Joe Jones

Notts County and Mansfield Town have met 49 times over the years. The first fixture between the two was in October 1937, a 2-0 win for the Magpies in Division Three (South). Notts only just have the upper hand with 18 wins, 17 defeats, and 14 draws. Between 1989 and 2001, the two sides met six times – and Notts won each time. County's record over the last 10 meetings, however, is poor, standing at two wins, four defeats, and four draws. This record is embellished by the fact Notts have beaten Mansfield twice in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in the last two years. In reality, the Magpies haven't got a league win over the Stags since August 2005. The Stags were formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans, changing their name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910. Mansfield won the Football League Trophy in 1987, in their first game at Wembley Stadium. After a 1–1 draw with Bristol City, they won the cup 5–4 in the deciding penalty shootout, thanks to Kevin Hitchcock saving two penalties. That remains the only cup win in their history, though they did win the Division Four title in 1974-75, Division Three two seasons later, and the Conference in 2012-13. Famous people from Mansfield include Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington, media presenter Richard Bacon, FA Cup-winning goalkeeper Steve Ogrizovic and award-winning fashion designer Elspeth Gibson. Team news Hayden White could return to the Mansfield squad for their derby clash with League Two leaders Notts County at the One Call Stadium. The right-back missed the midweek defeat at Cheltenham with a groin problem but he is expected to be back in contention if he comes through a full training session on Friday. However, captain Zander Diamond (groin) and midfielder Joel Byrom (foot) will not recover in time to be involved. Stags boss Steve Evans has the likes of Calum Butcher, Alfie Potter, Alex MacDonald and Kane Hemmings to call on should he feel the need to make changes. Notts County manager Kevin Nolan also has a squad blessed with strength and depth and he might make changes despite the impressive 3-0 win at second-placed Exeter City last time out. On-loan Nottingham Forest midfielder Jorge Grant has strong claims for a recall after two goals from the bench on Tuesday night. Matt Tootle and Jonathan Forte are also options for Nolan while left-back Dan Jones could be fit again after a hamstring injury. However, Shola Ameobi's hamstring problem may not heal in time for him to play any part. 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.

Kevin Nolan has expressed his desire to keep Jorge Grant at Notts County beyond January. The 23-year-old, who is in his second spell at Meadow Lane on loan from Nottingham Forest, has been a revelation for the Magpies. After scoring six times for Notts in the final three months of last season, Grant has netted eight in 2017-18 and is League Two's joint-top scorer. Nolan has confirmed that there is a release clause in his contract, telling BBC Radio Nottingham: "There is but not until January. We've just got to enjoy him while we've got him. "I'm sure we'll be having a bit of a discussion with (Forest sport director Frank McParland, manager Mark Warburton and assistant manager David Weir) that I can keep him until the end of the season. "I think we can keep improving him. We can still tweak a lot of stuff, and we're looking after him as much as we can as he hasn't had a full pre-season. We don't want to burn him out. "When you've got someone of his quality on the bench that you can bring on, it's brilliant. It's frightening what the chairman has allowed me to do in assembling a squad over the last year." 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.

Mansfield Town boss Steve Evans has praised Kevin Nolan for his great management of Notts County and admits tomorrow's derby is a benchmark for the Stags. The Magpies have soared to the top of League Two after 10 games and boast a six-game winning run in which they have conceded just one goal. Mansfield were tipped to be challenging for promotion but hit a snag in midweek as they fell to a 3-0 defeat at Cheltenham Town. "First and foremost, congratulations to Kevin Nolan; what a job he's done,” Evans is quoted by the Nottingham Post as saying. “He's added very selectively to the group and he inherited a good squad, it has to be said. "People forget that the squad that was put together the season before last was to be a promotion squad. "This is a real tough challenge for us. They're a squad that have been assembled for well over a season, we're a squad that are two or three months old. "I know people want to dismiss it, but those that dismiss it really don't know what they're talking about when putting a squad together and how long it takes. "This is the real test, this is the real benchmark. This is the league leaders who have gone around the country turning win, after win, after win in the opening weeks, so it's a big test for us." 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.

