PON_News

PRESS CONFERENCE | MK DONS (A) | DAN CROWLEY

Graham Alexander, the manager of MK Dons, recently shared his thoughts on the team's performance, player acquisitions, injuries, the importance of competition, and the mindset needed for success as his team takes on Notts County. Alexander acknowledged that the first half of the season was challenging for the squad due to a heavy workload and a lack of numbers. However, he is optimistic about the reinforcements brought in just before the transfer window closed. "We believe that we've got the right players for the right positions and the right characters," he said. "Lads who have succeeded and had success before as in promotions and stuff. So, you know if we look at the window as a whole, I think it's been a really productive one for us." The manager emphasised the importance of competition within the team. "I think every elite team thrives on competition, and we want to become an elite team at the level we're at," he said. Alexander also mentioned that there are currently a few injuries within the squad, including Matt Dennis who has been missing for three weeks and Mo Eisa and Jonathan Leko who have missed training this week. Alexander's nomination for manager of the month is a testament to the results that the club is producing. "It's always a club effort for me," he said. He looks forward to every game of football and wants to be involved at the right end of the table. The manager also stressed the importance of clear thinking and decision-making by players. "We don't want to run every decision that a player has to make. We want them to be able to think clearly and make decisions because decisions happen so quickly," he said. Alexander believes that consistency is key to success. "The best teams are consistent with what they do. They believe in what they do and don't change from game to game," he said. He also acknowledged that perfection is unattainable and that it is important to focus on the next action. The manager believes that there is always room for improvement. "I think every player can improve. I think the team can improve, and I can improve. That's what we have to strive to do every day," he said. Looking ahead to the upcoming game against Notts County, Alexander acknowledged that it will be a tough test for his team. "It's early in the league, so we don't look into that right now. But like I said, you get it, similar to the Wrexham game, you have to look at what Notts County have done over the previous year, and you know they're a good team with a really good manager," he said. Graham Alexander seems optimistic about his team's performance and is focused on continued improvement and success. Join in with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion ahead of Notts County’s game against MK Dons. Let us know your thoughts by clicking this link and posting a comment. Check out the Pride of Nottingham dashboard page for all the latest content throughout the site in one easy-to-view location. Get involved with PON today.

Macaulay Langstaff was a standout player in Notts County's 3-1 victory over Accrington Stanley at Meadow Lane this past Saturday, according to head coach Luke Williams. The Magpies went top as a result of this victory, and Williams had high praise for Langstaff's performance. Williams praised Langstaff for scoring two brilliant goals in the game. "Tough players, but we have Macaulay Langstaff, and he scored two brilliant goals and then our first goal was always excellent as well and like that you can play a really close game and win because you have excellent players that can put the ball in the net," he said. Williams was impressed by Langstaff's ability to find the back of the net and help secure the victory for his team. In addition to his skills on the field, the head coach admired Langstaff's impressive toughness. "Because he’s a warrior and as much as we love the goals of course, but he’s so tough and now the window’s shut, and we can talk about how good he is so that’s great," Williams said. He recognised Langstaff's determination and resilience, and praised him for being a key player in the team's success. Williams also mentioned other players who were out due to injury but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete. "I think of course we want more players fit because we have Geraldo Bajrami and Cedwyn Scott out which is difficult, but we still have enough bodies in the building of the right quality and the right guys that we can still compete," he said. Despite some injuries, Williams was confident that his team had enough depth to continue performing at a high level. In addition to Langstaff's individual performance, Williams also praised the overall effort of his team. "The players were able to be tough when they needed to be tough and that made me feel very, very happy," he said. He recognised the effort and determination his players showed on the field, and how they were able to rise to the challenge. Overall, Williams was extremely pleased with Langstaff's performance in Notts County's victory over Accrington Stanley. He praised Langstaff for his goals, his toughness on the field, and his contribution to the team's success. The Magpies went top as a result of this victory, and Williams is looking forward to seeing what Langstaff and the rest of his team can achieve in future games. What are your thoughts on the upcoming match against MK Dons? Why not add your thoughts to the Pride of Nottingham match discussion. Share your thoughts with our community. Join in further with the Pride of Nottingham by checking out our 'topicfeed' the best location for viewing all our forums content in one easily manageable location to post directly from.

