PON_News

Macaulay Langstaff's outstanding performance for Notts County this season has earned him a spot in the provisional England C squad for their upcoming match against Wales later this month. The game will be held at J.Davidson Stadium in Altrincham on Tuesday, March 21, just four days prior to the Magpies' game against Scunthorpe United at Meadow Lane in the National League. The final 16-man squad will be announced by Paul Fairclough after next week's league fixtures. Meanwhile, Luke Williams' team will face Dorking Wanderers in the late kick-off next Saturday. Each club in the National League has one player included in the initial 25-man selection, with Sam Dalby from Wrexham and James Daly from Woking also named in the provisional squad. The England squad comprises the best players in non-league football, and Langstaff's impressive 33 goals this season have been recognized as he continues to lead the way in the fifth tier's Golden Boot race. Several current and former Notts players have been included in the squad in recent seasons, such as Richard Brindley and Matty Palmer, who were part of the team that lost 4-0 to Wales last year, along with former Magpies player Cal Roberts. The full squad is as follows: Goalkeepers: Sam Howes (Wealdstone), Magnus Norman (Oldham Athletic), Harrison Male (Worthing). Defenders: Tyler Cordner (Aldershot), Vince Harper (Eastleigh), Harry Phipps (Dagenham & Redbridge), Kenton Richardson (Gateshead), Dan Gallagher (Dorking Wanderers), Jesse Debrah (FC Halifax Town). Midfielders: Josh Lundstram (Altrincham), Darren Oldaker (Chesterfield), James Daly (Woking), Ryan De Havilland (Barnet), Regan Booty (Maidstone United), Matty Worthington (Yeovil Town), James Vennings (Bromley), Gus Scott-Morriss (Southend United), Olly Dyson (York City). Forwards: Dennon Lewis (Boreham Wood), Cameron Wilson (Scunthorpe United), Sam Dalby (Wrexham), Emile Acquah (Maidenhead United), Joe Sbarra (Solihull Moors), Macaulay Langstaff (Notts County), Aaron Jarvis (Torquay United). Share your thoughts about the game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

GOAL | BROMLEY 1-1 NOTTS COUNTY

In a crucial National League match, Notts County faced Bromley at Hayes Lane, desperately needing a win to keep their promotion hopes alive. However, they got off to a shaky start when keeper Tiernan Brooks was penalised for a foul in the 19th minute, and Adam Marriott converted the resulting penalty to put Bromley ahead. Notts County tried to get back on level terms, but their efforts were in vain until injury time. Ruben Rodrigues played a perfectly weighted pass to Macaulay Langstaff, who is the National League's top scorer, and he clinically finished past the goalkeeper to secure a point for Notts County. This point briefly lifted Notts County back above leaders Wrexham to the top of the table, after having lost to Dagenham & Redbridge in the previous weekend. However, Wrexham regained the top spot by the end of the evening, although with only a single point difference, after they themselves conceded a late equalizer to drop two points at Maidenhead. Despite the draw, Notts County remained in contention for promotion, and Langstaff's 33rd goal of the season was a significant boost to their chances. In the remaining minutes of the game, Notts County pushed hard for a winner, but Langstaff was denied a penalty shout that could have given them all three points. Overall, it was a tense and exciting match, with Notts County showing great character to secure a crucial point away from home. They will now have to regroup and prepare for their next match, where they will be hoping to pick up all three points and keep the pressure on Wrexham at the top of the table. Share your thoughts about the game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

