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Chris
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Everything posted by Chris
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I would say very near the logo in the corner @Fan of Big Tone. 5 or so rows up.
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They're a good team; they have a decent midfield with two very good creative outlets that work well for them in Shaun Whalley and Sean McConville. Whilst they might not have the true quality that others may process (like us), they have a real grit and strong understanding of what makes them work. I would highly recommend fans give this a read, at least the bottom part mentioning who we have next - @TheSkipper has written about them superbly. I think it's all about how the game starts, if we are confident and play as we did against Tranmere Rovers, I think Accrington Stanley will struggle. Yet either way the game may go, I believe they'll be the best opposition that we have faced at Meadow Lane. Defensively, we need to be calm and composed, with the players thinking about how each ball they play needs to be the perfect decision. Accington are a team that could pounce on our mistakes. Whilst some would say they are an underdog of this league, with the team spirit of fighters. Notts will know exactly what is needed, we need to match them with our intensity and control the game just by making neat passes. We'll get space, as will they. Notts just needs to make sure Aidan Stone is well protected and that we take any chances which fall our way. It should be a very entertaining game.
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It really is a similar comparison to not choosing a backup keeper on your bench, it's one of those things which you can't predict. The moment Cedwyn Scott went down, I knew he wasn't going to be able to play. I think it was @menzinho who compared Scott's to Baj's, Scott hobbled but managed to walk, so hopefully it's not as serious. He will be back stronger, as that's his attitude and I wish him a speedy recovery. I do wonder what caused the injury.
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Check out The Faces of PON fan gallery for amazing photos capturing the excitement & passion of Notts County fans at games!
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I thought the game was very pleasing. Notts started very brightly and passed the ball around well. Very early on, Notts pressed and made chances which showed signs that we would score, hitting the post and Macaulay Langstaff getting close were two very close moments. David McGoldrick's strike for his opening goal was superb. The way he picked his place and controlled the ball, it shows he's a threat within those positions. I believed he worked relentlessly to propel us forward. While it was pleasing to witness Notts playing the ball with more forward and sideways passes, I think the occasions we played it back instilled confidence throughout the entire squad. When we can move the ball around promptly, it makes the opposition chase the game and that leads to things opening up. Although none of the occurrences were detrimental or hindered our progress, I believe that Notts sometimes resorts to playing those backward passes simply because it is the most convenient option available. The way we moved and made Tranmere look extremely average, they didn't really cause much trouble and their defence didn't look like it could hold. Very poor in that regard, but they were quick on the break and at times looked very lively. I am sure their performances will pick up, thankfully for us Notts dominated from start to finish. The second half really became routine, with the game being in our hands, and really we should have pushed for a 3rd goal. So many good chances, it's difficult to say that I feel we should have made sure a third went in when the level of creativity made it very much possible, but we just lacked that luck to make it anything more. I am not bothered about their goal, it was a very good finish and again, I feel Aidan Stone deserved a clean sheet.
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I can see the game unfolding with Notts taking the lead, only for Tranmere Rovers to equalise. However, in the second half I can see two more goals being scored for us. My prediction is: 3-1. Macaualay Langstaff, Sam Austin, and David McGoldrick are all expected to find the back of the net. Connor Jennings will secure the sole goal for them. ????????
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Kristian Dennis and Kane Hemmings return to Meadow Lane. I don't know if both of them are available, but we most certainly know they are a threat. When we had the pair, neither really played together and that always seemed like a wasted opportunity to me. For some reason, Hemmings wouldn't always be played as striker, which was even more baffling. Dennis went in and out of favour at the club, quicker than Harry Kewell's departure. Yet, I always felt they had potential as a pairing. Tranmere Rovers can't be underestimated, but I feel happier knowing that we are at Meadow Lane. Yet there's that potential threat that they may play us in such a way, where they want to start their season and change how it has begun. They started off very much identical to us, but we have picked up, and their time isn't going to be far away. So, I would like to see us play the ball out calmly from the back. Notts needs to be defensive minded that they have players who can force mistakes, so we shouldn't make it easier for them by making poor decisions when we pass. Our strengths have to be used and that for me is the quality we have in midfield. If we can pass the ball around productively, taking any sting out of Tranmere's play. I think we should be fine to create chances which could lead to goals, as I say being at Meadow Lane for me is a positive. I would feel a lot more nervous if this were an away game, thankfully for us and Luke Williams we are at Meadow Lane. Our support could be vital in making this a three pointer.
