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Kevin Nolan has admitted that Notts County were punished for making “strange and sloppy” decisions in their 2-0 loss at Luton Town on Saturday. The Hatters secured a 2-0 win at Kenilworth Road through former Magpies loanee Jorge Grant and Elliott Lee. The latter scored from close range after Ross Fitzsimons failed to collect a header on the goal line following a corner. “I was a bit disappointed really in what we’ve been trying to do and what we’ve been about in pre-season,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “I thought we were second best certainly in the second half. “In the first we contained them and I think they only had one shot on target. But in the second half we made some strange and sloppy decisions and we were punished for it.” 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's regular League Two season has 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. Here is how the game panned out, with Notts County's official YouTube match highlights. Share your thoughts about the match 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.

Kevin Nolan has praised Notts County for getting a result in their final regular game of the League Two season against Luton Town and is optimistic ahead of the playoffs. The Magpies finished fifth in the table with a point against the already-promoted Hatters in a goalless draw at Meadow Lane and will face Coventry City in the semi-finals. “It was an enjoyable game for the fans because there were lots of chances and plenty of oohs and aahs,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “But I am delighted we got the clean sheet and I always thought it was going to be a tough game no matter what. “We created chances although I thought we could put them under more pressure when they went down to 10 men. “That’s something we can work on, but overall it was a good positive result to take into the play-offs. “It was important that we got a result in that respect and I thought the way we bounced back from defeat to Grimsby was good. “I love clean sheets and we’ve got one and that bodes well for the next couple of weeks. “It’s been a fantastic 46 games and we’ve got two games now in a knockout competition and we’ve got to be better than Coventry over 180 minutes. “If we are then I feel we will be going to Wembley.” 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 secured fifth place in League Two and will face Coventry City in the playoffs following their goalless draw with Luton Town at Meadow Lane. Backed by more than 4,000 fans, the promoted Hatters looked lively early on with Olly Lee forcing Magpies goalkeeper Adam Collin into action with a powerful 20-yard drive. Jack Stacey then nearly rounded off a fine move when he drilled a low shot across the face of goal following a deft delivery from Elliott Lee. Michael O'Connor, captaining the Magpies from the off for the first time in over a year, found himself on the edge of the box but his floated cross to the far post drifted harmlessly wide. Jon Stead, meanwhile, had a shot deflected behind for a corner while Luton goalkeeper James Shea also saved from Jorge Grant. The Magpies' hopes of a victory then appeared to be boosted early in the second half when Danny Hylton picked up a second yellow card for a foul on Shaun Brisley. However, Nathan Jones's charges continued to push on, Stacey again coming close following a fine counter attack by the visitors. Late on, only a fantastic last-ditch tackle from Matt Tootle denied Pelly Ruddock-Mpanzu from making the breakthrough at the expense of a corner. Notts were handed the chance to win the game during four minutes of added time when Lewis Alessandra was brought down just outside the box by Alan Sheehan. However, Jorge Grant could only send the ball over the bar as the regular reason ended for Notts, while Luton would be waving goodbye to League Two come the final whistle. 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.

