i thought the ref made some bizarre calls but instead of being biased, just completely incompetent.

i need to see the highlights to judge the penalty he gave for eastleigh to open up the score, but from what i saw i think it was more them grabbing our players and ours trying to get them off. possibly something they trained on as a way to get a penalty? i think they looked pretty poor. thankfully we had the time and creativity to change the outcome. ruben missing the penalty was a bit of a disappointment but joe mcdonnell did well to make his double save.

I thought Eastleigh played dirty, not sure how they kept 11 players on the pitch. I thought their manager got sent off, but it was someone else. Notts looked good and managed to score. I was worried after the penalty miss, but we still won!

I was ecstatic about Notts County's 3-1 victory over Eastleigh. The match was a true test of the team's grit and determination, with both sides going for it, but I felt Eastleigh went in harder with rough challenges. However, the players showed incredible courage and never-give-up attitude in the second half to secure the win.

One player who truly shone in this match was Rodrigues. He was an unstoppable force on the field and played a critical role in securing the victory for Notts County. His talent and skill were evident throughout the match, and it's clear that he has the potential to be a game-changer in future matches.

Another player who caught my attention was Sam Austin. He was constantly on the move and never stopped running forward or being direct in his approach to the game. He was a constant menace for the opposition and made a significant impact on the match. I strongly believe that he should be given more playing time to help contribute to the team's success.

It's becoming a pure art as to how we score goals and break teams down, I wished we could be a little more consistant in the first half and not just when we attack the KOP. Yet, yesterdays game was a mixture of emotions that ended with an amazing comeback.

beautifully crated and taken goals, notts get a surge in their play in the second half and thankfully the goal came early enough to pressure them in to defeat.

And only 1 email from yourself about update 

glad it seems sorted.

@Chris will be relieved no doubt. 

Keep me posted if anything else occurs; I'm glad it seems to be resolved now.

I feared the worst when Dorking scored first, but the team showed character once again. It's a bit of a worry that we only had four players on the bench - a keeper plus three midfielders. The team more or less picked itself, which is less than ideal if things go wrong. Hopefully we'll have some players returning on Tuesday.

7 hours ago, Chris said:

The player who went in goal, I believe, is their backup, and he's also a cricketer.

It's good that they welcomed him to the fold then. Could have been a sticky wicket otherwise.

Lincoln looked like a Sunday league keeper, scrambling to the ball every time a pass got placed through and one of our players had to run onto it. I think he fouled Nemane, which he did not even get spoken to. The result was good, but the performance a lot better.

You could see little bits that the players had been working on in training and I think it paid off.

I was really worried when Dorking scored first, but once again, our team showed their true character. However, I have to admit that I was a bit uneasy when I saw that we only had four players on the bench. That's including a goalkeeper and only three midfielders. It wasn't ideal, especially if things didn't go as planned.

To be honest, having a limited number of substitutes could cause a few problems for the team, particularly if there was an injury or players were feeling fatigued. It's crucial to have a variety of options to choose from, especially during the latter part of the game. Despite the circumstances, our team put on a fantastic performance, and I was genuinely inspired by their resilience.

Looking forward, I'm hoping that we'll have some of our players back in action for tomorrow's match. It would definitely help to have a more extensive selection of players to choose from, especially when making crucial substitutions. It's important to be prepared for any challenges that may arise during the game, and having a full complement of players will undoubtedly increase our chances of winning.

The three goals were not only a testament to their attacking prowess but also to their teamwork, creativity, and determination. Notts showed that football is not just about individual skills but also about collective effort and strategy. This squad has given us fans a reason to believe in them and to support them through thick and thin. They proved three of the best goals for the club yesterday in terms of build-up play..

I'll say it, we had a bit of luck with the deflection for the first goal. It shows Langstaff is always thinking about scoring! The quality was impressive, not just with the passing but the movement and efforts we had on goal.

i am very pleased for matt palmer, i thought he deserved a goal with that excellent performance. he worked his socks off!