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There's been some very good articles put out, old features have returned, and it's a case of adjusting to fit others in. I don't know how many members actively read them, well, aside from the comments and interactions. There are some regular faces I don't remember seeing at all in the area, which is something I would like to actively encourage. I get that it's not for everyone, but it's one way for improvements to come. Thank you to everyone who does comment, as it's one way lurkers are won over. It's an excellent recruitment area with the call to action and, I am trying my best to write them every time I do upload a new publication. Some are the same plug, but I will always try to word them differently.
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????Check out the latest Faces of PON fan gallery from Notts County’s 3-1 victory against Doncaster Rovers! Link attached below.???????????? #NottsCounty #COYP #FacesofPON
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Notts County secured a comfortable victory against Doncaster on a windy summer afternoon, with Macaulay Langstaff scoring his first English Football League goals and Jodi Jones adding a third. Langstaff scored with a volley and header on either side of half-time, while Jones sealed the win with an excellent finish in front of a packed away end. Doncaster managed to score a late consolation goal, but it did little to dampen the spirits of Notts County as they claimed their second win of the season. Richard Brindley was recalled to the heart of Notts County's defence, replacing Adam Chicksen, after being left out of Tuesday’s draw at Morecambe as a precaution. Brindley was joined by Kyle Cameron and Aden Baldwin in the back three, while Aidan Stone continued in goal after keeping his first clean sheet on the Lancashire coast. On the right, Sam Austin replaced Aaron Nemane, who was named among the substitutes, while Jones continued on the left. John Bostock returned to the base of midfield alongside Matt Palmer after having his minutes managed in midweek. Langstaff was supported by Dan Crowley and David McGoldrick. McGoldrick was involved in the game’s first notable incidents, scuffing a long-range shot wide under pressure before being shown a yellow card for shooting after the referee had stopped play. After Bostock was cautioned for a foul 25 yards out, Notts County took the lead from a set-piece routine. The ball was returned to Bostock in a crossing position, and he produced the perfect delivery for Langstaff to guide home on the volley. Langstaff came close to scoring again moments later but was denied by an excellent defensive header which prevented him from converting Austin’s looping cross - the final goalmouth action of the half. Doncaster made three changes at half-time, but it did not prevent Notts County from doubling their lead within a minute of the restart as Austin’s cross from deep was headed home by Langstaff. It was 3-0 on 54 minutes when Crowley advanced into space and saw his dangerous cross fumbled by Lawlor, allowing Jones to cut inside and find the bottom corner from eight yards. In the end, Stone was denied consecutive clean sheets as Notts County failed to clear their lines inside their own area and Sotona scored a last-gasp consolation goal. Was the result fair? Completely fair. Doncaster Rovers were so far out of their depth that, had Notts managed to secure a fourth goal, the game could have easily seen a fifth for the Magpies. In terms of performance, it took Notts County some time to get into the game. However, they started off well and looked comfortable. Doncaster made it hard early on as they pressed every ball and Notts really had to work to create space. Macaulay Langstaff’s opening goal, after the short free-kick, turned the game on its head and forced the home team to be braver, which in turn opened the game up for Notts. Doncaster Rovers were incredibly poor. Their fans have made several comments about this themselves, although those tinted glasses of red make them believe we were nothing more than average. Everything wrong with their team we saw in the season in which Notts were relegated in 2018/19. They lacked fight, organisation, and their end product was terrible. It took Notts to switch off for them to score in the final minutes of the game. Otherwise, Doncaster simply wouldn’t have any positives from the game. They looked beneath National League standards. Extremely poor; I had thought they’d show more spirit but just like their fans in attendance, they were lacklustre. In terms of tactics: spot on. There was a lot of talk about Aaron Nemane being left on the bench. I think Luke Williams’ rotation and tactics, including the preparation in training, were spot on. The fact that Nemane was absent yet we still looked as lively once the game opened up spoke volumes for the manager’s decisions. The officials: I don’t have any comments on the assistants because they were just what you would