Head to head Notts County and Luton Town have faced off 71 times in their history. The first meeting came in January 1912 when the Magpies secured a 4-2 away win in the FA Cup. The last one was in December, a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road. Luton dominate the head-to-head with 35 wins over Notts, 21 draws and 15 defeats. The Magpies have lost only once in their last five home league meetings with Luton, a 2-0 reverse in March 2009. The Hatters are unbeaten in the last three league clashes between these two sides since losing both meetings in the 2015-16 campaign. Stats A win for Notts will see the Magpies finish on 79 points, their highest points tally since winning the League Two title with 93 points back in 2009-10. Luton have won nine league games by three or more goals this season, more than any other side in League Two. Danny Hylton has been directly involved in seven goals in his last seven games for the Hatters in League Two (six goals, one assist). History Luton Town Football Club was formed on 11 April 1885, the product of a merger of the two leading local teams, Luton Town Wanderers and Excelsior. The club was the first in southern England to turn professional, making payments to players as early as 1890 and turning fully professional a year later. It joined the Football League before the 1897–98 season, left in 1900 because of financial problems, and rejoined in 1920. Luton reached the First Division in 1955–56 and contested a major final for the first time when playing Nottingham Forest in the 1959 FA Cup Final. The team was then relegated from the top division in 1959–60, and demoted twice more in the following five years, playing in the Fourth Division from the 1965–66 season. However, it was promoted back to the top level by 1974–75. Luton Town's most recent successful period began in 1981–82, when the club won the Second Division and gained promotion to the First. Luton defeated Arsenal 3–2 in the 1988 Football League Cup Final and remained in the First Division until relegation at the end of the 1991–92 season. Between 2007 and 2009, financial difficulties caused the club to fall from the second tier of English football to the fifth in successive seasons. The last of these relegations came during the 2008–09 season, when 30 points were docked from Luton's tally for various financial irregularities. Luton then spent five seasons in non-League football before winning the Conference Premier in 2013–14, securing promotion back into the Football League. The club's nickname, "the Hatters", reflects Luton's historical connection with the hat making trade, which has been prominent there since the 1600s. The nickname was originally a variant on the now rarely seen straw-plaiters. Supporters of the club are also called Hatters. Luton is associated with two very different colour schemes - white and black (first permanently adopted in 1920), and orange, navy and white (first used in 1973, and worn by the team as of the 2015–16 season). Team news Notts go into their final game of the regular season guaranteed a top-seven finish as they hope to join the Hatters in League One next season, and Kevin Nolan is mulling over which players to use for the game. Leading scorer Jorge Grant is fit again after an ankle injury but might only be on the bench again on Saturday, as he was for the defeat at Grimsby last weekend, if Nolan opts to rest his stars. Defender Matt Tootle, meanwhile, should have recovered from illness. Promoted Luton could have Scott Cuthbert back in their starting line-up at Meadow Lane. Hatters boss Nathan Jones has picked an unchanged side for the last four games but might decide to freshen up his team for the final match of the campaign. Cuthbert has recovered from a groin injury and made his return to action as a late substitute against Forest Green last weekend. Luke Gambin and James Justin might also come into Jones' thoughts but Lawson D'Ath (knee) remains a serious doubt and Luke Berry (fractured leg and dislocated ankle) is out. Share your thoughts about this match preview 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 wants Notts County to put the disappointment of the defeat at Grimsby Town behind them, keep the momentum going against Luton Town and go into the playoffs full of confidence. Wycombe Wanderers took third spot in the table as they won their 45th game, while the Magpies fluffed their lines at Blundell Park in a 2-1 loss. The promoted Hatters await Notts on Saturday in the last game of the regular season and Brisley is eager for his side to make the most of it. “We obviously wanted to win to take the fight for third spot into the final game,” Brisley told the Nottingham Post. “But we weren’t as good as what we have been in the last three games. “We’ll take it on the chin and we’ll look forward to the play-offs. It’s important we get back to winning ways against Luton and build momentum going into those extra two games. “But to be in the play-offs is a great achievement given where the club was last season. We are still in with a chance of promotion, which is the target we set ourselves. “But there was a sense of frustration about not taking it to the final game. We’ve just got to keep our heads up and go 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 described Notts County's League Two regular season finale against Luton Town as a "fantastic opportunity" to prepare for the playoffs. The Magpies' 2-1 loss at Grimsby Town, combined with Wycombe Wanderers' 2-1 win at Chesterfield, saw the Chairboys fill the last top-three spot in the table. Notts cannot finish any higher than fourth or lower than seventh, but before navigating the playoffs, must first see out the 46th and final fixture, and awaiting them on Saturday is second-placed Luton. “It’s just about making sure now that we’re ready and we’re prepared for the playoffs,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “There’s no better time to do it than start with a fantastic opportunity and a fantastic game with Luton who were deservedly going up. “They are going to bring 4,000 plus fans and it’s going to be a great atmosphere and a great occasion. “Then we know we’ve got the business of two games which is going to give us the season highlight or lowlight. “But I said to all the players that no matter what happens from now on, I’m proud of every one of them for what they’ve done and what we’ve done as a team this year. “We’re just hoping that we can get over their final hurdle now.” 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.

Alan Hardy is looking ahead to a grandstand finish to the season as he hopes for Notts County to claim a top-three spot in League Two. The Magpies face Grimsby Town away on Saturday before wrapping up the regular programme at Meadow Lane against fellow high-flyers Luton Town. Notts are currently fifth in the table but third-placed Wycombe Wanderers are just two points above Kevin Nolan's side, ensuring there is all to play for in the final two games of the season. Hardy has previously stated that he would have loved seeing Notts seal promotion via the playoffs at Wembley on his birthday, but has now admitted he wants the automatic spot. "Win at Grimsby this weekend and we’ll go into [the Luton] match with a chance of securing automatic promotion on the last day of the season," Hardy told the Nottingham Post. £What an occasion that would be. "I’ve gone on record in the past as saying my dream would be to be promoted – on my birthday – via the playoffs at Wembley. "But, now the top three is tantalisingly close, I’m starting to think an early present would be preferable! "Automatic promotion would afford us an extra three weeks to prepare for a season in League One, which I’m sure would be a big jump for everyone in the business. "That said, there is no pressure on the manager or the players from my point of view. They’ve done a tremendous job to get themselves into this position and what will be will be. "But, if we can take it down to the final day, it promises to be a cracker of a finale." 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.