POST-MATCH | BROMLEY 1-1 NOTTS COUNTY | LUKE WILLIAMS

Notts County midfielder Ed Francis has officially joined Gateshead, a fellow National League team, for the remainder of the season, as confirmed by the club. The 23-year-old, who signed from Harrogate in 2021, has played in just 13 games for the Magpies this season, and only featured once in the past 11 league games. Since John Bostock's arrival in December 2022, Francis has been relegated to a lower spot in the midfield hierarchy. In his pursuit for more regular playing time, Francis has moved to Gateshead to assist Mike Williamson's team in their bid for National League survival. Francis' loan deal with Gateshead provides him with an opportunity to contribute to a team that is fighting for their league position. By playing more frequently, he can further develop his skills as a midfielder and increase his chances of being a valuable player for his team in the future. Notts County head coach Luke Williams said: "Ed has applied himself brilliantly every single day. He's been starved of opportunity for one reason or another, but he has tremendous qualities both as a player and person. "I've worked with players who you just want to see go because they don't contribute positively to the group. That's not Ed at all. "But he's expressed a need for more regular football, and I've reluctantly supported that. "I would much rather have Ed here than send him somewhere that didn't suit him just to get him out of the building. "Gateshead are a club I like a lot, with a brilliant manager and staff, as well as a style of play that suits Ed's game. It's the right thing to do, and we wish him well." Ed Francis is now eligible to play for Gateshead in their upcoming match against Chesterfield at the Gateshead International Stadium. He will be playing alongside Quevin Castro, a former Notts loanee who also joined the club in January following the end of his loan spell at Meadow Lane. The 21-year-old is expected to be a valuable addition to the team. With Francis' arrival, Gateshead's midfield will be strengthened, and his partnership with Castro will provide the team with a stronger attacking force. The two players will undoubtedly contribute to Gateshead's efforts to secure their National League survival, and their presence on the pitch will be welcomed by their teammates and fans alike. Join in with the Pride of Nottingham community, by visiting our dedicated dashboard page. Be a part of the Pride of Nottingham community and share your views within our friendly community!

PRESS CONFERENCE | BROMLEY (A) LUKE WILLIAMS

Notts County boss Luke Williams has emphasized the significance of mentality in recent weeks following his team's defeat against Dagenham and Redbridge. As they prepare for a challenging game against promotion-chasing Bromley in Greater London, Notts County will need to exhibit mental toughness to bounce back from their loss. Bromley, who recently defeated Torquay, are in good form and are just two points away from securing a playoff position. Unfortunately, Notts County has not had much luck at Hayes Lane since being relegated to the National League, losing all three of their last visits by a one-goal margin. However, this season has seen Notts County break their losing streak at several away grounds, including Eastleigh and Torquay. Despite this, following their second defeat of the season against Dagenham & Redbridge at Meadow Lane last Saturday, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining the strength of Notts County's mindset and mentality. Williams is eager to return to winning ways and regain their position at the top of the National League table. Luke Williams explained that, "At this point now, it becomes so much about mentality, it really does." "I believe that we have always bounced back well from a setback, we have only had the one defeat that we have had to deal with, but we have had games I am sure you will agree that have felt like a defeat. "Games that we have drawn that we have been leading - that gives you that very similar sinking feeling of a defeat, but now we have a real defeat that we have to deal with, and we now have to show as a group now the mentality that we have and see if we can bounce back immediately with a good performance and a good result." One of the draws that felt like a defeat for Notts County was against their upcoming opponents, where Michael Cheek's header cancelled out Adam Chicksen's opener during a frustrating evening at Meadow Lane in November. Like many visiting teams this season, Andy Woodman's team aimed to disrupt the game's flow, particularly after equalizing and settling for a point. Although Williams praised Bromley's playing style, he outlined his expectations for the upcoming match and how his side plans to counter the Ravens' threat to secure a crucial victory at Meadow Lane. "I feel like we should have scored almost immediately after the first goal when Macaulay hit the crossbar, and I felt as though that was the point in the game that would have probably gone away from Bromley - as good as they are we would have probably been able to control the rest of the game more comfortably. "Of course, it is a very obvious thing to say, but we have to take our chances against this side because they're mean, and they won't give us too many so when they do come along we have to take them. "They are brilliant at managing the game in the way that they want to manage the game, they are very smart, so we need to try and take ownership of the game as much as we can because the two sides don't particularly prefer each other's styles. "But that is what makes it a great contest because they are very good at what they do, and we are very good at what we do, but there are quite contrasting differences between the two, and we have a lot of respect for what they do, but on the day we have to take as much control as we can." Join in with the Pride of Nottingham community, by visiting our dedicated dashboard page. Be a part of the Pride of Nottingham community and share your views within our friendly community!