Wishing Ian Burchnall all the best at Anderlecht, but much like Forest Green, with Michael Doyle's, depends largely on effective management.

I have a suspicion that he may be considering taking a step back from management, while also trying to avoid an extended period of unemployment. The decision to join a team like Anderlecht is a significant one, and it's important to he has  carefully considered all his options before making the move.

I wish him well, he should gain some important knowledge working under someone else. I think its the best decision he could have made for his career at this stage.

Birmingham City 2-1 Rotherham United

Sheffield United 2-1 Luton Town

Barnsley 2-1 Plymouth Argyle

Bolton Wanderers 1-2 Ipswich Town (Joker)

Barrow 0-1 Sutton United

Doncaster Rovers 1-0 AFC Wimbledon

Eastleigh 0-1 Oldham Athletic

Torquay United 2-1 Wealdstone

The results:

Birmingham City 2-0 Rotherham United
Sheffield United 0-1 Luton Town
Barnsley 3-0 Plymouth Argyle
Bolton Wanderers 0-2 Ipswich Town
Barrow 0-0 Sutton United
Doncaster Rovers 2-1 AFC Wimbledon
Eastleigh 1-0 Oldham Athletic
Torquay United 1-2 Wealdstone

---

Three of you made double figures, with @magpiejue this round's top scorer!

@magpiejue - 13
@nottsnutter - 12
@Chris - 11
@Dripsey3 - 9
@gtownjohnno, @liampie - 8
@super_ram - 7
@Megan_Elizax, @jimbob - 6
@barnet11uk, @Dan, @GrannyPie, @DonnyNotts - 5
@ARLukomski - 4
@DangerousSausage - 3
@4everapie - 1

---

It's all square at the top, and it's all change again in third place too!

Dripsey3 - 187
ARLukomski - 187
magpiejue -169
gtownjohnno - 165
4everapie - 161
DangerousSausage - 155
super_ram - 152
barnet1uk - 152
Dan - 148
Megan_Elizax - 146
GrannyPie - 138
DonnyNotts - 138
nottsnutter - 128
jimbob - 117
Chris - 92
liampie - 25
KB1862 - 21
steve61 - 7

---

The next round is on Saturday, so expect the fixtures to appear in midweek. See you all then

-Note to self- Spend time doing the homework required to get a good amount of points.

Keep going everyone! Thanks @DangerousSausage

Our Match Report is live:

While the red card is a significant issue for Eastleigh, there are still no indications that he is up to the standard required for this level of play. If he wants to prove his detractors wrong, he should seize the opportunities presented to him at Eastleigh instead of engaging in foolish behaviour on the pitch.

I saw the sending off, the player he lashed out at made a meal, but it was incredibly stupid for Mitchell. I can see Eastleigh sending him back to us.

it shows now @CliftonMagpie.

former striker converted by bromley to play as a defender, its interesting to see how players positions change. i think i remember him from his time at yeovil.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Sowunmi

I have seen him a few times, both at Yeovil and Bromley. He would make a great addition to us

On 06/03/2023 at 17:37, CliftonMagpie said:

@Piethagoram Whatever you imbedded, it doesn't show. I tried to fix it to no avail.

I think Twitter was experiencing issues with their API.

On 07/03/2023 at 12:11, liampie said:

it shows now @CliftonMagpie.

former striker converted by bromley to play as a defender, its interesting to see how players positions change. i think i remember him from his time at yeovil.

At Yeovil, I would say it was where he played his best football and helped them no end. Throughout the issues they had when plummeting down the leagues, Sowunmi did well during his time at the club. I'm not sure if I could see him being someone who could start as a first-team member at Notts, but he's versatile.

On 07/03/2023 at 15:33, Fozzy said:

Are you talking ours or the leagues?

Sorry, I have amended the title to reflect on Notts.

4 hours ago, TheSkipper said:

Sorry, I have amended the title to reflect on Notts.