Former Notts County defender Alan Sheehan has expressed his delight at losing his "nearly man" tag by winning promotion with Luton Town. The Irishman had the captain’s armband as the Hatters sealed the deal in Cumbria where their 1-1 draw with Carlisle United was enough to ensure they will be playing League One football next term. The promotion is Sheehan's first in his 13-year career so far and the player could not hide his delight. “It’s my first official promotion," Sheehan told Dunstable Today. "I could claim some, but I won’t, this was my first one, so I’m absolutely delighted with it. “I suppose I’ve been called the nearly man. A few play-off final losses, few playoff semis, a few losses on the final day, and stuff like that, so I’ve been close, but never quite got it. It’s brilliant. “The Blackpool game (last season in the playoffs) was probably the worst I’ve felt and I suppose this year was the most that we wanted it as we were so determined to put it right, because it was a sickening night. “I’ll never forget that as long as I live, but I do feel better now, now we can finally put it to bed. I was watching the highlights when I was on holiday with my missus, and she was like, ‘just enjoy your holiday’, I was like, ‘I can’t, I don’t think I can let this go.’ “But now I can finally, it was motivation, because we never wanted to feel like that 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.

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. - Accrington Stanley are likely to finish as League Two champions but the champagne currently remains on ice as Newport County ran out 2-1 winners at Rodney Parade on Tuesday night to deprive the Lancastrians of the point needed to seal the title. - Luton Town have also secured promotion to League One, coming from behind on Saturday to claim a point at Carlisle United to send them back into the third tier for the first time in a decade. - At the other end of the table, Chesterfield have been relegated, a second successive drop in divisions after falling from League One last year, and manager Jack Lester paid the price before relegation was mathematically confirmed as he left the Proact Stadium. - At present, four teams will be vying for that all-important third-placed finish in the league - incumbents Wycombe Wanderers, Exeter City, Notts County, and Lincoln City. - Sixth-placed Coventry City, meanwhile, are hoping to hold off Mansfield Town, the only team outside the top seven that can still get into the playoffs. - Towards the bottom, Barnet are the likeliest side to go down, five points adrift of safety in 23rd place, but Morecambe and Grimsby Town could yet be pegged back if the Bees win their final two games and either the Shrimpers or the Mariners - whose goal difference is worse than Barnet's - make a mess of their next two games. - Chelsea have been ordered to pay a £2.5m compensation fee to Exeter City following midfielder Ethan Ampadu's move to the club last summer. The two teams were unable to agree a fee when the 17-year old moved to Stamford Bridge in July last summer. - Striker Nathan Tyson has signed a one-year contract extension with Wycombe. The 35-year-old has scored seven goals in 33 games since returning to the club last summer. - Ronnie Henry, Stevenage's record appearance-maker, has signed a new one-year contract with the club. The 34-year-old set the new record when he played his 469th game for Stevenage against Morecambe in January. - Cambridge United winger David Amoo has signed a one-year contract extension to stay with the club until the end of next season. Amoo has made 24 appearances in all competitions this term after arriving from Partick Thistle in May 2017. - Luton manager Nathan Jones has stressed that it would take "something special" for him to leave Kenilworth Road. Jones, who was previously a coach at Brighton before taking over from John Still in January 2016, agreed a new four-year contract at Luton in January this year. 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.

Kevin Nolan has stressed that Notts County must maintain their high standards from last week's 1-1 draw at Luton Town going into Saturday's encounter with Grimsby Town. Many had tipped the Hatters to derail the Magpies' charge at Kenilworth Road but the visitors emerged with a share of the spoils which keeps them level on points with the League Two leaders. Up next is a game with the Mariners at Meadow Lane and Nolan insists the momentum - and the impressive home form - must continue. "There is no point in going to Luton, getting a point and then putting in a shabby performance this weekend," he told the official Notts site. "We have to follow it up and our standards have to stay as high as they were last Saturday. If they are, we will have a fantastic opportunity to get the three points. "The home record we have is something I will look back on in my later years and have great pride in. "It's been a fantastic year since I came in and I have been delighted with the response I have got from the boys and the work that has gone on both on and off the field. "We have a massive 2018 coming up. We have to maintain things and not sit back and think 'We've got there.' We are always looking for extra little bits to help us better ourselves." 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.

Hello and welcome to episode 35 of the Pride of Nottingham PONcast, presented by Chris and JJ. In this week's episode we discuss Notts County's draw with Luton Town from last week, a superb results which keeps the Magpies level on points with the League Two leaders. We also look ahead to Saturday's league meeting with Grimsby Town, a great opportunity to keep momentum going in front of the Black and White Army at Meadow Lane. In addition, we discuss whether struggling teams should have their Christmas parties cancelled, like John Sheridan did at Notts last year and ex-County boss Sam Allardyce has done at Everton this year. We also check out what kind of attacker we should look to recruit in January - someone pacey, a poacher, a battering ram or something else? And on what contract terms? All this and more only in episode 35 of the Pride of Nottingham PONcast! Share your thoughts about this PONcast episode 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.

