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What's been happening in League Two over the last week? Here is Pride of Nottingham's round-up of the biggest League Two news from the last seven days. - Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley and his brother, assistant manager Nicky, have committed their future to Sincil Bank by signing new deals until 2022. - Carlisle United have announced that Keith Curle will leave Brunton Park at the end of the season. The former Notts County boss has been in charge of the Cumbrians since September 2014. - The 45th round of fixtures saw Luton Town clinch second place behind champions Accrington Stanley. - Wycombe Wanderers were assured of third place, leaving Exeter City, Notts County, Coventry City, Lincoln City and Mansfield Town in the running for the four playoff places. - At the bottom, Barnet sit two points adrift of safety, with Morecambe the only other team that could join Chesterfield in dropping to the National League. - Also relating to Morecambe, the sale of the club to Bond Group Investments Limited was completed ahead of their relegation decider. - EFL clubs are set to vote on the future of the matchday programme in June. Several of its members have questioned the requirement for clubs to offer a physical version of their product in an era of social media. - Veteran midfielder Sam Saunders has signed a new one-year deal with Wycombe Wanderers after helping the club win automatic promotion to League One. The 34-year-old has made 27 appearances in all competitions this season. - Defender Josh Doherty has signed a new two-year contract with Crawley Town. The 22-year-old, who has represented Northern Ireland at Under-21 level, has made 13 starts and a further four substitute appearances this season. - Crewe Alexandra striker Charlie Kirk has signed a new three-year contract at Gresty Road. The 20-year-old academy graduate's existing deal was due to expire this June, but he is now signed up until the summer of 2021. - Cambridge United have appointed interim boss Joe Dunne as their permanent head coach on a three-year contract. The ex-Colchester manager, 44, joined the U's as Richard Money's assistant in 2015 and also worked with Shaun Derry, who left the club in February. - Crewe midfielder James Jones has signed a new two-year contract following a frustrating injury-hit campaign with the club. Jones, 22, has made just five appearances this season, and was not fit for action until late March. Share your thoughts about this news roundup on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Keith Curle has claimed that Carlisle United “did enough to get something out of the game” despite being beaten 2-1 by Notts County in midweek. The Magpies, who were desperate to get back on track following defeat to Swansea City in the FA Cup and League Two bottom side Barnet, raced into a two-goal lead by half time through Jon Stead. Although Jamie Devitt halved the deficit on 75 minutes, the Cumbrians couldn't make the most of the remainder of the game, plus seven minutes of injury time, to beat Notts. “It’s disappointing. Performance-wise, we did enough to get something out of the game,” Curle told the News & Star. “With our dominance of the ball in the final third, we had the majority of the play in that area. “They’ve got two good lads up front [Stead and Shola Ameobi] and they are hard to play against in the way they kill the game. “But we built up momentum and showed good character to come back from 2-0 down.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County returned to winning ways 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 a goalmouth scramble and saw his effort rebound off a player back onto him and then into the goal. 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, but Notts saw the game out for all three points. Relive the key moments from the Meadow Lane encounter with the official Notts YouTube highlights, as shared here by PON. Share your thoughts about the game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County 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. How did Notts boss Kevin Nolan, his players, and the Black and White Army react to the result? Here is Pride of Nottingham's post-match reaction compilation. Kevin Nolan "That was the performance and response I was looking for. I thought the lads were back to their usual selves. "I'm not relieved because I always believed in the squad and I trust them. I'm satisfied and glad they have shown what they can do. "You knew Carlisle would throw everything at us and the way the lads went about it meant they were well-deserving of the victory. I am delighted for each and every one of them. "We could have finished them off with the chances we created and it would have been an easier night if we were a bit more clinical. Overall they were absolutely brilliant." Jon Stead "A few lads have been feeling under the weather but we did what we needed to do, which was to get the three points and get back on track. "With the demands we put on each other as players, we knew we were miles off it against Barnet and we were very disappointed with the way things went and we had to put things right. It's been a difficult period for us but we ground out a result. "We got early goals and then saw it out, put bodies on the line and had some last-ditch defending which is everything you want when questions are being asked of you and you have to show a bit of character. "I feel like we could have killed them off with a third goal and it would have made things a little bit easier but it was a battling performance and three points, which is what we needed.” The Black and White Army Dave Woolley: If they play like they played 2nd half last night they won’t get much out of the game. Every clearance, every throw in, every kick from the Collin went straight to their player and created pressure. If Kevin doesn’t sort it and If Duffy can’t see it on the pitch we won’t get back on the winning trail. I was expecting Carlisle to grab an equaliser at any time. What a contrast form a great 1st half. Thomas Ross: Great to be back on the winners list. Appears that Super Kev’s kick up the arse after Saturday worked. Looking forward to Newport on Saturday #YouPies Michael Doroszenko: Don't care how many goals we scored as long as it's more than the other buggers. Let's hope that this will get us back on track and bring back some belief that yes the boys can do this coyp David Burkey: After the pasting they have had from Swansea and some supporters, the disappointment of Saturday, last night was going to be a huge test of character . We got through it so now we move onwards and upwards ..coyp Jay Dalton: sat back 2 nd half but brilliant defence and collin was impressive the fight back and spirit in the notts team is back the pre match warm up with crosses shown they are capable of scoring and threatening up front it paid off stead again on form coyp Nolan's super notts black white army Andrew Rayson: Well done tonight Notts, but tonight will count for nothing if you don’t back it up against Newport on Saturday and again against whoever we’ve got after them. Peter Hastings: First half convincing but we are worst enemies we need to see off teams the league is to tight we can't afford to slip up now Tim Johnson: Hard work but a decent performance, specially considering there's been a flu bug around the squad. Share your thoughts about this post-match reaction piece 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.

