Yes, well done Barrow. Oldham's run seemed to end with us - must've gone to their heads

I like where Barnet are sitting, because it makes Saturday a real play-off game in itself and a chance to see where we truly stand

Cambridge have lost 2-1 at home to Grimsby.

It's absolutely maddening how achievable automatic promotion was (is?) this season. Cambridge are third going into the last two games having won just one of their last six. And of course that was against us!

We hava a theoretical chance of third still if we buck our ideas up, but my money's on Salford. If we lose again on Saturday, the race for a play-off spot could just as easily go to the wire.

So Cambridge lost at home to Grimsby tonight.

Final score.

Cambridge 1 Grimsby 2.

Grimsby scored in the fourth minute if injury time at the end of the 2nd half.

Up to date table.

Bristol City 2-1 Norwich City

Watford 1-1 Sheffield United

Exeter City 0-2 Stockport County (joker)

Mansfield Town 0-2 Luton Town

Fleetwood Town 1-2 Chesterfield

Oldham Athletic 1-1 Salford City

Solihull Moors 1-0 Boston United

Sutton United 2-1 Altrincham

Bristol City 2 v 1 Norwich City

Watford 1 v 1 Sheffield U

Exeter 0 v 3 Stockport

Mansfield 1 v 2 Luton

Fleetwood 1 v 2 Chesterfield🤡

Oldham 0 v 1 Salford

Solihull 2 v 0 Boston

Sutton 1 v 2 Altrincham

The results:

Bristol City 2-4 Norwich City
Watford 0-2 Sheffield United
Exeter City 3-3 Stockport County
Mansfield Town 2-2 Luton Town
Fleetwood Town 1-1 Chesterfield
Oldham Athletic 1-2 Salford City
Solihull Moors 0-3 Boston United
Sutton United 1-2 Altrincham

Your predictions were great, but the real-life scores were stupid. Accordingly, poinbts are at a premium. But congrats to this round's winner @Fan of Big Tone! At the other end of the table, a couple of us are getting into the Eurovision spirit.

Overall, @william1984 is looking almost nailed on for the title while there is a three-way tie for second...

Keep your eyes peeled for Saturday's fixtures, which will appear here tomorrow. Thanks for playing!

2 hours ago, YoopEyes said:

Baffled by the criticism of McD tbh. He shone like a beacon in the 1st half when Bedeau was getting fleeced down that left side, often because Jones offers him no cover at all. Ness misplaced headers and passes but Rod McD won every aerial challenge and cleared the danger numerous times.

I don't think any other defender caused so much stress at the back, his clearing seemed thoughtless and the amount of poor passes he made I ended up losing count. I did notice his leg strapped up with tape, so maybe he's playing through an injury but he was poor all through the half he looked a major liability, and none of his headers were directed to safty but the Barnet players.

I am not posting this to say I am right, we all see things different and interpert games differently. Although re-watching the first half, i still believe Jacob Bedeau played the best role in defence and Lucas Ness, although he loses the ball a few times and makes weak passes he still defended better than Rod McDonald IMO.

McDonald's first half is noted good and bad below, as I have just re-watched the first half.

The poll has closed. Thank to all who voted.

I'm pleased to announce that Tom Iorpenda has been voted the Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match v Barnet.

No surprise there then.

Manager of the Season is no surprise and I'm not saying Drinan hasn’t had a good season but just giving the top scorer the Player of the Season is a bit predictable. It seems to be the given in this league I’m almost certain Cheek won it last year. Can you bet on this? Cos whoever is top scorer next season, congrats!

First time we’ve not had a player in the team of the season since we’ve returned to the EFL, can’t really say anyone was super deserving either… Which in a way makes it even more impressive that we are still very close to the magical top 3 spot.

I think we need to give the ol’ radar recruitment machine a good whack and reset over the summer!

9 hours ago, Robbie said:

I still believe that the continental style has had too much influence on the English game. Bromley have shown that the physical approach & direct style is still effective & can bring success.

Well it's a world game @Robbie. We spent a couple of decades seeing England humiliated on the international stage and our club sides went backwards until we caught up for skill, technique and tactics. The top Prem sides will never veer too far away from competitive levels of those 3 things. And naturally there's a trickle down the domestic leagues.

I think Bromley will be coming back down with a thud. I wouldn't want to pay to watch them.

