Chris

@super_ram Charlie Palmer was a defender, so he would've been ruled out at the very beginning. Having written about Jeff Astle, if it wasn't for the year of birth I would've said it was him, Mick Vinter too, but ruled out for the same reason as Astle. Lawrie Dudfield is also ruled out. I'm not sure how many clubs or fans would call him a legend though. I thought he was a good player, mind.

I believe so, as well @Fozzy. I think the issue with plastic artificial grass is that it can slow the ball down, whilst making it more effort to play on. It's not something I think this squad will worry about, although there does become that risk of it causing injuries. If Notts can pass the ball around, whilst waiting the game to open up and then hit them with that aggressive free flowing passing that we usually see in the second half at Meadow Lane, I can see it being a decent trip for us. Aaron Nemane should find plenty of space at the back to put in those crosses he likes to make, provided he starts. I thought he made a real impact coming off the bench against Woking, he also seemed a bit more focused on defending which was nice. I am hoping Langstaff can get another, I know how desperately he wants to hit 50 goals in a Notts shirt. Which is very unlikely to be made in the last two games, but there's a chance if we include the playoffs. It would also be nice to see Sam Austin continue his form, dropping him for the bench right now would seem like a waste when he's on fire.

I know, we'll look back on the defeats and think those are the games which could've won the league - yet nobody could imagine how dominant ourselves or Wrexham would be. It appears that our prior setbacks gave Notts an extra push to succeed. We had a stretch where our play seemed overthought during away games, causing us to struggle. This season has been incredible. If you're to gain promotion you want to be gaining records and causing pressure to your rivals. I think both clubs have benefitted from the close competition. I felt a little unsure leading into the season, until I saw the Alfreton game. I then posted my thoughts about how I felt we would do, I wasn't far off, but I had predicted that we would fall back around Christmas. The Notts players did their utmost to keep it going for much longer than that and even now, they're doing the unthinkable. I feel quite positive about the playoffs, although that's me in a nutshell. I always try to see the bright side!

These type of games do tend to be difficult, just as it was against Wrexham. Woking had pressure with the fact that Chesterfield could and did go above them as a result of them losing and Eastleigh failing to make a 2-0 lead count against the Spiriates. The first half wasn't pretty for either teams, but I thought Notts moved the ball around nicely at times. I know there are a lot of expectations for the players to play swift, fast-paced attacking play but that style only works when you're comfortable on the ball. No one should expect the players to dominate a team that is clearly at a lower level, especially when both teams are still trying to figure each other out. Possession was a challenge for Woking as they struggled to hold onto the ball. However, our players effectively regained control in a noteworthy manner. The issue for Notts was that in the first half, the majority of crosses wasn't great, and it seemed more a case of hit and hope. That lack of quality from the out wide spaces, with Jodi Jones only being the exception, caused Woking some real trouble. We should've moved the ball through the centre of the park, as there would've been more space at times. They made it hard for Notts to find space, hence why we ended up going backwards a lot of the time. I had the feeling that Sam Slocombe probably shouldn't have started, his kicking wasn't his usual standard, but he did fine otherwise. Second half Notts grew into it more, Woking started to slow their game down and then the space became more visible. Notts picked up the tempo, causing the chances to become more fluid. We do rely on the channels to create chances and, with the play being more open, it allowed Adam Chciksen to pick out Matt Palmer. The pass to Sam Austin for the opening goal was a lovely move and that gave us the confidence to wrap up the game. 3-0 and a clean sheet, the first half should be forgotten and not dwelled on. It's important to maintain high standards, but it's equally important to balance things out when you're preparing for a final promotion push. I mean, the fact Wrexham has more pressure not to slip up in their final two games, it's crazy.

@DangerousSausage How do you know there is a universe where you are that clever? ????????

Woking will want to win, I think they'll start bright and make it hard. I am hoping we do make a few changes, nothing over the top but just sensible changes. I'd choose Jodi Jones over Arron Nemane and figure out an alternative for Adam Chicksen, like bringing in Kyle Cameron or giving Frank Vincent a shot instead. He needs time; a break would do him wonders. Adam also knows there's limited competition, so it's a difficult thing for Luke Williams to manage that type of situation. For the record, I don't think he's himself for a few games, but he's still a very important player and starting against Woking isn't remotely as important as getting him back ready for the playoffs. I think allowing Ruben Rodrigues to sit on the bench and give Cadwyn Scott or Junior Mendes the start should also be considered. The rest of the team writes itself, Matt Palmer is the heartbeat in midfield and John Bostock works well with him. To conquer Woking, we must exploit their defenders' vulnerabilities by flanking them. However, including Nemane in the game might not benefit us unless he enhances his defence capabilities.