Pride of Nottingham are delighted to announce our new partnership with the Notts Driving School. Established in 2011, Notts Driving School is run by Jim Foster and Brian Marshall-Lee, fully qualified and experienced driving instructors, and boasts thousands of successful and satisfied clients over the years. Notts Driving School takes great pride in the knowledge that a high percentage of business comes by way of recommendations from present and past pupils, testament to their success rate and also great service along the learning journey. The School covers the whole Nottingham area, and lessons are taken in Jim and Brian's dual control, manual, Citroen DS3s which are perfect to help you develop your driving skills. Alongside standard lessons, Notts Driving School also covers motorway lessons, Pass Plus lessons and theory test practice, ensuring a comprehensive service from the very first lesson to the post-pass final touches. Areas covered by NDS include Arnold, Aspley, Basford, Bakersfield, Beeston, Bestwood, Bestwood Village, Bilborough, Bramcote, Broxtowe, Bulwell, Burton Joyce, Carlton, Carrington, Chilwell, Clifton, Colwick, Cotgrave, Daybrook, Edwalton, Forest, Forest Fields, Gamston, Gedling, Hyson Green, Lenton, Mapperley, Mapperley Park, Meadows, Netherfield, New College Nottingham, Nottingham City Centre, Nottingham University Campuses, Nottingham Trent University Campuses, Nottingham Schools and Academies, Nuthall, Radcliffe on Trent, Radford, Ruddington, Rushcliffe, Sherwood, Sneinton, Stapleford, The Park, Tollerton, Top Valley, West Bridgford, Wollaton and all adjacent Nottingham suburbs. Dozens of testimonials have been left on the NDS website, which describe the tuition and demeanour by Jim and Brian as "excellent", "prompt", "adaptable", "patient", "perceptive" and "intuitive" among many other kind words. PON head honcho Chris is also a client of the Notts Driving School and says: "When you're learning to drive, you need a teacher than can instil confidence and help with the learning side of things. I was quite nervous in the beginning, however I believe I chose wisely by going with the Notts Driving School. Jim's impressed me, his knowledge and experience with practical driving has made me very confident when out in a car. "The support is also top notch, and the value is amazing. I feel I've learned so much from Jim and his easy approach to learning monovers - plus he's a brilliant guy and a Notts fan - which has made lessons enjoyable as we often discussed what was happening around Notts!" Speaking of the partnership, Jim said: "Nottsdrivingschool.com is proud to support both Notts County FC and Pride of Nottingham. Notts is a club at the heart of its community and prideofnottingham.co.uk can be the true voice of the fans. "So come on, enjoy the blogs, podcasts, and interviews which have made it an excellent online fanzine and forum. With its easy to use and great looking website, No other fans site can touch it! "So we are delighted to start our partnership with PON and if you or your family or friends are looking for some driving lessons, remember! Notts Driving School isn't a national driving school! It's a Notts one!" With Notts County's season going from strength to strength, Pride of Nottingham and Notts Driving School have formed a partnership that will ensure both parties grow and prosper in the same way as the Magpies are doing! To get in touch with Notts Driving School, call 0115 945 5582, visit http://www.nottsdrivingschool.com or email [email protected] today! Fancy joining Notts Driving School and Bettabytz Computers in 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 urged his Notts County players to stick to their guns and not let the hostile environment get to them in tomorrow's League Two derby with Mansfield Town. The Magpies have had the perfect September, navigating through their six games so far with a 100% record, scoring 12 goals and conceding just one en route to the top of the table. To finish the month off, Notts will face a Stags side were earmarked as promotion favourites at the start of the season due to heavy squad investment but were beaten 3-0 at Cheltenham Town in midweek. "We're going to a really good Mansfield side who have had a tough result in midweek," Nolan told the official Notts website. "They will want to respond and there's no better way to do that than in a derby. "I'm concentrating on us, hoping we can go there with the confidence, attitude and application we've been playing with recently, but temperament is key more than anything. "For me it was always about concentrating on what was happening on the field. If you get carried away with the occasion, you start to make mistakes. "You need a cool head in a hostile environment, which I expect it to be on Saturday. Mansfield will try to make it as difficult as possible for us. "After the two wins this week we want to finish it off with another positive result. "The manner in which we won the games against Lincoln and Exeter was fantastic so we will stick to what we do, try to counter Mansfield's strengths and hit them where we think their weaknesses are. "We have a fantastic opportunity to get another three points." 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.