12 hours ago, theAnticlough said:

I think Bromley will be coming back down with a thud. I wouldn't want to pay to watch them.

Totally agree @theAnticlough

I'm also tracking Wimbledon who have been dropping like a stone - a couple of good games for Exeter and they're straight back down as well

IMO, the biggest problem at L2 level is the officiating - too many players who can't play football are allowed to make a living at the expense of those that can

I agree with you to a point @Sheffield Pie but other players suffer the same treatment and manage to stay on the field. Jodie Jones takes some knocks when he’s playing but comes up with a worldy and that’s the way to deal with it rather than seeking retribution.

Who can forget the horrendous treatment Jack Grealish used to get every match getting kicked all over the park but he just got on with it and answered in the best way by showing what a great player he is.

Jatta needs to learn, however you cant deny his goals have got us in the position we are so he is certainly an asset he just needs to channel that aggression as others have said.

The sending offs at times this season have been a concern, but it's not just Alassana Jatta, but others like Ollie Norburn.

I wasn't that annoyed by Norburn's second sendiing off, in a short space of time, but Jatta's antics do put us in a situation where we would be better off with him than without. Norburn's position in the squad is a luxary, with the amount of players we have and I don't think players who are given suspension for silly red or multiple yellow cards should waltz straight back into the team.

Though, I don't hold it against them. Albeit it is still different when the event is avoided.

I have a strong feeling he will be departing after the end of this season, some seem to think his injuries will put clubs off but I can see teams being interested in him. It would just be a shame to see him leave on a free, because there is value in selling him and it could be re-invested.

I can't say much about the incident, as I haven't seen it but many who did seem outraged and annoyed by it which I fully understand.

Alassana Jatta has to take responsibility for what he has done, because he keeps letting this sort of behaviour affect not only himself but also the club that employs him. His suspension has come at a bad time, and letting him go does feel like the right choice, although I do think we are a better side when he is focused and fully committed.

I do not feel he is fully behind us based on how needless that card was, especially at such an important point in the season. It is a real shame that a fee now seems very unlikely.

Anyone able to name the scorers? I was probably there (had a junior season ticket) but can't remember anything about it. Some incredibly memorable games that season but not that one!

Looking back at the records, this was one of only two wins in the last 11 games of the season. A stronger finish and we might have ended up in the top half, above Forest.

Conscious as I'm typing this that it's ancient history - the equivalent of me in 1982 hearing from some old guy about the inter-war years.

I've scoffed at people calling the club's finances "sustainable" before, but this puts it into perspective. How on earth does a club as small as Port Vale lose 6 million in a single season? Were they paying Championship wages? Were fans getting in for free?

Port Vale losing £6 million for the privilege of one season in League 1 was so not worth it. Fleetwood with a small fanbase and such big losses isn't good either. In fact it makes for pretty dreadful reading, a bar chart with the bars all facing the wrong way... Who'd be a football club owner eh?

@menzinho The finances refer to 2024/2025 season. Port Vale had been an EFL1 club.

A reminder to all that Morecambe, FGR and Carlisle have slipped quickly from EFL1 to National League status very quickly.

Disgraceful! And now they have Essex's finest ****head as the owner.

Wait for them to become Chelsea's reserve team and rely heavily on the connections of his playing days, if anyone thinks John Terry owning a football club is a good thing needs to be mindful how this may potentially unfold.

The footie result yesterday was gut wrenching...but the level of money being thrown at Salford is also key. £3.4m at least 2.4 times the level of losses at Notts.

Oh for a Didzy to have come back in January to have helped us.

It's why they brought in those other moneybags I wish not to name, in order to further band roll the club but that indidual appears to be only want involvement when they are higher up. The amount of losses is a disgrace, and I don't see how it's fair to bank roll that amount of debts.

I hear someone saying, hold up, wait a minute....

Our owners wiped off a large amount of historical debts that were deliberately hidden during multiple takeovers. There's a difference between covering past debts due to mismanagement, and a club over spending to buy themselves out of a league they shouldn't even be in. Their rise to the EFL wasn't amazing like it was portrayed; it only happened because of the involvement of the squad of 92. I have more respect for Hashtag United.

Clubs don’t get to use it freely. Typically they must prove:

They have no fit professional goalkeeper available

The situation is temporary

The loan is short-term (often 7 days at a time)

Absolute Rubbish, not been thought through at all.

