Countyman

I thought Notts could have scored at least three more goals. Grimsby never looked likely to score, and to some extent, they wouldn’t have if we had defended better from the only effort they put away. They struggled against a quality Notts team that put on a great 90 minutes.

Maynard's concerns regarding the rough play on Jodi Jones are valid. It’s frustrating to watch refs allow excessive physicality that could result in injury. We all love a bit of contact in the game, but not to the extent where players' careers are at risk. The balance between letting the game flow and protecting players is crucial. Maynard’s comments highlight an issue that needs addressing immediately. If referees don't step up their game, we could see more top players sidelined with injuries, which would be detrimental not just for Notts but for the league as a whole.

Welcome Lucas Ness! Signing a promising player from Charlton Athletic is a move we should all be excited about. His solid performances and being recognised as Player of the Month multiple times speaks volumes about his talent. It's impressive how the management has addressed his injury recovery, ensuring he gets sufficient time to get match-fit. With Matty Platt, Jacob Bedeau, and Lewis Macari already holding fort, Ness’s addition makes our defence incredible. His versatility in playing anywhere across the back three is a valuable asset. Hats off to the board and Richard Montague for such a strategic and long-term focused signing.

It’s fantastic to see a player like McGoldrick embracing his role at Notts. His wealth of experience, having played over 600 games, is something to be admired and respected. While it must be tough not being in the starting eleven regularly, his determination and readiness to seize any opportunity that comes his way are commendable. It’s even more impressive how he balances this with mentoring the younger players in the squad, helping to guide their development. Players like him are an asset to any team, not just for their skills on the pitch but for their leadership off it.

It would be great to see Notts prove the doubters wrong, but honestly, I don’t think it will happen. Stuart Maynard is still learning at Notts and I think Fleetwood will cause us some trouble. It wouldn’t surprise me if we end up drawing the game. I really hope I am wrong, but I can see it happening. I just hope it’s not goalless, as nice as it is to keep a clean sheet. Not scoring would be negative. Fingers crossed we can thrash them.

Chris and Alex Reedtz have done wonders in their five years, with one promotion. They continue to push for a second. The one so far is the biggest in the club’s history in recent years. It would be amazing if we could enjoy another. Yet, I am pleased to see how the squad improves and how we grow as a club.

I wouldn’t jump the gun either way. I’ll wait to see how things pan out. Let’s not run to speculation. For example, if he doesn’t make tomorrow’s lineup, have your say if you feel, but wait for it to be confirmed or for the window to close before worrying.

Nice read on Jacob Bedeau. The fee he attracted earlier in his career shows he was seen for his potential. While he might not have reached that yet, there is still time. He could make a move further up the leagues, hopefully with us.

I don’t see fake shirts as something clubs should tell their fans not to wear or use as an excuse to reject them from the stadium. This wouldn’t happen at a concert or gig if the artist knew their fans had unofficial merch on. I think football targets the fans a little too much. We are cash cows for them.

Those are some volleys! I think defences these days make it harder for players to score, but from time to time, you do see a good volley.

I’m not sure when Notts last had 6,000 season ticket holders, but it’s great to see such a high number. With the cost of football going up, it makes sense for fans to commit and reduce the fee from £24 per game. It also benefits the club by bringing in revenue that can be used for recruitment. It’s good to see the club growing again.

I like how Conor Grant has come in and made an immediate impact. Scoring when new is never easy, and it shows he's got the right mentality. His comments about the pitch and excitement for the first home game really resonate with me. It's clear he understands the importance of connecting with the fans and taking pride in the club's facilities. His experience at other clubs, including a stint at a higher division, will only benefit Notts. I'm looking forward to seeing how he develops throughout the season and helps in our pursuit of promotion. His positive attitude towards pressure is refreshing and necessary for the challenges ahead.

I don’t want to complain about losing on penalties. It would have been nice to win without going into them, but I’m sure the players gave their all and they will be hurting after losing. I hear Curtis Edwards took his performance quite badly and blamed himself, even apologising to his teammates.

Conor Grant looks like a good player. I have been impressed by his impact so far and hope we can make the most of what he brings to the team. Excellent write-up, thank you for sharing @Robbie.

One of the best divers, it’s sad to see Tom Daley retire from the sport. He’s always worked hard, so I hope he enjoys his time away from it.

Thank you for letting us know, @AmericanPie. I wish you well. I wondered why he hadn’t been active for some time. It’s sad news that he can’t enjoy his mobility. Please let him know many of his friends here miss him. As for stubbornness, it’s an English trait most of us have.

Hello, @Gaz whitworth. Welcome to the site here on PON. I hope you join in with the community.

Hello, @Countylad. Welcome to the site here on PON. I hope you join in with the community.

Hello, @Nay. Welcome to the site here on PON. I hope you join in with the community.

It’s tough to see such a promising start turn into a heart-breaking defeat. The first half performance was near perfect, and it felt like we had Shrewsbury on the ropes. Stuart Maynard’s comments on taking responsibility for Curtis Edwards’ mistake are refreshing. It shows a great deal of leadership. Defensive lapses in the second half were a stark contrast to the fluid play in the first. It's a harsh reminder that football games can change in an instant. Penalty shoot-outs are always down to luck, and unfortunately, it didn’t go our way this time.

Notts could do with another attacking midfielder if we are to have two playing in similar roles. We need someone different from the options we have, but still of high quality, not just for cover or depth. A striker would be nice to see come in, but I don’t want just any old player.

I think one or two players would be enough to add depth come January. The attacking midfield might need an addition if we are to play two players in this role. Unless Sam Austin gets more game time, the club could use players that offer quality and something different. I don’t think a keeper should be a concern. Alex Bass looks great, and Sam Slocombe is more than capable of covering. Aidan Stone could do better with the level of protection given to Bass against Tranmere.

It’s fantastic to see Conor Grant so eager to get started at Notts. His reflections on the challenges he faced at MK Dons show his maturity and readiness to learn from past experiences. What excites me most is how he talks about the club’s ambition and his fit within the team's style of play. I think this could be a turning point in his career, and with the support of the fans and coaching staff, he could really shine this season. Here’s hoping he makes a big impact on the pitch!

I thought we were the better team out there today, despite not scoring. The midfield was excellent, keeping Tranmere on the back foot for most of the match. It’s just a shame we couldn’t convert our chances. Bass was impressive in his debut, looks like a solid addition to the squad. There’s room for improvement, especially in the attacking third, but if we continue to control games like this, the wins will come. The second half was a masterclass in keeping possession. We just need that cutting edge to turn a good performance into a great result.

Interesting insights from Maynard ahead of the Tranmere game. The pre-season defensive improvements are promising, especially the record after the 60-minute mark. The new signings filling critical positions in defence should significantly improve our stability at the back. Cedwyn Scott being handed the number nine shirt is exciting; he could add a lot of firepower if he stays healthy. Maynard’s meticulous approach, including scouting Tranmere and nearly finalising the starting eleven, suggests the team is well-prepared.