The main takeaway from this for me, is how can anyone invest in a football club without it being obvious or known from the start? I mean, surely someone in authority somewhere would've noticed before now? Then again, did this happen and the media or person held back for when it could create the most impressions.

Football's extremely dark.

I read an interesting report in The Guardian today about Roman Abramovich's alleged secret funding of the Dutch football club Vitesse Arnhem. It seems that leaked documents show that Abramovich provided loans worth at least €117m (£102.8m) to Vitesse between 2010 and 2015 through a complex web of offshore companies.

Despite denying any involvement in Vitesse, the leaked documents suggest otherwise. In fact, they reveal that Abramovich's companies had a significant degree of influence over Vitesse's management, including the right to appoint and dismiss the club's board of directors.

These revelations are likely to raise questions about the integrity of football, especially given Abramovich's existing links to Russian President Vladimir Putin. It appears that the wealthy businessman may have used his wealth to gain an unfair advantage in football.

It's concerning to hear about the leaked documents that reveal Roman Abramovich's covert funding of Vitesse Arnhem and bankrolling the club while he owned Chelsea. Even though representatives for Chelsea and Abramovich denied any formal link between the two clubs, the documents suggest otherwise. UEFA rules prevent two clubs under common ownership from playing in the same competition, and it seems like Chelsea may have wanted to avoid any problems related to the two clubs' links. The use of offshore tax havens to structure loans is also worrying.

At the start of the match, Sam Austin and Jodi Jones looked energised. Together with Aaron Nemane, they covered a lot of ground that Ruben Rodrigues would usually have covered. Despite being short on players, we still managed to secure a convincing win. It was a good call by Luke Williams to rest Ruben. Some comments before the game suggested that we would lose because of this decision. However, it's evident that those doubters were wrong. It was common sense that Ruben had limped off in the previous match and needed rest before the Wrexham game. It didn't appear to be a serious injury that would keep him out of a match.

The current season has been truly remarkable. It never crossed my mind that Notts would have another opportunity to reach the top of the league following the defeat against Dagenham & Redbridge. It's a testament to just how outstanding this season has been, don't you think?

The execution of each goal was exceptional. I concur with the sentiments expressed by others before me that we could have easily scored three goals before half time and many more opportunities throughout the match.

I couldn't help but feel sympathetic towards Wealdstone. I don't believe they would have been as clumsy or played as poorly against other typical teams. It's just a reflection of the high level of proficiency among the teams in this league. However, given their current position, it's clear that the club is doing something right, and I must commend their goalkeeper for an excellent performance.

Reportedly, Notts had 63.55% possession overall, with only 6.38 average shots on target. However, I perceived that Notts created several exceptional opportunities, and from what I can recall, the final score could have easily been around 5-0. It was a delight to see Richard Brindley return to the side. Although he didn't engage in the attacks as much, he proved to be dependable when called upon. The return of Brindley and Cadwyn Scott came at an opportune time, and they were both sorely missed from the line-up. If Luke Williams can make astute decisions, he might not have to worry about the playoffs. Nevertheless, I hope that we can avoid such a roll of the dice for our own sake, although I had believed that we had done so previously!

The players are learning to show a lot of composure in front of goal. I thought Maculay Langstaff's finish was very clinically taken. He showed a lot of class with his calm strike.

The thunderous applause and cheers from the crowd upon every goal being scored made me yearn for the club to have captured footage of the fans singing in unison about us becoming the top team in the league. The mere recollection of it still sends shivers down my spine!

I was uncertain if Macaulay Langstaff's goal would be allowed or not, as I couldn't determine if the opposing player had played him onside or not. Thankfully, the officials made the correct decision and didn't disallow the goal, which worked in our favour.

Undisclosed fee paid too, we'll have to keep track on how he does from here.

you may have chance as a scout still @Piethagoram but until then, you are ours!

It's a good move for him, Stockport have been spending money wisely since gaining promotion. It's a decent team for him to try and adapt to a level further up, and he should be worth his investment.

