Chris

I thought the game was very pleasing. Notts started very brightly and passed the ball around well. Very early on, Notts pressed and made chances which showed signs that we would score, hitting the post and Macaulay Langstaff getting close were two very close moments. David McGoldrick's strike for his opening goal was superb. The way he picked his place and controlled the ball, it shows he's a threat within those positions. I believed he worked relentlessly to propel us forward. While it was pleasing to witness Notts playing the ball with more forward and sideways passes, I think the occasions we played it back instilled confidence throughout the entire squad. When we can move the ball around promptly, it makes the opposition chase the game and that leads to things opening up. Although none of the occurrences were detrimental or hindered our progress, I believe that Notts sometimes resorts to playing those backward passes simply because it is the most convenient option available. The way we moved and made Tranmere look extremely average, they didn't really cause much trouble and their defence didn't look like it could hold. Very poor in that regard, but they were quick on the break and at times looked very lively. I am sure their performances will pick up, thankfully for us Notts dominated from start to finish. The second half really became routine, with the game being in our hands, and really we should have pushed for a 3rd goal. So many good chances, it's difficult to say that I feel we should have made sure a third went in when the level of creativity made it very much possible, but we just lacked that luck to make it anything more. I am not bothered about their goal, it was a very good finish and again, I feel Aidan Stone deserved a clean sheet.

I can see the game unfolding with Notts taking the lead, only for Tranmere Rovers to equalise. However, in the second half I can see two more goals being scored for us. My prediction is: 3-1. Macaualay Langstaff, Sam Austin, and David McGoldrick are all expected to find the back of the net. Connor Jennings will secure the sole goal for them. ????????

Kristian Dennis and Kane Hemmings return to Meadow Lane. I don't know if both of them are available, but we most certainly know they are a threat. When we had the pair, neither really played together and that always seemed like a wasted opportunity to me. For some reason, Hemmings wouldn't always be played as striker, which was even more baffling. Dennis went in and out of favour at the club, quicker than Harry Kewell's departure. Yet, I always felt they had potential as a pairing. Tranmere Rovers can't be underestimated, but I feel happier knowing that we are at Meadow Lane. Yet there's that potential threat that they may play us in such a way, where they want to start their season and change how it has begun. They started off very much identical to us, but we have picked up, and their time isn't going to be far away. So, I would like to see us play the ball out calmly from the back. Notts needs to be defensive minded that they have players who can force mistakes, so we shouldn't make it easier for them by making poor decisions when we pass. Our strengths have to be used and that for me is the quality we have in midfield. If we can pass the ball around productively, taking any sting out of Tranmere's play. I think we should be fine to create chances which could lead to goals, as I say being at Meadow Lane for me is a positive. I would feel a lot more nervous if this were an away game, thankfully for us and Luke Williams we are at Meadow Lane. Our support could be vital in making this a three pointer.

There's been some very good articles put out, old features have returned, and it's a case of adjusting to fit others in. I don't know how many members actively read them, well, aside from the comments and interactions. There are some regular faces I don't remember seeing at all in the area, which is something I would like to actively encourage. I get that it's not for everyone, but it's one way for improvements to come. Thank you to everyone who does comment, as it's one way lurkers are won over. It's an excellent recruitment area with the call to action and, I am trying my best to write them every time I do upload a new publication. Some are the same plug, but I will always try to word them differently.