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has praised his players for putting in a much improved performance against Carlisle United on Tuesday night. Last week the Magpies were hammered 8-1 at Swansea City in the FA Cup and were then beaten 1-0 at League Two bottom side Barnet. However, Notts returned to winning ways with a 2-1 win over Keith Curle's side at Meadow Lane, thanks to Jon Stead's brace, and Nolan is pleased to have seen the players "back to their usual selves". "That was the performance and response I was looking for, " he told the official site. "I thought the lads were back to their usual selves. "I'm not relieved because I always believed in the squad and I trust them. I'm satisfied and glad they have shown what they can do. "You knew Carlisle would throw everything at us and the way the lads went about it meant they were well-deserving of the victory. I am delighted for each and every one of them. "We could have finished them off with the chances we created and it would have been an easier night if we were a bit more clinical. Overall they were absolutely brilliant." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have bounced back from their horror week with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Carlisle United on Tuesday night. Jon Stead's first-half brace did the damage against the Cumbrians, who made it a nervy finish through a deflected Jamie Devitt strike after the break and an inexplicable seven minutes of injury time. The game began with both sides looking dangerous, the best chance of the first quarter of an hour coming when Matt Tootle exchanged passes with Shola Ameobi to get into the area before rifling wide of the upright. Notts managed to break the deadlock on 19 minutes when Carlisle gifted the hosts possession and Lewis Alessandra slotted the ball into the path of Stead, who took a touch and rifled an effort off goalkeeper Jack Bonham and into the net. Keith Curle's charges remained dangerous as Devitt and Kelvin Etuhu fired off target but they conceded once again through an almighty goalmouth scramble that culminated in Stead scuffing home from his own deflection. County nearly added a third when James Brown's header back towards Bonham actually sailed over the goalkeeper but Stead couldn't get to the ball in time and a corner was conceded instead. The visitors began the second half brightly and had Notts under the cosh for a period and, although Kevin Nolan's side soon grew back into the game, the third goal of the encounter went Carlisle's way in controversial circumstances. Notts skipper Richard Duffy was down with a head injury but the Cumbrians played on, substitute Ashley Nadesan playing the ball into the path of Devitt, who in turn hit a deflected finish from the edge of the area. Meadow Lane was shocked when seven minutes of injury time were announced, which gave impetus to Carlisle to try to find an equaliser, but Notts held firm for all three points which keeps them fourth in the table. Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has spoken of the virus which is currently plaguing the Notts County setup and is hoping that it will clear up in the next week or two. A number of players have been suffering with the bug as Elliott Hewitt missed the games against Swansea City and Barnet. Alan Smith and Lewis Alessandra, meanwhile, both sat out the trip to the Hive, and Nolan has acknowledged that it's "going through the whole club" at present. "I've not been feeling great myself and Richard Thomas has been the same," Nolan told the official club site on Monday ahead of the Carlisle United fixture. "The kit man, the PA and the psychologist have all had it, so it's going through the whole club at the minute. "Every 24 hours we're getting two players back but losing another two! "It's unfortunate that this bug has surfaced when we're spending a lot of time with one another on the coach and at hotels. "It's hit us harder than if we were playing Saturday-to-Saturday or at home because I would have been able to give the lads some time away from each other. "We're hopeful we can get over it in the next week or two and have a fully-fit squad again." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has reassured fans that there is no "mini crisis" at Notts County and that the players will be hoping to put their hard work on the training ground into practice against Carlisle United tonight. The Magpies' league form has tailed off in recent weeks and a 4-1 win over Crewe Alexandra was followed up by an 8-1 trouncing at Swansea City in the FA Cup and then a 1-0 defeat at League Two strugglers Barnet. Despite County's form taking a downturn, which has culminated in the club dropping out of the automatic promotion places, Nolan is adamant that everyone involved in the team is singing from the same hymn sheet. “Everyone outside the club is probably treating it as a mini crisis, but let me reassure them,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “I want to apologise to the fans who went to the game. But I must mention the fans I saw on the way back. “One of them patted me on the back at the services, shook my hand and he said he was here when we lost 10 on the spin. “He said that he didn’t understand all the people who are talking about a crisis. He said that he loved what we’ve done and that his boy did too. “He read what I said and he said that’s all he wanted – pure honesty. “That means more to me than anything else. There’s no mini crisis here, we all know exactly what we are supposed to be doing and trying to achieve. “I always said it was not going to be smooth. These are the times you learn more about your players, your staff and yourself. “We’ve worked as hard as we always have and hopefully we will show that on the pitch on Tuesday.