ARLukomski

Vlog of Notts County vs Yeovil Town from Meadow Lane Notts - Fitzsimons, Hewitt, Duffy, Brisley, Jones, Boldewijn, Vaughan, Husin, Thomas, Dennis, Hemmings Subs - Culverwell, Bird, Kellett, Hawkridge, Crawford, Alessandra, Stead Yeovil - Baxter, James, Sowunmi, Warren, Dickinson, McDonald, D'Almeida, Pattinson, Jaiyesimi, Fisher, Arquin Subs - Phillips, Mugabi, Clarke, Rogers, Gray, Henry, Santos Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqx0w_0hcFAIKX_iI5o5nUw Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ARLukomski Follow Chris on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FMCJ10 Follow Pride of Nottingham on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PoN_UNCFS

Notts County ensured that their fans would begin the weekend on the sourest of notes as Yeovil Town ran out 4-0 winners at Meadow Lane on Friday. The Magpies thought they had taken the lead early on when Nathan Thomas turned in at the back post but he was adjudged to have been in an offside position. Things then went very wrong very quick as Elliott Hewitt made a hash of a clearance which eventually led to Yoann Arquin crossing low for Alex Fisher to turn the ball in from close range. County then found themselves further behind just minutes later as Wes McDonald fed a low cross into the area for Fisher to grab his second. Fisher grabbed his hat-trick as he capitalised yet more shocking defending to guide in off the post in the second half, and there wasn't even the possibility of an ill-earned consolation as Kane Hemmings hit the woodwork from the penalty spot. And just to rub salt into the wounds, why not add a former Notts player scoring in front of his ex-fans? Step up Yoann Arquin to make it four. On the plus side, we do have the great ARLukomski with his first vlog of the League Two season (he's been on holibobs but is now back suffering along with the rest of us), so enjoy this vid! Share your thoughts about this video on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

1. Milton Keynes (C,P) - This may be an opinion divider but I just feel that MK have a slight edge over us and Lincoln. Paul Tisdale moves from Exeter and has bought Jordan Moore-Taylor, Ryan Harley and Robbie Simpson with him. Kieran Agard should provide goals up front and creativity will come from Alex Gilbey and Chuks Aneke. Jordan Houghton is a good signing in midfield. They have retained most of their squad and with good depth and quality in each position, I think this might be the year Tisdale finally achieves promotion from this league. 2. Notts County (P) - Notts have had their best transfer window for years and look to continue the momentum, that Kevin Nolan and Alan Hardy have bought to the club. We have finally fixed an issue which has been a problem for Notts for six years now and that is the presence of a goalscorer. Now we have two, in Kristian Dennis and Kane Hemmings. David Vaughan should provide creativity from the heart of midfield. Enzio Boldewijn is quick and will be crucial to Notts' creativity and goals. He will also help break teams down, something Notts struggled with last season. The same core of players remain who took the team to 5th last season in Hewitt, Duffy, Brisley, Hall, Fitzsimons, Tootle and Jones. The new style of play may take some time to implement and we may start slow, but as we haven't ripped the heart of the team out from last season, I think we will start to pickup around October and November and push on from there. If not, the January window can rescue us. REMEMBER LUTON STARTED SLOW LAST SEASON! 3. Lincoln City (P) - Lincoln's momentum will continue into 2018-19 after their promotion winning season and finishing 7th last season. Danny Cowley's transfer business has gone well with The Imps bringing in John Akinde from Barnet. A goalscorer is something Lincoln needed. Bruno Andrade and Grant Smith have both arrived from Boreham Wood, Andrade scoring 18 goals from the wing last season, and goalkeeper Smith being named in the team of the season. Shay McCartan is an exciting signing from Bradford whilst Blackburn centre-back Scott Wharton returns to Sincil Bank, after a good spell on loan last season. They have good enough players, quality and depth in the squad to make sure they avoid the play-offs this time around. --------------------------------- 4. Mansfield Town - After just missing out on a play-off spot a few months ago, David Flitcroft will now take charge of his first full season in charge of the Stags. He has bought well in Tyler Walker, Neal Bishop and Matt Preston. The squad have had a year to gel and get used to each other's strengths and weaknesses. The one key thing that will be crucial to Mansfield is, can Flitcroft get the best out of them? This is the big point and will decide whether Mansfield make the top 3 or not. They have looked good in pre-season, playing a 3-5-2 formation but it could be very different once the season starts. Inconsistency at Swindon meant The Robins didn't trouble the top three as much, as they would have liked to. Swindon fans were happy to see him go. A promotion season with Bury, before an inconsistent 15-16 season and a terrible run of 7 losses in a row in 2016-17 saw him sacked in November 2016. Mansfield's