Joe Jones

So, here we are. The cup competitions have gifted us with a fantastic tie against one of the big Premiership teams for the second time in three years. After the double header against eventual FA Cup winners Manchester City, Notts County prepare to travel to none other than Liverpool, one of the most successful and best supported clubs in England, for a League Cup Second Round tie. Liverpool need no introduction. Their history is illustrious and trophy-laden. They have won the league a massive 18 times - though it is best not to mention they've never won it under its current format. The Premier League - the FA Cup seven times, the UEFA Cup three times, and the pinnacle of European football, the European Cup / Champions' League five times. Most crucially for Notts, they are the most successful side in the League Cup, having won it eight times. It's a competition they thrive in. All of the above makes it sound like a tall order for Notts County. To knock out a side of such pedigree in the second round would send shockwaves throughout the footballing world. Notts, though, have played several big teams in the last couple of years, and the majority of the time, have given a very good account of themselves. We were ten minutes away from a famous win against Man City in 2011, held Juventus to a 1-1 draw in the Juventus Arena later on that year, and against Galatasaray, lost out only to a final-minute howitzer from World Cup finalist and Treble-winning Wesley Sneijder. So they should be able to step up their game and give it a good go. They'll have to, after the display against Stevenage. Liverpool are in good form at the moment. They've won both their Premiership games 1-0 and have plenty of players that are in top form, such as Daniel Sturridge, who scored against Villa. The Reds are expected to field a second-tier side, however, but this doesn't lessen the threat for the Magpies. Raheem Sterling's recent display against the Scotland Under 21s was nothing short of scintillating, while Fabio Borini netted twice against Manchester United U21s a week ago. Iago Aspas had a marvellous pre-season, netting four and assisting three, and the veteran Martin Skrtel is expected to line up in defence. All in all this will prove a difficult game for Notts, but as I mentioned before, if the players can give it all they've got on the day, then who's to say we can't at least give them a scare? COYP!

Four league games into the season, Notts County still have just one point to their name, after a toothless, substandard performance against Stevenage FC at Meadow Lane. In a match where both teams struggled to gain a foothold into the game, the Hertfordshire side pounced on a defensive error to score in the final minute, courtesy of James Dunne. As has been mentioned here before, a curious refereeing performance hindered Notts on occasions, but they should have come away with at least a point against lacklustre opposition. The Magpies recalled Gary Liddle to defence, after his three-match ban for his sending off in the season opener against Sheffield United. The side was slightly weakened, however, as Alan Sheehan, Dean Leacock and Danny Haynes were all missing. Greg Tempest, Manny Smith and Adam Coombes were in the starting XI in their place. The first meaningful action of the game involved the Stevenage goalkeeper, Chris Day, handling the ball outside his box after a long punt by Notts keeper Bartosz Bialkowski which was within the reaches of Coombes. Normally warranting a red card, Day wasn't punished. Not long after, David Bell's free kick caused havoc in the Stevenage box, pinballing into the path of Liddle, but his volley wasn't a problem for Day. On twenty minutes, Tempest's good cross fell to Yoann Arquin, but he failed to control and Day once again saved. The covering left-back provided another good cross on 25, but Roarie Deacon did well to flick it away. On 33 minutes, Stevenage finally threatened, Robin Shroot firing a 30-yard shot which was easily saved. Four minutes later, Bart was finally called into action, Darius Charles' curled shot being acrobatically palmed away. Up until then, Notts had been huffing and puffing, without quite blowing the defences away. Just before the interval, Callum McGregor and Shroot, for Notts and Stevenage respectively, fired over the opposition crossbars. After the fifteen-minute break, in which yours truly checked the football results to see whether his accumulators were holding up, a cigarette in the designated smoking area and the purchase and consumption of one of the very tasty Cornish pasties from the catering section, the game restarted with Notts nearly taking the lead, a Liddle header nearly falling to Coombes, before Jon Ashton headed over his own crossbar and to safety. After a couple more half-chances, Charles split the Notts defence wide open, allowing Shroot a one-on-one opportunity against Bart. However, he and Liddle did enough to thwart the danger. On 72, Jeremy Balmy made his debut, in place of Adam Coombes. The referee, regularly calling fouls on seemingly innocuous Notts challenges while letting Stevenage tugs and tackles slide, kept incurring the ire of the home fans in the Kop, the chants reaching a nadir when Mark Fotheringham was booked for dissent. Notts continued to push for a goal, but the vast majority of play was conducted through the wings as opposed to midfield, and virtually every cross was deflected away from goal by the Stevenage defence. Balmy, in particular, may have not been ready yet for the first team, for he made several mistakes in the final third. Stevenage are known for being a bogey team for Notts in recent years, and sadly for the sanity and blood pressure of the home faithful, this trend continued when Shroot's ball took a deflection and fell to Dunne, who converted from close range in the final minute. One of the most frustrating performances I have seen from Notts, there are things which need to be addressed urgently, because I do not wish to be supporting a League Two team next season. More cohesion is needed, less focus on single players - Bell was the key man today, and even though he was good, we cannot rely on one player all the time - and more care and thought needs to go in the substitutions, because today they were not very well executed.

A determined Notts finally got their first point of the season as they battled to a 1-1 draw away at the Banks's Stadium against Walsall. Romaine Sawyers opened the scoring at the start of the second half, before substitute Yoann Arquin levelled with just over fifteen minutes to go. However, controversy reigned as Arquin had a perfectly good goal not given, and another given offside, both late in the second half. Chris Kiwomya reinstated Manny Smith to the heart of defence, the ex-Saddler back from his suspension, so Alan Sheehan and Mustapha Dumbuya were back to their rightful full-back positions. Tempest was on the bench after his game at left-back last week. Notts started brightly, Danny Haynes firing a shot within the first minute which flew across the face of goal. At the other end, Ashley Hemmings attempted a chip, but it was well-blocked. A lot happening within the first few minutes, a mistake by Mal Benning allowed Enoch Showunmi to thread through to Jamal Campbell-Ryce, whose shot was rather innocuous, before, again at the other end, ex-Notts player Craig Westcarr failed to control the ball properly after rounding Bartosz Bialkowski. The lively start continued with Sawyers fouling Joss Labadie on the fifth minute, giving Notts a free-kick 25 yards out. Labadie fired a powerful shot which was skilfully saved by Richard O'Donnell. The Notts midfielder would get booked just three minutes later, his reprisal on Sawyers sending him into the book. More half chances continued to come the way of both teams, before Callum McGregor came very close to opening the scoring, but the Walsall keeper managed to get just enough on the ball to prevent this. The fouls and subsequent free kicks kept coming, with Westcarr coming under particular scrutiny from the Notts defenders, but the middle period of the second half didn't see anything more concrete materialise. Dean Leacock also went into the book after half an hour for getting one too many fouls in after Westcarr was targeted again. Towards the latter end of the first half, Danny Haynes received a knock and was subbed off, to be replaced by ex-Chelsea forward Adam Coombes. The half ended with a cracking chance to put Notts 1-0 up, again by Scottish starlet McGregor, with an effort which sailed just over the bar. Sadly, as with other games this season, Notts found themselves at the end of a sucker-punch, because within the first few minutes of the second half, Walsall found themselves 1-0 up, Sawyers' powerful right-foot attempt from 25 yards beating Bart on 49 minutes. A shell-shocked Notts struggled to pick themselves up from this setback, as Westcarr and Hemmings added to the Walsall chances within a few minutes. Just before the hour, Mark Fotheringham had a good attempt to equalise, but his shot went wide. Westcarr countered with a good run and shot for Walsall which shook the net - from the back luckily. David Bell's introduction, in place of JCR, seemed to invigorate the team, as Notts pushed on in a bid to get this equaliser. Bell had several cracking chances on 64 and 68 minutes, which gave the travelling Notts fans a bit of a kick-start after the setback. Better was to come for the Magpies, as substitute Arquin, who scored the equaliser against the Saddlers six months ago, repeated this feat by levelling the score with a close-range header. Credit goes to Sheehan for providing a great cross from the left wing. As the invigorated Notts fans called for a winner, a controversial goalmouth incident took place on the Walsall goalmouth, as Arquin beat O'Donnell to a header and it looked to have gone in, but the linesman didn't give it. In injury time, Arquin again had the ball in the net, but this was given as offside, and as a result, the game finished 1-1. A hard-earned away point as Notts finally take themselves off nul points, but what will it be made of the disallowed goals at the end of the second half?

