Joe Jones

Richard Duffy has praised teammate Jonathan Forte for his "fantastic" form in recent games and was delighted with his goal for Notts County against Coventry City. The 31-year-old, who has found himself frozen out of the first team on numerous occasions this season, opened the scoring at the Ricoh Arena with a deft flick from Dan Jones's cross. Notts were well on their way to victory until Coventry won a ludicrous penalty and drew level late on for a final score on the night of 1-1, but Duffy was eager to pay tribute to his teammate. “Since he’s come back into the team he’s been fantastic,” the defender told the Nottingham Post. “He ran his socks off and ended up with a bit of cramp in the end. “It was a great finish and showed what he is capable of. The manager has got him back playing to his full capacity.” 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.

Coventry City manager Mark Robins has claimed that Tom Davies is not a cheat despite appearing to stamp on Richard Duffy and kicking out at Jonathan Forte during Saturday's League Two playoff semi-final first leg. Referee Gavin Ward, who awarded a completely ludicrous penalty to the Sky Blues late on at the Ricoh Arena for a 1-1 draw, did not see either of the incidents, meaning he cannot put it in his report. However, the FA can take retrospective action should they deem it necessary, meaning Davies could be at risk of a ban for the return leg at Meadow Lane on Friday night. “I’m not worried," Robins was quoted by the Nottingham Post as saying. “If you are going to get done by trial by TV then it’s different to if the referee has seen something. “If the ref has seen something and deals with it at the time, that’s one thing but you can’t be going back to TV and dealing with things like that, surely. “I have not spoken to Tom about it because I didn’t know about it. Someone mentioned it to me just so I haven’t spoken to him. Tom is a competitor but he’s not a cheat.” 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 were robbed of victory at Coventry City’s Ricoh Arena as Kevin Nolan’s men had to settle for a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their League Two playoff semi-final. The Magpies led through Jonathan Forte’s deft second-half finish and looked on course to record a morale-boosting victory to put them in pole position for Wembley. However, "referee" Gavin Ward incorrectly adjudged Matt Tootle to have felled Tom Bayliss in the area and awarded a penalty to the hosts much to the disbelief of the Notts contingent. Marc McNulty stroked home the spotkick, sending Adam Collin the wrong way, to send the Sky Blues into next Friday’s Meadow Lane showdown on level terms. Here is how the Notts contingent reacted to the Coventry Screwjob. Kevin Nolan "It's been taken away from us by a referee, by a really really poor decision. That buoys the crowd and players, he misses a blatant handball too. Is he trying to even it up? Probably. "We shouldn't have been in that position, we knew it was going to be tough, with the conditions and everything else, but we should've been coming away with a 1-0 but the referee has made a howler. "I've just said to the lads, you obviously feel robbed and we would've taken a 1-1 before the game if we'd been handed it, but the circumstances have made it more disappointing." The Black & White Army Chris: First half it was frustrating to see how much respect we gave Coventry, I mean we didn't seem to have any sort of active game plan. It was a case of hoofing it all the time, even when the ball could have been played on the floor. I know the conditions were shocking but hitting the ball forward in hope that Stead or Forte could get control over it never seemed likely to work. Besides, Coventry managed to retain the ball on the ground even in areas where the water literally stopped the motion of play - so why couldn't we? Second half we played with a bit more of a plan and the game simply changed it all, we grew in confidence but I think we should have pushed harder for a second. The penalty decision is beyond stupidity, there's no credible reason why the referee gave it - it's just absolutely insane that he believed it was fair foul. The player, slipped and then went down like a sack of spuds. There was no discussion over the decision, I actually think he had a very good line of view but decided to ignore 'common sense'. I'm confident that we can lift our game and push on, we need to be stronger at home and us fans need to make ourselves known. Disappointed but not overly bothered now, stupid decisions seems a common thing for us - we move past it. COYP! Hissingdwarf: I think the team played to Nolan’s brief for the whole match. First half, keep em subdued and tight defending in all areas, second half, attack and push on. Worked well apart from dismal ref decision. Michael Belshaw: Unfortunately this has been happening for a few seasons now.The quality, or lack of, refs has gone down.Also what is the point of linesman,sorry assistant referees,they are incapable of making a decision. Richard Thompson: To add , why do goalkeepers simply flop to the floor and give up on pens and dive the wrong way? You can bet your ass if it's a free kick 1 yard outside the penalty area they will dive the right way??? Colin Metcalf: Yet another **** ref which the spineless money grabbing tossers at the EFL will do **** all about. Mark Rogers: how anyone can make a decision on the penalty from the away stand where we were sitting at the other end of the stadium, as opposed to where the referree was right on top of it, is ever so slightly beyond my comprehension?? Scott Weatherbed: Fix Chris Jordan: Notts set up for and played this spot on. Robbed of a goal advantage tonight but heads should be held high after a cracking performance. Carl Webster: To be fair we were ****... we can’t keep the ball Paul Bruce: Forte was also kicked off the ball towards the end. Grant Redwood: Robbed Darren Handley: Cheating Coventry wankers and the **** of a ref who got bullied most of the game by their fcuktard fans buckled under pressure prick David Skelding: The penalty was an awful decision but when you sit back too long things like that can happen. I'm happy with the draw and make us favourites now. Luke James: outrageous get the fa on it now worst ref decision for a long while Richard Thompson: Time for refs to be brought into disrepute 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.