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Head to head Carlisle United and Notts County have met 33 times since their first clash back in October 1959, a Fourth Division clash that was won 2-0 by the Cumbrians. Out of those, the Magpies have won 17 and lost 12, with just four draws. Our last meeting was on 21 October last year, the first League Two fixture between the two this season, which ended in a 1-1 draw as Ryan Yates's 58th-minute goal cancelled out Hallam Hope's first-half opener. Stats The Magpies have managed just one win in their previous five league meetings with the Cumbrians, this after winning five of the previous six. Carlisle have won back-to-back trips to Notts by an aggregate score line of 8-2, their best ever run there in the Football League. Jorge Grant has had a hand in 19 goals in League Two this season - only two players have been involved in more, Adebayo Akinfenwa and Billy Kee. Carlisle are yet to win an away match in all competitions in 2018, losing 4-3 at Wycombe Wanderers in their last away match. History The club was formed on 17 May 1904 at Shaddongate United's annual general meeting, where the club's members voted to change the team's name to Carlisle United. The newly formed club initially played at Milhome Bank and later at Devonshire Park, finally settling at their current home Brunton Park in 1909. In 1949, the club became the first to appoint Bill Shankly as manager. Shankly, a former player at Carlisle, later went on to manage local rivals Workington (helping them finish above Carlisle for the first time) before being appointed as manager of Liverpool in 1959. The Cumbrians have spent a season in the top flight, back in 1974-75, and recorded a double over Everton, as well as home victories over eventual champions Derby County, former titleholders Ipswich Town, Arsenal, Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers. They were relegated at the end of the season though. Despite their small stature, the club has experienced moderate success with regards to silverware – they have won a Third Division title back in 1965, two fourth-tier championships in 1995 and 2006, and two Football League Trophies, back in 1997 and 2011. Trivia Carlisle staged their 'home' fixture against Notts at Preston North End's Deepdale stadium in December 2015 due to floods in Cumbria which impacted on Brunton Park as well. Carlisle is one of the northernmost clubs in the Football League, just 10 miles from the Scottish border, and one that’s normally mentioned among the most difficult away days – talk of “Carlisle away” is one for the most hardcore fans, especially in midweek (Newcastle United are further north than Carlisle, however). Carlisle is the smallest location, by population, to have had a resident top-flight English football club since 1906. Prior to this, Accrington FC, Darwen, Grimsby Town & Glossop North End were smaller. Carlisle are famous for one of the most dramatic Great Escape scenarios in all of English football, when on-loan goalkeeper Jimmy Glass scored in the last 10 seconds of their final game of the 1998-99 season against Plymouth Argyle to keep the Cumbrians in the Football League at the expense of Scarborough. Team news On-loan striker Mason Bennett will be unavailable for the foreseeable future after coming off in the first half of the 1-0 loss to Barnet with a hamstring problem. Kevin Nolan admitted that a virus is currently sweeping through the Notts camp and rendering players unwell, joking that "every 24 hours we're getting two players back but losing another two". Elliott Hewitt missed County's previous two games with illness but may potentially have shaken it off. Carlisle boss Curle has reported no new injury or suspension concerns as he prepares to face his former club. Skipper Danny Grainger missed Saturday's home draw against Colchester United and it remains to be seen if he returns to contention. Tom Parkes will continue at left-back if Grainger is ruled out again, with Gary Liddle set to continue as captain in central defence alongside Clint Hill. Reggie Lambe, Richie Bennett and John O'Sullivan are pushing for recalls after stepping off the bench at the weekend. Share your thoughts about this Stat Attack on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Shaun Brisley has admitted that he is thoroughly enjoying his time at Notts County and believes his decision to leave Carlisle United has been justified. The 27-year-old left Brunton Park in the summer to join Kevin Nolan - with whom he worked at Leyton Orient - at Meadow Lane. Brisley has established himself as a mainstay of the Notts defence, putting in impressive performances week in, week out and helping the Magpies to the upper echelons of League Two. "It wasn't going to be an easy choice to leave Carlisle, who made the play-offs last season," Brisley told the official Notts website. "But I had to come to a team who I thought would be pushing for promotion. Notts County was that team. "I'm enjoying my football, which helps massively. I feel as though I have come in and done well but there is still plenty of room for improvement. I'm still working on my weaknesses to ensure I keep getting better. "Richard (Duffy) and I have been playing to the best of our ability for most of the season so long may that continue. "Part of the understanding we have between each other comes naturally and some of it comes from work on the training ground. "We complement each other well. We both have different strengths and weaknesses, which even themselves out." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County kept up the pressure on League Two leaders Luton Town with a 1-1 draw at Carlisle United on Saturday. The Magpies struggled in the first half as Hallam Hope edged the Cumbrians ahead in the 24th minute at Brunton Park. County failed to clear Nicky Adams's cross and Jamie Devitt's ball was bundled home by Hope from close range. However, Kevin Nolan's side stepped it up a gear in the second half and got their just reward. Terry Hawkridge played in Matt Tootle, whose cut-back was drilled into the net by Yates, and the visitors left with a share of the spoils come the final whistle. Here is Chris's analysis of the game. Was the result fair? The final result was probably about right, both teams failed to maximise their chances but overall the point was good for both camps. How did Notts play? First half Notts failed to impress, whilst they struggled to take hold of the game and this really worked more in favour for Carlisle United who have earned a lot of praise from fans and the local media. The second half was much improved with Notts showing at times that they’re a capable side, producing some good moves and eventually a well worked goal. How did Carlisle play? Very entertaining in spells. They passed the ball around the park very nicely and demonstrated exactly what I pointed out within my scouting report. First half they easily controlled the game and passed through Notts without any complications. Overall they did very well and stuck at making it difficult for Notts. Did