Joe Jones

Notts County and Portsmouth have met a total of 28 times over the years, the first meeting coming on the 20th November 1926, which the Magpies lost 3-2 at Meadow Lane. We have beaten Pompey 12 times and played out six draws, with the South Coast side winning on 10 occasions. Between December 1992 and December 1994 the two teams played each other six times, with Notts failing to get a win in a run that saw three draws and three defeats. Our last five games against Portsmouth saw us clinch four consecutive wins between September 2012 and October 2015, but the last fixture, at Fratton Park in March 2016, saw us thrashed 4-0. Portsmouth have been champions of England twice, in 1949 and 1950. The club has also won the FA Cup on two occasions, firstly in 1939 and most recently in 2008, and also reached the final of the competition in 2010. Portsmouth were moderately successful in the 2000s, especially during the 2007–08 Premier League season, when they won the FA Cup, beating Cardiff City 1-0 in the final. They subsequently qualified for the 2008–09 UEFA Cup competing against European heavyweights such as seven-times European Cup winners AC Milan. During this period, Portsmouth were recognised to have a large number of international footballers, including England players Glen Johnson and Jermain Defoe, as well as Peter Crouch, David James and Sol Campbell. However, financial problems soon set in and Portsmouth were relegated to the Football League Championship in 2010. In 2012 they were again relegated, to League One, and again, in 2013, to League Two. They began the 2013–14 season in the fourth tier of the English football league system for the first time since the late 1970s. Portsmouth became the largest fan-owned football club in England, after the Pompey Supporters Trust (PST) successfully gained possession of Fratton Park in April 2013. Team News Portsmouth pretty much have a fully-fit squad for their League Two clash against Notts County at Fratton Park. Pompey boss Paul Cook will welcome back Drew Talbot, Adam Buxton and Matt Clarke from injury, and all three players could feature. Striker Noel Hunt is also back in training after a groin injury but Saturday's match could be too soon to return as Pompey look to extend their unbeaten league run to three games. The big injury news for Notts County is that top scorer Jon Stead will not be involved. Stead had to come off with an injury at half-time against Crewe last weekend and Magpies manager John Sheridan is awaiting the results of a scan before putting a time frame on how long the nine-goal striker might be absent. Michael O'Connor is back in training after missing the last four weeks with a groin problem and will be part of the squad against Pompey. Fellow midfielders Alan Smith and Curtis Thompson continue to work their way back to full fitness. How will Notts fare at Pompey? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

John Sheridan has reiterated the importance of keeping tight at the back as Notts County prepare to visit Portsmouth, a team deemed by the boss to be the best in League Two. The Magpies go into the Fratton Park game one point off the playoffs, but there has been much frustration due to poor goals conceded by the squad in the last few games. "The players understand, and I do as the manager, that we have to try to work harder to keep clean sheets," Sheridan told the assembled media at his weekly press conference. "The number of goals we have conceded isn't what I would like it to be. We can't keep doing it. "Their confidence isn't down, but they know they can do a lot better. "We've worked on it this week because I do feel that we have goals in us so if you keep clean sheets then you have a good chance of winning. "Even the goal against Crewe was criminal. All goals you concede, when you look back at them, you can prevent them. "It's just a question of organising a bit quicker, communicating and seeing things before they happen. "But it's a lot harder when you are playing and out there. It's a lot easier when you are watching. "When things are happening quick you've got to stay focused and keep your mind switched on and work harder to keep the ball out of the net. "It just doesn't happen to us though. I watched Huddersfield the other night and they conceded three goals from crosses and they are top of the Championship. "I just want us to be a good team, to be strong, and I don't want to concede sloppy goals. We are all right when we are set-up and not many people play through us." Sheridan also described Pompey as the best team in the division, but insists that anybody can get a result on their day and shoot up the table. "Portsmouth are probably the best team in the league with the players they have got," he said. "Luton are going strong too. Plymouth are top of the league but I watched the DVD of them against Portsmouth who battered them, but they got a draw. "A couple of wins gets you right in the mix and while I expected us to be higher, it's a very evenly matched league. It's about getting a run together. "I just concentrate on ourselves and there's no better place to bounce back than Portsmouth and we will go there with the belief we can get back to winning ways." Notts will be forced to take the field on Saturday without Jon Stead, who has been ruled out due to a suspected ankle injury and will need a scan. "Jon is a bit sore and won't be okay," said Sheridan. "We are waiting for a scan and he is with the physio at the moment. "It's unfortunate because he has a lot of bruising. I don't try to say how long he is going to be out or when he is going to be back – I just wait for the scan. "He is in good hands with the physio, John (Wilson). We will wait for the scan to come back and we will have a better idea of how long he will be out for." Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County defender Matt Tootle has admitted that his recent performances for the club have not been up to scratch. The Magpies suffered two consecutive defeats, against Mansfield Town and Morecambe, to slip down the League Two table. Meanwhile, the 1-1 draw against Crewe Alexandra came about because of lacklustre after scoring their first goal, conceding within 60 seconds. "I feel as if I need to get a bit of a run going myself," Tootle told reporters. "I started the season really well, but I've been disappointed in myself the last three games. "But I am not going to put that ahead of anything else. "I know if I keep on working hard and get a run in one position, it will come." Notts take on Portsmouth away in their next league fixture, which is this Saturday. Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County loanee Aaron Collins is eager to make John Sheridan's starting XI, treating every substitute appearance he's made so far as if he's "knocking on the manager's door". The Wolverhampton Wanderers winger has impressed for the Magpies since joining on loan in August, scoring several goals and adding energy when coming on. "Every time I go out on the pitch, I feel as though I am knocking on the manager's door," Collins told reporters. "I've done well every time I have come on, and I am looking forward to that start when it does come. "I will be ready for it and if it comes against Portsmouth then that would be a great achievement for me personally. "It's such a big club with the amount of fans they get at a big stadium. "Hopefully if I do start, I will do as well as I can, see if I can score a goal and see what the result pans out like." Notts face Portsmouth on Saturday in a League Two fixture at Fratton Park. Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County defender Matt Tootle has expressed his dismay at conceding a minute after scoring against Crewe Alexandra, admitting his side were not switched on after kickoff. Jonathan Forte opened the scoring for the Magpies in the 80th minute of Saturday's League Two clash at Meadow Lane, only for Alex Kiwomya - nephew of former Notts boss Chris - to equalise moments after the restart. Tootle told reporters: "You can be susceptible after you've scored a goal and you are more likely to concede. "We watched in the dressing room and we haven't switched on straight away. It's not right. "There's a big hole in the middle of the pitch which can't happen. Once you have a couple of people out of position, then everybody is too. "It's a tough one to swallow because it could have been a good result for us considering it wasn't the best performance. "We needed one (a result) more than wanted one because it was all about the three points and getting back on a run again. "We scrapped and battled, did what we needed to do, but were unlucky." Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

John Sheridan has described Notts County's goal concession right after they scored against Crewe Alexandra as "criminal". Jonathan Forte struck in the 80th minute to put the Magpies in pole position for a second home league win of the season but Alex Kiwomya equalised moments after kickoff. The final result was 1-1 and Sheridan bemoaned his side's inability to see the game out. "We are a bit nervy at the moment and you can see that," he told reporters. "I thought we were the better team in the first half without working the keeper as much as we would have liked. "I said to them at half-time that if we have to win the game ugly then do so. "There was desire and a drive to get the goal we were after, but the biggest downer was we didn't see the game through. "As soon as the players went back into the dressing room, I made them watch the DVD of the goal we conceded. "It's criminal to concede so early after you score. We were the better team, even though we didn't play great. "People will be negative and say we didn't do this, or didn't do that, but we got the goal and we should have won the game. "It was naïve from us and it has happened too many times this season." Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County have claimed a point in a 1-1 draw against Crewe Alexandra at Meadow Lane, but fans were once again left disappointed as an overall tame performance gave way to a defensive collapse for the visitors' equaliser. The visitors were brightest from the off as they forced a succession of early corners but soon the action turned into little more than a dirge as goalmouth action was infrequent right until the half-time whistle. At the break, Aaron Collins replaced Jon Stead, who was withdrawn after taking a knock, and the loanee soon helped the Magpies become more threatening on the pitch. The Wolverhampton Wanderers winger forced goalkeeper Ben Garratt into a save and then carved out a good chance, volleying over the bar. An exchange of passes between Collins and Adam Campbell went to waste when the former Newcastle man miscontrolled in a good position. He made amends soon after, however, when he crossed into the box and, with Crewe failing to clear their lines, Jonathan Forte was able to fire home. This was in the 80th minute and, sadly for the Meadow Lane faithful, their cheers turned to groans within 60 seconds as Alex Kiwomya - nephew of former Notts boss Chris - sending a composed finish into the Magpies net. Share your thoughts about the game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County’s head-to-head history with Crewe Alexandra dates back to September 1893, when the Magpies faced the Railwaymen at the Alexandra Recreation Ground. The result was a 2-0 win for Notts. After several further meetings in the late 1890s, the fixture would experience a hiatus of 63 years; between 1896 and 1959, the two teams didn't play each other. Despite our shared history going back so far, there have only been 41 meetings between the two sides. Notts have the upper hand with 21 wins to 13 defeats, and just seven draws have taken place. Our recent head-to-head record is nothing short of astounding - in the last 10 fixtures between the clubs, Notts have won eight and drawn two. The origins of the “Alexandra” moniker in the club name aren’t fully known. Whether they took the name from a hotel, patronised by those connected with the railway works and where they held their meetings, or whether it was after Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who married Queen Victoria’s eldest son, later King Edward VII, is open to speculation. Crewe is synonymous with arguably one of the greatest and most longevous managers in the English game: Dario Gradi. He is the Alex’s very own Sir Alex Ferguson, having managed the club between 1983 and 2011, with the exception of a hiatus between 2007 and 2009 where he nevertheless took the reins on a caretaker basis for a period. Gradi currently manages the Academy - one of the best and most renowned in the English lower leagues. The Academy is known to stress technical excellence, which accords with the aim to have the first team play attractive, passing football. Most of the club's achievements in youth development have come from none other than Gradi, and alumni include Geoff Thomas, David Platt, Robbie Savage, Neil Lennon, Steve Jones, Rob Jones, Danny Murphy, Seth Johnson, Dean Ashton and David Vaughan. Impressively, Crewe’s final fixture of the 2012-13 season, a 2-0 win against Walsall, involved a starting XI made up entirely of Academy players. In 2013, the club won its first-ever major silverware after beating Southend United 2-0 in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final at Wembley. Crewe are known as the Railwaymen because of the town’s links to the British train network. Crewe station was completed in 1837 and is one of the most historic railway stations in the world. Nowadays, as well as serving the town of Crewe that has grown near it, it still operates as a major junction on the West Coast Main Line (WCML). It also serves as a major station on the WCML and as a major rail gateway for the North West. The town of Crewe has an interesting roll call of local legends, including rugby player Mark Cueto, professional BMX racer Shanaze Reade, 1990s heartthrob Adam Rickitt (ask a female friend or relative between the ages of 25 and 30), Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle, and Jimmy MacDonald, also known as the voice of Mickey Mouse. Team News Notts County have no fresh injury concerns as they look to bounce back from successive league defeats against Crewe Alexandra at Meadow Lane. Captain Michael O'Connor is still struggling with a groin problem while fellow midfielder Alan Smith continues to nurse a hip injury. Curtis Thompson is another midfielder who is working on his comeback but his ankle problem, which he suffered towards the end of last season, keeps him on the sidelines. Magpies manager John Sheridan has the likes of Vadaine Oliver, a goalscorer from the bench against Morecambe in midweek, Rob Milsom, Adam Campbell, Thierry Audel and Stanley Aborah to call on should he want to make changes to his starting XI. James Jones returns to the Crewe squad after international duty with the Scotland Under-21 team. However, Alex boss Steve Davis has hinted he may have his work cut out regaining his place in the side from Billy Bingham, who impressed in his first start since August against Luton Town last weekend. Defender Ben Nugent was back on the bench at Kenilworth Road after an injury absence but striker Callum Saunders' knock continues to be monitored. Crewe have been boosted by the return to training of forward Alex Kiwomya - nephew of former Notts manager Chris Kiwomya. The 20-year-old, on loan from Chelsea, dislocated his shoulder at Grimsby last month but is progressing well in his rehabilitation and could be in contention on Saturday. How will Notts fare against Crewe? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