Notts County were robbed of victory at Coventry City’s Ricoh Arena as Kevin Nolan’s men had to settle for a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their League Two playoff semi-final. The Magpies led through Jonathan Forte’s deft second-half finish and looked on course to record a morale-boosting victory to put them in pole position for Wembley. However, "referee" Gavin Ward incorrectly adjudged Matt Tootle to have felled Tom Bayliss in the area and awarded a penalty to the hosts. Marc McNulty stroked home the spotkick, sending Adam Collin the wrong way, to send the Sky Blues into next Friday’s Meadow Lane showdown on level terms. Relive the key moments from the match with the official highlights, which we've posted on here for you. Share your thoughts about the match 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 found themselves the victims of a robbery in Coventry this evening as referee Gavin Ward awarded the most ridiculous penalty decision you will see in a long time to help Coventry City secure a late 1-1 draw in Saturday night's League Two semi-final playoff first leg at the Ricoh Arena. The Sky Blues began brightly on a rain-sodden pitch in the West Midlands, with Marc McNulty being played clean through by Jordan Shipley and firing against the foot of the Notts post before Max Biamou hit the rebound which was blocked by a back-tracking defender. Notts, however, worked up the gears and threatened through the likes of Jonathan Forte, who headed over from Jorge Grant's corner, Dan Jones lashing the ball across the face of goal, and Forte then being denied by a Lee Burge save. Coventry spurned another good chance to take the lead before the break when Tom Bayliss snuck in behind Elliott Hewitt only to drag his effort wide of the post, and it would be a miss that they would rue as the Magpies went on to open the scoring shortly after the restart. The warning signs had been there as Chris "Notts are a long ball team" Stokes cleared a Hewitt header off the line, and not long after, Jones rode a Jack Grimmer challenge before sending a low ball towards goal, which Forte deftly flicked into the back of the net to send the travelling contingent into delirium. However, Notts ended up getting screwed over when, just a few minutes from time, Tom Bayliss theatrically went down under a Matt Tootle challenge, prompting Ward to somehow award a penalty which McNulty rifled the opposite way of Collin to literally steal a goal back and leave the tie on a knife edge. Share your thoughts about the match 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 described restoring pride to Notts County's fans as the most satisfying achievement of his tenure at the club. When Hardy took over at Meadow Lane in January 2017, the Magpies were looking odds-on to drop out of the Football League and potentially out of existence. In the 16 months that have followed, not only did Notts survive relegation, but have gone on to finish fifth in the current season, giving them a chance at the playoffs. "I’m often asked what’s been the most satisfying achievement of my 16-month tenure at the club," Hardy wrote in the Nottingham Post ahead of the semi-final first leg at Coventry City. "Quite simply, it’s this: giving back to the fans a club they can truly be proud of once more. "I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say we have collectively delivered fairy tale turnarounds in both our on-field and off-field fortunes. "We now enter our first play-off campaign for 21 years. I shudder to think how many relegation campaigns we’ve had to contend with during that period. "I see real smiles on the faces of every generation of Notts County supporter. Children, parents, and grandparents all united in their enjoyment of supporting our club. "I know many of you felt supporting Notts had become a chore. Not anymore it isn’t. "And wherever this play-off journey takes us over the next two weeks I want us all to enjoy it. "Collectively, I believe we all now feel we are a club back on the up. A club which has a sense of real pride, purpose and enthusiasm." Read Alan Hardy's full column here. 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.