I don't think there can be multiple versions of me living out different lives, such as being a professional athlete or a renowned poet. Maybe even something else, like living with a different family. It just becomes too far from a stretch for me. That said, I understand why it's interesting and why people will debate it. Yet, it's unlikely that proof will ever be had, this discussion reminds me of one of my favourite YouTube channels called "The Why Files". Both videos related to this subject, but the first is the one which explains things about the multiverse.

Wrexham can't sustain their current pressure and pace, so we must be mindful of our passes and avoid rushing when a Wrexham player is near. Paul Mullin just dived trying to claim a penalty, BT Sports claimed it was a clear decision in favour of Wrexham but all Kyle Cameron did was reach. Minimal contact, yet Mullin had already started to go backwards before being touched. Ollie Palmer going down by the slightest touch from Matt Palmer minutes before Mullin did in the penalty box shows Wrexham's antics. I would personally welcome seeing more patient passing from Notts, just give tidy touches and make space. Frustrate them a little and just see how things open up, instead of just losing the ball. Wrexham are defending quite okay so far. We look a little nervous at the back but are doing fine as of now.

In our home game against Wrexham, Notts put pressure on them from the start to finish. They gave us a lot more time on the ball than I expect them to do today, whilst I think they'll focus on the counter and set pieces. I do think they'll aim to retain the ball a lot more and just be patient with moving it forward. This is something Notts does quite well themselves. We need to make sure that defensively the keeper, whoever this may be, is protected and that any possible chance is blocked effectively. I don't feel as nervous about the game, I believe 100% in this set of Notts players and, whatever the outcome, I am extremely proud of them. If things go right for us, then we'll see incredible scenes. I hope that all the fans who managed to get tickets, go and enjoy the day. Make us proud, back the lads vocally for 90% and a BIG YOUUUU PIIIEEESSS!

It's going to be a tough game for both teams, I feel. I can see Wrexham wanting to take the game to Notts, I can't see them allowing us much freedom on their home soil. If they press Notts, we need to make sure we don't allow them too much space, it's important that we force them to be more defensive than ourselves. It's a game where we could ideally do with Sam Slocombe's experience. I am sure Archie Mair or Tiernan Brooks will do just fine, it would just be a blessing to go back to full strength in the goalkeeper department. I don't expect Sam to make his return, but so I do expect Archie to start. He's grown in confidence and I hope he enjoys the occasion. With it being live on BT Sports, there will be pressure through the two squads. We just need to play our best game and hopefully get the result needed to maintain the top spot.

I don't think I can write a single commentary word about Wealdstone, they're quite clearly punching above their weight and looked extremely boring to watch. They really didn't turn up and, I honestly expected better from them. Defensively, they were all over the place and instead of clearing the danger they would just put the ball out to the nearest possible point. This doesn't remove pressure; it asserts it and gives the team you're playing more time to pressure you. Notts could've had at least 5 goals in the first half and, I think I may have one slightly backhanded comment for them. Sam Howes pulled off a couple of fantastic saves, yet his whole attitude stunk and quite early on - I shouted "Alright, Joe Hart. Calm down." He was probably the best part of their performance as otherwise they looked like a team in the Sunday league. Our pressure and ball retrieval were relentless. The other team was so clumsy in possession that even Maculay Langstaff managed to steal the ball for our first goal. Sam Austin deserved and executed the goal brilliantly. He could've had a second not long after if it wasn't for Howes saving the effort. Wealdstone are clearly doing something right to be where they are in the league and, I hoped I would see a glimmer of that. Perhaps they're just in a spell of poor form? I don't know about that, but they were rubbish from start to finish, and I feel they're one of the poorest teams we've played at home. A lot worse than Southend, Scunthorpe United or Maidstone United combined. My man of the match would've been Jodi Jones or maybe Matt Palmer.