Norwich City 2-2 Sheffield United

West Bromwich Albion 3-1 Millwall (Joker)

Charlton Athletic 2-0 Shrewsbury Town

Derby County 1-2 Ipswich Town

Colchester United 0-0 Newport County

Northampton Town 0-1 Stevenage

Bromley 1-1 Solihull Moors

Scunthorpe United 2-1 Torquay United

missed it

The results:

Norwich City 0-1 Sheffield United
West Bromwich Albion 0-0 Millwall
Charlton Athletic 6-0 Shrewsbury Town
Derby County 0-2 Ipswich Town
Colchester United 0-0 Newport County
Northampton Town 1-1 Stevenage
Bromley 4-0 Solihull Moors
Scunthorpe United 0-1 Torquay United

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This round's winner is me, on a staggering 11 points. Quiver at the might of my football genius and stand in awe at the tremendousness of my 11 points.

@DangerousSausage - 11
@Dan - 8
@ARLukomski, @Megan_Elizax - 7
@jimbob, @Chris - 5
@4everapie - 4
@Dripsey3, @magpiejue, @super_ram, @GrannyPie, @nottsnutter - 3
@gtownjohnno, @liampie - 2

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It's absolutely neck-and-neck at the top - @ARLukomski is on top once again by just a single point. And @Chris passes 100 points!

ARLukomski - 209
Dripsey3 - 208
gtownjohnno - 181
magpiejue -178
DangerousSausage - 177
4everapie - 173
super_ram - 170
Dan - 164
Megan_Elizax - 163
barnet1uk - 156
DonnyNotts - 147
GrannyPie - 145
nottsnutter - 140
jimbob - 136
Chris - 102
liampie - 37
KB1862 - 21
steve61 - 7

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The next fixtures will be this coming Friday - Good Friday - and I'll post them in a few minutes. See you in a minute

I really enjoyed the game, we smashed Scunthorpe United but the way they played kinda ruined the victory for me. They were proper rubbish, like it almost spoiled the game. If it wasn't for some sick moves from Ruben, Langstaff, Austin, O'Brien, and Palmer, I reckon it would've been dead boring. I know it might sound controversial, but I don't like games where it's totally one-sided, and that's exactly what this was. I'm stoked that we won though, especially with Langstaff getting a couple of goals. The team was sick, but it's just a shame that Scunthorpe didn't put up more of a fight.

I thought the entire squad played well, given what they were up against. You can only beat the team in front of you, and Notts did it in style. I think Jim silenced his critics with his performance, even though Scunthorpe were poor, he showed his class and helped drive Notts forward. 4-0 flattered Scunthorpe United, as Notts could have easily scored several more goals. Their keeper, who they brought in on loan a few hours before the game, was very weak. His kicking was hilarious!

A very fair interview, he was justifiably annoyed about the first goal, but he didn't rant and rave and kept a sense of perspective. You can understand why the brothers liked the cut of his jib.

I watched it on the day, on YouTube. He spoke well, and I think the first goal quite rightly annoyed him.

I don't think officials should allow a quick free kick to be taken where there's a level of an unfair advantage. I have seen refs bring play back, due to the opposition not being ready and from a much greater distance. If the first goal didn't annoy him, I would question why not. Very fair views and opinions by him.

Phil Parkinson raised a valid argument about the swift free-kick in the recent football match. I cannot deny that it would irk me, regardless of whose favour it was in. As an avid football supporter, it is reasonable to say that no one would enjoy conceding a goal in such a manner. However, I concur with Parkinson that the primary responsibility lies with the referee.

It is imperative for the referee to be aware of the situation and ensure that the defending team is prepared before allowing the attacking team to take a quick free-kick. While the swift free-kick rule is meant to increase the pace and flow of the game, the referee must ensure that both teams have an equal opportunity to defend or attack.

In the current scenario, while the attacking team was within their rights to take a quick free-kick, the referee should have assessed the situation and ensured that the defenders were given ample time to prepare before allowing play to continue. Thus, while the attacking team may have scored a goal, the blame should not be attributed solely to them. Instead, the referee must take responsibility for not ensuring fair play.

Although it's commendable to see Notts taking initiative, I can't help but feel that if we had conceded the first goal, I would be quite upset. The opposing team's manager was quite pleased with the outcome, but I think he accurately pinpointed the first goal as the turning point. The referee should not have allowed a quick free kick in that particular position, but the blame falls more on him than our players. Using some common sense, I hope that Notts will refrain from making similar moves in the future.

Yeah, I totally agree, Notts messed up big time with that first goal. And don't even get me started on the second one - it was so obviously handball! But hey, I guess it all evened out in the end, you know, in the grand scheme of things.

