The Heff

This is the kind of fixture that really helps young players grow, a big stage, strong opposition, and the backing of fans. I’ve been impressed with how the lads have handled pressure in earlier matches, especially with the challenges they’ve faced. It’s great to see the club taking pride in its academy, and the coaches clearly have the right mindset going into this game. Whatever the result, this journey is something the players will remember and build on.

I’ve been really impressed with how Jatta handles himself on the pitch. He’s got a fantastic attitude, which isn’t something you can say about every player at this level. He’s always looking to improve and help the team, which shows in his performances. While he’s not scoring loads of goals yet, his presence up front makes a huge difference. He holds the ball up well and brings others into play, which is so important in our system. The way he tracks back and works for the team defensively is just as valuable. If he keeps working on his finishing, I think he could easily hit double figures this season. He’s definitely a player to watch in the coming months.

It’s refreshing to see the club addressing both on-pitch and off-pitch matters so openly. The updates about the Jimmy Cyril Stand and accessibility improvements at Meadow Lane show a real commitment to making match days enjoyable for everyone. Safe standing is also a great idea, I hope they consult fans closely to get it right. On the footballing side, I’m pleased with the summer recruitment process and the emphasis on tactical flexibility. The way Stuart Maynard is handling injuries and integrating younger players is promising, even if it’s not easy. If the January window brings a couple more reinforcements, we could really be set up for a strong push this season.

It was a good football match between two decent teams. Doncaster played well, but at times they looked like a team we could have easily beaten if we had a full squad available. They made changes and fielded what seems to be their strongest team, but I didn’t see much to suggest they are better than us. It’s all about collecting points, and for both teams, this is a good result. We need to aim for all three points against Crewe, keep up the pressure, and make sure we stay firmly in the automatic promotion race.

Derby County 1-0 Hull City Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Preston North End Cambridge United 0-2 Burton Albion Joker Lincoln City 2-4 Stockport County Bradford City 1-0 Doncaster Rovers Newport County 0-2 Fleetwood Town Barnet 0-1 Rochdale Ebbsfleet United 0-0 Wealdstone

I believe Alex Bass performed well when he was needed. However, I am going to vote for David McGoldrick.

Cardiff City 0-1 Portsmouth Leeds United 4-2 Watford Bristol Rovers 3-3 Shrewsbury Town Peterborough United 1-2 Blackpool Fleetwood Town 2-2 Crewe Alexandra Joker Tranmere Rovers 5-3 Grimsby Town Dagenham & Redbridge 1-1 Eastleigh Joker Tamworth 0-0 Yeovil Town

I know everyone keeps saying it, but this game would have ended in defeat last season. If you want to understand just how far we have come, go back and watch footage from last season, then re-watch the full game. You’ll see how solid we were at the back. Alex Bass is an excellent keeper, very reliable and determined. I can overlook performances in tough games, especially when the team is working hard for the win.

It was a game where we really had to dig deep. Wimbledon came with a plan and made it difficult for us, but the team showed real grit to come through with the win. The defensive effort was outstanding, and we kept our shape brilliantly under pressure. We’ve become much harder to break down this season, and that’s really encouraging to see. The goal might have been scrappy, but they all count, and what matters most is the result. Games like this are crucial if we’re going to keep pushing for the top spots. It’s great to see the team pulling together and getting the job done!

A battling performance that showed plenty of resilience and determination. Matt Platt, Jacob Bedeau, and Louis Macari all deserve praise, special mentions for them. But my vote goes to Alex Bass.

Blackburn Rovers 2-2 Swansea City QPR 0-2 Portsmouth Joker Blackpool 2-0 Barnsley Lincoln City 1-2 Birmingham City Bradford City 0-2 Gillingham Port Vale 1-1 Fleetwood Town Maidenhead United 0-1 Hartlepool United Sutton United 0-4 Oldham Athletic

For most 19-year-olds, it's tough to go out on loan, even if you have the quality that George Abbott clearly has. Without the right environment, it might have taken previous loan stars like Jack Grealish and Callum McGregor more time to settle in. I think the squad creates a great environment for him, one that allows him to focus on his ability and performances, rather than fitting in or needing to win over our fans. There's a lot that we take for granted, but Abbott's performance yesterday wasn't one of those things. I think he'll be a class player in the coming years, and it's a delight to see him showcase it for us at Notts.

I appreciate how he describes the atmosphere, it’s true, you really do have to be there to get the full effect. It’s interesting that he mentions being aware of the rivalry’s history, especially with the Wembley clash a few years back. It’s one thing to play well, but knowing why it matters makes a difference. He’s obviously got a lot of respect for what this club means to its supporters, and that’s refreshing. Beyond that, George Abbott is proving himself versatile, which is invaluable in League Two. Playing wide right isn’t his usual spot, but he adapted so well, linking up with Dan to set up a cracking assist for Jatta. I’m excited to see how he continues developing.