PRESS CONFERENCE | BROMLEY (A) | JOHN BOSTOCK

The latest event of the Notts County Foundation has been described, highlighting the excellent work they are doing within the local community. This comes ahead of a busy month for the charity. During the Magpies' record-breaking National League match against Yeovil F.C. In November, fans were given the chance to buy tickets for a person in need, as part of the club's 'Football for a Fiver' campaign. Almost 400 tickets were sold. The foundation's current fundraising efforts are aimed at developing the Portland Centre. The centre is located just a short distance away from Meadow Lane. This centre has been providing much-needed support to those in the local community. It offers a wide range of excellent sporting facilities and is open to all. The foundation is focused on using physical activity to transform the health and wellbeing of local people. Its staff have vast experience working with diverse groups of all ages, abilities, and disabilities. They provide physical activities and sports coaching across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, working with thousands of people each year. On Thursday, March 2nd, the foundation will be hosting an exclusive screening evening for business representatives and industry professionals. This event aims to raise awareness and launch fundraising efforts towards the development of the current Portland Centre facilities. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the Best British Short Film documentary ‘Centred’. Share your thoughts about the game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

INTERVIEW | WILLIAMS ON UNBEATEN RECORD AND MORE

HIGHLIGHTS | NOTTS COUNTY 1-2 DAGENHAM AND REDBRIDGE

Notts County's manager, Luke Williams, said that the midweek break will be a good break for his team, because they have been fighting for the National League title. The Magpies suffered their second defeat of the season against Dagenham and Redbridge in a surprise victory over the league leaders on Saturday evening. Inih Effiong, a former Notts player, scored a late goal that sealed the triumph for the visitors. Despite the defeat at Meadow Lane, Williams' team had an impressive performance in the league, winning their previous seven games and maintaining an unbeaten streak of 25 matches since mid-September. The Magpies have shown consistency and determination throughout the season, which has helped them remain at the top of the league table. The break in the schedule will provide Notts County with a chance to recharge and refocus ahead of their upcoming matches. The team's strong form in the league indicates that they are still one of the top contenders for the National League title, and Williams will be keen to ensure that his players remain motivated and prepared for the challenges ahead. "We have to work on the training pitch because we have new players still in our squad," explained Williams. "Jodi [Jones] is still new to the group and to the work, and of course, Connor is now in that same position so we have to try to help them understand every single detail and every single action that we try to play. "We have to make sure every one of our players is in the right physical condition, so they can be prepared for another tough game." Williams' disappointment was clear on his face. He said he had a lot of emotions and called his feelings as "gutting", even though he knew his team did well during the night. Following the defeat at Meadow Lane, Williams expressed that the end of an unbeaten streak marks the beginning of a new one. He is determined to shift his focus towards bouncing back from the loss. "That is not strong enough to feel gutted and let that affect you, we have to be disappointed of course, but now we have to focus on putting that right - that is the challenge now. "We have only lost a game once this season, and we had to bounce back after that one, now we have to do the same. "It would be easier if we played and got completely outplayed, and maybe you can accept that result. "But it's difficult to lose, and to lose in a game where we did so many things to be able to put the game safely out of reach for the opposition is difficult to accept, but that's football." Join in with the Pride of Nottingham community, by visiting our dedicated dashboard page. Be a part of the Pride of Nottingham community and share your views within our friendly community!

Notts County, the National League leaders, suffered a surprising 2-1 home defeat against Dagenham & Redbridge, who were without a manager following Daryl McMahon's departure the night before. The unexpected loss brought an end to Notts County's amazing 25-match unbeaten run. They had not lost a game in the league since 17 September. The Daggers, led by Steve Gritt and Dave Jupp, managed to halt Notts County's second seven-match winning streak of the season. Notts County took the lead in the 21st minute through Ruben Rodrigues' 14th goal of the season. However, Angelo Balanta equalised for Dagenham ten minutes later. Although Jodi Jones and Macaulay Langstaff hit the post for Notts County, they were unable to convert their chances. In the 86th minute, second-half substitute Inih Effiong scored the winner for the visitors, despite five minutes of added time and a frenzied goal-line scramble. The 7,441-strong home crowd was left disheartened, as Notts County's lead at the top of the table was reduced to just two points over second-placed Wrexham. Wrexham, who have two games in hand, could overtake Notts County and go top if they win their next match against Chesterfield on Tuesday night. The Daggers' victory was their second consecutive win, which lifted them to 10th place in the table, within three points of the play-off contenders. Share your thoughts about the game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

