Chris

Pride of Nottingham reflections on our upcoming games against Crawley Town, Bradford City, Sheffield United, Peterborough United and Stevenage FC. Notts County’s Boxing Day defeat against Port Vale saw the Magpies’ three-game unbeaten run come to an abrupt end. As 2013 comes to a close, they need to prepare themselves wisely for some pretty big encounters to follow if they are to drag themselves out of the bottom four. After these five games, two of which see Notts face two promotion contenders, things don’t get any easier - Walsall, Preston, Coventry and Wolves. It's now we should prepare for the great escape and try to gain advantages over the lesser teams in League One. Crawley Town have the ability to get back into games where they've gone behind; they are a fairly average side, but could potentially threaten. Their season started quite brightly, even though a recent dip in form has seen them fall to 13th place. Billy Clarke is their highest goal scorer with 7 strikes to his name. They’ve had three players yellow carded four times, but nobody in the squad has been red carded more than once. In their last four games, they've picked up 4 points. The game against Preston saw them scoring twice to come back from losing positions – 2-2 was the final score. Their game against Bristol Rover (F.A Cup 2nd Round) was postponed due to weather. They then beat current league leaders Leyton Orient 3-2 away from home and lost 2-0 against the MK Dons on Boxing Day. Bradford City, a team that Notts took the lead against back in late November, is a side with some very young talented footballers. They also started their season quite brightly, although they have now in mid-table; their form of late has seen them slip since occupying the promotion places back in October. Nahki Wells is their highest goal scorer with 15 to his name, a great start to the season for the 23-year-old. They also contain threats from James Hanson and Kyel Reid who have scored 10 goals between them. Impressively, they haven't picked up any red cards, although Rory McArdle has picked up 5 yellows. In their last four games they've drawn twice; 1-1 against Oldham Athletic and 1-1 against league leaders Leyton Orient. They narrowly lost against Peterborough 2-1 and to Rotherham United 1-0 on Boxing Day. Sheffield United, a side nobody needs reminding about, has seen a disappointing 2013/2014 campaign. They’ve spent the season so far flirting with relegation, but continue to show signs that manager Nigel Clough can turn things around. The former Derby boss seems to have introduced a bit of determination to the squad after a disappointing defeat against Gillingham FC. Their highest goal scorer, Harry Maguire, has a meagre five goals to his name this season, followed closely by Jose Baxter on four. Maguire also joins us with a joint six yellow cards, along with teammate Tony McMahon. Meanwhile, former Notts striker Fabien Brandy is their only player to be sent off. In their last four games, Sheffield United have picked up five points. They beat Cambridge United 2-0 in the F.A Cup 2nd round, followed by winning Swindon Town 1-0 and then drawing in a goalless game against Stevenage FC. In their last game they drew 1-1 with Oldham Athletic after an early second half equaliser. Peterborough United, who a fan deemed 'one of the best teams in Europe' earlier in the season with us, modestly contains many key players who could be playing Championship football. They haven't fallen outside of the play-offs all season and have been league leaders a number of times, until a string of four defeats in a row – a reminder it happens to the best of us. Britt Assombalonga has scored a sensational 17 goals so far, and is Peterborough's highest goal scorer by far - Lee Tomlin, the second-highest, is on seven. Assombalonga, Michael Bostwick and Danny Swanson all have five yellow cards each, while three have each been sent off once. In their past four games, Peterborough have picked up a total of 4 points. They beat League Two Newport County in the Johnston’s Paint Trophy Southern Semi Final 3-0. They then drew 2-2 against struggling Gillingham FC, with a late 97th minute goal coming from Assombalonga. They then beat Bradford City 2-1 and lost against Coventry City having taken the lead twice, 4-2 the final score. Stevenage FC are a side whose misfortunes have seen them move clear of the relegation drop after beating Crawley, only to free fall back into the relegation zone. They are a below-average League One team with some very capable players, one of which Notts fans may remember. Francois Zoko is their highest goal scorer with 10 goals, who signed on a free transfer after we decided he wasn’t up to scratch for the Magpies. Filipe Morais is a close second with 7. Michael Doughty, a player I'm going to punt will be sent off against us, currently has a total of 9 yellow cards to his name this season but surprisingly he hasn't been sent off! However, Lucas Akins and Roarie Deacon have a red card each. In their past four games, Stevenage FC have picked up 2 points. They lost to Swindon Town in the Johnston’s Paint Trophy Southern Semi Final after an 82 minute equaliser in normal time led to a penalty shoot-out, which they lost 3-1. They then drew to Port Vale 2-2, Sheffield United 0-0 and surprisingly got thrashed by Colchester United 4-0. Perhaps a good sign? Don't get your hopes up, Zoko is no doubt going to score against us; how many times have we seen ex-players turn up to their old hunting ground and have the game of their life? I see Notts getting six points from these five games. Realistically you could say four, but in football you never know – we might come away with much more. My key game is against Sheffield United – they're a side I hope we can get something out of and perhaps surprise ourselves. The games against Crawley Town and Stevenage FC are the winnable ones; we cannot slip up. Let's hope Shaun Derry can inspire our lads to start the near year off brightly, we can do this! COYP!