expect at this level. Whereas the official, I felt he was extremely poor. He appeared quite biased towards Doncaster, allowing them to go in with aggressive challenges without a warning or card. Their desire to waste time with throw-ins wasn’t identified at all, whilst it seemed that Notts couldn’t get a break from his decisions. Thankfully, it didn’t cost us. However, under the new stricter rules David McGoldrick should’ve been booked for kicking the ball away - yet it’s a bit of a daft rule, especially when Doncaster players achieved the same thing but were unpunished for time-wasting. Up next for Notts is a home return to Meadow Lane against Tranmere Rovers and a perfect opportunity to get back-to-back wins as Tranmere have had a very disappointing start to their League Two season. Now, Tranmere Rovers do have a lot of quality in their team, but they are hindered due to their one draw, three defeats and only a single win. Similar to Notts before Doncaster - it shows that teams are still adjusting to the new season. The prospect of this game when the fixtures were released was one I still fancied our team to do well in; yet with the impressive vocals of our fans’ support and being at home, I feel it gives us a massive edge at Meadow Lane to showcase that we are a very good team especially when it comes to our own fortress. I would hope Richard Brindley is fine to continue within the middle of the three centre-backs; I would still choose Kyle Cameron and Aidan Baldwin provided he is not out. Continuing to establish a consistent backing will only bolster strength in the long term. Jodi Jones has shown that dropping him would be hard even if it was due to bring him on for his impact - which we saw a lot of last season - meaning we could make the most of his excellence at a point where Tranmere Rovers are tiring. However, I would keep him in and just bring Aaron Nemane back into the starting line-up. John Bostock, Matt Palmer, Dan Crowley and Macaulay Langstaff all write themselves into the potential line-up I feel. Perhaps this game is where we see what difference David McGoldrick can make from off the bench? Allowing someone else to slot in; perhaps Cedwyn Scott or Sam Austin. Scott could play as a support option to Langstaff while covering a more midfield role and then double up as a shadow striker. Whereas Austin could show more of that urgency to get the ball forward into important areas we can exploit. In truth, I think it’s unlikely to rest David McGoldrick due to his experience and attributes he brings to Notts, but it’s a tempting thought. Go visit the Pride of Nottingham dashboard and join in with discussions, articles and other content produced by a friendly group of Notts County fans! Check out the latest news published by the Pride of Nottingham! From our match report to fan pictures soon to be published and our ARLukomski’s match day vlog - your support means a great deal to us all! -
Firstly, it's a very good result and the performance overall really topped the away day. Notts can't always go into games guns blazin' and I think the starting line-up was a smart choice. People asked me why Aaron Nemane wasn't starting, I didn't know but having seen the game. I think Luke Williams did it, so that we protected him. Doncaster, they weren't afraid to be physical or quite dirty. So, many of their tackles were very hard hitting. Now, I am only assuming this, but I have seen that Nemane doesn't play as well when it's like this. I think personally, we waited for the game to open up and to be less feisty. As I say, patience is the key. If we throw ourselves into games, we are asking for defensive errors or to allow the opposition to take control of the game more. Notts defended quite well, whilst we tried to open up the game. All our goals were very well-taken and enjoyable to see. I am so pleased for Macaulay Langstaff because he will be off now, I don't think we will have any issues with him not scoring. It's always been a case of when he gets one in my eyes. I couldn't see the disallowed goal clearly, my view was blocked too. Very pleased, and I am not bothered about conceding the goal. Aidan Stone truly deserved another flawless performance.
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Excellent play for Langstaff's second, thankfully Luke Williams picks the team and not us, or the those silly fans who wanted him dropping. We are looking like a real quality team now, we could easily get another or two. We are all over them and they look nervous. The referee is terrible though, very biased towards Doncaster. They've gone in hard on us, nothing given and no card. They fall over, free kick and a warning.
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It was a very good goal, the free kick should have perhaps been floated in first but the space opened up. Langstaff took it well, you knew where it was heading. Doncaster fans are as lively as I am in a bad mood. Very poor support on their behalf, but our fans are amazing. Get in there!
