Robbie

Update Jodi Jones. Out till at least January 25. Curtis Edwards. Out till at least January 25. Lucas Ness. Possibly available in a few weeks. Conor Grant. Knee injury, six weeks out minimum David McGoldrick. Sore hamstrings due to tiredness.

I think we have to put things into perspective. If Notts had put one of those 3 or 4 chances away in the first 25 minutes, the result may well have been different. Vale would have had to come out and that would have left space for Notts to exploit. Notts did perform at a high level but unfortunately, conceded to a Vale break on the counter. There is no doubt that Notts missed, Jones, Edwards, Grant & McGoldrick today News about Grant, he's going to be out for at least 6 weeks maybe even longer, so that's more bad news on the injury front. Notts are still up there near the top & still in the mix. Notts just have to dig in & try to grind out results while these key players are missing, & that will begin at Chesterfield next Saturday.

Top of the 2nd Division after today's matches. Notts are only one point behind top place.

Plenty of possession, had the chances in that first half, but today we lacked the quality in that final third, & Notts couldn't finish when they did get the chances. Notts conceded on the counter once again. Notts huffed and puffed in the second half & only created one chance. Unfortunately, Vale have done to us, what we did to Carlisle. Notts have certainly missed Jones & McGoldrick. But Notts are still only one point behind Walsall who are top.

Update. CMON U PIES!

Substitution for Notts.

Update. Notts 0 Port Vale 1, 76 mins gone Notts have plenty of the ball but it's gone a little bit static. Needs to be some incisive passing to break Vale down.

Update. Update. Robertson makes way for Scott.

Well that's a surprise half way through a Notts match Adam Chicksen has signed for Woking on loan.

Update.

Back to it. Abbott on for Tsaroulla.

Half Time Work to do in the second half. Notts 0 Port Vale 1. Notts have had plenty of possession but didn't do much with it in the last 15 minutes Maybe a change or two will be seen at half time or maybe after 15 mins of the second half if Notts don't get a goal. Maybe Abbott & Martin for Austin & Tsaroulla.

Update. Notts 0 Port Vale 1, 37 mins Notts have had plenty of possession, 70%, but Port Vale are holding firm, & they have the goal. Update. Big chance for Vale.

Update.

Update. Port Vale get the opener. Notts 0 Port Vale 1

Update.

Update.

Match underway

Today's team is out. No McGoldrick or Grant, but Austin, Tsaroulla & Gordon keep their places in the first eleven. It's a strong bench.

Team news imminent.

Alassana Jatta has been a revelation for Notts since he was signed in January. He is very good at being in the right place at the right time in the box either with his head or feet But Jatta also give Notts other options in attack, & also when Notts wants to relieve pressure at the back, or go long when on the attack. Jatta gives Notts an outlet to be able to do those things. As well as the influence of Jatta, Notts have a strong squad that Stuart can call on for each game. Notts were very weak last season regarding the squad, but now players can come on during a game & are capable of changing a game to Notts advantage. As I see it, those are the two big changes that we have seen from last season, Jatta & the strength of the squad. It gives Stuart so many more options, that he can play with.

I was always a heavy rock fan and I think the period between 1969 & 1976 the heavy rock scene was at its best in my opinion. My most favourite group was Uriah Heep & their line up between 1969 &1975 were my favourite. My second favourite band was Deep Purple of the same period. As for the greatest guitarist, Hendrix takes some beating but his career was short, which is a pity. My favourite & I think the best Guitarist is Richie Blackmore of Deep Purple. His guitar riffs are fantastic. I also rate Mick Box of Uriah Heep highly too. The best drummer I've seen Ginger Baker who was a member of Cream. I also think Ian Paice of Deep Purple is pretty good too. The best vocalist is difficult because there are so many great ones. I don't think that most will agree because they have their favourites. Because I was into heavy rock my favourite is Ian Gillan of Deep Purple, with David Byron of Uriah Heep not far behind. If you pushed me for the best I'd go for Freddy Mercury. The best bassist is more difficult but there are two that I felt were pretty good, John Deacon of Queen & Eric Haydock, an original member of the Hollies. If I had to choose the best I'd go for John Deacon of Queen. I don't think we should forget key boards. Ken Hensley was pretty good on the Keyboards. I think Rick Wakeman of Yes is the best keyboard player.

If Notts play to their strengths & their recent form, I'm confident that Notts will get a result today, however it will be a close match & Notts need to start well & not concede early. I will go with a 2:1 win for Notts.