This Saturday Notts will make the relatively short trip to the Black Country to take on Walsall at the Banks's Stadium. The Magpies have started the season badly, losing both league games against Sheffield United and Peterborough, while the Saddlers have a 100% record so far in competitive football this season, winning both their league games and their Capital One cup tie. Furthermore, Walsall haven't yet lost a competitive game at home this calendar year - their last loss was on Tuesday 13th November 2012, crashing out to Lincoln City in the FA Cup Second round. Their defeat to Swindon Town a week before was their last loss in the league. The head to head record doesn't reveal much - the last game between Notts and Walsall was just six months ago, when the teams shared points in a 1-1 draw at the Banks Stadium. The reverse at Meadow Lane, in August 2012, saw the Saddlers win 1-0. The 2011/12 season, however, saw Notts defeat Walsall twice in the league. In addition, the West Midlands team haven't beaten Notts at home since 2006. The player to watch for Walsall is winger James Baxendale. Having recently signed a three-year deal at the club, he is full of confidence at the moment, and his last two games saw him scoring in each. Meanwhile Craig Westcarr, the ex-Notts player, netted a brace against Tranmere in the season opener, and always relishes encounters against his old club. Both team have relatively full squads to pick from, with Manny Smith back for Notts after his suspension. Gary Liddle, who received a straight red in the first game of the season, will have completed his suspension after today. Walsall, meanwhile, have defender Andy Taylor on the sick list, still recovering from an injury. Even though it's early days, Notts crucially need to get points on board sooner rather than later, but Walsall are in form and may provide a stern challenge. My prediction: a 1-1 draw. Joe Jones

Notts County were on the receiving end of a 4-2 beating today as Peterborough United's experienced strikeforce cut through the Magpies' makeshift defence on various occasions. The Notts defence, missing Gary Liddle and Manny Smith, saw Alan Sheehan playing centre back and young Greg Tempest at left back. Chris Kiwomya opted for the 4-4-2 formation which worked well in the 3-2 win against Fleetwood in midweek, Danny Haynes and Enoch Showunmi lining up front together. Notts began brightly, winning a corner within the first two minutes, but at the other end, a dangerous Peterborough tested Bartosz Bialkowski just two minutes later, the Pole reacting superbly to deflect the shot with his legs. A high-octane start to the match continued with a shot by Jamal Campbell-Ryce, who fired a threatening shot from outside the Posh box, before the Posh came raging back at the other end, Britt Assombalonga claiming a penalty as he fell in the box, but this wasn't given. Notts then threatened again, Callum McGregor and Tempest combining to set up JCR for a long-range shot which was deflected to safety. On eleven minutes, Haynes was brought down by Posh captain Tommy Rowe outside the box, but Sheehan's free kick was off the mark. Further shots were traded between the two teams, before Notts finally broke the deadlock, Magpies skipper Dean Leacock powering a header into the Posh net. 1-0 to Notts, credit going to Mustapha Dumbuya for the pinpoint cross which was brilliantly converted by Deano. Unfortunately, this lead wasn't to last more than a few minutes, as Peterborough, awoken from their semi-slumber, stepped it up a gear, Tommy Rowe converting the corner after Grant McCann's attempt was saved by Bart. The next ten minutes would be all Posh, as an Assombalonga goal was blown offside, while Tyrone Barnett also threatened with a back-post header. The pendulum would swing County's way for the final five or so minutes, as McGregor came close twice. However, half-time would be deadlocked at 1-1. The second half saw Notts step up the pressure once again as they did in the latter stages of the second half, Haynes, Enoch Showunmi and JCR coming close, but then came the sucker punch: Peterborough managed to break, and from the counter-attack, completely split the Notts defence, and a virtually unmarked Barnett tucked it away past Sheehan and underneath Bart. 2-1. Things were to get worse as a Lee Tomlin was fouled in the box by Mark Fotheringham, and a penalty was gifted to Posh. McCann stepped up, and to add insult to injury, fired a beautifully chipped shot which Antonin Panenka and Andrea Pirlo would have been proud of. 3-1 Posh, Notts with a mountain to climb. Outrageously, a cast-iron penalty appeal, which was clearly handed in the area, was turned down, which incensed both the Notts crowd, who rang with some of the loudest boos heard in a long time at Meadow Lane, and the players, who made their disbelief vehemently clear to the referee. And to compound Notts' misery, a mis-hit header by Tempest, who had been impressive and solid all game, gifted possession to Assombalonga, who had an easy run on goal before firing past Bart. 4-1, a crushing scoreline reflective of the Magpies' makeshift defence and the powerful Posh strikeforce. Notts did eventually pull a goal back, as Gabriel Zakuani handled in the area, this instance being seen and awarded by the referee, and Yoann Arquin converted to make the scoreline a bit more respectable. 4-2 was how the game would end. The Notts performance wasn't at all deserving of such a battering scoreline, but defensive mistakes cost us dear. It is hoped that this kind of scoreline is merely an exception, and once Manny Smith and Gary Liddle return, with Sheehan restored to left-back, this won't happen again.

Notts County made it to the second round of the League Cup for the first time in three years with a nervy 3-2 win against Fleetwood Town. The Lancashire side took the lead and were on top in the first 25 minutes, but the Magpies equalised with a superb Enoch Showunmi header. They added two more superb goals in the second half, but David Ball's last-minute goal made for a tense finish. Another sour point was the sending off of Manny Smith, who will now miss the Peterborough game. Chris Kiwomya began the game with a 4-4-2 formation, Smith replacing the suspended Gary Liddle, and Greg Tempest and debutant Callum McGregor also in the starting eleven. Notts enjoyed a bright start, winning a corner within the first two minutes, and just four minutes later, nearly scored, but for an awkward bounce taking the ball too far away from Enoch Showunmi. At the other end, Tempest bravely blocked a goalbound shot, before bombing down at the other end and forcing another corner, courtesy of a deflected cross. Two corners in the first seven minutes were promising signs, and attempts from Danny Haynes and Showunmi in the following few minutes further emphasised Notts' intent to win this game. One of the main talking points about this game was the return of ex-Notts midfielder Hughes to Meadow Lane, and he made his presence felt with a good one-two before heading towards the box, but Smith charged him down. Sadly, Notts' early pressure couldn't stop Fleetwood from drawing first blood. On sixteen minutes, Gareth Evans coolly and skilfully chipped the ball over Bartosz Bialkowski after beating Smith. Notts, for the second time in two games deflated after quarter of an hour, pushed on for an equaliser, Joss Labadie's ambitious free-kick sailing over the bar, but the visitors piled on the pressure for a good ten minutes as they had their eyes on consolidating their lead. Much like a pendulum, however, the momentum then suddenly swung Notts County's way. On 25 minutes, Haynes headed wide after Showunmi's flick from Mustapha Dumbuya's throw. Just two minutes later, the provider then attempted a header of his own. Again, wide. However, the third headed chance in quick succession finally yielded that crucial equaliser for Notts, as new kid McGregor's brilliant ball was stunningly converted by Showunmi. The provider and scorer combined again to great effect as, on 33 minutes, the Celtic loanee's pass to Showunmi was crossed into the Fleetwood half and very nearly led to an own goal, courtesy of Mark Roberts. Just a minute later, the same man very nearly succeeded in lobbing the Fleetwood keeper, much to the surprise of Notts fans who hadn't been used to this much confidence and pomp from the Nigerian international in the previous season. He even showed off some showboating skills! Soon after, Haynes managed to steal some of Showunmi's thunder by powering in a second goal, a classic poacher's goal and his first for the Magpies, after Mark Fotheringham's cross and Labadie's post-rebounding effort. Fleetwood threatened first in the second half, Antoni Sarcevic's shot going wide of the left-hand post, but Notts countered with the excellent Tempest nearly combining with Labadie for a potential chance. The pendulum would swing towards Fleetwood again, a half chance coming on 52 minutes, before Bart's great save from a Matty Blair shot just a few minutes later, going down low to thwart the opposition player. On 56 minutes, an unfair challenge by Smith on Sarcevic led to his booking, the second Magpies yellow of the game (first came to Labadie for a tackle on the old boy in the first half) but his free kick was blocked and cleared. Notts eventually got a third to ease pressure on the Magpies players and fans, the superb debutant McGregor curling a fantastic left-footed effort into the net. One assist and one goal for the Celtic loanee, you can't ask for much more on your debut! The final ten minutes were nerve-wracking for Notts, however. Smith's challenge on David Ball was deemed worthy of a second yellow by the referee, and so Liddle's replacement walked. A second Notts defender to be sent off in the space of two games. In the 88th minute, the comfortable 3-1 scoreline was suddenly made a lot more precarious by David Ball's right-footed shot from inside the box, which pierced the Notts net. 3-2 with injury time beckoning. Fleetwood, invigorated by the goal and sensing an opportunity to equalise against a Notts side now increasingly beset by nerves, pushed on, and very nearly scored on a number of occasions, but Bart, showing how indispensable he is to the club, came out on top, saving from Ryan Crowther's dead-cert shot. Tempest and Dean Leacock also contributed with great clearances and blocks, before, to the delight of the Notts fans, the final whistle blew, and Notts County were in the second round of the League Cup for the first time in three years!