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Julie Henshaw's love for Notts County runs deep. Her parents met through supporting the team, with her mother starting to attend games in 1946 and her father joining her after finishing his National Service in 1947. They travelled to away games on what was known as Bill Reynolds' number one bus. "My mum and dad met through supporting Notts," Julie recalls. "Mum started going in 1946, just before they signed Tommy Lawton. Dad was finishing his National Service so didn't start going until 1947. They travelled to away games on what was known as Bill Reynolds' number one bus." Julie's first memory of Notts County was when her father took her brother to Meadow Lane one Easter Saturday. That night, her brother ran around the front room with a rolled-up paper bag, shouting the names of players like Masson, Barker, and Bradd. "I first remember my dad taking my brother to Meadow Lane one Easter Saturday," Julie says. "My brother would be about 5 or 6, maybe. That night after the game, my bro was running around the front room all night with a rolled-up paper bag, Mason, Barker, Bradd just like commentators on TV." On Easter Monday, the whole family went to Meadow Lane to see the team play against Bradford Park Avenue. Notts County won 5-2, and Julie has been a fan ever since. "We beat Bradford Park Avenue 5-2," Julie remembers. "And just never looked back." Some of Julie's most memorable moments as a Notts County fan include attending Wembley games against teams like Tranmere and Brighton, watching Charlie Palmer score the winning goal against their rivals, and celebrating when the team won the league in 2009/10. She also remembers the uncertainty when it was unclear if Ray Trew would put the team into administration, and the relief when he didn't. "All the Wembley games against Tranmere Brighton etc," Julie lists as some of her most memorable moments. "The game v our illustrious neighbours and Charlie Palmer scoring the winning goal. The horrible time when we didn't know if Ray Trew would put us in admin. He didn't, as we all know now. Winning the league in 2009/10." Julie shows her support for Notts County by contributing to the team's Facebook and Twitter pages on match days and cheering for the players as they come out of the tunnel. She also had a huge flag made to take to Wembley when the team played against Harrogate during lockdown. "I always contribute on Notts Facebook and Twitter pages on match days," Julie says. "Give the lads a cheer and a clap as they come from the tunnel. We had a huge flag made to go to Wembley against Harrogate in lockdown." One of Julie's rituals as a Notts County fan is having a cooked breakfast on Saturdays, just bacon and egg. And if she wears something and the team wins, she'll wear the same outfit again. "One of my rituals is a cooked breakfast on Saturday," Julie shares. "Just bacon and egg. And if I've worn something, and we've won, I'll wear the same thing again." Being a part of the Pride of Nottingham community has enriched Julie's experience as a Notts County fan by allowing her to connect with other supporters and participate in activities such as the prediction league. "Well it's nice to be in touch with other Notts fans sometimes," Julie says about being part of the Pride of Nottingham community. "And sometimes getting to know those fans. I really enjoy prediction league too." She believes that what sets Notts County apart from other football clubs is that it is the best club for families. "Notts is the best club for families," Julie states simply. Julie's love for Notts County has been passed down through generations, with her 11-year-old Derby-supporting grandson Harvey attending a trip to Wembley with her and her 91-year-old mother. Harvey even had tears in his eyes when Cedwyn scored the winning penalty. "Our trip to Wembley this year," Julie recalls fondly. "Also attended by my 11-year-old Derby supporting grandson Harvey. And my 91-year-old mum. She's in her 77th year supporting Notts on Nov 3rd. Harvey had tears on his face when Cedwyn scored the winning penalty." For Julie Henshaw, supporting Notts County is more than just a hobby – it's a family tradition that brings joy and excitement to her life. And she wouldn't have it any other way. "I just love it," she says simply. The Pride of Nottingham is a labour of love with costs. If you can, please consider donating. All support is appreciated. Check out the Pride of Nottingham Match Discussion for the weekend’s away game against Doncaster Rovers. Join in with like-minded fans and share your views on the game both pre- and post-match. -
I enjoyed my visit to Doncaster the last time I was there, Joss Labadie scored from a kick free. My two eldest children were also in fancy dress, Ellie as a princess and Jake as a pirate. With it being the final game of that season, everyone went dressed up, and it's those days I really miss around Notts. Looking at Doncaster Rovers, you would be right in feeling that we should be able to make something of the game. However, just like us and how we have all been saying it's early days. We can't let their results judge our opinion on how things should go, because we need to expect the unexpected at this stage. I am hoping Luke Williams does include John Bostock, his absence I feel is missing, and I love Jim O'Brien, but I feel this is one of the games where he is best suited to coming on from off the bench if needed. Macaulay Langstaff must start, dropping him because we haven't found the quality to get him involved as much would just be negative, and I think it's more crucial that we persist because strikers as good as he is always eventually turn things around. It's not as if he's been poor or hasn't been trying his best. I think the squad largely chooses itself here, I like Jodi Jones starting, but I do also agree that Adam Chicksen would offer us something less predictable. It would mean that Jodi Jones wouldn't start, but I feel it's worth experimenting with the impact he makes coming on from off the bench just for this game. Get it into his head, that we need that extra bit of quality and them being more tired would maximise his threat.
