Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, @padma. Great to have you with us.

Hello, @padma. Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham. I hope you enjoy being part of our Notts County community.

Welcome to PON, @padma. It's nice to be saying hello, even if I am late to doing so.

Another belated welcome from me, this time to @Scimitar76.Come on dip your bread.We're not too bad !

Hello, @Scimitar76. Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham. I hope you enjoy being part of our Notts County community.

Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, @Scimitar76. Sorry to be saying hello so late, but I am delighted to see you have joined. Don't forget to join in when time allows you, just share what you feel and when you can.

Hello, @The Cheshunt Pie. Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, we are delighted to be saying hello to you.

Hello, @The Cheshunt Pie. Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham. I hope you enjoy being part of our Notts County community.

PS. Is the "Cheshunt" pie related to a business? I noticed on Saturday, when Notts played Morecambe at Meadow Lane. A company's vehicle went past me and parked; I noticed two Notts fans get out of the van. It could be a coincidence, but it made me wonder. 

Hello, welcome to the Pride of Nottingham @The Cheshunt Pie. Great choice is usernames! 👍🏻👏🏻

welcome to the pride of nottingham, @Helen Measures.

Hello, @Helen Measures. Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham. I hope you enjoy being part of our Notts County community.

Thank you for your support; I do hope to see you return in the future.

Hello, @Helen Measures. I am sorry that it's taken so long to welcome you, but just like the others before me. I am very pleased to be welcoming you to the Pride of Nottingham.

Welcome to the Prde of Nottingham, @DistantBard24. We hope to see you join in when you feel like it, it would be good to see your thoughts being shared.

Hello, @DistantBard24. Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, I hope you enjoy being part of our Notts County community.

Hello @DistantBard24, welcome to the Pride of Nottingham. It's very nice to be welcoming you, even though I am late to it. I hope to see you around the community!

Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, @TFP. The site has been great since I have been a member, and everyone is very welcoming. Keep share more of your thoughts on Notts with us.

Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, @TFP. Its not a bad way to introduce yourself.

Hello, @TFP. Sorry I missed your arrival to PON. I do want to extend the welcomes and say that it's great to have you here.

@k9muers, its good to have you here, welcome to pon! i hope you enjoy the site and manage to find time to join in with discussions etc.  

A warm PoN welcome from me too  @k9muers and good to see you telling us a bit about yourself.

Hello, @k9muers. Sorry I missed your arrival, but it is great to see you that you have posted and setup your profile. Please don't forget about the community, just join in when you can. Until I see you again, welcome from me and enjoy the site!

5 hours ago, Scotty said:

If Donny beat Bradford (highly possible) and Wimbledon beat Port Vale (highly unlikely) then Donny will have won the league before they come to Meadow Lane for the last game of the season. If this is the case, then they'd have had a few beers and won't be as aggressive as they will if they need to win.... then we have chance. 

Lots of permutations in the offing in this league as we enter the last two games.

There will be lots of twists and turns before those games are done.

It would be very unlucky if we were to slip out of the playoffs now, but stranger things have happened. However, I look at the season, I think we have grown and done well as a club who is only in their second season back within the English Football League.

But in typical Notts fashion, it's going to go down to the wire.

The only team I can see potentially edging themselves into the playoffs is Colchester United. Ideally, we'll get a positive result at the weekend and they drop points, leaving the playoffs final spaces to be fought between Grimsby Town and whoever can challenge them. It's going to be interesting, though I hope some of our supporters can get over this Maynard out stuff and just back the team or club, as they say managers come and go.

Missing out on the playoffs would be a major disappointment, much like how we felt when we deserved promotion in the National League but underperformed in the playoff final against Chesterfield. That’s why I believe Walsall deserves a place in the automatics, they’ve shown they belong. I found their fans calling for the manager’s dismissal perplexing, even during a rough patch. Their situation highlights how harmony and unity are essential for clubs striving for promotion.