John Sheridan has expressed his frustration at going into this weekend's game against Crewe out of the top seven. The Magpies lost their last two games, at Mansfield Town and at home against Morecambe, to find themselves 10th in League Two ahead of the Railwaymen clash. Sheridan also played down the boos directed towards the side, adding that fans "pay their money and are entitled to an opinion." "I am still frustrated because I would have liked to have gone into the Crewe game four points better off," said the 52-year-old. "We would have been in a healthier position but as I said it was just the way we played in the last two games. "We didn't go out with the belief that we could be in the top two or three. "I have to be patient and believe in my players which is what I do 100 per cent. I've got to stick by them and I am not going to beat myself up. "I just think there was a good chance to get three or four points and if we had got them, we would have gone into this game thinking we can get even closer to the top teams." When asked about Notts being booed, Sheridan replied: "It's football. I just think it was frustration. "They weren't booing the last game we won. They were right behind the team and I loved that. You can feel it as well. "The supporters pay their money and they are entitled to an opinion. "That's the way the game has gone. They have been very frustrated for a few years here. "And, in the back of my mind, I do feel where they are coming from. "I feel it too as the manager. The game we watched the other night was frustrating. "But they want what we want. And I want what they want. "It's important that we don't get too carried away. "You've got to be careful because they are human and it will affect some of them. "But that's football. Deep down they want the club to do well." Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County boss John Sheridan reveals he did not shout at his players following their 2-1 home defeat against Morecambe, as he felt it would not have been "the right thing to do". The Magpies suffered their second defeat in four days on Tuesday night when the Shrimps won at Meadow Lane, which followed the 3-1 defeat at Mansfield Town. "I didn't go in shouting, even though I wanted to, I didn't think it was the right thing to do," Sheridan said. "I will try to pick them up and I am not going to turn around and say we are a bad team. "We've had two bad performances in four days, had it been the other way, people would have been saying we are a good team and talking positively about us. "It is going to be a bit negative instead, but the players have got a manager here who will stand up and take it. "There's no way I will hide. Anybody who knows me will tell you. I'll be fighting all the way and believing we can do well in the league." Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts boss John Sheridan says his side must start more aggressively against teams at Meadow Lane if they are to improve on their poor home form. The Magpies have won just won one of their six league games at home this season, and on Tuesday night Morecambe were the latest side to pick up all three points with a 2-1 win. "In the last 20 minutes we looked as though we enjoyed it, and got on the front foot," Sheridan told reporters. "My defenders are also 40 yards from the goal, so why don't we start like that? "The subs come on, Vadaine (Oliver) unsettles them and doesn't give them freedom. The ball is staying in their half and my full-backs join the game. "But you can't wait for 70 minutes to do it and if I have to play off the front to get results, then I will look at that. "It's by no means just about hitting Vadaine, it's about anticipating where the ball is going to bounce and pick up second balls so we can start the play again. "We did that for the last 20 minutes, but before that we were too deep, we were not reacting, not seeing things early enough and we were on the back foot. "It shouldn't happen when you are at home. We need to show a bit of nous. "We weren't at the races. It's probably the quietest I've been as well. "I keep saying to myself, should I be the way I am on the touchline, very vocal and getting on to the players, expecting them to give me this and that? "I was quiet on Tuesday but it was one of those nights, when it wouldn't have mattered how much I shouted. "I've told them we've got to work hard because we are not winning games, and not playing well. "Even though I don't like saying it, you've got to take it and move on. "We need to pick ourselves up. We have to improve and be a lot better than we have been in the last two games." Notts are 10th in League Two and take on Crewe Alexandra at Meadow Lane on Saturday. Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