Here is Pride of Nottingham's roundup of all the biggest news stories from League Two over the last week. - Carlisle United signed veteran defender Clint Hill on a free transfer, the 38-year-old making over 600 appearances during his career and last playing for Scottish Premiership giants Rangers. - The EFL has announced that its clubs are in favour of the summer transfer window closing before the season starts, with a formal vote on the matter to be taken in February. - Lincolnshire Police have announced that they are investigating an attack on the Mansfield Town team bus which happened on Saturday, September 16. - Luton Town midfielder Luke Berry has been handed a retrospective three-game ban for violent conduct by the Football Association due to his role in a melee during his side's 2-1 win at Wycombe Wanderers. - Jack Lester is reportedly on the verge to being announced as the new Chesterfield manager. - Birmingham, Oldham, Gillingham and Chesterfield have reportedly implemented the Rooney Rule as part of their managerial recruitment process. - Crewe Alexandra midfielder Ryan Wintle faces a lengthy spell out with a stress fracture of his tibia suffered in Saturday's 5-0 defeat by Carlisle United. All news stories sourced from BBC Sport and Sky Sports. Share your thoughts about this news roundup 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 boss Kevin Nolan has claimed that Jon Stead does not get the credit he deserves. The veteran striker impressed in the 4-1 win over Lincoln City at the weekend, scoring one and assisting Matt Tootle. Stead went on to make his 100th Magpies appearance in the 3-0 victory at Exeter City on Tuesday, and Nolan paid tribute to the forward, who turned down a move to the United States to extend his Meadow Lane contract in the summer. Asked whether Stead is given enough credit, Nolan told the Nottingham Post: “No, not at all. “He knows I have got confidence in him. He knows how much I regard him not just as a player, but as a person. “On and off the field he is what we are all about. He’s an absolute pleasure to work with day in, day out. “I now think he is getting his just rewards. What he did on Saturday was absolutely brilliant. To score and then set one up was great.” 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 cemented their hold on top spot in League Two thanks to a clinical 3-0 win over Exeter City on Tuesday night. In a clash that pitted the top two teams in the division against each other, it was the Magpies who came out on top to extend their lead to three points thanks to Lewis Alessandra's early goal and substitute Jorge Grant's second-half brace. Here is what the Notts boss, some of the players and several fans had to say following the game. Kevin Nolan “I think it was the most complete performance because we were away from home, we got the clean sheet, and scored three goals. “We came here on a Tuesday night, made five changes and if it doesn’t work people start to question you. “It’s certainly up there and I love winning every game. It means so much to me to have another fantastic result like this. Jorge Grant "Confidence is high but we have to keep level heads. We've had a great start but it's still early on in the season. "We can't get too high when we win but, at the same time, we can't get too low when we lose." Players on social media The fans (from PON's match discussion of the Exeter game) Upthepies: Surprise start to the game to go 1-0 up minutes into the first half. I thought the team defended bravely after a shaky period, the players re-group at half time. I don't know what Kevin Nolan said but whatever it was they came back out more determined. Richard Duffy was class tonight! Yet Ryan Yates stole the show for me. He worked very hard and his engine never stopped. Liampie: Wow, 3-0 win over a very decent team. it sounded like we played very well in the second half especially. So pleased right now! Chris: At the moment everything's going our way! 3-0! Two goals by Jorge Grant and of course the opener by Lewis Alessandra. Mark Stallard and Charlie Slater labelling the game 'the performance of the season by Notts', well the first half sounded like a write off towards the end but Notts have remained focused and sealed a good display. Who r ya?? You Pies!!: Omg what a win and performance , strong in defence good going forward getting those goals , Gorge Grants on fire league 2 defences are terrified lol COYP Countyman: I just want to say it, WE ARE STILL TOP OF LEAGUE TWO. 3-0 win over Exeter? Fantastic! Share your thoughts about this reaction 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 tightened their grip at the top of the League Two table as they powered their way to a 3-0 victory over Exeter City in the battle of the top two on Tuesday night. The Magpies began the match at St James' Park on the back of five successive wins, and left with a sixth against the second-placed Grecians, who they had deposed last weekend. Substitute Jorge Grant's double, coupled with Lewis Alessandra's second-minute opener, condemned Exeter to a second defeat in four days and put Kevin Nolan's side three points clear. The official Notts YouTube channel now has the highlights up from the game, so if you fancy reliving the amazing win - and you know you do - then simply check out the video below. 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.

Not for the first time this season, Notts County manager Kevin Nolan has expressed his delight with another amazing performance from his charges. What appeared to be a difficult proposition in League Two second-placed side Exeter City away on a Tuesday night ended up in a 3-0 win for the Magpies. The win, brought about by Lewis Alessandra's early opener and a Jorge Grant brace, ensures that Notts pull away from the Grecians at the top of the table. "Hats off to the lads - they were absolutely fantastic," Nolan told the official Notts site. "I'm absolutely delighted for them - they got exactly what they deserved tonight. "Making that number of changes, you do have a little bit of a worry. But I trust these lads massively and they keep repaying me. "We played like men tonight. We came here and believed. This is a difficult place to come to and we've got three points and another clean sheet. "I keep saying there's more to come and I think you've seen glimpses of that over the last couple of games. I'm sure we can still get better - it's about me keeping feet on the ground. "You won't see me celebrating too soon. What you'll see is us getting back to business tomorrow. "The chairman's been absolutely fantastic in letting us stay over again tonight so the lads aren't getting home at 5am. "They'll be in the gym tomorrow doing their cool down, making sure they're ready to go to Mansfield on Saturday and try to get another three points. "If we can go there and get a result, everybody will be thinking 'what a week that is.'" 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 and Mansfield Town will compete for a new trophy in honour of former Stags physiotherapist Matt Salmon. Matt, who had a work experience spell at Meadow Lane before spending three and a half years at the Stags, sadly died in May following a battle with cancer aged just 25. Matt's wife and family have been invited to Saturday's League Two match at the One Call Stadium as special guests to mark the introduction of the Matt Salmon Trophy. Notts chairman Alan Hardy told the official Notts site: "This was the very least we could do for Matt. "We were all devastated to learn of his passing - it was incredibly sad. I knew he was poorly, but had no idea of the level of his condition. "He was only at Meadow Lane for a short while but his reputation lives on. He had a wonderful time with us and learned a lot under Johnny Wilson and the rest of the medical staff. They still speak highly of him today. "We're both East Midlands rivals at heart but ultimately we're all football people within our region and in that sense we're on the same side." Mansfield Town chief executive Carolyn Radford added: "Matt was an incredible person, the type to do anything for anyone. He brought so much to his role at Mansfield Town. He was completely indulged in his work and loved his role at the club. "It's fitting that we remember Matt in such a way and we thank Alan and everyone at Meadow Lane who have shown real integrity and warm spirits in the organisation of this trophy."

