CliftonMagpie

22 minutes in, Cedwyn Scott (5) and Jim O'Brien (14) make it 2-0 to Notts.

@super_ram is correct - the answer is Lee Hughes! That's one point to Super Ram. The next clues would have been: He started his career in the Conference with Kidderminster Harriers before winning a £380,000 move to his boyhood club in August 199x. He finished as his club’s top-scorer for four seasons running and earned a place on the PFA Team of the Year in 199x–9x after finishing as the highest scorer in the top four divisions of English football. In August 200x, he was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment for causing death by dangerous driving following a fatal crash on 23 November 200x. I will post another one of these on Monday, let's see who can guess correctly next time as I continue to bring the Guess Who? The Notts County Edition.

He represented the England semi-professional team once in 19x6 and worked as a roofer alongside his father after being released as a youth footballer.

Going into any game can be distracting, but on the verge of the playoffs, it must be daunting for the players in some aspects. I'm sure they feel disappointed with losing to Wrexham. Thoughts of how the points against Dagenham at home could change the outcome of the table right now are easy to worry about. However, the focus must be kept on winning tomorrow's game regardless of what else happens in the National League. For once, we have a squad brimming with talent. Yes, we may be short in some areas and perhaps Luke Williams could have explored strengthening up slightly, which could have naturally helped this game. Yet defensively, that's the only concern I have. Otherwise, I think we're fine in midfield and attack. There should be good chances created with the depth we have in these areas. As for the pitch, I'm sure training has reflected on whatever outcome that poses. Really, football is football. Players can complain about the standard of pitches, but true footballers will just get on with it because isn't that what this sport is like? Playing in muddy fields or on pitches with bumps or that are vertically inclined downwards as it may be.

After a quick search using the members tab, I couldn’t find any members referencing this player. It amazes me!

Yes, he has retired. He had a very successful career, though not without its lows. His presence would divide opinions until you saw him play. Most of the clubs he had stints with would call him a legend, so he was by no means a journeyman but a player who loved the game. He never played for Derby but scored against them in a 3-2 defeat for his side. Both goals for his team came from headers against a very good Derby County. The highlights can be found online with a quick search on YouTube. The closest thing to making you happy @super_ram would be that he scored 5 goals against Forest throughout his career (if the stats are correct). What set him apart in terms of ability was the way he watched the game progress and was always two steps ahead of it. A very, very good finisher.

I aim for this game to be fun, so please join in. However, there is one rule that I ask you to follow: please make every effort not to spam answers and write your guess in at least a sentence. Let’s avoid one-word replies, as this could be a good game but I do not want to be told off by the gaffer! I will give a short teaser into an ex-player’s background. I won’t give much away until there have been a few guesses and I will slowly start expanding on the information until the correct answer is guessed. Here goes: This person was born in May 197x and is a former English professional footballer who plays as a striker. He is well-known not only at Notts County but has also played football for a number of clubs during his career. In fact, he has played for 20 teams at various levels in the English football pyramid. You may ask me questions and request clues. However, the information I provide is solely based on the effort put in by the community.

In the wake of Notts County's loss against Wrexham, it is essential for the team to bounce back and put on a convincing display. Doing so would not only lift the players' spirits, but also those of the Notts fans. Losing in the manner in which our goals were gifted to Wrexham was undoubtedly frustrating, but credit must be given for the pressure Notts were put under. It's not as simple as saying that the players didn't turn up for the game, especially since footage of them getting out of the team coach was aired on BT Sports. ???? A win in the next game would provide a great deal of relief to both the players and fans. It would also serve as an opportunity for the team to show that the previous loss was just a one-off occurrence. However, in order to maximise our chances in the playoffs, some players may need to be rested. This is particularly true for Ruben Rodrigues, Adam Chicksen and Aaron Nemane. Nemane's performance against Wrexham was subpar, and if he doesn't start pulling his weight defensively, it will be a weakness that opposing teams will be able to exploit. Chicksen, on the other hand, has not looked himself for quite some time, which is not surprising given the number of games he has played. While we may not have another left-back, we should consider playing Frank Vincent in this position. We have a strong midfield, and allowing some players to rest could spark a reaction from others. Though we may have some time off, we should focus on training and preparing for the next game. With the right approach, Notts County can turn the tide and get back to winning ways.

It's not something I tend to give much thought to. I mean, it's like me throwing a theory out that at the bottom of my garden (well, it's my parents'), there's a black hole behind the shed but nobody else can see it. How do you prove that it's real? It's interesting to read about and to see what people say, but it's something for those with much more time than I have free.

