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On Friday morning the Notts Youth team travelled to Clay Cross Town FC’s Central Midlands League ground to take on Chesterfield in the EFL Youth Alliance Cup. I always enjoy these rare treats when youth team games are played at non-league football grounds rather than the usual academy grounds because they have ‘facilities’, which usually means I can have a cup of tea and a sit down in a stand, as opposed to just standing behind a rope at an empty windswept field! This is the first of three group games in the league cup, the other two being away at Port Vale and at home to Wrexham in the coming weeks. In the league table the two teams could hardly be closer with Chesterfield one place above and one point ahead of Notts. Notts moved Nathan Cobain back to his more usual position at right-back with Tamar Clayton-Naute moving from central striker to a role wide on the right of midfield, while Remaye Campbell started a game for the first time this season as a central striker. The game started at a brisk pace with both teams having chances to take the lead. Skipper Dominic Brownhill let loose with a fine shot from the edge of the area after 12 minutes but it cleared the crossbar. Ten minutes later it was the turn of a Chesterfield striker to send in a powerful shot which looked destined for the top corner until Joe Searson, in the Notts goal, took off to his left to deflect the effort for a corner. Half-chances at each end but overall the two defences were on top with the first half finishing scoreless. Half Time: Chesterfield FC 0-0 Notts County The second half began as the first had finished with both defences holding firm, but on 63 minutes the Spireites took the lead with a goal scored from a good through ball for their central striker to run onto and score. On 65 minutes Notts brought on 14-year-old Jack Bearne for his youth team debut. Notts were not behind for long. Only twelve minutes after the Chesterfield goal, Campbell pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area before firing it high into the net for the Notts equaliser. From that point on Chesterfield were pushing to regain the lead but Notts held firm, with one shot from the home team striking the foot of the Notts post. No more goals were scored so a scoreline that reflected it had been a good game featuring two evenly matched teams. Full Time: Chesterfield FC 1-1 Notts County Team: Joe Searson Nathan Cobain Declan Dunn Dominic Brownhill (C) Jordon Richards George McCartney Tamar Clayton-Naute Alex Howes Remaye Campbell Sam Osborne Harry Gibbons Subs: Curtis Hall (GK) Edwin Towers Louis Robinson – on for Remaye Campbell on 84 minutes James Anstey – on for Nathan Cobain on 65 minutes Jack Bearne – on for Harry Gibbons on 65 minutes Share your thoughts about the Notts County youth team on Pride of Nottingham by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