Notts County’s first game of the season ended in defeat after Gary Liddle’s sending off in the first quarter of an hour allowed a strong Sheffield United side to earn a narrow 2-1 win at Bramall Lane. Chris Kiwomya, in his first full season with the Magpies, had a virtually full-strength squad at his disposal, giving debuts to Mustapha Dumbuya, Danny Haynes and Mark Fotheringham. Within the first minute, the Blades were given a free kick, which was taken by Jamie Murphy. Bartosz Bialkowski had to get his hands on it, but it wasn’t especially threatening. Just a few minutes later, Fabien Brandy fell in the box under a challenge, but the penalty appeal was waved away by the referee. Murphy once again tried his luck in the seventh minute; Notts giving the ball away too regularly for the travelling fans’ liking, but his shot was fluffed wide, while a minute later, Kevin McDonald’s through-ball was just a tad too heavy for Brandy, Bart coming out to collect. Notts eventually got their act together and managed to force the first corner of the game in the eleventh minute, Jamal Campbell-Ryce’s cross being cleared behind, which was very nearly converted by Haynes, were it not for a good stop by Blades keeper George Long. However, any hope of building momentum was thwarted when, shortly afterwards, Gary Liddle was spectacularly sent off for a high tackle on McDonald. More recklessness than malice, there still weren’t too many complaints as the referee produced a straight red for the Notts defender. Terrible error of judgement for the Magpies’ Mr Reliable, who played every single minute of every single league game last season. A panicking Notts soon lost all their momentum, as the Blades began to assert themselves over the game, enjoying over two thirds of possession in the first half hour or so. Chances came from Murphy, Stephen McGinn and Brandy, with another Blades penalty appeal being turned down, before the imminent breakthrough eventually came, courtesy of McDonald’s finish, helped by Brandy and Darryl Westlake. Notts had their moments in the first half, notably a Joss Labadie diving header from a free kick which went just wide, despite little pressure from the United defenders, and the team and fans felt hard done by after Haynes received a kick from Neil Collins, but aside from those, it was clearly all Blades. Brandy in particular was being a real thorn in the side for the Magpies. The half ended somewhat favourably to Notts, given they could have been several goals down. As it was, just the one goal difference, but there would be plenty of work to be done to try and address this deficit. No changes made by either side at half time, and service resumed somewhat after the return whistle, McDonald’s effort on 47 minutes forcing a good low save out of Bart. Just two minutes later, the midfielder attempted a shot from 25 yards, going just wide. After dishing out yellow cards to Brandy and Mark Fotheringham for both teams, Chris Porter nearly doubled the Sheffield lead twice. The first time he blazed the ball over from just six yards out, and just two minutes later, his failure to react in time to a ball whizzing across the face of the Notts goal meant it was still 1-0. The Blades would come to regret those missed chances, because Notts equalised in spectacular fashion. Just two minutes after taking the field in the place of Yoann Arquin, a stray ball fall to Enoch Showunmi, and lashed it into the bottom corner from over 20 yards out. An absolute beast of a strike, which surprised everybody. Sadly, less than ten minutes passed before the Blades were in front again. An innocuous Notts challenge was penalised by the referee, and the awarded free kick was headed in by Harry Maguire. An injury to Michael Doyle, the United skipper, caused a delay on 77 minutes, before a powerful free kick taken by Taylor was comfortably saved on 80. Towards the final ten minutes, Notts nearly equalised in spectacular fashion again, as Fotheringham lashed a dangerous volley from over 30 yards out. Sadly, it didn’t smash into the net like Showunmi’s effort did, and that was pretty much it for the Magpies, as the Blades saw the game out while nearly scoring a third. A good effort from Chris Kiwomya’s side, but sadly Gary Liddle’s sending off was critical and had a major impact on the Magpies’ chances.

So far four writers have written their thoughts on last season, they've included a prediction for the final finishes also. Here's Joe J's final standings, it's a very hard league to predict now and as you can see he's go for Shrewsbury, Colchester, Stevenage and Gillingham to lose their places within the Sky Bet League One. Bristol City and Sheffield United have gained automatic promotion, whilst the play-offs contain a surprise. It will be fun to compare how each writer is doing mid season and no doubt even more so at the end! Enjoy catching up on others. You Pies! 1 Bristol City 2 Sheffield United ------------------------------------ 3 Rotherham 4 Wolverhampton Wanderers 5 Bradford City 6 Preston North End ------------------------------------ 7 Peterborough United 8 NOTTS COUNTY 9 Oldham Athletic 10 Tranmere 11 Brentford 12 Crewe Alexandra 13 Leyton Orient 14 Walsall 15 Crawley Town 16 MK Dons 17 Swindon 18 Coventry 19 Carlisle 20 Port Vale ------------------------------------ 21 Gillingham 22 Stevenage 23 Colchester 24 Shrewsbury Please keep tuned for more! Compare | Notts-Joe - WeymouthPIE - ncfcdrapes - Super Ram - TonyHateley - Special Guest

So here we are, what originally felt like an eternity has finally come to an end, the season is due to start just this week! Finally, we will be able to see our beloved Magpies competitively once again! As has been mentioned before, last season followed the standard Notts template of recent years, that is hitting the ground running and being in the promotion places for the first couple of months, before running out of throttle towards November and finishing somewhere between upper-middle and mid-table. Last season fell apart a lot quicker than usual however, and though we rallied towards the end. However notching up a spectacular win against Doncaster away, it was too little too late. Where did it all go wrong then? Three things, in my humble opinion: the humiliating and morale-sapping FA Cup defeat to Rotherham, which left us short of much-needed funds for the second half of the season, Lee Hughes' departure, and the failure to replace him adequately. The results were clearly visible on the pitch - I lost count of the times I wrote about us having no penetration, no eye for goal and other similar phrases in the match reports. It was so frustrating, and despite our good rearguard, we just couldn't get those all-important goals in, which resulted in loss of points and, ultimately, the slide down the league table. Once the season was officially over, more trouble seemed on the horizon: Alan Judge, who carried the star player mantle once Hughesy left, departed himself, on a free transfer to first club Blackburn Rovers. Skipper Neal Bishop, so hard-working and inspirational for us, also left the club, and perhaps most embarassingly of all, Jeff Hughes left the Magpies for... Fleetwood Town of League 2. The message was clear for all: "Players would rather drop down a league than stay with Notts". However, things have recently turned a corner. We have managed to secure some impressive signings: Mustapha Dumbuya has international football experience, Mark Fotheringham was immense against Galatasaray, Danny Haynes is young and has a good goalscoring record, David Bell was a regular for Coventry City, and Andy Howarth is also showing promise despite previously negative reviews. In addition, Alan Sheehan deciding to stay on is very pleasing - aside from the fact he's a top player, it shows that maybe Notts County isn't that bad an option that players need to drop down a league to get more out of their careers! All in all, it's been a make-or-break pre-season for Notts, and the board and backroom staff seem to have handled it well. I'm feeling a lot more positive than I was just two months ago, that's for sure! As for a prediction, I'm going to play it safely and say we'll finish in the top half, but as we Meadow Lane faithful all know, even if we're ten points clear by the end of December, it doesn't matter, because if you're not in that position by the end of April, then it counts for nothing. So let's hope this season is an exception - in a good way - and we can maintain good form all the way until the end of the season, and then who knows!

Meanwhile, Danny Haynes, County's new striker, wasn't in the squad. Galatasaray also fielded a strong starting eleven, though the names on everyone's lips, marquee signings Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder, were on the bench. Francois Zoko made his presence felt on the fourth minute, his cross being headed clear, while Galatasaray's first venture into the Notts half was on the ninth minute, Gökhan Zan's header wide for the visitors. Just a minute earlier, "Number 22" delivered a fantastic, crunching tackle to win the ball, but this was harshly considered a foul. Albert Riera, previously of Liverpool, then stung Bart's hands with a powerful shot to his right. Emre Colak also tried his luck from range, his attempt narrowly evading the top-right corner on 18. Gary Liddle is certain to be instrumental for Notts this season, and his class showed as Umut Bulut's low shot was cleared off the line by Mr ELH. Yejta Kurtulus' rebound effort then smashed against the crossbar. The pressure mostly came from the Turkish side, as Engin Baytar's effort, after dispossessing Notts in a dangerous area, went wide. Riera took a free kick soon after, again to no avail. Interestingly, the referee blew the whistle out of the blue midway through the first half, purely to allow the players to rehydrate themselves. It was indeed a very hot and muggy day, not the best conditions for running miles across a pitch. Not long afterwards, the Galatasaray fans turned up the heat a little more, as they lit a flare in the Jimmy Sirrell stand. Very unusual scenes for a League One crowd to witness, as was the presence of Drogba and Sneijder warming up next to the Derek Pavis stand, to whoops of delight from the audience. Notts began threatening after the half hour point, with the front three of Zoko, Showunmi and Tyrell Waite causing trouble for the Cimbom defence. Joss Labadie was felled in the penalty area, but the referee waved play on. On 36, Zoko's pass nearly set up Showunmi for what would have been a certain goal, but this was successfully thwarted by former Arsenal player Emmanuel Eboue. The first half finished 0-0. The big two, Drogba and Sneijder, would be introduced to the game in the second 45, and within ten minutes, would be having an impact, Drogba's chance being heroically denied by home debutant Mustapha Dumbuya's last ditch block. The unthinkable then happened: Notts County, courtesy of Enoch Showunmi, took the lead against the Turkish Champions and Champions League-bound Galatasaray! Yes, it took a heavy deflection off defender Dany Nounkeu, but nevertheless, Notts County 1 - 0 Galatasaray! As the scoreboard provided a fine souvenir for all camera-holding Notts fans in the Pavis, the Turkish team set about trying to find an equaliser. In fact, it could have so nearly been 2-0, as young Romello Nangle, he of the Colchester debut goal and euphoric celebration i front of the Italian Magpies, fired a long-range howitzer which narrowly dipped over. On the 79th minute, however, came trouble. Striker Burak Yılmaz made the most of a miscued clearance to fire the ball past Bart, but Alan Sheehan's subsequent error of judgement resulted in him kicking the Notts keeper in the head instead of the ball. Cue a lengthy pause as the unlucky Pole was stretchered off after treatment. Evergreen Notts legend Kevin Pilkington replaced the injured Bart, Fabian Speiss being unavailable due to a knee injury, but the story wouldn't follow the Notts script of him saving several dead-cert shots before heroically stopping a Drogba penalty as Notts would go on to draw or even win against one of the giants of European football. Instead, the producers would officially approve the Galatasaray script, whereby Wesley Sneijder, he of the World Cup final appearance and treble-winning Inter squad coached by Jose Mourinho, ends up scoring a 25-yard stunner in the final minute to salvage the glory for the big team. The game finished 2-1, but the Notts players and staff can hold their heads high, only being undone because of a defensive lapse - nothing Kiwomya and his coaches can't fix - and a moment of magic from one of the finest players in the world in the last few years. Well done you Pies!

