Chris

Julie Henshaw's love for Notts County runs deep. Her parents met through supporting the team, with her mother starting to attend games in 1946 and her father joining her after finishing his National Service in 1947. They travelled to away games on what was known as Bill Reynolds' number one bus. "My mum and dad met through supporting Notts," Julie recalls. "Mum started going in 1946, just before they signed Tommy Lawton. Dad was finishing his National Service so didn't start going until 1947. They travelled to away games on what was known as Bill Reynolds' number one bus." Julie's first memory of Notts County was when her father took her brother to Meadow Lane one Easter Saturday. That night, her brother ran around the front room with a rolled-up paper bag, shouting the names of players like Masson, Barker, and Bradd. "I first remember my dad taking my brother to Meadow Lane one Easter Saturday," Julie says. "My brother would be about 5 or 6, maybe. That night after the game, my bro was running around the front room all night with a rolled-up paper bag, Mason, Barker, Bradd just like commentators on TV." On Easter Monday, the whole family went to Meadow Lane to see the team play against Bradford Park Avenue. Notts County won 5-2, and Julie has been a fan ever since. "We beat Bradford Park Avenue 5-2," Julie remembers. "And just never looked back." Some of Julie's most memorable moments as a Notts County fan include attending Wembley games against teams like Tranmere and Brighton, watching Charlie Palmer score the winning goal against their rivals, and celebrating when the team won the league in 2009/10. She also remembers the uncertainty when it was unclear if Ray Trew would put the team into administration, and the relief when he didn't. "All the Wembley games against Tranmere Brighton etc," Julie lists as some of her most memorable moments. "The game v our illustrious neighbours and Charlie Palmer scoring the winning goal. The horrible time when we didn't know if Ray Trew would put us in admin. He didn't, as we all know now. Winning the league in 2009/10." Julie shows her support for Notts County by contributing to the team's Facebook and Twitter pages on match days and cheering for the players as they come out of the tunnel. She also had a huge flag made to take to Wembley when the team played against Harrogate during lockdown. "I always contribute on Notts Facebook and Twitter pages on match days," Julie says. "Give the lads a cheer and a clap as they come from the tunnel. We had a huge flag made to go to Wembley against Harrogate in lockdown." One of Julie's rituals as a Notts County fan is having a cooked breakfast on Saturdays, just bacon and egg. And if she wears something and the team wins, she'll wear the same outfit again. "One of my rituals is a cooked breakfast on Saturday," Julie shares. "Just bacon and egg. And if I've worn something, and we've won, I'll wear the same thing again." Being a part of the Pride of Nottingham community has enriched Julie's experience as a Notts County fan by allowing her to connect with other supporters and participate in activities such as the prediction league. "Well it's nice to be in touch with other Notts fans sometimes," Julie says about being part of the Pride of Nottingham community. "And sometimes getting to know those fans. I really enjoy prediction league too." She believes that what sets Notts County apart from other football clubs is that it is the best club for families. "Notts is the best club for families," Julie states simply. Julie's love for Notts County has been passed down through generations, with her 11-year-old Derby-supporting grandson Harvey attending a trip to Wembley with her and her 91-year-old mother. Harvey even had tears in his eyes when Cedwyn scored the winning penalty. "Our trip to Wembley this year," Julie recalls fondly. "Also attended by my 11-year-old Derby supporting grandson Harvey. And my 91-year-old mum. She's in her 77th year supporting Notts on Nov 3rd. Harvey had tears on his face when Cedwyn scored the winning penalty." For Julie Henshaw, supporting Notts County is more than just a hobby – it's a family tradition that brings joy and excitement to her life. And she wouldn't have it any other way. "I just love it," she says simply. The Pride of Nottingham is a labour of love with costs. If you can, please consider donating. All support is appreciated. Check out the Pride of Nottingham Match Discussion for the weekend’s away game against Doncaster Rovers. Join in with like-minded fans and share your views on the game both pre- and post-match.