Shola Ameobi has played down the significance of Notts County's 1-1 draw with Luton Town but insists that the Magpies could still be in the hunt for automatic promotion at the end of the season if they keep up the level shown at Kenilworth Road. Notts are still second in the table on goal difference, level on points with the impressive Hatters following the draw in Bedfordshire, in which Ameobi scored to cancel out Johnny Mullins's opener. Although there are still 25 games to go, the former Newcastle United striker says the team is enjoying the way things are at present and feels they can get a result at top teams, a 180 degree switch from how things were just last year. “We are not getting ahead of ourselves,” Ameobi told the Nottingham Post. “There is a long, long way to go yet. From where we were when I first came in, to where we are now shows we’ve done a tremendous job. “We are enjoying it. We went to Luton determined to get the win and that shows the mentality that has changed over the last few months. “We’ve gone to the top teams thinking we can get a result. That’s very positive for us going forward and if we can keep this level there’s no reason why we can’t be up there at 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.

Kevin Nolan has praised Notts County's fans for their continued "brilliant" support of the club and urged them to keep it up going into the busy festive period. The Magpies emerged from last weekend's crunch League Two clash with Luton Town with a point in a 1-1 draw, watched by 810 members of the Black and White Army. Up next for Notts are back-to-back home games against Grimsby Town and Cambridge United and Nolan paid tribute to the fanbase for their raucous support. “The fans were absolutely brilliant at Luton and I keep alluding to them because they’ve been fantastic,” he told the Nottingham Post. “It’s important they get behind us for the next two home games because teams are going to come and respect us. “We are going to have to be patient, and we need them to keep behind us and keep singing their hearts out like they did on Saturday. “It doesn’t half buoy the lads and get them up for it.” 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.

Luton Town manager Nathan Jones has praised Notts County for showing just why "they are such a good side" in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road. The Magpies fell behind in the first half against the run of play when Johnny Mullins headed home to put the hosts ahead. However, Shola Ameobi hit back with a header of his own to earn a share of the spoils for County, who had goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons to thank for a crucial point-blank save late on. Jones told the official Luton site: "I think it was a fair result in the end. We were nowhere near where we have been, but let's give some credit to Notts County because they must have contributed to stopping us doing that. I thought it was a very tight game, there was very little in it. "We scored from a set-play, they scored from a set-play and to be fair all our clear-cut chances came from set-plays and second phase. It was one of those games – a real tight game. For the level it's two good sides and we must be the two best sides in the league because the points say that. "We're both right on cue, both on 42 points after 21 games, that's what you need to go up [two points-per-game]. I think it's a fair result and let's give credit to Notts County, they came here and worked hard and showed why they are such a good side. "We have been in good form and we wanted to play a certain way. We didn't quite get that and I have given credit to Notts County for that, so I couldn't berate my players for it." 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 claimed a superb 1-1 draw away at Luton Town to stay level on points with the League Two leaders. Shola Ameobi salvaged a point for the Magpies when he headed home the equaliser after Johnny Mullins had given the hosts the lead against the run of play in the first half. The result kept Notts five points clear of third place and six clear of fourth, as well as putting one of the trickiest fixtures of the year successfully behind them. How did the Notts fans, players and boss react to the draw? Pride of Nottingham takes a closer look. Kevin Nolan "We limited them to very few chances. Ross Fitzsimons pulled off a great save at the end, but overall we had a lot of opportunities - especially in the first half. "They hit us with a sucker punch, but that's what they do with the quality they have. You can't switch off for a minute. "Luckily enough we hit them back and it's a fantastic point. "We respected the fact Luton had really good attacking threats and I thought we thwarted them very well." Shola Ameobi "I thought we were the better side. They have a lot of great attacking players but the boys at the back defended unbelievably well and I can't really think of a time when they opened us up. "It was important that we were solid, which we spoke about before the game, and the guys played them perfectly. "They've been scoring seven and eight goals against teams here so to limit them to a goal from a set-piece is testament to how hard we worked." Players on social media The Black and White Army on PON Who r ya? You Pies: Great point well deserved , maybe could argue could have won with chances first half , then the late save kept the point so , I'm happy it's a terrific point , any doubts about whether we are contenders need to be forgotten , we are for sure , COYP upthepies: Difficult game but a solid point for Notts. I felt impressed with how we approached the game and handled Luton, first half we could have been leading easily. liampie: it was a good draw but goes to show that we wont win every big game and we certainly wont just lose because the other club is firing in the goals. i am pleased that it sounded like everyone played well, so its a good point and team performance. Chris: I always felt the game would be one of those that both sides ended up cancelling each other out. I'm not disappointed, I would have taken a draw and the performances sounded impressive. I think it goes along way to showing what we can achieve if we work hard, so just very happy with the point. It sounded like the squad played excellent, and I am pleased for players such as Dickinson who has received a lot of praise. It doesn't feel like a points dropped or anything like that and its just a very positive thing. There was the concern that they might break the defence but credit to each player, even Duffy. TheSkipper: I listened to the game on the radio, Notts sounded like they put a very impressive performance on show and equally matched Luton Town. Things might not have gone in favour of them at Kenilworth Road but the result is one of the best this season. Notts have an amazing togetherness, in both team spirit and effort and Kevin Nolan must be delighted with how things are. I feel like I can start believing more that we are able to gain promotion, which we can sort the hoofing out once we are out of League Two. There's no negatives about drawing 1-1 to a side like Luton at all. We have nothing to fear against any side provided we respect the approaching opposition. Neil Lowe: Best result of the season so far IMO.Listened in on the radio and it was pretty clear that Luton are used to things all their own way at Kenilworth Road,and they didn't get that today....and they didn't like it.What a brilliant spirit Notts have under KN,and I also hope this result will show our own doubting fans that we have nothing to fear against any side in League 2.So far,so good,lads.Keep it going.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.