More rotten luck for Notts once again.I wish Nick a speedy recovery. His absence will be a big blow to Notts as Nick has been very influential on the left as well as the right in his roll of wingback this season.

Another blow to our hopes of promotion, I wish Nick a speedy recovery, he would have been an important player in the last few games.

Nick Tsaroulla’s injury is unfortunate, but it’s not the end of the world. At this stage, it’s reasonable to expect a significant layoff given the nature of the injury. With two guaranteed games remaining and the playoffs highly likely, it’s unrealistic to hope for a quick return. I send my best wishes to him for a strong recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch when he’s ready.

Why is the game at Harrogate Town a 1pm kick off.....no sign of the game on Sky+ schedule????

I think we can finally put our automatic dreams to bed now. From those 16 matches that were initially posted we've picked up just 16 points (with 2 still to play) and we’ve only won 2 of our last 8, it’s quite amazing it’s remained a possibility for so long but it was always looking less and less likely...

I thought we would manage to get back into the automatics by this stage, but it's not going to be, and whilst there's talk of it still being mathematically possible. In all seriousness, our form suggests otherwise, and if we are unlucky, we might slip out of the playoffs if we don't at least get 4 points or the remaining fixtures go our way. I still believe our squad is good enough for promotion, and I feel playoffs will be achieved, but the season has been a good one regardless.

It's a shame, but I think the club handled the injuries and recruitment well. Mai Traore looks like he's finally settling, and could be a good asset for next season.

If we remain at this level, Notts wouldn't have to do so much to improve ahead of competing with other League Two teams. I think more extensive improvements would be required if we do secure promotion. We need Junior Morias' position covering, with another optional striker to take off the burden. The future of David McGoldrick is unknown at this stage, and defensively we could do with a few more improvements.

We have a good core squad for both situations, which is pleasing, but I really hope whatever happens we really send a message that we are not there to survive (League One) or settle for playoffs (League Two), but make a bold strategic move to establish ourselves as a good League One team, or a firm promotion favourite with a squad that has the depth to rally when our form dips or injuries happen.

I am not suggesting the club blows the players wage budget and risks the future. I am just saying it would be a big confidence boost to see us not "settle" but continue to build well.

Hull City v Preston North End 1-2

Millwall v Norwich City 2-1

Lincoln City v Bolton Wanderers 0-2

Wigan Athletic v Rotherham United 1-1

Accrington Stanley v Carlisle United 2-1 Joker

Chesterfield v Bradford City 1-1

Eastleigh v Yeovil Town 0-2

Wealdstone v Maidenhead United 2-0

Hull City 1 - 0 Preston North End

Millwall 2 - 0 Norwich City

Lincoln City 1 - 0 Bolton Wanderers

Wigan Athletic 2 - 1 Rotherham United

Accrington Stanley 2 - 1 Carlisle United

Chesterfield 1 - 2 Bradford City

Eastleigh 2 - 1 Yeovil Town

Wealdstone 3 - 1 Maidenhead United(Joker)

The results:

Hull City 2-1 Preston North End
Millwall 3-1 Norwich City
Lincoln City 4-2 Bolton Wanderers
Wigan Athletic 1-0 Rotherham United
Accrington Stanley 1-1 Carlisle United
Chesterfield 3-3 Bradford City
Eastleigh 1-0 Yeovil Town
Wealdstone 1-1 Maidenhead United

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Well done to @menzinho, who scooped one of the season's biggest scores!

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No change in this week's table, with @super_ram leading the way with two rounds to go:

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Round 45 is coming up on Saturday, the fixtures will be posted tonight. Thanks for playing!

On 22/04/2025 at 14:54, Robbie said:

I think it would be the height of stupidity to make a short term appointment for the last 2 games & maybe 3 further games in the playoffs.
44 games have gone by & credit has to be given to Stuart for getting Notts into this position. It's not the time for the owners to panic.