So the crunch clash of the top two teams in League Two ended up being somewhat one-sided. And luckily for us, it was Notts County who emerged triumphant with a frankly frightening 3-0 win at Exeter City. The nerves of the travelling Magpies fans - plus those following on the radio or online - were eased within the opening 90 seconds of the game. A long kick from goalkeeper Adam Collin was flicked on and Lewis Alessandra, spotting Grecians goalkeeper Christy Pym off his line, lobbed a fine first-time effort over the head of the stranded stopper and into the net. Exeter had an appeal for a penalty turned down minutes later when Jake Taylor broke into the box and went down under a tackle from Nicky Hunt, but referee Kevin Johnson deemed it a fair challenge. The pendulum then swung back Notts's way as they won a number of corners, with Richard Duffy flicking one over at the near post. Pierce Sweeney then misjudged a long ball that allowed Terry Hawkridge to break into the box but he fluffed his lines by firing over. To their credit the hosts mustered several dangerous efforts on goal, as Jake Taylor rifled straight at Collin, while Lee Holmes stung the palms of the goalkeeper with a fierce effort from distance. Exeter's best chance came shortly before the half-hour mark when Craig Woodman's cross was nodded down by Jayden Stockley and Taylor smashed his effort straight at Collin. Notts rode out the storm and, in the 62nd minute, doubled their lead as a corner kick caused havoc in the six-yard box and the ball was turned in by the incredible Jorge Grant, who had been on the pitch for five minutes. Jonathan Forte was narrowly off target for County, while Stockley headed high for Exeter, but Grant bagged his second eight minutes from time after beating the offside trap to volley home. 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.

Hello and welcome to episode 26 of the Pride of Nottingham PONcast, presented by Chris and JJ. In this week's episode we recap, review and analyse Notts County's impressive 4-1 win over Lincoln City, the result of which put the Magpies top of League Two. We then move on to previewing today's crunch clash with second-placed Exeter City and determining how Notts should line up and play against the Grecians. Other topics covered include just how crucial Kevin Nolan's new contract is to the stability of the club, whether the seemingly imminent early closure of the transfer window is a good thing, and plenty more. All this and more in the Pride of Nottingham PONcast, episode 26! Share your thoughts about this week's PONcast 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.

Lincoln City have confirmed that Billy Knott's red card against Notts County has not been overturned. The 24-year-old was given his marching orders by referee Sebastian Stockbridge 28 minutes into the Magpies' 4-1 win at Meadow Lane after catching Ryan Yates in the face with a high boot. The appeal was considered by the FA on Monday afternoon and, the following day, a statement on the Imps site announced that the dismissal has been upheld. As a result Knott will serve a three-match suspension, starting with tonight’s game with Barnet. He will also sit out Saturday’s Lincolnshire derby at Grimsby Town and the home clash with Chesterfield on October 7. Knott voiced his opinion on Twitter following the decision. In Monday's press conference, Imps boss Danny Cowley had told the press: “It’s difficult for referees, I accept that, but on this occasion it’s really clear to me. “The ball is low, the player [Yates] is not in Billy’s eye line, he’s just helping it on. If you look at the footage and how both players land, you can see that Ryan Yates comes into Billy. “It was a harsh punishment to take on Saturday and ultimately it has cost us three points in my opinion because I thought we were in a really strong position in the game. 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 revealed that he is getting congratulatory messages from former colleagues for having led Notts County to the top of League Two, but remains committed to keeping complacency at bay. The Magpies' blip at Coventry City on the first day of the season is now a distant memory as the club gears up for an early top-of-the-table clash against Exeter City. Notts could secure a sixth consecutive league win should they triumph at St James' Park tonight, but despite the early pats on the back from several former West Ham teammates, Nolan says he must "keep reminding everybody" about it being early days. “Ginge (James Collins) messaged me the other day to say he was delighted for me and I get them often off AC (Andy Carroll) too," the Magpies boss told the Nottingham Post. “There are people who are genuinely pleased with the way it’s going for me at the minute. “But I know I can’t take my foot off the gas pedal. I have got to keep trying and strive to be better as a manager and a person really. “It’s just about making sure I keep my feet on the ground and not get carried away with the hype. “If, at the end of the season, I am sitting where I am now then I can take all the accolades but this job is very much still in its infancy. “I am really desperate to succeed at it. I am still an apprentice trying to learn his trade and hopefully I’ve started off well. “I know there will be some bumps, but when I do get hit with one, hopefully I will be able to bounce back and am ready for it. “There are players here who were part of (the 10-match losing streak), but the shift in mentality from then to now has been absolutely brilliant. But we just have to keep working hard and not get carried away with what is happening. “As I said, and I’ve got to keep reminding everybody, that I took over a team that was second-bottom but 10 games earlier they were sixth and could have gone second. So that’s how easy it can all change.” 