by former Magpies manager Shaun Derry, had gone into the game without an away goal in 700 minutes of football.

However, following a first half in which both sides traded chances - and both managers traded words on the touchline - the U's took the lead five minutes before the break.

Ade Azeez linked well with his strike partner Uche Ikpeazu, who cut on to his left foot and curled the ball into the top corner of the net beyond Ross Fitzsimons.

Just four minutes into the second half, Jevani Brown doubled his side's lead, much to the chagrin of the home crowd, when County failed to clear a corner and he rifled home via the inside of the post.

And the Notts fans could have been forgiven for declaring it game over when, 68 minutes in, Brown got his second of the game, receiving the ball from Ikpeazu and finding the top corner from 12 yards.

When Lewis Alessandra headed home Dan Jones's cross in the 74th minute, many would have deemed it a consolation and little more.

However, things got even better when, with two minutes of normal time remaining, Shaun Brisley's heavily deflected effort sent the ball looping up over David Forde and into the net.

And deep into injury time came the moment of delirium when Jonathan Forte fired an overhead kick beyond Forde to salvage a point against all odds for Kevin Nolan's side.

Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have maintained their unbeaten home record but lost ground on League Two leaders Luton Town in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Grimsby Town at Meadow Lane.

In a game of few genuine chances, the Magpies failed to muster a single shot on target against a Mariners side that defended well but likewise couldn't break down the hosts.

An early shot from Shola Ameobi was deflected wide for a corner, which was eventually cleared after Elliott Hewitt had initially won the ball.

At the other end Jamille Matt had an effort deflected into the arms of Ross Fitzsimons, who was then called into action four minutes later to keep out a Jorge Grant clearance that deflected off Luke Summerfield and looped back towards goal.

Matt then came close on 21 minutes when he picked up Diallang Jaiyesimi's pass before firing on the turn, only for Fitzsimons to block with his legs for an opposition corner.

A foul by Zak Mills gave Notts a free kick in a dangerous position on 27 minutes but Grimsby keeper James McKeown got a glove to the ball before Nathan Clarke was able to clear.

The hosts then enjoyed a period of pressure as Carl Dickinson then tested the opposition keeper with a free kick and, on 35 minutes, won three corners in succession, but couldn't find a breakthrough come the half-time whistle.

Both sides enjoyed chances early after the restart, with Sikiri Dembele blasting off target while Ryan Yates headed Jorge Grant's free kick wide of the near post.

Notts felt they should have had a penalty when McKeown clattered into Jon Stead near the left corner flag but the referee decided to just show a yellow card.

Kevin Nolan's side dominated the majority of the second half, Grant coming close with two efforts and Ameobi head wide from Lewis Alessandra's cross, but the final whistle saw the points shared between the two sides.

The result sees Notts still in second, four points ahead of third-placed Exeter City, but with Luton winning 2-0 at Forest Green Rovers, the gap between first and second is now two points.

Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County were tasked with the hardest challenge of the season so far in a fixture away at League Two leaders Luton Town but emerged from the game with a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

The visitors threatened first at Kenilworth Road as Ryan Yates sent a header goalwards from Carl Dickinson's delivery but Marek Stech deflected the ball over the bar before the midfielder poked the ensuing corner wide.

Notts continued to threaten, with Jon Stead latching on to Terry Hawkridge's cross before holding off his defender and rolling the ball straight at the Hatters goalkeeper.

Stead then had another chance after outmuscling Alan Sheehan to bring down the ball in the channel before cutting infield on his left foot, but once again Stech was equal to the effort.

However, Luton went on to take the lead against the run of play on 26 minutes with their first shot on target.

Sheehan sent a corner kick to the far post, where Johnny Mullins was perfectly placed to plant a downward header beyond Ross Fitzsimons to send the crowd barmy.

Jorge Grant looked for an immediate reply, shooting at Stech, but the pendulum swung back towards the hosts before Notts finished the half strongly, albeit a goal behind.

Luton made a better start to the second half, Danny Hylton turning his marker and seeing his ensuing effort charged down.

County then threatened as Matt Tootle's cross headed over by Grant, while Yates pounced on a loose ball to sidefoot wide from the edge of the area.

Kevin Nolan's side were able to find an equaliser when Mullins gave away a free kick on the hour mark, which Grant whipped into the box where Shola Ameobi was on hand to nod into the goal.

Fitzsimons was the hero late on as he made a wonderful save from point-blank range against Mullins as the final whistle saw a share of the spoils.

Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have won a place in the hat for the third round of the FA Cup after a last-ditch 3-2 win over Oxford City in Saturday's second-round clash at Meadow Lane.

The Magpies fielded a full-strength side to face the struggling National League South outfit, who came to Nottingham hoping for another major upset after seeing off Colchester United in round one.

Kevin Nolan made one change from the team which started last weekend's 2-1 win over, incidentally, the U's, with Jon Stead back from a leg injury to take the place of Shola Ameobi, who is nursing a groin injury.