Head to head Notts County and Coventry have met just 40 times over the years. The first encounter took place on the 6th November 1920, the match at Meadow Lane ending in a 1-1 draw. The last one was just over a month ago, on April 7, and in the League Two encounter at Meadow Lane, the Magpies ran out 2-1 winners. However, the reverse fixture, on the opening day of the 2017-18 season, saw Coventry beat Notts 3-0 at the Ricoh Arena. There have plenty of high-scoring games between the two, with several 5-1s, 3-0s and 4-2s over the years. Notts County have the upper hand in the head-to-heads – 20 victories over the Sky Blues, 12 defeats and 8 draws. In their last eight league encounters with the Sky Blues, Notts have won four, drawn two and lost two. Standings and form Coventry's form over their last 10 league games is decent, with five wins, three defeats, and two draws. Mark Robins's side only made sure of their playoff place on the last day of the regular season, drawing 0-0 with Morecambe to see them finish sixth in the table. Coventry have scored 64 goals this season, level with Exeter and Lincoln - Notts have scored the most in the playoffs with 71 - but have conceded the least, 47. Team news Robins has tinkered with his side in Coventry's last three games, using three different forward line-ups, with Marc McNulty, Jonson Clarke-Harris and Maxime Biamou playing their parts. After playing with one up front and a packed midfield in their defeat to Lincoln, Robins has since reverted to a 4-4-2 formation, with improved results. Kevin Nolan, meanwhile, has a fully-fit squad to choose from, though he did state that Mason Bennett would not be involved as he continues his rehabilitation at parent club Derby County. Share your thoughts about this 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.

Coventry City full-back Chris Stokes has described Notts County as "basically" a "long ball" team and is hoping to see his side put another three goals past them. The two sides will lock horns for the first leg of their League Two playoff semi-final at the Ricoh Arena this Saturday before the return leg takes place at Meadow Lane six days later. Notts fell to a 3-0 defeat in the opening game of the season but won 2-1 when the Sky Blues came to Nottingham. “When they came here last time we put three past them so we will be looking to do that again,” Stokes told the Coventry Telegraph. “We have been studying them this week. We played them recently so we know what they are like and what we have to go up against. We’ll follow the game plan and make sure we get a result. “We have (struggled against more direct and physical sides) but we know where we need to improve. “They are a physical and direct side but we’ll study them and know where their threats are because it’s not long since we last played each other, so if we get done the same way again then it’s only our fault. “I don’t know what their game plan will be but basically they play long ball. “If we go into it with a good result from the first leg then they’re going to have to come at us and we know we’re good on the counter attack. “So hopefully we can get a good result on Saturday and go there with a couple of goals up.” 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 expressed his hopes of getting Mason Bennett back on loan next season but confirmed that he would not be fit for the Magpies' playoff campaign. The striker joined the Magpies from Derby County on the last day of the January transfer window and netted his first goal in his debut against Crewe Alexandra after coming on as a second-half substitute However, he was forced to return to Pride Park after rupturing his hamstring on his first start for the club against Barnet. “He’s back on the grass but it’s way too early for him,” Nolan told the official website. “There’s not enough game time or training minutes, even if we got to the final. “But we’re going to keep in contact with Derby and Mason himself to ensure that if there’s a possibility of getting him next year, we’re at the front of the queue. “We were so impressed with what we saw from Mason – not only on the field, but by the way he conducted himself and his eagerness to play for Notts County. “I’m hoping we can renew that at the beginning of next season but, first and foremost, we hope he gets back to full fitness as comfortably as possible because it was a nasty injury. “I’m sure, because of his professionalism, he’ll come back better and stronger.” 