PRESS CONFERENCE | MK DONS (A) | LUKE WILLIAMS

Notts County head coach, Luke Williams, was pleased with his team’s performance in their 3-1 victory over Accrington Stanley at Meadow Lane this past Saturday. The Magpies went top as a result of this victory, and Williams had nothing but praise for his team. Williams praised his team for creating “really good chances” and noted that Aiden Stone, the goalkeeper, got Man of the Match. “We scored three goals, but the goalkeeper gets the Man of the Match, so that tells you that it was tough, and they created really good chances, and he made brilliant saves,” Williams said. He was impressed by the way his team was able to create opportunities and capitalise on them. The head coach also appreciated the toughness of his players. “That’s the thing that I loved about the performance because I’m exhausted, but the players were able to be tough when they needed to be tough and that made me feel very, very happy,” he said. Williams recognised the effort and determination his players showed on the field, and how they were able to rise to the challenge. Williams also acknowledged that there were some challenges during the game. “I thought we started well but even from the early stages, I think we scored, I don’t know, it’s early seven minutes? But inside those seven minutes, I think they flashed the ball across the box a couple of times, and it wasn’t so comfortable,” he said. Despite these early difficulties, Williams was proud of how his team responded. Despite these challenges, Williams was proud of his team’s ability to overcome them. “So when we scored we needed to really show that we can understand the opposition. We can have a reaction, and we need to show that we can match that and then maybe we can go in one-nil up and then the other chance the game is different in the second half if you do that, but we didn’t. We became more passive after the goal, and then we suffered for that and so that was the main message at half-time and of course, the players are brilliant, so they do everything that they should do,” he said. Williams emphasised how important it was for his team to understand their opposition and react accordingly. He praised his players for being able to adapt and overcome challenges during the game. The head coach also highlighted how his team was able to bounce back after becoming more passive after their first goal. In their victory over Accrington Stanley, Williams expressed extreme satisfaction with his team's performance. He commended their ability to create chances, their resilience on the field, and their capacity to overcome challenges during the game. This victory propelled the Magpies to the top of the table, and Williams eagerly anticipates what his team can achieve in future matches. Check out the Pride of Nottingham prints for this season’s squad, featuring most players in their home and away shirts. Free delivery is included when posted. Join in with the Pride of Nottingham: check out the ‘dashboard’ page for a quick and easy glance at all the content on our website and forum.

Pride of Nottingham gaffer, Chris Buckley, returned to taking pictures at the Notts County vs Accrington Stanley game. The atmosphere at Meadow Lane was electric, with fans singing and getting behind the team. Everyone was enjoying a nice warm Saturday afternoon and evening, with plenty of smiles and brilliant reactions to the game. Chris Buckley is the Pride of Nottingham gaffer, and he takes photos of fans before and during games. The feature is called the Faces of PON, in which he captures the celebrations, emotions, and rollercoaster ride of supporting Notts County. "It was another nice day at Meadow Lane," Chris said. "I visited the various sites before the game and spoke to quite a few fans. The atmosphere was very calm, which was encouraging. Before the game, some fans suggested that Accrington Stanley may be the team to defeat us at home. However, I felt confident, and thankfully it didn't work out like that." Notts County fans were very pleased with the 3-1 win, as witnessed inside the Faces of PON where there were some brilliant celebrations to the goal. In general, the fans were just excited to see Notts County win and go top of League Two. "Once again, seeing the party-like atmosphere around Meadow Lane felt great to be able to see," Chris added. "Our team has come a long way in the 4 years we spent in the National League and the fans have been brilliant throughout." The game itself was an exciting one, with both teams fighting hard for the win. Notts County ultimately came out on top with a 3-1 victory, much to the delight of their fans. The celebrations continued long after the final whistle had blown, with fans singing and cheering as they left Meadow Lane. Chris Buckley's Faces of PON feature captured all of this excitement and emotion, providing a unique perspective on what it's like to be a Notts County fan. From the pre-game anticipation to the post-game celebrations, Chris's photos tell the story of a team and its fans united in victory. It was a great day for Notts County fans as they celebrated their team's victory over Accrington Stanley. Chris Buckley's Faces of PON feature captured the excitement and emotions of the fans as they cheered their team on to victory. It's clear that Notts County has come a long way in recent years and their fans are excited to see what the future holds for their team. Last month fans helped raise 60% of our monthly donation target, and we are incredibly thankful for the support. If you are in a position to do so, please consider donating to help us reach our goal again. Have your say in the Pride of Nottingham match discussion on the 3-1 win against Accrington Stanley. Join in with other fans and share your views with us!