Born on the 12th October 1981 in Dublin, Ireland, Thompson began his football career with his local team River Valley Rangers, before joining Home Farm FC, a club famed for its illustrious youth system. During his time there, he was called up to the Irish Under-16 team, and helped the Boys in Green to a first UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship, defeating the mighty Italy in Scotland. At the age of seventeen, he signed for Forest, another team with a strong youth system, and by 2000 he had won another youth tournament, this time the Premier Academy League, as the captain of an Under-19 team including future Premier League mainstays as Andy Reid, Jermaine Jenas and Michael Dawson. His full debut for the Reds came in the 2001/02 season away at Sheffield United, and by the following season he was a valued member of the first team, starting 25 games in a strong team which also featured the likes of Marlon Harewood, David Johnson, and Wes Morgan. His impressive performances for Nottingham's second team led to an international call-up for the senior Ireland team, his first cap coming against Canada in 2003. This made him one of the few footballers in Irish history to represent his country at every level. In 2005, a knee injury against Sheffield United saw him sidelined until the end of the season, one which would end in Forest's relegation from the First Division. Although in fine form in the third division, even netting several goals along the way, several factors, including injuries and backroom instability, meant he would fall out of the first team picture. In the 2006/07 season, he went out on loan to Tranmere Rovers, performing well during two separate spells with the Lilywhites. In February 2007, a ligament injury saw Thompson out for six weeks, which, given his struggle to reclaim a first team place at Forest, came at the worst possible time. Indeed, the end of the season saw Forest release nine players, Thompson being one of them. The Irishman joined Oldham Athletic, but injuries restricted his appearances to twelve, three as a sub. Knowing he wouldn't be in the club's long term plans, he returned to Nottingham, hooking up with the Magpies in October 2008 for a month's loan. This would be extended for a further two months, as he slotted in perfectly in Notts' back four . In January 2009, he made the decision to sign for Notts permanently, agreeing to a two and a half year deal. His uncompromising defending and immense aerial presence meant he was an instant success. By the end of the season, he'd replaced Notts legend Mike Edwards as club captain, the club confirming he would remain skipper for the following season. As every Notts fan knows, the 2009/10 season was a very odd one, as the club was taken over by the mysterious Munto Finance and saw a media circus complete with some of English football's marquee names turn up at the Lane, playing great football and winning the title but always having the fear of uncertainty regarding the club's finances and future as it emerged the whole affair wasn't entirely legitimate. Thompson, along with other players like Ricky Ravenhill and Mike Edwards, were a bastion of stability and calm, however, and never let their guard or game down both on and off the field, as Notts emerged from the whole debacle relatively unscathed, Thompson lifting the championship trophy at the end of the season. The 2010/11 season was more of a struggle, as Notts struggled in League One on the final day of the season, but Thompson's contributions were nonetheless important. However, at the end of the season, his contract was not renewed, as new manager Martin Allen arrived at the Lane at the tail end of the season, and with him the intention to build his own team. Thompson was one of a contingent of players to be released, alongside other first team players such as Jon Harley and Liam Chilvers. Wishing to stay in Nottinghamshire, he chose to step down two divisions to join Mansfield Town, signing a two-year deal at Field Mill. Tipped by the Mansfield hierarchy to become an instant success, his life was suddenly turned upside down as his team faced local side Ilkeston Town FC in a pre-season friendly on the 3rd of August 2011. One member of their team, Gary Ricketts, had already caused injuries two of Mansfield's players, Ritchie Sutton and Martin Riley, before clashing with Thompson in the 68th minute. All three players had to be taken to hospital. Thompson suffered a broken nose, required nearly 60 stitches, damaged his shoulder and dislocated his finger. Even after recovering physically, so harrowing was the experience that he began having panic attacks and lost confidence on and off the pitch. Despite seeing a psychologist, he wasn't able to fully overcome his issues, and as a result, was forced to retire from the game at the young age of 31 in 2013. Since then, Thompson has qualified, and has been working as, a physiotherapist and personal trainer, and also does media work discussing the county's clubs. Share your thoughts about this Notts Alumni article on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. We at Pride of Nottingham want you to enjoy all our content for free. If you fancy helping us provide even better content, however, please consider contributing to PON by clicking here!

The 2009-10 season saw the Devon team retain Judge's services, and the rising star played 37 games, scoring five. Towards the end of the season, then Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce told the youngster he was surplus to requirements at the club, meaning he had to move again. On the 31st of August 2010, Alan Judge's spell at Notts County began, first joining on loan, then signing outright. For three years, the talented Irishman delighted Magpies fans with his impressive skills and his knack for scoring important and impressive goals, and soon had all clubs in the Football League talking. Judge's decision not to renew his contract is understandable, bearing in mind Notts County failed to win promotion and couldn't satiate the player's desire to grace the higher echelons of the league pyramid. Given Blackburn's recent troubles at the foot of the Championship, his decision to return to the Lancashire club in order to help them regain their rightful place in the top tier is noble and should be lauded. Thank you for three wonderful years in the black and white stripes, Alan Judge, and best of luck with your childhood club! (Oh, and if you could bang a couple past the red neighbours when you play them next season, it would be much appreciated!)

Under a bright sun trying desperately to shine through an overcast sky, Notts County finished a disappointing season on a decent note, drawing against fallen giants Coventry 2-2 at Meadow Lane. Buoyed by a good run of form and a victory against eventual League 1 champions Doncaster last week, Chris Kiwomya began the game in a 4-4-2 formation. Notable points included Kristian Pearce and Tyrell Waite making the starting eleven again, Bartosz Bialkowski back in goal, and Neal Bishop making the bench after his injury spell. The first shot of the game fell to Coventry's Callum Wilson, who picked up the ball over the top and fired a half volley from the edge of the box. Bart was equal to it with a good diving save. A few minutes later, John Fleck was brought down by Jamal Campbell-Ryce and won a free kick. Carl Baker's impressive shot curled round the Notts wall and required another stunning Bart save. Despite some neat football by the home side and a couple of forays into the Sky Blues half, the away team had the upper hand, and it took the Magpies just over half an hour before their first meaningful shot on goal, JCR's long range attempt finally testing stand-in keeper Chris Dunn. The succession of attempts by Notts, however, led to the breakthrough, as a shot by Alan Sheehan was saved by Dunn on 34, but young Tyrell Waite was on hand to head home the rebound. Much like Romello Nangle's first goal against Colchester two weeks ago, this was a moment to be cherished for the player, the team and the fans. Notts were revitalised after the goal, and shortly after the restart, Sheehan nearly helped make it 2-0, his cross falling to stand-in skipper Dean Leacock. Dunn, however, forced a great save. More close shaves followed as Yoann Arquin's header was nearly deflected into the Coventry net by their own backline, before Pearce's header from the corner was just over. The second half saw Coventry come at the home team, with David Bell rattling the County crossbar from twenty yards out, before netting the equaliser on 52 minutes courtesy of Fleck's top corner finish. The disappointment lasted about three minutes for the home fans, as the impressive Pearce seized on a loose ball after Alan Judge's header met the post. A simple finish which fell right into his path, it put Notts back in front. Coventry, back on square one, set about trying to find a second goal, and on 71 and 73 minutes, David Bell's 25 yard missile required another top draw Bart save, before Fleck's left footed shot from deep inside the area went just wide of the left hand post. Coventry piled on the pressure and eventually County caved in on 86 minutes, substitute Franck Moussa's half volley flying into the bottom right hand corner of the home goal. The closing stages of the game saw more attempts being traded by both sides, Jeff Hughes for Notts and Bell and Cody McDonald for the Sky Blues. 2-2 would be the final score, however, and as the final whistle blew, the curtain fell on Notts County's 150th season, one which promised so much but ended up delivering so little. In the grand scheme of things, however, the club is in relatively healthy shape financially, and a top half finish isn't perhaps too bad a result. In addition, the future is looking bright, with some of the young Academy players like Greg Tempest, Tyrell Waite, Haydn Hollis, Fabian Speiss and Romello Nangle showing they can cut it at first team level, which heralds for a promising season in 2013-14. Thank you to all who have been following, reading and enjoying my match reports this season, and don't forget, even in the off season, Pride of Nottingham will be reporting on transfer rumours, happenings behind the scenes, and of course casting an eye on the Lane legends of yesteryear! Thank you for all your support, and Come On You Pies!

