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Notts County defender Rod McDonald has spoken about his frustration at the start of his time with the Magpies following his summer move from Harrogate Town. The experienced 32-year-old centre-back joined on a two-year deal but is yet to make a league appearance due to an injury that side-lined him for several weeks. McDonald, however, is set to make his league debut against AFC Wimbledon today and is eager to finally get on the pitch and help his new side push forward. Reflecting on his first months with the club, McDonald shared how his initial time at Meadow Lane didn’t go as planned. "It’s always a bit frustrating when you come into a new place and want to hit the ground running," McDonald explained. "For me, it was completely the opposite. I had the newborn baby when the boys went on a trip to Holland, so I didn’t go. Then, literally on the money, I came back and twisted my knee – just caught it. It had a little tweak in it, and it put me out for about eight to ten weeks." McDonald’s absence came at a crucial time, but he has tried to look on the bright side, particularly appreciating the unexpected family time. "Sometimes stuff works in mysterious ways," he said. "I’ve never really spent as much time with my kids as I have recently, so it’s been brilliant to be fair. Got a couple of grey hairs for it." Despite his injury, McDonald noted how supportive everyone at the club has been during his recovery. "The lads were brilliant with me. It’s always difficult to try and mix in with a new club when you’ve got an injury," he said. "The gaffer, Matt, and Richard have all been brilliant. They basically said, 'We know what you can do, just make sure you get yourself right and fit, and when you’re back, you’re back.'" Now fully fit, McDonald has featured in a few EFL Trophy matches this season but admits he’s itching for league action. "I’ve come here to play in the league, not the EFL Trophy – no disrespect to it," McDonald stated. "My focus is on playing in the league this season, and obviously I’ve got some stiff competition, but that’s what football is all about." McDonald also praised the performances of his defensive teammates during his time on the side-lines. "All the boys have gelled really well together," he said. "Young lad Louis Macari, I think he’s been excellent this season. Matty Platt, Jacob Bedeau, and even Rob Cundy when he stepped in – I think all the boys at the back have been brilliant. And Bassey’s been brilliant as well." Looking ahead to the game against AFC Wimbledon, McDonald shared his thoughts on facing his former club, where he had an enjoyable spell. "It’s a great club to be at," McDonald said. "We had one of the best FA Cup runs there, beating West Ham and getting Millwall. It was a great time on and off the pitch – the staff, players, and the people behind the scenes there are tremendous, and the fans are great." However, McDonald made it clear that his focus is solely on securing three points for Notts County this weekend. "It’ll be nice to see them do well, but obviously not this weekend," he added with a smile. With Notts County looking to bounce back at home following recent frustrations, McDonald is determined to help his team keep a clean sheet. "You always want to win your home games, especially if you want to get promoted out of this league," he said. "Hopefully this weekend, we can score a couple of goals and try to keep a clean sheet." For McDonald, today’s game represents a long-awaited opportunity to show what he can do in a Notts County shirt, and he is ready to make his mark on the pitch. At 32, his experience will be vital as the Magpies push for promotion this season. Share your pre-match predictions and get involved in the live discussion as Notts County take on AFC Wimbledon today. Read about Cedwyn Scott's leave of absence and leave a message of support, showing we're united in encouraging him to prioritise his mental health.