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. - The regular season is now over, and the last matchday saw Barnet join Chesterfield in the bottom two and out of the Football League. - Only the final playoff place had to be settled, and Mansfield Town were the unlucky ones as Coventry City and Lincoln City ended up sixth and seventh respectively. - Scottish Premiership club St Johnstone have signed Drey Wright on a two-year-deal from Colchester United. The 23-year-old will arrive in Perth as a free agent after six years with the League Two club. - Crewe Alexandra goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen, the son of former Finland international Jussi Jaaskelainen, has signed a new three-year contract with the Cheshire club. - Cambridge United goalkeeper David Forde has triggered an extension in his deal to stay for the 2018-19 campaign. - Goalline technology, specifically Hawkeye, will be available at all 12 of this season's EFL playoff fixtures for the first time ever. - Colchester United signed Cheltenham Town midfielder Harry Pell on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. - Yeovil Town goalkeeper Stuart Nelson signed a new two-year contract which will keep him at Huish Park until the summer of 2020. - A number of L2 clubs have released their retained lists, which are as follows (as of 8 May): BARNET Transfer listed: John Akinde Outs: Craig Ross, Ruben Bover, Jamie Stephens, Justin Amaluzor, Andre Blackman, Charlie Clough, Shane Cojocarel, Tobi Coker, Tom Day, Jordan Nicholson, Ryan Watson. CAMBRIDGE UNITED: Ins: Outs: Leon Legge, Medy Elito, Piero Mingoia. CARLISLE UNITED Ins Outs: Reggie Lambe, Samir Nabi, John O'Sullivan, Morgan Bacon, Tom Miller, Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Shaun Miller, Cameron Salkeld. COLCHESTER UNITED Ins: Outs: Doug Loft, Denny Johnstone, Craig Slater, Tommy O'Sullivan. CREWE ALEXANDRA Ins: Outs: Chris Dagnall, Zoumana Bakayogo, Daniel Udoh, Ross Woodcock. FOREST GREEN ROVERS Ins Outs: Keanu Marsh-Brown, Omar Bugiel, Callum Evans, Alex Whittle, Mark Roberts, Sam Russell, Harry Pickering, Tom Anderson, Jon Moran, Olly Mehew, Cameron Belford, Jordan Morris. GRIMSBY TOWN Ins: Outs: Ben Davies, Nathan Clarke, James Berrett, Tom Sawyer, Jack Keeble, Ben Killip, Scott Vernon, Karleigh Osborne, Gary McSheffrey, Sean McAllister, Zak Mills. MORECAMBE Ins Outs: Michael Rose, Dean Winnard, Rhys Turner, Steven Yawson, Reece Deakin, Patrick Brough, Adam McGurk, Luke Jordan. NEWPORT COUNTY Ins: Outs: James Bittner, Paul Hayes, Marlon Jackson, Calaum Jahraldo-Martin, Jamie Turley. PORT VALE Ins Outs: Ryan Boot, Joe Slinn, Kjell Knops, Charlie Walford, Luke Dennis, Harry Middleton, Graham Kelly, Billy Reeves, Anton Forrester, Chris Regis. SOUTHEND UNITED Ins: Transfer listed: Anton Ferdinand. Outs: Freddie Ladapo, Jermaine McGlashan, Josh Wright, Anthony Wordsworth. STEVENAGE Ins: James Ball (Stockport, undisclosed) Transfer listed: Kevin Lokko (fee required), Johnny Goddard (fee required), Joe Martin (free transfer), Jonathan Smith (free transfer). Outs: Jack King, Fraser Franks, Dale Gorman, Tom Conlon, Chris Whelpdale, Alex Samuel, Jamie Gray. 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.

Kevin Nolan has claimed that Matt Tootle is well worthy of winning the Notts County Fans' Player of the Year award and reiterated his wholehearted support for the full-back. Tootle has enjoyed a superb season in the black and white stripes thanks to his displays which combined dynamism with consistency. The 27-year-old is also a fan favourite thanks to his eccentric, loveable personality, as shown by his quirky "slug" goal celebration which he has used several times this season after chipping in with a few strikes. Off the pitch, Tootle has also raised awareness of mental health issues, having faced and overcome his own battles, which has inspired and helped out many people within the football sphere. “The award was well deserved,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “We’ve had some outstanding performances and players all season long and Toots comes into that category. “I am absolutely delighted he has taken a weight off his shoulders in respect of talking about mental health and what he’s been through. "He’s now raising awareness of how easily your mental health can come into the game and how hard it is. “I am behind him 110 per cent behind him and he knows that. I feel that we’ve got a special bond which will go on past Notts when he moves higher up. I’ll always be there for him to call me if needed." 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.

