Chris

As I began my journey to watch the opening fixture, I couldn’t help but feel excited. On the back of publishing a video, one in which I am very proud of. I found myself brimming with optimism towards the potential achievements Notts could make within the season ahead. Upon starting my trip to Stevenage, I wondered what the formation would be and of course which defenders would be selected to play. More importantly, I wondered what the current mood and thoughts were of the Notts County camp. I set about my day fairly quietly, as I found my seat on the coach – I looked around, looking through the coach’s window and inside the coach itself. It didn’t feel much like an opening fixture for me, it felt very laid back and quite easy going. The first thing I noticed was the eagerness of the fans to set about their own day, I felt quite proud when I noticed friends passing by with their family and friends, all sporting brand new shirts, for a brand new season. See, I am often optimistic about games, after two difficult seasons and within the third year of running the Pride of Nottingham website, I felt completely at peace with the prospects ahead. I genuinely felt at the time of relegation, that Notts would get things sorted and we would have a promising 2015/16 season. As my coach approached a resting station for all the travelling Black & White army, I setup my camera. I wanted to do the community proud, not just those who visit and take part on the website, but my friends and fans in general. I felt quite nervous heading off into the service station, the first picture I took, I somewhat rushed but it actually turned out okay in my opinion. I walked around a little, then I decided to speak to a couple of fans I didn’t know. They told me about their thoughts, so I asked them what they felt the score would be – in fact everyone I spoke to, I did the exact same thing. I wanted to gauge opinions, as I do enjoy hearing other fans thoughts. After speaking to about 7 other people, I bumped into a friend called Mattie and we discussed Notts to some extent. It was at this stage, I realised nobody had mentioned anything remotely negative and it was all quite promising, as I feel we do deserve a good year after the past two campaigns. I spoke with Andy Black regarding the Italian Magpies. If any of my Italian friends are read this, We are very much looking forward to your return, I think this year you will be treated to some exciting football. Once at the ground, I was talking and taking photos – Again, I must note how fans felt – The only concern I heard came from the possibility we may concede within the first 10 minutes and what the possible defensive line-up would be. It wasn’t long after, I started to notice familiar faces. It was quite overwhelming, as many fans acknowledged the contributions I had made last season and some even praised my recent video. I am delighted that it’s been so well received, as it took a tremendous amount of planning and editing. I could be cheesy at this stage by quoting a Brian Adams song but I won’t. At this stage, I briefly want to mention the atmosphere, it was spot on and amazing. I felt the fans truly gave Notts credit and encouraged what we witnessed, however much of which comes from the players and manager Ricardo Moniz, but I believe it helped. So, into the actual game – I was very impressed even within the opening minutes. Notts looked very keen to attack, yet when Stevenage did come at us, we defended quite comfortably. I believe this allowed our squad to settle and find more time on the ball. When Stevenage looked threatening, it came from one player, Dipo Akinyemi, he looked to be very fast and keen to get onto their chances. The way we moved the ball around, it was a joy to watch. It wasn’t always ‘perfect’ but I was impressed by the level of quality within our passes. Each phase looked very creative, with no lack of ideas and some of the faster movement would have no doubt been appreciated within the Championship – I felt it was that good at times. The only thing I can nit pick with at this stage, was the fact I felt Jon Stead was pretty isolated but boy did he cover his ground well. It did make me feel we need a striker partner for him, potentially a striker who has pace and an eye for goal himself. The pass which lead to our opening goal, came from Jon Stead, it was a very well placed pass and excellently executed. The finish by Curtis Thompson, nothing short of sublime and he must feel delighted with having scored his first senior goal for the club. Stevenage didn’t lack their own chances, at half time I told everyone who spoke to me ‘we need another goal, it will settle it’ and I felt my prediction at 2-1 to us may be the correct score. As the second half got underway, Stevenage had a couple of chances whereby they could have gone level but not from any lack of defending. Thiery Audel did very well on his debut, in fact every player contributed very nicely. It was good to see Liam Noble leading by example, he really has taken the new signings as his chance to forge his space and Stanley Aborah is an absolute joy to watch, yet I must add he needs to keep his hands and arms to himself, whilst of course being careful of his challenges but what an excellent player. I didn’t actually realise our second came within the 88th minute. I only realised this after reading the PON match report, though it’s a shame that Mawouna Amevor received his red card, yet I wouldn’t be disheartened by it. All in all, I can see what Moniz is doing and I believe the latter part of the pre-season allowed him to reach his final decision on tactics. The final score 2-0, Notts clinching an away win and we all went home happy – for me it feels like we have turned a corner.

