Joe Jones

Notts County earned a place in the hat for the fourth round of the FA Cup after beating Championship side Brentford 1-0 in Saturday's third-round encounter at Griffin Park. Despite playing two divisions above, the Bees were put to the sword as Jon Stead's superb second-half winner sealed the Magpies' passage to the fourth round of the competition. The draw for the next round will take place on Monday evening, with the possibility of a leading Premier League side being lined up to face Kevin Nolan's high-flyers. What was the reaction from the Notts boss, players and fans following the win? Here is a collection of the best post-match reaction. Kevin Nolan “I am delighted with the performance and it warranted the result. “You have to ride your luck when you come to quality teams and those sides who are above you and we did have that little bit of luck, but when you have the attitude, application and dedication to keep a clean sheet, then you earn it. “I am delighted for the boys because they have not been given the credit they deserve for what they have done in such a short space of time. “Hopefully we can continue on that path and I hope they all go away and enjoy this day because they don’t happen very often in your career. “They are going to experience highs and lows, but this is one of the highs. I am thrilled for every one of them.” Jon Stead “It’s incredible. I thought we were terrific from the first minute today and caused them problems. We were a little disappointed we didn’t create more with the half-chances we managed to get in the first half. “But in the second half we had to start brightly and I think we did that. From kick-off in the second half we looked strong and likely to get that goal. “I’m delighted with the goal. In the early part of my Notts career I was cutting in a lot on my left foot and producing decent shots and goals. This season and the back end of last season I’ve been spooning a lot of them over the bar so to get it right on this stage was really pleasing.” Players on social media The Black and White Army on PON Chris: Not the worst draw now we've won it ah? Kinda typical really. A lot of those who have moaned and bashed this tie will be hoping we draw United or a big club next, I hope for our sakes they don't jinx things and we end up with a less than impressive draw because Brentford wasn't that bad at all. Fantastic win, I'm delighted we secured the win without being forced into a reply. I knew it would be tight! Well done Notts. DangerousSausage: I for one would like us to draw a genuinely big club in the next round, or F*rest. Preferably at home. Sure, someone like Shrewsbury would give us a better chance of progression (although we'd still be outsiders), but going out to a team like that would be pretty anticlimactic. Donovan Bisset: Come on you pies!!!! Schani Dalton: Superb result super notts now let's have man u home coypieeees Peter Walker: Well done Notts brilliant result Piotr Madgwick: yyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeesss u ppppiiiieeeesss Jayne Briggs: Super pies well done lads Jay Dalton: get man city home be sellout coyp Marc Horridge: SUPA NOTTS! Clint Hadley: Now bring on the big boys Hayley Ryall: U pies x Neil Lowe: Now I did not expect that!!Brilliant,Notts!!COYP Colin Hodgson: Kevin Nolan's black and white army! Ian Ale Goode: Uuuu pies great result James Eley: Well done Notts. Let the good times roll. Paul Rothon: Youuuu Pieeeeeesssss!!!!!! Jimmy Gee: Good well deserved result! Christopher Key: Youuuuu Pies!! What a result!!! Lesley Gascoyne: Brilliant! Nick Hogg: Get in ️ Simon White: Uuuuuu Uuuuuu Uuuuuu ppppppppppppppppp iiiiii eeeessssss James Adcock: Uuuuuuu ppppiiiieesssss !! Share your thoughts about this reaction round-up piece on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have reached the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to a 1-0 win over Brentford. The Magpies more than matched their Championship opponents for the majority of the game at Griffin Park. Moments after a Bees effort bounced along the Notts goal-line, the visitors attacked at the other end and scored through a superb Jon Stead curled shot. The result sees Notts in the hat for Monday's draw, with the potential of a plum tie against a Premier League side up for grabs. Notts vlogger and Pride of Nottingham contributor ARLukomski discussed the fixture ahead of kickoff, gave his thoughts as the game went on, and talked about the performance and result after the final whistle. Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here. Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Jon Stead has described Notts County's FA Cup third-round 1-0 win over Brentford as "incredible" and was delighted to finally score after cutting in with his left foot. The veteran striker claimed the winner on Saturday at Griffin Park with a wonderful curling shot after cutting in from the right-hand channel, putting the Magpies in the fourth round of the competition. Stead was also relieved as he acknowledged his prior attempts to pull off the move over the last 12 months have not quite worked out. “It’s incredible,” Stead told the official Notts website. “I thought we were terrific from the first minute today and caused them problems. "We were a little disappointed we didn’t create more with the half-chances we managed to get in the first half. But in the second half we had to start brightly and I think we did that. From kick-off in the second half we looked strong and likely to get that goal. “I’m delighted with the goal. In the early part of my Notts career I was cutting in a lot on my left foot and producing decent shots and goals. This season and the back end of last season I’ve been spooning a lot of them over the bar so to get it right on this stage was really pleasing.