Notts County have emerged from the crunch clash with League Two leaders Luton Town with a very creditable point in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road. The Magpies fell behind in the first half against the run of play when Johnny Mullins headed home to put the hosts ahead. However, Shola Ameobi hit back with a header of his own to earn a share of the spoils for County, who had goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons to thank for a crucial point-blank save late on. The result keeps the Hatters top of the table on goal difference, with Notts breathing down their necks on the same amount of points after 21 games played. Here is a comprehensive analysis of the game as written by Pride of Nottingham's Chris. Was the result fair? As predicted both teams fought hard, and ultimately cancelled each other out. It was one of those performances which highlighted our promotion credentials. Whilst nothing has been won yet, this result will be one which firmly features in the memory of our progression during the 2017-18 season. Fair result? Absolutely. How did Notts play? First half Notts played some brilliant football and by all accounts we were unfortunate to have conceded when we did. For an away performance this season, it’s got to be up there as one of the most enjoyable in terms of performance and result for fans. The team performed very well and played against Luton exactly as they should have done. How did Luton Town play? They played well, there’s no denying that, but the way that Notts asserted themselves it was always going to be hard and the fact that both teams cancelled each other out, well it highlights how good both sides were respectively. Luton fans should not be disappointed or disgruntled by the result either. Did our tactics work out? The tactics were spot on throughout the game, and the decisions during the match made it hard for Luton. Notts literally matched them and of course we kept them guessing, whilst protecting our weaknesses. Tactically I would say this was spot on. How did the referee perform? Reasonable performance by the referee, there’s been little complaints and I think this shows just how efficiently he officiated the game. Who do we play next? Grimsby Town – they’re making a solid push for the play-offs and seem to have shaken off their awkward start to the season. This will be another difficult test but one we should be well prepared for at Meadow Lane. How should we play them? It’s important that we approach the game with balance, at the back we will have to steady the flow of the game and up-top it’s vital that we don’t waste any good chances that are created. The battle again will be based on the side which retains the control and has the most influence within midfield, so the game has got to be approached sensibly and well prepared. Grimsby are most likely to try and break quickly against us, with interlacing balls and runs which will get into those awkward positions. Most likely, they’ll attempt to break the game down in three ways. Firstly, by being direct, so it’s important we stand with play and attempt to win the first/second ball. Secondly, by countering us on the break – which will mean we will have to be mindful of how they attack from this situation and have men aware at the back to handle the space they attempt to create. Thirdly, I suspect they will be patient and careful with how they pass. If they revert to making simple passes – i.e neat one-two’s and other methods to get forward. Notts will have to assure any ground that is won is well protected. Controlling the game will be easier if we naturally score within the first half, the second half is always when things to start to click. I would try to get a feel for the game and press in the manner that keeps them on the back foot. We have two home games which will be key to our winter run and of course the potential promotion push, let’s create a fantastic atmosphere and finally have a Christmas worth celebrating. You Pies! Luton Town fan views from the Luton Town Forum Madpig In the end that was a fair result. County matched us all the way. I can see why they're with us. There were few real chances and both defences bosses the game. Where I think they really did their homework was in midfield. We were never given time or space to get things flowing, leaving Hylton and Elliott Lee to make their own chances. E.Lee was a constant menace to them, couldn't be bullied off the ball at all. Halton suffered his usual brutal treatment by their defenders but never let it get to him. In defence we were superb, and Mullins was my Mom, he really has become a fine player. We're top, unbeaten in ages and agonisingly one short of our 50th league goal of the season. Good day in all. ODTT The game had plenty of ebb and flow to it and was enjoyable for it. As suspected beforehand any of the three possible outcomes were possible but a draw about right consequently. I thought our defence was very nervy in the early stages and looked vulnerable. But looked a lot more composed after we had gone ahead somewhat against the run of play. Our midfield didn't shine as much as we have come to expect and seemed well covered. O Lee was particularly anonymous I thought and Berry and Shinnie seemed to play well advanced and never seemed to be any great distance apart. Rea did his defensive duties well but appeared hesitant to carry the ball out from deep with ample space in front of him. The two or three times he did push out with the ball he panicked when releasing. E Lee had a fabulous game, really put in a good shift and never gave the opposing central defenders a moments peace. Surprised in how many headed knock-ons he managed against bigger opponents. Hylton worked hard as well and pulled his markers hither and thither. Not sure what brutal treatment you speak of MP. He gives as good as he gets in a physical area of the game. The 10/15 minute spell of exquisite football we played soon after half-time was magnificent and worth the entrance fee alone. County hardly got a touch and went very ragged. The save their keeper made from Mullins late on was outstanding and got them the point. 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 emerged from the crunch clash with League Two leaders Luton Town with a very creditable point in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road. The Magpies fell behind in the first half against the run of play when Johnny Mullins headed home to put the hosts ahead. However, Shola Ameobi hit back with a header of his own to earn a share of the spoils for County, who had goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons to thank for a crucial point-blank save late on to preserve the draw. The result keeps the Hatters top of the table on goal difference, with Notts breathing down their necks on the same amount of points. Pride of Nottingham has shared the official match highlights off the Notts YouTube channel so you can relive the key moments from the game. 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.

