Chris

Saturday the 5th of April, Notts will be making a trip to Griffin Park to take on Brentford FC. They currently sit 2nd, a total of 40 points divides both teams, which is the exact amount of points we currently have (40pts). Notts are currently 19th and require a good result and some luck to avoid falling back into the relegation zone. Notts come into the game having beaten Colchester 2-0. Brentford drawn 0-0 in their last game against Oldham. The Match Officials for Saturdays game against Brentford FC will be referee Charles Breakspear, with his two assistants Ian Cooper and Ian Fissenden. The fourth official will be John Busby. Match Officials Referee; Charles Breakspear has taken control of nineteen games, he's been the referee in two F.A Cup ties and one JPT clash. During these games he's issued a total of 91 yellow cards, whilst he's sent off a total of eight players. He's featured seven times in League One, ten times in League Two and twice in the Championship. Interesting Fact – Charles Breakspear is the referee from our home game against Bristol City, the game which Gary Liddle was injured. The game finished 1-1, thanks to Alan Sheehan's 89th minute leveler. He booked a total of 8 players, 3 Notts (Leacock, Boucaud, Jamal Campbell-Ryce) and 5 Bristol City players. Assistant Referees; Ian Cooper has been the 1st assistant seventeen times so far this season. He's been the 2nd assistant four times and the fourth official seven times. The majority of league games come from League One, whilst he's featured 10 times in the Championship and seven times in League Two. Ian Fissenden has featured as the 2nd assistant six times, he has been the 1st assistant nine times and he currently has featured as the fourth official four times within the 2013/2014 season. Four of these games have taken place in the Championship, a further four more within League One. Again four within League Two, the rest are from cup appearances. Interesting Fact – Ian Cooper originally started out in the Sunday League as a player, he told sabotagetimes “I played in a few Sunday League teams with my mates and wasn’t as good as them,” says Ian Cooper, a 26-year-old car bodywork repairer from Kent. “So I thought if I can’t make it at the top level as a player maybe I can do it as a referee.”. (please note the source is trying to be amusing here). Fourth Official; John Busby has featured five times as the fourth official so far this season. He's featured eleven times as the 1st assistant and a total of three times as the 2nd assistant. He's featured five times within the Championship, ten times within League One and four times within League Two. Interesting Fact – John Busby was an English-born surveyor and civil engineer, active in Australia. Oh wait, Oppps... I have the wrong John here! Sadly I couldn't anything worthy of mentioning regarding John Busby, however I did manage to locate this interesting snippet of news. "It was a great day for County who comprehensively outplayed the league leaders to earn a richly deserved success on a Spytty surface that fully justified the work of the ground staff and the judgement of match referee John Busby who declared it fit." This is from Newport County dated 11th of April 2010, let's hope our County can replicate this. Do you have an opinion on the game? - Match Thread Also, please do leave us a comment below if you have time.

Pride of Nottingham introduces 'On The Table', a new weekly feature which will focus on how the League One table has changed, which teams have made the most movement and their results. The top half of the third tier, from the 1st place to 6th, hasn't seen any changes. However, Leyton Orient, Rotherham United and Preston North End have all moved closer to each other. Wolves currently lead the division by 6 points, whilst Orient are 4 points behind Brentford. Let's see how the League One table compares now! MK Dons have fallen from 7th to 9th after losing at home 0-1 to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Swindon Town have moved up from 8th to 7th, they beat Sheffield United 2-1. Walsall FC who came in at 9th before yesterdays narrow 1-0 win over Shrewsbury Town. This was their second back to back win since having beaten us 5-1 at Meadow Lane. Sheffield United remain 10th after losing to Walsall. Port Vale also remain at 11th, they drew 1-1 to Stevenage FC. Gillingham have fallen from 12th to 14th due to not playing. Bristol City have moved from 13th to 15th, they lost 2-1 to Rotherham United. Crawley Town have fallen from 14th to 16th, they lost narrowly by 1 goal to Preston North End. Bradford City have moved up from 15th to 12th after beating 3rd place Leyton Orient, the final score ending with 1-0 away win for the Bantams. Colchester United have fallen from 16th to 18th, they're now only 3 points off safety and are back in danger after being beaten by us at Meadow Lane. Oldham Athletic remain at 17th, they drew to Brentford 0-0 which is exactly the outcome Pride of Nottingham is hoping for (or better) this upcoming Saturday, as we take them on away from home. Coventry City have moved up from 18th to 13th, the Sky Blues enjoyed a 2-1 win over Crewe Alexandra – who fell from 19th to 22nd as a result of the Sky Blues win. Tranmere Rovers remain 20th after drawing to Carlisle 0-0. Carlisle United also remain in the same position - 21st after they didn't manage to score against Tranmere Rovers. Shrewsbury Town have fallen from 22nd to 23rd, they suffered that narrow 1-0 defeat to Walsall FC. NOTTS COUNTY who's unlikeliest of results, 3 wins, back to back – have seen our club move from 23rd to 19th. A much healthier position, however before we all get excited. Please remember we take on Brentford! However, if Oldham can draw to them, why can't we? Notts enjoyed a 2-0 win at Meadow Lane over fellow struggler’s Colchester United. Stevenage FC remain bottom, they haven't managed to move but they have a game in hand. The 'Race for Survival' clearly isn't finished, as many teams continue to battle for their safety. Whilst others are trying to fight their way into the automatic positions and play-off zone. Pride of Nottingham is just glad to see us reunite, our next six features are bigger than ever. League One Table - The Race for Survival