Michael O'Connor will be hoping for a key role in Notts County's playoff campaign over the coming weeks. The club captain has slowly returned to action following a long-term injury and made his first start of the season against Luton Town last weekend. With O'Connor going from strength to strength, he is eager to make up for his absence over the course of the regular season and help his club up into League One. “There was a stage at 65 minutes when I made a run from my own box to the other one and I thought that’s me done,” he joked. “But other than that I felt fine. I’ve played five or six reserve games and I’ve had six or seven weeks full training. “I feel really good and I’m now hoping I can play a big part in the play-offs. “We’ve got a 24-25 man squad so whoever the gaffer picks we can do a job for him. “It’s a good squad, we all stick together and whoever is in front of me I will wish them all the best and get behind them. “But I am hoping I did enough at the weekend to give the gaffer a headache.” 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 urged Notts County's players to keep their feet on the ground and concentrate on the task ahead in the playoffs, stressing that they "can't really dream about anything". The Magpies finished fifth in League Two this season to get a shot at promotion, with Coventry City their semi-final opponents. Notts will make the trip to the Ricoh Arena on Saturday before playing the second leg at Meadow Lane on Friday, May 18, and should they be successful, Wembley beckons. “I have great belief in these lads and what we’ve done all season long,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “I am sure if you asked Mark Robins he would say the same about his Coventry team. “He’s a great fella, Mark, and I am looking forward to pitting my wits against him. “Hopefully I am the one who succeeds, but no matter what we will have a beer afterwards. “And I hope it’s me who is getting the congratulations and we are going to Wembley. “But there is so much work to be done before then that we can’t really dream about anything. “We’ve got to concentrate on Coventry now, and while the lads can enjoy what they’ve done over 46 games, it’s back to work (this week). “We will look at what we need to do to ensure we get to Wembley.” 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.

Michael O’Connor has expressed his desire to get stuck into the playoffs as Notts County find themselves just three games away from League One. The Magpies finished fifth in League Two this season to get a shot at promotion, with Coventry City their semi-final opponents. Notts will make the trip to the Ricoh Arena on Saturday before playing the second leg at Meadow Lane on Friday, May 18. Club captain O’Connor, who has successfully overcome a major injury to return to first-team contention and made his first start of the season iagainst Luton Town on Saturday, is eager to get the playoffs underway. “They are all good teams in the play-offs and any one of them would have been tough,” he told the Nottingham Post. “You need to beat whoever is put in front of you and we beat Coventry here not too long ago. “But in saying that they beat us in the first game of the season and we didn’t do too well there. That was a long time ago though. We are feeling confident, so bring it on.” 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 for getting a result in their final regular game of the League Two season against Luton Town and is optimistic ahead of the playoffs. The Magpies finished fifth in the table with a point against the already-promoted Hatters in a goalless draw at Meadow Lane and will face Coventry City in the semi-finals. “It was an enjoyable game for the fans because there were lots of chances and plenty of oohs and aahs,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “But I am delighted we got the clean sheet and I always thought it was going to be a tough game no matter what. “We created chances although I thought we could put them under more pressure when they went down to 10 men. “That’s something we can work on, but overall it was a good positive result to take into the play-offs. “It was important that we got a result in that respect and I thought the way we bounced back from defeat to Grimsby was good. “I love clean sheets and we’ve got one and that bodes well for the next couple of weeks. “It’s been a fantastic 46 games and we’ve got two games now in a knockout competition and we’ve got to be better than Coventry over 180 minutes. “If we are then I feel we will be going to Wembley.” 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 regular League Two season has ended with a goalless draw against Luton Town at Meadow Lane on Saturday. The Magpies, who had sealed a playoff place but could not go any higher than third following the loss to Grimsby Town, played out a bright game against their promoted opponents. Neither side could break the deadlock, however, in a game that had an end-of-season team and with neither side having anything much to play for, except for where Notts would finish in the playoff positions. As it was, Kevin Nolan's charges finished fifth in the table and would find themselves up against sixth-placed Coventry City - the side that beat them 3-0 in the season opener - in the semi-finals. Here is how the game panned out, with Notts County's official YouTube match highlights. Share your thoughts about the match 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 secured fifth place in League Two and will face Coventry City in the playoffs following their goalless draw with Luton Town at Meadow Lane. Backed by more than 4,000 fans, the promoted Hatters looked lively early on with Olly Lee forcing Magpies goalkeeper Adam Collin into action with a powerful 20-yard drive. Jack Stacey then nearly rounded off a fine move when he drilled a low shot across the face of goal following a deft delivery from Elliott Lee. Michael O'Connor, captaining the Magpies from the off for the first time in over a year, found himself on the edge of the box but his floated cross to the far post drifted harmlessly wide. Jon Stead, meanwhile, had a shot deflected behind for a corner while Luton goalkeeper James Shea also saved from Jorge Grant. The Magpies' hopes of a victory then appeared to be boosted early in the second half when Danny Hylton picked up a second yellow card for a foul on Shaun Brisley. However, Nathan Jones's charges continued to push on, Stacey again coming close following a fine counter attack by the visitors. Late on, only a fantastic last-ditch tackle from Matt Tootle denied Pelly Ruddock-Mpanzu from making the breakthrough at the expense of a corner. Notts were handed the chance to win the game during four minutes of added time when Lewis Alessandra was brought down just outside the box by Alan Sheehan. However, Jorge Grant could only send the ball over the bar as the regular reason ended for Notts, while Luton would be waving goodbye to League Two come the final whistle. 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.