Shola Ameobi has claimed that Notts County were the better side in the 1-1 draw against Luton Town, which proved that the Magpies "can mix it with the best" in League Two. The Magpies impressed against the table-toppers and, even though they fell behind to Johnny Mullins's header, came from behind to claim a point through Ameobi's reply. "We knew it was going to be tough and the atmosphere was quite ferocious," the veteran striker told the Notts site. "But I think we dealt with it very well, which showed the character of the players. "We were disappointed to lose the goal after having so many chances but this side have shown resiliency. We had to dig in at times. "They're a good side at home but we showed our quality. We're delighted to get a point in the end and it goes to show we can mix it with the best in the league. "I thought we were the better side. They have a lot of great attacking players but the boys at the back defended unbelievably well and I can't really think of a time when they opened us up. "It was important that we were solid, which we spoke about before the game, and the guys played them perfectly. "They've been scoring seven and eight goals against teams here so to limit them to a goal from a set-piece is testament to how hard we worked." 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.

Despite remaining level with League Two leaders Luton Town on points, Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has spoken of his delight in edging closer to the "safety" 50-point mark. In Saturday's big game at Kenilworth Road, Johnny Mullins' header put the hosts ahead in the first half but Shola Ameobi hit back with a header of his own to earn a 1-1 draw. "We limited them to very few chances," Nolan told the official site. "Ross Fitzsimons pulled off a great save at the end, but overall we had a lot of opportunities - especially in the first half. "They hit us with a sucker punch, but that's what they do with the quality they have. You can't switch off for a minute. Luckily enough we hit them back and it's a fantastic point. "We respected the fact Luton had really good attacking threats and I thought we thwarted them very well. "We're ever-closer to that 50-point mark now, which is very pleasing. We've just got to make sure we get there as quickly as possible. "Let's see if we're still going blow-for-blow with Luton in March/April, because I'm sure they're going to be challenging for the title 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 were tasked with the hardest challenge of the season so far in a fixture away at League Two leaders Luton Town but emerged from the game with a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw. The visitors threatened first at Kenilworth Road as Ryan Yates sent a header goalwards from Carl Dickinson's delivery but Marek Stech deflected the ball over the bar before the midfielder poked the ensuing corner wide. Notts continued to threaten, with Jon Stead latching on to Terry Hawkridge's cross before holding off his defender and rolling the ball straight at the Hatters goalkeeper. Stead then had another chance after outmuscling Alan Sheehan to bring down the ball in the channel before cutting infield on his left foot, but once again Stech was equal to the effort. However, Luton went on to take the lead against the run of play on 26 minutes with their first shot on target. Sheehan sent a corner kick to the far post, where Johnny Mullins was perfectly placed to plant a downward header beyond Ross Fitzsimons to send the crowd barmy. Jorge Grant looked for an immediate reply, shooting at Stech, but the pendulum swung back towards the hosts before Notts finished the half strongly, albeit a goal behind. Luton made a better start to the second half, Danny Hylton turning his marker and seeing his ensuing effort charged down. County then threatened as Matt Tootle's cross headed over by Grant, while Yates pounced on a loose ball to sidefoot wide from the edge of the area. Kevin Nolan's side were able to find an equaliser when Mullins gave away a free kick on the hour mark, which Grant whipped into the box where Shola Ameobi was on hand to nod into the goal. Fitzsimons was the hero late on as he made a wonderful save from point-blank range against Mullins as the final whistle saw a share of the spoils. 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.

