Strands #620
“Out, damned spot!”
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- 💔Heartbreak as Notts County lose in the First Round of the FA Cup to Brackley Town. Read the match discussion here and join the conversation.
- PON member Robbie has highlighted a tough run of fixtures for the Magpies in December, do you have any thoughts on this?⚽
- Former Notts head coach Luke Williams is hoping to reunite with goalscorer Macaulay Langstaff at Peterborough United.
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Time to dust off the crystal ball again! These all kick off at 3pm on Saturday - don't forget your joker!
Stoke City v Coventry City
Wrexham v Charlton Athletic
Doncaster Rovers v Barnsley
Exeter City v Wigan Athletic
Bristol Rovers v Gillingham
Harrogate Town v Oldham Athletic
Morecambe v Sutton United
Truro City v Altrincham
Am I missing something, why do we need a fan shirt? I don’t understand but apparently they’ve sold over 700 so far so fair play it all helps the club.
What are your thoughts?
Just for you @Robbie and anyone else who wants to play here is a dedicated topic for Strands.
Click this link to play https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands?smtyp=cur&smid=bsky-nytimes
Strands #447
“Flights of fancy”
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Strands #620
“Out, damned spot!”
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🔵🔵🔵🔵 Very good had to think about this one.
Strands #620
“Out, damned spot!”
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The spangram words jumped out at me ,which was a great help
You may (or may not) like this game, the idea is to connect words in a certain number of guesses. It can be frustrating because sometimes they throw in American things we don’t necessarily know.
Here’s the link https://www.nytimes.com/games/connections
Today was fairly easy I got them all with no mistakes.
Connections
Puzzle #217
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Connections
Puzzle #886
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Connections
Puzzle #886
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Connections
Puzzle #886
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Martin Paterson has chosen a few different midfielders for the first eleven this season, however it appears that he has settled for Palmer & Roberson as his first team picks in the centre of midfield, & has decided on an alternative of Iorpenda, Hall, or Grant in the attacking midfield positions.
That leaves Norburn & Iorpenda as an alternative in the centre of midfield & Dennis, Iorpenda, Hall, Grant or even Jones & Jarvis who could all fill the AM positions.
So far this season I think that barring any injuries, Palmer & Robertson have made the central midfield positions their own & they are my preferred picks.
I think it is a little more difficult in the AM area. At the start of the season Jones was picked to play as an attacking midfielder but it was obvious that his best place was on the wings.
Iorpenda started in CM but lately MP has been playing him further forward with Grant or Hall, then we have Dennis who has been unable to get so many starts since Jatta's return. & we have Jarvis who can play as an AM or Winger waiting in the wings...
My preferred duo in the AM position at this time would be Grant & Iorpenda with Hall & Dennis very close. I think the AM positions are still up for grabs & we may even see some additional player recruited for that position in the Jan window.
It is certainly going to be very fascinating in the weeks ahead to see how Martin Paterson works it all out. What are your Thoughts?
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5 hours ago, Piethagoram said: It's a pity that he hasn't got "it" in front of goal
Probably not, but he's hanging on in there and giving it his best shot.
I'd say he's improved on last season's performances
@theAnticlough My logic is that we can ill afford to have someone in that position that cannot find the net on a regular basis
Just for the record Grant has scored 2 goals & made 1 assist so far. He's the fourth joint highest goal scorer for Notts behind Jatta, Dennis & Hall. He has been a part of a squad that is clearly improving & getting positive results.
@super_ram @Piethagoram @Ohh Tommy Johnson and anyone else.
Here’s another word game to tax your brain box. Swap the letters round to form words but you’ve only go so many tries.
I’ve been doing this for some time so I’ve built up a streak.
#waffle685 3/5
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wafflegame.net
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#waffle1392 3/5
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🔥 streak: 59
🥇 #wafflegoldteam
wafflegame.net
#waffle1392 4/5
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🔥 streak: 11
🏆 #waffleelite
wafflegame.net
#waffle1392 4/5
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🔥 streak: 41
🥈 #wafflesilverteam
wafflegame.net
Game 16 - Sulphurites (H)
Team - Harrogate Town
Date - 15/11/2025 15:00
Where - Meadow Lane
What would your starting line-up be? What will be the key areas for the Magpies to get a victory? What do you think the final score will be?
Have your say below, join in with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion.
I think that it is a big opportunity for Notts to consolidate their position in the top three on Saturday against Harrogate.
Notts have won their last three league matches against Harrogate so they will be keen to extend that record against them.
Harrogate are a possession based side who like to build from the back, but I would expect them to be very defensive minded & employ a high press & wait for the Magpies to make a mistake defensively. It's a similar tactics that all opponents tend to resort to at Meadow Lane.