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has admitted that Notts County were buoyed by the fact Brentford made a host of changes to their line-up and were eager to exploit that in their FA Cup third-round win. Bees boss Dean Smith made eight changes to the side which lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek and the team laboured against the Magpies at Griffin Park. Notts took the lead through Jon Stead's superb curling effort midway through the second half and were able to see the game out for a place in the fourth round. "They made a lot of changes to their normal line-up and we thought we could exploit that and I'm delighted to say we did," Nolan is quoted by Get West London as saying. "I don't think the players who came in for them underestimated us, but we knew they might not be as fluent as the usual team. "The changes hindered them but they are still a very good side and I thought we were worthy winners. Yes, we rode our luck at times but we had a game plan and we stuck to it. "I was delighted for the fans who were behind us from start to finish. There is a special chemistry at the club right now between the players, and between the players and fans and management, and all of that is working in our favour." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

A delighted Kevin Nolan has praised Notts County's players for overcoming Championship side Brentford 1-0 in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday. Despite playing two divisions above, the Bees were put to the sword as Jon Stead's superb second-half winner sealed the Magpies' passage to the fourth round of the competition. The draw for the next round will take place on Monday evening, with the possibility of a leading Premier League side being lined up to face Nolan's high-flyers. “I am delighted with the performance and it warranted the result,” he told the official Notts site following the win at Griffin Park. “You have to ride your luck when you come to quality teams and those sides who are above you and we did have that little bit of luck, but when you have the attitude, application and dedication to keep a clean sheet, then you earn it. “I am delighted for the boys because they have not been given the credit they deserve for what they have done in such a short space of time. “Hopefully we can continue on that path and I hope they all go away and enjoy this day because they don’t happen very often in your career. “They are going to experience highs and lows, but this is one of the highs. I am thrilled for every one of them.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has succeeded in his mission to have the nation talking about Notts County after guiding his side to a giant-killing 1-0 win at Brentford in the third round of the FA Cup. Jon Stead, part of the Bradford City team that shocked Chelsea in the fourth round two years ago, struck a fantastic winner midway through the second half to get the Magpies into the hat at the expense of their Championship opponents. Nolan made just one change to the side which beat Port Vale earlier this week, with Terry Hawkridge - himself an FA Cup run veteran thanks to his exploits with Lincoln City last season - replacing Jonathan Forte in the XI. Bees boss Dean Smith, meanwhile, made eight changes following their Championship defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday. Notts began brightly at Griffin Park, with Elliott Hewitt crossing into the path of Stead, who fired on the turn but saw his effort go wide. Stead continued to cause the opposition defence problems and he missed another opportunity moments later when he flicked a Jorge Grant free kick over with his right foot. On 13 minutes, Brentford went on the attack, but Chris Mepham's header from Josh McEachran's free-kick was easily saved by Fitzsimons. The Magpies, however, continued to have the better of their opponents, who did not properly threaten until 25 minutes when Florian Jozefzoon forced a good save from Fitzsimons, while Neal Maupay tested the Notts keeper soon after. Neither side could force the issue by half time, but Brentford came within a whisker of grabbing the opener shortly after the hour when substitute Ollie Watkins almost scored with his first touch, but his shot hit the post, bounced back against the keeper and rolled along the line. The Bees' missed opportunity proved their demise as Notts went up the other end, with Stead cutting inside from the right-hand channel before curling a superb effort beyond Daniels and into the far corner. Maupay, Jozefzoon and Yoann Barbet all went close as the hosts desperately sought to find an equaliser, while Emiliano Marcondes struck the far post with a header in stoppage time, but the day belonged to the Magpies. Share your thoughts about this game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Alan Hardy has spoken of how Notts County's standing has risen dramatically in the last 12 months and mentioned how an international player was interested in finishing his career at Meadow Lane. This time last year, the Magpies were all but destined to tumble out of the Football League and perhaps out of business until Hardy completed his takeover and set about restoring the club's infrastructure. Now Notts sit in the League Two automatic promotion slots and are looking ahead to a FA Cup third-round tie at Championship side Brentford. In his weekly Nottingham Post column, Hardy wrote: "I’ve been surprised by the amount of action that has already taken place because I presumed it would only become busy in the final few days. It’s certainly much more frenetic than it was last January. "I have been inundated with players who want to move from a lower club to a bigger club, and vice versa. "I think the biggest difference is that we are doing incredibly well this season. Players can see the progress we are