On Saturday morning, the Notts County youth team played hosts to local rivals Burton Albion. In the fledgling league table, the Magpies were third with four points from two games, while the day's opponents were on three points from a single game. The only change to the Notts team was the loss of Ryan Ebanks, who was injured in last week's game and was replaced by Declan Dunn with George McCartney moving inside to centre-back from full-back. The heavy rain in the early morning cleared and the game kicked off in fine but breezy conditions. Notts had the best of the early exchanges and took the lead on 18 minutes when Harry Gibbons found himself in space near the edge of the Burton area and powerfully rifled the ball into the back of net. Further opportunities for Notts were created but none could be turned into a goal so Notts went to the interval with a narrow lead reflecting the balance of the game. Half-time: Notts County 1-0 Burton Albion The second half saw the Brewers work their way much more into the game and after a period of domination they scored twice. On 70 minutes Burton equalised and seven minutes later Burton completed the turnaround when their second goal put them into a 2-1 lead. On 83 minutes, to keep Notts in the game, Joe Searson pulled off a great save when he deflected a fierce shot onto the post, and then calmly collected the rebound. With time running out, 90 minutes were already showing on the clock, Notts were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Burton penalty area which was loudly disputed by the Burton supporters. Despite the Burton wall, skipper Dominic Brownhill stepped up and hit the perfect free-kick with the ball entering the net off the far post. Burton had one final visit to the opposite end of the pitch before the final whistle was blown. Both teams throughout the game tried hard to get the ball down and played some good football - an absolute pleasure to watch them. Full-time: Notts County 2-2 Burton Albion Team: Joe Searson James Anstey Jordon Richards George McCartney Declan Dunn Dominic Brownhill (c) Nathan Cobain Sam Osborne Tamar Clayton-Naute Alex Howes Harry Gibbons Subs: Edwin Towers - on for Harry Gibbons on 63 minutes Curtis Hall Louis Robinson - on for Alex Howes on 77 minutes Remaye Campbell on for Tamar Clayton-Naute on 69 minutes How do you feel the youth team is doing? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County's youth team travelled to Lincoln on Saturday to play their Imps counterparts at the Priory City Lincoln Academy. As a venue name it's decent enough, but it cannot compare with the venue for the last two visits which were at Lincoln United's Sun Hat Villas Stadium - that's what you call a stadium name. Notts began the game with an unchanged team after their 2-1 win over Scunthorpe and facing into a strong breeze. The Magpies were dealt an early blow when centre-back Ryan Ebanks was forced to leave the field with an injury and was replaced by Tyrese Kennedy, who went at left-back with George McCartney moving inside to play centre-half. On 21 minutes, Notts conceded a scrappy goal scored inside their six-yard box with the defence all over the place, but fought hard to get back into the game and, on 35 minute,s a cross from Sam Osborne was met by Nathan Cobain who managed to get the ball into the net. Half time: Lincoln 1-1 Notts County Plenty of effort from both sides but the increase in the strength of the wind made good football very difficult. A good shot from skipper Dominic Brownhill on 78 minutes was well saved and turned round the post by the Lincoln 'keeper. Notts came under pressure towards the end of the game but the well organised defence, where Joe Searson and Jordon Richards comfortably dealt with everything that was thrown at them ensured the team didn't concede again and so maintained their unbeaten start to the season. Full Time: Lincoln 1-1 Notts County Notts County starting XI: Joe Searson James Antsey Ryan Ebanks Jordon Richards George McCartney Dominic Brownhill Nathan Cobain Sam Osborne Tamar Clayton-Naute Alex Howes Harry Gibbons Notts County used subs: Tyrese Kennedy (on for Ryan Ebanks on 18 mins) Remaye Campbell (on for Nathan Cobain on 65 mins) Louis Robinson (on for Harry Gibbons on 65 mins) Edwin Towers (on for Tamar Clayton-Naute) How did you feel the Magpies youths got on? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County Youth Team vs. Scunthorpe United Youth Team, Saturday 6th August 2016, Highfields Notts County’s youth team played their first league game of the 2016-17 season at the University of Nottingham pitches at Highfields, Beeston, after a two-year spell at Arnold Town FC. The pitches are certainly an improvement on the ones at Arnold. The Magpies' first opponents were Scunthorpe United, who finished second last season in the league, so it would surely be a tough test for the young Notts academy players in their opening game. The kick-off was slightly delayed when the Scunthorpe coach, approaching the ground from the wrong direction, had to let the players off to walk the last part of their journey. He then compounded his problem by touring Nottingham to approach the ground from the right direction, only to scrape the side of the coach against a piece of the fenced entrance to the ground. The game was competitive right from the start, with both teams determined to impose themselves on their opponents. Notts took the lead after only 16 minutes when skipper Dominic Brownhill got hold of a cross from Nathan Cobain just outside the area. His shot was blocked, but Dom collected the rebound and fired in a hard shot high and just under the crossbar giving the visiting goalkeeper no chance. The game continued to be an even affair and it was no surprise when a spell of Scunthorpe pressure resulted in an equaliser on 26 minutes. Straight after the equaliser, Tamar Clayton-Naute went off on a tricky run beating two defenders only for his shot to crash onto the cross-bar before being cleared away. Towards the end of the first half Notts had a spell of dominance where Tamar Clayton-Naute and Nathan Cobain both saw decent shots go just the wrong side of the posts. Half time: Notts County 1-1 Scunthorpe Notts began the second half well and on 53 minutes they regained the lead. Harry Gibbons went on a good run down the left wing, beat his full-back, then picked his head up and pulled the ball back perfectly for Tamar Clayton-Naute to side-foot home. An even game ensued with both teams taking their turn to apply pressure but Notts, in a good all round team performance, held on to their lead to start the season with a win over a good Scunthorpe side. Full time: Notts County 2-1 Scunthorpe United Team: 1. Joe Searson-Smithard 2. James Anstey 3. George McCartney 4. Dominic Brownhill (c) 5. Ryan Ebanks 6. Jordon Richards 7. Tamar Clayton-Naute 8. Sam Osborne 9. Nathan Cobain 10. Harry Gibbons 11. Alex Howes Subs: 12. Declan Dunn (on for Alex Howes on 70 mins) 13. Curtis Hall 14. Remaye Campbell (on for Nathan Cobain on 87m) 15. Edwin Towers 16. Louis Robinson (on for Harry Gibbons on 80 mins) How do you feel the Notts County academy team will get on this season? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County’s youth team played their last pre-season game at the picturesque ground of Awsworth Villa FC in Nottinghamshire against their Ilkeston FC counterparts. The game got off to an explosive start when, straight from the kick-off, Sam Osbourn raced at the Ilkeston defence, side stepping a number of defenders before firing a shot from the edge of the area which went in off the inside of the post giving the goalkeeper no chance. So, after only a few seconds played, Notts were already a goal ahead. The rest of the first half was evenly contested but, moments before the break, a great through-ball from an Ilkeston midfielder put their 'number nine' through on goal, and the striker made no mistake to bury the ball into the back of the net. So at half time, the score was Ilkeston 1-1 Notts. Ilkeston started the second half the better of the two teams putting Notts under considerable pressure, but it was the Magpies who went closest to scoring when Alex Howes hit a shot from the edge of the area which rattled the joint of the post and crossbar – he was very unlucky not to score. On 78 minutes, Howes cut inside his full-back on the left wing before firing a rocket of a shot past the Ilson goalkeeper and into the corner of the net to put Notts into a 2-1 lead. With only a few minutes remaining, the Magpies sealed the victory when Remaye Campbell, inside the area, turned and rifled past the keeper to make the full time score 3-1. A good workout for the youngsters in readiness for their first league game next Saturday at home to Scunthorpe United – fellow fans, come down and give the boys some support!