HIGHLIGHTS | NOTTS COUNTY 3-1 ACCRINGTON STANLEY

Notts County roared to the top of the Sky Bet League Two table on Saturday afternoon with a fantastic 3-1 victory over Accrington Stanley at Meadow Lane. The win, their third in a row, puts them in first place after six games in the fourth tier, and goes a long way into giving belief in their campaign for back-to-back promotions. An early header by Dan Crowley was soon cancelled out by a looping Josh Andrews header, but a sensational brace from Macauley Langstaff in the second half put County in the driving seat on the way to three massive points. Only one change was made between the two sides, both of whom followed 2–1 victories over Tranmere Rovers and Salford City into this game, with just Jay Rich-Baghuelou absent for the visitors in change with Joe Gubbins at the back. The action at Meadow Lane got off to a flying start, firstly as a simple cross into the area by Accrington was fumbled by Aidan Stone, but the goalkeeper recovered in time as Whalley looked to divert home inside the first two minutes. Notts managed to shake the scare off and soon had the ball in the back of the net, as a wonderful recycled cross by Jodi Jones met the head of Dan Crowley at the back post to give the hosts an early advantage. Jones had another chance to fire in a cross from the same position immediately after the goal, but he sent that one into the grateful arms of Toby Savin. Accrington were presented with a great opportunity to bite back just before the half-hour mark as a slip from Kyle Cameron allowed Whalley to break in on the right, but his delivery was poor, and it allowed Notts to clear. They gave away a cheap foul on the flank soon after, though, and a high ball to the back post was headed back over the flailing Stone and into the back of the net, with striker David McGoldrick unable to hack the ball off the line at the death. The goal took the sting out of the game somewhat, with neither side carving out anything clear-cut. The second half began with County making their way back into control. A sharp bit of footwork from Macauley Langstaff on the right wing saw him squeeze away from Rosaire Longelo, but his cross was cleared away to Palmer who recycled it into a low shot for Jones that fizzed wide. However, Langstaff would not be denied for long as he scored twice in quick succession to put Notts County firmly in control. Although Accrington Stanley were defeated by Notts County, the winners of last season's National League Play-Off, their missed opportunities were truly regrettable. Josh Andrews equalised for the Reds in the first half, and they had double figures in shots at the Magpies goal but couldn’t grab another. County made sure of victory in the final minute and took three points as they rose to top of the table and Stanley dropped to eighth. Join in with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion as Notts County celebrate a 3-1 win over Accrington Stanley. Check out the ‘topicfeed’, Pride of Nottingham’s quick and convenient way for fans to reply without loading multiple pages in order to comment on our forum discussions; everything is within one neat location.

POST-MATCH | NOTTS COUNTY 3-1 ACCRINGTON STANLEY | MACAULAY LANGSTAFF

POST-MATCH | NOTTS COUNTY 3-1 ACCRINGTON STANLEY | LUKE WILLIAMS

FIRST INTERVIEW | LEWIS MACARI

PRESS CONFERENCE | ACCRINGTON STANLEY (H) | AIDAN STONE

Notts County Manager on Luton Town’s Success and the Importance of Experience In an interview, Notts County manager praised Luton Town’s success, stating that it ranks with Leicester City winning the Premier League. “I think what Luton have done ranks with Leicester winning the Premier League,” he said. He described Luton Town as an incredibly well-managed and well-run football club, with similarities to Notts County in terms of being run sensibly and with constant planning for the future. The manager also discussed the importance of experience in a team. He stated that if a team is very young, they need to be very good. However, experience cannot be replaced, and most good teams need a mixture of youth and experience. “If you’re young, you need to be very, very good I think. But you cannot replace experience, so I think most of the time a good team needs a mixture,” he said. When asked about the pressure on Notts County going into their first season in League Two in four years, the manager stated that there is a level of pressure on every club for the opening game. “No I don’t think the fact that we have a good feeling puts more pressure, but yeah there’s a level of pressure on the opening game for every club, and we’re no different,” he said. He also acknowledged that Notts County will be a marked team and that established League Two teams will want to put them in their place. “I’m sure established League Two teams will want to show us and put us in their place,” he said. The manager also discussed how Notts County can stand up to this challenge. “It’s our job to stand up to it, and we have to be ready for teams to come and put us in their place,” he said. He believes that Notts County cannot hide from this challenge due to their brilliant fan base, fantastic stadium, attention from their incredible season last year, and Wrexham being thrown into the mix. Notts County is a professional football club based in Nottingham, England. The club was founded in 1862 and is one of the oldest professional football clubs in the world. They play their home games at Meadow Lane, which has a capacity of over 19,000 spectators. Luton Town Football Club is a professional association football club based in Luton, Bedfordshire, England. Founded in 1885, it is nicknamed "the Hatters" and affiliated to the Bedfordshire County Football Association. The team plays its home matches at Kenilworth Road, which has a capacity of 10,356. Leicester City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Leicester in the East Midlands. The club competes in the Premier League, England's top division of football, and plays its home games at the King Power Stadium. The Premier League is an English professional league for men's association football clubs. At the top of the English football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. If Notts County can replicate the success of Luton Town, it would be another English football fairytale. Experience is key in a team, and Notts County is ready to face challenges from established League Two teams. Only time will tell if they can achieve their goals and create their own fairytale ending. The Pride of Nottingham match discussion for this weekend’s clash against Accrington Stanley is now being discussed. Join in and share your thoughts. Take a browse of all our latest article content published on the Pride of Nottingham and be sure to leave a comment or two!