I believe my comment about resting Ruben Rodrigues shown today, Ruben was not at his best and it was evident that he was struggling. Even though he tried, he wasn't able to provide the spark that we needed. However, I don't think that we can attribute his poor performance solely to him being rested in the previous game. The Wrexham team made it difficult for us, and that was a significant factor. I think that Jodi Jones should have started the game, as he provided more dynamism and energy to our team when he came on. Sam Austin was also quite skillful and wasn't afraid to take on the Wrexham players. The first half was lacking in directness and was only influenced by Jim O'Brien. John Bostock's free-kick was exceptional and deserves recognition. I believe that there was little cohesion between Kyle Cameron, Connell Rawlinson, and Geraldo Bajrami. While they did play well independently at times, they didn't perform well as a defensive unit. I'm not trying to be overly negative, but I think that had they played more cohesively, some of the mistakes that we saw could have been avoided. Credit should also be given to Wrexham for making it a challenging game. Adam Chicksen and Aaron Nemane didn't perform at their best either, and Nemane didn't do enough defensively. While some fans had previously criticised Cal Roberts for not defending, Nemane's lack of defensive contribution leaves us vulnerable in games where we don't have control. On the other hand, Jodi Jones marked Wrexham players closely and tried to get forward when he had the chance. Overall, I thought that we gave a good account of ourselves in a difficult game. The pressure clearly got to everyone, including the Wrexham players. The our equaliser was a brilliant moment, and Kyle Cameron seems to be better in attack. Cadwyn Scott was unfortunate to face Ben Foster for the penalty, and any other keeper might have conceded. While I wished that we could have cut out some of the obvious aspects of our play, football is unpredictable. We've had an incredible season, and we should remember it for the positive aspects.

After John Bostock's stunning goal put us ahead, I had high hopes for the second half. Unfortunately, defensive errors proved costly and we were unable to hold onto the lead. However, credit must be given to Wrexham for their improved performance. While their physicality and tendency to dive can be frustrating, they played much better than in their previous highlights or at Meadow Lane. It's disappointing to come away with a loss, but hopefully we can learn from our mistakes and improve in the next match.

It might sound unusual, but I would be tempted to keep Ruben on the bench even if he is fit enough to start. This would mainly be to provide him with an additional layer of protection and to test whether the team can handle the challenge without him. Introducing him after the first half might prove advantageous as the pace of the game would likely slow down by then, providing him with that additional protection. This would not mean that we underestimate Wrexham, but Luke Williams may have a different perspective. With Austin, Jones, Bostock and Palmer, we already have a formidable midfield. The decision would depend on how motivated Rodrigues is. Releasing him when Notts requires additional quality may bring out the best in him. I am also hopeful that Richard Brindley will start, as I miss his elegance. Macaulay Langstaff and Cadwyn Scott should start together. As far as the rest of the team is concerned, the decision seems apparent to me. However, keeping some quality on the bench may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Nonetheless, I am not the manager, thankfully, Luke Williams is.

I read comments on social media on the official page(s) from fans suggesting we weren't the best or that Archie Mair is better than Sam Slocombe because he releases the ball quickly. It's quite concerning where some of these types of fans feel the need to creep out of the woodwork with their blatant disrespect towards the players. I thought Archie did well; some of his kicking wasn't the best, but at times it did pay off. He looked comfortable with his touches, but when he did get called upon, his saves were less convincing. Nevertheless, he did well. The outfield players did superbly well. They were very quick to win the ball back or deal with any threat. Defensively, they looked solid, and in attack, there was no messing about in terms of creating chances. I thought Aaron Nemane did well. He doesn't get much praise at times, but he put in a good shift and was involved in some promising attacking moves. It's important to remember that these players are professionals who work hard day in and day out to deliver results for the club and the fans. Criticism is part and parcel of football, but it's essential to keep it constructive and respectful. Overall, it was a great team performance, and the players should be proud of their efforts.

I thought all the players did well against Wealdstone. It was a very efficient team performance, and it was clear from the moment the game kicked off that everybody in the Notts camp had one goal, and that was to win. The players were organised, and their performance was characterized by a high level of intensity and focus. They worked together as a team, defending and attacking as a unit, which made it difficult for Wealdstone to gain a foothold in the game. It was not only the starting eleven who contributed to the win, but the substitutions also made a significant impact. The whole squad was determined to get the job done, and it showed in their play.

I am pleased we protected Ruben Rodrigues ahead of the Wrexham game. I fully expect them to be quite physical.

Back at the top, get in there Notts! ????????

It does disrupt things for fans who travel a greater distance to attend matches, or for those who may have work commitments later in the day. Nevertheless, we simply endure it, but it would be preferable if BT Sport made an effort to minimise the impact on kickoff times.

Luke Williams has cautioned that the team they will face is not the same as the one they encountered earlier, and Friday's game will verify if this is true. Other teams can attempt to imitate Notts County's tactics, but it remains to be seen how effectively they can execute them. Personally, I don't believe that they are an outstanding team. However, playing at Meadow Lane may work to our advantage due to our supporters' backing and the momentum that comes with performing in front of the Pavis, Kop, and Family stands. It may not be as high-scoring as before, but I anticipate seeing Notts County do well, whilst they struggle to prevent us from scoring three goals. I'm hoping that Langstaff, in particular, will score a brace, adding to his already impressive tally. Additionally, the team's ability to reproduce their previous performances in light of the opposition's changes will be intriguing to observe. It is necessary to note that every game is distinct, and teams must consistently perform at their best to succeed. Nonetheless, with the home advantage, our team has the potential to dominate Friday's match.