With Notts County's youth team having slipped to fourth position in the league after a 3-1 defeat away at Oldham in their last game, a win was required to regain their place amongst the pacesetters. Still without their first choice keeper after he broke a finger, Notts began the match into the breeze on a very hard and bobbly pitch. As early as the very first minute Notts fell behind when a cross was headed goalwards by a Rotherham striker. It was going just inside at the foot of the post but the Notts keeper dived and got his hand to it but couldn’t prevent it crossing the line. The remainder of the first half was an even affair with Notts never hitting the good form they have shown so often in the past against a Rotherham side knowing they now had something to hang on to and were working very hard at closing down the Notts players. Half Time: 0-1 The second half was completely different with Notts having a really spirited and higher tempo approach to the game and dominated it right from the kick-off. They carved out chance after chance but couldn’t score. Shots were driven just the wrong side of the post, great saves from the Rotherham keeper and misses when scoring looked easier. A frustrating second half to a game that Notts had lots of chances and should have won – but, as we all know - that’s football! The final score was 1-0 to the young Millers. With no game next week the young Pies will face a stern test away at one of the teams in the leading pack - Scunthorpe - in a fortnight’s time. What did you make of the game? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

After last week's thrilling late win at Grimsby, the league table has a fascinating look to it. All the top four teams are on 27 points, with Notts' superior goal difference putting them right on top of the pile. This Saturday (just like the first team) the young 'Pies are at home to Hartlepool United with the obvious added pressure that in order to stay at the top of the league table, another win is required. It is hoped that Jack McMillan will have recovered from the knock that saw him limping off the pitch on Saturday and that Yohan Rutty-Smith and Luther Wildin are also fit to resume the fight after both missing the win at Grimsby. For anyone who can make it down to Arnold FC on Saturday morning to cheer on the young 'Pies - do it - as they rarely serve up a disappointing performance. COYP! Join in with our community - register - discover - articles | Voice your opinion on the 'Pride of Nottingham' website.