season all depends on which David Flitcroft turns up. 5. Northampton Town (P) - Dean Austin took over as caretaker manager for the last few games of last season and almost performed a miracle in keeping Northampton up before they were sucker-punched in the 90th minute in game 45. A key aspect of Northampton's summer, has been keeping the squad to together and they have done just that. The have signed two new strikers who should help them making a challenge on promotion, with Andy Williams and Junior Morias adding at Sixfields. Morias, especially, looks a good signing for this level. The Cobblers have good depth in all areas of the pitch and they look good to mount a promotion challenge and a return to League One. 6. Colchester United - After missing out on the top 7 for two seasons in a row, Colchester will want to finally make them this time. They have added to the squad well, bringing in two new goalkeepers and adding three new strikers in, Newport's Frank Nouble, Swindon's Luke Norris and Wolves' Aaron Collins (on loan). Harry Pell comes in from Cheltenham, after impressing at Whaddon Road. Keeping hold of Sammie Szmodics has been crucial, with his passing and creativity a big part of John McGreal's team. Szmodics scored 13 goals last season. The squad has got stronger and this time, the U's should make an impact on League Two. 7. Exeter City - Exeter have lost their manager of many seasons, in Paul Tisdale and some of the players that helped them get into the play-offs two seasons in a row. Jordan Moore-Taylor, Ryan Harley, Robbie Simpson and Lloyd James. However, they have replaced them adequately with the arrivals of Jonathan Forte, Nicky Law, Aaron Martin and Lee Martin. New manager Matt Taylor knows the club well having previously played at St James Park and he knows the lower leagues well after spending time at Charlton and Newport, as well as The Grecians. -------------------------------- 8. Stevenage - Dino Maamria took over in March and will lead Stevenage into, what they hope, is a better season than last season. Boro have bought well. Scott Cuthbert is one of the best signings in League Two, coming in from promotion winning Luton. Michael Timlin is a good signing, in my opinion and him and Joel Byrom should form a good partnership in midfield. They have lost Matt Godden which will be crucial but Danny Newton should be able to come up with the goals, as should the experienced Alex Revell. Like Aspin, Maamria has also used his non league exploits to bring in players. The four arriving are Luther Wildin (Nuneaton), James Ball (Stockport), Emmanuel Sonupe (Kidderminster) and Donovan Makoma (Barrow). All in all, a good transfer window for Stevenage and they will look to challenge the play-off places. 9. Port Vale - The Valliants have had a lot of changes made to the playing squad this summer with twelve new players coming through the doors at Vale Park. Ricky Miller and Idris Kanu arrive from Peterborough to add competition and goals. Kanu especially, is a very promising young player. Neil Aspin has used his knowledge and experience of non league football to bring in a few players. Manny Oyeleke arrives from Aldershot, Theo Vassell from Gateshead and Brendon Daniels from Alfreton. He has also added Football League experience in the form of Leon Legge, Luke Joyce and Louis Dodds. Luke Hannant is one to look out for after impressing at the back end of last season. Lots of improvements have been made to the squad and Aspin looks like the man to take Vale forward. 10. Swindon Town - Not as strong a squad as last season and in my opinion, the signings of Toumani Diagouraga and Michael Doughty, are the only ones that stand out. Diagouraga ran the show at Plymouth and Fleetwood last season and was crucial to The Piglrims revival from bottom of the league, to near the play-offs. Elijah Adebayo comes in on loan from Fulham and will be expected to score goals after a decent spell on loan at Cheltenham last season. Keshi Anderson is definitely one to look out for next season and Phil Brown has done it before at this level with Southend but for me, they just don't have enough to make the play-offs. 11. Grimsby Town - The Mariners have looked rejuvenated under Michael Jolley. After saving them from relegation last season, he has made some shrewd additions this summer with John Welsh from Preston and Elliott Whitehouse from Lincoln being the standout additions. However, Whitehouse will be out for a while due to injury. Jake Hessenthaler from Gillingham and Alex Whitmore from Chesterfield are young players and are also solid additions. I feel like they may need another year before they can mount a proper promotion challenge but the early signs are good and under Jolley, they seem to be heading in the right direction. 12. Crawley Town - They have lost key players in Enzio Boldewijn, Thomas Verheydt and Josh Yorwerth but they have bought in quality in Filipe Morais and Romain Vincelot. Ollie Palmer and Dominic Poleon look like they will form a decent partnership up front. George Francomb is another good addition having won promotion from this level in 2016 with AFC Wimbledon. Their defence lacks depth though, and they need back ups quickly. 