Luke Williams, the head coach of Notts County, has made remarkable progress in the team's performance since joining the club in June 2022. Williams was awarded the National League Manager of the Month award for October 2022, winning all six matches across the month as they sat top of the league. He led Notts County to victory in the National League promotion final against Chesterfield, ending their four-year absence from the English Football League. Williams has expressed confidence in the club's organisation and preparation, stating that it is "not as stressful as it is at other clubs". In his post-match interview following the recent match against Tranmere Rovers, Luke stated, "I think it would be rude if I said I'm surprised because I've been through a lot with so many of the players in that changing room. I've been through a lot with them, and if I was surprised, it meant I doubted them, and that would be really unfair. He replied. "So, I find another word like, yeah, again I'm impressed with how they can take a lesson and some really tough meetings, tough words from me. I hope that they know everything I say comes from us trying to make us better and never personal. But it's still tough, and that's the role, and when you have a response like the one that we're seeing now, you have to be so grateful to be a head coach of a group that can keep coming up with answers." Reflecting on the recent match, Luke showcased his belief in the team's capabilities, remarking, "I think they were. I think that the group has grown up a lot. I really do mean that, and I think I've probably never witnessed that with a group to that level. They're taking their work more seriously than ever before, and it showed on the pitch today. If we can maintain that level, I think we can look forward to a decent season and play a lot of good football. That's the challenge now, to maintain that level of focus and concentration." Turning his focus to player dynamics and contributions, Luke shared, "He's just a great guy first of all, that's the most important thing. You can see why Connell [Rawlinson] can continue to put in good performances, and yeah, if it comes out, he knows he understands. We talk, many players come in and out of the team, as you know. I don't think Sam Austin did anything in the Doncaster game so bad that he couldn't start, and I think the week before Aaron didn't do anything so bad he couldn't start. There are a lot of times the guys coming in and out, but we try to communicate a lot, and Connell's no different. He sometimes knows if I feel like you look a bit tired or maybe his confidence doesn't look in the top, then he comes out. We talk, and then it goes again, plays brilliantly, scores a goal." Luke Williams' insights highlighted the team's remarkable progress, strong unity, and commitment to improvement. The interview provided valuable insights into the team's journey, encapsulating their dedication to elevating their performance and achieving success in future matches. Join in with the Pride of Nottingham and be a part of an exciting community. Take a moment to make our site a place you visit on a daily basis and check out our dashboard page to get involved. If you have a news story related to fans or Notts County in general, please feel free to contact the PON media team, and we will look into publishing your story.