All the goodwill from Notts County's decent run of form, which saw them flying high in League Two, appears to have all but evaporated as the Magpies slipped to a second consecutive defeat, this time a 2-1 loss at Meadow Lane against Morecambe. Fresh from the painful 3-1 derby defeat at Mansfield Town last Saturday, it was hoped that it would just be a blip, but now the worry is that, much like last season, the Stags defeat will be the unravelling of County's season. The first goal in the rescheduled game came just after the quarter-hour mark through striker Tom Barkhuizen, a volley that squeezed under Adam Collin from Michael Rose's cross. John Sheridan's hopes of getting back into the game then crumbled 10 minutes into the second half when the referee spotted a handball in the area. Barkhuizen took responsibility for the spot kick and rifled the ball down the middle to put the visitors two goals up, much to the chagrin of all the Notts fans at the Lane. Vadaine Oliver scored his first goal in a Magpies shirt in injury time, but it proved too little too late as the Shrimps held out, former Nottingham Forest keeper Barry Roche in inspired form for the visitors. The result sees Notts slip to 10th in the table, but another home game awaits as Crewe Alexandra visit NG2 at the weekend. Share your thoughts about this game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County boss John Sheridan is looking for a good response from his players against Morecambe tonight. The Magpies enjoyed a good run prior to last week's derby at Mansfield Town but were brought back down to earth with a 3-1 defeat. Sheridan told reporters at a press conference: "I've tried to forget about it as much as I can. I am still disappointed obviously especially for the supporters. "Last season was on people's minds so I wanted to go there and pay them back. I wanted to win the game and get three points, but it wasn't to be. "The biggest downer was the way we played. Even though I thought we were the better team in the first half and created good chances, I didn't think we played well at all. "We possibly should have been 2-0 up and I felt the game was there for the taking. We ended up losing 3-1 and the manner of the goals we conceded were very poor. "I hope I get a response. I don't think we deserved to lose the game on Saturday and I was disappointed for the supporters because it's bragging rights. "But when we have lost games, we have responded well. "Like I say, I have a good group of lads. I didn't dwell on it too much. I told them after the game exactly how I felt and I expressed that to the media too. "I don't want to keep going on about it, but luckily we have another game and a chance to respond. "It's the first of two home games we have this week, so I want a good response from them." Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County captain Michael O'Connor is hoping to shake off a groin problem in time for the rescheduled home game against Morecambe. The Northern Irishman missed Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Mansfield Town and will be assessed by boss John Sheridan, who has no new major injury worries. Stanley Aborah could continue in midfield if O'Connor misses out again, while Adam Collin recovered from illness to play the full 90 minutes at the weekend and should resume in goal. Midfielder Curtis Thompson remains sidelined with an ankle injury as Notts bid to climb back into the top seven following their setback at Field Mill. Morecambe's Alex Kenyon will be sidelined for three months due to knee ligament damage. The midfielder tore his medial ligament in last week's EFL Trophy win against Stoke City and will be out until after Christmas. Defender Michael Rose will return to contention after missing Saturday's home defeat to Carlisle due to a one-game ban. Midfielder Aaron Wildig and Dean Winnard remain doubtful after they too sustained injuries against Stoke and missed out at the weekend. Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County winger Alex Rodman has claimed that, while the derby defeat to Mansfield Town was disappointing, fans should look at the bigger picture in League Two. The Magpies lost 3-1 to their local rivals at Field Mill on Saturday, but a win over Morecambe on Tuesday night will put them joint fourth in the table. "Derbies are one-off games and they mean a lot to both sides, but I don't think it's going to have an impact on us overall in terms of the season," Rodman told reporters. "I think we are in a good vein of form and despite losing here, we will kick on and hopefully we will do that on Tuesday against Morecambe. "It's never nice to lose 3-1, but we have two homes games now coming up. "We've been on a really good run and the derby game probably came at the wrong time. "The atmosphere and the game is so hyped, but it's one of those things. We will put it behind us and move on." The Stags loss ended a run of four straight away wins in the league for John Sheridan's team. Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County manager John Sheridan has ripped into his side for throwing the game away after losing 3-1 at local rivals Mansfield Town on Saturday. The Magpies spurned a number of chances in the first half as the Stags drew first blood in the second half through Matt Green. Despite Alex Rodman's equaliser, Green's late penalty and Darius Henderson's injury-time cherry on top left Notts reeling in yet another derby defeat. Sheridan told reporters: “I am very disappointed to lose the game and the manner of the goals we gave away was ridiculous and is beating me up. “It is ridiculous how we’ve conceded three goals here today and we need to sort it out quickly. “I said to them at half-time the game is there for you if you want it, raise your tempo, go and win it. “But Mansfield came out second half and played a bit more in our face. “My team talk today was if you win today you’re in the top three with a game in hand. If someone was telling me that and it was there to aim for that’s all you need. “Players are a different breed today, and we need to get someone who is going to be ugly for an hour and a half, get on people’s backs for an hour and a half instead of just listening to me all the time as I am getting sick of saying it. “We have thrown that game away. We gave ourselves a lifeline with the goal, but I just can’t condone the goals we are conceding. “We should have gone in 2-0 up at half-time, but sometimes you don’t take them and it comes back to bite you on the backside. “It was a lethargic performance and the tempo was too slow first half, even though we were in control. “I am gutted for the supporters. We had a big following and it was a big game for them. “It was an absolute disgrace of a penalty to give away. It’s just about reacting quickly instead of delaying. Fortunately we’d got away with one before. “I want to get out the division this season. I want us to be a good team that people talk about. "I don’t want people to see us conceding soft goals. I don’t want to be sitting 10th or just doing better than we did last season. “I think we are a good enough team to do well, but not conceding goals like that. “Luckily we have a game on Tuesday and on Saturday, two home games, and if we can get six points from them, it will be a bit of comeback.” Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County were left to rue a host of missed chances as they were beaten 3-1 by Mansfield Town in Saturday's derby at Field Mill. The Magpies began brightly and came close to scoring within the first 20 minutes as, 10 minutes in, Jonathan Forte cut in from the right and forced goalkeeper Scott Shearer to turn the ball onto the near post and out for a corner. In the 18th minute, the home side failed to clear a free-kick and Jon Stead turned well to fire goalwards, only for Stags captain Lee Collins to head off the line. Despite their first-half pressure, Notts were level at the break and, on 54 minutes, substitute Matt Green scored with his first touch when he reached a Pat Hoban knockdown in the box and saw his effort find the net off a deflection off Richard Duffy. It seemed like John Sheridan's charges had rescued a point when Alex Rodman scored with another deflected finish from a Vadaine Oliver ball eight minutes from time. But in the 90th minute, Matt Tootle tripped Mal Benning in the box and Green dispatched the penalty high into the top-left corner to register his brace and put Mansfield within touching distance of a win. In fact, there was still time for fellow sub Darius Henderson to outmuscle two defenders in the box and steer home his first goal for the club. The result means that County's run of four straight away wins has been brought crashing to a halt. Share your thoughts about this game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Nottinghamshire rivals Notts County and Mansfield Town have met 47 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). Out of the 44 games, Notts have the upper hand with 18 wins, 16 defeats, and 13 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 pretty average, standing at three wins, three 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 last fixture was particularly painful for Notts as they were routed 5-0 at Field Mill - their worst defeat against Mansfield in their history. 