13. Cambridge United - Have a decent squad with some good young players coming through. Joe Dunne did well with the team after taking over from Shaun Derry last season and managed a 12th placed finish. They haven't signed many in the transfer window and for that reason I can't see them pushing on into the play-offs. They may lack strength in depth in some areas too and getting goals out of Barry Corr will be important. 14. Crewe Alexandra - Some youth players at Crewe look like they are developing well, especially Charlie Kirk, Callum Ainley, Harry Pickering and James Jones. Perry Ng has also laid down the starting position at right-back. They have signed Shaun Miller and Paul Green to permanent contracts, after they helped Crewe go on a good run of form at the back end of the 17-18 season. Their defence is somewhere where they need improvement and they lack strength in depth. 15. Cheltenham Town - Losing Mo Eisa is big and they have decided to go down the same route in bringing in his replacement. They have once again looked into the lower divisions of non league to bring in a goalscorer, this time Manny Duku from Hayes & Yeading. They have bought in Johnny Mullins from Luton to add solidness to the defence. Mullins has won promotion from this league with Rotherham, Oxford and Luton. Sean Long arrives after a good season with Lincoln, as does Liam McAlinden with Exeter. However losing Eisa is a big deal and the squad has improved slightly but not enough to challenge the play-offs. 16. Bury - After a truly torrid season in 17-18, Bury will look to see an upturn in fortunes. Ryan Lowe was caretaker at the end of last season and has been given the managers job permanently. They have made some solid League Two additions such as Nicky Adams, Byron Moore and Chris Dagnall, but nothing spectacular. It will be hard to come off such a bad season and turn it around so quickly. 17. Tranmere Rovers - After finally getting out of non-league, Tranmere will be looking to push on and hopefully look to stabilise in League Two. Harvey Gilmour, Mark Ellis and Paul Mullin all look solid additions and keeping Ollie Norburn will be key. However, Rovers look thin up front with only James Norwood and Connor Jennings the two strikers at the club and this could pay dividends to them making any further strides up the league table. 18. Forest Green Rovers - FGR survived by a point last season, with Christian Doidge's goals crucial in keeping the Nailsworth club up. Liam Shephard, George Williams and Joseph Mills look good signings. Exeter fans couldn't believe FGR payed a fee for Lloyd James but he looks a solid addition. They look good in areas, but lack quality in others. If Doidge leaves, then I do worry for Rovers. They also lack depth in central midfield. 19. Newport County - The club, who were the surprise package last season along with Accrington, have one of the lowest budgets in the division, with their FA Cup run last season bringing in some much needed income. Although their transfer business has been mixed. Jamille Matt is an average signing in my opinion, as is Fraser Franks and Charlie Cooper. Andrew Crofts is an experienced midfielder and Keanu Marsh-Brown should provide pace out wide. They rely on loans a lot and Padraig Amond will have to have a blinder of a season to get them near the top half. 20. Oldham Athletic - After reports the club are in financial ruin with the club paying the players late and the relation between fans and owner strained, it appears Oldham's first season outside of League One for 21 years, won't be a happy one. Their signings haven't been good enough and they lack strikers. The club looks to be going downwards and may even do a Chesterfield if they are not careful. 21. Carlisle United - John Sheridan takes over from Keith Curle in Cumbria but, whilst he is very good at keeping teams up and saving them mid-way through the season, when he starts the season with a club it can be difficult for him. Notts and Oldham are two clubs, where he has started the season and been sacked. Carlisle's transfer business is also a sign that it might be a hard season. They lack depth up front and goals may be difficult to come by. Add to that a very thin squad and the playing budget being cut, the Cumbrians could see themselves at the wrong end of the table. 22. Morecambe - So many years, The Shrimps have been holding on and this year I expect them to do so again. The main reason I have put them above Macclesfield and Yeovil is because of their transfer business in the striker department. Jason Oswell was second top scorer in the National League North last season for Stockport, scoring 24 goals. Liam Mandeville has also come in on loan from Doncaster Rovers, having won promotion with them from this division in 2016-17. Andrew Tutte has come in from Bury, adding experience to the midfield but the with the same core of players from last season, I still see them struggling. ------------------------------------------ 23. Macclesfield Town (R) - A lot of things have changed at Mac after they won the National League. Manager John Askey has left for Shrewsbury and key players from the promotion winning team have left in; Kieran Kennedy, Mitch Hancox and Danny Whitehead. Mark Yates takes over, after doing a