The 1960s. A truly exciting time to be in Britain. After the post-war hardship and belt-tightening of the 1950s, the 60s were the decade of social change in Britain. Contraception became available, fashion became more risque, hedonism, optimism and the feeling of being able to change the world was on the agenda for many youngsters. On the footballing side, England officially became the greatest team in the world in 1966. George Best was thrilling crowds (and ladies) on and off the pitch, and Celtic's Lisbon Lions were the first British team to win the European Cup in 1967. Meanwhile, in Nottingham, Notts County fans were witnessing the advent of one of the greatest, most underrated players ever to grace the British game. Tony Hateley, born in Derby in 1941, joined up with Notts in his youth, and was given his chance as a fresh-faced 17 year old in the 1958/59 season, scoring on his debut in a 1-1 draw against Stockport County. In his other three appearances that season, he showed enough promise to make people start talking about the potential of this youngster, who was already being taken under the wing of Notts legend Tommy Lawton for heading coaching. He didn't get much first team action in the 1959/60 season, Notts' first in the Fourth Division, thanks to striker Stan Newsham, an older, more established player who scored 23 goals in 34 league games. His first start came on March 19th 1960 against Torquay United, Newsham by that point having been sidelined through injury. Back in the first team, the young Hateley proceeded to score eight goals in ten games as Notts County dragged themselves out of the bottom tier at the first time of asking. 1960/61 was the season when Tony Hateley finally broke through the ranks, finishing the season as top scorer with 27 goals as the Magpies finished a very respectable fifth. Big Tone missed just one game as he announced himself to the footballing world. 1961/62 saw Hateley just miss the 20-goal mark, hitting 19 league goals in another all-round decent season for the club. When he was on form, he was unstoppable, hitting several braces and hat-tricks to demolish whoever he was faced against. His final season for Notts saw more of the same devastating play and goalscoring, as he netted a massive 22 goals all season. The scouts, always keeping tabs on Hateley since he broke through, were convinced he had what it took to make it at the highest level, and the young star was snapped up by First Division Aston Villa. Carrying over his spectacular form and talent to the West Midlands, Big Tone's three years at Villa were so prolific that he was named 22nd in a list of the Birmingham side's top 50 players, despite the team going through one of its darker periods at the wrong end of the table. His debut goal, ironically against Nottingham Forest, was a prelude to a 17-goal tally for the 1963/64 season, which ensured Villa didn't fall into the relegation zone. Things were only to get better for him, as 64/65 saw Big Tone smash 20 in the league and 14 in cup ties. He is one of only three players to score four goals in a League Cup game for Villa - doing so in the 7-1 home win over Bradford City in November 1964. His next and final season for Villa saw him bag a phenomenal 27 goals, including four in a 5-5 draw against Tottenham. His record was on par with Jimmy Greaves and Geoff Hurst, who became England legends as the Three Lions won the trophy on home soil in the summer. Sadly, despite being included in Sir Alf Ramsey's plans, he suffered a serious injury which saw him require an emergency operation, and so his dream to be part of what was to be England's defining World Cup never did happen. With his stock at its highest, the then Villa manager accepted an offer from Chelsea for the striker in October 1966, and thus, Hateley was on his way to London for a club record £100,000. Without his goals, Villa went down that very same season. His time at Chelsea wasn't quite as illustrious as at Notts and Villa, given the difference in playing styles - quick passing and movement-based football was the ordre du jour at Stamford Bridge, which clashed with Hateley's requiring of crosses and long balls which made the most of his aerial abilities - and, after 33 appearances and nine goals, he was transferred to another great club, Liverpool. At Anfield, he rediscovered his goalscoring touch, netting an impressive 28 goals in all competitions, but again, there were concerns about his role in the team, used to a passing, fluid style, having to change their gameplay to one based on long balls to accomodate him. The next few years saw him change clubs several times, going from Liverpool to Coventry, then to Birmingham, before coming back home to Meadow Lane where he started his career. In an interview with the Lancashire Post in 2009, he declared that his spells at Notts were his "happiest time in football", and judging by the attendance at Meadow Lane for his first game back, the Notts fans were equally as happy to see him in black and white - wavering between just under 6000 and just over 10,000, the Northampton game on November 7th 1970 saw a massive 21,012 fans pack the ground for his second coming. 22 goals in 29 games, including hat-tricks against Peterborough United and Colchester United, ensured Notts stormed the Fourth Division, finishing nine points clear as the Magpies were once again dragged out of the bottom division under Big Tone's watch. The following season, injuries disrupted Hateley's campaign, as his 28 league appearances reaped an uncharacteristic 9 goals, before the forward finished his career with spells at Oldham and the Boston Minutemen in the US. After he retired, Hateley worked as Everton's lottery manager at Goodison Park before several years as a rep for Thwaites' Brewery. He also got the chance to, in his words, "relive his career" through his son Mark, who made a name for himself with, among others, Rangers, Monaco, and Milan, as well as playing for England, in the 80s and 90s. The stats for Hateley Sr speak for themselves. At the time of his retirement, his combined transfer fees were a record in English football. He had played 434 league games over 16 seasons, and had scored 211 goals with 7 different clubs. In the last few years, he has lived in Penwortham, a town near Preston, Lancashire, out of the spotlight. On the 1st of February 2014, it was reported that Tony Hateley had passed away after a long illness. He was 72 years old. Tony Hateley isn't just a Notts County legend, he is an English footballing legend, and to have merely had him on the books at Meadow Lane is an honour in itself, but for Big Tone himself to proudly declare that he had the best time of his career at Notts County, that is truly humbling. Rest in peace Big Tone.

On a warm April's day, Notts County fans were treated with an impressive display by the Magpies players, who defeated top of the table Doncaster 1-0 away at the Keepmoat Stadium in an exciting, edge of your seat clash. Buoyed by an impressive home win against Colchester the previous week, Chris Kiwomya once again selected a mix of established first teamers and youth players. Surprisingly, Krystian Pearce was picked in the starting eleven, the 23yr old not having started since March 2012. While Tyrell Waite's MOTM performance against the U's ensured his inclusion in the team. Fabian Speiss lined up between the sticks in place of the ill Bartosz Bialkowski. The first five minutes saw both teams try and suss each other out, with little happening. Before long, however, Notts got the game's first shot on target courtesy of Alan Judge. Two minutes later, Dean Leacock's side foot attempt from an Alan Sheehan corner went just wide. On fourteen minutes, Alan Judge was upended by Rob Jones, and for the free kick, he laid the ball to midfielder Joss Labadie. His effort from thirty yards was spectacular, flying into the top corner and leaving veteran keeper Neil Sullivan with no chance. 1-0 to the visiting Magpies, and if Alan Partridge was commentating on the game, I'm sure the old "foot like a traction engine" cliche would have been apt for this occasion. Doncaster were very haphazard and sloppy in the first half, and didn't give Speiss too much hard work to do. Passes were mishit and their players' ball control wasn't worthy of a team at the summit of the league with two games to go. Nevertheless, they got some shots in, courtesy of Billy Paynter and Rob Jones, and did actually manage to get the ball in the net, as Dean Furman fired home from close range on 24 minutes, but much to the chagrin of the Rovers fans, literally leaping out of their seats, and the stadium scoreboard operator, who changed the result on the screen the second the ball made contact with the net, the goal wasn't given. Near the end of the half, a flurry of activity in the Notts box was successfully thwarted, as Leacock blocked a dangerous James Coppinger shot, while Speiss was on top form to deny John Lundstram and Chris Brown. Meanwhile, Jamie McCombe's header was over. The half time whistle blew on an exciting half, and after the obligatory leg-stretching foray out of the stands, the game restarted with Pearce being upended by Brown in the Notts area. With all to play for, Doncaster were a rejuvenated team in the second half, and made their attacking intent well known with a dangerous head shot by Paynter and a free kick by David Cotterill. The Notts defence had to be at the top of their game to repel the Rovers advances, with Speiss punching the ball clear on several occasions and the defenders contributing important blocks - Gary Liddle and Sheehan put their bodies on the line to deny Coppinger and David Syers. Pearce, the defender who hasn't played for Notts since the start of Keith Curle's tenure, then made a glorious goal-line clearance to stop Paynter's shot. Cue much frustration and anger by the Rovers players and fans, who had heard that Bournemouth were leading Carlisle and, should the results stand, would have pushed them into second. At the other end, the home team could have been 2-0 down, Labadie's long range attempt this time flying wide of the top-left hand corner on 81 minutes. The final ten minutes had were do or die for Doncaster, who needed to win to ensure promotion. Coppinger, Iain Hume, and Jones all tried desperately to soil the Notts clean sheet, but a final titanic defensive effort by the Magpies ensured the final whistle blew on a nerve-jangling game for both sets of fans. The defeat not only denied Rovers fans the chance to celebrate automatic promotion to the Championship, but set up a tense, dramatic encounter next Saturday away to Brentford, two points behind them. Even a draw against Notts would have left them in a tricky, albeit healthier, position going into next week's game against third-placed Brentford, as a comprehensive defeat would have seen them swap places courtesy of the goal difference criteria, but now it's as simple as "lose, and you're in the play-offs". If things go their way, Doncaster could yet finish as champions, but if they lose, then it'll be a case of falling at the very final hurdle, as there will yet be three very difficult and testing games for the Rovers, while Brentford will officially be confirmed as a Championship team at the Yorkshire team's expense. As for Notts, their season has long been over, but it's great to see the team prove that it can beat anyone on their day, and it capped off what was a lovely sunny day for all the travelling fans. One more game to go, at home to Coventry, and if things go Notts' way, we can finish in the top ten, which would be a nice boost.