I expect Paterson will pick his strongest side available, but he will be pleased that the replacements played so well last Monday against Cheltenham.
Martin may even decide to pick the starting eleven that faced Cheltenham. I think that Notts will get the win. I'm looking at a 2:0 win with Jatta & Hall the goalscorers
Does anyone else do the word game called wordle, I started doing it in lockdown now it’s part of my morning routine, I can’t get dressed until I’ve solved it. ????
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Wordle 1,608 3/6
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Wordle 1,608 3/6
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Morning all, there was heavy rain in the night but it’s dry and bright at the moment.
We are having a walk up to the doctors surgery this morning, Mrs. T is still having a few ongoing problems and she’s finished her antibiotics, she then wants to go and see her girlie friends for coffee so I’m on my own till lunch time but I’ve got plenty to do.
Later I’ll be watching Notts on the box, safe travels to our supporters.
I hope everyone is well, let us know what’s happening in your life.
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Better safe than sorry @Fan of Big Tone, hope you got sorted. I'm going to have to see the doctor yet again about my swollen mouth which is showing no signs of improvement. This will be my fourth doctor now - hopefully this one will take me seriously. The first one actually searched my symptoms on Google while I sat in the room with him.
I got back from the U of K yesterday and will be back for Christmas now. I didn't get to see Notts this time but I'm at least armed with a new home shirt (the first one since the sponsorless 17/18 shirt).
On 10/11/2025 at 17:52, Chris said: The only other thing I have been doing is loading Championship Manager 1998 in DOSBox and playing it as I go about doing stuff.
I might give DOSBox a try (I always fancied Sensible Soccer, and I miss football games). I've got Football Manager 2006 and have played it half to death. The latest versions don't really appeal to me as I think it's become too complex.
So I was examined and they can’t be sure whether it’s cancerous or not so they’ve got to do a biopsy which involves punching a hole and extracting 4 mm of tissue which is sent to a lab for analysis. Should be early December, so that’s something to look forward to……NOT!
@DangerousSausage good luck with your fourth doctor I hope they can sort you out. I’ve had a doctor sit and search my symptoms too, I remember thinking I could have done that myself! I guess they can’t know everything though.
Just got back from a nice walk in the sunshine, it’s clouded over now so I think we’ve had the best of the day. I was going to see my pal in hospital but he’s been discharged which is great news he’s been in for a month.
Here’s a picture I took in the local park, a lovely golden carpet of leaves.
Oh, apparently it’s too big so not allowed, I’ll describe it, imagine an Avenue of trees a path running between trees on each side, the trees still have some lovely golden coloured leaves on and the path is covered with a carpet of leaves. (Not quite the same as a picture is it. )
On Saturday Notts take on Harrogate at Meadow Lane, how many links can we find between the two clubs, players, managers, coaches etc.
My starter for 10 is Paul Bolland who played for Notts from 1999 - 2005 making 106 appearances scoring 6 goals he went on loan to Harrogate in 2012-2013.
How many more can we find?
My choice is Jon Stead who played for Notts from 2015 to 2019, he made 162 appearances for Notts & scored 42 goals. He then transferred to Harrogate & played for them from 2019 to 2021 making 46 appearances & scoring 8 goals.
Who's your Man of the Match v Cheltenham? 16 members have voted
A massive win for Notts tonight against an inform team. This win takes Notts into a promotion place in League 2 for the first time this season.
Notts had a brilliant first half & could have been double their actual lead at half time. Cheltenham came back into it in the 2nd half but Notts held out for that vital win.
So who is your man of the match for Notts? I have chosen the starting eleven for you to make your choice from.
Those players are,
Roos, Macari, Ness Bedeau, Tsaroulla, Robertson, Iorpenda, Bennetts, Grant, Hall, Jatta.
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The Poll has now closed. Thanks to all who voted.
I'm pleased to announce that the Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match against Cheltenham is Scott Robertson.
Any one of a number of players could have won the award, it was a great team performance, congratulations Scott Robertson.
It was a close vote for the Top spot between Nick & Scott. Scott has been putting in some great performances of late so I'm pleased that he won. It was richly deserved.
Notts are the form team in the League so both have an excellent chance of getting these coveted award's. Good luck to both of them.
Just now, Robbie said: Notts are the form team in the League so both have an excellent chance of getting these coveted award's. Good luck to both of them.
I just hope it doesn’t put a curse on us as these awards often do, how many times have we seen manager of the month lost the next few games.
Your Wednesday Morning Weather
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Weather 4cast for Tuesday.
Your Wednesday Weather 4cast.
Your Thursday Weather 4cast.
Hi all.
This is a thread where any member can post Jokes, Cartoons & Memes.
Let this thread be the place for a laugh or two.