So here comes the big one... Notts County travel to Luton Town on Saturday as first takes on second in League Two. How should the Magpies approach this game? What are their opponents' strengths and weaknesses? PON's Chris has a look in this weekend's Scouting Report. Head to head Notts County and Luton Town have faced off 70 times in their history. The first meeting came in January 1912 when the Magpies secured a 4-2 away win in the FA Cup. Luton dominate the head-to-head with 35 wins over Notts, 20 draws and 15 defeats. Out of the 11 matches between the two that have taken place since the turn of the century, Notts have won four, drawn four and lost four. Run-down of their last six features Saturday 21st October – Crawley Town 0 Luton Town 0 Saturday 28th October – Luton Town 0 Coventry City 3 Saturday 11th November – Cheltenham Town 2 Luton Town 2 Saturday 18th November – Luton Town 7 Cambridge United 0 Tuesday 21st November – Luton Town 3 Carlisle United 0 Saturday 25th November – Crewe Alexandra 1 Luton Town 2 The Players – Fact Sheet Highest Goal Scorers: Danny Hylton 13, James Collins 9, Dan Potts 6 and Elliot Lee 6. Persistent Foulers: Dan Potts 7 yellow cards, Alan Sheehan 6 yellow cards, Danny Hylton 4 yellow cards and Scott Cuthbert 2 yellow cards and a single red card. The Key Players At the back Dan Potts leads with example, he’s a very capable defender and likes to get forward as much as possible. His ability to strike the ball and contribute to attacking play is equally as effect as his leadership at the back. Meanwhile, in midfield, duo Olly Lee and Jack Stacey are the creative outlets for Luton Town. They enjoy breaking down teams with clever passing, whilst showcasing an array of different types of passing in order to maximise their attacks. Upfront they are blessed with several options on goal, however the prolific Danny Hylton suits their style of play well and likes to cause as much problems for the oppositions defence. Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses Luton Town as can be expected are a well organised team, both at the back and going forward. They like to use the flanks as their main outlet for breaking down teams, using a mix of low and high pass in order to get into key areas. In the air they’re naturally very impressive and deliver inch perfect crosses from a wide range of areas that results in chances being created. They commit players going forward, however the shape they often play means they have cover throughout the field of play. Despite being a very attacking minded team, they don’t pressure sides by maintaining the ball and do like to invite play onto themselves – however this is something that they tend to use to counter. When they’re playing well, Luton are a very difficult team to break down and they are comfortable playing the ball on the ground and defending it within the air. Position-wise they don’t tend to leave much space, and cover areas which other teams often tend to forget about when being so heavily focused on attacking play – however, Luton do tend to allow teams to shoot from distance. When they feel comfortable they do allow teams to pass, and their focus can temporarily be lacking but usually only for brief breaks. When they don’t have a grip of the game, play is more open and teams with pace often find this to be the best method of attacking. Likewise, being patient in possession and moving the ball around nicely is something which they tend to worry less about – which can be a mistake on their part. Notts will have to be fully alert to the dangerous capabilities that Luton Town presents. In the air they’ll have to show no fear, whilst on the ground we really do need to be quick at covering the ball and attempting to win it back. Going forward, Notts will naturally need to make use of set pieces – whilst switching the areas in which they attack would be something that might catch their defence napping. We really will be required to be strong on the ball, whilst creative and smart within our play going forward. There will be little chance for mistakes, so we need to focus on playing them at their own game and forcing them to repeatedly attempt to figure out how best to break us down. I think both teams will cancel each other out, for us it’s just a case of being alert at the back and taking whatever chances we may get on goal. Share your thoughts about this Scouting Report 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.

