Chris

Well, the referee sounds to have been more professional. Honestly, refraining from self-defending yourself does deserve some praise. I simply wouldn't have stood for it, but I wouldn't have just allowed people to kick me. I think FIFA needs to make sure nobody can approach the officials once a match has finished, at half-time and in moments when tensions are higher. Stewards need to be hands-on with these regards. I know officials here wait for all the players to exit before walking down the tunnel, but that doesn't refrain players from trying to get to them or waiting.

**** **. That article is full of broken rules, which really shows how unaware of football the people in charge are. I do get the feeling that some aren't made to cheat but by neglectful knowledge. The punishment is weird, that amount of potential points must be a record in football. What does it achieve? There has to be better ways to punish the people responsible and if I am right about it being a mistake with some, it should be softer. You can tell when something is done on purpose or is likely to have been done to gain, whereas I can see why people without knowledge of football rules may make continous mistakes.

Luke Williams mentioned that the way we played, made it easier for Walsall, but they weren't as relentless as he explained. They just did the simple things right and made sure to cause trouble; there were many moments when they didn't have to do that - as we simply did it ourselves. The lack of having the thought of where our challenges are going, it was very foolish. Just sticking your feet out isn't defending; it can work but most of the time it relies on a bit of fortune. We aren't having much luck this season, but I think we need to make our own. Defensively, we need to be more drilled towards watching how the space is developing and then secondly the ball, then the nearest player being man marked. We need to make sure that we can quickly pull into defensive positions, our wing backs MUST defend. Aaron Nemane and Jodi Jones can be pointed out as failing to do this against Walsall, no matter how good they are at going forward. If they want to win, they need to think about it.

From studying Walsall for the Match Preview and Match Discussion, I singled out Oisin McEntee as a very good part of their team. @sadlad mentioned he can play in defence or midfield, I noticed on two of their fan sites that they prefer him in defence or as a defensive midfielder. That was very pleasing to learn, so I agree with @Piethagoram in regard to McEntee. In my conversation with SadLad, he also mentioned Isaac Hutchinson. Hutchinson looks to be a good upcoming player, he reminds me of the type of player our nearest locals would sign up hoping to make a profit on him within time. He's only 23-years-old too.

Exuse me, what are you trying to say? I have been responsible for maintaining a high standard of hygiene within two of Nottingham's best hotels and restaurants. In addition, to work in a care home. I always ensure that I obtain my food and maintain hygiene safely. When I make pizza or something at home, I wash my hands constantly because it's well drilled in I must add Mr Tone. Ooo, I'm definitely pinching this.

It's happened a few times in England, the fan(s) are discretely treated and taken away. It must have caused some stir to gain the attention in order to postpone the game, as the players and officials usually pay little attention to the stands. This is very sad, I hope they can figure some way of paying respect to the fan who passed. He made sure to watch his club, no matter what.

This is the thing about media and fans, always comparing to people, players and success. Sometimes there's merit but this for me is a great story, but it's not as amazing as Leicester City's transformation and title winning season. Girona are building their own story and deserve merit for lifting themselves into this position. TheLa Liga isn't that challenging right now; it's fallen in stature due to many issues from clubs debt, player issues etc. This shouldn't take away from what Girona are achieving though. I hope they go on to win it!

Harrogate is a decent League Two team, although there's been comments about them being better than where they are and whilst I think on their day they can beat anyone. They're always a mid- to lower-half-team. They're largely unflattering, but work hard as a team and understand what works within their own squad. I don't think they are afraid to have to work harder in order to lift their game, and they can adapt quite well in games, if they are allowed to think. I would have said before our recent form, we would be in such a beneficial advantage with our possession rate. However, I think with them being at home it's going to take something special from us to be more creative on goal. I have this game currently throughout as a draw, potentially 1-1. If we want anything more, we need to think about who can cover for Matt Palmer. I would agree starting Dan Gosling at this stage will aid us in knowing if he needs more time come January or if we should pass on his services. I really want to see our back three settle, but with the defensive wows against Walsall and recent away games. I wouldn't blame Luke Williams for trying to make changes there.If Lewis Macari is completely fit, he should definitely be in the starting lineup.

I wonder if he regrets making the comments about Notts? It did make him come across as self-important and one of those footballers who watch everything to perfection. Perhaps if he trained more on being a success in whatever conditions he played, his career would have been better, and he would remain more grounded. I almost wrote humble, but since he doesn't like training on a park, I think ground is more befitting. Good player, had something special about him but spending this amount of length fluttering around and settle for the irish league sums him up as a prima donna when it comes to football.