Now I feel dirty for praising a Wrexham player for nothing……

I wouldn't say Langstaff has been bad in games, but I do recall ones where he was quiet and due to the delivery of service he had or because the opposition man marking him.I can't give it to him solely because he scores goals either.

Matt Palmer has been a breath of fresh air in midfield, he rarely has an off day.

He just gets stuck in, does all the quiet stuff but leads the middle well. His passing isn't restricted to just sideways or backwards; he will get it forward, he will spot a run and time the right pass. Our fans liked to say Michael Doyle never gave the ball away, when he lost it more than he retained it, Palmer is the opposite, it's glued to his feet. For me, he's by far the most consistent player in this Notts squad.

Article based on the interview is now live:

The Reedtz have consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to the betterment of the club. They have shown a willingness to spend money to improve the team's performance on the field. They have also shown a willingness to improve the fan experience.

Unlike some owners who make false promises or engage in headline-grabbing actions to serve their own egos, these owners prioritise the club's long-term success. They understand that building a strong foundation takes time, effort, and resources, and they are willing to make the necessary investments to achieve sustainable success.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed by me; I appreciate the owners' transparent approach and dedication to improving the club. The owners have earned the trust and respect of the fans by delivering on their promises. They understand what it takes to build a successful team.

I didn't think we would be able to replace Kyle Wootton, but we have with a massive upgrade. I still do think him and our two main strikers would be a lethal strike force though.

swift movement by langstaff, but the pass through is just something special.

It's always reassuring to see good old Macca step in and save the day! His dependability is a real asset, and he never fails to come through when we need him.

I'm a bit critical of Ruben Rodrigues at times; when he does things like this its pure class - I wish he could do passes like this more often. Maybe not ones which go straight through the opposition but a lot better than some of the balls he plays. The goal is equally is a good, a well-placed shot.

It's definitely a good move from his point of view. His chances have been limited, and even when he was in the goals he quickly found himself on the bench again. If he gets a run of games, he's perfectly good enough for this level, but we're aiming higher.

My issue is that this leaves us a little thin in terms of numbers - we've got Langstaff, Scott and Rodders who can play up front, and Rodders is suspended on Saturday. That's more than a bit thin. Ideally we need someone we can bring off the bench when our regular strikers are tiring and who offers something a bit different when we're chasing points, but who? As @menzinho says, how many clubs will be willing to loan out strikers knowing full well they'll be warming the bench more often than not?

i dont think hes good enough for this level but that does not mean i hate or unappreciate that he gives 100%.

he should be doing much better with his opportunity at eastleigh in my opinion, their fans dont really rate him either. i have read comments by their fans before he got sent off that claimed he had an attitude. i thought the loan move would give him a chance to prove himself.

This is not the type of fan footage video, any player would want to see on YouTube.

3rd place has been reserved till end of April, points makes prizes

thanks ds, i know i have missed many rounds but i am hoping to get a bit further up the table.  

On 05/03/2023 at 21:16, 4everapie said:

3rd place has been reserved till end of April, points makes prizes

That's fine by me, the final round is in May

I think the pitch played a part as to why we were not up to our usual standard, players seemed to be not going for it as to avoid getting injured

I won't take credit away from Bromley; they did far better in the first half. Notts just took longer to get into the match, but by the second half, we had chances. I don't think it's really fair to blame the pitch outright. The game could have been ours if we had taken some of the chances we created. The biggest plus for me is Tiernan Brooks, who looked ready to play. He had a shaky first 25 minutes, but was solid after that.

It would be unwise to underestimate Bromley, and I'm afraid to say that the writing was on the wall even before the game began. In my opinion, the keeper situation wouldn't have changed the outcome of the match. The first penalty was a careless mistake by from a Notts prospect, and although the game was entertaining, it was frustrating for Notts fans at the game as nothing seemed to click, and many opportunities could have been executed better.

A fair point, but lucky at the same time for Notts.