After three losses on the bounce and an aura of negativity increasingly festering over Meadow Lane, fans were given plenty of reasons to be optimistic for next season with a convincing display against Colchester United on Saturday. Prior to the game, guests of honour Giorgio Zunino and the Italian Magpies were introduced to the thousands of fans in the stands, who responded with applause and cheers. Aside from their commitment and passion, the boys and girls from Italy brought some good luck with them too, As the Magpies won 3-1. Courtesy of goals from Jeff Hughes, Yoann Arquin and youth team star Romello Nangle. A mix of suspensions and injuries and the lack of either promotion or survival to play for meant that, with a view to next season, some of the young guns were given a chance. Manager Chris Kiwomya began the game in a 4-4-2 formation, giving Curtis Thompson and Tyrell Waite their first starts for Notts and reinstating Haydn Hollis to the starting eleven. Colchester had the brighter start, winning a corner after three minutes, while Notts had a corner of their own on eleven, which came to nothing. A minute later, Hughes had the first chance of the game, Jamal Campbell-Ryce's good hold-up play setting the Northern Irishman up, but the effort was well wide. Moments later, Colchester had a good chance of their own, Drey White drawing a good save from Bartosz Bialkowski. The resulting corner should have been a goal, but luckily, unmarked Jabo Ibehre's close range header was just wide. Shortly after, JCR was again involved, his powerful shot from 30 yards flying narrowly wide. Prompted by the scoreboard, gasps of "oooohhhh" filled the air. On eighteen minutes, young Waite delivered a low cross that Hughes just about connected with, on the slide. Colchester keeper Sam Walker couldn't do enough to keep it out and it was 1-0 Notts. Just before the half hour mark, Alan Sheehan's free kick was nearly converted by Waite, but Walker was first to it. On 37 minutes, the U's equalised, Andrew Bond's low cross evading Bart and faling to Ibehre, who clumsily helped it over the line. Joss Labadie, perfoming with renewed vigour following his loan spell to Torquay, played a pass to Thompson, who, beating his marker, tested Walker with a sweet left-foot strike. Just before half time, a collision between Labadie and Colchester's David Wright held up play for around ten minutes, as paramedics and physios attended to him. The full-back was taken to hospital with suspected concussion. The half, having had the sting taken out of it by the delay, ended with both teams level, and after the restart, Wright's replacement, John-Joe O'Toole, connected with Brian Wilson's free kick but sent it wide. Just before the hour, another dangerous Sheehan free kick was met by Leacock's header, but the lack of strength in it meant the chance was saved. Bialkowski, so often the hero for Notts County, showed just why he is so highly rated with two top class saves, from Bond's volley and later from Garmston's free kick. At the Colchester end, JCR once again troubled the U's keeper, as his long range howitzer, aiming for the bottom left corner, was palmed away by Walker. Waite, having played a good game for which he was voted Man Of The Match, was substituted for Arquin, and within four minutes, he was on the scoresheet, having headed in a Sheehan corner. Significantly, his goal marked the first time a striker has scored for Notts since the Bury game back in February. Better was to come, though, as Nangle came on for another youngster, Thompson, and as the game ticked over the regulation ninety minutes, Enoch Showunmi delivered a pass which fell nicely to the unmarked forward. Goodness knows what feelings of overwhelming pressure would have been going through his head in that split second, but as his shot went through the legs of Walker for the decisive final goal, his joyous, passionate, cathartic celebration in front of the Kop said it all, a moment sure to live forever not just in his memory, but the memory of all Notts fans who saw it up close.

Despite a dream start on the south coast, courtesy of Jeff Hughes' early goal, Notts County were undone by three goals as Bournemouth kept their pressure on table-topping Doncaster with a home win. Chris Kiwomya began the game in a 4-5-1 formation, the returning Joss Labadie replacing the suspended Alan Judge in midfield and shifting Hughes to the left, while Enoch Showunmi was the lone frontman. Bartosz Bialkowski was back in goal, having recovered from the illness which kept him out of the Easter Monday defeat against Yeovil. Notts took the lead within two minutes, as good work from Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Julian Kelly allowed Labadie to get a cross to Hughes, and the Northern Irishman converted with a strong header which beat the keeper Ryan Allsop's save. The Cherries, shocked by this development, set about trying to claw back the deficit, and just a couple of minutes later, Simon Francis fired a low shot which Bart saved easily, while Brett Pitman's shot on eight minutes went wide. Pitman and Matt Ritchie would each get another attempt on goal before, on 16 minutes, the latter got on the scoresheet with a goal from the edge of the area, beating several defenders and Bart as it went into the bottom left corner. 1-1, and the Cherries were in the mood for more. The versatile Marc Pugh was a threat, pinging in several crosses into the Notts area, while Steve Cook and Matt Tubbs got efforts in, and their pressure was rewarded on 26 minutes as the dangerous Pitman found the net with a powerful goal from just outside the box. The Notts players protested, feeling that Tubbs had handled in the build-up to the goal, but his effort stood, and the Magpies, 1-0 up within two minutes, were now 2-1 down courtesy of the 16-goal hitman. It was so nearly 17 for the prolific striker, but his 20-yard effort on 37 minutes was wide. Worse was to come for Notts as Andre Boucaud, booked on 28 for unsporting behaviour, received a second yellow on the stroke of half-time for a challenge, a very harsh decision as it wasn't a caution-meriting tackle. The travelling Notts fans made their feelings well known as the first-half whistle blew. Cherries defender Simon Francis was booked after committing two rash tackles in two minutes, the first on Hughes - prompting the fans to sarcastically celebrate a decision finally going their way - then on JCR. Labadie's ensuing free kick was dangerous and seemed to be heading for the top-right corner, but was well saved by Allsop and out for a corner kick. Bournemouth's Harry Arter produced a fine effort which forced Bart into a full-stretch save to his left, while at the other end, the referee once again incurred the wrath of the travelling Magpies as Showunmi was felled in the Bournemouth box, but no penalty was given. Neal Bishop's in-play attempt was well over. On 73 minutes, JCR delivered a great ball into the area, but Showunmi wasn't able to get his head to it. It was to be his final effort, as he was replaced by young Tyrell Waite just after. As the game went into its final ten minutes, Sheehan's floated free-kick wasn't properly cleared by the home defenders, but Hughes couldn't make anything of it, miscontrolling the ball as it fell to him. The game was finally put to bed on the 85th minute as Matt Ritchie, voted League One Player of the Year the week before, put Notts out of their misery with a clinical finish from the edge of the penalty box into the bottom right-hand corner. 3-1, game over. Interestingly, the last time Notts were beaten by a two-goal margin in the league before today was against Stevenage on the 5th February, and before that on the 27th October. It's not something that's happened often this season. Sadly, a combination of a demotivated team with nothing to play for, the same old problems up front, a determined and dangerous Bournemouth containing some of the strongest players in the league with all to play for, and bad refereeing, Notts staff and fans faced a long trip back North with a bitter taste in their mouth. Is the season over yet?

Another matchday, another poor performance, another 90 minutes in which no Notts forward has found the net, another defeat. Notts County lost 2-1 at home to a Yeovil side gunning for the play-offs, courtesy of a first half rebound goal from the highly rated Paddy Madden and a free-kick by Matthew Dolan. Chris Kiwomya, looking to build on the strong finish his side had against Brentford at Griffin Park three days earlier, chose to play 4-4-2, dropping Jeff Hughes and picking Enoch Showunmi alongside Yoann Arquin. Within 10 seconds, Angelo Balanta attempted a long range drive, but Fabian Speiss, in for the ill Bartosz Bialkowski, caught easily. Notts' first shot came from Showunmi, whose volley was well over. A lively first ten minutes saw several chances traded by both sides, Yoann Arquin threatening with a header on ten minutes. After this lively period, a bit of a stalemate ensued with both sides struggling to control the ball or even string more than two passes together, which made for tedious viewing, it has to be said. On 42 minutes, the Notts crowd enjoyed their team's first serious attempt on goal, as Showunmi's header looked to be in, but Glovers keeper Marek Stech pulled off a sensational save to parry the ball to his right and away from danger. In first half injury time, just as the fans began leaving the stands in a vain attempt to miss the queue for the bar (there's always at least a dozen people in that queue well before the half-time whistle goes!), Dolan's shot at goal was saved superbly by young Speiss, but unfortunately the talented Madden was at hand to fire the rebound into the net. The second half saw Notts try and apply pressure on Yeovil in a bid to come back on level terms, and were rewarded on 49 when Alan Judge was fouled in the area by Dan Burn and was given a penalty. The pint-sized Irishman stepped up and converted from 12 yards to make it 1-1. Now, disappointment in football comes in many forms. Conceding again shortly after equalising is on that list, and Notts fans, veterans of practically every type of footballing disappointment on the big long list, got to experience that when Yeovil were gifted a free-kick just outside the Notts box, and, with Speiss distracted by two Glovers players haranguing him on the goal-line, the Somerset team scored from their free-kick. 2-1 down just three minutes after equalising. The rest of the game would see some of the flaws in Notts' gameplan made evidently clear. Just before the hour, an assault on the Yeovil goal saw the ball trickle to substitute Jeff Hughes, who, from two yards out, saw his shot sensationally miss the goal. On 65, the ineffective Arquin was replaced by young Academy player Tyrell Waite, who made a difference straight away with his dynamic, confident runs. Judge, who tormented the Yeovil defence all afternoon long, was unjustly deemed to have dived in the opposition box and given a yellow card on 72 minutes. The rest of the game would see Notts struggle to break down the Yeovil defence and get any more meaningful shots on target to trouble the keeper, none more so that late on when Showunmi was clear in front of the Yeovil goal and who delivered a header which was saved so easily by Stech, it looked more like he was on the same side as him and was passing the ball back to the keeper. As the whistle finally went, the only cheers in the stadium belonged to the travelling Yeovil fans, who scraped back into the play-offs, while for the Notts faithful, a season which promised so much in the early stages has delivered so little, and frankly, it cannot be over soon enough.