our tactics work out? The majority of fans will highlight that first half failed simply due to the lack of movement and of course passing. The team really struggled to work with the tactics and it was clear after 20 minutes that something needed changing, thankfully this happened in the second half and Notts adjusted themselves well to the changes implemented. How did the referee perform? There’s little to say about the referee, so this would suggest he and his match officials had an alright game. Who do we play next? Newport County – in the league Notts face the Exiles but before that they face Mansfield Town in the EFL Trophy which will have some bearing on how the Magpies perform at Meadow Lane – a good performance would naturally help. How should we play them? I don’t pretend to be an ‘expert’, however a lot fans will always have an opinion and I am simply one of them. Against Newport, Notts really must highlight what type of a team they are by sticking to passing the ball along the ground. It really does help settle down the play, whilst giving players a true feel for the game. I think it’s important to try and make the Ameobi/Forte combination work. It simply doesn’t work to stick Forte up top alongside Alessandra – there’s no physical presence and nobody hold the ball. Defensively we just need to be wary about shots from distance and make it hard for chances to arise from inside our own area – the perfect example would be how we allowed the game last season to escape us. This is a perfect game for Notts to collect some points, whilst lifting the levels of morale around the camp after a few very disappointing performances. So, if we approach the game wisely and build nicely during the game – I am confident that we will be able to keep the other County at bay. It will just be a case again of being clinical up front and stead in defence. Carlisle fan views (from The Cumbrians) Seesaw50: Not as entertaining somehow as Tuesday but we played well especially first half and didnt see them as a better side given their position in the league. Shame we couldn't find the second goal , but their goal was from the same frailty, poor defensive work.....it was like slow motion. Seabird: First half was really good, problem was when County changed things and pressed us stopping the passing game from the back we had not the quality on the bench to be able to change things effectively ,bit sorry for Curle a no winner what ever he did. If only we had Whke or Yabo. Crunchblue: We looked a good team first half, we just seem to be lacking someone to get in the right positions to finish chances. We played some really good football and if we'd had a Charlie Wyke or a Lee Miller leading the line, we'd have put the game to bed by half time. Share your thoughts about this tactical analysis piece 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 kept up the pressure on League Two leaders Luton Town following a 1-1 draw away at Carlisle United. Hallam Hope put the hosts ahead midway through a first half in which the Magpies were under the cosh. Kevin Nolan's charges, however, improved after the break and levelled on 58 minutes when Ryan Yates converted Matt Tootle's cross. Neither side could find another goal, which keeps Notts second in the league, just one point behind the Hatters. Here is some post-match reaction from the Notts manager, players and fans. Kevin Nolan "It's a good point against a good side. We're delighted with it, although it could have been three because we had some good chances in the second half, which we dominated. "Ross made some fantastic saves in the first half but I think we showed them a bit too much respect and we didn't get in amongst them. "It was a great reaction in the second half and we fully deserved to get back into it. The most important thing after a defeat is not to lose the next one. "We've got to respect the point because these are the ones which will mean a lot come the end of the season." Ross Fitzsimons "With us up near the top, it was important for me to slot straight in. "That's the nature of the beast. You could be out for six months but, straightaway, it can come thick and fast. It's important to be mentally and physically ready. "I'm delighted with how I've been playing, and with a point [against Carlisle]. I don't think teams will take a lot of points there so to come away with a draw was brilliant after Tuesday." The players on social media The Black and White Army Liampie: Difficult game but pleased we got the point. i think we are running out of ideas due to the limitations in the squad tho. Nolan needs to think about things a little more. Upthepies: The first half was quite poor for Notts. We didn't seem able to use the ball all that well and we played in a similar fashion to previous games which allowed Carlisle to play us off the park. I think they should have been at least 3-0 by that point and I would say we are lucky with the draw. That is why I would take the point but its hard not to feel disappointed. Same old Notts I am afraid! TheSkipper: First half was dire, really there are worse words I could use to describe it with but I will stick with that considering people cant accept others point of views. I thought we played quite well in the second half and we scored a well worked goal. I do not see how Kevin feels we should have won the game because I felt the better team was Carlisle. I do think we matched them better in the second half and assumed control of the game well. Good point? Yes but the performance really needs to be consistent. Leon Reeve: First half we were nervous and played like a team scrapping for points at the wrong end of the table. Second half, a lot more grit and determination and we nearly won it and was probably just the better team. Not sure why the stewards think it's acceptable for a home fan to throw the ball at one of our players in an aggressive manner and then abuse him and the majority of the away fans. Thomas George Polkey: Good point for Notts and nearly getting a winner but hitting the post. Least we didn't get thrashed 5-0 this time like last season. I'm sure Nolan would be fairly pleased with this point today. Michael Doroszenko: Take that anytime just happy to be bringing something home still hanging around the top 3 with a good run now just maybe just you never know coyp! Share your thoughts about this reaction piece 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.