making and naturally want to be part of that. "It’s a far cry from 12 months ago when I wrote in a previous column about a player we wanted driving straight past us to join somebody else. "But when you are second in the league, players and agents know we are looking for a big push for promotion. We are everybody’s target at the moment and it’s like bees round a honeypot. "One call I took this week literally had me falling off my chair because the player he offered to us was an international who wants to have a swansong in England. "I thought he had us mixed up with the other Nottingham club because he couldn’t possibly be interested in playing in League Two. "But he sees the potential here because in two years we could be playing in the Championship. The bottom line was we couldn’t afford him. "Players see Notts as a club rich in tradition and they want to be part of our history. We have unrivalled history and an incredible future." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

So here we are in 2018. January, to be precise. A month where everyone's skint after a month of splurging on presents, food and general excesses, and a month where everyone promises themselves that they're going to carry through some resolutions, only to fail two weeks in at the first sign of winter malaise. In the world of football, however, it's pedal to the metal as not only are there plenty of fixtures to get through, but the transfer window reopens, cue players changing clubs and journalists working overtime to churn out all the latest rumours, about 90% of which are complete bovine doo-doo. Over at Meadow Lane, however, there is legitimate cause for concern over the status of two players, namely Ryan Yates and Jorge Grant. As you all know, they're currently on loan at Notts County from Nottingham Forest, and as far as everyone was concerned, the Reds had agreed to let the duo remain over the Trent for the duration of the season. But with Forest sacking Mark Warburton, it presents a possible dilemma as a new manager may decide to recall the two players either to give a go in the team - after all, they're hardly setting the division alight, and eight points above the bottom three in the form they're in is hardly reassuring - or potentially sell on. In a fan forum late last year, Hardy said: "Both players are on loan until the end of the season and, while recall clauses are in place, we are confident they will stay with us for the season." Indeed, the rumour mill has begun turning, with League One side Scunthorpe United believed to be interested in Yates and Championship Norwich City reportedly keeping tabs on Grant, cue nervousness from the Notts faithful. However, even in the worst case scenario where both Grant and Yates are taken off of County's hands this January, there is still solace in the return of two midfielders - one a re-signing, the other having been out for so long that he will feel like a new signing. I am, of course, talking about Liam Noble and Michael O'Connor. Now, obviously Noble and Occy are not like-for-like replacements for Grant and Yates - each player has different styles and characteristics, so let's take a look at how each of them play, as individuals and in the team. Grant is a skilful flair player who likes to take on people, while Yates is a classic box-to-box midfielder who is far better at going forward, and also distributes the ball well. Yates benefits from having experience by his side, it takes the pressure off his play and usually results in more confidence on his part. Both are vastly different going forward, Grant likes to force play, whereas Yates builds carefully and allows for the ball to be passed around. O'Connor is a natural leader, we have missed him in midfield despite the good start and although we are blessed in an offensive mindset, his experience will be a blessing. In games where we struggle to create chances, he will be that player needed to think outside of the box. Defensively he assists also, a massive part of his game which is underappreciated in my opinion. Noble is very similar to O'Connor, yet he's more self-minded - selfish almost - and will end up seeing the headlines before they are written, plus he's great at drifting into space. I feel because Noble is more an attacking minded midfielder who likes to run at players and show his directness, I think it cancels out a potential pairing with O'Connor. If Grant and Yates leave, Noble and Rob Milsom should be paired in midfield, they are more a balance between the lines - both can get forward but Milsom can do the defensive duties. Milsom has a good understanding when it comes to defensive positioning and I feel he links up well when trying to come out of our own half. O'Connor, meanwhile, can be utilised from the bench, or started as an attacking midfielder should Grant and Yates not be around at the Lane any more. Whatever January brings, Notts are very well equipped in midfield and it should remain one of the strongest areas in the squad, with or without Grant and Yates. Share your thoughts about this feature article on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Head to head and stats Brentford and Notts County will be meeting in for just the second time in the FA Cup, the Bees winning 4-0 in their only competition encounter in December 1964. Both sides have met 75 times in competitive action, the first game taking place on 24 September 1930 in Division Three (South), a 2-2 draw. The record stands at 20 wins for Notts, 27 draws, and 28 defeats. Our last fixture took place on 5 April 2014, a 3-1 defeat for Notts at Griffin Park, the Bees subsequently going up into the Championship. Notts haven't beaten Brentford since 28 February 2004 in Division Two. Eight consecutive draws then took place before the Bees won the following four games against the Magpies. Brentford