Alan Hardy has given his thoughts on the upcoming League Two playoffs, which will see Notts County three games and a trip to Wembley away from promotion. The Magpies play their last game of the regular season today, hosting already-promoted Luton Town for the chance to finish as high in the fourth-to-seventh mini-table as possible. "Ever since we cemented our place in the play-offs, the excitement which comes attached with such an achievement has been entirely understandable," Hardy wrote in the Nottingham Post. "You can’t blame anybody for getting carried away about dreaming of playing at Wembley, where you hope all the hard work over the course of the season is rewarded with promotion. "We still don’t know who we’re going to play in the semi-finals and that will only be determined once we play our final game of the regular season against Luton this weekend. "Victory in front of a bumper crowd at Meadow Lane would give us an incredible lift going into the play-offs but it will be tough because Luton are arguably the most entertaining team in the division. "But despite losing to Grimsby, I am sure we will go out there full of confidence given how good training has been this week. "I suspect the manager will make a few changes in what I am sure will be a very open and entertaining game of football. "It wouldn’t surprise me if it finished 5-5 but what we desire most is a result and performance that gives us momentum going into the play-offs. "Anything can happen in those games and I maintain that what has happened in the previous nine months counts for nothing. "The players and manager have done a fantastic job this season. I’ve enjoyed it and I am sure the fans have too. "All we need is one final push to get us over the line, making the tantalising prospect of a day out at Wembley a wonderful reality." 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.

Head to head Notts County and Luton Town have faced off 71 times in their history. The first meeting came in January 1912 when the Magpies secured a 4-2 away win in the FA Cup. The last one was in December, a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road. Luton dominate the head-to-head with 35 wins over Notts, 21 draws and 15 defeats. The Magpies have lost only once in their last five home league meetings with Luton, a 2-0 reverse in March 2009. The Hatters are unbeaten in the last three league clashes between these two sides since losing both meetings in the 2015-16 campaign. Stats A win for Notts will see the Magpies finish on 79 points, their highest points tally since winning the League Two title with 93 points back in 2009-10. Luton have won nine league games by three or more goals this season, more than any other side in League Two. Danny Hylton has been directly involved in seven goals in his last seven games for the Hatters in League Two (six goals, one assist). History Luton Town Football Club was formed on 11 April 1885, the product of a merger of the two leading local teams, Luton Town Wanderers and Excelsior. The club was the first in southern England to turn professional, making payments to players as early as 1890 and turning fully professional a year later. It joined the Football League before the 1897–98 season, left in 1900 because of financial problems, and rejoined in 1920. Luton reached the First Division in 1955–56 and contested a major final for the first time when playing Nottingham Forest in the 1959 FA Cup Final. The team was then relegated from the top division in 1959–60, and demoted twice more in the following five years, playing in the Fourth Division from the 1965–66 season. However, it was promoted back to the top level by 1974–75. Luton Town's most recent successful period began in 1981–82, when the club won the Second Division and gained promotion to the First. Luton defeated Arsenal 3–2 in the 1988 Football League Cup Final and remained in the First Division until relegation at the end of the 1991–92 season. Between 2007 and 2009, financial difficulties caused the club to fall from the second tier of English football to the fifth in successive seasons. The last of these relegations came during the 2008–09 season, when 30 points were docked from Luton's tally for various financial irregularities. Luton then spent five seasons in non-League football before winning the Conference Premier in 2013–14, securing promotion back into the Football League. The club's nickname, "the Hatters", reflects Luton's historical connection with the hat making trade, which has been prominent there since the 1600s. The nickname was originally a variant on the now rarely seen straw-plaiters. Supporters of the club are also called Hatters. Luton is associated with two very different colour schemes - white and black (first permanently adopted in 1920), and orange, navy and white (first used in 1973, and worn by the team as of the 2015–16 season). Team news Notts go into their final game of the regular season guaranteed a top-seven finish as they hope to join the Hatters in League One next season, and Kevin Nolan is mulling over which players to use for the game. Leading scorer Jorge Grant is fit again after an ankle injury but might only be on the bench again on Saturday, as he was for the defeat at Grimsby last weekend, if Nolan opts to rest his stars. Defender Matt Tootle, meanwhile, should have recovered from illness. Promoted Luton could have Scott Cuthbert back in their starting line-up at Meadow Lane. Hatters boss Nathan Jones has picked an unchanged side for the last four games but might decide to freshen up his team for the final match of the campaign. Cuthbert has recovered from a groin injury and made his return to action as a late substitute against Forest Green last weekend. Luke Gambin and James Justin might also come into Jones' thoughts but Lawson D'Ath (knee) remains a serious doubt and Luke Berry (fractured leg and dislocated ankle) is out. 