Notts were without Luther Wildin and Yohan Rutty-Smith and faced a tough game on a cold and breezy morning at Grimsby Town's training ground. The team was reorganised slightly and in came Jake Payling at left-back and Alex Howes on the left side of midfield. The game settled down to be an even contest with both sides going close on occasions. On 24 minutes Notts fell behind when a loose pass was intercepted and fired home from about 20 yards by the Grimsby striker. Two minutes before half-time Montel Gibson chased what looked to be a lost cause but forced the keeper into an error and he could only blast the ball against Montel's body and watch as it rebounded into the goal. Half-time 1-1 The second half continued as the first half with a keenly contested game and fierce tackles flying in at times. Mid way through the second half the game was stopped for a few minutes when one of the strong tackles put skipper Jack McMillan on the floor for quite a while. Eventually he was able to stand up and walk but only off the pitch as he was substituted. The game looked all set for a 1-1 draw but in the 89th minute Montel Gibson hit a shot which bounced off a defender's back and looped into the path of substitute Sam Osborne (?) who immediately crashed the ball past the helpless 'keeper for a late winner. With the snow falling the final whistle went soon after. The young 'Pies were slightly below their best but dug in really well to take all three points which will take them to at least second in the league with leaders Scunthorpe losing at Mansfield. I spent a very enjoyable second half chatting to a Manchester United scout - as the saying goes, you never know who is watching you. Next Saturday the young 'Pies are at home to Hartlepool. COYP! Don't forget to join Pride of Nottingham - Here | Also, don't forget to bookmark our dashboard view - Here.

A cracking game in prospect with the Notts Youth team in 7th place taking on local rivals Burton Albion who were 8th. Notts were five points behind the leaders but with a game in hand - so a win was needed to keep up with the league leaders. Back in August Burton had won the first meeting between the teams 2-0 so Notts were looking to avenge that defeat. Although cold it was a lovely sunny morning at Arnold FC's ground with Burton Albion's first team manager, Nigel Clough, in attendance. In a keenly contested game it was Burton who took control of the game in the early stages with Notts battling hard to get into the game and it was against the run of play on 32 minutes when Notts took the lead. A high ball was dropped by the Burton keeper straight at the feet of Notts top scorer, Montel Gibson, who made no mistake despatching the ball into the empty net. Seven minutes later Notts went further ahead when an absolutely unstoppable rocket from Kieran Blaney found the top corner of the net. There was no further scoring in the first half so the young 'Pies went to their half-time refreshment with a comfortable 2-0 lead. The second half saw Notts facing into both the sun and the wind. Burton came out for the second half and put Notts under pressure right from the start of the game. On 51 minutes Burton forced themselves back into the game when they took advantage of a defensive error to make the score 2-1. Six minutes later and Burton completed their comeback when a corner was headed powerfully into the net for 2-2. It looked bad for Notts as the momentum had swung completely in Burton's favour. Once again Notts fought hard to wrestle control from Burton and on 60 minutes they regained the lead when a free kick from Jack McMillan cleared the wall and beat the 'keeper for a 3-2 lead. Notts took control of the game once again and on 77 minutes Jordan Aghatise sealed the victory with a fourth goal for the young 'Pies slotting home in a goalmouth scramble following a corner. Notts confidently saw out the remaining time to clinch another three points in their bid to climb the table. This was a cracking game of football to watch. It was keenly contested by both teams and the Notts lads never stopped fighting especially when Burton seemed to be getting on top coming back from 0-2 down to level at 2-2 - but Notts somehow stepped up to another gear. Next Saturday Notts are away at Grimsby Town. Add your thoughts on the youth team below | Don't forget to check out our latest discussions - Here.

While I am always being told that the development of the young ‘Pies is always deemed to be more important than winning football matches, I am sure it is easier for the coaches to get their points across if the lads can see it gets results on a Saturday. With that in mind, it seems a long time ago, at the end of November in fact, when the Notts youth team sat proud on top of their league. Since then they have only played only twice, during December, losing both games, bowing out of the FA Youth Cup to an outstanding and undefeated (at the time) Luton Town team and losing 1-0 in the league on a very bumpy pitch away at Lincoln. Since then their inactivity has seen them slide down the table to seventh place - but they are still only five points behind the leaders with a game in hand - so still everything to play for. Many of the youth team although not playing in their own team, have been outstanding in their appearances for the Reserve team. In fact on Tuesday, no fewer than nine youth team players were involved in the game, four in the team and another five on the bench. Some very promising youngsters coming through the system. This Saturday they start the second half of the season at home to Burton Albion, the team just behind them in eighth place, hoping to fight their way back up the table - here's hoping for an exciting and successful 2016 for the young 'Pies. Read more of our articles - Here | Join in with our community discussions - Here.

