Chris

Once again, League Two will be put on ice for the time being because it's FA Cup time! Notts County have successfully navigated through two tricky ties in the opening two rounds, beating League One Bristol Rovers and non-league Oxford City to earn a tie at Championship side Brentford. Pride of Nottingham has spoken to Bees fan Will (@WillBoy65) to get an insight on Saturday's opposition. About Will: I've been supporting Brentford since I was 3 and my favourite player is Charlie McDonald. Brentford have been on the up this decade - how do you feel the club has been run? I think we were at our peak 3 years ago under Warburton and then “Moneyball” came in and we didn’t like it at first but then we got Dean Smith at the end of the season and since then we’ve been improving every game. The Bees had their own "Leicester/Watford" moment against Doncaster in the final game of the 2012-13 season - tell us about your emotions on that day. Our manager was shouting “Let Kevin O’Connor take it” but Marcello Trotta stepped up and hit the bar. I was thinking "keep it in there" but the ball was cleared to the halfway line and then they scored. I was in tears and I was heart broken because we were a kick away from the Championship but if you look now the tables have turned dramatically. One of County's most loved players of recent times, Alan Judge, plays for Brentford. What do you think of him? I think he is one of our best players of the last 10 years or so and I was devastated when he suffered a broken leg but he scored a brace for our B team a couple of weeks ago and is now on the bench which is good. Similarly, you had Martin Allen at the helm and he's viewed fondly by Notts fans. How did he do at Brentford? I didn’t really watch Brentford when he was in charge, I didn’t go to many games when I was younger, but my granddad who goes every game says he was a good manager for us and fit in at Brentford quite well. What is your favourite memory as a Brentford fan? I think my best memory was either when we finished 5th in our first season in the Championship in over 20 years or when we went to Fulham on Good Friday and beat them 4-1 and we scored in the last minute I still remember that day clearly in my mind the atmosphere was electric it was also improved by the fact that they are our rivals Who are your danger men? I think definitely Canos because he can turn nothing into an amazing chance like the other week he picked it up just about the halfway line ran towards the box hit one and hit the bar. I also think our new signing Marcondes is a good player - he hasn’t played yet but he scored 37 in 112 appearances for his old club, and Ryan Woods is a good little midfielder who I don’t think stops running all game he wins the ball back a lot and gets a few assists quite often. Can we get your score and scorer predictions? I’m gonna say a 3-2 or 2-2 game because I think we will play well but it depends on what team we put out because we’re only 6 points away from the playoffs so Smith might play a weak team if he wants to focus on the league, but he might play a strong team if he wants league and cup so I don't really know but I think it’s gonna be close. Share your thoughts about this Opposition View piece 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.

What a transformation 2017 has been for Notts County. Ever since the arrival of Alan Hardy and Kevin Nolan, things have just been an amazing whirlwind. After last season’s terrible drama, both on and off the pitch, I would have been happy enough for just a mediocre campaign for once. However, this being Notts, things are never going to be dull are they? This said now that we have enjoyed what can only be described as a very successful 2017-18 League Two season so far, I really don’t want it to change. The club’s takeover has revived a new lease of life into the Magpies and on the field everything seems to going from strength to strength – it’s really hard to see how anything could actually change. And even the optimism of the fact the club only requires a few key areas to be strengthened in the January transfer window, shows the amazing turn around, as usually we the fans do eye up improvements across the field. It’s the little things which I feel have gone the furthest with Notts, a sensible manager at the helm, a chairman who believes the club can move forward without shortcuts and players so ingrained and in tune with the core heartbeat of the football club. Honestly, I feel there’s a large element to the success of this season coming from the fact the players enjoy performing under the environment created and are thriving thanks to the extra support given by the fans during what seems to be an incredible run. I feel there’s a lot of ambition around the club, which really does add to the solid foundations trying to be created – when Hardy spoke ‘a new era’ last season he really meant it. There’s a noticeable increase within the supporters’ base, something which I noticed quite early and as I have written before home games feel very special when attending – almost like we realise that the club is on the verge of something vastly different to prior campaigns. I would even praise how things have been increased within the club's marketing department, as the income generated within this area will naturally increase what we can spend and what further improvements can be made. Honestly, I hope the fans that haven’t been able to attend games – look at this season and try to get down to Meadow Lane when possible. The additional support is something I consider to be paramount, and during the difficult seasons I really found it difficult when I noticed friends and Notts fans becoming ever more absent. Thankfully I have seen many return and you can’t blame people for not being there, yet I would urge any support – as the club is doing themselves. Hardy’s desire to personally hand sign all of the Christmas cards sent out to season ticket holders was a nice thought. A gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by me or my family, in fact my youngest daughter who has always loved the club from birth actually kept singing ‘I had a wheelbarrow’ and of course saying how much she enjoys being part of this fanbase. It makes a positive difference doesn’t it? So, lets continue delivering the fantastic support build up in 2017 and emerge a much stronger community based football club in 2018 where hopefully we will be able to do something extra special