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 admitted that letting Liam Walker leave Notts County was a tough decision but could not stand in his way after being given an opportunity to play elsewhere. The Gibraltar international left Meadow Lane on Monday having had his contract terminated by mutual consent, having made just 19 appearances this season and failing to make the squad altogether in recent weeks. "Liam got given an opportunity to go elsewhere," Nolan told the Nottingham Post. "He rang the club and asked if he could go to pastures new and I didn’t want to stand in the lad’s way. "He’s been a fantastic pro and just didn’t get the opportunities he would have liked and that’s because I thought there were players ahead of him in the team. "He’s got great quality and I know wherever he goes he’ll do well because of the way he is. "I didn’t want to take that opportunity away from him because football’s a funny world and in two weeks’ time that opportunity might not have been there for him. "I had to make a tough decision and I think is for the best for Liam and for us moving forward. "I don’t know all the ins and outs of where he’s heading next, but I said for as long as he is here then he is more than welcome to come and use the facilities, and if he needs to train. "We can either put him with the lads or with the younger group. It was unfortunate for Liam because I think he expected a bit more than when he signed, but that’s the way football goes. "But I wish him well and good luck in the future because I believe he will go somewhere and succeed." 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 Notts County's League Two regular season finale against Luton Town as a "fantastic opportunity" to prepare for the playoffs. The Magpies' 2-1 loss at Grimsby Town, combined with Wycombe Wanderers' 2-1 win at Chesterfield, saw the Chairboys fill the last top-three spot in the table. Notts cannot finish any higher than fourth or lower than seventh, but before navigating the playoffs, must first see out the 46th and final fixture, and awaiting them on Saturday is second-placed Luton. “It’s just about making sure now that we’re ready and we’re prepared for the playoffs,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “There’s no better time to do it than start with a fantastic opportunity and a fantastic game with Luton who were deservedly going up. “They are going to bring 4,000 plus fans and it’s going to be a great atmosphere and a great occasion. “Then we know we’ve got the business of two games which is going to give us the season highlight or lowlight. “But I said to all the players that no matter what happens from now on, I’m proud of every one of them for what they’ve done and what we’ve done as a team this year. “We’re just hoping that we can get over their final hurdle now.” 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. - Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley and his brother, assistant manager Nicky, have committed their future to Sincil Bank by signing new deals until 2022. - Carlisle United have announced that Keith Curle will leave Brunton Park at the end of the season. The former Notts County boss has been in charge of the Cumbrians since September 2014. - The 45th round of fixtures saw Luton Town clinch second place behind champions Accrington Stanley. - Wycombe Wanderers were assured of third place, leaving Exeter City, Notts County, Coventry City, Lincoln City and Mansfield Town in the running for the four playoff places. - At the bottom, Barnet sit two points adrift of safety, with Morecambe the only other team that could join Chesterfield in dropping to the National League. - Also relating to Morecambe, the sale of the club to Bond Group Investments Limited was completed ahead of their relegation decider. - EFL clubs are set to vote on the future of the matchday programme in June. Several of its members have questioned the requirement for clubs to offer a physical version of their product in an era of social media. - Veteran midfielder Sam Saunders has signed a new one-year deal with Wycombe Wanderers after helping the club win automatic promotion to League One. The 34-year-old has made 27 appearances in all competitions this season. - Defender Josh Doherty has signed a new two-year contract with Crawley Town. The 22-year-old, who has represented Northern Ireland at Under-21 level, has made 13 starts and a further four substitute appearances this season. - Crewe Alexandra striker Charlie Kirk has signed a new three-year contract at Gresty Road. The 20-year-old academy graduate's existing deal was due to expire this June, but he is now signed up until the summer of 2021. - Cambridge United have appointed interim boss Joe Dunne as their permanent head coach on a three-year contract. The ex-Colchester manager, 44, joined the U's as Richard Money's assistant in 2015 and also worked with Shaun Derry, who left the club in February. - Crewe midfielder James Jones has signed a new two-year contract following a frustrating injury-hit campaign with the club. Jones, 22, has made just five appearances this season, and was not fit for action until late March. 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.