26 minutes ago, Michael D Pie. said:

Clubs don’t get to use it freely. Typically they must prove:

They have no fit professional goalkeeper available

The situation is temporary

The loan is short-term (often 7 days at a time)

Absolute Rubbish, not been thought through at all.

I'm sorry but if the absence is due to a suspension for serious foul play, the club should forfeit the use of a professional goalkeeper. Injuries yes, suspensions no.

12 hours ago, theAnticlough said:

It's an extension of the overprotection of keepers I think.

Mark Stallard made comments about the keeper that came on for them, and that's probably their excuse, but it's not good when the offending player was sent off. It's no punishment to allow them to bring in a replacement; they should have addressed this in the extension window.

It's not an injury, or a reasonable alloweance.

Effectively they might have well had undone the suspension, because bringing in a replacement effectively does this.

This is an overreach and a clear instance of Cambridge United abusing the loan system to rectify a behavioral decision. As their keeper didn't have to hand the ball, it was an incredibly stupid action which should be correctly punished. Unfortunately, this is a get out of jail free card for them. The fact they have been allowed to unfairly bring in a keeper to replace a suspended player is an absolute joke.

8 hours ago, Michael D Pie. said:

@Chris you can't beat quality food, and it sounds like you have a gem in Mark who really does sound like a Saint, good people like him are a Godsend. Looks like morning into early afternoon is you best bet to be rain free, so make the most of it my friend. 🌥🌦🌧

Mark has always been like family to me. Although we drifted apart a few years ago, he has consistently provided support-not just for me, but for my entire family. I wished he would consider coming back here, because he massively cared and tried to help.

He's a very good chef though, and I have enjoyed home-made food made by him such as burgers. I don't know anybody who focuses so much on the quality of his food, or what goes into his meals. He doesn't just put anything in, but what is quality and fresh. Hopefully, he manages to get his portable business going one day because I have no doubt it would be a success.

Morning all, the next few days are going to be busy for us, we are going away until Sunday, we’re meeting up with 14 old friends on a campsite and having a meal on Saturday organised by yours truly, you can’t believe how hard it has been getting this meet up together to everyone’s satisfaction and finding a restaurant to accommodate us.

I just hope the weather stays fine for a few days, we’ll be in a static van the rest are in motorhomes and caravans. Sadly it means I’ll miss the match on Saturday which is really bad planning, it didn’t seem so important last year when I was planning the trip.

20 hours ago, Chris said:

He's a very good chef though, and I have enjoyed home-made food made by him such as burgers. I don't know anybody who focuses so much on the quality of his food, or what goes into his meals. He doesn't just put anything in, but what is quality and fresh

You are well blessed @Chris having such a wonderful person in your life. Our second Son is just the same, he always uses the best fresh ingredients and spices, the aroma when he is cooking makes ones mouth water. I wish him well with the portable business, our son is looking at the same and making chicken and vegetarian wraps, spicy and non spicy. Another possible Gordon Ramsey 👨‍🍳 🤔

@Fan of Big Tone i hope the weekend goes well, the forecast is good 👍 🌤🌞

Just back from walking the dogs, the weather is beautiful, with the birds singing and the wind whispering through the trees. No one else here, just me and the boys, soooooooo peaceful and tranquil. Have a good day everyone.

🤠🐶🐶

38 minutes ago, StarkMallard said:

Not a fan @Chris?

🤔 What gave you that impression?

38 minutes ago, StarkMallard said:

but at least he's putting something back into the game (and let's be honest, the 14 million will be just the start with the money lower-league teams lose).

He's estimated to have near £40 million-pounds, but that's not enough for a League Two team. He could have more or less, but without using his connections he's got limited time to put his money where his mouth is. I am surprised he's even past the ownership approval based on all this. The remortgaging of his house, has gambling issues, and is involvment in risky cryptocurrency plans.

There's a lot being said about his house recently, but during his playing days he was connected to alsorts of dodgy stuff.

Do you think you ought to put allegedly after some of that @Chris . 😂

5 minutes ago, Fan of Big Tone said:

Do you think you ought to put allegedly after some of that @Chris . 😂

It's all true, and factual, so not this time. Nothing allegedly about it, there's videos of him doing naughty things, he's even joked about some of his past habits on podcast, one where he was joined by Robbie Fowler. Sniff... Sniff...