Crawley Town 1-2 Shrewsbury Town Peterborough United 3-1 Rotherham United Barrow 2-1 Morecambe Cheltenham Town 1-2 Swindon Town Doncaster Rovers 0-2 Crewe Alexandra Harrogate Town 1-0 Newport County Salford City 1-1 Grimsby Town Tranmere Rovers 0-3 Bradford City ???? Joker

Kellan Gordon's performance has been severely underrated in my opinion. His ability to stretch the defence and provide those pinpoint crosses should have been capitalised upon much more. It wasn't just his attacking contributions that stood out; defensively, he was as solid as ever, making it difficult for Port Vale to penetrate. If the rest of the team had moved with his urgency or matched his aggression on the ball, there could have been a different outcome.

Coventry City 1-2 Sheffield Wednesday Watford 1-0 Middlesbrough Mansfield Town 0-0 Blackpool Rotherham United 2-0 Reading Accrington Stanley 1-3 Morecambe ???? Joker Swindon Town 2-1 Harrogate Town Eastleigh 0-1 Forest Green Rovers Halifax Town 1-0 Tamworth

Our defensive display last night was exceptional. When you're facing a team on their home turf, especially one as stubborn as Carlisle, it's easy to lose focus. However, Notts County showed great composure from start to finish. Bass's late save was crucial, and it’s no surprise that Maynard considers him the best goalie in the league. His ability to relieve pressure on the defence by coming out for crosses was vital for protecting our lead. The way Maynard’s side performed under pressure, especially in the second half, highlights their resilience and hunger for success. The fans travelling to Brunton Park were equally fantastic, providing a boost that undoubtedly played a part in securing the clean sheet.

I think, in terms of overall performances, Alex Bass stands out head and shoulders above everyone. He put on a very commanding and determined display yesterday. I enjoyed seeing his reaction to pushing the header out. It was a very good save from a decent attacking move by Carlisle.

Norwich City 2-0 Leeds United Sunderland 3-2 Derby County Birmingham City 1-3 Huddersfield Town Crawley Town 0-1 Mansfield Town Leyton Orient 1-2 Exeter City Doncaster Rovers 0-2 Barrow Newport County 1-3 Salford City Tranmere Rovers 1-0 Swindon Town Joker

Liam’s take on Carlisle United shows a team in transition, hoping for success under Mike Williamson’s new management. Early signs are promising, and their possession-based play could challenge Notts County. We’ll need to be tactically disciplined, especially with Crowley likely to be influential. Liam’s point about Carlisle’s need for defensive cohesion is interesting, given their recent inconsistencies. We should also watch out for their standout right-sided defender, Archie Davies. However, with our solid track record and consistent form, we should be confident. It’s set to be an exciting match.

Carlisle United away represents a major test for Stuart Maynard and his squad, particularly with our current injury issues. A strategic approach is needed, focusing on a solid defensive setup and a robust midfield capable of controlling the tempo and minimising errors. Our experienced players like Didzy will need to lead and mentor the younger members of the squad, whose energy could be vital in maintaining our pressing game and counter-attacks. The midfield battle will be key; we need players who can both disrupt Carlisle's play and instigate our own attacks. Set-pieces could be our golden opportunities, so the lads need to be sharp and ready to exploit any chances that come their way. Despite the difficulties, football can always surprise us, and with the right mentality, a win is not out of reach. A well-earned draw would also be a positive outcome, given the circumstances. Let’s support the team fervently and remain optimistic.

Really impressed by the team's fighting spirit. Conceding so early could have crushed morale, but Notts displayed immense resolve. Morecambe's defensive setup was hard to break, but the persistence paid off with Sam Austin’s brilliant cross and Platt’s first goal. Hats off to Maynard for keeping the squad motivated. It’s evident that we need to be more clinical in the final third, but the potential is there. I'm optimistic about Josh Martin’s debut; he could be a game-changer for us in future fixtures. Let’s hope for fewer injuries moving forward. COYP!

It’s surprising to see how the voting has turned out. I voted for David McGoldrick, who has 59.46% of the votes. Matty Platt has 18.92%, while Dan Crowley and Sam Austin each have 8.11%.

Middlesbrough 2-0 Stoke City Millwall 0-2 Preston North End Joker Blackpool 2-2 Burton Albion Wigan Athletic 3-0 Exeter City Gillingham 4-1 Barrow Newport County 1-3 Crewe Alexandra Woking 1-0 Sutton United Yeovil Town 3-2 Aldershot

Tomorrow's fixture against Morecambe is indeed a stern test, but I believe in the squad's ability to bounce back. Our performance against Gillingham was not reflective of the result, and it's good to see Maynard focusing on the positives. Morecambe's pressing and aggressive style will definitely test our defence, but if we stay focused and maintain our high performance levels, we can turn things around. It’s also a big opportunity for our younger players to step up and show what they’re made of, especially with the likes of Muir shining so brightly. Come on, Notts!