Shaun Brisley wants Notts County to put the disappointment of the defeat at Grimsby Town behind them, keep the momentum going against Luton Town and go into the playoffs full of confidence. Wycombe Wanderers took third spot in the table as they won their 45th game, while the Magpies fluffed their lines at Blundell Park in a 2-1 loss. The promoted Hatters await Notts on Saturday in the last game of the regular season and Brisley is eager for his side to make the most of it. “We obviously wanted to win to take the fight for third spot into the final game,” Brisley told the Nottingham Post. “But we weren’t as good as what we have been in the last three games. “We’ll take it on the chin and we’ll look forward to the play-offs. It’s important we get back to winning ways against Luton and build momentum going into those extra two games. “But to be in the play-offs is a great achievement given where the club was last season. We are still in with a chance of promotion, which is the target we set ourselves. “But there was a sense of frustration about not taking it to the final game. We’ve just got to keep our heads up and go again.” 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 Walker has suggested that a lack of game time prompted him to make the decision to leave Notts County ahead of the end of the League Two season. The 30-year-old joined the Magpies last summer from Gibraltar Premier Division outfit Europa FC but made just 19 appearances in total, struggling to even make the bench in recent weeks. Notts confirmed the news of Walker's contract being terminated by mutual consent on Monday afternoon, stating that he had left "with immediate effect to pursue opportunities elsewhere". "Well my time at Notts County has come to an end," Walker wrote on social media. "It has been a hard season personally for me with the lack of game time and I have taken the decision to cancel my contract and move on. "I would just like to thank the fans and all those who did believe in me. Wish the club all the best for the future and good luck for the playoffs." 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.

On this day in 1981, Notts County experienced one of the finest days in their history when they claimed a 2-0 win over Chelsea at an intimidating Stamford Bridge to secure a return to the top flight after an exile of more than half a century. When the Magpies had last graced the top flight, penicillin had not yet been discovered, the BBC did not yet exist, and women under the age of 30 were not yet allowed to vote. The last Notts top-flight game was in 1926 and few could have expected such a drought from the elite level of English football. However, Jimmy Sirrel oversaw a revival at Meadow Lane which culminated in the iconic win in West London on 2 May 1981. The match itself proved a fiery affair and was held up for 15 minutes soon after Notts went two up as Chelsea fans invaded the pitch to demonstrate against their chairman, and there was another protest at the final whistle which resulted in the crossbar at the Shed end being broken. Nonetheless, the bottom line was that Notts sealed a top-three place in Division Two thanks to the result. Here is some media from the day - the television report on ITN (as far as I know this is as much as there is in terms of video highlights). Here are the final 10 or so minutes of radio commentary by Brian Tansley and Terry Bowles on Radio Trent (credit to KorkInNotts for the video). And here is a link to a short clip of Colin Slater commentating on Harkouk's goal. http://jkpkwa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1ptj1jMsTm2lRC0mhAH9IrgmPrYvKj1isP2bJAoR1-5WFUW_FPFANePNtkKUXeSiyxCsdMwCC8wLFhzP2WniAV2A/1981-05-02Promotion.mp3 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.