Carlisle United manager Keith Curle has admitted that he had to change his usual tactics against Notts County because "we knew we couldn't play them at their game". The Cumbrians took the lead against the Magpies in their League Two encounter on Saturday through Hallam Hope but Kevin Nolan's side left Brunton Park with a point after Ryan Yates struck an equaliser. Assessing his side's performance after the 1-1 draw, Curle said he expected Notts, boasting height all over the pitch, to be such a handful that he had "to find a way to do things in a different way". The former Notts manager told the official Carlisle site: “We played through them in the first half with the ball on the ground at a good tempo, and with a patient build-up, and I thought we caused them some good problems. “Defensively we nullified the big centre forwards and by playing from the back we were able to pull them towards us and play through them. We needed to do that because we knew we couldn’t play them at their game. “It was the first time we’d zone marked and the players and I thought we did it well. Man-for-man they were bigger in height than we were in almost every area of the pitch, and that means you have to find a way to do things in a different way. “When we did go long to counter their change in formation we had Hallam Hope making a nuisance of himself, and then somebody there to help him out and land on the second balls. The positive we can all take from it is that they couldn’t get near us with the way we rotated the play. “The negative is that we didn’t finish them off with the chances we had. I don’t think there’d have been any arguments if we’d gone into half time two or three goals up. Their keeper had made two great saves and we created some other good chances as well. “We probably didn’t get the ebb and flow to our attacks in the second half and that’s why we made the substitutions. They’d started to play a little bit deeper and there wasn’t the space we’d had between the lines to get our players on the ball as much as we’d enjoyed before the break. “They’d tried to press us in midfield before the break and we gave them a chasing with the way we pulled them about. That’s why they changed their tactics - out of necessity - and they pulled men back to close that route off." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has hailed the "good point" gained at Carlisle United in Saturday's 1-1 draw and admitted that results such as the one at Brunton Park will mean a lot later in the season. The Cumbrians took the lead through Hallam Hope in the first half but the Magpies rallied round and Ryan Yates struck back in the second half. The result was a welcome boost after the 2-0 defeat at Crewe Alexandra in midweek and keeps Notts second in League Two with a tally of 30 points from 15 games. "It was important to come away with something," he told the official Notts website. "The most important thing after a defeat is not to lose the next one. "It's a good point because they are a good side and we're delighted with it, although it could have been three because we had some good chances in the second half, which we dominated. "Ross Fitzsimons made some fantastic saves in the first half but I think we showed them a bit too much respect and we didn't get in amongst them. "It was a great reaction in the second half and we fully deserved to get back into it. Even though we went 1-0 down, the players stuck in there and made it difficult for Carlisle so there are a lot of positives to take. "We've got to respect the point because these are the ones which will mean a lot if we're going to be in and around it come the end of the season." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have fought back from a goal down to claim a 1-1 draw in Saturday's League Two encounter at Carlisle United. The Pies came close to getting off the mark early on when Mike Jones sloppily gave away possession in midfield, with Shola Ameobi setting up Ryan Yates on the edge of the area, but Jones was able to charge down the ensuing effort. Carlisle countered through Tom Miller, who was on hand to rifle a Jamie Devitt cross goalwards from close range, but Notts keeper Ross Fitzsimons pulled off a great two-handed save. At the other end, a looped delivery from Jon Stead at the back post invited Jorge Grant to shoot, but the loanee sent his volley wide. Both sides continued to trade chances, with Fitzsimons bailing his side out once again when he parried Hallam Hope's toe-poke then kept out Reggie Lambe's follow-up diving header. Terry Hawkridge then burst clear and fired an effort against the post which then deflected off keeper Jack Bonham and out to safety. The opening goal came not long after that chance and it went the way of Carlisle, with Nicky Adams crossing towards the back post, Devitt nodding the ball back to centre and Hope bundling home. County came close to drawing level just before the break when Matt Tootle's shot was kept out by Bonham, but eventually succeeded in getting their equaliser just before the hour. Tootle was involved once again, overlapping with Hawkridge and sending a cross into the box which Yates steered into the back of the net. Notts went close to a second on 73 minutes, when Shola Ameobi headed Grant's cross against the post, while a last-ditch tackle from ex-Magpie Gary Liddle then denied Lewis Alessandra. Yates then headed over a chance late on as Notts finished the game with a share of the spoils which keeps them second in the League Two table. Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Keith Curle has spoken highly of Notts County as his Carlisle United charges prepare to welcome the Magpies to Brunton Park later today, expecting the visitors to be full of confidence and a dangerous proposition. The former Notts manager told the official Cumbrians site: “They’re near the top of the table but if you look at the last four games we’ve had you see we’ve been up against very good teams. “There are no easy games and that’s why our approach to each one is exactly the same. When we do our jobs properly we think we can cause teams problems. “Notts County are one of the division’s good sides and I’ve played against Kevin [Nolan] a few times. He likes to play a certain way. We’ve reviewed their last three or four games and their approach is based on percentages. “They like to get the ball forward, keep it alive and get it into good areas quickly. They’re a real threat in the box and they’re reliable, consistent and dependable in what they do. They’re very inventive with set pieces and they’re comfortable in their style. We know what to expect so it’s now down to how we deal with it. “They’ll be full of confidence even though they were knocked slightly with the result at Crewe the other night. If you isolate that result you see they made a few changes and other players had opportunities to shine. That probably means that their line-up will have a bit more in the way of predictability about it on Saturday.” Curle also spoke highly of Notts defender Shaun Brisley, formerly of Carlisle, being quoted by the Nottingham Post as saying: “Shaun is a very good player. “That’s why we brought him here. He has gone and fitted into a club [Notts] very, very well. He is putting in performances and is scoring goals. "I think he made a lot of friends when he was here because he applied himself very well. “He was a little bit unfortunate with the injury he first had at the beginning of last season. But you got to say, he is a very good professional, has ability and is applying himself at his new club.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Carlisle United and Notts County have met 32 times since their first clash back in October 1959, a Fourth Division clash that was won 2-0 by the Cumbrians. Out of those, the Magpies have won 17 and lost 12, with just 3 draws. Our last meeting was on 8 April this year in League Two, a 2-1 win at Brunton Park. Carlisle staged their 'home' fixture against Notts at Preston North End's Deepdale stadium in December 2015 due to floods in Cumbria which impacted on Brunton Park as well. Carlisle is one of the northernmost clubs in the Football League, just 10 miles from the Scottish border, and one that’s normally mentioned among the most difficult away days – talk of “Carlisle away” is one for the most hardcore fans, especially in midweek (Newcastle United are further north than Carlisle, however). The Cumbrians have spent a season in the top flight, back in 1974-75, and recorded a double over Everton, as well as home victories over eventual champions Derby County, former titleholders Ipswich Town, Arsenal, Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers. They were relegated at the end of the season though. Carlisle is the smallest location, by population, to have had a resident top-flight English football club since 1906. Prior to this, Accrington FC, Darwen, Grimsby Town & Glossop North End were smaller. Despite their small stature, the club has experienced moderate success with regards to silverware – they have won a Third Division title back in 1965, two fourth-tier championships in 1995 and 2006, and two Football League Trophies, back in 1997 and 2011. Carlisle are famous for one of the most dramatic Great Escape scenarios in all of English football, when on-loan goalkeeper Jimmy Glass scored in the last 10 seconds of their final game of the 1998-99 season against Plymouth Argyle to keep the Cumbrians in the Football League at the expense of Scarborough. Team news Carlisle have defender Danny Grainger back from a one-match suspension. Steven Rigg came off the bench in the 3-3 draw against Wycombe on Tuesday night and will be eyeing his second full debut after re-signing for the club last week. Jason Kennedy is also pushing to start after returning from fitness problems but midfielder Kelvin Etuhu remains a doubt. Striker Shaun Miller has been hit with a two-match ban after being retrospectively punished for diving - the first player in England to suffer this fate. Ross Fitzsimons is expected to remain in goal for Notts with Adam Collin still ruled out. Fitzsimons made his first league start in midweek after Collin suffered a knee injury against Barnet and the problem is still being assessed. Share your thoughts about this Stat Attack 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.