Welcome to the community here at PON.

@JoeNcfc its a nice community here, take your time to settle in but do share your thoughts with us.

@JoeNcfc once you become used to pon, you will enjoy it as much as the facebook group. we're a lot more friendlier here, as its more talking than trying to single mistakes out. i am glad you joined.  

No, @liampie,nothing really special although grandaughter Luna Grace helped me blow out candles(trying to keep things as normal as possible)on cake.

The best thing about birthday cake is having grandchildren to share it with. Just remember, calories don't count on your special day, so go ahead and indulge in all your favourite treats. And don't worry about getting older, because with age comes wisdom...and more excuses to eat cake!

Please accept my apologies for missing your birthday, @super_ram. Belated wishes to you from me.

I have mixed emotions about Ed Francis joining Gateshead on loan. On one hand, I understand that he needs more game time to develop his skills and become a stronger player for our team. On the other hand, he has shown real potential in his limited appearances for us this season, and it's a shame to see him go.

However, I believe that this loan move is ultimately for the best. Francis will have the opportunity to play more regularly and gain valuable experience in a competitive league. Additionally, his loan spell will free up space in the midfield for our other players to step up and contribute to our push for promotion.

I'm confident that Francis will make the most of his time at Gateshead and return to us even stronger next season.

Good luck, Ed!

I wish him all the best at Gateshead. I have no doubt that he will continue to impress with his skills and make a valuable contribution to his new team whilst out on loan. At the same time, it's hard not to feel that Francis is good enough to be playing regularly for Notts County. He has shown real potential in the short time he has played this season, and I think he can have a big impact for us in the future. In the end, I believe that the decision to loan him out was made with his best interests in mind. I hope that this move will give him the opportunity to come back to Notts County and develop his game. Good luck, Ed!

It is important for Notts County to ensure that their players are given the opportunity to play regularly, so that they can develop their skills and reach their full potential, ultimately contributing to the team's success.

Given the importance of utilising players effectively and not allowing them to be sidelined, it is logical for Notts County to loan out Ed Francis.

Slocombe

Cameron

Nemane

Palmer

Langstaff

A mixture of speed, technical ability and sheer class.

Brooks - More agile than Sam, needed in 5-a-side

Cameron - The only proper defender to choose from and can  play a bit.

Ruben - It's five aside, I need the nutmeg king.

Palmer - Only having one defender means I need a link man

Langstaff -  5-a-side is all about goal poaching

As a side note, I once played in a 5-a-side tournament and my team won it, partly thanks to me having a 6-0 record on penalty saves throughout the tourney!

Slocombe

Cameron

Rodrigues

Palmer

Langstaff

This would be my choice for a 5-a-side team. I have gone for quality through the options available for my selection.

not getting involved too much with us or those that enjoy seeing notts fail. the fact the club do their business by the book, without hype, false promises or trying to please is the most rewarding part. leave the hype to fans, leave the trying to suss out who may join to us.

the club should never do that.

thankfully we have moved on from the days where people think money talks, chairmans making announcements of signings before the club itself. or just trying to pal up with ex premier league players.

I believe the primary factor behind our success under current ownership is their dedication to hard work and their commitment to sticking to long-term plans instead of seeking quick gains. Unlike other owners who may be distracted by social media or responding to every fan query online, they have more time to focus on the daily operations of the club. This allows them to make decisions that are in the best interest of the team. Additionally, their ability to develop strong working relationships with our managers is another key aspect that contributes to our success.

The transformation under Reedtz has been remarkable. They took over the club with little time to plan and were almost immediately thrown into National League games. They backed Neal Ardley, who provided us with a solid foundation to build upon. Then they entrusted Ian Burchnall to continue building on those foundations. Their business-minded approach is evident in everything they do. They don't rush their decision-making process, but when they feel that action needs to be taken, they don't hesitate either.

