Match Discussion: Game 9 - The Imps (H)

[PON_News]

Game 9 - The Imps (H)

Team: Lincoln City

Date: 23/09/17

Where: Meadow Lane

What line-up should Kevin Nolan opt for? What will be the key areas for the Magpies to get a victory? What do you think the final score will be?

Have your say below, join in with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion.

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

It's here where I would suggest to avoid unnecessary changes.

Obviously we have to tackle the Brisley injury, I'd be tempted to either push Jones there or Hewitt. We also have Hunt (who may look more comfortable in a position which suites his age/lack of mobility). It presents an opportunity for someone and within this Notts squad it really should be taken. I wouldn't change much upfront or within the midfield, if Hewitt reverts to a CB position - leave Milsom and Yates in the middle.

Keep Hawkridge and Grant, say Alessandra for the bench.

I know people are calling for Lewis to start, however he doubles up as an attacking option if we struggle and it's best suited. Also, I disagree that Terry Hawkridge hasn't deserved to start, he's been class since coming and we all know what effect playing your ex club has one a player in form.

[Joe Jones]

Nolan says he'll use either Hewitt or Hollis in defence. Think I'd go for the former myself. As for every other position, pretty much keep it as it is. Hawkridge will probably be in for a bit of banter/abuse from the Lincoln fans but he seems made of tough stuff. Could see him grabbing the winner!

[liampie]

think if we approach the game as we have and keep focused we will be fine.

it will be interesting to see who fills the void that the brisley injury leaves but its not for long, we will be able to fill the gap. we have a big squad so it just gives someone else a run out!

[upthepies]

I don't think we will see fireworks but a steady performance would be nice.

Lincoln are not the best team in this division, far from it and so Notts just need to approach it in the right way. I think we will win 2-0 but it won't be easy!

[TheSkipper 𝕏 TheSkipperNCFC]

Just don't lose that is all I ask.

Meadow Lane has been great this season and the fortress needs defending at all costs. I wouldn't suggest any changes either, I think the squad selection is obvious and Kevin Nolan will see that.

[ARLukomski 𝕏 ARLukomski Instagram declanweliczko_arlki]

Brisley will be a massive loss. For me he's our player of the season at the minute if I had to pick one. Think we're starting to get an Eddie Howe Bournemouth type team mentality and togetherness. I would bring Hewitt in as I'm still not convinced by Hollis. Hopefully Bris is back for the Exeter or Mansfield game. He is so crucial to us this season and we need to wrap him in cotton wool. I would probs go with Collin, Tootle, Duffy, Hewitt, Jones, Grant, Milsom, Yates, Alessandra, Stead, Forte. But Hawkridge is bound to start being an ex Lincoln player.

[BradtheMiller]

This game will be Notts toughest test yet. Lincoln are strong, direct & also possess the team spirit which got them promoted last season. However they are certainly not unbeatable as we proved in the League Cup.

Looking forward to seeing some of you guys at the FGR game in October.......COYP!!

[samwatto2008]

I think this will be a good test for the desire and determination of the team. How will we perform in derbies etc? I think Hawkridge will definitely play due to it being his old club. I cans see us rocking a 4-4-2

Collin / Jones - Hewitt - Duffy - Tootle / Hawkridge - Yates - Grant - Alessandra / Forte - Stead

Must be careful of Matt Green as i believe his suspension is up now and hes a class act in front of goal. Lincoln have real fight and determination and will be looking to make 3 points on Saturday i think to mount the pressure in the play off area. Real tough call so ill say 1-1 as i cant split the two sides. 

[allardyces tash]

I fear this will be a loss for Notts but we should be able to avoid any free fall from it.

[liampie]

i wonder if kevin nolan will make a few changes? you know keep lincoln guessing and countering any tactics they may come up with.

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

Prediction time people, how do you feel the game will go and what will the final result be?

I still think the game will be quite physical, and perhaps a little slow but it should be entertaining. I think Lincoln City will try to counter us - rather than being more direct from open play and I am aware they have some tricky players that will keep the back four on task. We really need to be focused throughout the game, and hopefully whoever replaces Brisley will settle in well.

I say 2-0, though my head say's it could be 2-1 to us.

[liampie]

1-0 stead from a penalty 

it will do me, just need the points. you pies!