I've re-watched it several times and, I have grown less bothered by the quick free kick.

It is the responsibility of the referee and officials to ensure that no advantage is given, especially since the free kick was awarded for a rather soft decision that may have irritated them even more. Upon closer examination of the footage, it becomes clear that the opposing team's players should have assumed a defensive position as soon as Bostock put the ball down. One could argue that the free kick was taken from an incorrect position, and although Notts County's strategy was clever, any fault should ultimately be attributed to the referee.

That was an outstanding save, and it's worth noting that the goalkeeper demonstrated an impressive level of concentration. He didn't allow the pressure of the situation to get to him, which can be quite challenging, especially when facing a penalty. Despite the potential for nerves to set in, he remained composed and confident, which is a testament to his mental toughness. Ultimately, a goalkeeper can only do their job and save what is put in front of them, and he did exactly that. It was an impressive display of skill and professionalism.

The penalty save was pretty impressive, it definitely changed the game's momentum. If Mair hadn't made the save, who knows what would've happened. He really stepped up when it mattered and proved his worth.

It's a very poor penalty, their player didn't seem to strike the ball with much confidence.

Perhaps, Mair put him off?

It's possible, but I still think it's a good save because of the quick reaction. He could've easily got it wrong.

I reckon that deal probably ended up being a pretty savvy piece of business for Dan. And I have to say, Notts County are looking pretty impressive across the board.

It just goes to show how important it is to have a strong goal-scoring record, especially if you're still in the running for the title and have to worry about the playoffs potentially throwing a spanner in the works. Personally, I've got a feeling that this year might just be our year though.

It embodies the harsh realities of the National League, wherein securing a single automatic spot and achieving promotion from this division is widely acknowledged as one of the most demanding accomplishments.

Maybe, @Dan might consider sharing some of the better clippings or spreads that his pictures get. It seems to generate a healthy response and from the community aspect it is nice to see. I always look at when he shares his pictures on Facebook, but I know some members do not.

Either way, it's a great spread. It's just a shame that it might be true of how good we've done, that ultimately the dice will rely on us navigating the playoff.

Yet at least we have given ourselves the strongest start.

Alty were always going to pose more of a challenge than on Saturday, and they did give us some nervous moments at the back. We rode our luck a couple of times but were comfortably in control in the second half and the win never looked in doubt. Great penalty save by Mair, funnily enough I always thought he was going to save it - it wasn't badly taken but it was the perfect height for the keeper to reach. Great stuff.

Now we have a Saturday off ahead of Wealdstone. Then we cross our fingers that Oldham can maybe nick something from the Welsh team before our showdown at Easter.

Notts managed to come away with a win, one way or another. While there may be some controversy surrounding the first goal, there's no denying that their player clearly lifted their arm up for the second goal. It's not acceptable to jump like that at any level of the game, and while some may argue that the decision was harsh, it was well within the rules.

Getting three points and a clean sheet is a huge positive for the team, and I think it's a real testament to their hard work and dedication. All in all, it's a great result for Notts County.

What a brilliant professional performance by Notts. It's hard to believe that we have amassed 97 points, which would have secured us the league title by this stage in almost every other season. This season has been completely bonkers. It's even more insane when you consider that we need Wrexham to suffer two more losses than us to obtain the reward that we truly deserve.

I'm guilty of having lived in the clouds for too long, mostly because of PON and my other online interests. It doesn't compare to real world interactions, as I learned this from having walks with my brother on a weekend. Even though I wished it was more often, I would randomly call at my parents.

Provided you don't live every moment online, it doesn't affect your personal life, relationships, eating habits or health.

I don't see any fault with how many people seem to be glued to their screens. It's something I don't really reflect much on, but I do wish from time to time, that people wouldn't go down bus stairs glued to their devices, cross roads/streets with their mobiles almost touching their noses and walk around like it's the only thing happening.

Spending time on the internet and social media is common for many teenagers, including myself. It's a convenient and accessible way to stay connected with friends and family, especially during the pandemic. Social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter allow us to share moments from our daily lives and keep up with what's happening with others. Additionally, gaming has become a huge part of our culture and a popular way to socialise with others online. Personally, I find gaming to be a great way to de-stress and have fun with my friends. However, I also recognise the importance of taking breaks from the internet and spending time offline, engaging in other activities such as reading, exercising, or spending time outdoors. It's all about finding a balance that works for each individual.