POST-MATCH | NOTTS COUNTY 1-2 DAGENHAM AND REDBRIDGE | LUKE WILLIAMS

Magpies' manager Luke Williams has stated that Notts County striker Macaulay Langstaff has proven his worth by being the first player in England's top five leagues to score 30 goals this season. Langstaff's hat-trick against Yeovil made him only the third Notts player in 73 years to achieve this feat. Langstaff has been likened to Manchester City's Erling Haaland this season and dubbed the "non-league Haaland" for matching his accomplishments. Williams praised Langstaff, stating that "He's just brilliant" and that "It's pretty impressive, and he deserves it because he has scored every type of goal." Langstaff scored the opening goal against Yeovil in the fourth minute on Saturday. However, it took two injury-time goals from Langstaff and a late penalty from Ruben Rodrigues to win the game. His two goals in the 94th and 95th minute marked his 30th goal of the season, with 13 league games remaining. Williams jokingly remarked that he would have preferred Langstaff to score earlier so that he could have been substituted. However, he praised the striker's performance, stating that "He was fantastic and that is why you leave him on the pitch when it's tight, because in the blink of an eye, he can change a game." Langstaff stated that he was "buzzing" to reach the 30-goal milestone but added that he did not set targets for himself. He said, "I don't set targets. I just look at the end of the season and see where my goals are and see if I'm happy or not. As a striker, the normal target is 20, so if you get that you are really happy. To have 30 with 13 games left, I'm buzzing with that return." The last Notts County player to score over 30 goals was Lee Hughes, who scored 33 in the 2009-10 season, while Tommy Lawton scored 33 in the 1949-50 season. Langstaff said it was an "unbelievable feeling" to match these highly-regarded players. Join in with the Pride of Nottingham community, by visiting our dedicated dashboard page. Be a part of the Pride of Nottingham community and share your views within our friendly community!

TRAINING | KEEPERS AT WORK

Luke Williams, the manager of Notts County, has opened up about his relationship with the club's owners. The club is trying to get back into the Football League. Alexander and Christoffer Reedtz, who bought the club in 2019, have transformed Notts County from top to bottom, with the aim of returning to the EFL this year. The brothers have kept the club financially stable while improving facilities and breaking attendance records for National League fixtures. Williams praises the Danish brothers for their commitment to bringing the world's first professional football club back to where it belongs and hopes that this season will be a turning point in their journey. The Magpies' success this season can be largely attributed to their recruitment strategy, with several summer signings making a significant impact in their climb to the top of the standings. This season, Notts County has brought in 11 new players, each contributing to the team's remarkable success. Notable names include Macaulay Langstaff, who has scored 32 league goals, John Bostock with his worldwide experience, and Sam Austin, who provides endless energy and desire. The recent loan signing of Connor Lemonheigh-Evans from Stockport County further demonstrates the Magpies' success. Williams' management style and the owners' ambitious vision are in perfect alignment, resulting in the positive results achieved this season. The manager is pleased with the clear decision-making process surrounding transfers during his short time in management, citing the relationship with the Reedtz brothers as a key factor in Notts County's success. "First of all and the most important thing to understand is that this is not about backing me and giving me what I want," explained Williams. "This is about what they want as well and this is a very new concept and I understand that for a lot of people, but believe me, I am not having to go to people in recruitment or to the owners and ask them that I want this, and I want that, far from it. "They are so ambitious that they are telling me that we have a player that we think is perfect for what we need - they watch every minute of every game and see how the players are performing. "They know after my morning meeting who is struggling with fatigue and other issues, they can also watch training because they have a live stream to that because we have no secrets with each other, so they can watch my staff and players at work all the time which I think is amazing. "You can look at this in a big brother way, which is wrong, or you can look at it like these people are really invested and want to see everything, they are desperate for us to win. "It ranks at the very top from what I have seen, right at the very top. "Many times you have the staff and the managers asking that we need this or need that and meeting a wall of resistance sometimes - I have also seen a scenario where one wants to sign a certain player and the manager doesn't agree with that one, and then you have an uncomfortable situation, all of these things I have seen which are really common, conflict and different agendas, but we have none of that. "We are desperate to win across the board and a keen eye on what we have in the building and a keen eye on what we can potentially bring in to strengthen what we have, for me, it is the best possible environment." Join in with the Pride of Nottingham community, by visiting our dedicated dashboard page. Be a part of the Pride of Nottingham community and share your views within our friendly community!