In our next three games, Notts will be playing Colchester United at home. They will then be travelling to play Brentford away from home, upon the return the following game is again at Meadow Lane, this time it will be against Port Vale. This will leave us with the final run down of fixtures, only four remaining for the fight of survival. These three fixtures will be what makes the grades for Notts, without good results here then the previous two wins will be for almost nothing. The interesting factors are the two home games, both teams are in poor form and are sides we could get results over. The partnership of Murray and Spencer, especially any goals from Ronan Murray will be vital to our great escape. Pride of Nottingham's last edition mentioned how I saw our side potentially pick up between 4 and 9 points. Notts managed to pick up 7, we also mentioned how 'great escapes don't always go to plan'. Something which upon reflection seems to be very true, as we have once again placed ourselves back within a good chance of surviving. A lot will go down on these next three games, it is now do or die time. Colchester play with a similar system to us, they're a side which can create chances but often fail to make them count. Although they're struggling now, they did start the season off fairly well. Jabo Ibehre is their highest goal scorer with 8 goals so far this season, Freddie Sears is not far behind with 7, whilst Marcus Bean is their 3rd highest goal scorer with just 4 goals. Craig Eastmond is their most persistent booked player, he currently stands on 9 yellow cards. Brian Wilson and Marcus Bean share 8 each. Three players share a single red card, these being Sanchez Watt, Magnus Okuongae and Daniel Pappoe. In their last four games, they've picked up a total of 4 points. They narrowly lost by one goal to Crawley Town, against Shrewsbury they managed to win 1-0, a 2-2 draw is all they could muster against Bristol City and they lost 4-2 last Saturday to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Brentford are a very capable League One team, they possess a lot of fire power and on their day they can play some very crisp football. Clayton Donaldson is their highest goal scorer with 17, Marcello Trotta is their second highest goal scorer with 13 goals to his name. Harlee Dean and George Saville share 8 yellow cards each, whilst Tony Craig and keeper David Button are they only two bee's players to be sent off. In their last four games, they've picked up a total of 9 points. Their form is very impressive, as to be expected with a side competing for an automatic place. They beat Tranmere Rovers 2-0, overcame the Orient by winning them by 1 goal, they cruised past Coventry City 3 goals to 1 and stumbled to our friends Rotherham United (great result for you BradtheMiller). Port Vale are surprising me this season, however they're now without former County marksman Lee Hughes. This is great for me, as I wouldn't want to see him score against us! They're a good side on the day, however they often come very in-complacent. Tom Pope is their highest goal scorer with 15 goals, Jennison Myrie-Williams is their second highest marksman with 9 goals. Carl Dickinson is their most persistent fouler with 13 yellow cards to his name, whilst Chris Lines is on 9. Chris Lines is also the only Vale player to be sent off once. In their last four games, they've picked up a total of 4 points. They lost 2-0 to Leyton Orient, drew 2-2 to Coventry City, beat Tranmere Rovers 3-2 but received a whipping of their own last Saturday against Bristol City who score 5 goals against them. I see Notts picking up 4 points, with our current form we might be able to get 6 to 7 points. Stranger things have happened, prior we was sunk and renewed hope keeps our battle going! Could we beat Brentford? My key game is against Port Vale – this game will help us see if we can or can't survive the drop, however knowing Notts it will leave us setup like a tv cliff hanger. Colchester United are clearly beatable, Brentford will be a tough test but we could get something. Port Vale at home, without Lee Hughes will certainly be more promising and they're a side we could get something from. A win would be fantastic, which should be our aim. COYP!!