on the field, and put further implementations to continue the club's fantastic start under Nolan and Hardy. You Pies! Share your thoughts about this feature article 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 emerged from the crunch clash with League Two leaders Luton Town with a very creditable point in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road. The Magpies fell behind in the first half against the run of play when Johnny Mullins headed home to put the hosts ahead. However, Shola Ameobi hit back with a header of his own to earn a share of the spoils for County, who had goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons to thank for a crucial point-blank save late on. The result keeps the Hatters top of the table on goal difference, with Notts breathing down their necks on the same amount of points after 21 games played. Here is a comprehensive analysis of the game as written by Pride of Nottingham's Chris. Was the result fair? As predicted both teams fought hard, and ultimately cancelled each other out. It was one of those performances which highlighted our promotion credentials. Whilst nothing has been won yet, this result will be one which firmly features in the memory of our progression during the 2017-18 season. Fair result? Absolutely. How did Notts play? First half Notts played some brilliant football and by all accounts we were unfortunate to have conceded when we did. For an away performance this season, it’s got to be up there as one of the most enjoyable in terms of performance and result for fans. The team performed very well and played against Luton exactly as they should have done. How did Luton Town play? They played well, there’s no denying that, but the way that Notts asserted themselves it was always going to be hard and the fact that both teams cancelled each other out, well it highlights how good both sides were respectively. Luton fans should not be disappointed or disgruntled by the result either. Did our tactics work out? The tactics were spot on throughout the game, and the decisions during the match made it hard for Luton. Notts literally matched them and of course we kept them guessing, whilst protecting our weaknesses. Tactically I would say this was spot on. How did the referee perform? Reasonable performance by the referee, there’s been little complaints and I think this shows just how efficiently he officiated the game. Who do we play next? Grimsby Town – they’re making a solid push for the play-offs and seem to have shaken off their awkward start to the season. This will be another difficult test but one we should be well prepared for at Meadow Lane. How should we play them? It’s important that we approach the game with balance, at the back we will have to steady the flow of the game and up-top it’s vital that we don’t waste any good chances that are created. The battle again will be based on the side which retains the control and has the most influence within midfield, so the game has got to be approached sensibly and well prepared. Grimsby are most likely to try and break quickly against us, with interlacing balls and runs which will get into those awkward positions. Most likely, they’ll attempt to break the game down in three ways. Firstly, by being direct, so it’s important we stand with play and attempt to win the first/second ball. Secondly, by countering us on the break – which will mean we will have to be mindful of how they attack from this situation and have men aware at the back to handle the space they attempt to create. Thirdly, I suspect they will be patient and careful with how they pass. If they revert to making simple passes – i.e neat one-two’s and other methods to get forward. Notts will have to assure any ground that is won is well protected. Controlling the game will be easier if we naturally score within the first half, the second half is always when things to start to click. I would try to get a feel for the game and press in the manner that keeps them on the back foot. We have two home games which will be key to our winter run and of course the potential promotion push, let’s create a fantastic atmosphere and finally have a Christmas worth celebrating. You Pies! Luton Town fan views from the Luton Town Forum Madpig In the end that was a fair result. County matched us all the way. I can see why they're with us. There were few real chances and both defences bosses the game. Where I think they really did their homework was in midfield. We were never given time or space to get things flowing, leaving Hylton and Elliott Lee to make their own chances. E.Lee was a constant menace to them, couldn't be bullied off the ball at all. Halton suffered his usual brutal treatment by their defenders but never let it get to him. In defence we were superb, and Mullins was my Mom, he really has become a fine player. We're top, unbeaten in ages and agonisingly one short of our 50th league goal of the season. Good day in all. ODTT The game had plenty of ebb and flow to it and was enjoyable for it. As suspected beforehand any of the three possible outcomes were possible but a draw about right consequently. I thought our defence was very nervy in the early stages and looked vulnerable. But looked a lot more composed after we had gone ahead somewhat against the run of play. Our midfield didn't shine as much as we have come to expect and seemed well covered. O Lee was particularly anonymous I thought and Berry and Shinnie seemed to play well advanced and never seemed to be any great distance apart. Rea did his defensive duties well but appeared hesitant to carry the ball out from deep with ample space in front of him. The two or three times he did push out with the ball he panicked when releasing. E Lee had a fabulous game, really put in a good shift and never gave the opposing central defenders a moments peace. Surprised in how many headed knock-ons he managed against bigger opponents. Hylton worked hard as well and pulled his markers hither and thither. Not sure what brutal treatment you speak of MP. He gives as good as he gets in a physical area of the game. The 10/15 minute spell of exquisite football we played soon after half-time was magnificent and worth the entrance fee alone. County hardly got a touch and went very ragged. The save their keeper made from Mullins late on was outstanding and got them the point. Share your thoughts about this tactical analysis piece 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.