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Having listened to the BBC Radio Nottingham's coverage and seeing various highlights, I thought Notts did well but getting efforts on target is the next thing we need to focus on in training. Things are coming along, I would rather talk a goalless draw than a defeat having played well. The fact Notts is having such a high amount of possession speaks volumes for the squad. I am also included to agree and appreciate the views of Lewis here. He's really provided some fantastic in-depth analysis and I thank him for having written this in my absence.
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I listened to the game via BBC Radio Nottingham, it sounded like we were mostly on top, and early I think Notts should have taken the time to force Morecambe into continuing to play defensive. It was said that they seemed quite happy to sit back and to allow us to play, with them hitting us on the counter. I've also seen various highlights and fan footage, which showed we did have chances, but they aren't quite perfect enough to break through Morecambe's defence. David McGoldrick really should have put his chance away, as mentioned by @Fan of Big Tone. His positioning was good, but it's one of those quick moves which can be difficult to anchor your shot. It was a nice effort, and I am not overly fussed that he missed. It happens, but I do feel we need to be knocking on the door a lot more. Jodi Jones effort that hit the post, it was a nice move but always difficult with his positioning and the way his body is - not to see the ball rise up. Aidan Stone looked much more comfortable in goal, he showed some steady hands but wasn't tested enough. Aidan Baldwin and Kyle Cameron, I believe make mistakes because they're overthinking things. Perhaps they would make less errors once they become familar, more so with who partners them in the centre back positions? I might be wrong, but when you have a solid understanding of how the back 3 are, I think it's less likely that some of the blunders would happen because they know someone is there to pick up the play when they're being pressed. Perhaps, we need to cover the ball a bit better when our defenders have it, making sure that two options always move into space without being forced to play dangerous balls back? Notts are a little static at times when it comes to making space, we need to always be moving and for the players to understand that if they don't. The ball will naturally go back more, simply due to the space not opening up. Attacking wise, I do agree that we need to bring in Macaulay Langstaff more. He's trying but finds limited chances due to us focusing more on using players to force space to open up - rather than building and allowing it to happen naturally. If you can't split the defence, chances will always be limited, but there were moments we did break their back line quite well.
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League Two is starting to take shape, with teams eager to maintain a level of consistency. Right now, anyone can beat anyone and Tuesday night should make for an interesting encounter throughout the games scheduled to take place. The prize for Notts County is not just the ability to take home 3 points but to assure the County faithful that their opening game was just a small blip. This game is likely to be decided by whoever scores first, and I feel that Morecambe will have to be tidy at the back in order to prevent Notts County from scoring. A lively striker who can gain support will be required if the Magpies are to win this game. Fixtures Tuesday 15th August 2023 Doncaster Rovers vs Mansfield Town Accrington Stanley vs Barrow Crawley Town vs MK Dons Grimsby Town vs Salford City Forest Green Rovers vs Swindon Town Colchester United vs AFC Wimbledon Crewe Alexandra vs Newport County Tranmere Rovers vs Harrogate Town Sutton United vs Gillingham Stockport County vs Bradford City Wrexham vs Walsall Prediction Morecambe demonstrates an impressive level of intensity, although they encounter difficulties when facing opponents with greater speed. In their game against Mansfield, they found control after using the flanks to their advantage. The Shrimps showed great commitment in their defensive efforts, but encountered difficulties when it came to dealing with set pieces and direct runs into their own half. Notts County, on the other hand, put pressure on themselves when being forced to play the ball back. If they can be direct, using the centre of the pitch and flanks creatively, Notts County may be able to create chances that Morecambe may struggle with. I think a draw is highly likely. 1-1 would be my prediction for the game. Match Odds Morecambe to win 3/1 – Draw 14/5 – Notts County to win 3/4 Head to Head Morecambe – Morecambe currently have 3 points after winning their opening game against Walsall, yet lost to Mansfield. They currently sit 14th and are in a similar situation to Notts County but remain ahead as of now due to goal difference. Notts County – A win could help Notts County relax as they could shoot up the league depending on the results. Luke Williams' side will be mindful of their opening defeat against Sutton United away from home in their opening game but this would give the Magpies' the chance to correct this. Key Man Morecambe; Michael Mellon – He will be vital within their procession and attacking play, I feel he will offer the most outlet for Morecambe and Notts County must keep him quiet throughout the game. Notts County; David McGoldrick – I genuinely believe he will be the difference in this game, with his experience. We need someone who can mix play, by both defending and offering assistance with advanced play. For me, an eager David McGoldrick is exactly what we need. League Table Bradford City have the chance to really kick-start their season, provided that they can beat Stockport County who have struggled so far. The Accrington Stanley game against Barrow will be an interesting outcome, as both teams will want to win. With the home team sitting 8th currently, and Barrow 2nd in the league. Crawley Town have the chance to upset league leaders MK Dons, who are tipped for automatic promotion this season. It will be a difficult game for Crawley, as MK Dons have a very attacking-minded team. Gillingham has the opportunity to do Notts County a favour if they can beat Sutton United. 