Notts County head coach Stuart Maynard has emphasised the need for his side to be more clinical as they prepare to face AFC Wimbledon at Meadow Lane. Maynard's team, currently sitting in third place and occupying an automatic promotion spot in League Two, will be aiming to build on their solid away form after a 2-2 draw against local rivals Chesterfield. Speaking in a pre-match interview, Maynard highlighted that while his team has been creating plenty of goal-scoring opportunities, the lack of finishing in crucial moments has been a source of frustration. "If you look at the chances that we've created, they're big, big chances," he explained. "If you give a player probably nine of them, they probably take seven or eight of them. They're not half chances." Maynard acknowledged that Notts have shown plenty of attacking intent, but converting those chances into goals has been the missing link. "In the Gillingham and Port Vale games, we've created big, big moments that should be goals," Maynard said. "We need to make sure that we're composed in the final third and take our big chances because they're moments that change games." Despite the team's strong attacking displays, Notts County have struggled to score at home in recent matches, something Maynard isn't overly concerned about. "We're a free-flowing team that scores goals if you look at the amount of goals we've scored this season," he pointed out. "We never like to look at refereeing decisions, even though they played a major factor within some games. We've got to take those away and solely focus on ourselves." When asked about whether a goal drought at home could weigh on the players, Maynard remained confident in his side's ability to bounce back. "It's one of those games. We've created threes and fours [in terms of chances], so it's not like we're struggling. We just need that composure to take our chances." Looking ahead to the match against AFC Wimbledon, Maynard knows his team will face a tough test. The Dons have boasted one of the strongest defensive records in the division, but Maynard is optimistic that Notts' attacking approach can break them down. "When we played Gillingham earlier in the season, they had only conceded two goals, and it was a similar conversation. I believe the structure we work in and the way we look at the opposition to try and open them up will create chances." Maynard also praised his players' mentality when it comes to away fixtures, where they’ve performed particularly well. "Every game we go into, we want to win, whether it's home or away," he stated. "We're not a team that goes away thinking a point is a good result. We've been very unfortunate at home, but we know how important our home form will be this season." The coach gave a brief update on the squad’s fitness, with most players close to returning, though long-term injuries remain a frustration. "Our long-term players are still out, but we're pretty much getting back to a full squad, which is good for us. It gives us a headache as a management team, but those are the headaches we want." Finally, addressing concerns about Notts County conceding first in recent matches, Maynard was quick to downplay any worries. "I believe we always come out on the front foot and create the first big moments in games. Chesterfield's goal last week was very lucky, but our intent to get that first goal is always there. If we get it, I believe we can go on and win games of football." As Notts County prepares for the visit of AFC Wimbledon, the message from Maynard is clear: it’s all about taking chances and maintaining focus. With both teams having something to prove, the Meadow Lane crowd will be hoping their side can get back to their winning ways at home. Join the Pride of Nottingham community by visiting our dashboard page, spend some quality time on the site and share your thoughts by leaving comments on the latest topics! Read Rod McDonald's thoughts on his return to action, his potential league debut, and how he’s overcome his pre-season injury to help Notts push for promotion!

Notts County secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against AFC Wimbledon at Meadow Lane, digging deep to maintain a clean sheet despite being under sustained pressure from the visitors. Matty Platt’s second-half goal proved decisive as the Magpies edged out The Dons in a tightly contested encounter. The match began with both teams cautiously probing each other's defences. Notts County, as has been the norm this season, dominated possession with 68%, but they struggled to convert this into clear-cut opportunities, managing just three shots on target throughout the game. In contrast, AFC Wimbledon, while seeing only 32% of the ball, looked more threatening in the final third, registering eight shots on target and forcing goalkeeper Alex Bas into several crucial saves. The first half was a scrappy affair, with fouls breaking up play frequently. Notts County’s Matty Platt and Lewis Macari were booked, as were Riley Harbottle and James Furlong for the visitors. The physical nature of the contest saw both teams commit multiple fouls, with Wimbledon conceding 19 and Notts County 13. Set-pieces and free kicks became a pivotal aspect of the match, but neither side could capitalise on their opportunities in the opening period. The best chance of the first half fell to AFC Wimbledon’s Omar Bugiel, whose header flashed just wide of the post after a well-worked move down the right-hand side. At the other end, David McGoldrick saw his effort from inside the box narrowly miss the target as Notts County struggled to find a way through The Dons’ resolute defence. In the second half, Notts County began to apply more pressure, with Matt Palmer orchestrating play in midfield. The breakthrough came in the 67th minute, following a corner that saw Palmer deliver an inviting ball into the box. Matty Platt struck the ball and guided his effort into the bottom corner, giving the Magpies a 1-0 lead much to the delight of the Meadow Lane faithful. Despite falling behind, AFC Wimbledon refused to back down. Their attacking threat continued as substitute Huseyin Biler fired a powerful shot from distance in the dying moments, but his effort whistled just past the post. James Tilley also came close with a header that was well saved by Bass, who stood tall to preserve his clean sheet. As the clock ticked towards full-time, Wimbledon threw everything at Notts County, but the Magpies remained resolute, defending with determination to see out the match. In the closing stages, the game became increasingly scrappy, with several stoppages for fouls and a lengthy delay due to an injury to Lewis Macari, who had to be replaced by Rod McDonald. The match ended with AFC Wimbledon continuing to push forward in search of an equaliser, but it was Notts County who held on for a crucial three points. The victory keeps the Magpies firmly in the promotion race, while Wimbledon will be left to rue their missed chances. Share your post-match thoughts on today’s 1-0 win at Meadow Lane against AFC Wimbledon in our Pride of Nottingham match discussion. Join the conversation here! Help us choose our Man of the Match for the AFC Wimbledon game! Click here to vote and share your thoughts with the Pride of Nottingham community.