I can't wait for this game; it should hopefully set up the Wrexham game nicely. Imagine if Halifax manage to cause an upset, and we pick up a win, to bridge back some of that gap between us and Wrexham. If it happened, it would make the Easter Monday game all the more entertaining. We can wish and hope for this to happen. I hope this game will be quite normal, if we pass the ball around and do not have to change halves at the start, we will have a good attacking game in the second half.

They're flaky as a team, but I think perform better at home, which you would expect. They've only won two of their last five games, which the rest were defeats. Southend and York are the two teams they beat, plus they can score goals which may put pressure on us depending on who starts in goal. I must admit, I like Brooks and feel nervous viewing Mair - yet we can protect whoever starts by ensuring we are defensively setup, without limiting ourselves going forward. It just means some players must stay back, then the rest need to regroup as quickly as possible. We're relying on the key players as a team right now, even though we're performing okay as a squad. Away from home we haven't quite been the same since we lost our second game a few weeks back, so it's time to get the away form back on and to keep the pressure on Wrexham. 2nd place, is a great achievement, so many successful sspects each of the players and club can take away.

I think we all gave Scunthorpe United too much credit; they were woeful. I mean, they never trouble Slocombe bar the dangerous high foot that injured him. They most certainly never caused any sort of problem for Mair, which is either a sign of how well we played or, how dire and woeful Scunthorpe were. They looked empty, even Shields, who I like from his time here, looked like a shadow of himself. Although, unlike others, he actually tried a lot more and did put in effort. From the Notts perspective, it was just very routine and straight forward. There wasn't much of an issue for our defence, no real threat and everything was like a stroll on a Sunday morning. Ironically, they defended quite well at times but having 11 players try to stop a side that's already 2-0 up isn't going to end any better. We could've easily won 5-0, if not more. To say, we were concerned about the level of fitness and who would be available - it shows that we really hadn't worried. I am hearing that their fans started ripping seats out of the Jimmy Sirrel stand, not the behaviour you would expect. It's quite disrespectful, if they want to take their anger out of someone, they should look at their club first. My man of the match would've been Rodrigues. I said this before half-time to @callum2569. He played very well, communicating with the players and trying to lift them - whilst he actually passed the ball in positions where he perhaps should've shot himself. It was just a superb performance. Langstaff did brilliantly, as did Jim O'Brien. Those three were head and shoulders above the rest of the squad for me, however it was a brilliant team performance and nobody rested or had a day off.

We can't expect Scunthorpe United to lay over for us, I simply don't believe that will happen. Scoring an early goal would be something I feel would lift Notts, provided we didn't sit back and try to absorb the game. We tend to invite teams back into the game when we do this, Notts just needs to approach the game with the mindset that if we create chances - someone will put them away. It's going to be interesting to see who plays in goal, could Brooks do what Carroll did a few years back? I think they'll try to make it difficult and despite their troubles, they will keep Notts on their toes.

Notts just needs a touch of magic, but going off the radio it sounds like Barnet are pushing a little closer than we are. 1-1 currently, Wrexham's winning 2-1. It's not a nail in the coffin, but it will make it harder to challenge, unless one of our players can produce a touch of brilliance. I feel a bit mixed, but no so much confident. I know we tend to grab some late goals, but it just feels like Barnet will see this out or claim victory. I just have this feeling!

He's been incredible this season, even towards the end of last year I thought he had earned his place in the squad. It seems something has clicked and, it's gone from there. Under Luke Williams, he has done far more than before. I thought he was better going forward and not as effective defensively, but it's more all round this campaign. I am hoping he stays on with us, he's a great asset and player for us.

I thought I would add my prediction for tonight, I actually feel like Notts will score early. With Eastleigh level before the end of the first half, they will probably try to boss us off the ball, but we should be able to find a way to score. I'm going for 2-1, with Ruben opening the score, then later on Chicksen adding a second to win the game. I'll probably be far off, but I don't think we'll run away with it. He might get a start to save someone else for the weekend's game against Barnet.