3rd place vs 7th place, a mutual may prefer a draw but a win for Gillingham in my eyes would be the preferred outcome. Salford City travel to Grimsby, which may see the Mariners' move away from the bottom half of the table. It's very early days, with everyone fighting to get those vital 3 points. Check out the Pride of Nottingham match preview if you enjoyed reading this additional insight into tonight’s Morecambe game. Join us in our Match Discussion inside the Pride of Nottingham forum; share your thoughts and opinions on the game before and after. -
Notts County will be heading to Mazuma Stadium for their midweek trip to face Morecambe on Tuesday evening. The Magpies are coming off a confidence-boosting performance and result against Grimsby Town, where they collected their first points back in the English Football League with a win in their first league home game of the campaign. On the other hand, Morecambe suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Mansfield Town at the One Call Stadium. Notts County find themselves back in the fourth tier of English football’s pyramid for the first time since their first-ever relegation to non-league in 2019. Last campaign, the Magpies went toe-to-toe with Wrexham, ultimately losing out on automatic promotion by four points. However, their celebrations wouldn’t be delayed for much longer. A day out at Wembley ended in promotion after an eventful encounter against Chesterfield. The game ended 2-2 after extra time before Luke Williams’ side triumphed 4-3 on penalties. In pre-season, County won four friendlies, against Nuneaton Borough, AFC Telford United, Boston United and Alfreton Town, drew against Shrewsbury Town and lost against Stoke City and Nottingham Forest. Williams has been in charge at Meadow Lane since June 2022 and has taken charge of 51 matches in total, winning 35, drawing 11 and losing just five. Key players to watch out for from Notts County include summer arrival David McGoldrick who returned to Notts County having previously represented the club in 2003/04 and 2005/06. Since then, the 35-year-old has racked up a total of 559 appearances to date, including 63 (and 10 goals) in the Premier League for Sheffield United. A proven goalscorer at any level he’s played, the former Derby County man has netted over 150 times so far in his career. Forward Macaulay Langstaff enjoyed a monumentally successful campaign last time out, scoring 42 league goals and picking up a number of accolades including National League Player of the Season, Fans’ and Players’ Player of the Season and records set for most goals in a Notts County season, most goals in a National League season and most Player of the Month awards in a National League season. At just 31-years-old, John Bostock has accumulated a wealth of experience throughout his career to-date. As well as plying his trade in Belgium, the USA, France and Turkey, the midfielder represented England at U16, U17 and U19 level, playing alongside Jack Wilshere, Andros Townsend and Jonjo Shelvey. On Morecambe's side, some key players to watch out for include Stuart Moore who has played all three games so far this season as goalkeeper. Donald Love is another player to watch out for as he has played all three games so far this season as defender. In midfield Tom Bloxham has played all three games so far this season. Up front Michael Mellon has played all three games so far this season as striker. Ahead of the game, Derek Adams spoke of his awareness of County's flexible approach to different games. It should be an exciting match! We encourage readers to get involved with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion, both pre- and post-match. We would love to know your thoughts! Be sure to check out the Pride of Nottingham dashboard for all the latest content and an easy-to-view glance at the whole site. -
It's still very early days and what we have seen so far is, anyone can beat anyone right now. Defensively, I hope Notts cuts out the mistakes with back passing and rushing passes to players who may lose the ball. We need to pass in a way those who are the intended target don't have to worry about being marked. Passing into space makes so much more sense, than passing back just because the opposition is pressing. If we are being forced to make passes, it's highly likely that mistakes will occur. I think we need to hold the ball well in order to get a good result against Morecambe. John Bostock and Matt Palmer playing in such a way that it opens up the channels could allow Jodi Jones/Adam Chicksen/Aaron Nemane/ whoever our wing backs may be to take a direct approach to getting crosses into their area. We look a lot more comfortable this season with taking shots from outside the box, so if Morecambe make it difficult to get clear chances inside their penalty box, I would hope we try to open up space outside the d and try efforts from further away. Notts just needs to move the ball around differently, so that Morecambe don't get a chance to adapt. I think the win against Grimsby will be a big boost and I do think the game will be another test. I think a draw is highly likely, maybe 1-1.