have lost their last five FA Cup games against league opposition since drawing 2-2 with current holders at the time Chelsea in January 2013, eventually losing the replay 0-4. Notts have conceded exactly two goals in seven of their last eight FA Cup matches, which comprise of three wins, two draws, and three defeats. The Magpies are in the third round for the first time since 2012, progressing to the fourth round on the last three occasions they've reached this stage. History Brentford FC started life in 1889 because the members of the Brentford Rowing Club wanted to engage in a sport as filler during the winter months. By 8 votes to 5, they opted for football instead of rugby. Notts legend Tommy Lawton played for Brentford directly after his talismanic spell with the Magpies, scoring 17 goals in 50 games between 1951 and 1953. Lawton also served as player/manager in his final year with the club before leaving for Arsenal. Between 1954 and 2014, Brentford had experienced football higher than the third tier for just one season, in 1991-92. Brentford is a popular team with many musicians who grace the pages of NME. Hard-Fi lead singer and guitarist Richard Archer, Bluetones guitarist Adam Devlin, Status Quo bassist John "Rhino" Edwards, The Who guitarist Pete Townshend and Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman are all supporters of the Hounslow club. Gunnersbury Park Museum is in Gunnersbury House, narrowly in Gunnersbury (the north-west of Chiswick) containing artifacts and former furnishings of the Rothschild family, who were culturally and financially pre-eminent across France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and North America (basically, one of the most powerful families in the world). Kew Bridge Steam Museum houses the world's largest working beam engine and its narrow cuboid tower is an emblem of the town. Team news Striker Emiliano Marcondes may make his debut for Championship Brentford after being a substitute in the defeat to Wolves. Midfielder Alan Judge is expected to face his old club in his first game in 21 months following a broken leg, but left-back Rico Henry is out with an injured knee. Lewis Macleod is another looking for game time as he builds up his fitness following a cruciate ligement injury. Notts midfielder Liam Noble is finally set to make his first appearance since returning to the club, while the Magpies could also welcome back veteran striker Shola Ameobi. Rob Milson might be involved again after injury while the likes of Carl Dickinson, Nicky Hunt, Terry Hawkridge and Alan Smith are options should Magpies manager Kevin Nolan wish to make changes. Share your thoughts about this match preview on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Brentford manager Dean Smith has described the FA Cup third-round tie against Notts County as a "potential banana skin" and has urged caution from his players. The Bees, currently 11th in the Championship table, go into Saturday's game at Griffin Park against the high-flying Magpies on the back of a 3-0 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers. “Notts County will be a potential banana skin for us,” Smith told the official Brentford site. “They will be very tough. They have done fantastically this season. They have good, experienced players, we have to make sure there is no complacency and play to our strengths. “We will patch the players up (following the busy festive period) as best we can for Saturday and we have others wanting minutes. We will go in to the game to try and win it. "We will make some changes but that is more to do with players being spent after what they have put in over the past four games.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has described the FA Cup third-round fixture at Brentford as "a fantastic tie" and has stressed that Notts County will be eager to cause an upset at Griffin Park. The Magpies navigated their way through two tricky ties to reach round three, where they will be up against the Bees, who ply their trade in the Championship. Nolan admitted that the draw may have been deemed somewhat underwhelming by a proportion of the Notts fanbase but he insists he is looking forward to the encounter. “A lot of people groaned when they came out of the hat, but you can’t because these moments don’t come around too often,” he told the Nottingham Post. “Some of these players may never ever play against a Championship side or I may not be able to pit my wits against one either. “It’s about taking opportunities and hopefully we can continue to do what we have been doing and get a positive result. “For me it’s a fantastic tie because it will give the players a chance to face players a couple of leagues above and I am really looking forward to it. “The pressure is all on them to get into the next round, while we can go into the game with an air of confidence given what we have achieved in the league so far. “We will respect Brentford, the way they play and how they are. They have a lot of good, quality, players. “But we are not going there to roll over. We will have a go and try to cause an upset and I always fancy our chances. “We want to be the team everybody is talking about come Saturday at 5pm. “But we know it’s not going to be easy. We will have to ride our luck because their quality will shine through at some point. “It’s how we handle that which will be key. And for me it’s great to pit my wits against a Championship team and manager. “It will be the first time in my managerial career and I can’t wait for the game to come around.