Saturday the 29th of March, Notts return to action at Meadow Lane against Colchester United. They currently sit 17th, four points off the relegation zone and six points above Notts County. However, we have already beaten Colchester United earlier away from home this season. Notts come into the game having beaten Crewe 3-1. Colchester lost 4-2 in their last game against Wolves. The Match Officials for Saturdays game against Colchester United will be referee Lee Collins, with his two assistants David Avent and Mark Russell. The fourth official will be Neil Hair. Match Officials Referee; Lee Collins has taken control of twenty-one games, he's been the referee in two F.A Cup ties and one JPT clash. During these games he's issued a total of 57 yellow cards, whilst he's only sent off a total of three players. He's featured eleven times in League One, nine times in League Two and once in the Championship. Interesting Fact – Unlike Uncle Colin's claims last Tuesday regarding our last match official, this is spot on. Lee Collins sent off Danny Haynes in our away game against Coventry City. He issued 4 yellows and a single red card, however I personally feel the scissor kick on Greg Tempest not long after deserved the colour red. Assistant Referees; David Avent has been the 1st assistant five times so far this season. He's been the 2nd assistant once and the fourth official three times. The majority of league games come from the Championship, whilst he's featured five times combined in League One and Two. Mark Russell has featured as the 2nd assistant six times so far, he has been the 1st assistant three times and he currently hasn't featured as the fourth official so far within the 2013/2014 season. Four of these games have taken place in the Championship, a further four more within League One. None have taken place in League Two, however Mark Russell has made an F.A Cup appearance. Interesting Fact – This one is for Super Ram, both assistants have featured in both home and away ties for Derby County against QPR. On the 10/02/14 David Avent was the 1st assistant in Derby's 1-0 home win over QPR. However Mark Russell featured as the 2nd official on the 02/11/13 in QPR's 2-1 over Derby County. Fourth Official; Neil Hair hasn't yet featured as the fourth official so far this season. He's featured once within the Championship, three times in League One and twice in League Two. Neil Hair has been the referee in four conference games, all of which have been high scoring games - 1-4, 3-2, 5-3 and 3-3. Interesting Fact – Neil Hair has recently stepped up within the 2013/2014 season, after officiating numerous U21's matches within the highest division at U21's level. In the 3 games Neil's officiated at the U21 level, within this season. He hasn't booked or sent off a single player! Do you have an opinion on the game? - Match Thread Also, please do leave us a comment below if you have time.

Tuesday the 25th of March, Notts will make their way to Gresty Road to play Crewe Alexandra. They currently sit 19th, one above Tranmere and two above Carlisle. They're two points off the Carlisle and only 1 between Tranmere. However, we beat Crewe Alexandra 4-0 at home earlier in the season. Notts come into the game having beaten Carlisle United 4-1. Crewe enjoyed a 3-1 victory over Gillingham. The Match Officials for Tuesdays game against Tranmere Rovers will be referee Sebastian Stockbridge, with his two assistants Amy Fearn and Ken Haycock. The fourth official will be Alan Clayton. Match Officials Referee; Sebastian Stockbridge has taken control of eighteen games, he's been the referee in two F.A Cup ties and one JPT clash. During these games he's issued a total of 72 yellow cards, whilst he's sent off a total of six players. He's featured eight times in League One, nine times in League Two and once in the Championship. Interesting Fact – Sebastian Stockbridge was the match official in our home game against Tranmere Rovers which ended 2-0 to us. He issued 4 yellow cards in that game, two a piece to each team. Leacock and Labadie were the players of ours to be cautioned. Assistant Referees; Amy Fearn has been the 1st assistant once so far this season. She's been the 2nd assistant twice and the fourth official once. The majority of league games come from League One, whilst she's featured five times in the conference division(s) as a referee. Ken Haycock has featured as the 2nd assistant once so far, he has been the 1st assistant six times and the fourth official twice. Six of these games have taken place in League Two, whilst he's only featured so far once in League One. Two games however fall within the Championship, one as the 1st assistant and the other as the fourth official. Interesting Fact – In November 2006, Amy officiated games under her maiden name which was Raynor. After a Non League game, Mike Newell made controversial comments about Rayner by saying "It is bad enough with the incapable referees and linesmen we have but if you start bringing in women, you have big problems". Mike Newell was fined £6,500 and warned by Luton Town. On a more positive note, Amy became the first female referee within the Football League back in 2010. Fourth Official; Alan Clayton has been the fourth official three times so far this season. He's featured four times within the Championship, three times in League One and twice in League Two. Alan Clayton has featured equally within three match official roles - 1st official 3 times, 2nd official 3 times and the fourth official 3 times. Interesting Fact – Alan Clayton has officiated four games which have ended in being a draw, two games ending with home wins and three games with an away win. Hopefully after the 25th, it will be four away wins. Do you have an opinion on the game? - Match Thread Also, please do leave us a comment below if you have time.