Head to head Notts County and Luton Town have faced off 70 times in their history. The first meeting came in January 1912 when the Magpies secured a 4-2 away win in the FA Cup. Luton dominate the head-to-head with 35 wins over Notts, 20 draws and 15 defeats. Out of the 11 matches between the two that have taken place since the turn of the century, Notts have won four, drawn four and lost four. The Hatters have won just one of their last four League Two matches against Notts (D1 L2), failing to score in two of the previous three matches between the two sides. The Magpies have lost two of their last eight matches against Luton at Kenilworth Road in the Football League (W3 D3). Stats Luton have scored 20 goals in their last five league matches at Kenilworth Road (W4 L1), conceding five - no side has won more home matches than Luton in League Two this season (8 - also Notts County). Notts County have gone five away matches without a victory in League Two (D3 L2), having won four on the bounce prior to this run; The Magpies last went longer without an away victory in February last season (a run of seven consecutive away defeats). No League Two side has scored more goals in the last 15 minutes of matches than Luton (13 - four more than the next best side - 9, Notts County). History Luton Town Football Club was formed on 11 April 1885, the product of a merger of the two leading local teams, Luton Town Wanderers and Excelsior. The club was the first in southern England to turn professional, making payments to players as early as 1890 and turning fully professional a year later. It joined the Football League before the 1897–98 season, left in 1900 because of financial problems, and rejoined in 1920. Luton reached the First Division in 1955–56 and contested a major final for the first time when playing Nottingham Forest in the 1959 FA Cup Final. The team was then relegated from the top division in 1959–60, and demoted twice more in the following five years, playing in the Fourth Division from the 1965–66 season. However, it was promoted back to the top level by 1974–75. Luton Town's most recent successful period began in 1981–82, when the club won the Second Division and gained promotion to the First. Luton defeated Arsenal 3–2 in the 1988 Football League Cup Final and remained in the First Division until relegation at the end of the 1991–92 season. Between 2007 and 2009, financial difficulties caused the club to fall from the second tier of English football to the fifth in successive seasons. The last of these relegations came during the 2008–09 season, when 30 points were docked from Luton's tally for various financial irregularities. Luton then spent five seasons in non-League football before winning the Conference Premier in 2013–14, securing promotion back into the Football League. The club's nickname, "the Hatters", reflects Luton's historical connection with the hat making trade, which has been prominent there since the 1600s. The nickname was originally a variant on the now rarely seen straw-plaiters. Supporters of the club are also called Hatters. Luton is associated with two very different colour schemes - white and black (first permanently adopted in 1920), and orange, navy and white (first used in 1973, and worn by the team as of the 2015–16 season). Team News James Collins could return for Luton in the top-of-the-table clash against Notts.The eight-goal striker has missed the last five games with a leg injury but has this week resumed training. Harry Cornick is also close to returning after a hamstring problem. Scott Cuthbert and Alan McCormack, however, remain on the sidelines for the Hatters. Notts striker Shola Ameobi is a doubt for the trip to Kenilworth Road as he has been nursing a groin problem in recent weeks. If Ameobi is fit he will play up front alongside Jon Stead, replacing Lewis Alessandra. Few other changes are expected, though a possible change in midfield could see Robert Milsom come in for Elliott Hewitt. 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.

For all the excitement of reaching the third round of the FA Cup (and the ensuing anti-climax at drawing Brentford away), all that must now be stashed away until next month because now it's time to refocus on the league. And as fixtures go, this weekend's encounter is probably the most taxing we are bound to have all season (except for an away derby) - Luton Town away. The Hatters are top of League Two and their goal difference is frightening - they've been smashing goals in all season (48 scored in 20 games) and have a mean defence (18 conceded). Ahead of Saturday's crunch clash at Kenilworth Road, Pride of Nottingham spoke to Luton fan James Hall (@LTFCJames98) to get an insight on the opposition. About James: I'm 19 years old been a fan from as young as I can remember, and my favourite player is Marek Stech. Q1: What led to Luton's slide down the Football League and into the Conference, including that infamous 30-point deduction in 2008-09? The sale of key players for club record fees in our last Championship season and Mike Newell's demand for replacements capable of keeping us up failed as there were many sales and replacements were very few and far between. From then we struggled and just slid down the leagues until we eventually got our -30 in the 08/09 season. Possibly the worst season for us Luton fans. Q2: It took four years for Luton to go back up into League Two - how did you navigate the non-league period and what finally led to the club going back up? Every season we played in the non-league we found ourselves high up in the tables, often missing out on automatic promotion due to lack of consistency unfortunately. After several heartbreaks in the playoffs, some fans were starting to think it wasn’t ever going to happen. However, after employing an experienced non-league manager in John Still in 2013 things seemed to take a turn for the best, in his first full season as Luton manager we ended the season as champions, no doubt because of the goals of one man, Andre Gray! What an enjoyable season that was. Q3: Do you think the club would be in a different position had they stayed in the top flight when it was rebranded as the Premier League instead of going down the season before, like Notts did? Yes, without a doubt because the influence of the Premier League money would have enabled us to make positive changes, since then money has become a massive factor! I won’t complain too much though, much more competition and passion down here! Q4: The club has two main colour schemes, white and black, and orange, navy and white. Why is this the case, and which is your favourite? I’m not too sure why the colour scheme changed, however I do know that the black and white was used first back in 1920, then it was modified to the orange which has been used mostly since. My favourite has to be the famous orange of Luton Town, puts a bright noticeable colour into the stands of Kenilworth Road! Q5: Luton are right up there at the top of League Two and boast an impressive goal difference - do you think you'll win the title and what other three teams do you think will go up into League One? With the squad we have to hand this season it’s difficult to see us not getting promoted, our goal difference at this stage is phenomenal, scoring 7 three times this season! Of course we are flying but there are also a few other teams that have the squad capable of such things. Notts are having a strong season as well, sitting on the same amount of points means they are right on our backs. For me, I think we will win the league, however it will get close! Notts, Exeter and Wycombe are my other promotion candidates. Q6: Who are your danger men, and can we get your score and scorer prediction? Danny Hylton is definitely one to watch with 13 this season but also more recently and surprisingly Dan Potts, our left-back, scoring 6 this season. My prediction For Saturday is Luton 3-1 Notts. I think we will step up now against second place and produce probably our best result of the season, Hylton scoring two and Luke Berry getting one with your star player Jorge Grant getting your goal! 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.