While there may have been some debate around whether or not Langstaff's 40th goal was legitimate, at the end of the day it still goes down in the record books. I'm really happy for him that he managed to hit such a milestone, and there's still plenty of time left in the season for him to add to it. Of course, I know that some of the older fans might not be too thrilled about the idea of us sticking around in the lower leagues long enough for Langstaff to beat Bradd's record, but personally I think it could be a great achievement for the club. It sounded like Notts were playing pretty well up until that clumsy penalty. Fortunately, Mair did an excellent job of saving it, which I'm really pleased about. He's shown that he's more than capable of covering for us, and now that we've seen him in action a bit more, I don't think there are any lingering doubts about his ability. And of course, Ruben always looks cool as a cucumber when he steps up to take a penalty. All in all, it was a very impressive away win for us.

I must admit, I am feeling quite nervous again, especially as it's a Tuesday night game and with Wrexham have also won at home on Saturday. We simply can't afford to draw or lose, as this would definitely end our hopes of winning the title, and although I think it's unlikely at this point, I don't want to accept that in my heart. I also dread seeing the fallout from those who can't acknowledge how successful we have been this season. Of course, a win would be fantastic, as it would bypass any negativity, but I fear that it may not happen.

I was feeling optimistic about the game before it started, but I am not a fan of cheap ticket days because it brings in people who are clueless or rude. Unfortunately, I was seated near a group of teenagers who were a few years younger than me, and they were extremely unpleasant. I wouldn't usually comment on this, but I couldn't move away from them. Despite that, Notts County started the game with a lot of purpose, and it didn't seem like there were two teams on the pitch. Scunthorpe had a handful of players who turned up, but most of them didn't seem bothered at all. The first goal was well deserved and came from some lovely passing, with Rodrigues making room and his run forward paid off. In recent months, Nemane has become more involved in the squad, and he works well with Rodrigues. O'Brien played his role superbly, going forward while also fulfilling his defensive duties to keep everyone calm. The second goal came from the relentless pressure Notts put on Scunthorpe, making it hard for them to respond. Scunthorpe came across as quite physical and reckless at times, grabbing Rawlinson's shirt and lashing out. The high foot was so late that, in my opinion, it deserved a red card. The game was wrapped up in the first 45 minutes, with the second half delivering two good goals and some funny moments. First, their captain sulked off the pitch and he spent the rest of the game throwing his toys out of the pram. Did they miss his presence? Not one bit. Secondly, their fans who started leaving once the third goal went in, and even more when the fourth was scored. I have to say, their keeper had some awful kicking techniques, and he didn't make a single good ball for them. That leaves me to praise Mair, who I was nervous about when he came on, but credit to him, he had little to do and little to go wrong with. I have faith in him and Luke Williams.

Young fans will have a good day, but people who like quieter games without Forest fans or those who don't know about Notts might not enjoy it as much.

Luke Williams is facing some serious challenges, with injuries, international duty, and possibly even Langstaff's recent injury. Maybe withdrawing Langstaff from the England C squad was the right move to protect him and our team, but why take any unnecessary risks? Ruben will need to elevate his game and keep up his recent impressive form. Our success hinges on it. We can't afford to lose to Scunthorpe, especially with all the tickets already sold. We owe it to our fans and ourselves to give it our all and come out on top!

I was really worried when Dorking scored first, but once again, our team showed their true character. However, I have to admit that I was a bit uneasy when I saw that we only had four players on the bench. That's including a goalkeeper and only three midfielders. It wasn't ideal, especially if things didn't go as planned. To be honest, having a limited number of substitutes could cause a few problems for the team, particularly if there was an injury or players were feeling fatigued. It's crucial to have a variety of options to choose from, especially during the latter part of the game. Despite the circumstances, our team put on a fantastic performance, and I was genuinely inspired by their resilience. Looking forward, I'm hoping that we'll have some of our players back in action for tomorrow's match. It would definitely help to have a more extensive selection of players to choose from, especially when making crucial substitutions. It's important to be prepared for any challenges that may arise during the game, and having a full complement of players will undoubtedly increase our chances of winning.

Eastleigh is presently positioned 5th in the league, and they are a formidable National League team capable of causing trouble for any opponent if given the opportunity. They managed to secure a 1-0 victory over Oldham and suffered a 1-0 defeat against Yeovil. They appear to perform better when playing on their home turf. I think for Notts to achieve success, we require sparks from Ruben Rodrigues in midfield, and I believe that Matt Palmer can build on his Saturday's performance on Tuesday night, they find us more challenging. Also, I think Evans deserves a chance to start.