Richard Duffy has acknowledged that Notts County must raise their game on Saturday at Carlisle United given how opposition teams will do the same against a team high up in the table. The Magpies have been one of the pace setters over the last two months, twice going top of the League Two standings, and currently sit second going into the weekend's encounter at Brunton Park. With Carlisle 15th in the standings and having won just one of seven home games, Duffy has spoken of turning it into a "horrible game" for the hosts and cause the crowd to get exasperated with their team. "The manager has been on to us," Duffy told the official Notts site. "He's said whoever we play against will be our toughest game of the season because they will raise their game with us being near the top of the table, and that we have to raise our own game even further to combat that. "We're not stupid enough to think we can win every game or perform to a level which is acceptable every time. Sometimes you will slip below it for whatever reason, but we have to get back on it this Saturday. "We've just lost at Crewe and it's vitally important we don't follow it up with another defeat. "When you go away from home you have to try and turn the home crowd against their team because it makes it tough and puts their players under pressure. "When teams aren't 1-0 up at home after 15-20 minutes and then a pass goes astray you hear a few groans in the crowd and things can get a bit hectic. "We have to turn it into a horrible game and keep them on the back foot." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

What goes up must come down, and following Notts County's incredible spell between mid-August and late September, things have taken a bit of a downturn. The Magpies still remain in the upper reaches of the League Two table, but following three poor performances from the last four games, alarm bells have started ringing just a little. Up next is the long trip to Cumbria on Saturday, where Carlisle United await us. Here is Chris's Scouting Report for the game at Brunton Park. History Carlisle United and Notts County have met 32 times since their first clash back in October 1959, a Fourth Division clash that was won 2-0 by the Cumbrians. Out of those, the Magpies have won 17 and lost 12, with just 3 draws. Our last meeting was on 8 April this year in League Two, a 2-1 win at Brunton Park. Run-down of their last six features Saturday 23rd September – Crewe Alexandra 0 Carlisle United 5 Tuesday 26th September – Carlisle United 0 Stevenage 2 Saturday 30th September – Crawley Town 0 Carlisle United 1 Saturday 7th October – Carlisle United 0 Exeter City 1 Saturday 14th October – Colchester United 0 Carlisle United 1 Tuesday 17th October – Carlisle United 3 Wycombe Wanderers 3 The Players – Fact Sheet Highest Goal Scorers; Reggie Lamb 6, Hallam Hope 4, Danny Grainger 3 and Shaun Miller 2. Persistent Foulers; Tom Parkes 2 red cards and 2 yellow cards, Richard Bennett 1 red card and 2 yellow cards, Danny Grainger 4 yellow cards and Luke Joyce 3 yellow cards. The Key Players Luke Joyce is a player capable of taking any game hands on, and has the ability to instantly turn things around – the midfielder does have a temper but as a creative outlet he offers Carlisle a lot going forward and in terms of defending. Reggie Lamb is another stand-out player who offers the Cumbrians bags of energy and is menacing in front of goal. At the back Danny Grainger is an experienced defender who leads by example, yet also has an eye for goal. Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses Carlisle United like to play the game in the right way, their movement at times can be a joy to watch and it’s certainly very clever when it pays off. They tend to put men behind the ball even when going forward, whilst ensuring space is created - this means the opposition have to both get tighter but also more zonally aware which plays to the Cumbrians' advantage when space opens up at the back. In procession they’re a very hard working team not afraid to take on teams, however they can be slow in their build-up play which means more time is created to use the ball wisely. Defensively they can lose focus, whilst allowing teams too much time of their own on the ball. They tend to mark loosely, inviting teams to continue playing rather than dealing with the threat at the right time – almost eerily similar to Notts. Likewise, they can show complete control of games expressing some very entertaining football, only to completely allow their hard work to be undone very poorly. Yet for the most part they are a consistent outlet, and also a noticeable team within League Two who on their day can impress. Quite rightly so Carlisle manager Keith Curle as pointed out one of his side's biggest weaknesses with his comment on the Magpies' free-kicks: ‘Notts are inventive with set pieces and comfortable in their style’. Their inability to deal with the opposition with key areas can result in chances coming from set pieces, and as a result is something Notts can take advantage of. However, provided we pass wisely and match Carlisle United in terms of desire and effort chances will come, it will be down to the strongest team to take them and to kill off the game. Share your thoughts about this scouting report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has backed his Notts County players to show a big improvement when they travel to Carlisle United for Saturday's League Two fixture. The Magpies have experienced a downturn in form since the Mansfield Town defeat at the end of September, which was one of two defeats and a draw in their last four games. Up next comes the long trip to Brunton Park and Nolan admits that his boys will have to get themselves fired up as the Cumbrians will raise their game against the high-flyers. "It's about getting back to doing what we have been doing," Nolan told the official Notts site. "We had a lot of the ball at Crewe but our first shot on target wasn't until the 63rd minute, which is not good enough for us. "But the good thing about this league is that you get an opportunity every few days to put it right. "We're looking for a big improvement and I hope it will come because the lads have been fantastic since Tuesday. "Teams are going to raise their game when those at the top come to town. "As a manager you don't need to motivate your players because they will want to prove to everyone they are better than them on the day. "My lads have to start finding a way to get themselves motivated. You can't go away from home and expect to be given anything cheaply. You have to earn it. "We can't worry about anyone else. We need to strip everything back and make sure we are ready for Carlisle, which will be another tough game; they are a good footballing outfit. "You want to get momentum going again in the next game but there is no need for anyone to panic. "We are well in control of what we want to do and we are well ahead of where anyone thought we would be." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