TRAINING | ACCRINGTON PREPARATIONS

Meadow Lane was transformed into a battlefield of skill and strategy as Notts County clinched a tense 2-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers. Amid the drama, defender Connell Rawlinson emerged as the unsung hero, his on-field brilliance and remarkable match-winning goal stealing the spotlight. Rawlinson's decisive goal, a product of pure striker's instinct, proved pivotal. "I was just in the right place at the right time," Rawlinson recounted. "Normally, my job is to maintain pressure around the edge of the box and retain possession. This time, however, as the ball came down the line, I noticed an open slot in the six-yard box. I took the chance, guided the ball with my foot, and secured the win. The goal matters, but the three points matter more." Not only was his unconventional goal impressive, but it also stood out amongst everything else. Rawlinson's strategic prowess came to the fore, facilitating seamless ball movement across the pitch. "I believe I did well," he evaluated his performance. "Progression is ongoing as we establish our rhythm. But what's crucial now is the consistency of our performances." Completely dedicated to being a squad player, Rawlinson rejected the idea of having a guaranteed spot on the team. "No, because our squad is formidable," he emphasised. "Players can be called upon anytime, considering the lengthy season. Maintaining freshness is key. I comprehend my role on and off the field." Rawlinson lauded the impact of Luke Williams' leadership. "Luke Williams has been instrumental," he expressed. "Since his arrival last season, he's pushed players beyond their limits. His philosophy, coupled with Ryan Harley's one-on-one work, has fostered substantial growth." The electric atmosphere at Meadow Lane owed much to the passionate fans. Rawlinson acknowledged this connection, stating, "Fan support is intense, particularly at home. Their fervour propels us on the field. The crowd's roar provides an extra push, especially during crucial moments." With an impeccable home record and the team's synergy, Rawlinson's instinctive prowess augurs well for Notts County's aspirations this season. Notts County’s victory over Tranmere Rovers was a hard-fought battle, with Connell Rawlinson emerging as the hero of the match. His match-winning goal and strategic brilliance on the field were pivotal in securing the win. Rawlinson’s dedication to being a team player, combined with the leadership of Luke Williams and the support of passionate fans, bodes well for Notts County’s aspirations this season. The team's remarkable teamwork and flawless record at home make them an unstoppable force. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Pride of Nottingham’s upkeep this month. We have almost covered a significant amount which will greatly help. If you would like to donate, you may do so here. Join in the Pride of Nottingham match discussion, as Notts host a very good Accrington Stanley at Meadow Lane this Saturday. Let’s show our support!

PRESS CONFERENCE | ACCRINGTON STANLEY (H) | LUKE WILLIAMS

The Faces of PON is a fan gallery that captures the excitement and passion of Notts County fans at games. This season, Chris, a photographer, returned to Meadow Lane to take pictures for the first time in the 2023-24 season. Chris was inspired to start taking pictures at Meadow Lane after being asked to take pictures of fans at half-time many years ago. He decided to bring his camera to the Notts County vs. Tranmere Rovers game and capture the match day vibe throughout the day. Chris captures the excitement and passion of Notts County fans in his photographs by focusing on their reactions and emotions. He tries to capture the relaxed atmosphere of the second home game, as well as the excitement of the fans. “It was great to see the fans all excited,” he said. Meadow Lane is a unique venue for football matches because it is a traditional stadium that creates a superb atmosphere. Notts County fans are thrilled about Chris’s return to Meadow Lane as a photographer, with many eager to have their picture taken or pose for the camera. “Plenty of fans asked and waved to get my attention,” Chris said. Some memorable moments that Chris has captured in his photographs at Meadow Lane include the disappointment and hurt of Notts County fans during difficult times, as well as their optimism and hope for the future. There was a particularly memorable moment when Chris encountered two proud grandparents who were eagerly attending their grandson's first game at Meadow Lane. “It stays in my memory,” he said. The Faces of PON gallery contributes to the match day experience for Notts County fans by allowing them to share their experiences and see their reactions to the pictures once they go live. Chris is passionate about providing fans with memories that they can all share. “It’s something I am very passionate about,” he said. Chris’s plans for the future of The Faces of PON gallery include keeping it as active as possible and providing fans with photos on match days on a regular basis. Despite facing challenges such as anxiety and confidence issues, Chris is encouraged to keep going and continue giving fans special memories. “My aim is to keep the feature as active as possible,” he said. Notts County fans feel positively about The Faces of PON gallery and its impact on their match day experience. They appreciate being able to look back at special times with family and friends through Chris’s photographs. Check out the Pride of Nottingham Facebook group where fans can be further involved with the wider community, join in with the team and members there! If you don’t use Facebook, why not join the Pride of Nottingham itself? Membership and content is free, with plenty of discussions and fans to engage with.