brilliant job at Solihull Moors. The players they have bought in, however, aren't that brilliant and they could look set for a long season. Whether Mark Yates has improved as a manager since he left the Football League will remain to be seen but Macclesfield look to be up against it if they are to continue the trend of teams promoted from the National League, staying up. 24. Yeovil Town (R) - They have continued to survive for the past three seasons but this season could well be the year they fall. Yeovil's transfer business hasn't been the greatest. A few players bought in nearing the end of their careers in Gary Warren and Carl Dickinson. Diallang Jaiyesimi comes in on loan from Norwich but didn't have an all impressive loan spell at Grimsby last season. They've lost Otis Khan, a key player from the past few seasons. They haven't got much depth up front either and the team genuinely lacks quality. Share your thoughts about this feature on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County's Wembley dream came to an end on Friday night as Coventry City ran out 4-1 winners in their League Two playoff semi-final second leg at Meadow Lane. Level at 1-1 on aggregate following the first leg, the hosts admittedly put in a dire first-half performance as Maxime Biamou and Marc McNulty struck in the first half to put the Sky Blues in control. Jorge Grant pulled one back for the Magpies before the break while Jonathan Forte had a perfectly good goal disallowed for offside. Biamou then scored again in a move which saw two separate offsides in the build-up and Tom Bayliss added another late on to end County's dreams of promotion to League One. Pride of Nottingham vlogger ARLukomski was at Meadow Lane to document the occasion, giving his thoughts throughout the game and in the aftermath. Want to watch one of the finest up and coming Notts bloggers around? Here's the video! Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here. Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County were robbed of victory at Coventry City’s Ricoh Arena as Kevin Nolan’s men had to settle for a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their League Two playoff semi-final. The Magpies led through Jonathan Forte’s deft second-half finish and looked on course to record a morale-boosting victory to put them in pole position for Wembley. However, "referee" Gavin Ward incorrectly adjudged Matt Tootle to have felled Tom Bayliss in the area and awarded a penalty to the hosts much to the disbelief of the Notts contingent. Marc McNulty stroked home the spotkick, sending Adam Collin the wrong way, to send the Sky Blues into next Friday’s Meadow Lane showdown on level terms. Pride of Nottingham vlogger ARLukomski was at the game, and in his latest video, he shares his thoughts before, during, and after what shall henceforth be known as the Coventry Screwjob. Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here. Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County's regular League Two season ended with a goalless draw against Luton Town at Meadow Lane on Saturday. The Magpies, who had sealed a playoff place but could not go any higher than third following the loss to Grimsby Town, played out a bright game against their promoted opponents. Neither side could break the deadlock, however, in a game that had an end-of-season team and with neither side having anything much to play for, except for where Notts would finish in the playoff positions. As it was, Kevin Nolan's charges finished fifth in the table and would find themselves up against sixth-placed Coventry City - the side that beat them 3-0 in the season opener - in the semi-finals. PON vlogger ARLukomski was at the game and shared his thoughts before, during and after the stalemate - here he is doing his thing! Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here. Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County threw away the chance of making the top three in League Two with one game to spare after falling to a 2-1 defeat at Grimsby Town on Saturday afternoon. The Magpies laboured at Blundell Park and fell behind through Nathan Clarke's first-half strike. Kevin Nolan's side then looked to have secured a point as Dan Jones stabbed home with only a minute left on the clock. However, the Mariners were not to be denied and substitute Jamille Matt headed a winner in the third of five added minutes to slam the door firmly shut on County's top-three ambitions. With third-placed Wycombe Wanderers winning at Chesterfield, it meant that the Chairboys won automatic promotion to League One alongside champions Accrington Stanley and second-placed Luton Town. Pride of Nottingham vlogger ARLukomski was on Humberside to give his thoughts prior to, during, and after the fateful game. Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here. Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County are guaranteed a playoff place in League Two and could yet break back into the top three thanks to Saturday's 4-1 win over Yeovil Town at Meadow Lane. The Magpies took the lead on the stroke of half time as Dan Jones let rip with an audacious long-range effort which took a deflection and wrongfooted Glovers keeper John Maddison en route to goal. Notts stepped up a gear in the second half, doubling their lead with a wonderful own goal from Tom James before strikes from Elliott Hewitt and Lewis Alessandra put the hosts out of reach. There was time for the visitors to bag a consolation and breach County's clean sheet as Alex Fisher netted in injury time from a free kick. However, the result was in no doubt whatsoever and the Black & White Army could celebrate another huge step in the team's promotion bid. Victory took the Magpies to within two points of third-placed Wycombe with two games left to play. Pride of Nottingham vlogger ARLukomski recorded his matchday experience at the San Sirrel and shared his thoughts before, during and after the match. Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here. Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County returned to winning ways as Jonathan Forte's brace sealed a 2-1 victory over League Two promotion rivals Coventry City at Meadow Lane. Pride of Nottingham-sponsored Forte broke the deadlock when he glanced in Jorge Grant's corner in the 60th minute. Coventry equalised in the 85th minute as substitute Jordan Ponticelli deceived goalkeeper Adam Collin with a deft flick into the back of the net. However, the Magpies responded immediately when Forte got a touch on Shola Ameobi's low cross to secure a vital three points. Notts had not won in their last four games but victory leaves them four points off the automatic promotion spots and five ahead of their opponents, who hold the final playoff place. Pride of Nottingham vlogger ARLukomski recorded his matchday experience at the San Sirrel and shared his thoughts before, during and after the match. Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here. Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County are now seven points adrift of League Two's automatic promotion places as they were beaten 1-0 at Accrington Stanley on Easter Monday. Mark Hughes's goal was enough to settle the game between the sides at the Wham Stadium as the Magpies slipped to fifth in the table. Notts wasted three glorious opportunities to equalise with Jonathan Forte hitting the bar, while Matty Virtue and substitute Jorge Grant both shot wide when unmarked. With Stanley winning, and Luton Town and Wycombe Wanderers also recording victories, Kevin Nolan's side face a mountain to get back into the top three, and surely the target must now be remaining in the playoffs. Pride of Nottingham vlogger ARLukomski recorded his matchday experience in Lancashire and shared his thoughts before, during and after the match. Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here. Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County missed out on the chance to gain ground on the top three in League Two as they were held to a goalless draw by Wycombe Wanderers in Good Friday's match at Meadow Lane. The Chairboys came to NG2 very much intent on leaving with a point and the Magpies could not break their defence down in an uninspiring, rain-sodden encounter. County had the better of the chances in the first half with Shola Ameobi striking a post following a Terry Hawkridge cross. Kevin Nolan was then sent to the stands as he vented his anger after Ameobi was hauled down in the penalty area by Adam El-Abd, but referee Ben Toner ruled there was no foul. Both sides continued to trade blows in the second half but, with Notts having little end product and Wycombe shutting up shop, the end result was a stalemate. Pride of Nottingham vlogger ARLukomski recorded his matchday experience at the San Sirrel and shared his thoughts before, during and after the match. Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here. Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County were humbled in front of the television cameras as League Two strugglers Chesterfield ran out 3-1 winners in Sunday's encounter at the Proact Stadium. The hosts took the lead on 16 minutes Andy Kellett's corner was touched on by Drew Talbot and Sid Nelson chested the ball past Magpies goalkeeper Adam Collin from point-blank range. Elliott Hewitt then missed a sitter before the Spireites doubled their lead through a poor clearance that was rifled home by Zavon Hines. Notts huffed and puffed and laboured throughout the early afternoon but they put themselves within a goal of getting something from the game thanks to Dan Jones's free kick. Nine minutes of stoppage time seemed to herald a potential comeback for the Magpies but all that happened was Chesterfield restoring their two-goal lead after Matt Tootle gave away a penalty and Kristian Dennis converted. Pride of Nottingham vlogger ARLukomski recorded his matchday experience in Derbyshire and shared his thoughts before, during and after the terrible match. Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here. Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County came so close to claiming a first league victory against Mansfield Town since 2005 but ultimately they fell just short in heartbreaking circumstances. The big League Two derby, which kicked off at 1pm, saw the Magpies take the lead midway through the first half. Terry Hawkridge was the man who scored the opener, a scrappy goal bundled home from close range after Conrad Logan had palmed Shola Ameobi's header back out into danger. The Stags improved in the second half but Notts had appeared to have done enough when the clock ticked past the seven minutes of added time. But the game continued and, in the eighth minute, Lewis Alessandra's handball in the box - though even that is contentious - led to a penalty, which Kane Hemmings converted for a final score of 1-1. Pride of Nottingham writer and vlogger ARLukomski was at the Lane for the big game and gives his pre-match, mid-match and post-match thoughts. Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here. Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