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Liam Noble has stressed that his "head is in the right place now" as he prepares to begin his second spell at Notts County. The midfielder was known as somewhat of a loose cannon in his first spell at Meadow Lane due to his temper and tendency to accumulate cards. Noble then left for Forest Green Rovers in 2016 helping them reach the Football League, before leaving the club earlier this year and joining the Magpies again. Now that the transfer window is open again, Noble has been registered as a Notts player and is eligible to start against Brentford in the FA Cup this weekend. "It's been a long wait but an enjoyable one," he told the official site. "The lads are a great bunch and they have made it easy for me - I have bedded in quite well. "I played a game against Leicester recently and got 90 minutes under my belt so I'm feeling really good. I'm raring to go. Hopefully I can make the squad on Saturday. "There will always be that question about my temperament and the red cards but last season I didn't get sent off and I played almost 50 games. "My head is in the right place now. I have settled down family-wise and I am much more mature. "But I still have the cutting edge, the bite and the fire to want to win, like any player does. I just know how to control it more." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

What's been happening in League Two over the last week? Here is Pride of Nottingham's round-up of the biggest League Two news from the last seven days. - Port Vale have signed striker Dior Angus from non-league Redditch United, manager Neil Aspin has confirmed. - Lincoln City have signed Ipswich winger Danny Rowe on loan until the end of the season. - Forest Green Rovers may make four more signings before their next match, according to owner Dale Vince. - Brighton winger Jordan Maguire-Drew has joined side Coventry City on loan until the end of the season, subject to Premier League clearance. - Colchester United have signed striker Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe and winger Ryan Gondoh from non-league side Maldon & Tiptree on 18-month deals. - Steve Perryman is to retire as Exeter City's director of football. The 66-year-old will leave in May and end what will be a 15-year association with the Grecians. - Cheltenham Town have extended Bristol City duo Taylor Moore and Joe Morrell's loan deals until the end of the season. - Newport County have signed striker Aaron Collins on loan until the end of the season from Wolverhampton Wanderers. - Morecambe have extended the loan of central defender Max Muller from Wycombe Wanderers until the end of the season. - Luton Town manager Nathan Jones has signed a new four-year deal with the League Two leaders. - Chesterfield have signed forward Zavon Hines and brought in Millwall defender Sid Nelson on loan until the end of the season. - Accrington Stanley have signed defender Jimmy Dunne on loan from Premier League side Burnley until the end of the season. - Forest Green's Charlie Cooper and his father Mark – the club's manager – were sent off during the game at home to Wycombe Wanderers on New Year's Day. - Meanwhile, Yeovil Town's NYD game with Crawley was held up for more than 10 minutes on Saturday when a drone appeared over Huish Park. - Ipswich Town winger Danny Rowe has joined high-flyers Lincoln City on loan for the rest of the season. (All news sourced from BBC Sport and Sky Sports) Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has stressed that Notts County will not be "held to ransom" this transfer window. The Magpies have impressed over the course of the season but many fans believe there is need for reinforcements in the squad to build on their current second-placed position in the table. A striker is thought to be the main priority and, although Nolan says he's open to bringing in one or more new additions, they will not be "going stupid" for the cause. “It’s about making sure we do the right business and if somebody whets are appetite then we will have a look,” the gaffer told the Nottingham Post. “But we will not be silly or going stupid. We are not going to be held to ransom over anybody. “We know what we want and what we need. And, if the right players comes up, I am sure the management team, the boss and the board can then come to an agreement to keep the club moving in the right direction – which is moving forward.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Port Vale manager Neil Aspin has hit out at the penalty decision which helped Notts County claim all three points in a 1-0 win the New Year's Day game at Meadow Lane. Kevin Nolan's charges had been denied several key decisions by the referee but were given the opportunity to take the lead late on when Marcus Harness's shove on Jon Stead led to the awarding of a spot kick. From 12 yards out, the veteran striker smashed the ball into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Ryan Boot no chance, to keep Notts well in the automatic promotion positions. “I have watched it back on the laptop and there is minimal contact. He was already going down," Aspin told the Stoke Sentinel. “For us, it’s a really bad decision and I don’t think we deserved it. “I can’t fault the effort of the players. We have had a tough run of games and they come out of that with a lot of credit. It is a real shame that the unbeaten run has been ended by a referee’s decision.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Brentford manager Dean Smith has revealed that Alan Judge could make his long-awaited comeback from injury against former club Notts County this weekend. The Irishman, who is back in training and has made several reserve appearances, was left out of the Bees squad for the 3-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night. Judge suffered a lower double leg fracture in April 2016 from a challenge by Ipswich Town's Luke Hyam and has not played first-team football since. However, Smith revealed after the defeat to Wolves that the 29-year-old, who is loved at Notts after enjoying a fruitful loan spell in 2010-11 and a permanent stint between 2011 and 2013, may play in the FA Cup third-round tie at Griffin Park. “I wanted him to train. I didn't think he was going to get on tonight so I thought it was important he stayed back and trained today which he has done," Smith said. “Hopefully, I can get him involved in some way on Saturday.