Robbie

"The young pies take the lead. Sanderson with an excellent finish in the 34th minute". Notts 1-0 Cambridge

The game begins Peterborough 0 Notts 0

The Notts side to face Peterborough in the first half. Looks like Stuart is putting out a strong side to begin with.

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@Chris it's a good side that you have posted there. I just worry about getting exposed down the flanks. It is a fascinating conundrum for Maynard to solve where Nemane and Jones are concerned. They are both clearly lacking in the defensive area but are so good going forward & create many chances, as well as scoring themselves. I do believe that this season Stuart has to use his squad to the full and select his team, shape and tactics according to who the opposition is. Notts have got to aim at only conceding between 50 to 55 goals this season as a maximum, if they are to challenge for promotion. This means Notts will have to be much more defensive minded this season compared to the season just gone. That could mean either Nemane or Jones on the subs bench on occasions.

@Wheelbarrow repair man I agree. I don't understand why Notts can't play a flat back four as in olden days with two traditional wingers supplying to he crosses for Jatta. I just think a 4,3,3 or a 4,5,2 would work for Notts. Just play a traditional English game, using all different tactics to get the ball upfield. Just get the ball in the box as quickly as possible.

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As you rightly said, winning becomes a habit, and it also breeds confidence. I cannot for the life of me, understand how anyone can say preseason games don't matter. It's like when some managers are saying cup games don't matter. Every single game that Notts play has to matter. It mattered to Boston Utd that they beat a league 2 club the other night.

So we are now very close to the start of the season. Stuart Maynard has nine new players to work with. He also has two more players that have recovered from long term injuries So Stuart has 11 players that he has never managed in a league game. That's half the squad. So Stuart now owns the squad. The ghost of Luke Williams has finally departed. There are no longer any excuses. Stuart Maynard now has to deliver. The pre season games where the new players have figured have been somewhat dissapointing. Stuart has the decide, which players are in the starting eleven in the first match against Tranmere. He also has to decide how Notts will line up. Will it be a back three with wingbacks or a traditional back four? Will he have a three or four man midfield, two strikers or just one? Lots of questions to be answered. One thing is certain, Stuart has to mould this squad into a cohesive unit that will be competitive this season. Will he be successful or not. The first half a dozen games should reveal all.

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