[AndersonforOlympics]

From a Lincoln fan I think it will be 3 2 to notts county, you go 2 0 up in the first 60 minutes and then harry anderson will come on and bag a brace, then Hawkridge will grab a last minute goal. From what I can tell you don't have the quickest squad, so we will get our goals from pure pace. Sidenote on Hawkridge, I don't think he'll get stick, the fans understand he left for his boyhood club and guarenteed football, something he wouldn't get with us because he's not a "Lincoln player"

[Who r ya?? You Pies!!]

Good to hear the Lincoln take on the game  , hope your final result is on the money pal and the score in some ways will help keep the atmosphere buzzing can't wait , good luck for the season and a hearty COYP  , MATCH DAY 

[Magic magpie]

I'm going 2-1 county but do feel Nolan will make a few changes or rotate which ever is the more applicable. I've got a feeling. That forte may start he has been looking good on off the bench appearance and I've got it on good word he is chomping at the bit to start the game or for game time is Kevin trying to rev him up and let him loose i hope so. I'm going with forte and stead to score. And also another good performance from Collins in goal who has really done well to cement his place with the arrial of Fitzgerald. I'm also wanting there to be a error from the league leaders as well. Top of the table sounds to me. But right now small steps which Kevin is putting together like a well oiled machine. County will need to be careful we are ridding a streak which I'm sure the visiting side will want to end. You pies 

Edited September 23, 2017 by UnitedPie

[william1984]

think we will draw lincolns a good side plus local derbies always tight and competitive 

[Who r ya?? You Pies!!]

What can I say we're top of the league  what can I say we're top of the league  , enjoyed that great atmosphere lots of banta , must say didn't see 4-1 coming but we played some nice stuff in parts second half  and a couple of real good goals to boot , you pies 

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

I could completely forget about the first half, it was just very poor and despite taking the lead it just wasn't memorable at all.

Lincoln City had the right idea at first, however their constant time wasting and diving became frustrating to watch. Their keeper was a shambles but I don't really want to dwell on this negative side. Second half was much better! I keep saying we are a capable team and very good when we pass the ball on the ground. Them pulling level was a warning sign for us, yet pulling back ahead gave us confidence.

The passing at times was a joy to watch, as was each of the three goals in the second half.

I don't think we can say Lincoln was a poor side, they just didn't help themselves and really they seemed to give up. I do feel the red card was somewhat soft, yet if you go by the rules he had to go. It was dangerous and he shown his studs, horrible challenge.

[Countyman]

Its about time we thrashed someone in this division, great all round performance by Notts.

WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE! 

[upthepies]

As written by Chris the first half was a write off, neither said played well but the referee didn't help.

Second half very entertaining, Lincoln City deserve praise for pulling level but its good to see Notts showing determination to get the lead back. Once we had it, it was never going to change. First time for a number of seasons where the majority of players seemed eager to score, anyone could have done today.

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

@AndersonforOlympics: What did you think of the game?

I spoke to quite a few Lincoln City fans after the game, in fact the majority approached me (as I was walking with my camera). Heard some positive comments about us being the best that Lincoln have played, and how the red card didn't really change much but that it would have been nice to see a more even game. I was kinda nervous leading into the game, but you guys did well.

Interested to see your thoughts pal.

[liampie]

thought both teams was pretty poor first half, no real goal threat from either.

notts deserved the win and some of the possession was great! i dont think the red card changed much, lincoln played as if they had 11 men but was not able to defend properly when it mattered. solid win really.

[heraldmagpie]

Its about time we won by more than a couple of goals. Notts shown their class in the second half, after Lincoln had scored I thought here we go but we came back into it.

[AndersonforOlympics]

On 9/23/2017 at 20:37, Chris said:

@AndersonforOlympics: What did you think of the game?

I spoke to quite a few Lincoln City fans after the game, in fact the majority approached me (as I was walking with my camera). Heard some positive comments about us being the best that Lincoln have played, and how the red card didn't really change much but that it would have been nice to see a more even game. I was kinda nervous leading into the game, but you guys did well.

Interested to see your thoughts pal.

In my opinion the red wasn't right but I think we still wouldn't have have won had we had 11 men. I think had you had played us in August we would've given more of a fight, but we have a squad of 20 with 2 players injured so we don't have much room rotate having no reserve team, meaning we were exhausted and have been for a couple of matches. As for our GK Farmsy, he really is only still around as he's the only one still around from when we got relegated. In terms of Strengths he has what I'd argue to have the best kick in the league and can make some wondersaves, but in terms of weaknesses he panics when he has to come off his line. All in all I'd say 4 1 isn't so bad against a team like notts, but I think there is room for improvement. Good luck for the rest of the season, you're yet another team stranded in the lower leagues with championship support, so I hope you do well.