If you were to guess my age, you might be surprised to hear that I have no interest in social media. Although I did use Twitter at one point, I quickly found myself merely reading and interacting with friends, and not engaging with the platform as a whole. As for Facebook, I don't care for it at all. The site seems to be designed to distract and draw you away from other aspects of your life, and that doesn't sit well with me.

It is over, but we're still battling and that's certainly something to be proud of.

If by some chance Wrexham drops a point, and we keep winning, including against them, and somehow manage to go level on points or one point better off - it will be a miracle. Notts never has this sort of lady luck, we are the team that goes down on goal difference, or a few points off. We miss the playoffs for the same reason; very rarely do we ever get a break even when it is fully deserved. Some fans have told me we had this luck in 2009, when we won the title in League Two.

Steve Cotterill didn't pull off a miracle; he just gave structure and organisation to an already talented squad.

A squad that underperformed due to the amount of managers we had, when simply Charlie McParland should've been left in charge. There was never any doubt that season that one team would be running away with the league, both Bournemouth and Rochdale gave strong competition.

Morecambe and Rotherham United also fell wayward but had good seasons.

The sheer amount of reinforcements that Wrexham have brought in, is partly to prepare for next season but also to make them stronger against us. It's going to be tough, but unless something dramatically changes, us winning the league is over.

We've had a good attempt, a great season and the club has forged a strong advantage with the playoffs in order to return to the Football League.

I firmly believe that Wrexham is now in pole position to win the league title. However, with their recent squad reinforcements, including a solid goalkeeper at this level, quality midfield additions, and players to support Mullin in scoring goals, they should have enough firepower to keep their momentum going and secure the championship. Undoubtedly, it won't be an easy feat, and it's crucial for Notts to maintain their winning streak.

Wrexham has demonstrated their ambition and determination to win by investing in new players. A team's success often hinges on the strength of their squad, and Wrexham has made significant strides in this regard. The addition of a goalkeeper with a proven track record at a higher level and the signing of quality midfielders is bound to enhance their overall gameplay. Mullin is a proven goal scorer, and the new additions will offer the necessary support to help him achieve even greater success.

Despite Wrexham's current position, Notts cannot be ruled out just yet. They must continue to push themselves and win every game if they hope to have a chance of catching up with Wrexham. This will undoubtedly add more pressure to Wrexham's players, but they have already shown their mettle and determination, and I have faith that they can rise to the challenge.

Yes, if we win tomorrow, it could make folk change their minds. But then again, we'll be two games ahead of them, and winning is dead important to keep that lead. Personally, I reckon it's gonna be tough, but until it's no longer possible on paper, I'll keep wishing for the best.

Does the commentator say "by this sensational fan, from the north-east."

Their defending re-minds me of ours when we got relegated, our goals were well worked but if they had tried to defend - all would've been easily prevented. Whilst the move for the first goal and the pass to score, it was a very basic finish. Second goal, I think Langstaff was crossing the ball to the far post. His first, very easily header, none of their players bothered. Langstaff's second, Palmer does a decent ball which cuts in, and the finish is very clinical but so many Scunthorpe defenders could've made it harder. Despite all of what I have said here. Notts would've scored on way or another, it doesn't take anything away from our performance, but it does highlight how easily they made it for us.

It's nice to catch up on the highlights, but I'm not keen on John Thompson covering the games. His accent is difficult to understand, and he sounds unintelligent. I'm not too sure about the other person. Even Charlie Slater puts me off, as he comes across as arrogant and talks a lot of nonsense.

There is nothing quite like watching a clean sheet, four superb goals, and excellent players working hard together to achieve victory.

It's always meant the world to me, coming from a position where I knew nobody and going reminded me of the times I spent with my grandfather. To the days, I spent with my children and eventually moved into the KOP, where people actually would talk and be polite. The area we settled in, the regulars have only ever been kind to me. I mean, I do like to be in my own world, but it's nice seeing so many faces and from that small pool - I have grown quite a lot within the KOP and other stands.

Supporting a club like Notts, it should always be a social thing where you try your hardest to be civil and friendly.

Most people will go to a game, and come back having spoken to 5-30 different fans even if they're not on a first name basis. You know their faces, you remember seeing them at previous games.