Luke Williams, the head coach of Notts County, provided valuable insights into the game's performance, shedding light on the team's remarkable progress. Celebrating the victory, Luke candidly acknowledged the challenges faced by the team and their resilience in overcoming them. In his post-match interview, after his side beat Tranmere Rovers, Luke spoke about the team's ability to overcome adversity and their determination to succeed. He praised the players for their hard work and dedication, and emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and concentration throughout the match. Luke also discussed the team's strategy and tactics, highlighting their ability to control the game and create opportunities even when facing difficult circumstances. Overall, Luke's comments painted a picture of a team that is constantly striving to improve and grow, both on and off the pitch. "I don't think the players have done anything to make it more difficult. Just the fact that we had one less player, and really I'm really upset for Cedwyn [Scott] because, you know, he's frustrated to not play, like all players. He just trained so brilliantly and, and he's always ready to come on, and we know how brilliant he is coming into games. He came on and pressed so well and then had to come off, it's gutting," Luke said. Facing the challenge of playing with 10 men, the team displayed commendable resilience throughout the match. Reflecting on the match dynamics, Luke emphasised the opposition's strength and the team's ability to control the game and create opportunities even with one less player. "I think the opposition were really good as well because they moved the ball so well and the players had to concentrate a lot to make sure that we shut the spaces and try to stop all the key passes. We've done that pretty well, and then we kept the ball well, but I thought we looked a big threat today. The most pleasing thing was that we were able to control the game but still have a lot of box entries, and I think even with 10 men, at the end, we had a number of opportunities to go and score ourselves, and like I said, against a decent team as well," Luke said. Luke spoke glowingly of the team's progress and dedication, noting their growth and increased focus on their work. He remained pragmatic when questioned about the hypothetical scenario of not clinching victory despite a strong performance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a high level of focus and concentration. "I think they were. I think that the group has grown up a lot. I really do mean that, and I think I've probably never witnessed that with a group to that level. They're taking their work more seriously than ever before, and it showed on the pitch today. If we can maintain that level, I think we can look forward to a decent season and play a lot of good football. That's the challenge now, to maintain that level of focus and concentration," Luke said. When questioned about if his team hadn't won despite a strong performance, Luke's perspective remained pragmatic: "I would be pretty much the same as I am now, in all honesty. Of course, it's impossible to have the same feeling when you didn't win the game, but there's not winning a game [due to mistakes] and there's not winning a game [having played well]. Today, if we hadn't managed to get over the line with a victory, I would take a lot of pleasure from so much of the performance, and I would feel that we would have a chance to win games if we continue to perform like that and even better." A pivotal moment in the match underscored the team's spirit. Luke recounted Macaulay Langstaff's determination to force a mistake even with one less player: "Yeah, yeah, and it sums up the team and Macaulay. I don't think Macaulay feels pain or anything like that; I think he's wired up wrong. We're really fortunate, but yeah, what a great example of the group because I think they played some lovely football at times, but I think people are learning more and more that we're not built on that. We're built on what you saw: that even with one less player Macaulay is still tearing out to force a mistake, and that's really what we're building." Luke also shared insights about the injury to Cedwyn Scott and team dynamics: "He felt something in their knee and then again he's another guy who tries to play on, he must have been in agony. So now after as per usual we have to wait for everything to settle down before we can try to examine what is going on inside there. Hopefully it is less serious than we anticipate, but yeah it is very upsetting." This post-match interview with Luke Williams painted a picture of a team that has come a long way in terms of skill, unity, resilience. The focus on improvement, team spirit, determination to overcome challenges provided a promising outlook for their future matches. The team's ability to control the game and create opportunities even with one less player is testament to their growth and resilience on pitch. If you enjoy the Pride of Nottingham and are in a position to help, please do consider donating to help support our independent platform. Join the Pride of Nottingham today, be a part of a growing fan site that strives to deliver the very best of Notts content.