League Two is starting to take shape, with teams eager to maintain a level of consistency. Right now, anyone can beat anyone and Tuesday night should make for an interesting encounter throughout the games scheduled to take place. The prize for Notts County is not just the ability to take home 3 points but to assure the County faithful that their opening game was just a small blip. This game is likely to be decided by whoever scores first, and I feel that Morecambe will have to be tidy at the back in order to prevent Notts County from scoring. A lively striker who can gain support will be required if the Magpies are to win this game. Fixtures Tuesday 15th August 2023 Doncaster Rovers vs Mansfield Town Accrington Stanley vs Barrow Crawley Town vs MK Dons Grimsby Town vs Salford City Forest Green Rovers vs Swindon Town Colchester United vs AFC Wimbledon Crewe Alexandra vs Newport County Tranmere Rovers vs Harrogate Town Sutton United vs Gillingham Stockport County vs Bradford City Wrexham vs Walsall Prediction Morecambe demonstrates an impressive level of intensity, although they encounter difficulties when facing opponents with greater speed. In their game against Mansfield, they found control after using the flanks to their advantage. The Shrimps showed great commitment in their defensive efforts, but encountered difficulties when it came to dealing with set pieces and direct runs into their own half. Notts County, on the other hand, put pressure on themselves when being forced to play the ball back. If they can be direct, using the centre of the pitch and flanks creatively, Notts County may be able to create chances that Morecambe may struggle with. I think a draw is highly likely. 1-1 would be my prediction for the game. Match Odds Morecambe to win 3/1 – Draw 14/5 – Notts County to win 3/4 Head to Head Morecambe – Morecambe currently have 3 points after winning their opening game against Walsall, yet lost to Mansfield. They currently sit 14th and are in a similar situation to Notts County but remain ahead as of now due to goal difference. Notts County – A win could help Notts County relax as they could shoot up the league depending on the results. Luke Williams' side will be mindful of their opening defeat against Sutton United away from home in their opening game but this would give the Magpies' the chance to correct this. Key Man Morecambe; Michael Mellon – He will be vital within their procession and attacking play, I feel he will offer the most outlet for Morecambe and Notts County must keep him quiet throughout the game. Notts County; David McGoldrick – I genuinely believe he will be the difference in this game, with his experience. We need someone who can mix play, by both defending and offering assistance with advanced play. For me, an eager David McGoldrick is exactly what we need. League Table Bradford City have the chance to really kick-start their season, provided that they can beat Stockport County who have struggled so far. The Accrington Stanley game against Barrow will be an interesting outcome, as both teams will want to win. With the home team sitting 8th currently, and Barrow 2nd in the league. Crawley Town have the chance to upset league leaders MK Dons, who are tipped for automatic promotion this season. It will be a difficult game for Crawley, as MK Dons have a very attacking-minded team. Gillingham has the opportunity to do Notts County a favour if they can beat Sutton United. 3rd place vs 7th place, a mutual may prefer a draw but a win for Gillingham in my eyes would be the preferred outcome. Salford City travel to Grimsby, which may see the Mariners' move away from the bottom half of the table. It's very early days, with everyone fighting to get those vital 3 points. Check out the Pride of Nottingham match preview if you enjoyed reading this additional insight into tonight’s Morecambe game. Join us in our Match Discussion inside the Pride of Nottingham forum; share your thoughts and opinions on the game before and after.

Notts County will be heading to Mazuma Stadium for their midweek trip to face Morecambe on Tuesday evening. The Magpies are coming off a confidence-boosting performance and result against Grimsby Town, where they collected their first points back in the English Football League with a win in their first league home game of the campaign. On the other hand, Morecambe suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Mansfield Town at the One Call Stadium. Notts County find themselves back in the fourth tier of English football’s pyramid for the first time since their first-ever relegation to non-league in 2019. Last campaign, the Magpies went toe-to-toe with Wrexham, ultimately losing out on automatic promotion by four points. However, their celebrations wouldn’t be delayed for much longer. A day out at Wembley ended in promotion after an eventful encounter against Chesterfield. The game ended 2-2 after extra time before Luke Williams’ side triumphed 4-3 on penalties. In pre-season, County won four friendlies, against Nuneaton Borough, AFC Telford United, Boston United and Alfreton Town, drew against Shrewsbury Town and lost against Stoke City and Nottingham Forest. Williams has been in charge at Meadow Lane since June 2022 and has taken charge of 51 matches in total, winning 35, drawing 11 and losing just five. Key players to watch out for from Notts County include summer arrival David McGoldrick who returned to Notts County having previously represented the club in 2003/04 and 2005/06. Since then, the 35-year-old has racked up a total of 559 appearances to date, including 63 (and 10 goals) in the Premier League for Sheffield United. A proven goalscorer at any level he’s played, the former Derby County man has netted over 150 times so far in his career. Forward Macaulay Langstaff enjoyed a monumentally successful campaign last time out, scoring 42 league goals and picking up a number of accolades including National League Player of the Season, Fans’ and Players’ Player of the Season and records set for most goals in a Notts County season, most goals in a National League season and most Player of the Month awards in a National League season. At just 31-years-old, John Bostock has accumulated a wealth of experience throughout his career to-date. As well as plying his trade in Belgium, the USA, France and Turkey, the midfielder represented England at U16, U17 and U19 level, playing alongside Jack Wilshere, Andros Townsend and Jonjo Shelvey. On Morecambe's side, some key players to watch out for include Stuart Moore who has played all three games so far this season as goalkeeper. Donald Love is another player to watch out for as he has played all three games so far this season as defender. In midfield Tom Bloxham has played all three games so far this season. Up front Michael Mellon has played all three games so far this season as striker. Ahead of the game, Derek Adams spoke of his awareness of County's flexible approach to different games. It should be an exciting match! We encourage readers to get involved with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion, both pre- and post-match. We would love to know your thoughts! Be sure to check out the Pride of Nottingham dashboard for all the latest content and an easy-to-view glance at the whole site.