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 and Exeter City have met a total of 44 times over their history. The first meeting came at St James’ Park in Division Three (South) on 1 November 1930, and it which finished as a 3-3 draw. The Magpies have an excellent record against the Grecians; out of those 43 games, Notts claimed a result in 36, with 17 wins and 19 draws. Our recent form (last five) is not too bad, with two wins, two draws and one defeat. Exeter was formed in 1901 as St. Sidwell's United and played in the Southern League from 1908 until 1920, when that league's top division was absorbed into The Football League as its new Division Three. The club was the first ever team to play the Brazilian national team in 1914, a match which was commemorated in a 2014 friendly game against Fluminense. City took 60 years to achieve their first ever promotion, finishing fourth in Division Four in the 1963–64 season. Since then, the club have mostly yo-yoed between the third and fourth divisions, spending five years in the Conference between 2003 and 2008; having been promoted a further four times (in 1976–77, 1989–90, 2007–08 and 2008–09) and relegated five times (in 1965–66,1983–84, 1993–94, 2002–03 and 2011–12). Famous fans include Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, Adrian Edmondson, Mark Nicol and Noel Edmonds. Singer Joss Stone signed up as a member of the Supporters' Trust, being introduced to fans on the pitch as a new member during a League Cup match against Liverpool. In 2002 pop singer Michael Jackson was made honorary director of Exeter City. He visited St James Park with celebrity friend Uri Geller, who was also a director. The crew of the HMS Defender also adopted Exeter City as their home team and use their strip if playing games whilst on tour. Team news Exeter captain Jordan Moore-Taylor could miss the game with Notts as he went off following a heavy challenge in the 2-0 defeat at Coventry on Saturday, the Grecians' first defeat of the season. Troy Archibald-Henville and Dean Moxey will compete for a starting spot if Moore-Taylor fails to recover in time. Jayden Stockley is pushing for his first start since rejoining Exeter from Aberdeen last month. Notts might be without Dan Jones as the left-back had to come off with a hamstring injury at half-time during the 4-1 home win against Lincoln on Saturday. Shola Ameobi's hamstring injury is not as serious as initially feared and the striker, who has missed the last three matches, should not be out much longer. 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.

Former Newcastle United captain Steven Taylor has spoken of a team meeting at St James' Park where Kevin Nolan helped flush out players who did not want to be at the club following relegation. Following the Toon's drop from the Premier League in 2009, they were thrashed 6-1 by Leyton Orient in a pre-season friendly. Notts County boss Nolan, plying his trade for Newcastle at the time, led a heated discussion following that defeat alongside then-manager Chris Hughton, and the question placed to the players was simple. Taylor told Sky Sports: "We played Leyton Orient in the last game of pre-season before we went into the Championship and we got battered in that game. "We got absolutely hammered and we had a meeting the next day and Kevin Nolan and Chris Hughton said 'listen, if you don't want to be here, put your hand up'. "A few players put their hand up and in the space of a week those players had gone. "People were putting their hands up, yeah, because I think they had their moves sorted, so they knew anyway that they were going. "I think players know who the ones are who are going to leave and it was kind of making sure we knew. "The players… it didn't hurt enough and that was the biggest thing for us. "Alan Shearer came in and he tried to get rid of the players he didn't think were going to be here the following season. "It was a learning curve and I think it was a good thing for us to get rid of the players who didn't want to be there. "It was the best thing for Newcastle at that time, getting rid of those kind of egos and getting players for the Championship to get us back to where we wanted to be." 