Sunday Service: eight great spots in Notts for a roast
You can’t beat a good Sunday roast my favourite has to be lamb, Yorkshire pud, roast potatoes, brocolli, garden peas and of course mint sauce made fresh from the mint growing in the garden. My mouths watering writing this.
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I picked up a copy of Left Lion at the Fleetwood game and it felt like the paper version is going downhill fast. I know it's free, but it used to shine a light on everything going on in the city. The Notts content was stronger when the previous writer was involved. It felt easier to connect with and had more of a local voice. Now it seems a bit distant and not quite as engaging.
7 hours ago, Piethagoram said:
A great read. 👏
Saturday is once again prediction league day - you know what to do! All the matches kick off at 3pm (or 3:03 pm in the case of the Vauxhall Conference, something about having three promotion spots - outrageous cheek) and you get one joker each. Good luck!
Burton Albion v Blackpool
Luton Town v Rotherham United
Accrington Stanley v Bristol Rovers
Cambridge United v Barnet
Grimsby Town v Chesterfield
Braintree Town v Truro City
Hartlepool United v Wealdstone
Woking v Boston United
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Burton Albion 0 v 2 Blackpool
Luton Town 2 v 0 Rotherham United joker
Accrington Stanley 1 v 2 Bristol Rovers
Cambridge United 1 v 1 Barnet
Grimsby Town 2 v 1 Chesterfield
Braintree Town 3 v 1 Truro City
Hartlepool United 3 v 0 Wealdstone
Woking 1 v 0 Boston United
Burton Albion 1-1 Blackpool
Luton Town 2-1 Rotherham United
Accrington Stanley 1-1 Bristol Rovers
Cambridge United 1-2 Barnet
Grimsby Town 2-2 Chesterfield
Braintree Town 0-0 Truro City
Hartlepool United 1-0 Wealdstone
Woking 1-2 Boston United Joker
Burton Albion 2 v 1 Blackpool (Joker)
Luton Town 2 v 0 Rotherham United
Accrington Stanley 1 v 1 Bristol Rovers
Cambridge United 1 v 2 Barnet
Grimsby Town 3 v 1 Chesterfield
Braintree Town 2 v 0 Truro City
Hartlepool United 0 v 1 Wealdstone
Woking 1 v 2 Boston United
Notts are the form team of League 2. 7 wins & 1 draw from their last 10 matches. 4 wins in their last 5 is very impressive.
The team is starting to play for each other. They are the third joint highest scorers in the league with 27 goals with the 2nd highest goal difference, 18 of those goals in the last 10 games.
Things are beginning to click for Martin Paterson. We saw too sides of Notts against Cheltenham, a side that can play attractive incisive football like we saw in the first half, & a side that can work hard to keep their lead when they have to defend.
We also witnessed a Notts team without three of their best players against Cheltenham, however the players that came in for them slotted into their roles so well & the team still gave a very strong performance despite those missing players.
So it appears to me that the Notts squad is now beginning to gel together so well as a team. Football is a team game & if individuals begin to know how their fellow team members play, their positioning & their runs off the ball, team performance can invariably improve.
So I think a lot of the improvement is down to this. Thoughts?
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Our form is even more impressive when you consider how poorly we started the season, with one point from our first three games and MP not having a clue what his best team was. The quality of football we play is still up and down at times, but the new additions look integrated in the team now and the results speak for themselves.
It's partly about availability. At the start of the season Jatta was suspended, Robertson, Tsaroulla and Ness recovering from injury (I think), and Macari and Hall not considered match ready. So basically MP has been doing a brilliant job since he's had key players available.
@Robbie you make a good point about the missing players against Cheltenham, when I saw the team I feared we might suffer but the first half performance in particular was very good so it shows that we can rely on the players who come in to give a good account of themselves when we have injuries and suspensions, at the moment the future looks bright, long May it continue.
I was watching the Football League highlights and noticed that our old favourite Alan Sheehan is now interim manager of Swansea City, I wish him well.
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36 minutes ago, Piethagoram said:
That’s a shame I thought he was doing a half decent job there.
Alan Sheehan's overall managerial record at Swansea City across all competitions was 17 wins, 10 draws, & 12 defeats from 39 matches, a win percentage of approximately 43.6%. He served in two spells as caretaker manager and then as the permanent head coach. (Source Google)
Seems even a decent record doesn't save a Head Coach nowadays.
I'm sure it won't be long before he's snapped up by another league club.
Game 15: The Robins (A)
Date: 10/11/25
Kick off: 20:00.
Team: Cheltenham Town
Location: Whaddon Road
Competition League Two
What would your starting line-up be? What will be the key areas for the Magpies to get a victory? What do you think the final score will be?
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All the information can be found by clicking on your profile in a new tab. If you have your recent visitors disabled, you can choose to switch it on, but you will not see any details of who last paid you a visit.