So here comes the big one... Notts County travel to Luton Town on Saturday as first takes on second in League Two. How should the Magpies approach this game? What are their opponents' strengths and weaknesses? PON's Chris has a look in this weekend's Scouting Report. Head to head Notts County and Luton Town have faced off 70 times in their history. The first meeting came in January 1912 when the Magpies secured a 4-2 away win in the FA Cup. Luton dominate the head-to-head with 35 wins over Notts, 20 draws and 15 defeats. Out of the 11 matches between the two that have taken place since the turn of the century, Notts have won four, drawn four and lost four. Run-down of their last six features Saturday 21st October – Crawley Town 0 Luton Town 0 Saturday 28th October – Luton Town 0 Coventry City 3 Saturday 11th November – Cheltenham Town 2 Luton Town 2 Saturday 18th November – Luton Town 7 Cambridge United 0 Tuesday 21st November – Luton Town 3 Carlisle United 0 Saturday 25th November – Crewe Alexandra 1 Luton Town 2 The Players – Fact Sheet Highest Goal Scorers: Danny Hylton 13, James Collins 9, Dan Potts 6 and Elliot Lee 6. Persistent Foulers: Dan Potts 7 yellow cards, Alan Sheehan 6 yellow cards, Danny Hylton 4 yellow cards and Scott Cuthbert 2 yellow cards and a single red card. The Key Players At the back Dan Potts leads with example, he’s a very capable defender and likes to get forward as much as possible. His ability to strike the ball and contribute to attacking play is equally as effect as his leadership at the back. Meanwhile, in midfield, duo Olly Lee and Jack Stacey are the creative outlets for Luton Town. They enjoy breaking down teams with clever passing, whilst showcasing an array of different types of passing in order to maximise their attacks. Upfront they are blessed with several options on goal, however the prolific Danny Hylton suits their style of play well and likes to cause as much problems for the oppositions defence. Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses Luton Town as can be expected are a well organised team, both at the back and going forward. They like to use the flanks as their main outlet for breaking down teams, using a mix of low and high pass in order to get into key areas. In the air they’re naturally very impressive and deliver inch perfect crosses from a wide range of areas that results in chances being created. They commit players going forward, however the shape they often play means they have cover throughout the field of play. Despite being a very attacking minded team, they don’t pressure sides by maintaining the ball and do like to invite play onto themselves – however this is something that they tend to use to counter. When they’re playing well, Luton are a very difficult team to break down and they are comfortable playing the ball on the ground and defending it within the air. Position-wise they don’t tend to leave much space, and cover areas which other teams often tend to forget about when being so heavily focused on attacking play – however, Luton do tend to allow teams to shoot from distance. When they feel comfortable they do allow teams to pass, and their focus can temporarily be lacking but usually only for brief breaks. When they don’t have a grip of the game, play is more open and teams with pace often find this to be the best method of attacking. Likewise, being patient in possession and moving the ball around nicely is something which they tend to worry less about – which can be a mistake on their part. Notts will have to be fully alert to the dangerous capabilities that Luton Town presents. In the air they’ll have to show no fear, whilst on the ground we really do need to be quick at covering the ball and attempting to win it back. Going forward, Notts will naturally need to make use of set pieces – whilst switching the areas in which they attack would be something that might catch their defence napping. We really will be required to be strong on the ball, whilst creative and smart within our play going forward. There will be little chance for mistakes, so we need to focus on playing them at their own game and forcing them to repeatedly attempt to figure out how best to break us down. I think both teams will cancel each other out, for us it’s just a case of being alert at the back and taking whatever chances we may get on goal. Share your thoughts about this Scouting Report piece 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.