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 climbed to the top of League Two after a resounding 4-1 victory against 10-man Lincoln City. The Magpies found themselves with a man advantage for two thirds of the game after Billy Knott was sent off in the 28th minute for a high boot on Ryan Yates. Goals from Jon Stead, Matt Tootle, Terry Hawkridge and a spectacular 25-yard free-kick from Jorge Grant then sealed the win for Notts against their East Midlands rivals. The result means five wins in a row and eight unbeaten in League Two for County, who now sit ahead of Exeter City. Here is some of the reaction from some of the Notts players, the manager, and the Black and White Army. Kevin Nolan "I thought Lincoln started very well and put us on the back foot. They had a couple of good chances but once the sending off came, we dominated. "It's all about how we react to the red card. You've seen it before - we've gone down to 10 men and won games. "Just because it's 11 v 10 it doesn't mean you're going to win the game. I thought my lads handled it really well. "We've been working hard and we're starting to click. You saw a lot of good combinations today. These boys have a lot of quality. "When it went to 1-1 we could have buckled and felt the pressure of the crowd but we didn't - we thrived on it and showed our quality. "Lincoln are a top side - they're going to be in and around it this year. It was a tough game today and there are a number of other top teams who we're going to have to battle it out against. "But I think today, especially in the second half, you could see what we can do when we click." Terry Hawkridge "We knew it was going to be a tough game because Lincoln are a good team. We showed our class in the second half and got the goals we needed. "We used the sending off to our strengths and we moved the ball well in the second half. We tired them out and the goals came. "They were all good goals. For a right back, it's a great finish from Toots and Jorge probably shouldn't be scoring a free-kick from there but he's put it right in the top corner! Steady's was a good finish, too. "It's a good win but it's still early doors and we have to now focus on the Exeter game on Tuesday night. "It's going well but we're only nine games into the season. We have a long way to go and we just need to keep building on what we've been doing. The players on social media The fans (from PON's Lincoln match discussion) Who r ya?? You Pies!!: What can I say we're top of the league what can I say we're top of the league, enjoyed that great atmosphere lots of banta, must say didn't see 4-1 coming but we played some nice stuff in parts second half and a couple of real good goals to boot, you pies! Chris: I could completely forget about the first half, it was just very poor and despite taking the lead it just wasn't memorable at all. Lincoln City had the right idea at first, however their constant time wasting and diving became frustrating to watch. Their keeper was a shambles but I don't really want to dwell on this negative side. Second half was much better! I keep saying we are a capable team and very good when we pass the ball on the ground. Them pulling level was a warning sign for us, yet pulling back ahead gave us confidence. The passing at times was a joy to watch, as was each of the three goals in the second half. I don't think we can say Lincoln was a poor side, they just didn't help themselves and really they seemed to give up. I do feel the red card was somewhat soft, yet if you go by the rules he had to go. It was dangerous and he shown his studs, horrible challenge. Countyman: Its about time we thrashed someone in this division, great all round performance by Notts. WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE! Upthepies: As written by Chris the first half was a write off, neither said played well but the referee didn't help. Second half very entertaining, Lincoln City deserve praise for pulling level but its good to see Notts showing determination to get the lead back. Once we had it, it was never going to change. First time for a number of seasons where the majority of players seemed eager to score, anyone could have done today. Liampie: Thought both teams was pretty poor first half, no real goal threat from either. Notts deserved the win and some of the possession was great! i dont think the red card changed much, lincoln played as if they had 11 men but was not able to defend properly when it mattered. solid win really. Heraldmagpie: Its about time we won by more than a couple of goals. Notts shown their class in the second half, after Lincoln had scored I thought here we go but we came back into it. happy to enjoy the ride and see where we end up. But this is very much a team to be proud of right now. YP" Share your thoughts about this reaction 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 climbed to the top of League Two after a resounding 4-1 victory against 10-man Lincoln City. The Magpies found themselves with a man advantage for two thirds of the game after Billy Knott was sent off in the 28th minute for a high boot on Ryan Yates. Goals from Jon Stead, Matt Tootle, Terry Hawkridge and a spectacular 25-yard free-kick from Jorge Grant then sealed the win for Notts against their East Midlands rivals. The result means five wins in a row and eight unbeaten in League Two for County, who now sit ahead of Exeter City. The official Notts YouTube channel has put up the highlights - go on, relive them and marvel at just how good we are right now! CMON YOU PIES! 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.