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has admitted that some of Notts County's fringe players may leave the club on loan this transfer window. Defender Haydn Hollis and midfielder Curtis Thompson have struggled to get game time and the manager says they are likely to depart Meadow Lane until the end of the season. “We’ve had a few enquiries for our players, but nothing is set in stone,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “It’s about what is best for them and what is best for Notts County. “I have spoken with Haydn and he was absolutely magnificent for me since I came here and even this season he’s been brilliant even though he’s not had the minutes he deserves. “For someone of his age and where he’s at, he needs minutes and we both agree on that. “He will be one and Curtis will be another. I will probably speak to a few of the other players too because minutes for them will only help us in the long run.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County kept up the pressure on League Two leaders Luton Town with a 1-0 win over Port Vale at Meadow Lane on New Year's Day. The encounter was settled by Jon Stead's penalty, awarded after the veteran striker was fouled in the box by defender Marcus Harness. Prior to their late spot kick, Kevin Nolan's side found themselves denied several key refereeing decisions, while Vale's Ryan Boot was the busier of the two goalkeepers. County's win over the Valiants puts them on 50 points, four behind table toppers Luton Town - who beat Lincoln City 4-2 - and seven clear of fourth place. How did the gaffer, the players and the fans react to the game? Pride of Nottingham rounds up the post-match reaction. Kevin Nolan "I thought we were brilliant. I was pleased with the positive nature in how we responded to what was a poor display on Saturday. "The reaction I got from the lads today was magnificent. We dominated throughout and got the goal we deserved in the end. "I am delighted for Steady to get a goal. People may say it's a penalty and it's a freebie but that is never the case. We have missed enough to know that." Jon Stead "It was a tough game against a very good side who have been in incredible form. Our performance was certainly a good way to respond to the defeat at Swindon. "The manager was desperate for a response to get back on track straightaway, which is what we have done every time we have been beaten. I thought we put in a good performance." The players on social media The Black and White Army Elite_pie: A tight game, and one of the reasons I love lower league football. It was never dull but looked like ending 0-0 until the incompetent ref decided to balance his earlier errors. I would have to see the replays to confirm, but the rugby tackle on Brisley first half looked a stonewall penalty, the body check on Grant was a decent shout, and the one on Stead looked the least convincing of the three, although their defender did seem to attack the player rather than the ball. I feared the worst going into the game, but a brilliant 3 points in just the sort of game we would have lost a year ago. Ian Laxton: I think we are safe. COYP Richard Thompson: 35 points to promotion..... Geoff King: How did that bag of s***e beat Luton 4 nil Share your thoughts about this post-match reaction round-up on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have claimed their second win in three League Two games after Jon Stead scored a late penalty to secure a 1-0 victory over Port Vale. The Magpies had lost 1-0 at Swindon Town two days earlier but bounced back by beating a Vale side that had notched up wins over Luton Town and Coventry City over the festive period. Kevin Nolan's charges had been denied several key decisions by the referee but still came up trumps when Marcus Harness's shove on Stead led to the awarding of a spot kick. The veteran striker smashed the ball into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Ryan Boot no chance, to keep Notts well in the automatic promotion positions. Here are the highlights from the game, posted on the official Notts YouTube channel and shared by Pride of Nottingham. Share your thoughts about the game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Another calendar year comes to an end as 2017 is now officially in the past and 2018 is here. Notts County's season continues to go from strength to strength, with the Magpies still very much in contention from automatic promotion from League Two. How did December pan out for Notts? Here is a recap of the biggest stories from the final month of 2017. December 2 Notts left it late to beat non-league Oxford City, courtesy of Jorge Grant's winner, to claim a 3-2 win at Meadow Lane and win a place in the FA Cup third round. December 3 Alan Hardy revealed that Notts are paying over £40,000 a month in win bonuses to manager Kevin Nolan and the club's players. December 4 Notts were drawn away at Championship side Brentford in the third round of the FA Cup. December 5 Kevin Nolan was nominated for November's League Two Manager of the Month award, the accolade ultimately going to Luton Town boss Nathan Jones. December 9 Notts County launched Generation 8, a new initiative which aims to generate interest in the Magpies among youngsters with a view to attracting future fans to the club. The Magpies were tasked with the hardest challenge of the season so far in a fixture away at League Two leaders Luton Town but emerged from the game with a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw. December 