I remember the time we played Eastleigh in the National League, they made it extremely difficult but Notts didn't really ask many questions. I don't think that opener was one of our best starts and I remember leaving feeling like Notts had to wake up to the type of position. Ironically, I think it's generally the type of team we struggle against. They're quite a tall and physical squad, so we will need to match their intensity. Backing off them will just allow Eastleigh more time to frustrate us. I think we have a good enough squad that will know the warning signs, I just hope they don't clatter some of our defenders. I will say, I think Brooks needs to be protected from the start, as well as Notts did after Dorking's opener. Brooks didn't seem happy with himself, but there were zero things he could've done. Conceding is a huge thing for a young keeper, especially in terms of confidence.

Dorking took advantage of the space at the back when Notts pushed forward. I thought the players would've given Brooks a bit more protection with it being his league debut at home. No fault should come to Brooks, he did a very good job when he was needed. When he was on his own, he could not let them get a second. That would've been game over in my opinion, if Dorking has taken a 2-0 lead. People have criticised Jim O'Brien, I can't stand when people single out a player and go to the extreme - it's borderline hateful. He did well to chase back, but unfortunately he wasn't fast enough to predict the way the Dorking player's next move would be. Yes, he could've done better, but my point is, where was our right back and other defenders? I also believe the weather conditions and pitch played part in him slipping, but that's a different subject. Notts played well going forward, with it being 1-0 and the way we pushed back, I felt confident that we would score. When Langstaff pulled us level, that lifted the KOP and things just clicked from there. I believe Matt Palmer had his best game in a Notts shirt, he was pulling all the strings, and it was nice to see him getting forward with a lot more purpose - him getting a goal is the reward for that. Some of his clever passes, repeatedly created chances, and it was almost on par with Ruben's way of breaking the back four. Bitterly cold, but very enjoyable game. I don't know if anyone realised, but I was told before kick off that their keeper was running late and that there might be a 5-minute delay. The player who went in goal, I believe, is their backup, and he's also a cricketer.

I don't know what to expect from Dorking. They're the type of team most would think we could cruise past, but they made it difficult at their ground. I think those who believe we have the advantage due to being at home, I think they might be surprised. A lot of fans said the season we were relegated to the National League, that teams will want to cause an upset at Meadow Lane. It would be like their cup day, well with this being on TV - I think it just gives them more motivation than it does us. We just need to try to improve defensively. A clean sheet would be welcomed.

Just like BT Sports, I believe Luke Williams comments about the title chase being off is just a way to take pressure off us. I'm glad Notts were able to save a point, I can't really comment on their penalties, but the second one they gave wasn't the right decision from the radio. I don't think anyone can be harsh on Tiernan Brooks, I am pleased he's been given his league debut. Quite amusing after the topic started on here as to if he will get game time next season, hopefully he will get game time between now and then and show that he does have potential to be our future number 1. Everyone sounded like they aren't quite up to par with the game, but I did always expect Bromley to make it difficult. Coming back after a defeat away from home, against a good opposition at this level would always be a difficult challenge. Thank god for the Non League Haarland, Langstaff finding the net really saved the day and kept things alive. If anyone watched the Wrexham game, I almost fell asleep. Madienhead wasn't that bad, but Wrexham I could've dozed off! Utterly boring football. Mind Paul Mullin did well with his second goal, as did Madienhead with their two equalisers. Just a shame their keeper is about as good as spring onions are as food.

It sounds like a very poor decision for the second penalty, unfortunately I didn't have the radio on for the first but its incredibly bizarre that two are given so early into a game. Bromley sound as if they're in control, hopefully we can dig deep and get back into it. Pleased to see Brooks get this debut and for his penalty save. Funnilty @Piethagoram mentioned choosing Brooks due to penalty saves for his 5-a-side team. 1-0 currently to Bromley.

The thing about Bromley is that they're probably the type of team most would consider to be underdogs in this league, they're a good side who can play some very good football. When they use the channels to create space, they are not afraid to commit bodies and have several players who can hold the ball up. If you watch their last three home games, you'll see that they like to be expressive with their play. There's a real purpose for them to get forward and this could make it different for Notts, as I expect them to press us quite high. Their crossing and set pieces will be something to watch out for, as we always tend to struggle against sides that aren't afraid to whip in a ball. It's going to be close, as I say I can foresee both midfields attempting to control the game. Whoever works harder as they come into the game should take control, yet even if we do manage to take the lead - I would hate for us to settle on a narrow lead because they have goals in them for sure.

Yes, he tried to speak with the officials. Who I am told dismissed him, which made him respond with some chosen words which continued into the tunnel.