As we are quickly approaching the new season ahead, Pride of Nottingham is delighted to bring you this opposition view for the upcoming game against Alfreton Town courtesy of Reds fan 'DarkSithLord'. We have taken the time to ask eight questions, so that we can gain an insight to our fourth pre-season friendly and the opposition in general. Please be sure to leave a comment below regarding your own views, share and link. You Pies! Firstly, could you please tell prideofnottingham.co.uk a little about yourself such as how long you've been a Reds fan? I am 21 and I have been following the Reds for around 7 years after my Dad took me one Saturday and I was hooked from there! Can you tell our members and Notts fans in general a little bit about your clubs history and perhaps some of your achievements to date? Alfreton Town was formed in its present guise in 1959 after Alfreton Miners Welfare and Alfreton United merged. Just a year after being formed Alfreton achieved its highest attendance of 5,023 at North Street in 1960 when Matlock visited for a Midland League game. One of Alfreton most successful seasons came in 1969/70 when they took the Midland League by storm winning 32 of their 34 league games. Current Club chairman Wayne Bradley took over in 1996 when the club was at Level 6- The Northern Counties East League Premier and vowed to take the club to the Conference Premier and many didn't take him seriously but in 2010/11 after two failed Conference North play-off campaigns Alfreton were confirmed Conference North champions by a margin of 12 points following a 6-0 humbling of Guiseley FC and were promoted to the Conference Premier against all the odds. Pretty Ironic then that they were team to replace at us at Conference Premier (Now National League) when we were relegated on the last day of last season! How have you seen Alfreton Town grow over the years, both as a football club and also a town? I cant speak from experience but without a doubt Alfreton Town and the surroundings areas are unrecognisable from those humble beginnings in the Midland League. The Ground has been transformed too. It didn't even have any Dressing room for many years. The players had to use facilities just across the road at the Miners Welfare to get ready for matches!! What signings have Alfreton Town made so far? How do you feel this upcoming season will go for you and what are your expectations? IN - Sam Jones (Heanor Town) Todd Jordan (Lincoln) Tom Allan (Gateshead) Cliff Moyo (Free Agent) Sam Berry (Welling) Ryan Wilson (Ilkeston) OUT - Bradley Wood (Lincoln) Callum Howe (Lincoln), Anthony Howell (Cartlon), Messiah McDonald (Bradford Park Avenue) Luke Graham (Brackley) I must admit I was worried about what lay in store for this season but I think Nicky and Russ has done a very credible job following an exodus of players after relegation last term. They have recruited extremely well. Sam Jones from local Midland League side Heanor Town looks quite a player and in addition Alfeton withstood the interest from Lincoln to hold on to the services of star man Dan Bradley. And although of course its still early doors yet I think our performances against Sheff Wednesday and Rotherham have been fantastic and fully confirm our position as second favourites for promotion according to many bookies. My personal expectations were for a solid top 10 finish with a late but unsuccessful push for a play-off spot but Id say on current evidence I would be disappointed to miss out on the play-offs. How is your pre-season going so far, what was your reaction to the announcement of the planned friendlies and which of them stood out for you? Well I am sure your readers will be glad to hear that our friendly really stood out for me as I have a soft spot for the club as my Grandad was a supporter and for the sheer history and tradition that surround the club. It was gut wrenching when just a few hours after our relegation was confirmed I heard a similar fate had befallen Notts. Pre season couldn't really have gone any for us so far. We followed up 4-1 success away at Buxton with a credible 1-1 draw at home to Sheff Wed and an excellent 3-2 triumph over a very strong Rotherham squad on Tuesday evening. The news signings have began to gel extremely quickly and showed more passion and desire in the first half v Sheff Wed than for the whole of last season. Makes you wonder what could have been! Can we have your score and scorer predictions? Alfreton Town 2 (Joe Ironside and Sam Jones) Notts County 2 (John Stead and De Silva) Who are the players which Notts should be wary of and what formation do you see Alfreton selecting on Saturday? Dan Bradley. A pace winger and competitive midfielder with a good box of tricks who has a good turn of pace and is not shy to take someone on. Should be at least National League level and even League 2. John Johnstone Signed from Crewe on a 18 month deal last summer he has become a firm fans favourite. Another winger with good skills and a mean shot. Caused Rotherham problems all night on Tuesday Have you been following any of the Notts news? What do you think the squad we are assembling and what do you think of our chances of regaining promotion back to League One? From what I heard at the back end of last season Moniz got you playing some good football and had you appointed him just a few weeks earlier the outcome may have been different. But all in your signings have impressed me. I think John Stead is a excellent acquisition. Id say you look good for a play-off position but need more fire-power up front to push for an automatic spot. I have to say League 2 looks the strongest its been for a while so you will face tough opposition but I think you will bounce back at the first attempt. Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Reds fan DarkSithLord for taking the time to answer our questions, we wish Alfreton Town all the very best for a successful 2015/16 season campaign.