13 Alan Hardy revealed his hopes of having a new training ground for Notts ready by January 2019. December 16 Notts maintained their unbeaten home record but lost ground on League Two leaders Luton Town in a 0-0 draw with Grimsby Town at Meadow Lane. December 22 Notts assistant manager Richard Thomas confirmed that goalkeeper Adam Collin had returned to full training after a lengthy injury layoff. December 23 Notts fought back from three goals down to claim a 3-3 draw with Cambridge United in Saturday's League Two clash at Meadow Lane. December 26 Notts returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion with a 4-1 win over Morecambe at the Globe Arena. December 30 Notts County ended 2017 on a sour note as their unbeaten run in League Two came to an end in a 1-0 defeat at Swindon Town. December 31 Kevin Nolan confirmed that Rob Milsom will need to see a specialist for his injury, while goalkeeper Adam Collin is now "a couple of weeks away" from a return and captain Michael O'Connor is now back in training. Share your thoughts about this news recap on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has suggested that Notts County would be in a strong position to sign Jorge Grant and Ryan Yates should Nottingham Forest put the duo up for sale. The two youngsters are on loan at Meadow Lane, having moved over the Trent with Mark Warburton's blessing, and have been instrumental in helping the Magpies surge up the League Two table over the last few months. However, Forest's decision to sack Warburton has led to concerns of a new manager at the City Ground potentially wanting to make use of Grant and Yates, thus recalling them from their loan stints, or even sell them. Nolan expressed his hopes of being able to hang on to the pair and, if they are put on the transfer list, claimed that Notts may have an advantage over other teams due to having been a great place for them to prosper. “(Grant and Yates) are thriving and that’s the main thing,” he told the Nottingham Post. “They will go back to Forest in the summer with lots of confidence which is why you go out on loan. “You go back to your parent club a different player and you then hope the management team sees that. “If it’s not meant to be over there then I am hoping we are the club they choose to come to. “I feel we are in a strong position in that sense but that will be down to Nottingham Forest to make the decision. “We can’t force that issue. All we can do is have a duty of care for these boys and to Nottingham Forest to make sure we are doing everything we can to look after them. “Hopefully they can see that because we have a lot of respect for them over the road. “We want to build a relationship because in a year’s time, who knows, we could be talking about other players thriving in this environment.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Well, what a superb year 2017 has been. From a one-way ticket to relegation from the Football League and on the verge of liquidation, Notts County have enjoyed the greatest resurrection since Lazarus over the past 12 months. Since Alan Hardy took over the club and installed Kevin Nolan as manager, things have been steadily on the up. League Two survival was guaranteed with several games to spare and, as of the New Year, the Magpies sit in the automatic promotion places. We at Pride of Nottingham are over the moon to see our beloved Notts doing so well, especially given the preceding few years, and we're enjoying every second of the New Era! As we all know, however, football doesn't operate on calendar years - there's still just under half a season to go, and we're hopeful that Notts will get the job done! Because of this, we have created a special offer for you to get your 2018 off to a great start while making the most of the current campaign - 18 for 2018! For the remainder of January, you can become a Pride of Nottingham sponsor for the remainder of the 2017-18 season AND the entirety of the 2018-19 season for just £300! As the biggest and best Notts County fan site on the internet, PON's site and social media pages are seen by thousands of people each day - this would enable your brand to be given exposure across not only the county, but the whole nation! Here is how PON can promote your business: - Putting up a universal banner link promoting your company just above the site's footer (visible across the website) - Adding your company to our partners page with details about the business, your logo and a clickable link to your website in addition to a 'find out more' link (if services warrant such page) to a dedicated page which talks about the company in further detail and provides contact/location information - Including your company logo in video content published on PON’s YouTube channel named as sponsor/partner (Meet the Fans, Opposition View, Aftermath, Match Preview, Tactics and Specials) - Mentioning your company within the PONcast upon rotation - Publishing an exclusive article on the PON website about your company/services, along with video and potential interview for our site - Including you in our newsletters as a sponsor/partner - Two exclusive promotional adverts placed across our popular social media channels (we will also share news/offers for free from our own personal accounts, and may share additional information across PON) BettaBytz Computers and Notts Driving School are already part of the Pride of Nottingham family - take advantage of this great offer and you can join us in supporting the Magpies for the rest of this season and the next! But this offer only lasts until the end of January, so don't hesitate to get in touch today! COME ON BOARD YOU PIES!!! For more information, check out our designated advertising page, contact [email protected] or drop us a message on the site or on social media today!