2 hours ago, YoopEyes said:

I must admit, I’m puzzled by the veiled criticism of those who choose not to vote on this occasion - first time I recall it happening. Thus, I’m not sure how it can be “predictable” that some people have abstained.

Why does there have to be a MOTM, come what may? It’s a totally arbitrary, subjective decision. There is no compulsion for an individual to be singled out in a team event, in any game tbh let alone a desperately poor collective performance.

If you feel the need to name a MOTM irrespective of nobody earning or deserving it, that’s entirely a personal matter. Seems odd to imply that others have failed in their responsibilities.

Oh dear, I don't know how anyone can respond to my 'everyone's got the right to abstain' with a set of OTT comments like that.

The whole thread is just a bit of fun on the best (or least worst!) player on the day. Chillax!

Well, it’s all cool here, no problem.

It’s not OTT - just a different perspective, particularly in respect of the “predictability” reference, that’s all. It may well not have been intentional but it sounded a tad patronising. Happy to leave it at that & move on. I just read it differently to spirit intended.

The poll has now closed. We have a tie for first place this week.

I'm pleased to announce that Matt Palmer & young Luke Browne share the Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match award against Cambridge.

Credit @ARLukomski

At the end of the day Notts were missing lots of first team players in key positions. It's obvious that the squad as a whole isn't strong enough, & this has been the problem since Notts got promoted. I believe it's a big reason why Notts don't seem able to play consistently well over a full season. Six wins and six defeats in their last twelve matches demonstrates this failing very well.

2 hours ago, Robbie said:

At the end of the day Notts were missing lots of first team players in key positions. It's obvious that the squad as a whole isn't strong enough, & this has been the problem since Notts got promoted. I believe it's a big reason why Notts don't seem able to play consistently well over a full season. Six wins and six defeats in their last twelve matches demonstrates this failing very well.

Yes and maybe any team will drop off missing half of its starting 11

Platt, Robertson, Tsaroulla, Jones, Jatta

....and then the first reserve for Platt - McDonald. And maybe Tangan could be considered a starter.

It adds up to a massive blow. We had Belshaw, Beseau, Macari. Palmer, Iorpenda + reserves on Saturday.

We have been ravaged. It's desperately bad luck and MP, Monty, the players left, deserve a pass. But better not to feel sorry for ourselves - there's still a promotion out there to win.

Morning all, how are we all feeling? If you’re anything like me I’d say pretty deflated, huh?

I guess after 60 odd years of supporting Notts I ought to be used to days like yesterday but it still hurts. On the bright side all is not lost we can still do it, if not automatic then playoffs. 🤞

In other news it’s roast chicken with all the trimmings for dinner today, I remember as a boy we only had chicken at Christmas as it was expensive but boy did I taste good not like the bland offerings we get in the supermarkets today, my mam used to buy a steam roaster from Victoria meat market and slow cook it in the oven it was delicious.

Have a great day everyone and best wishes to all who are under the weather.

I'm still optimistic that Notts can get success this season.

Notts are in the top four after 43 games, & we still are in the mix to achieve an automatic promotion place. That goal is no longer in our hands but there are still some awkward matches left for those teams above us & immediately below us.

Notts just need to do the business themselves over these last three matches to keep the pressure on. It could even go to the last League match before we know Notts fate this season.

Charlton Athletic 2-1 Preston North End

Southampton 3-2 Derby County

Bradford City 0-1 Stevenage

Huddersfield Town 2-2 Wycombe Wanderers(joker)

Grimsby Town 2-3 Crewe Alexandra

Newport County 1-1 Harrogate Town

Aldershot 2-0 Gateshead

Altrincham 2-1 Eastleigh

Charlton Athletic 2-1 PNE

Southampton 1-1 Derby County

Bradford City 2-0 Stevenage

Huddersfield Town 2-0 Wycombe Wanderers Joker

Grimsby 2-1 Crewe Alexandra

Newport County 1-1 Harrogate

Aldershot 1-2 Gateshead

Altrincham 1-0 Eastleigh

The results:

Charlton Athletic 1-2 Preston North End
Southampton 2-1 Derby County
Bradford City 0-1 Stevenage
Huddersfield Town 3-3 Wycombe Wanderers
Grimsby Town 3-2 Crewe Alexandra
Newport County 2-1 Harrogate Town
Aldershot Town 0-1 Gateshead
Altrincham 1-0 Eastleigh

@ARLukomski claims the honours this week, congrats!