Born in the Maryhill area of Glasgow on 24 September 1970, Gary McSwegan came through the ranks at Rangers, one of the city's - and indeed the country's - top clubs, joining as a child and becoming a professional in 1986, aged just 16. Although McSwegan struggled for game time at Ibrox, he nonetheless helped the club to one of its standout results of its history, scoring against Marseille - one of the marquee European clubs at the time - in the 1992-93 Champions League, a trophy which the French side went on to win. In Rangers book "A Season to be Cheerful: Glasgow Rangers 1992-93", McSwegan - who was also involved in the build-up to the equaliser in the 2-2 draw, scored by none other than Mark Hateley - said: "My head is still spinning from the match against Marseille, probably because I've waited such a long time for it. I've always dreamed of scoring for Rangers and I've been here more than 11 years, so it's one I'll never forget." Despite his hero's moment against Marseille, McSwegan sadly never did establish himself at Rangers, so in 1993, he upped sticks and joined Notts County in the pre-season of 1993-94 for a fee of £400,000. The prior season, Notts had struggled in the second tier following relegation from the old First Division, but with McSwegan in the ranks to complement Gary Lund, it proved a much better time for the Magpies, as the Scot scored 15 league goals, including a hat-trick against Derby County in September. Arguably his most crucial contribution that season came on 12 February, when he opened the scoring against Nottingham Forest and, even though David Phillips drew level for the Reds, Charlie Palmer popped up and did the rest. In addition, McSwegan claimed a further two goals in the cups - the consolation in an FA Cup thrashing at the hands of Newcastle United, and the winner in the first round of the Anglo-Italian Cup against Ancona. As all Notts fans will remember, the 94-95 season ended up being incredibly bittersweet, with a trophy in the cabinet in the shape of the Anglo-Italian Cup but a dismal bottom-placing league campaign. No Notts players that season were particularly impressive, but McSwegan nonetheless managed to get nine goals in all competitions, including two in the result of the season, a 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the League Cup. The following season, with Notts in the third tier, McSwegan - like many other players - moved on, with Dundee United snapping him up for £375,000 - only marginally cheaper than what the Magpies signed him for. McSwegan spent the remainder of his career on the books of Scottish clubs Dundee United, Hearts, Kilmarnock, Ross County, Inverness and Clyde, alongside two loan spells south of the border at Barnsley and Luton Town. He also won two caps for the Scotland national team - his first was on 5 October 1999, coming on as a late substitute in a Euro 2000 qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which Scotland won 1-0. His second and final cap came four days later, against Lithuania, in which he started the game, and scored Scotland's second goal in a 3-0 victory. McSwegan eventually hung up his boots in 2010 aged 40, and following on from retirement he worked as a scout for St Johnstone and Rangers, before setting up his own agency, Maxima Sports Management, where he continues to work today. A true professional with a distinguished career, Gary McSwegan remains a well-loved player at all the clubs he has played for. Share your thoughts about this Notts Alumni 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.

Terry Hawkridge has echoed Kevin Nolan's sentiments in hailing Notts County's 4-1 win over Lincoln City as a display of a team at the top of their game. The Magpies took the lead in the 39th minute through Jon Stead and, even though Harry Anderson grabbed an equaliser for the Imps, further goals from Matt Tootle, Jorge Grant and Hawkridge sealed an impressive win in Saturday's League Two encounter at Meadow Lane. "We knew it was going to be a tough game because Lincoln are a good team," Hawkridge told the official Notts website. "We showed our class in the second half and got the goals we needed. "We used the sending off to our strengths and we moved the ball well in the second half. We tired them out and the goals came. "They were all good goals. For a right back, it's a great finish from Toots and Jorge probably shouldn't be scoring a free-kick from there but he's put it right in the top corner! Steady's was a good finish, too. "It's a good win but it's still early doors and we have to now focus on the Exeter game on Tuesday night. "It's going well but we're only nine games into the season. We have a long way to go and we just need to keep building on what we've been doing." 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 praised Notts County following their impressive 4-1 win over Lincoln City, claiming that fans have finally seen what the Magpies can do once they click. Notts rode out a tricky start at Meadow Lane to edge into a numerical advantage when Billy Knott was sent off for a high boot into the face of Ryan Yates. The hosts then took the lead through Jon Stead and, despite being pegged back by Harry Anderson's equaliser, went on to strike thrice more, through Matt Tootle, Jorge Grant and ex-Imp Terry Hawkridge. "I thought Lincoln started very well and put us on the back foot," Nolan told the official website. "They had a couple of good chances but once the sending off came, we dominated. "It's all about how we react to the red card. You've seen it before - we've gone down to 10 men and won games. "Just because it's 11 v 10 it doesn't mean you're going to win the game. I thought my lads handled it really well. "We've been working hard and we're starting to click. You saw a lot of good combinations today. These boys have a lot of quality. "When it went to 1-1 we could have buckled and felt the pressure of the crowd but we didn't - we thrived on it and showed our quality. "Lincoln are a top side - they're going to be in and around it this year. It was a tough game today and there are a number of other top teams who we're going to have to battle it out against. "But I think today, especially in the second half, you could see what we can do when we click." 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's amazing form shows no sign of letting up with a fifth win on the spin, a 4-1 hammering of local rivals Lincoln City at Meadow Lane. The Imps were quicker out of the starting blocks as Josh Ginnelly saw an effort tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Adam Collin and from the resulting corner, defender Sean Raggett headed over when unmarked. Kevin Nolan's charges were under the cosh as Lincoln sought the breakthrough, but they found themselves a man down when, 28 minutes in, midfielder Billy Knott was dismissed for a high foot on Ryan Yates. With seven minutes of the first half remaining, a deep cross from the left by Rob Milsom found its way to Jon Stead, whose shot on the turn took a deflection to wrongfoot opposition goalkeeper Paul Farman. It didn't take long for Lincoln to draw level after the restart, however, when Josh Ginnelly's delivery was nodded home at the far post by Harry Anderson. Nolan's Notts are made of stern stuff though, and rather than letting their heads drop, the Magpies went ahead again on 55 minutes. Stead turned provider, doing well to pick out Matt Tootle in the box, and the eccentric full-back's low drive flew into the bottom corner - cue the slug celebration. On 71 minutes, Notts found the killer third in spectacular fashion as Elliott Whitehouse was penalised for a foul on the left corner of the penalty area. Jorge Grant stood over the free kick and, from a tight angle, whipped in one of the most accurate curling shots you will ever see, finding the top-right corner of the Imps via the post. And for the cherry on top, former Lincoln hero Terry Hawkridge got off the mark for his new club - against his former employers - cutting inside from the left, finding space for himself and curling the ball low past the stranded Farman late on. 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.