In a thrilling encounter at Meadow Lane, Notts County emerged victorious with a narrow 2-1 win over Tranmere Rovers. The hero of the match, Connell Rawlinson, delivered a performance that left fans on the edge of their seats. Rawlinson, the match winner, expressed his elation after the game. "Yeah, great. It's obviously nice to get a goal. It's my 16th goal in my career, so I don't get many," he admitted. The defender's goal proved to be the decisive moment, and he was quick to highlight its significance. "It was funny because I was speaking with Macca [Macaulay Langstaff] and Sam SL [Sam Slocombe] yesterday, and I thought I'd fancy one. Not that I was going to get one, but I thought I'd fancy one. It's been seven months now, so it was nice that I could contribute, and obviously, with it being the winning goal, you know it means a lot more." Rawlinson's goal wasn't the only talking point of the match. His skilful play and teamwork came to the forefront, as he played a crucial role in getting the ball from left to right and right to left, quickly changing the course of the attack. Reflecting on his performance, he said, "I thought I did okay. I'm still progressing and trying to get into our flow as we go. The more important thing now is the performances we put on. In the last five games, we've shown that we can play at the level." The defender's modesty shone through when asked about his position in the team. Despite his match-winning contribution, he emphasised the depth of the squad and the importance of rotation. "No, because we have a great squad of players, and anyone can come in at any given time. It's going to be a long season, so it's vital to keep everyone fresh," he said. Playing under the guidance of Luke Williams has undoubtedly contributed to Rawlinson's growth as a player. "Playing under Luke Williams has been brilliant," he exclaimed. "He came in last season, and I thought he elevated players far beyond what they thought was possible for themselves. His philosophy is great, and Ryan Harley's one-on-one work with players is also beneficial." Rawlinson's sentiments resonated with the fans who were out in full force at Meadow Lane. The connection between the fans and the team was palpable, and Rawlinson acknowledged its impact. "There's a strong connection between the fans and the team, especially at home. We feel that support, and it's a big boost for us on the pitch. The roar of the crowd gives us that extra push to keep pushing for a goal." With a 100% home record in the league and the fans' unwavering support, Notts County is poised for a promising season ahead. Connell Rawlinson's contribution both on and off the pitch is a testament to the team's unity and determination. Don’t forget to check out the Pride of Nottingham forum by visiting the popular ‘dashboard’ to see all the site content at a glance. Have a read of the Pride of Nottingham match report on yesterday’s impressive 2-1 win over Tranmere Rovers.

Notts County v Tranmere Rovers highlights

Notts County achieved a well-earned 2-1 win against Tranmere Rovers at Meadow Lane, concluding the first month of the league season. David McGoldrick scored an early goal for the Magpies with a low shot from the edge of the box that beat Luke McGee. In the second half, Connell Rawlinson increased their lead by tapping in Matt Palmer’s cross from close range. Tranmere Rovers put up a fight towards the end, with Josh Hawkes successfully converting Paul Lewis' delivery to give them hope. However, Notts County held their ground and ultimately came out victorious. The visitors made several changes to their line-up from last weekend’s 4-3 loss to Salford City. Chris Merrie and Charlie Jolley, who made his first league start in 18 months, replaced Lee O’Connor and Luke Norris. Aaron Nemane was a thorn in Rovers' side, getting behind their defence twice and sending crosses into the box that were handled by Tom Davies. However, Notts County soon found an opening when McGoldrick perfectly placed a low shot across McGee from the edge of the box, giving them the lead at 12 minutes. Notts County dominated the game, with Macaulay Langstaff eager to contribute with a goal. He was first denied by Connor Jennings on the line before scuffing a shot over from a few yards out a minute later. Tranmere began to find their footing before the half hour mark when Kieron Morris met an excellent long ball from the back but fired over after breaking into the box. Lewis was penalised for fouling Jodi Jones in the box but felt he was brought down in the box himself shortly afterwards. Referee Thomas Parsons remained unconvinced. Davies leapt high to meet a cross from the right but could only find Aidan Stone's gloves as the half-time whistle blew. An hour into the game, McGoldrick hit the post with a shot from the edge of the box before Dan Crowley fired wide from a few yards out. A few minutes later, Notts County doubled their lead when Rawlinson tapped in Palmer’s fierce delivery across goal. Ian Dawes made four substitutions, bringing Kane Hemmings, Hawkes, Sam Taylor and Reece McAlear into the game. The hosts were reduced to ten men when substitute Cedwyn Scott had to leave the field with all substitutions already made. Rovers had their best moments in the final ten minutes when Davies hit the bar with a curling shot from range and Taylor went close shortly afterwards after being set up by Hemmings inside the box. Hawkes swept home Lewis’ delivery from the right to give Tranmere hope as the 90th minute approached, but Notts County held on through eight minutes of added time to leave Meadow Lane with all three points. Join in with the Notts County match discussion and share your post-match thoughts and all the key moments from the 2-1 win against Tranmere Rovers at Meadow Lane. We are trying to raise funds to help pay for the Pride of Nottingham. If you are able and can, please consider making a donation. Your generous donations are the key to sustaining our independent platform.