To be honest, some fans proper make me cringe. I only really hang out with my mates, I can't deal with people chatting smack about players and then cheering for them like nothing happened, it's just annoying. Maybe it's coz I sit higher up the kop, but I find it hard to vibe with other fans my age, especially the younger ones.

It is the away games that truly unite fans. I make it a point to greet the majority of people I encounter, whether I know them or not, both at home and away games. I usually sit in the upper centre of the KOP, where there is a diverse range of age groups, and I enjoy discussing the games with those around me, even if I don't know them personally or outside of Notts. However, when it comes to away games, I find that the handful of fans I know personally make the experience truly enjoyable, and this is what I believe is the most significant aspect of our community.

Throughout the season, Adam Chicksen has been an outstanding contributor to our team. However, in the last few games, it's clear that he hasn't quite had his usual energy and spark. Given the sheer number of minutes he has played this season, it's understandable that fatigue may be setting in. Despite this recent dip in form, it's important to recognise the impact he has had on the team as a whole.

As a driving force within the squad, Adam has shown remarkable improvement in his play compared to previous seasons, and has undoubtedly become a key player. His consistent efforts and dedication have not gone unnoticed by fans and teammates alike. Even if he may be experiencing some exhaustion in the current moment, it's clear that his contributions have been invaluable to our success.

He's been an absolute revelation this season.

When he joined us, many Bolton fans I've were full of praise for him, but he quickly found himself out of the first-team picture (I've just looked at his stats - up to April in his first season, he started just four games for us) and seemed destined for the door. That he managed to fight back and make himself an indispensable part of the team is testimony to his own attitude and how we've moved forward as a club.

It didn't take long for those negative minds in the fan base to suggest he needed to be dropped because he wasn't performing "well". However, he appeared fatigued and drained, which could explain his subpar performances. While he did look better against Scunthorpe, I suspect his role and duties may have been adjusted to keep him in the side. There is nothing wrong with suggesting a player needs to be rested, but what I am referring to are those who believe he has become a poor player. These individuals are borderline idiots.

Prediction league for Grannypie this week

Fleetwood Town v Lincoln City 2-3

Peterborough United v Derby County 1-2

Grimsby Town v Walsall 1-1

Mansfield Town v Sutton United 1-2

Stevenage v Salford City 2-2

Altrincham v Southend United 2-3

Boreham Wood v Eastleigh 1-3 Joker

Wealdstone v Barnet 1-2

The results:

Fleetwood Town 2-1 Lincoln City
Peterborough United 2-0 Derby County
Grimsby Town 1-1 Walsall
Mansfield Town 0-0 Sutton United
Stevenage 1-3 Salford City
Altrincham 1-0 Southend United
Boreham Wood 0-0 Eastleigh
Wealdstone 0-2 Barnet

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This round's top scorer was @super_ram, who got three scores exactly right!

@super_ram - 10
@Dripsey3, @jimbob - 9
@Dan - 7
@gtownjohnno, @DangerousSausage, @Megan_Elizax, @nottsnutter - 6
@magpiejue, @4everapie, @Chris - 5
@GrannyPie - 4
@ARLukomski, @DonnyNotts - 3
@barnet11uk, @liampie - 2

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Like in the Vauxhall Conference, it's relentless at the top - @Dripsey3 has scored nine points for the third round in a row and reclaims top spot.

Dripsey3 - 205
ARLukomski - 202
gtownjohnno - 179
magpiejue -175
4everapie - 169
super_ram - 167
DangerousSausage - 166
Dan - 156
Megan_Elizax - 156
barnet1uk - 156
DonnyNotts - 147
GrannyPie - 142
nottsnutter - 137
jimbob - 131
Chris - 97
liampie - 35
KB1862 - 21
steve61 - 7

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The next round is on Saturday, so the next prediction league fixtures will magically appear in midweek. Thank you for playing and I'll see you all then!

I'm happy, but I did think I would be onto a higher score with my predictions this round.

The road to victory seems to be paved for Wrexham from this point onwards. It appears highly unlikely that they will falter and allow Notts to overtake them in the race for the title. While I do anticipate Notts finishing the season just a point or two behind, I doubt we will be able to catch up to Wrexham.

Of course, if fate decides to play its cards, and we end up with an equal number of points, it could be a fortunate turn of events. However, luck of that magnitude seldom favours Notts.