What goes up must come down, and following Notts County's incredible spell between mid-August and late September, things have taken a bit of a downturn. The Magpies still remain in the upper reaches of the League Two table, but following three poor performances from the last four games, alarm bells have started ringing just a little. Up next is the long trip to Cumbria on Saturday, where Carlisle United await us. In this Opposition View, Pride of Nottingham speaks to Cumbrians fan Elliott to give us an insight on the weekend's opposition. About Elliott: 25 years old, fan since 2004, favourite player is Karl Hawley. 1) "Carlisle away" is often considered one of the most dreaded away days due to the distance - how do you feel about this reputation? It's quite funny really. I mean, if fans dread coming to Carlisle, even if it's just because of distance, then that's half the battle won. But it's only one game out of 46 for away fans. For us, virtually every away game is a trek. 2) Jimmy Glass's injury-time goal in 1999 is the stuff of folklore - what do you make of it? I'm too young to really remember it but having spoken to older fans, it really seemed an incredible moment. At the time, relegation to the Conference could have easily bankrupted Michael Knighton, the owner at the time, and in turn put an end to Carlisle United. Even just watching it back on YouTube, it sends shivers down my spine. Can't even begin to imagine having been there. 3) Since the turn of the millennium you've been as high as League One and as low as the Conference - where do you feel is your natural level? Is there such thing as a "natural level" in football? You've got teams like Huddersfield and Bournemouth in the Premier League and the likes of Portsmouth and Blackburn in the third tier. We are where we deserve to be at present. Obviously I'd like to see us back into League One and then go up into the Championship but every club's where it deserves to be. 4) What's your proudest moment as a Carlisle fan? A single occasion - the 1-0 win over Brentford in the JPT final in 2011. In terms of a spell- the back-to-back promotions from the Conference to League Two and then winning the title to go up into League One. 5) Who are your team's danger men? Reggie Lambe can't stop scoring at the minute, he's going from strength to strength and it shouldn't be a surprise to see him in double figures before Christmas. And Danny Grainger is also bagging the goals - and a couple of assists too - from left-back. 6) Score and scorer prediction 2-1 Carlisle, Hallam Hope and Reggie Lambe to get our goals. Share your thoughts about this opposition view 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 announced the signing of Carlisle United defender Shaun Brisley on a two-year contract. The 27-year-old signs for the Magpies as a free agent after he cancelled his contract with the Cumbrians by mutual consent. Brisley began his career at hometown club Macclesfield Town, making 124 appearances between 2007 and 2012. In that year he enjoyed a loan spell at Peterborough United and then sealed a permanent switch to London Road, remaining on their books until 2016. Following a series of loan spells, he then joined Carlisle last year, before heading to NG2 where he will play under former manager and teammate Kevin Nolan, who he knows from Leyton Orient. Brisley told the official Notts side : "I'm chuffed to bits and can't wait to get started. "I first heard about the interest at the back end of last week so it's great to get it done so quickly so I can settle in and concentrate on the start of the season. "Playing under the gaffer before was a massive factor in me coming here. He sets high standards and gets it from you week in, week out. "I thought he brought the best out of me when we were together at Orient so as soon as I heard of the interest I just wanted to get the deal done. "I like to think I have strong leadership qualities, I am good in the air and I bring a determination to keep clean sheets. "I want to come here and make my mark, play as many games as I can and get the team back into League One." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. 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!

Notts County have signed defender Shaun Brisley on a two-year contract after his deal with League Two rivals Carlisle United was cancelled. Here is some information about the player's identity, career, achievements and style of play. Full name: Shaun Richard Brisley Date of birth: May 6, 1990 Place of birth: Macclesfield, England Age: 27 Height: 1,88 m Nationality: English Position: Defence - Centre-Back Preferred foot: Right Last club: Carlisle United Came through the ranks at: Macclesfield Town Other clubs he has played for: Peterborough United, Scunthorpe United (loan), Northampton Town (loan), Leyton Orient (loan) Career achievements: EFL Trophy winner with Peterborough in 2013/14 Style of play: Kevin Nolan - "He's a great lad on and off the field. He's a leader, he talks, he heads the ball, he does all the nitty-gritty stuff - and he can play as well." Brisley about himself - "I like to think I have strong leadership qualities, I am good in the air and I bring a determination to keep clean sheets." Share your thoughts about this Shaun Brisley factfile 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. 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!

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has singled out goalkeeper Adam Collin and midfielder Michael O'Connor for praise following their respective displays in the 2-1 win over Carlisle United. Collin made up for failing to save Jabo Ibehre's shot for the hosts' opening goal with a great save from the striker one-on-one, while O'Connor impressed after coming off the bench for the last 25 minutes. "I think Adam will be disappointed and he has already held his hand up about the first goal," Nolan told the Nottingham Post. "But you have seen a reaction from him because he then saves a one on one with Ibehre later on in the game. "Adam has been absolutely first class since I came in and the problem with playing goalkeeper is that if you make an error you are often punished for it. But when you look at it, he has saved us the three points. "Although the first goal went in, the save from the one on one was absolutely fabulous. He won't be getting any gripes from me, but he'll probably beating himself up more than I will be having a go at him. "Michael O'Connor was a real positive coming on for us. It would have summed up a fantastic afternoon for him if he had scored. He definitely made an impact on the game and it was a massive one." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.