A very similar story to other games this season saw Notts County start well, struggle midway through, then get back into the game just a bit too late to leave Griffin Park with no points. The manner in which the losing goal was conceded, however, was a first, as an error from Bartosz Bialkowski gifted the Bees the lead, before being replaced by Notts legend Kevin Pilkington at half time because of injury. Chris Kiwomya, in his first match as permanent first team manager, picked a 4-5-1 tactical formation. Yoann Arquin replaced Enoch Showunmi up front to play the Bees, who began the game in fourth place and enjoying a 8-game unbeaten run at home, including against Chelsea. Notts started the game brightly, a chance by Andre Boucaud going over as a Brentford defensive header fell to him. On six minutes, Bradley Wright-Phillips fired a dangerous shot which ricocheted against the post and was cleared by the Notts backline. A good chance, it proved just the spark to kick start the Bees fans' singing and chanting. On eight minutes, A cross by Jake Bidwell fell towards Tom Adeyemi, who headed over. Two minutes later, Clayton Donaldson, the Brentford striker, saw his ball whizz towards goal. Shortly afterwards, Toumani Diagouraga and Jonathan Douglas got shots from the edge of the box, Notts players throwing themselves at those balls to thwart the players. On twenty minutes, disaster struck as Bialkowski, one of Notts' best and most consistent performers, made a howler to gift Brentford the lead, as Diagouraga fired a weak sidefoot shot which trickled past the keeper. It proved to be all Brentford once they withstood the early Notts barrage, and after a wayward Alan Judge shot from distance, Brentford threatened again, Shaleum Logan and Sam Saunders causing havoc in the Notts half. Sheehan then fired wide around the 30 min mark. By the 35th minute, Brentford had taken their fourth corner, a high ball into the box, but that came to nothing. Donaldson, BWP and Douglas kept pushing forward and harassing the County back line, getting speculative shots and headers in. Notts managed to break into the Brentford half every so often, Jamal Campbell-Ryce getting a decent cross in which the keeper parried away. In an amazing twist, Bart was subbed off at half-time because of injury, and with Fabian Speiss not in the team for the same reason, Kevin Pilkington came on for his 150th Notts appearance. Notts began the second half much in the same way as in the first half, with zest and vigour, and got some early chances in. Judge, one of our outstanding players in the first half, sent a great ball to Arquin, but his shot was flaccid and didn't trouble the keeper. The Magpies came into the game more, and played some good possession football - save by a slip by Judge which Boucaud helped clear - but the pendulum would swing both ways, and before long, Brentford were bombing forward. In the 55th minute, the threatening Logan was superbly tackled by Jeff Hughes. By the sixty minute mark, Brentford had settled into their groove again, and the likes of Douglas and Wright-Phillips had several more chances. In the 62nd minute, the formation was changed to 4-4-2 as Showunmi came on for Hughes, in a bid to provide more firepower. Pilkington, on 63, thwarted 17-goal dangerman Donaldson, his legs keeping the score to 1-0. Even Colin Slater couldn't hide his nostalgic pride at commentating on that piece of action. In rapid succession, Brentford got three more corners to add to their tally, cranking the pressure up on the beleaguered Magpies. In contrast, Notts were on zero at that stage. BWP put the apparent final nail in the Notts coffin as his shot beat Pilkington and bounced off the woodwork. Nothing less than they deserved after withstanding the initial Notts pressure, in both halves, to maintain their stranglehold over Notts. However, Notts got a chance to pull one back, as Judge was fouled in the box to win a penalty just a few minutes later. In the 73rd minute, JCR's penalty was saved, but Judge struck on the rebound to make it 2-1. Two goals in just a few minutes took the temperature of the game to higher levels, with both teams upping their tempo. The penalty taker for Notts was then substituted on 75 minutes in a bizarre exchange, as he made way for Zoko when it looked like Arquin was coming off. A brave substitution for Kiwomya saw three strikers up front, in a bid to push for an equaliser. A spat between BWP and Gary Liddle on 77 was testament to the increased efforts by both teams, desperate in their respective attempts to restore the two-goal cushion and to equalise. Donaldson had another chance shortly after. Finally, on 81 minutes, Notts finally got their first corner of the game, which very nearly went in from Showunmi's header, but was cleared off the line. Sadly the subsequent pinballing into the box came to nothing, as the big forward missed his second attempt. Buoyed by their goal, Notts pushed forward, Judge firing an effort from thirty yards on 82 minutes. Sadly, Brentford managed to hold on to their lead, Notts' spirited fightback proving too little too late. The game finished 2-1, Notts' faint glimmer of play-off hope surely extinguished for good this season, leaving them eight points away from the play-offs with five games to play.

Notts County have confirmed the appointment of Chris Kiwomya as permanent first-team manager. The 43-year old, whose career progression has been impressive since joining the Magpies as development squad manager only last year, has signed a three-year deal at Meadow Lane. Ray Trew's decision to appoint Chris Kiwomya is explained on the official website: Link What are everyone's opinions on the Notts board's decision? Is it a good, shrewd move by Ray Trew, putting faith in an internal appointment, or should he have opted for a more experienced, proven man? Is it motivated by footballing reasons or financial reasons? Should he have waited until the end of the season to make his decision or was it good to confirm his signature now? Pride Of Nottingham is supportive of Ray Trew's decision and eager to see how he handles the final few games of the season, and crucially, what kind of transfer activity he will preside over in the transfer window; hopefully we can strengthen our team in the right places while keeping the spine of what is a very talented squad. Come On You Pies!

The youth academy is many a football club's pride and joy. There is nothing quite like seeing local youngsters working their way through the ranks, from the youth team up into the first team. Notts County's academy has seen some good local players in the starting eleven in recent years, most recently Haydn Hollis, Fabian Speiss and Greg Tempest. One thing that Notts County cannot offer at the moment, however, is top flight or European football, and sometimes, an exceptionally talented player may feel the need to progress in his career by playing in a higher league. Players of this calibre leave with the club and the fans' blessing, and seeing home-grown talent playing at the highest level is something that fills Notts fans with pride. One such player is Kelvin Wilson. Born in Nottingham in 1985, the youngster made his debut for the Magpies on April 17th 2004 away at Hartlepool United which the team, reeling from financial troubles and with relegation imminent, lost 4-0. The eighteen-year old made a further two appearances as Notts' disastrous season came to a close, scoring an unfortunate own goal to seal Brighton's play-off place on May the 1st. The following season in League 2 saw Wilson sign a two-year professional contract and break into the first-team squad, playing 41 times as Notts consolidated their place in the division. He also played and scored in the League Cup clash against West Ham. Such was the youngster's talent that boss Ian Richardson had to play down reports that Premier League clubs were keeping tabs on him after an impressive performance against Swindon in the FA Cup in December. The following season, Wilson was again praised by new manager Gudjon Thordarson, saying he would have liked him "to see with us for some time" and confirmed he had been offered a contract extension after the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United were reported to be after him. Forming a good partnership with Julian Baudet, Wilson was again singled out for praise in September after the Magpies' brilliant start to the season, but he couldn't prevent Notts from freefalling down the table in the following months. In March 2006, Wilson decided to join Preston North End on loan with a view to signing permanently. The Lilywhites ended the season well, qualifying for the play-offs, but were beaten in the semis by Leeds United. Nevertheless, the youngster signed a three-year deal after his Notts contract ran out. In total, Wilson played 78 times for Magpies, while for Preston, he played a total of 27 games before Nottingham Forest came calling. The lure of returning to his hometown, and playing for the club he supported as a kid, proved too much for Wilson, who signed a four-year deal with the Reds. Preston received £300,000 for the player. His debut season in 2007/08 proved to be very successful, as Forest were promoted from League One in second place and kept 24 clean sheets, a testament to his great defensive abilities. Things turned sour for Wilson, however, as he became the subject of a transfer battle between Forest and SPL giants Celtic in 2011. He signed a pre-contract agreement to join the Bhoys in January 2011, but he insisted he wanted to hook up with the Glasgow team straight away rather than wait until the end of the season. Forest were reportedly unhappy with this statement, and through falling out of favour with the hierarchy and picking up injuries, he didn't play for the club again. His last game for the Reds was against Ipswich in January. Wilson had to wait until hooking up with Celtic for his successive game, a friendly against the Central Coast Mariners in July, while his competitive debut came against Hibernian in the opening match of the SPL. He played a very good first competitive game and helped the Bhoys to a 2-0 win, making two crucial interventions to deny Hibs. He played a total of 21 appearances for Celtic in his first season, including his first European game, against Atletico Madrid, and his first Old Firm game, where he struggled against Rangers and was on the receiving end of a 4-2 beating. In the close season, there were talks that Wilson was unsettled, having lost his first-team place amid some mediocre performances, and that he was heading to Ipswich, but he remained at Celtic, where things were to turn around for him rather quickly. The departure of Glenn Loovens to Real Zaragoza and Thomas Rogne's persistent injury problems gave Wilson the opportunity to earn his place back into the first team, and he seized his chance with much improved performances, namely the Champions League play-off match against Helsingsborg. Better was to come from the defender, though, as the Bhoys were up against Barcelona, arguably the greatest club team in the world, in the group stages. On October 23rd, he had one of the finest games of his career, proving a thorn in Lionel Messi's side as the Spanish side registered a narrow 2-1 win. Two weeks later, the SPL team went one better and stunned the Blaugrana at Celtic Park, beating them 2-1, Wilson playing a crucial part in the historic victory, and better was to come as Celtic made it into the second round of the Champions' League, drawing none other than the team whose history is intertwined with Notts County, Italian giants Juventus. Sadly, Celtic couldn't conquer the Turin titans and went out, but all those linked with the club could hold their heads high, none more so than Kelvin Wilson, who completed the amazing journey from the Notts County academy and the Magpies' first team in the bottom rung of the Football League to shutting out the best team in the world, containing arguably the finest player of all time. Not that this journey is over by any means. Wilson continues to excel for Celtic, who look set to retain the SPL title this season, and was touted for a possible England call up in March 2013 after impressing national team manager Roy Hodgson. Though the defender didn't make the Three Lions squad, at 27 he still has quite a few years ahead of him, and he is in the form of his life and always improving, so who's to say he won't make the cut in future? Whatever happens, as a Notts County fan I am proud to see a home-grown local player proving himself at the highest level, and here's hoping he goes to achieve much more in the game!