Notts County's Youth team bowed out of the FA Youth Cup to an excellent Luton Town team who have now gone 22 games unbeaten this season. Notts were without Jake Payling and Yohan Rutty-Smith their powerful, left sided wide player through injury but otherwise they were at full strength. Right from the off Luton dominated the game playing some neat passing and creating a number of shooting chances. After only fifteen minutes Notts fell behind when a pacy Luton forward got on the end of a through ball to slot past the Notts keeper for the first goal. Only four minutes later Notts were two goals adrift after some neat passing in the Notts half released a Luton forward on goal who shot home. Notts were up against a good team but they never stopped giving it their all in an attempt to get back into the game. In a rare Notts attack, Montel Gibson was through on goal, inside the area, when he was brought down with a desperate tackle. The referee had no hesitation in awarding the penalty and brandishing a red card to the Luton defender. Montel himself got up to take the penalty and confidently tucked the ball away on the half-hour. With Luton now down to ten men the Notts fans were hoping for an increased amount of possession, but it didn't happen as Luton continued to control the game. Half-time: Notts 1-2 Luton After only six minutes of the second half ten man Luton went further ahead when a corner was headed in off the underside of the bar. Full-time: Notts 1-3 Luton Notts gave everything to combat Luton's excellent team work but to no avail. Even when Luton went down to ten men they were still an absolute pleasure to watch. The Notts youngsters have a break now until January 9th when they take on Doncaster at home. Hopefully the young 'Pies can put this defeat behind them and go all out to win the league title. Find the latest content - Here or join in with our discussions - Here

If you are not travelling to Wycombe on Tuesday, why not pop down to Meadow Lane to see the Notts County Youth team in action in the 3rd round of the FA Youth Cup against Luton Town. It is the first time in a number of years that the Notts youngsters have reached this stage of the competition so please get along to support them if you can - kick-off is 7pm. Luton are a very impressive side having gone the first 21 games of their season undefeated. Add to that the fact that, before their last game, The young 'Pies were also top of their division - so it has all the makings of being a cracking game - so get down there if you can. Catch up on all of the latest content throughout our website - Here

The 'Top of the Table' young Magpies travelled to Lincoln this morning to take on a Lincoln City side who were 'breathing down their necks' being only a single point behind them in the table. The game was played at Lincoln United's Ashby Avenue ground in a strong wind with an uneven playing surface. Notts were without their usual two wide players through injury and illness and this affected their attacking play. As always, they battled hard, but they struggled to get the ball down and get their usual passing game going and without their usual two wide men their attacking options were limited. Half-time: Lincoln 0-0 Notts. Defences on top as both sides struggled against the strong wind and a very uneven playing surface. The second half continued as it had in the first with both sides battling against the conditions as much as against each other. On 72 minutes the young 'Pies fell behind when a shot from the edge of the area found its way into the corner of the net. For the rest of the game Notts tried to get back on level terms but just didn't have enough options going forward and the game ended in a 1-0 defeat for Notts. Because of the conditions and the loss of a couple of players it was a below par performance for the young 'Pies who have ended the first half of the league season just a couple of points from the top of their league - so not a bad position to be in. If you are not going to Wycombe on December 15th why not pop down to Meadow Lane to see the youngsters take on a Luton Town side, still undefeated after 21 games, in the FA Youth Cup. Join our match discussion for the youth team - Here

This season can only be described as starting slowly, with only a single league win in the first five games, leaving the young ‘Pies third from bottom of their division. Then followed an amazing turnaround. With a few positional tweaks by their coach Dan Leivers the team went on a fantastic run winning nine of their next ten games in all competitions, including six consecutive league wins, which has taken them to the top of their league. This successful run was also achieved with a very young team, with, on average, only three second year scholars being selected, the team being made up with mainly first year scholars and a few cameo appearances from lads in the under 16s – which augers well for the future. Tomorrow, in their final league game before their Christmas break, (resuming on 9th January) the young ‘Pies face a trip to Lincoln with their opposition only a point behind them in the table – so a tough game in prospect as they try to keep their outstanding run going. Join our match discussion for the youth team - Here