I really should start selling cakes instead of prints. I am actually a very decent baker, I got this love from Granny Pie, who would always make nice treats for Christmas and birthdays. Right, that's it, from this day onwards. We will be recognized as the Pride of Nottingham, the ultimate Cake Community. No more DangerousSausage renamed as 'DangerousCupCake'. Fan of Big Tone as 'Fan of Chris' we'll drop the big there shall we? Cakeofagram, LiamMuffin, Super_VictoriaSponge, Cheeky-Trifle... I have all to you to thank @Fan of Big Tone. Oh I almost forgot, Oh, custard and cream please for Ohh Tommy Johnson. PS. I am glad you both had a nice trip into Nottingham, for some festive fun! Thanks for sharing.

Alan Sheehan was always a hero for Notts, if playing on the left of defence or as a centre back. I hated seeing some of the comments he attracted from some poritons of our fans who didn't appreciate his ability. He always did give 100%, good luck to him.

I can't help but feel the ball started rolling once Luke became upset over the way we conceded against Forest Green Rovers at Meadow Lane. The meeting he held after the game had players red-faced. I said at the time I didn't think it really warranted disappointment. After all, earlier in the season Williams said he didn't focus on performances as much and that he wasn't concerned provided we got the right result. Later that night, as a result we had that spat between Tom Williams and Connell Rawlinson. Forest Green were far better than Walsall, FGR stepped up in the second half and stunned us. Walsall wasn't all that good, Williams gave them far too much credit in his recent post-match conference. He does acknowledge that we were poor, but Walsall didn't deserve anything more than us, they just wanted it and that was the difference. I am hoping we learn not to be too critical at a point where we are very much in form, in comparison when we aren't. It's those standards which bring about good results, so I don't think the players deserve all the blame for the recent lack of results. Whilst at the same time, we need to acknowledge Luke Williams doesn't know everything - even he is leaning and making mistakes.

Jon Stead..... I was convinced you would have said this, @Fan of Big Tone.

Neither of these are correct.

Bonus Round: Who's this? No clues... Try to guess first, and hints will follow.

The key word is "officially formed". Notts' official website clears that it wasn't official before 1864. It's a bit of a "moving the goalposts" type statement. However, I fully understand why we are accredited as founded in 1862 because our records so date back. There's paper work from 1959, although it was 1862 when a group of individuals thought to start things.

Once I got home, I started writing a response to this on my phone. I felt very displeased with what I witnessed, and I couldn't put into words how I felt about the game. I kept changing my text until I ended up deleting parts of it. Then I just gave up, it seemed pointless. I have nothing but respect for our players; it pains me to write things which they might disagree with or find unfair. However, I try to reflect on what I think, see and feel. Kyle Cameron wasn't at his best, I honestly think the pressure is getting to him. I heard other fans say after the game that he's never been good defensively and that he's not that good going forward. I disagree, because I feel there's been times when he's been exceptional. I thought when he arrived he looked quite comfortable and, mostly, did well in the National League. Yes, he got caught out at times, but nothing like against Walsall. It's not just Kyle, John Bostock looked unlike himself - could he still be carrying a knock? Maybe, but he was very poor on the ball. Likewise with David McGoldrick, he held the ball up and did some nice touches but largely had a pretty big off day. Lewis Macari was very encouraging in the first half, I thought he looked useful in the second and the decision to take him off for Richard Brindley left me questioning why. I don't think the game suited bringing on Jim O'Brien either, he showed his surge in wanting to get us forward but largely fell into the same trap as everyone else. Losing possession by making weak passes or holding onto the ball for too long without considering passing it sooner. In the first half, our game management allowed us to press and create chances. Notts focused on bringing the ball back far too much, especially when better passes were available. I was extremely disappointed with Aaron Nemane, particularly in his defensive skills. He looked magic at times going forward, but unproductive too, and sometimes you felt he should have passed. I love seeing him take on players, but when you are being marked by 3 or more players, passing seems a much safer option. There's no fault on him for Walsall's first goal. However, Cameron should have been where Nemane stood. Also, John Bostock and Sam Austin should have done better to cover the cross. Both put their feet in hoping to block it but neither actually focused on the ball. More hoping sticking out their feet would be effective enough, but it's not good defending. Aidan Stone mostly could be forgiven for me, but his positioning wasn't the best. Yes, his distribution at times perhaps wasn't great, but he wasn't the problem. He made some very good saves in situations where you would feel the attacking player was favoured. I couldn't imagine how difficult his job became in the second half with the lack of pressing, covering, defending and effort. Nemane should have put more effort to get back for their second goal, Walsall had another player who sprinted into a very good passing position and Nemane just stood as a spectator. He might not be great at defending, but a little effort wouldn't go a miss. The marking in the middle is too focused on a crowded area, but we lack effort from the midfield to get back and cover. Yes, everyone watched the ball end up being played perfectly to Isaac Hutchinson. There was time for more thought to go into the organisation of our defence. Jodi Jones really should have moved to get behind Hutchinson, he's watching it develop. The space opens up, by the time the ball is struck, only then does Jodi jog to cover. Although it's a bit belated, it's evident that everyone's defensive performance in the second half was absolutely dreadful. There is a lack of urgency, coordination, and communication. Our passing was disappointing, and we wasted every crucial minute when we could have pulled ourselves together. Mostly, I feel through a lack of effort and application. As for Luke Williams, he's at fault for not demanding more and for extremely poor tactical changes. No way should Dan Crowley have been taken off, he was one of the few players who were capable of stringing several successful passes together. Junior Morais should have come on for David McGoldrick. Dan Gosling made sense, at least in principle. I wouldn't have introduced Jim O'Brien or Richard Brindley. I know these seem like attacking minded players, I can't help but feel Adam Chicksen and Will Randall (although the latter has been poor) would have given us more attacking options. We might want to consider how strong our bench is in games where we need to produce more creativity because that's where we lack in that department. The defensive issue is a big headache, when nobody wants to take responsibility for it.