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I thought Notts started off quite lively and eager to put a forward-thinking approach on the game, although we were guilty of bringing it too far back when really we should have tried going to the side, then back forward - instead back, back, back... Before we knew, the ball would always be at a defender's feet, now I understand why it is a means to open space but quite often today it was the wrong choice. Usually when people at games complain about this, the options were not as transparent or as obvious today, but I thought we were sluggish after they scored, and we are lucky they didn't go 2-0 up. Grimsby, although they played a physical game and were quite dirty at times. We allowed them so much freedom, something I felt Richard Brindley cut out as being the defender in the middle of Kyle Cameron and Connell Rawlinson. I think it was Matt Palmer who passed the ball to Connell Rawlinson, to which Rawlinson made the mistake which Danny Rose jumped on. That was really frustrating, but it's something we keep doing and did a fair amount last season. Never pass to your last defender if he's got a striker on him, find a sideways pass or try to move into space, so it opens up ahead of you. John Bostock's goal was a sweet finish and came at a point we were starting to look like we might make a game of it after all. However, we didn't take this opportunity and got caught out napping. Their second goal, yes it was an excellent move, but we shouldn't concede like this right near to the half-time whistle. Second half, Notts were class and deserved to take all the points. We made Grimsby look quite lacking, with Jodi Jones being the player who made the biggest difference. You can see that he becomes quite the threat when trialling games. Once level, it seemed a matter of time before the third goal went in for us and I am delighted with the win. I do feel nervous every time the opposition shoots at our goal, as there's times Aidan Stone looks a bit glued to the ground, but I felt his aerial presence was excellent. The referee at times tried to make the game about himself, but overall he wasn't shocking. Jodi Jones deserved the Man of the Match, usually I don't agree with the club's match sponsor but it was spot on.
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I wasn't interested in the League Cup, I don't think we've taken this or the FA Cup seriously for a while, oddly the EFL Trophy seems to have a higher priority. I wasn't surprised to see that we lost, what I did feel disappointed in was hearing Luke Williams say that nobody expects us to win a team a league above us. It just seemed a loss of menality towards achieving our potential. Did I expect to win? No, especiallly due to the Sutton game but to outright say it as a manager seemed more negative frustration than his usual carefully chosen words.
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I watched a video where the Sutton United manager praised Notts. He spoke about how their club are adapting and improving the stadium, especially their pitch and all these other changes. He said that Luke Williams has one of the best squads in terms of depth that Sutton will be adapting to how they feel we will play and aim to put on a strong performance. He seemed a very decent manager, a lot better than I expected. Very quirky and old-fashioned in a way that it was hard not to like him.
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I would love to be able to give my thoughts and analysis on this, like I did in the past, but I don't think it's fair to go on it based on the friendly games. I would assume them to be set up quite defensively, but not so much that it limits their attack. They have done quite well since gaining their Football League status, but as mentioned some of their better players have left. I would say that Will Randall would be useful as someone to give his thoughts on how he feels they will play, but it's most likely going to be adapted and changed. Jodi Jones does do well coming on from off the bench. I would have Adam Chicksen and Aaron Nemane on the wing. John Bostock, Matt Palmer and David Mcgoldrick in midfield. I hope Macaulay Langstaff is at the top. With the back consisting of Kyle Cameron, Aden Baldwin and Richard Brindley as the back three.
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@Piethagoram It's their train, isn't it? I read that Wrexham has an agreement with an airline, but maybe it's worth exploring the private train option. In the past, it was Yeovil who frequently relied on public trains when they were in the Championship. However, I distinctly remember reading a story about two of their players being subjected to an attack.