Saturday the 22nd of March, Notts will be defending all the points at Meadow Lane, as we welcome Carlisle United. They currently sit 20th, one position above the relegation zone. However, they're seven points above us and one above Stevenage who sit on the 21st position. This game will literally be do or die. Notts come into the game having lost to Tranmere Rovers 3-2. The Match Officials for Saturdays game against Carlisle United will be referee Graham Scott, with his two assistants Joe Clark and Richard Wigglesworth. The fourth official will be Nigel Smith. Match Officials Referee; Graham Scott has taken control of twenty-two games, he's been the referee in two F.A Cup ties, one Capital One Cup game and one JPT clash. During these games he's issued a total of 87 yellow cards, whilst he's sent off a total of ten players. He's featured seven times in League One, three times in League Two and twelve times in the Championship. Interesting Fact – Here's something different. In the seven games Graham Scott has officiated in League One, the only home team to win is Wolverhampton Wanderers. They beat our friends Tranmere Rovers 2-0. Whilst 4 games have all ended up as 0-1 wins for the away team, the two other games resulted in 1-1 draws. Hopefully we can break this pattern! Assistant Referees; Joe Clark has been the 1st assistant seven times so far this season. He hasn't featured as the 2nd assistant in the football league and he's been the fourth official three times. The majority of games equally come from League One and Two at 5 a piece, whilst he hasn't featured at all within the Championship. Richard Wigglesworth has featured as the 2nd assistant four times, he's been the referee five times within the conference and the fourth official once in League Two. The majority of games have been as the match official within the Conference, whilst two each come from League One and Two. Interesting Fact – This is not the English rugby union star or a children's entertainer (which with the last name you'd expect as a fictional character to please children). Who infamously sent off Marcus Maddison, in a game Lee Hughes scored from the penalty spot. Fourth Official; Nigel Smith has been the fourth official three times so far this season. He's featured five times within the Championship, three times in League One and twice in League Two. Nigel Smith has featured more times as a 2nd assistant than any other match official role. Interesting Fact – He featured as the fourth official in our 1-1 draw against Bristol City, so some blame for the unpunished challenges on two of our players – more importantly the crucial injury to Gary Liddle falls on Nigel Smith's shoulders as he should have seen it! Do you have an opinion on the game? - Match Thread Also, please do leave us a comment below if you have time.

Saturday the 15th of March, Notts will make their way to Prenton Park to play Tranmere Rovers. They currently sit 21st, one position inside of the relegation zone. However, they share the same amount of points as Stevenage FC. This encounter will perhaps be a typical relegation class, with Notts desperately needing the points. Notts come into the game having drawn to Leyton Orient, however they lost 3-1 to MK Dons. The Match Officials for Saturdays game against Tranmere Rovers will be referee Keith Stroud, with his two assistants Paul Graham and Scott Oldham. The fourth official will be Nicholas Gibbons. Match Officials Referee; Keith Stroud has taken control of twenty-three games, he's been the referee in three F.A Cup ties, three Capital One Cup games and one JPT clash. During these games he's issued a total of 135 yellow cards, whilst he's sent off a total of seven players. He's featured six times in League One, five times in League Two and twelve times in the Championship. Interesting Fact – Keith Stroud is the man who officiated our opening game against Sheffield United, it finished 2-1 and Gary Liddle saw straight red. This was all shown live on sky, whilst 17,944 fans packed into Bramall Lane. Assistant Referees; Paul Graham has been the 1st assistant ten times so far this season. He's been the 2nd assistant eight times and the fourth official fourteen times. The majority of games come from the Championship, whilst he has featured thirteen times in League One and eleven times in League Two. Scott Oldham hasn't featured as the 2nd assistant so far, he has however featured as the fourth official three times. These games are a mix of games throughout the English leagues and he has featured as a lower league referee in a number of games. Interesting Fact – Paul Graham's featured in quite a few high profile Midland games – Notably (especially for Super Ram) is Derby's 5-1 victory of Blackpool. He was also the fourth official at our away game against Shrewsbury Town that ended 1-0 in the favour of the Shrews. Fourth Official; Nicholas Gibbons has been the fourth official four times so far this season. He's featured twice within the Championship, six times in League One and twice in League Two. Nicholas Gibbons has featured more times as a 1st assistant than as a fourth official but the majority does fall within League One. Interesting Fact – He featured as the 1st assistant in my very first away game, which was our 2-1 defeat away from home (under Keith Curle) against Hartlepool United. This was on the 02/02/2013, a game I apologise for bringing up. Do you have an opinion on the game? - Match Thread Also, please do leave us a comment below if you have time.