Kevin Nolan has hailed his "brilliant" Notts County side for responding to the defeat at Swindon Town with a 1-0 victory over Port Vale. Jon Stead's late penalty proved the difference between the two sides and stopped Vale from notching up a third win in a row against League Two's big hitters, having beaten Coventry City and Luton Town prior to their visit of Meadow Lane. "I thought we were brilliant," Nolan told the official Notts site. "I was pleased with the positive nature in how we responded to what was a poor display on Saturday. "The reaction I got from the lads today was magnificent. We dominated throughout and got the goal we deserved in the end. "I am delighted for Steady to get a goal. People may say it's a penalty and it's a freebie but that is never the case. We have missed enough to know that. "(50 points) is what we were aiming to get to as soon as possible so to be there at the turn of the year is an absolutely fantastic achievement by the lads. "Now we can reassess and see how far we can go but we know how hard it is and how hard we have had to work to get to that position from being in the bottom two this time last year to top two this year. "It's not about us getting carried away. We should enjoy it but continue to work hard. Hopefully we are still in the same position come game 46 of the league season." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have claimed their second win in three League Two games after Jon Stead scored a late penalty to secure a 1-0 victory over Port Vale. The Magpies had lost 1-0 at Swindon Town two days ago but bounced back by beating a Vale side that had notched up wins over Luton Town and Coventry City over the festive period. Notts created the first chance of the afternoon, Lewis Alessandra seeing a powerful strike blocked by Tom Anderson on five minutes. At the other end, Anderson volleyed just over the bar from inside the area in the 10th minute, while Ben Whitfield's dangerous cross three minutes later had to be clawed away by Ross Fitzsimons. Vale came close again on 19 minutes when Danny Pugh's corner pinballed around the Notts area but Whitfield's eventual connection was charged down by Richard Duffy. There was a controversial moment when Shaun Brisley was brought down on the edge of the area, but the referee awarded neither a free kick nor a penalty. County then enjoyed a spell of pressure as Stead rifled Matt Tootle's cutback over from range before Jonathan Forte and Ryan Yates saw efforts kept out by keeper Ryan Boot. Vale finished the half asking questions of the hosts' defence, with Whitfield volleying over and Antony Kay heading off target, but neither side could break the deadlock come the break. Following the restart, Notts began strongly, Forte firing wide after latching onto a long ball over the top and Lewis Alessandra seeing his volley deflected off target. The pendulum continued to swing back and forth as Vale enjoyed several chances, with Anderson seeing an effort of his own deflected wide, plus a header sent off target, while Marcus Harness saw two efforts blocked after slaloming into danger. Grant was the next Notts player to see a penalty appeal waved away after he went down under Harness' challenge in the area. However, it was third time lucky as Stead was brought down by Harness 86 minutes in and the referee pointed to the spot, the veteran striker stepping up and hammering his penalty into his top-left corner. Although Vale finished strongly, they could not pull back an equaliser as the final whistle saw Notts claim all three points. Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Head to head and stats Notts County have met Port Vale 102 times over the years, with the first two fixtures coming within a week of each other back in February 1921. The Magpies won the first game 2-1, but lost 1-0 at Meadow Lane. Notts have the upper edge having won 46 games, lost 36, and drawn 20 against the Valiants, with the highest scoring matches coming in February 1927 (a 6-2 defeat) and April 1935 (a 5-3 defeat). Our last meeting was on September 2 this year, with County winning 1-0 at Vale Park. None of the last 17 league matches between these sides has ended as a draw - Notts County have won eight and Port Vale have won nine of those 17 games. The Valiants, 1-0 winners in this exact fixture in the third-tier in February 2015, haven't won back to back league matches at Meadow Lane since January 2002. The Magpies won 17 home matches in all competitions in 2017 - two more than in 2015 and 2016 combined (15). Port Vale have lost nine of their last 11 league matches on New Year's Day, drawing the other two - they last won in 1990, hammering Ipswich 5-0 in a second-tier fixture. Neil Aspin’s men are currently unbeaten in five league games, their last two matches against Coventry and Luton yielding two wins, five goals scored, and none conceded. History Port Vale is one of the few English league clubs not to be named after a geographical location. The name Port Vale exists on maps pre–dating the formation of the club, which probably occurred in 1879, and is a reference to a valley of ports on the Trent and Mersey Canal, associated with the city's pottery industry. The club itself is actually based in Burslem, one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. Port Vale have never been in the top tier of English football, and the last time they were in the second tier was back in 1999-2000. In terms of silverware, the Valiants have won the Staffordshire Senior Cup twice, in 1920 and 2001, whilst being runners-up in 1900 and 2010, as well as several other regional cups like the Birmingham Senior Cup, one of the oldest county football competitions still active. The club, despite being fairly small, enjoys the support of some world-famous celebrities, including singer Robbie Williams, darts legend Phil "The Power" Taylor, and Blue singer Simon Webbe. Team news Shola Ameobi, Jonathan Forte and Rob Milsom remain doubts for Notts County against Port Vale after missing the 1-0 defeat at Swindon Town. Boss Kevin Nolan was hopeful the trio might return to face the Robins after missing the clash against Morecambe, but none of them made the matchday squad for the game at the County Ground. Richard Duffy dropped out of the squad altogether after being substituted on Boxing Day and could miss out again. Matt Tootle, Carl Dickinson and Terry Hawkridge were brought into the team on Saturday and will be hoping to keep their places. For Port Vale, James Gibbons is back in contention as he returns from suspension. The defender has missed the last four games after being handed a second red card of the season in the recent FA Cup defeat at Yeovil. The Valiants extended their unbeaten league run to five games with an emphatic 4-0 win against Luton on Saturday, so manager Neil Aspin could be tempted to go with the same XI. Defender Kjell Knops remains a long-term absentee due to a knee injury, as does Adam Yates, who is recovering from fractures to his nose, cheekbone and eye socket sustained in November. Share your thoughts about this match preview on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.