Chris

I feel like Jodi Jones has become our get out of jail free card, much like Cal Roberts did. All the pressure to make things happen, yet he copes very well with it, and it's obvious he thrives, but I can't help but feel he would be more effective if we were not so reliant on him. For example, against Crewe - Jodi was by far the only real creative threat going forward, but I think Crewe noticed how predictable we were playing. There is no fault in Jodi; we simply need to utilize his magic more wisely. He's a very talented player, we all know, but we are lucky to have him right now.

Torquay probably overspent a few years back when we played them in the playoffs, allowing some of those key players to leave on a free and not selling them (even if it was a small fee) just seemed to be something that their ambition couldn't quite match. They haven't been the same since, very poor fortune.

He said after the game that it should be a "quick overturn" and was walking fine. He had what looked like two heavy bags too, so I wouldn't rule him out, but it might be a blessing if we gave him some time to get rest. That 'hurt' from the opening day needs to be the fuel towards getting the right result on Tuesday. If we can't beat bottom of the league, then I would fear a lot more of a fallout towards Stuart Maynard. I honestly don't know what's happened to our squad, we just aren't fighting, and every possible explanation just seems like something the players need to take more of an account towards. Whilst Maynard is clearly trying, I think part of the issue is we are used to things a certain way and changing this now, perhaps isn't the best time, but I respect Maynard for trying. Our squad isn't built around many different options; it's been catered too closely to playing three at the back. My biggest worry about this game is actually leading it, only for Sutton to punish us for switching off and therefore dropping three points all together or ending up as a draw. Neither of these outcomes would be good enough. Despite all the doom and gloom, I believe in our owners and feel we just need to salvage the best possible position we can this season. Then go again! So, naturally I am hoping for a win, but that seems bleak right now.

I've reached the point where there's zero time for me to be patient in passing the ball back, nobody seemed to try to make a forward run, and it took things quickly against Notts. Crewe were by far the better team, although their dark arts frustrated me because did they need to do it? Notts made the game very easy for them to cope with, I am not sure the time-wasting and players dropping like flies made much difference. If anything, it gave Notts more time after the 90 minutes when they did turn up to do something - which by that point it was always too late. It's difficult to feel sorry for anyone in this situation because everyone played very poorly. Whilst, I don't think Stuart Maynard deserves to be taking all the blame. He's reaching a point where it's difficult to overlook some of his current issues which I do honestly feel are being caused by the players. Jodi Jones, Macaulay Langstaff and Aden Baldwin are the only players I felt did enough to warrant a positive mention. Baldwin prevented numerous attempts on goal, Langstaff didn't stop trying and everything that seemed to be bright came through Jones. Crewe scored two very easy first goals. I still don't like seeing teams attempting to interfere with the keeper, it's gone beyond the presence of being there and a light bit of pushing to something on a whole different level. I've seen officials give free kicks just for a push. Yet there's no excuse for any of our players for switching off, it was a well worked goal by them and anyone who could have done something simply became a bystander. Our players need to stop watching the game at times as if they're not actually on the field and be more aware of what they can do in order to defend situations. Crewe's second goal is by far more irritating. Major communication error between two players, one of which should have left the ball clearly for the other to deal with - without appearing to try to hold the other's hand. I have seen one of said players get far more comments thrown his direction, but the player who wasn't going for the ball and didn't go for the ball. They made the situation very dangerous and are at fault, as anyone with a pair of eyes can see by the point the header was in motion. It became a risk of injury or collision which turned it into a comical error. Why can't we get that close to marking the opposition? Doing so to our own player is just void of responsibility. Then an unfortunate bounce straight to a Crewe player, to which again, Notts were ball watching and not the player. I honestly didn't see contact made for the penalty, I saw it in slow motion and I thought the Crewe player clipped their own heels in order to try to get our keeper sent off. There was time for him to easily lob an open net. Even watching the highlights and going frame by frame I am unconvinced it was anything but that. It doesn't really matter, we had nothing to suggest that we could make a game of it. Usually by the 70th minute Notts tend to get a surge and therefore look better and whilst the changes helped to make us more attacking minded. The damage had already been done, pushing for our first, left us open for their third, and it was game over by that point. You have the game finished by the 90th minute mark, to which all of a sudden we become brighter and play as if we have half an hour to go. Crewe didn't make it difficult for us to play, we did. There should be no false credit to Crewe, because it comes down to us not being good enough. The thoughts of the players, whether it be about morale, focus, or their uncertainties regarding Maynard, are of great importance. They let us down and this is the first time I felt there was little in their defence of how we played. I believe the players are letting Maynard down too. The signs are that we aren't capable of reaching the playoffs, that is fine. If some of the issues is pressure, Maynard must find a way to take it off the players shoulders but if they can't help themselves - I am not sure if he can do anything to change it. Given the opportunity, I would go Neil Warnock mode on them at full time. Perhaps, even Sir Alex Furguson.