TRAINING | CONNOR LEMONHEIGH-EVANS' FIRST SESSION

PRESS CONFERENCE | DAGENHAM AND REDBRIDGE (H) | LUKE WILLIAMS

FIRST INTERVIEW | CONNOR LEMONHEIGH-EVANS

Notts County has secured the signing of Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, a renowned midfielder from Stockport County, on a loan deal until the end of the season. Lemonheigh-Evans, who scored a hat-trick against Notts County for Torquay United last season, has become one of the National League's best players after his good performance in the league. Head coach Luke Williams, who previously worked with Lemonheigh-Evans at Bristol City, said he was happy to see the club sign the player. "It’s a happy coincidence for me that a player like Connor has been suggested to me by the recruitment team so favourably," said Williams. "Although he spent a lot of time out on loan, I obviously got to know Connor very well at Bristol City. "He was versatile, tough, excellent with the ball and, wherever he played, he could score. I have so many good memories of his performances in training and in games. "One of the first conversations I had with him was to tell him I thought he was a League One-quality player. I’d just been working at that level with Swindon and instantly thought Connor and a couple of other guys, Aden Baldwin included, could have held their own at that level with the right management, even though they were just teenagers. I’d be amazed if he doesn’t go on to do that." According to Williams, Lemonheigh-Evans' competitive and spirited nature is one of his most significant qualities. “I went to watch Connor’s senior debut for Bristol City against Watford in the FA Cup,” said the boss. “Watford had a strong Premier League side led by Troy Deeney and Connor was very, very good. “Shortly after that he went on loan to Torquay, winning the National League South, and, as Notts fans know, he was then a crucial part of a team pushing for promotion from the National League, being named in the Team of the Year before getting his move to the EFL. “You can only do that if you have that competitive nature and I think he’ll fit in with the guys here, so many of whom are tough competitors – winners who can perform over and over again. “Hopefully he’ll recognise that he’s among the same type of guys once he settles in.” Join in with the Pride of Nottingham community, by visiting our dedicated dashboard page. Be a part of the Pride of Nottingham community and share your views within our friendly community!

Notts County continued their unbeaten league run with a 4-0 win over Southend United. The win extended their lead at the top of the National League to five points. Macauley Langstaff and Sam Austin were instrumental in the home team's seventh straight win, with each of them scoring a brace. Langstaff scored his eighth goal in his last five games. In the 18th minute, he latched onto a perfectly-weighted pass from Ruben Rodrigues. Austin doubled the lead for Notts County just before half-time with a well-placed header from John Bostock's cross. Langstaff and Rodrigues combined again in the 56th minute, with the former scoring his ninth goal in five games with a superb finish from a tight angle. Austin completed his brace with an emphatic finish in the closing stages of the match, securing the home team's third successive match with four goals. Despite the comfortable win, Notts County must still be wary of second-placed Wrexham, who remain in the hunt for the top spot with two games in hand. In their latest match, Wrexham secured a 2-0 win over Scunthorpe with the help of two penalties. Notts County will be looking to hold onto their lead at the top of the table, while Wrexham will be hoping to close the gap and challenge for the title in the coming weeks. Share your thoughts about the game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.