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. Betting odds As the home side, most bookies are favouring Mansfield to win, with odds of around 6/5 and 5/4 for a Stags victory. This is despite them being 14th in League Two and without a league win since August. Notts, meanwhile, are in the region of 11/5 for a win, while a draw is also around 11/5 - generous odds for an in-form team who have won five of their last seven league games. Find out the latest betting odds between Mansfield and Notts. Team News Jack Thomas and Kyle Howkins could return to the Mansfield Town squad for the derby visit of Notts County. Midfielder Thomas and centre-half Howkins have only returned to full training this week after recovering from groin and hamstring injuries respectively. However, Stags boss Adam Murray has not ruled out the possibility of either of them being involved in Saturday lunchtime's clash. Alex Iacovitti, on loan from Nottingham Forest, will miss out once more as he is still away on Scotland Under-21 duty. Notts will check on the fitness of captain Michael O'Connor and goalkeeper Adam Collin. The former sustained a minor groin injury last week while the latter had to withdraw from the warm-up at Rochdale ahead in the EFL Trophy due to illness. Stanley Aborah is likely to come into central midfield should O'Connor miss out while Scott Loach is ready to fill in should Collin remain absent. Magpies manager John Sheridan's only other concern is Curtis Thompson, who is still coming back from an ankle injury. Share your thoughts about Saturday's big derby on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County forward Jon Stead has been named the Sky Bet League Two Player of the Month for September. The 33-year-old has bagged five goals in as many games to take his season’s tally to nine. Notts County manager John Sheridan told reporters: “He’s played a massive part for us so far this season. "To be fair to him, he’s made a lot of the goals himself. We know he’s got that ability - he’s played at a high level for most of his career and I’m very pleased to have him in my team. “I’m very pleased for him that he’s won it - it’s recognition for his really good start to the season." Stead, whose current scoring spell is his best since playing at Huddersfield in 2003-04, said: “I’m very happy - I’ve had a decent month and scored goals. "Sometimes, especially with managers, you can get this award and then things go horribly wrong! Hopefully there’s no curse involved and I can carry on scoring. “It’s nice to be recognised across the division. I think the last one I got was at Huddersfield, so it’s only taken me another 13 years to get one!" Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

So the time has come once again to look forward to a heated derby between Notts County and Mansfield Town, their biggest rivals in the division. As with all derbies, the two league fixtures between rivals will tend to stand out in any given season - even a poor campaign for a team can retain some pride if they have claimed good results over their rivals. The 2015-16 season will go down as one of County's most miserable in history - high expectations quickly turned to relegation worries, turmoil behind the scenes, and many fans simply proclaiming they could take no more, especially given the rot that preceded in the previous two years. And of course we have the derby results. Who could forget those? Neither Notts nor Mansfield fans, that's the answer - but for completely different reasons. The Ricardo Moniz hype was swiftly brought down by the Stags' 2-0 win over the Magpies at Meadow Lane in August 2015, and the Dutchman never really recovered from that. Then we have 16 April 2016, one of the darkest days in Notts' history, when they went down 5-0 to their rivals at Field Mill. Sure, there was a Johnstone's Paint Trophy win in there too, but let's face it, they're not taken particularly seriously, so as signals of progress and intent, it's all about the league fixtures. The harsh reality is that Notts have not beaten Mansfield in the league since 2005 (seven fixtures came and went since then, to be precise) which is not good form at all. However, things seem to be much different now. In John Sheridan, Notts have a good no-nonsense manager who, despite a few teething problems, has done a good job of getting the club competing on the pitch again - and results have been coming too. I would go as far as to say that the Magpies are better placed to go into a derby than they ever have, so for the first time in a while, I am feeling positive of us getting a good result at Field Mill. Share your thoughts about this column on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Mark Crossley has pledged to help take Notts County back to "where it belongs" as he targets a promotion challenge this season. The Magpies are flying high in League Two, having won five of their last seven games, and optimism is higher at Meadow Lane than it has been for a while. Crossley, Sheridan's right-hand man at Notts, is up for the challenge of rescuing the club from the doldrums of the fourth tier. "The club certainly shouldn't be where it is (in League Two)," the Barnsley-born ex-goalkeeper said. "The club is too big – you don't get this kind of set-up at this level. So it's our job to try to take it back where it belongs. We are trying to do that. "But first things first, we are trying to stabilise and get a squad together that can challenge, then we can move on from there." Up next for Notts is Saturday's derby at Mansfield Town - an early kickoff - before taking on Morecambe in Tuesday's rescheduled fixture. Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