Blackburn Rovers 0-2 Norwich City Cardiff City 1-1 Stoke City Barnsley 1-2 Derby County Blackpool 2-0 Bolton Wanderers Accrington Stanley 1-0 Crawley Town Joker Barrow 2-2 Bradford City Dagenham & Redbridge 1-0 Halifax Town Southend United 2-1 Aldershot

This is something I have been meaning to go watch, a few Notts fans I know planned, but then things became a bit harder to keep track on. The Academy does deserve our support if fans are free to attend; it gives them some experience of being watched and around vocal noise. This is sometimes part of the nerves going into a match as a youngster, so I think it's great we have fans who do go watch them. A loyal fan named Dave Fells never misses a game he can attend.

Crewe are one of those teams that have the foundations to do well and can, in any game they play, but occasionally they're inconsistent. I am not surprised that they're doing well now, it just takes a bit of time to build that momentum, and it seems they have everything going in their favour right now. I hope they focus on playing good football, as I can see them switching to the dark arts if they fear we'll do too much damage with the ball. They're robust enough to avoid this and to make the game entertaining with end-to-end action, something which Notts sometimes struggles against. Notts prefers to have the ball and intimidate the opposition under relentless pressure, but sometimes I feel we just need to drop it back and make the most of the creative players we have to create that opening. If we focus on trying to walk the ball into the net, I think Crewe will pounce on the counter-attack. Notts needs to be patient and careful, the right pass at any moment could unlock a good run and for me, I think smart overlaps and through balls in and behind the Crewe defence will be where we may capitalise the most.

I am more in favour of young players coming in, who their parent club see them as having a future with them. Sometimes we get players who aren't wanted and they just become squad fillers. I suspect, someone of the better loans we have had to contribute a fair amount towards their wages (well what we can). Some players are not often seen, but it's very rare to find talented players like Jack Grealish, Callum McGregor, Ryan Yates, and Jorge Grant. Certainly, I believe we should be looking out for them and willing to incorporate good talented loan players. Had Lewis Macari not been given a chance, it's highly unlikely we would be including him in this and the fact we managed to secure his services full time - it's a positive sign of how the loan system can compliment your squad.

If I can, I'll just move because it saves the hassle of repeatedly asking someone to sit down or try to view the game from over their position. I tend to try to sit at the back, so I can choose to stand or sit but within an area you can still see games. For me, it's not the hardest situation to resolve: allow people to stand at the back but if they do so where a seat isn't or down the front - simply tell them to sit or stand by the rules by removing them from the ground. If you give someone the chance to make the right decision, then it's their fault if they end up being unable to watch the game. Obviously, fans should be given a chance to relocate to a more suitable area if they choose to stand. At Wembley, it really pis**d me off how the first three rows would stand throughout moments of the game when there was no reason to do it. It caused tension for me, as I would arch to view over them or occasionally stand, and I had a couple of aggressive comments telling me to sit down. To my credit, I never blocked anyone's view for a long spell and very rarely stood up completely. If I did, I would always check to see if people behind me were standing. The issue in this case is it's the wrong people who get verbally abused for trying to see the game.