I agree entirely, I don’t think the brother are the panicking types, they will take a cool, calm measured view of the season and act if/when the time is right.

On 15/04/2025 at 15:28, Robbie said:

The owners obviously think that Maynard can cope with a smaller coaching staff, otherwise they would have recruited more help after the brothers left.

Or they (and possibly SM) have someone specific in mind who isn't free yet. Maybe from one of the other clubs they're involved with? Wild speculation on my part.

Only the players can really say whether fewer coaches has had a negative effect.

10 minutes ago, DangerousSausage said:

Or they (and possibly SM) have someone specific in mind who isn't free yet. Maybe from one of the other clubs they're involved with? Wild speculation on my part.

Only the players can really say whether fewer coaches has had a negative effect.

I do expect some movement in the coaching department once the season is over. 

Another class act from David McGoldrick, he gets my vote.

The poll has now closed. Thanks to all who voted. It was a close poll, however David McGoldrick has been chosen as the Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match v Cheltenham.

Well done David.

A worthy winner. 

I'm only writing now as I was very mardy last night.

That was absolutely there for the taking, and there was so much at stake. I thought we played well in the first half, we created plenty of openings and thoroughly deserved to go in ahead. Until about the 60th minute there was only one team in it, but after that we grew increasingly passive, started dropping back under pressure and this gave Cheltenham the space to play and carve out chances. You could definitely see the equaliser coming. As for Platt and Bedeau's lamentable attempts to clear the ball before their first goal, this is L2 and the occasional clearance is going to get scuffed. It's the sort of thing that happens when you don't put the game to bed and start sitting back instead.

The sames goes for their winner - a great goal, reminiscent of McGoldrick against Bradford. But if we'd put a couple of goals' distance between us and Cheltenham when we were on top, it would never have happened.

With hindsight I'd have started Jarvis and Whitaker instead of Traore. Whitaker would have given us an attacking outlet in the middle of the pitch, while Traore was anonymous. I was a bit disappointed by Jones, but realistically he's been injured a long time and isn't match fit yet. We probably won't see the best of him this season, so I don't blame the manager for leaving him on the bench.

Missed opportunities and bad decisions on and off the pitch. I was a bad day all round. We've got a point to prove this weekend.

Two games to go, possibly 5. I would play Whittaker & Jarvis from the start every match. Jones is not fully fit so he would be on the bench. 

Jarvis can be a real handful for opponents so he has to start before Jones until Jodi is fully fit. 

For me there is also a question mark about Palmer in the starting eleven. I don't think he's the same player since he came back from injury. 

I would be inclined to play Hinchy & Abbott together in midfield & have Palmer on the bench. Notts have to go for the win on Saturday, as I believe one win will be enough to secure a playoff spot.

Jarvis for definite @Robbie, Whitaker I’m not so sure about as he is a bit weak. Totally agree about Palmer, he’s always been the guy that makes us tick, but too often this season he has just been content with sideways passes and has lost a yard of pace. JJ is a different matter, if we make the playoffs he is vital to us and he needs to get match fit sharpish, so he will only do that by starting.

I would prefer us to play three in the middle with Didzy playing further up and alongside Jatta, too often we get outnumbered in the middle of the park so playing a central three would address that.

Is it true that Mark Draper's brother played for Long Eaton United? Several fans over the years have told me this, I can't say, but those who have said that his brother was the better player, which is hard to imagine.

Great to see them reaching the playoffs, I wish them well in them.

@Chris I searched for a connection but only found this.

The search results indicate several connections between Draper &  Long Eaton United. Firstly, Mark Draper, a former professional footballer, was born in Long Eaton. He played for various clubs, including Leicester City, Aston Villa, and Southampton. Secondly, there's a reference to a Jamie Draper playing for Coventry Sphinx and playing against Long Eaton United. Thirdly, Danny Draper scored a goal for Wellingborough Town in a match against Long Eaton United.

Source Google.