Notts County head coach Stuart Maynard has expressed his full support for forward Cedwyn Scott, who has been granted a leave of absence due to ongoing struggles with depression. The 25-year-old player, who has endured a difficult period on and off the pitch, has been lauded by his manager for his bravery in openly discussing his mental health. Maynard, speaking ahead of Notts County’s clash with AFC Wimbledon at Meadow Lane, revealed that Scott’s battle has been ongoing for some time. "He’s been struggling for a while, Ceds," Maynard admitted. "He’s had a very difficult time, and even if you go back to last season with his injury, being out for most of the season, footballers want to play. It’s a release in a sense, playing week in, week out on the pitch in front of the fans. I think Ceds has struggled for a while, and we’ve been talking about it, but as a football club, we support him and back him. The key thing is supporting and backing him." Maynard emphasised the importance of Scott’s decision to come forward and speak about his mental health, acknowledging how much courage it takes to do so in an environment like professional football. "It’s huge credit to himself to be able to come out and talk about it because it’s a massive strength. I feel that we, as a football club and a management team, we’re a supportive club. We talk to our players a lot about lots of things because we want to make sure that if you’re happy off the pitch, when you come into work it’s got to be a good environment. Then you perform to the best of your ability." The Notts County manager stressed the role of the club in creating a positive, open atmosphere where players feel comfortable discussing their personal challenges. "We’re always talking to the players and making sure they’re okay on and off the pitch. It’s a huge credit to Ceds to be able to come out and openly talk about it. We wish him the best, and we’re supporting him in every way we can to make sure we get him right and back enjoying his football as soon as possible." Scott, who has struggled with injuries in the past, has faced the difficulty of being sidelined, a challenge that many footballers find isolating. "It’s a lonely place when you get injured, especially long-term injuries," Maynard explained. "Initially, you’re around the group, but then you end up with different rehab programmes, whether it’s gym sessions or not being out on the grass for a long period of time, so it’s very lonely. People think it’s always a team environment, but it’s very different for a player who’s not able to train and be close to the group." When asked about the resources available to players like Scott, Maynard reassured fans that the club is doing everything possible to help him during this challenging time. "There are means in place to support him and get him help with a counsellor. The PFA (Professional Footballers' Association) has been very good and supportive as well. There are lots of channels that you can gain support from, but the biggest thing is admitting it and wanting help, and that’s what’s brilliant with Ceds. He’s admitted he’s struggling, and now he can get the help." Despite the setback, Maynard remains confident that Scott will return to football stronger and ready to contribute. "We back him. We know he’s a top player and that he’ll be influential for us when he comes back, but there’s no pressure. We’ve just got to support him in the right way, and he’ll be back when he’s ready. There’s no timescale for us." As Notts County prepares for their upcoming match, the focus remains on providing support for Scott. The club, in line with Maynard’s vision, is committed to ensuring that their players’ well-being comes first, both on and off the pitch. Be sure to leave your thoughts on tomorrow's game at Meadow Lane against AFC Wimbledon in the Match Discussion on Pride of Nottingham. Join in and see what's being discussed by visiting our popular dashboard page for a quick glance over the latest on the site.