Therefore, it seems that our best chance of securing a spot in the playoffs lies ahead. It's imperative that we start preparing for this eventuality from the moment the club acknowledges that the title is out of our grasp. We need to be focused, dedicated, and ready to navigate through the playoffs with all our might. Only then can we hope to achieve our desired outcome.

On 24/03/2023 at 19:37, TheSkipper said:

Therefore, it seems that our best chance of securing a spot in the playoffs lies ahead. It's imperative that we start preparing for this eventuality from the moment the club acknowledges that the title is out of our grasp.

I think the manager is trying to get the players mentally prepared already, see his comments about the title race being over.

We're certainly underdogs now, but we do have a path still. We MUST win at Wrexham away (easier said than done). If we can then stay within three points of them up to the last day - when it's do or die and the nerves are jangling, and one rash decision can ruin your season - you never know.

wrexham away is a must win game regardless of how the season goes, beating them on their home soil will be our reward. they can celebrate after losing to the biggest club in this league.  

I get the feeling Boston want experience to get them out of relegation trouble. I notice Brooks only played when their keeper was out. When he became available again, Brooks was out. I think Munakandafa has had a few appearances off the bench but that doesn't help us and a relegation battle probably doesn't help him.

5 hours ago, Simon Clark said:

I think Munakandafa has had a few appearances off the bench but that doesn't help us and a relegation battle probably doesn't help him.

I believe that coming on as a substitute may not provide much experience for a player who needs to develop their skills. While relegation can offer valuable lessons, being part of the starting 11 is necessary to truly benefit from it. Considering the player's lack of playing time, it is understandable that the club has withdrawn him in order for him to gain more experience.

He appears to be a promising prospect, but he requires a significant amount of additional experience. To enhance his development, Notts ought to endeavour to secure a position for him with a team that operates at a higher level next season. My main concern is that we often loan out players to teams that are below our standard, which makes it hard for them to gain the necessary experience. It's unrealistic to expect a player to be capable of meeting the requirements of our first team after being sent out on loan. I don't intend to sound pessimistic; rather, I believe that we need to establish a superior pathway into the first team.

It can be quite frustrating when a newly acquired player is unable to contribute due to an injury. There is a great deal of expectation placed on players who have been brought in to help the team, and injuries can impede their ability to deliver. If the player is unable to recover in time and misses a significant portion of the season, it may cause some to question the decision to sign him. It's possible that the player was signed while already injured or that he sustained an injury shortly after joining the team. In any case, the hope is always for players to come in and make an immediate impact, rather than being sidelined and missing out on important opportunities to participate in the team's success.

It appears that there is little that can be done at this point except for us to hope that he has a speedy recovery. However, on paper, it seems like a promising signing.

While the player's injury or condition may be out of our control, expressing hope for their recovery can be a way to show support and positivity. It also indicates that we are invested in their well-being beyond just their performance on the field.

Regarding the signing, it's possible that the player's abilities and potential were evaluated based on their past performances, statistics, or other factors. These objective measures may have led to a positive assessment of the player's potential contribution to the team.

However, it's important to remember that a player's success is not solely determined by their individual skills or past accomplishments. Factors such as team dynamics, coaching, and overall team performance can all impact a player's ability to perform well.

Therefore, while it may seem like a good signing on paper, there are still many variables that could affect the player's success and the team's overall performance. Ultimately, only time will tell whether or not the signing was truly successful.

This is not a significant concern, as he will likely be fit to play again in the near future. Reports suggest that it is a minor issue, and there is even talk that he may be ready to return as early as tomorrow's game. I believe that the decision to potentially bring him back into the squad has been carefully considered, and if he does play, it could provide a boost in terms of additional goals and overall team performance. However, it is important to remember that injuries can be unpredictable, and it will ultimately be up to the medical professionals and coaching staff to make the final determination on his readiness to play.

it is poor that we cant defend set pieces all that well and if the opposition cram bodies into out penalty box, the defending becomes like headless chicksens but at least these are a lot more fewer because of how good we can be on the ball.

I understand that Notts may still make mistakes, and when they do, they can be quite concerning. However, I must acknowledge that these instances are occurring less frequently, and I can see that improvements are being made. Although Notts may focus on holding the ball in midfield or scoring more goals, their defensive issues are gradually decreasing. While conceding goals like the one against Barnet can be frustrating, such occurrences are becoming rarer. It's comparable to the situation with Chesterfield, where they crowded our penalty box, but we have made significant progress in our attacking play.