John Sheridan has bemoaned Notts County's defending in Tuesday's EFL Trophy tie at Rochdale, but insists he can take good things from the game. Jonathan Forte put the Magpies ahead at Spotland but two second-half goals from the hosts gave them the spoils. "We've had some good chances especially in the second half, but I am really disappointed with the goals we conceded," Sheridan said. "It's just people making the wrong decision at the wrong time. "They had a five to 10 minute spell when they got the advantage. "But I thought we responded really well and created some good opportunities to get back in the game. "I thought we played well. I don't like losing, but I can take good things from the game." Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County have succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Rochdale in their EFL Trophy Group F clash at Spotland. The Magpies took the lead in the 25th minute when a free-kick from the right was turned goalwards by Haydn Hollis and saved by Josh Lillis, but in the scramble that followed, the ball was bundled over the line by Jonathan Forte. John Sheridan's side took their one-goal lead into half time, but Dale began the second half more brightly and grabbed an equaliser just after the hour mark. A Steven Davies header was blocked out to the edge of the area and picked up by Oliver Rathbone, who picked out Davies on the left of the area with a measured pass. Davies then found space to square the ball for Sanmi Odelusi who slid in to direct the ball home. From then on Rochdale turned the screw and were ahead seven minutes later when a long ball into the box was pulled down by Davies and he slotted beyond goalkeeper Scott Loach. Notts tried desperately to claw back another goal that would have forced penalties, but the hosts held firm and secured the win. Share your thoughts about this game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Mark Crossley insists that the EFL Trophy should not be seen as a waste of time, claiming that the opportunity to play at Wembley makes the tournament worthwhile. The competition has been under criticism by fans for the inclusion of Premier League academy teams this year. However, the Notts County assistant manager is treating it seriously, and wants his players to treat tonight's game at Rochdale with respect. "We want to win the game it's as simple as that," he told reporters. "The game against Hartlepool down here showed that it was the start of something good for us. "It was our first win at home so we always take it very seriously. "I have been with a manager who has won this competition (in John Sheridan at Chesterfield), so when you get to the semi-final and the final, it's special. "You get to play at Wembley so what more do lads at this level want?" Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County and Rochdale have met a total of 40 times over the years, with the first meeting coming on the 10th December 1949. During this FA Cup clash at Spotland, the Magpies triumphed 2-1. The last meeting between the two was on 17 March 2015, a League One clash at Meadow Lane which Notts lost 2-1. Our record over the years is impressive though - 17 wins, 13 draws and 10 defeats. Rochdale AFC was formed in 1907, and in their entire history, they have only ever switched divisions six times. They have had three promotions and three relegations, with promotion coming in 1969, 2010 and 2014, while relegation came in 1959, 1974 and 2012. The club reached the League Cup final in 1962 – the first time a club from the bottom league division has reached the final of a major competition – where they lost to Norwich City. Rochdale played 36 consecutive seasons in the Football League's bottom division from 1974 to 2010, the longest time any team has been in the bottom division of the League, with some even derisively renaming it "the Rochdale Division". The club have the lowest average position of all the clubs which have existed continuously in the Football League since its expansion to four divisions in 1921–22 (76th), and since its expansion to 92 clubs in 1950–51 (79th). Additionally, they share with Hartlepool United the distinction of having played the most seasons in the Football League without ever reaching the top two tiers (82 seasons through 2009–10). Rochdale play their home matches at Spotland, which has a capacity of 10,249. The stadium was built exclusively for the Dale in 1920, but since 1988 the ground has been jointly owned by the football club, Rochdale Council and Rochdale Hornets. --- Notts County are expected to make several changes to the team for the EFL Trophy trip to Rochdale. Competition rules state that six players who started the abandoned game against Morecambe on Saturday must play. Assistant boss Mark Crossley nonetheless wants the fringe players to give it their all and put themselves in contention for a starting spot in the derby against Mansfield Town. "This is a chance for them to give the manager a problem to pick a team for Saturday," he said. Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.