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The magic of the FA Cup was in full display at Meadow Lane, as Notts County and Crawley Town battled it out in a match that had everything - goals, drama, and a nail-biting finish. The Magpies emerged victorious, but not without a fight from Crawley Town, who pushed them to their limits in a game that will be remembered for its intensity and high stakes. The match was played in the spirit of the FA Cup, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement that makes this tournament so beloved by fans across the world. Notts County, despite being pushed back on multiple occasions, showed resilience and determination to secure their place in the next round. This victory, while hard-fought, is a reflection of their commitment to the competition and their desire to progress further. Speaking in the post-match interview, defender Aden Baldwin confessed, "It probably wasn't our best performance... but at the end of the day we got the job done." This candid admission reveals a team aware of its strengths and weaknesses, yet determined to improve. The game was marked by high pressure and numerous set pieces, testing the mettle of Notts County's defence. Baldwin, however, was quick to praise his team's resilience. He highlighted the character shown by his teammates, especially Connell Rawlinson, in the face of adversity. "We knew they were going to press High... but we showed really good character," Baldwin said, reflecting on the team's performance. Baldwin also acknowledged the physical toll of the match, joking about the number of balls he had to head away. "I did come here to not head the ball as much but today wasn't the case. We had to put our body on the line, and we did what we needed to do," he said, demonstrating his commitment to the team's success. Crawley Town, known for their strong team and detailed approach, posed a significant challenge. Baldwin acknowledged this, stating, "We respect them massively, they're similar to us in terms of the way they want to build up and how they want to go about things." Despite this, he expressed pride in how Notts County handled the challenge, demonstrating a spirit of sportsmanship and respect for their opponents. Looking ahead, Baldwin emphasised the importance of a good cup run. He expressed optimism about the next round, stating, "We're just going to keep going and do what we do, focus on ourselves, play our football and see where that takes us." This sentiment, coupled with the team's recent victory, suggests a promising future for Notts County in the FA Cup. Baldwin also touched on the team's current injury situation, stating, "These things happen... we've got the characters in the team we got the great staff behind us, so we're just going to get on with it and do what we can." This shows the team's resilience and determination to overcome adversity. Finally, Baldwin spoke about the importance of leadership within the team. "The gaffer and Macca [Macaulay Langstaff] alluded to it in terms of leaders on the pitch... we're all leaders in there. There's some really good characters behind the scenes that people don't really see and that's going to be massive for us for having a successful season this year," he said. This highlights the strong team spirit and unity within Notts County, which will undoubtedly be crucial in their upcoming matches. As Baldwin succinctly put it, "Anyone will do. We don't fear anyone, anyone will do." With this level of determination and focus, Notts County is certainly a team to watch in the upcoming rounds. What are your thoughts on the FA Cup and the first round win over Crawley Town at Meadow Lane? Join the Pride of Nottingham match discussion and share them with others. Please stay up-to-date with announcements from within the PON website by checking out our latest updates, which are posted regularly within our forum.

In a surprise turn of events, Notts County has announced the signing of central midfielder Dan Gosling on a short-term deal, subject to EFL approval. The 33-year-old Gosling, who boasts nearly 200 Premier League appearances with Everton, Bournemouth, and Newcastle, has signed on until 6 January and will wear the squad number 32. The Notts County board expressed their delight at the acquisition, stating, “We’re delighted to add a player of Dan’s pedigree to the squad at such an important time. We believe his obvious quality and experience will enable him to help the team in the short-term, which is vital given the unfortunate recent loss of Matt Palmer." Gosling's career has been marked by hard work, tenacity, and high accomplishment. His leadership skills and fantastic mentality have been praised throughout his career, qualities that the Notts County board believes align perfectly with the culture they're developing at the club. "He is fully aware of the culture we’re developing at the club and is coming here to win games and compete for success," the board added. The rest of Gosling's career has been spent in the Championship, most recently with Watford, for whom he played 17 times last season. His wealth of experience at the top levels of the game is expected to be a significant asset for Notts County as they navigate the season. The board concluded their statement with a warm welcome, saying, “We know our supporters will join us in welcoming Dan to the club and supporting him as he adapts quickly to life at Meadow Lane.” This move marks a significant moment for Notts County, as they bring in a player with a proven track record at the highest levels of English football. Gosling's arrival is expected to bolster the squad's midfield options and provide invaluable experience and leadership on and off the pitch. As Notts County fans eagerly anticipate Gosling's debut, there's a palpable sense of excitement at Meadow Lane. The addition of a player of Gosling's calibre signals the club's intent to compete and succeed, providing a significant morale boost for both the players and the fans. In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Gosling as he dons the Notts County jersey and steps onto the pitch at Meadow Lane. His performance could very well be a defining factor in the club's season, and fans will be hoping that his experience and skill can help guide the team to success. As the season progresses, Gosling's impact at Notts County will be keenly observed. But for now, the message from the club and its fans is clear: Welcome to Meadow Lane, Dan Gosling. What are your thoughts on the signing of Dan Gosling? Do you hope we can further extend his deal or sign him permanently come January? Browse the Pride of Nottingham Dashboard page, which has been optimised recently for better performance. Let's make a move. immediately. and become a part of PON today.