This is just for a bit of fun, and I would encourage everyone who reads this to join in.
Take note of your favourite members and give them a follow if you have not already. As for the last post, have you taken a look at that discussion?
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Joined: 26th Oct, 2014
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Most Recent Profile Visitor: @Piethagoram ![]()
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Last posted: https://prideofnottingham.co.uk/community/topic/14530-whos-your-man-of-the-match-v-cheltenham/?&do=findComment&comment=234362
@NottsTastic you’ve got 2 followers now. 👍
There has been a lot said recently regarding the return of set pieces and long throw-ins in the elite levels of football. While possession with a purpose still has a place, is moving the ball forward quicker now the preferred style? In recent seasons, Notts have employed three at the back and two wingbacks and we have enjoyed some success playing that way. In more recent times particularly the wingbacks have been less effective going forward and usually aren’t the best defenders. Would we be benefit from a four four two formation? Going to a back four with two full backs that can defend and still have the option to overload down the flanks when required. The four across the middle could include either one or two who could play as wingers or or attacking midfielders and two up front, one of which could double as a ten. Or could it be it doesn't matter what formation we use, just need good players with the right mentality and the desire to win!
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We’ve played with a variation of a 3-5-2 (3-4-2-1) for years now and it’s worked for us so far. Also when you look at the teams that were promoted last season Bradford, Port Vale and Wimbledon all played some variation of a 3-5-2 as well.
Every formation has its strengths and weaknesses, I think the 4-4-2 covers the pitch well but you can be overrun in midfield if you face a team that plays with 3 centre mids or a box midfield. With the 3-4-2-1 we are very solid in central areas but it demands a lot of the wing-backs because they almost have to do the job of two players and they sometimes get pinned in if facing a full back and a winger.
I’m not overly concerned with the formation, I think it works well for how we want to play, the two attacking midfielders and two central midfielders mean we should be able to get a lot of control in the middle of the pitch and dominate. Sometimes I just wish the wing-backs play a tad higher, they were really deep under Stuart and that seems to have followed on with Martin. Maybe Luke Williams has warped my mind as to how wing-backs should play (because under him they were basically wingers!)
I think the approach to how you play is probably more important to us and that is to be brave (not sit too deep) play forward and be relentless with the press to pin-teams in. We’ve done it in phases and stages this season, just in the last two matches the intent and bravery hasn’t quite been there for me but there's no reason to suggest we can't get back into a positive approach.
Top post @menzinho
These days I think a radical change of formation is a summer thing or an act of a struggling, desperate team. Our squad has been assembled and prepared for 3-4-2-1 this season. As you said it's served us well since 2021. The variations can come from 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-1-2, the height of the wingbacks and many other subtle moves the coach can make.
And there's the thing that always seems to happen on the rare occasions we've played with a back 4 or something different, the players look really unfamiliar with it and the impression given is that they think the formation is being evaluated and not them.
I think there are times when we should try to stick to our main formation, but I would like to see Martin Paterson be braver to change things when it's not working. I give Paterson credit, as he does appear to read games well and will make changes that do make a positive impact, and compared to Stuart Maynard, it doesn't lead to the feeling we are to salvage a point from a game we were winning easily at one stage.
Personally, I think there are times when we should be looking at the opposition and thinking of formations that will give us the ability to hold the ball and press. There have been away games where Notts have stuck to their formation, and you just know nothing is going to change.
Barrow away earlier in the season was one of the worst games I have ever seen. 5-10 minutes in, you could tell Barrow would pressure us. I think there was some hope from our managerial team that they would tire or Notts would get to grips with it. However, nothing changed, and that a game switching formations going into the game could have put Barrow on the back foot.
We tend to rely on quality, and even when playing well, we can be very predictable to the point that teams can sniff out an opening. Persisting to think one style will succeed and that there's a one-size-fits-all formation for every team isn't the way to play. I acknowledge we do at times switch things up, but not enough, and I don't think we are consistent.
That is one major issue with switching formations, because if a routine doesn't get the best out of individuals, mixing things up could lead to further complications. In general, I do think it would be worth trying. The Matt Dennis and Alasanna Jatta duo looked promising at Tranmere Rovers, but a few games later, along with the absence of Dennis, it was dropped.
I really don’t understand what this shirt represents, other than being scammed into another money making exercise.
It’s not retro and we won’t be playing in it. It looks a shambles. A 3 year old could have drawn it.
Why the club again has not listened one iota to what the fans would love is again a mystery.
Black n White from the 80s please, Retro as Leeds and Port Vale have done.
Won’t be going anywhere near this trash.
agreed @Garry Lee
It's a "meh" from me. I don't really see the point of it, but if people like it, good for them.
I like the idea of using the single magpie as a motif, it's just a shame we didn't do it for the away shirt so it could actually be seen during matches.