Playing devil's advocate, the situation could be entirely different. We could be firmly entrenched in the National League with owners who are unsure of how to move the club forward. However, credit must be given to them for staying true to their beliefs and plans. They exhibit no concerns regarding the direction the club is heading and allow the manager to navigate through results independently.

The fact that they take a step back, analyse, and make calculated decisions speaks volumes about the environment they have created for Notts.

Playing golf is probably the thing I most look forward to. That and just visiting different places at the weekend. Used to be heavily into cricket & fishing when younger, the cricket went with age, whilst the fishing is on the backburner until I retire. I might then annoy the wife enough to get permission to disappear for the day! 

Watching Notts is undoubtedly my favourite pastime. It not only allows me to get out of the house, but also provides me with the opportunity to enjoy football. The sheer thrill of witnessing skilled players in action, the intense competition, and the roar of the crowd all contribute to making it an exciting experience. Being able to support my team, Notts, as they work tirelessly to achieve their goals, is a source of immense pride for me. It's a wonderful feeling to be part of a community that shares a common passion, and I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

Recently, I have been watching a lot older TV shows - whilst consuming my normal dose of new films and YouTube.

I also digitally painted this last month; it's something I aim to do when my fingers don't hurt.

I enjoy doing graphical stuff; I find it pretty relaxing.

Also, a recent pass time is playing Claudo with my eldest two children and wife.  @super_ram played last Sunday and it was very enjoyable.

Plan to 

Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, do join in when you get the time @SSTurtle28.

Welcome to PON @SSTurtle28.

Two factors that Notts is unable to overcome are bad officials and biased coverage. I sometimes fear that BT Sports is a curse when it comes to Notts. No matter what Notts tried to do to get back on top, it never seemed likely to happen, and I always feel that Dagenham & Redbridge would score to win the game.

On 25/02/2023 at 23:14, TheSkipper said:

While the referee's decisions on penalty calls may have been questionable.

The referee's decision on the Langstaff penalty wasn't in the least bit questionable.  It was a blatant, obvious foul which any semi-competent referee would see as a definite penalty and definite red card under the laws of the game which the ref is paid to apply.  I thought it at the time, but on watching the replays there is absolutely no doubt at all, the ref and his lino had an unobstructed view.  I accept that we made a couple of defensive errors, I accept that we missed loads of chances, but I can't accept that the result of this game was decided more by incompetent officials than the 22 players on the pitch.

Both the assistant referee on the left and the referee failed to spot the obvious penalty on Langstaff. I completely concur that it was a missed call, but I chose not to intervene with any possible accusations of bribery towards the referee. My belief is that the officials displayed poor performance and most likely succumbed to the pressure of the cameras.

The gaffer has a lot of class and wise words!

I think the club are trying to pick up morale after the weekend defeat, with a spot of good PR.

Part of me also wonders if there's a feeling like Wrexham are about to build their own gap, at the moment it's only a single point with them beating Chesterfield 2-1. The issue is they have a game in hand and, I think the pressure will be back on us to maintain the form to compete with Wrexham.

I fully believe we will, but it does feel like we're being prepped for the possibility of the play-offs.

Luke Williams is very detailed in his approach, the vision he expresses and in the manner shows he's extremely calm. This will be a benefit to the players, as strong leaders who show no fear, no nerves, are the type that achieve that togetherness and support.

Luke Williams has a way with words that's truly captivating and effortless to absorb.

He will be present for another season, but I anticipate that his opportunities will be very restricted. At some point, I can envision him being loaned out.

I am concerned that the club will always prioritize talent from higher-ranked clubs over our own. Notts seems to lack the confidence to provide our players with the necessary league experience.

In my opinion, Tiernan Brooks has potential for a promising future. However, I don't think he's quite prepared for consistent first-team football yet. To address this, I believe Notts should consider loaning him out to gain more experience. This would benefit both Brooks and the club, as he would have more opportunities to start games and build his confidence. If he continues to improve throughout the loan period, he should be able to reach the necessary level of skill for the team.