So the big match is upon us. Notts County against Mansfield Town. And you know what, I’m sick of losing to these lot. It really is getting annoying. It’s fair to say our record against Mansfield really isn’t the best. This century, in the league, we’ve played them 14 times, winning once, drawing five and losing eight times. Notts haven’t beaten Mansfield in the league since September 2005, a 3-2 win at Field Mill with a late winner courtesy of Glynn Hurst. However, after seven years apart in different divisions, both of these two returned to playing each other in 2015-16. It was not a good season for Notts. The first home game of the season saw us lose the Nottinghamshire derby 2-0. However, it’s the reverse fixture that makes the headlines for all the wrong reasons for Notts. A 5-0 defeat. A defeat, which summed up the Ray Trew era. A lack of fight, effort and passion. Notts were 1-0 down at half time and in the second half went to 3-5-2 and went for it in hope of getting back into the game. Sadly, it didn’t work and once the second went in, Notts gave up. A lot changed that summer. Players, manager, board members. Notts returned to Field Mill on October 8th and lost again. A 3-1 defeat in a game, which I summed up as being an absolute joke. John Sheridan said it how it was ‘we lost to two deflections and a penalty.’ A lot of things still annoy me about that game. We should have been 3-0 up at half time. Jonathan Forte missed a one-on-one chance, Jon Stead hit the post, and also had another good chance. Alex Rodman equalised in the 82nd minute but I knew something controversial was coming. You could just sense it. It was. Mansfield were awarded a penalty in the 90th minute for what most would call ‘a 50-50’ but Matt Tootle took so long to clear the ball. They scored a 3rd in the 93rd minute as well. In the reverse fixture on January 14th, Notts halted a run of 10 successive losses in Kevin Nolan’s first game in charge, with the game finishing 0-0. Mansfield were in good form coming into that game but Notts held firm. = In fairness, nothing much really happened in that game. Ben Whiteman came close to scoring with a deflected effort, which was well saved by Adam Collin. Michael O’Connor came close for Notts in the second half. In the 90th minute, a shot by Mansfield was saved by Collin and cleared by Carl Dickinson in a moment where my heart skipped a beat. The 3-1 defeat earlier this season again showed a lack of fight in which we crumbled under the pressure. Stead missed an easy chance from close range and Danny Rose starred as Mansfield ran out winners yet again. Form coming into this game has never been important. The four games in which Notts have lost against them, they have had the better form coming into each one. The 0-0 draw in January was the only time in which Mansfield had the better form coming into the derby. There is a slight theory behind this game too, as every time there has been a Tuesday night fixture preceding the derby, Mansfield have won. 2015/16 (0-2) Huddersfield 1-2 Notts, Sheff Wed 4-1 Mansfield – Notts lost the derby 2015/16 (5-0) Notts 1-0 Hartlepool - Notts lost the derby 2016/17 (3-1) Rochdale 2-1 Notts, Port Vale 0-1 Mansfield - Notts lost the derby 2017/18 (3-1) Exeter 0-3 Notts, Cheltenham 3-0 Mansfield - Notts lost the derby Notts have looked brilliant recently and I have the feeling this could the game in which we end the derby curse. Richard Duffy has said about how the players had a talk during the rot they were going through on how to turn it around. He also said they are now doing what they were doing when they were doing at the start of the season. I’ve also had friends who are Mansfield fans messaging me saying that the style of play since David Flitcroft came in has got worse. Danny Rose and Alex MacDonald have been two players who played well under Steve Evans but haven’t done so far under Flitcroft. This game is also massive for the promotion race. A Notts win and promotion is in their own hands with 8 games to go. A Mansfield win and they are right back in it with a game in hand. A draw is no good for either team and only hands the advantage to Wycombe and a recently resurgent Coventry. Notts must win to retain their advantage in the promotion race and finally end our awful record in this fixture. A last word to the fans. We cannot be outsung like last time. Players thrive off the support and it could make all the difference come Saturday. We cannot be outsung. Share your thoughts about this opinion article on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.