Looks like there are only loose connection, but someone else may know different.

End of the third days play and a very productive one for Notts.

Warwickshire are 163 for 6. They trail Notts by 111 runs.

The fourth days play is delayed due to rain.

Update.

Update.

Update..

The bad light hasn't improved so the match has been called off & declared a draw.

What a fantastic match & a great advertisment for British Ice Hockey ends with a win for Panthers.

Sam Herr lifts the Playoff Championship trophy.

Scenes from the balcony.

He is risen.

Happy Easter Sunday to all.

Good morning, I hope everyone is well.

It’s Easter Sunday, I’m not religious so I won’t be celebrating or going to church, we’ll take some eggs round to the grandchildren this morning, we don’t buy ourselves eggs as neither of us are that keen on chocolate and even if we were I think Easter eggs are an expensive way to buy it, so we leave it to the kids.

Years ago we used to do an egg hunt for our two boys and put clues around the house for them to find leading to the final clue which was where their eggs were hidden. All good fun and they loved it.

So whatever you are doing today have a lovely day.

Cloudy and overcast morning here. Hopefully the cloud will break up this afternoon.

Let’s hope he gets his wish and we have a promotion party. 🥳 🎉

Love Matty Platt for what he has given to the Notts team this season.

I would like for Matty & the rest of the team to do their talking on the pitch for these last three games of the regular season & get Notts over the line whether it be promotion by league position or by the playoffs.

Blackburn Rovers v Millwall 2-1JOKER

Coventry City v West Bromwich Albion 2-2

Bolton Wanderers v Wycombe Wanderers 2-1

Stevenage v Blackpool 0-2

AFC Wimbledon v Chesterfield  2-0

Fleetwood Town v Barrow 3-1

Altrincham v Rochdale 0-1

Boston United v Wealdstone 2-0

I can't believe I forgot. If only the person running this had sent me a reminder. 

Friday's results:

Blackburn Rovers 4-1 Millwall
Coventry City 2-0 West Bromwich Albion
Bolton Wanderers 0-2 Wycombe Wanderers
Stevenage 1-3 Blackpool
AFC Wimbledon 0-0 Chesterfield
Fleetwood Town 0-0 Barrow
Altrincham 1-2 Rochdale
Boston United 2-0 Wealdstone

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This round's winner is @Dan, congrats!

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This is the picture overall, with @super_ram going 11 points clear of @ARLukomski at the top.

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Thanks for playing everyone - Easter Monday's round is open now, get on over there and have a go!

Bury FC are about to get their first promotion since their demotion from the EFL.

They are 4:0 up needing a win the confirm promotion.

North West Counties Football League.

I'm not a big fan of the gold, but that looks pretty nice. Concept kits generally look better than what we actually end up with though!

Credit where credit is due, that was a big improvement last night. We probably deserved the 3 points. The only negative was a lack of composure in front of goal. Automatic promotion is unlikely at this stage but you never know in League 2. It's one of the most unpredictable leagues in the world. 4 points should be enough to secure a playoff place. 

Not going to lie I had pretty low expectations for the match so I was pleasantly surprised at how well we performed in the end.

I think a draw was a fair result, neither team was really able to open up the other team’s defence but there was no lack of effort or endeavour from anyone.

I think we looked slightly more assured at the back then them, midfield was solid but the attack just lacked a touch of cutting edge at times. Jatta has looked like a different player these past few games though, he’s seemingly lost all his physicality and balance. Have we just exhausted him or did someone switch places with him when he was on international duty with Gambia?

Need to win at home on Monday now, otherwise that point will have been in vein.

I think I'd have Abbott, Didzy and Bedeau as my top 3. Not much between them, except one did something extraordinary 🤨 🤩

Come on folks, in the words of Hughie Green (who remembers him?)

VOTE VOTE VOTE BECAUSE YOUR VOTE COUNTS!

Poll has closed.

David McGoldrick has been voted the Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match against Bradford.