Third class today, I didn't enjoy it one bit, but you have to push on through it. Out of a group of 8 people, we are now down to six including me, and I am the only male. 2 other males have dropped out. I do notice a small difference for a bit, but I am not sure if it's going to make a difference worth it. Yet, I will push on. I am a little more encouraged with my walking, as I have had issues with that, but we shall see. I'll continue, it's not like I expect instant results, but I am a bit wary that my back just might not like it. Ouch... The situation sounds absolutely dreadful, Ohh Tommy. I'm glad you have managed to find something that works for you. Yes, I think you are right about it being Pilates based. I keep meaning to give DDP Yoga more of a serious run, as I have seen ex wrestlers make no end of progress with Diamond Dallas Page's help. It seems a little more focused on people with injuries and limited abilities. Thank you both for your support and encouragement.

Every lucky thing must start with bad luck, that's how you know it works in the first place. It was nice to see you and @George L. He's certainly shot up, think he could give Jake a run for his height. I'm biased, but it suites you and I think you'll find it's better than what's in the store these days. Wear it with pride!

I thought it was an opposition player that touched the ball first, mostly due to how the keeper reacted, but it's incredibly stupid for anyone to touch the ball when it's in play. Thank god, it's not Notts. This would cause a right meltdown.

It's also one of the most corrupt leagues in the world, which doesn't help matters. I wouldn't want to be a player, manager or fan over them, it's just too hostile. It's not passion, it's instilled within their culture that if things don't go your way, outcome the pitchforks and violence. It's a shame as Santos has a lot of history, but it's hardly the end of the world.

Does this mean I can give you the cap I have @Fan of Big Tone? Careful mentioning Old Speckled Hen, that's one of my dad's favourites (which does change a lot based on his mood). I will be at the match tomorrow. Sunday, I don't know if I will be helping my brother with his move. I am sure he will let me know if this is the case, it's one of those things where someone mentions a day but no date and time. Otherwise, I think I will be working on things behind the scenes. I might find some time to draw or do a digital painting.

I know the OSA donated the new KOP flag which is impressive when the conditions are right to get it out. Yes, I do. I think many fans would be interested in getting something sorted for the KOP. I think it would work best if everyone worked together though maybe a club initiative, which the OSA may be able to organise. The main thing is to get people working together, as I can see some fans wanting to do it by themselves. Which I just feel personally that it would be as if we came together as fans.

Historically, this is the actual birth of Notts County. Our club's history does date back to 1862, which is where we are credited as being founded, but in fact this meeting is when it officially took place. Records in Nottingham show that we existed, but there was nothing formal before 1864. This bit of history tends to trigger some fans, who like to argue that we were founded in 1862, but the league only came around in 1888 and by which point our first ever match was today.

I still believe we need to settle the back three down, despite the issues we have seen at times. Hopefully we do start to see a settled back three, as this would help on the communication front and consistency. The errors aren't something I feel should be a defining part of the squad in terms of us not being good enough. It's just an area we do desperately need to improve, and I think it would if we were settled in this area. Either include Lewis Macari, or see what Adam Chicksen brings to the role since he has some pace about himself.