Hello, @TruroPieSi to the Pride of Nottingham. I hope you enjoy being a part of our Notts County community.

We know Tiernan Brooks has potential and so far, I like how we have been giving him the chance to gain experience outside Notts. I believe he will one day become our first team keeper, that has to be the club plan, and I am delighted to see he's doing well at Rochdale. I thought the loan move made a lot of sense by allowing him to go to them, it's a good choice to pick up further game time and experience.

@Fan of Big Tone: 82nd minute, so it must be match fitness or extended time to allow him to settle into our way/tactics. Not a lot to go on in terms of how he did, but I am curious about seeing how he slots into our system. I doubt he'll be starting on Saturday but if he's on the bench, maybe just maybe he'll get a bit more of a glimpse.

On Friday, myself, @cheeky~k8 and @CutiePie went to one of our favourite bands Bowling for Soup. It was a nice escape from the emotional thoughts of losing mum. There was a point when Jaret, the lead singer spoke about depression and you never been alone - encouraging fans to reach out to a friend. He then performed a solo acoustic version of 'Turbulence', man did that it me. It's harder for my dad and the kids, I feel for my niece, Luna who only had a few short years with @GrannyPie but both made such an impact. I had wrote a memorial article, but I'll save it for the future. It's not about attention, it's awful to lose a loved one but it's life. It's about honouring and remembering, so I am incredibly thankful for this post @Fan of Big Tone. I know mum meant a lot to the community, as does @super_ram.

Sorry, to read this @Fan of Big Tone. Drink plenty of water and rest when you can, I hope Mrs T also recovers quickly. Being unwell is horrible, especially if it's prolonged. Get well soon to you both.

It doesn't get any more difficult than playing Wrexham at their ground, last season we did so well up to a point, and it will be interesting to see how we match them now. I wasn't at the home game against them, but whatever the outcome we need to be mindful of taking games as they come and not overreact if things don't go our way. I fully suspect Wrexham will make it difficult. It is crucial to ensure the involvement of Macaulay Langstaff. I hope if David McGoldrick starts appearing sluggish that we don't avoid making that change because in the final 20 minutes a bit of energy and speed can make a huge difference. Will Stuart Maynard make any changes?

This does sound like it needs properly investigating, but unfortunately, it seems certain people are above the law and will always continue to break it without repercussion. I'm sick to death of the Tory party, those who voted for them to regain power need to think long and hard about how their decision has greatly impacted our nation.

@KB1862 The goal Dennis Bergkamp scored, it was perfection! It reminded me of Gazza's goal against Scotland in Euro 96. Simply classy!

I'm not familiar with his work, but I have met him and understand what he does. I wonder if John Harvey and Billy Ivory have crossed paths in writing terms or working together. It's Harvey who wrote about a Nottingham dedtective right?

I am delighted for Jodi Jones to be given further acknowledgement and by breaking a league record. I'm slightly surprised that it's quite low, being 18, but considering Jodi has smashed it with plenty of games to go - he could further set the record to a higher amount. Some might think 18 sounds about right for the most assists, but considering the amount of games in a season, I at least would have thought it would be around 22-24. This isn't a knock on Jodi's achievement as I still believe he can break the amount I thought the record would have been. Great job, Jodi. We're pleased for you!