I've noticed that the problem occurs more often during away games. I presume that's because there's more pressure on the team since they don't have the advantage of their home supporters to calm their nerves when they're winning. It feels like a whole different ballgame when playing on the road.

bit of a weird club to join, i thought he would want to leave for a club more likely to push for promotion. i think his spell at dagenham may have caused issues to his stock value though.

I think Joel Taylor played well, but since he wants to leave, it's not a good idea to keep him. However, his departure will leave Notts a bit weak in defence. It's important to focus on getting promoted, so it's better to let him go and keep an eye on our goal.

If Notts intends to sign players today, it's crucial to prioritize a defender capable of playing both as a wing-back and in the center, along with a possible addition of another striker. Anything beyond this would be unnecessary, as it would help to mitigate the impact of Joel Taylor's departure.

It's good to have you back, Chris. Keep going mate.

we appreciate the effort you are putting in @Chris, dont over do yourself.

PON Default, PON Dark and PON Lightweight Theme have all been upgraded.

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QPR 2-1 Birmingham City

Reading 1-1 Hull City

Morecambe 2-1 Oxford United

Port Vale 0-2 Burton Albion

Carlisle United 3-1 Stevenage

Stockport County 2-1 Mansfield Town (joker)

Gateshead 1-0 Torquay United

York City 2-0 Dorking Wanderers

Queens Park Rangers 2-0 Birmingham City

Reading 2-1 Hull City

Morecambe 2-1 Oxford United 

Port Vale 2-0 Burton Albion

Carlisle United 2-0 Stevenage

Stockport County 2-1 Mansfield Town

Gateshead 2-1 Torquay United

York City 2-0 Dorking Wanderers (Joker)

The results:

QPR 0-1 Birmingham City
Reading 1-1 Hull City
Morecambe 1-1 Oxford United
Port Vale 2-3 Burton Albion
Carlisle United 0-0 Stevenage
Stockport County 1-1 Mansfield Town
Gateshead 1-1 Torquay United
York City 2-1 Dorking Wanderers

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A draw-tastic round yielded some mixed results - the best of all from @ARLukomski!

@ARLukomski - 12
@Dripsey3 - 9
@gtownjohnno, @liampie - 8
@DonnyNotts - 6
@DangerousSausage, @super_ram, @jimbob - 5
@Megan_Elizax - 4
@4everapie, @nottsnutter - 3
@barnet11uk - 2
@magpiejue, @Dan - 1

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The top two are still the Maß aller Dinge (measure of all things), with @ARLukomski moving clear at the top. Meanwhile, @gtownjohnno moves into third:

ARLukomski - 199
Dripsey3 - 196
gtownjohnno - 173
magpiejue -170
4everapie - 164
DangerousSausage - 160
super_ram - 157
barnet1uk - 154
Megan_Elizax - 150
Dan - 149
DonnyNotts - 144
GrannyPie - 138
nottsnutter - 131
jimbob - 122
Chris - 92
liampie - 33
KB1862 - 21
steve61 - 7

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We're back in action on Saturday, so the fixtures fairy will be posting in midweek as always. See you all then and thanks for playing!

Dominated pretty much that first half and then they score from a long throw in the last seconds. Football eh… I think had we gone into half-time winning Barnet would’ve pushed even more and that potentially makes it easier to get a second goal.

I just hate the fact in our current scenario it’s two points dropped rather than a good away point, any other season that’s a decent result.

i think its still a good result, we are a step closer to securing the 2nd place which will be helpful for the playoffs. its just that the two points dropped makes fighting for the title even harder, i dont think we will catch them now and that is frustrating.

i am incredibly proud of the squad for what they have and are achieving.

over 100 points would be a great accomplishment.

We are absolutely nailed on for second place @liampie. Woking and Chesterfield can get a maximum of 92 points if they win all their remaining games - we're on 91. Barring a freak it'll be a question of winning two more games at the end of the regular season - one at home, and (hopefully) one at Wembley.

The second half was poor and we looked at least as likely to concede a goal as score one. A @menzinho says, a point away at the team in fifth would normally be a steady result, but we've had no margin for error at all. Now it's a question of winning as many as we can and making sure the team is in the right frame of mind for the play-offs. If things open up again at the very top of the table then great, but we need snookers now.