The game began with Notts predictably controlling possession and playing a high-tempo game but they posed little threat as their play was largely sloppy and rushed.

Indeed, the visitors almost nudged themselves ahead as Matt Paterson, who scored the crucial winner for City against the U's, headed just wide of goal under pressure from Richard Duffy.

Oxford were giving a good account of themselves, pressing together as a team and getting men behind the ball when out of possession, with the home fans getting increasingly nervous and frustrated as the game went on.

Notts, however, were always going to create chances and Jon Stead’s acrobatic effort from a Terry Hawkridge cross forced goalkeeper Jack Stevens into a fine save on the half-hour mark.

And the resulting corner led to the deadlock being broken as Carl Dickinson's cross was headed across the face of goal by Shaun Brisley and, with Oxford failing to clear their lines, Duffy bundled home from point-blank range for his second goal of the season.

The second half began with the visitors showing more intent but Notts came close to doubling their tally in the 51st minute when Stead cut in from the left and his effort deflected off Joe Oastler before rebounding off the post.

From the ensuing counter-attack, the non-league side struck an equaliser as Zac McEachran’s cross found Rob Sinclair on the edge of the box, who fired low into the corner of the Notts net.

However, they were not level for long as, just three minutes later, Freddie Grant scythed down Terry Hawkridge in the box to give away a penalty, Stead stepping up and confidently rifling low into the bottom corner.

Notts pushed men forward in search of a killer third but were instead pegged back again on 73 minutes when Zac McEachran sent a low cross the way of Paterson, who curled a neat effort into the top corner beyond Fitzsimons.

With the game seemingly going to a replay, the hosts did not let their heads drop and, in the fourth minute of injury time, substitute Jonathan Forte's header was parried by Stevens into the path of Jorge Grant, who slotted home on the rebound to put Notts in the third round of the competition.

Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County remain level on points with League Two leaders Luton Town and sit five points above the playoff places thanks to a last-gasp 2-1 win over Colchester United.

Neither side was able to open the scoring by the break, although the U's were the better side in the opening stages, but Kevin Nolan's charges soon got into gear and weighed in with several dangerous chances.

In the second half, however, the Magpies stepped up a gear and should have had a penalty on the hour mark.

Matt Tootle's pass found its way to Lewis Alessandra and the winger fired an effort towards goal, only for Frankie Kent to block the shot with his hand, but nothing was given by the referee.

Notts came close again two minutes later when goalkeeper Sam Walker made a smart low save to keep Carl Dickinson’s drive after Jorge Grant’s effort was blocked.

Colchester's resistance was finally broken midway through the second half when Ryan Yates was hacked down by Mikael Mandron in the area for a penalty which Shola Ameobi rattled home.

The U's were then given a golden opportunity to equalise from the spot themselves ten minutes later when Ryan Jackson was fouled in the area by Grant, but Ross Fitzsimons pulled off a great save down low to deny Mandron.

It looked as though the points would be shared when Terry Hawkridge gave the ball away in a dangerous position and the visitors got forward, with Sanmi Odelusi clinically slotting past the Notts keeper in the 89th minute.

However, the hosts found a winner four minutes into injury time as Yates headed in at the back post after Grant's corner was flicked on to send Meadow Lane barmy.

Share your thoughts about the match on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have been knocked off top spot in League Two after a late Francois Zoko equaliser salvaged a 1-1 draw for Yeovil Town in Tuesday night's encounter at Huish Park.

The hosts had the first meaningful chance of the night as Otis Khan's corner found Nathan Smith but the defender was unable to control it as the Magpies defence got the ball away.

Yeovil then came close from another corner as Khan's set piece found Oluefela Olomola, but the striker volleyed over the bar.

Despite the Glovers' opening efforts, Notts got their first attempts of the game on target as Ryan Yates's shot was palmed by Artur Krysiak into the path of Richard Duffy, who fired over from 12 yards.

The Magpies pushed on and saw Shaun Brisley head the ball wide, while Jon Stead sent a header straight at the keeper shortly before having to go off due to an earlier knock.

His replacement, Jonathan Forte, ended up edging the Magpies ahead in the 41st minute as he latched on to Brisley's flick-on and side-footed the ball beyond Krysiak.

On the stroke of half-time, however, Olomola was presented with a great opportunity just outside the area but his left-footed shot went just over the bar.

Notts stepped it up in the second half and went in search of a decisive goal, with Rob Milsom flashing a vicious shot across the face of goal.

Jorge Grant then nutmegged Nathan Smith before curling marginally wide as Yeovil found themselves under the cosh.

However, the Glovers were awarded a penalty in the 80th minute when former Notts forward Zoko was brought down by Duffy and opted to take the spot kick himself, sending Ross Fitzsimons the wrong way.

Yeovil finished the game a man down when Sid Nelson was shown a straight red for lashing out at Yates when Notts were defending a corner, but Kevin Nolan's side weren't able to take advantage as it finished all square.

Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.