Kevin Nolan has shown confidence in his Notts County charges ahead of the Lincoln City game, saying they need to have an air of invincibility about them. The Magpies' record ahead of Saturday's League Two derby is impressive - an eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions, four league wins on the spin, no goals conceded in that time, and no defeats at home since the Portsmouth game last season. Despite saying he "expects us to win", Nolan is nonetheless stressing for the umpteenth time that his players must not get complacent. He told the Nottingham Post: “It’s a game I’m truly looking forward to. Our first game here was Mansfield and they brought 3,500.Hopefully we have the same atmosphere as that day. “Sometimes players can get carried away. The lads can’t get carried away that they’re bringing 4,500 or there could be 15,000 there. “The lads can’t get carried away from what they’ve been doing over previous weeks. Sometimes it’s about bringing them down and taking some wind out their sails. “You don’t want them steaming in and getting sent off in the first minute because they feel that’s what you do in the big derbies. We’ve got to play in the right manner and have the right temperament. “We’re at home. We’re expected to win. I expect us to win because that’s what we’ve built. We’ve got a mentality we can beat anyone, if we turn up and do what we’re supposed to do. “That’s how I feel about anyone who comes to Meadow Lane. That’s the invincibility we’ve got to have as a squad and a club. We’ve got to have the fans keep behind us. When that happens it makes things easier. “Lads can’t just expect to win, then complacency sets in. Then they do things they’re not supposed to. I’ve got to make sure the staff don’t get complacent. We have to raise our game day in, day out. “We’ve got a lot to work on to make sure we hopefully get the points. It’s going to be massively tough. We’ll be making sure we counter their strengths. Lincoln have them in abundance.” 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 and Lincoln City have met a total of 65 times in competitive matches over the years. The first fixture took the place all the way back in November 1893, a Division Two game in Nottingham which resulted in an away win for the Imps. The record currently stands at 34 wins for Notts, 15 defeats, and 16 draws. The last game between the two took place on 13 April 2010, a 3-1 win at Meadow Lane with goals from Lee Hughes, Graeme Lee and Delroy Facey and a strike from Steven Lennon for the opposition. Notts have won the last two meetings, with a draw prior to those and three defeats preceding that. Lincoln City were officially formed in 1884 as an amateur association - even though there had been a team playing since the 1860s - and turned professional in the 1891-92 season. The following season, Lincoln became one of the 12 founder members of the Second Division alongside Small Heath, Sheffield Utd, Darwen, Grimsby, Ardwick, Burton Swifts, Northwich Victoria, Bootle, Crewe, Burslem, Port Vale and Walsall T. Swifts. In 1895, Lincoln moved to Sincil Bank from the John O'Gaunts ground. They drew their first game at Sincil Bank 0-0 with Gainsborough Trinity and also drew their first League game 1-1 with Woolwich Arsenal. Lincoln have never won a major trophy in their history but have got their hands on the Division 3 (North) title three times, in 1932, 1948, and 1952, as well as winning League Two in 1976 and claiming the premier non-league title in 1988 and 2017. Last year, the Imps made history by becoming the first non-league side to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup since Queens Park Rangers in 1914. Lincoln developed from the Roman town of Lindum Colonia, which developed from an Iron Age settlement. Its major landmarks are Lincoln Cathedral, a famous example of English Gothic architecture, and Lincoln Castle, an 11th-century Norman castle. Team news Shaun Brisley limped off during Notts County's win over Crawley Town and is set to be out for around two weeks. In terms of replacements, Elliott Hewitt came on for Brisley at Broadfield Stadium while Haydn Hollis is another who could deputise. Winger Terry Hawkridge is set to be fit to face his former club after he was left on the bench against Crawley due to illness. Shola Ameobi's hamstring injury is not a serious one and the striker, who has missed two matches, should not be out much longer. Lincoln boss Danny Cowley must decide whether now is the right time to recall captain Luke Waterfall. The defender has been unable to get in the team recently but he has been training well, according to Cowley, and last weekend's home defeat to Mansfield may open the door for his return. Sean Long was back on the bench against the Stags after injury and the full-back will also be looking to reclaim his starting spot. Midfielder Josh Ginnelly is fit again and pushing for a place in Cowley's line-up as the Imps boss considers making one or two changes following only a second league loss of the season. Share your thoughts about this Stat Attack 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.