Notts County once again had Bartosz Bialkowski to thank for earning his side a point at freezing Swindon, the Polish keeper proving he is a cut above with several outstanding saves as the Magpies battled their way to a 0-0 draw against the promotion-chasing Robins. Chris Kiwomya lined up his team in a 4-5-1 formation, handing the young Greg Tempest his full league debut on the left wing. Enoch Showunmi was the lone striker. At the back, Haydn Hollis was swapped for Julian Kelly, while Gary Liddle lined up alongside Dean Leacock. Liddle took a knock in the second minute as he went up for an aerial challenge, which caused the game to be halted for a few minutes as he received treatment, but luckily he was able to continue. The home team, in good form, threatened early on, and in the tenth minute got their first chance in after Notts failed to clear, Gary Roberts volleying his shot into the stands. Liddle proved he was definitely still with it as he denied Andy Williams with a great block. The rebound, by Simon Ferry, was wide. It was all Swindon in the opening stages, as Williams got a head on Alan McCormack's cross which was desperately scrambled clear. The first semblance of a chance for the Magpies came from a set piece, as Neal Bishop was fouled. Alan Sheehan blasted well wide, however. Not long after, a cross from Sheehan caused panic in the Robins box, but Bishop couldn't finish, and received a hit to the chest for his troubles. On 34 minutes, Nathan Thompson had a shot on goal, but Bart responded greatly. Just three minutes later, Tommy Miller's free kick was also stopped by the Pole. The half-time whistle finally blew, much to Notts' relief, as they were being over-run by the Robins. In the second half, Liddle was lucky not to concede a penalty after he clashed with Williams, while Bart saved from Ferry's header on 50 minutes. Swindon showed why they were near the top of the league with some great football, and kept getting shots in. Alan Navarro and substitute Louis Thompson were next to try their luck. Just before the hour, Tempest was replaced by Yoann Arquin, Kiwomya switching to 4-4-2 as the Frenchman lined up in attack alongside Showunmi. The switch proved beneficial, as Notts started to push forward and threaten the Robins. First a Sheehan free kick was helped on by Showunmi and hit by Bishop, a chance thwarted by Darren Ward's block, then Alan Judge tried a twenty-yard howitzer which was only just parried over by Wes Foderingham. The resulting corner saw more chances come Notts' way, as Showunmi was very unlucky not to score with a powerful header, but this was deflected, and Arquin couldn't finish from the rebounds. The final quarter of an hour of the game saw the balance of play shift to the home side, as Adam Rooney, McCormack and Collins all tried their luck. Bialkowski, however, delighted the Notts fans and frustrated the Robins faithful with some more world-class saves. As the full-time whistle loomed, Notts had the chance to sucker-punch Swindon and steal all three points, but incredibly Hamza Bencherif, on for Showunmi, didn't go for goal, choosing instead to pass back to provider Arquin. And so the opportunity was lost. The whistle finally went on an exciting and tense game which saw Notts ride their luck for most of the game then not make the most of a crucial chance in the dying stages. Notts remain in 11th place, seven points off the play-offs.

Notts scraped a crucial, morale-boosting win against struggling Scunthorpe United at Meadow Lane today. Dean Leacock's first goal for the club, following good work from Jeff Hughes and Neal Bishop, saw Notts earn their second win in five. Reeling from their poor performance against Preston in midweek, the Magpies were boosted by the return of Leacock and Alan Judge. Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Manny Smith were dropped, while Yoann Arquin was preferred to Francois Zoko up front alongside Enoch Showunmi. The game started with Scunthorpe on the attack, and within the first minute, Iron skipper Paul Reid's effort was blocked by Haydn Hollis and resulted in a corner, which came to nothing. Two minutes later, Hughes found Judge, but the ensuing shot was skied well over, and not long after, another Notts break was halted for offside. Notts kept pushing forward in these initial stages, and a cross by Arquin from the left wing flew towards the Iron goal, but was easily caught by keeper Eirik Johansen. On nine minutes, Scunthorpe split the Notts defence open, courtesy of Mark Duffy's ball, but Akpo Sodje was denied by Bartosz Bialkowski. Scunthorpe pushed forward in the ensuing period, but the Notts defence was in good shape and form, in particularly the reinstated Leacock whose powerful headers kept the ball away from causing too much trouble. As a whole, the team seemed very composed in the opening twenty minutes, with a lot more cohesion than on Tuesday, but up front there were still issues. On 21 minutes, a Scunthorpe backpass wasn't penalised, to the chagrin of the Notts crowd, and from the ensuing counter-attack the Iron nearly scored, but Hollis' good clearance ensured it came to nothing. Two minutes late, a seemingly speculative long ball from Alan Sheehan found Hughes, who held the ball up against the Scunthorpe defenders and got a shot in, but stifled as he was, he got no real power on it and was dealt with easily by Johansen. On the half hour mark, Showunmi held up the ball well and passed to Hughes, the Northern Irishman's through-ball just a tad too heavy for Arquin. For the other side, the former Notts player Karl Hawley broke clean through, but was given offside on 32 minutes. As the trumpet entertained the Kop supporters with a rendition of Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Notts were finally given a free-kick, which Judge took but came to nothing. Notts kept soaking up the Scunthorpe pressure, as attacks kept coming their way, but the defence was up to the challenge. On 38 minutes, a crunching Reid challenge saw a cacophony of boos ring throughout the stands and the Iron skipper booked. As the half wound down to a close, Notts had some brilliant chances, as a Sheehan free kick was headed on by Johansen. Not long after, Arquin headed just wide, gasps and applause the reaction of the Meadow Lane faithful. On 40 minutes, Arquin once again tried his luck, but his volley went high above the goal. Hawley, for Scunthorpe, then had another chance but was once again well wide, while for Notts, Hughes curled his shot wide after a good ball by Andre Boucaud. After the half-time break, Notts were first on the attack, but Arquin didn't connect well with Hughes' cross, his header flashing well wide. For Scunthorpe, Michael Collins played Sodje through on 48 minutes, but his shot was skied. Judge, reinstated to the team after his injury, raised the roof with his crunching tackle, but got booked for his troubles. On 53, Arquin beat his marker, but his cross was incredibly wayward and was greeted by howls of disbelief by the Notts crowd, while a minute later, the same reaction greeted Showunmi as he tried (and failed) to batter through the Iron defence when he could have played a long ball to Bish. Karl Hawley then missed several more chances for Scunthorpe, as a very risky and miscued interaction between Bart and defence led to the former Notts player firing wide from about five yards, while just two minutes later, the keeper rushed out of his goal too soon to thwart an Iron chance, but once again Hawley miscued his lob and there was no danger. On 70 minutes, the ineffective Arquin was replaced by Zoko, and a Sheehan corner was headed over by Leacock. Better from Notts, and a sign of things to come. Finally, Notts managed to breach the Scunthorpe defence and went a goal up, courtesy of Zoko's fiery run and hold-up play on the left wing, which was deflected for a corner. Judge's set piece was very deep, but it was nodded back towards goal, Bishop got a touch and it fell to Leacock, who blasted from six yards. The last ten minutes saw two Academy players come on. Greg Tempest made his debut, coming on in the place of Andre Boucaud, and the wild-haired youngster made an immediate contribution, his cross on 84 being deflected for a corner. Meanwhile, Showunmi, who played a very good game, was given a standing ovation as he came off for Tyrell Waite. Scunthorpe desperately tried to push forward in a bid to try and get something from the game, but Notts remained disciplined and never looked like conceding in the final few minutes. In fact, the Magpies nearly grabbed a second, as a beautifully rudimental "route one" saw Waite connect on Bart's long goal kick, but Johansen was first to it. The final whistle was greeted with relief and cheers, as Notts fans felt redeemed after the dire display on Tuesday. Truth be told, the play-offs seem a tad out of reach at the moment, given that we're six points behind the top six, and the fifth and sixth-ranked teams, Swindon and Yeovil, and the teams immediately below us, MK Dons and Crawley, each have two games in hand, but you never know what might happen. Notts sit in 11th place with 57 points.