Notts County have claimed a much-needed three points in a 2-0 win over Stevenage in Saturday's League Two encounter at Meadow Lane. The Magpies were made to sweat for the opener, with came 13 minutes from the end as Jorge Grant struck a superb volley into the bottom corner of the net after the visitors had struggled to deal with Richard Duffy's ball into the box. However, the second goal was soon forthcoming - just minutes later came the clincher as Shola Ameobi bravely prodded in a header from Ben Hall, getting a knock for his troubles although he was fine to continue. The result sees the Magpies climb to fourth in the table and narrow the gap between themselves and third-placed Wycombe Wanderers to one point. Notts vlogger and Pride of Nottingham contributor ARLukomski discussed the fixture ahead of kickoff, gave his thoughts as the game went on, and talked about the performance and result after the final whistle. Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here. Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

We have some very winnable fixtures coming up against a Newport County side fresh off a cup run and a 5-0 dismantling at the hands of Mansfield Town. We play a Cambridge United side who are in a period of transition after a change in ownership and the resignation of Shaun Derry. We also have a home game against Stevenage to finish off the month, in which Boro have one of the worst away records in the division. We then face trips to Cheltenham Town and Forest Green, but after that the run-in gets very tricky. We have games against promotion rivals Mansfield, Wycombe Wanderers, Coventry City, Accrington Stanley and Luton Town, plus a difficult game away at Colchester United As I said, the fixtures coming up have to be won as we have some massive games later on and the points picked up now could prove the difference between automatic promotion and playoffs. Notts have to beat their promotion rivals and have to pick up their away form, which has only seen five away wins all season. Nine wins from the last fourteen should be enough to see us over the line. But there are other things to consider. A lot of the other promotion contenders have still got to play each other. Exeter City play Mansfield this Saturday. Coventry have to play Mansfield and Wycombe this month still. Then the Sky Blues host Lincoln City at the start of March. On the same day we face Wycombe (30th March), Accrington play Mansfield in which is sure to be a big day in the race for automatic promotion. Both sides still have to go to Kenilworth Road. Accrington also still have Exeter to face. Lincoln still have to face Exeter, Mansfield, Wycombe and Accrington. Swindon are still not out of it and have a trip to Exeter soon, along with a final day clash with Accrington at the County Ground. The big promotion race though, could come down to four teams in around a month’s time. The two points between Mansfield and Swindon might not be big, but it could be big enough for Accrington, Wycombe, us and Mansfield who have looked like they are going to pull away from the rest. But as of yet, no amounts of teams have threatened to break away. With 9 teams now involved (after Colchester moved level on points with Coventry last night) then it’s fair to say, the League Two promotion race has never been tighter. You can predict what the League Two table will look like come the end of season here. Leave comments below on who you have finishing where. Share your thoughts about this feature article on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have bounced back from their horror week with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Carlisle United on Tuesday night. Jon Stead put the Magpies ahead in the 19th minute when he collected a pass from Lewis Alessandra and fired a goalward effort which hit Cumbrians goalkeeper Jack Bonham and looped into the net. The veteran striker then doubled County's lead in the 35th minute when he reacted quickest during an almighty goalmouth scramble. Carlisle went on to make it a nervy finish through a deflected Jamie Devitt strike after the break and an inexplicable seven minutes of injury time. The result keeps Notts fourth in the League Two table and snapping at the heels of the top three while keeping the chasing pack at bay. Notts vlogger and Pride of Nottingham contributor ARLukomski discussed the fixture ahead of kickoff, gave his thoughts as the game went on, and talked about the performance and result after the final whistle. Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here. Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.