@william1984 is clear at the top now. Meanwhile, I surge into seventh place and it's only a matter of time till I claim top spot (shall I just keep adding rounds until I win?).

Keep your eyes out for Saturday's fixtures, which will be posted on Wednesday as usual. Thanks for playing and have a good week!

Awesome footage from the far side of the moon taken by the crew of Artemis 2.

A view from Artemis just 50 minutes from splashdown.

They’ve splashed down safely thankfully, the heat on the capsule was 2,000 degrees, half as hot as the sun, how the heck do they build something to withstand that heat! Amazing.

Will give it a watch, always looking for things to watch in the background as I do stuff.

There's a new season of FROM coming out, but I am currently watching The Boys. So, it will be nice to have something in addition to break things up, as I fall back to watching YouTube and things like ThatChapter comes on, and I am a lititle sick of it even though I do like the channel. Oh, I have also been watching the Tulsa King.

Thanks for the recommendation, Tone.

I’m sure you’ll like it @Chris we are on series 4 of 5 we’re trying to get it watched before our free trial runs out later in the month.

As you know I’m a huge Rolling Stones fan and the theme tune is sung by Mick Jagger I can’t get it out of my head, it’s an ear worm. 😂

I before E

Except when your foreign neighbour Keith receives eight counterfeit beige sleighs from feisty caffeinated weightlifters.

Weird.

As of 28/03/26

1. Robertson

2. Platt

3. McDonald

4. Jones

5. Tangen

6. Dennis

7. Grant.

8. Tsaroulla

As of 03/04/26

Six players on the injured list.

1. Robertson

2. Platt

3. McDonald

4. Jones

5. Tangen

6. Tsaroulla

I'm really worried about the quality of our injured players, but Jodi Jones should be back soon. We need to make sure that those who are available have enough to push us over the automatics zone and stay there.

It’ll end in tears, when will these clubs ever learn.

I personally hope they stay up, and Harrogate and Newport County go down.

I can't stand how entitled Harrogate believe themselves to be, and Newport have been skirting with it for a few seasons. A reset, as the exiles would suggest, would do them some good. Barrow, on the other hand, they are a small fish at this level and their fans are generally good eggs.

Good tip @Sheffield Pie! Every game from now is huge.

Noticed also Bristol Rovers (H) is now on sale, including some Jimmy Sirrel stand blocks for home fans. Hoping there's something to play for and it's a sell-out.

The away support has mostly been outstanding this season, even during the toughest of games and our support can be the twelve man. We need to see the allocation sell out, and Colchester isn't the worst ground to visit. I have many found memories of visiting.

Not much around there, so make sure you eat before and give yourself time to do that but otherwise its a decent day out.

Do they still pay silly money every season to play at the Valley Parade?

I seem to recall them paying quite big in the summer, and were amongst one of the clubs rumoured to be interested in Macaulay Langstaff, amongst over expensive priced players for a League One team massively losing money. Very credible mainstream sources as well.

I had a list of three, Lucas Ness being up there along with Tom Iorpenda and Ollie Norburn.

Though there are more players who digged deep and put in a solid performance, it was great to see Jayden Luker back in the team and I think my thoughts of if we need him should be proven wrong which I am happy for. As if he played longer, I think he would be up there and within most fans consideration. The impact he made in the past, made me hope that somehow we can make a deal to sign him.

He's too good for League Two, and would be a useful addition if we were to gain promotion.

That said, Lucas Ness was outstanding and earned my vote, as he defended like a real leader and gave us much more than just a typical defender's solid performance with his goal contributions.

I think there were some good performances especially in the first half. I thought Ndlovu did well with his hold up play. Norburn demonstrated that despite his disciplinary record, Notts need him in the centre of midfield. Luker did very well when he came on & he has to start at Cambridge. Grant did another great job doing what Grant does.

But for his excellent all round performance, my Man of the Match is Lucas Ness. His goals were well taken & it is very encouraging to see that he is a danger to our opponents from set pieces into the box.

The poll has now closed. Thanks to all who voted. I'm pleased to announce that Lucas Ness has been voted the Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match v Newport. Well done Lucas.