I watched Derby vs Exeter with @super_ram, the Rams played in such a way where they weren't afraid to lose the ball. Having seen Gillingham, Walsall and parts of Bradford (all home games) I realise that our dependence on possession has played a big part in our down form. When you don't need to win the ball back so much, it becomes second nature and something you think about less. We are drilled as a squad to pass into space, with that habit of going all the way back to the keeper and in turn that becomes predictable but also piles the pressure on us. Derby, looked to play pretty football but in the right areas their players would make passes which made them need to dig deep in order to maintain the ball. It kept them going forward, yes at times they needed to win the ball back or even had some lucky bounces which resulted in Exeter quickly losing the ball. The point is it was anything but predictable and made the Derby players need to work, they had to stay alert. Defensively, there were a few times they reminded me of us but because they are not afraid to lose the ball or put such a strict emphasis on it. It allowed for a much more entertaining game, plus it made Exeter play with width, which meant there was a lot of space at times. The first goal, it was truly remarkable to watch the Rams' player take on players with no support and make progress with such sheer determination. Max Bird did ever so well, when he made space, he looked to pass but decided to have a go at goal. The Exeter keeper should have done better, however, it was still a very good goal. Nathanial Mendez Laing scored a very good second goal because of the way they created space. Among injuries, the managerial departure of Luke Williams and the setback at the away game against Crewe - they were all major incidents. which stunned us. If we focus more on wanting to win the ball back the moment the balls out of our possession and Notts loses this desire to hold onto large amounts of it - by deciding when to take a risk, when to run at the opposition, when to have a shot from distance. It makes some of our negatives much more important to balance out. It's much like how our desire to almost walk the ball into the net, makes us less creative and fewer ambitions to shoot from outside the box. Some of our best goals this season have come from distance, and yet we very rarely see anyone take a pop at goal.

@Fozzy: You would believe that he would make the bench, you can't get match fit without playing games. Training just isn't the same, it does help, but you can't compare actual competitive football. It's a strange one at the very least. Much like all the injuries that Will Randall, Junior Morias repeatedly get. When we need a bit of a change, they're nowhere near the first team. Morias did well, I felt when he was given a chance to come on. It's probably nothing, but it does start to feel like we don't want to play certain players.

@Fozzy, @GrannyPie used to have fresh orange juice on her pancakes. I can remember when I was younger the heat from them warmed the juice up and with a sprinkle of sugar they tested like heaven. I grew out of having them like this, but mum always preferred them with orange. @cheeky~k8 has lemon and orange with parts of the fresh orange on top. Jake and Ava both like syrup on top, whilst Ellie loves waffles more than pancakes. It's the same mix, just a little thicker, but I do like my own pancakes thick. The best I have ever had was one time Kate talked me into trying them with fresh fruit. I enjoyed some delicious strawberry slices and pineapple pieces. Wait for the mix to start to become solid, drop the pieces on top and then cook until it needs flipping over. Pancake day is pretty much my job when it comes to making them. I learned from the best though.

I wasn't really expecting this, hopefully, this can fuel a resurgence in form. The goals were well worked, I hope David McGoldrick's tap in helps to lift his performances and Jodi Jones with his magic, to assist Macaulay Langstaff. This is a very good result, it's good to see Notts having picked up three points on the road. If anyone attended, I would love to know more about the penalty. I was at my dad's peering over at his laptop as he watched the Rams beat Exeter City. They did an outstanding job! So, I am pleased to see our lads doing it too. It was nice to hear Jake go, 'Dad, it's 1-0, Langstaff', then 'Dad, it's 2-0 now'. Whilst this is great for the lads, plus Stuart Maynard - I do acknowledge that there's still much work to do. I just hope for better form, if that means we pick up wins but don't quite reach the playoffs, so be it. However, if we can build and maintain an undefeated streak, who knows? It would be nice to pick up wins and draws, instead of the defeats suffered in this depressing bad patch of late.

Birmingham City 1-1 Blackburn Rovers Norwich City 1-0 Watford Joker Charlton Athletic 2-1 Lincoln City Leyton Orient 0-0 Northampton Town Accrington Stanley 1-2 AFC Wimbledon Colchester United 3-1 Grimsby Town Halifax Town 0-0 Maidenhead United York City 0-2 Dorking Wanderers

It's a shame it's not based on how it used to look, back when it was stunning and less ruined by these modern alterations. I don't think it particularly looks good in Lego form; it makes it more noticeable. It's awesome that someone made the effort to do that though.