Notts County have boosted their current crop of players with 3 more promising youngsters. On the 28/11/2013 it was announced on the Sky Sports website that Notts had landed Morgan Fox and Bradley Jordan on loan. Notts later announced the additional loan signing of Derby County youngster Callum Ball – A tall/strong centre forward who's enjoyed successful periods with their under 16's and reserve team. Shaun Derry has swiftly responded by adding players to each position that fans are voicing concerns over, with a striker was once again on the minds of our fans. Morgan Fox; A young defender who was born on 21/09/1993. Charlton Fan 'Lamby' told me, “Morgan Fox has played for Wales U21 so he's got the tackling qualities, and can also nick a few goals from corners.”. Bradley Jordan; Was born on 21/01/1994, the highly rated midfielder enjoy a successful youth campaign along side his co-team mate Morgan Fox. He's an ambitious midfielder who's considered to be one of Charlton's most mature youngsters and he comes to Meadow Lane with some much needed qualities. 'Lamby' added 'Jordan is the captain of the U21's, he's a good leader for us if he's kept the position from last season. I think he's one of the more motivational players in the youth team too. Bradley's the main free kick taker and chips in with the odd few so I'd say he's the old fashioned type of midfielder. “They've not featured in the first team much. Been on the bench a few times and that's about it. They were part of the U21 team that won the league last season. I think we've loaned them out more for the development process/game time more than anything. It'll be good to see how they get on though and I'm sure they'll make an impact on your team. They're rated highly though, ones for the future.”. Callum Ball; Started as a youngster with rival side Nottingham Forest before making a switch to Derby County's Academy at the age of 9 years old. He quickly found scoring form for the under 18's, in which he netted an impressive 25 goals and reserve level through that campaign. He also experienced winning the '09/10 Central League Central Selection Title' starting twice and scoring the winning goal against Macclesfield Town. He's enjoyed two fairly successful loan spells, 2012/2013 with Coventry City, making 15 appearances and Earlier this year with Torquay United where he scored 2 in 9 games. Super Ram told the Pride of Nottingham community, “Callum is a player I have high hopes for. He was a very prolific scorer for the under 18's and Rams reserves. He's been out on loan several times and done OK, though when he was at Coventry I believe he was injured for a while. His first team appearances for The Rams have been limited because we are fairly well off in attack. I'm sure he will do a good job for Notts (along with Kieron)” Pride of Nottingham would like to thank 'Lamby' and 'Super Ram' for their time in telling us about their respective player(s) and we would like to wish Morgan, Bradley and Callum all the very best with their careers. Hopefully they will be vital assists to our squad whilst wearing the Black & White stripes! COYP!

Yesterday Notts battled bravely against Wolves who are no doubt one of the main contenders for promotion, if not the strongest team in League One. The game saw chances created by Notts, whilst both teams tried to entertain their respective fans. The final result - a narrow one, nil win to Wolves but all in all something very positive considering the lack of depth within the Notts squad. Beata Papierz-Zynda, part of B&O Press photo have kindly granted us permission to use these action shots she took at yesterday game. Please take time to look around our site... You Pies! Mobile Users please visit | Gallery. Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Oskar Papierz for allowing us use of his images, we wish him all the best his photography. Here's his Facebook page and Website.

Perhaps not the most glamours cup tie for either side, although it's a chance for Notts to progress whilst we see if we have learnt anything from last season. Colin Coopers as made comments about Notts being able to cause an upset, with Shaun Derry's first game in charge. With Hartlepool being an in-form League Two side, it might suggest that the upset could be the other way around as Notts are currently rooted to the bottom of the League One table. The players will most likely want to impress the new coaching team, so playing a club such as Hartlepool will be a good test none the less. Hartlepool – Play somewhat patiently, they build and attack keeping the football flowing. Luke James is currently the pools highest goal scorer with 7 goals to his name. Jonathan Franks, Anthony Sweeney and James Poole are players Notts will need to watch carefully. Jack Compton returns for Hartlepool having served a three match suspension, whilst Christian Burgess will be forced to miss the game due to picking up five yellow cards. Notts – Are currently somewhat injury hit at the moment. Haydn Hollis, Enoch Showunmi, Alan Sheehan, Mustapha Dumbuya and David Bell are doubtful to feature. Marcus Haber is unavailable to play, with Danny Haynes starting his suspension after being sent off last Saturday against Coventry City. Gary Liddle returns to his former club, where he spent many years. If Notts are to proceed to the next round of the FA Cup, we will be required to be disciplined and focused throughout the game. Shaun Derry is eager to see Notts remain in the hat, just as much as Hartlepool's manager Colin Cooper. Hartlepool are favourites with odds around 5/4 for a home win, Notts come in around 2/1 and for a draw it's 12/5. Come On You Pies!!