Joe Jones

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.