Notts County 4-1 Bury (22/2/13)

Notts County 4-1 Bury
NPower League One
Friday 22nd February


J.Kelly, 58                                                                                                   Schumacher, 24
F.Zoko, 61, 65
J.Campbell-Ryce 74' (pen)


Meadow Lane
Referee: Geoff Eltringham

Match Report:

In a match that was chosen by the Football League to be played in front of the TV Cameras on Sky Sports, it was the "Magpies" Notts County who prevailed in a lively encounter with relegation threatened Bury at Meadow Lane.
Caretaker Manager Chris Kiwomya made just two changes to the side that drew with Walsall six days prior to this match, with midfielder Jeff Hughes and young Leicester City loanee Jacob Blyth making way for Left Back Julian Kelly and Frenchman Yoann Arquin, as the Notts Manager decided to revert to a traditional 4-4-2 formation for this particular encounter.
Julian Kelly was involved in the first opening that Notts created in the 14th minute, when Jamaican winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce, fed him in with an accurate through pass down the right channel. The former Reading full back then produced a terrific cross into the penalty box which was just a little too high for Yoann Arquin, who looked destined to score.  The game then went into a tight midfield battle that resulted in hardly any attempts on goal for either side, but, that all changed in the 24th minute, when Bury took the lead through skipper Steven Schumacher. The former Bradford midfielder intercepted a poor pass from Julian Kelly out of defence, & then he carried the ball into space and refiled in an unstoppable volley past Notts Goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski and his right-hand post. Two minutes after the opener, Notts had a chance to level matters, when Yoann Arquin had a shot from the edge of the Penalty Box which Bury Goalkeeper Trevor Carson nervously spilled behind for a corner. The "Magpies" continued to press for an equaliser in the first half, and created more chances, with Jamal Campbell-Ryce, who was causing problems on the left flank, firing in a dangerous looking cross which on-loan Manchester United striker John Cofie did well to get a head onto, but he couldn't direct his header on target with Trevor Carson beaten in goal. Campbell-Ryce went close himself before the end of the first half with a blistering shot that was hit straight at the Goalkeeper. The half time whistle came, and the Meadow Lane faithful made their frustrations clear at the break, following another quiet first half, with the norm of conceding avoidable goals, and a lack of clear-cut chances in front of the opposition goal.
Notts Caretaker Manager Chris Kiwomya new that changes were drastically needed to give his side a more attacking goal threat, and it resulted in Frenchman Yoann Arquin being replaced by Ivorian Francois Zoko. It proved to be a master stroke of genius by Kiwomya, as the former Carlisle winger was a constant thorn in the "Shakers" side every time he got near the ball in the 2nd half. The "Magpies" managed to successfully get themselves back on level terms on 58 minutes, when John Cofie provided an incisive pass which Julian Kelly did well to latch onto. The Left Back made up for his costly mistake earlier in the First Half, when he went past his marker and applied a slide finish that deflected into the net off opposition defender Joe Skarz. The "Magpies" gained confidence from the equaliser, and it wasn't long till they turned the game round and took the lead. Three minutes after equalising, "The Enforcer" Andre Boucaud, produced a hopeful chipped pass from the away back-line, which 2nd half substitute Francois Zoko did superbly well to collect. The Ivorian wrestled past his marker and placed accurately across goal into the bottom left-hand corner. It did not take long for Notts to extend their goal advantage to 3, as another long Andre Boucaud pass on 65 minutes, penetrated the Bury back-line and found Francois Zoko yet again. The "Target-man" managed to get past his marker, who was in fact former Notts County loanee Ashley Eastham, prod the ball in between opposition keeper Trevor Carson's legs and slot the ball home to give the rejuvenated home side a deserved two goal cushion and Zoko his second goal of the evening. Notts dominated the 2nd half proceedings, and on 68 minutes, the "Magpies" were unfortunate not to get a forth goal, when defender Gary Liddle's stunning 30 yard volley was unfortunate to go inches wide of the left hand post with "Shakers" keeper Trevor Carson completely beaten. The home side were not to be denied a forth goal however in the end, when Ashley Eastham upended the "Irish Messi" Alan Judge inside the penalty box. Up stepped regular penalty taker Jamal Campbell-Ryce, who made no mistake from the spot, by placing the ball down the centre to make it 4-1 to the home side and make the points safe. Francois Zoko almost managed to grab his hat-trick at the very end, but a smart near-post save by Trevor Carson made sure that wasn't going to happen. However, in the end, it was the three points that mattered the most, as the "Magpies" managed to give caretaker Manager Chris Kiwomya his first win under his tenure and rejuvenate their push for the top six and promotion to the NPower Championship.

My Man of the Match: Francois Zoko. Scored two vital goals and was a constant thorn in the Bury defence when he was introduced for the second half.

Notts County: Bialkowski, Kelly, Liddle, Leacock (Hollis' 85), Sheehan, Campbell-Ryce, Boucaud (Hughes' 76), Bishop, Judge, Arquin (Zoko' 46), Cofie

Bury: Carson, Skarz, Eastham, Regan, Zubar (Soares' 46), Ebanks-Landell, Worrall, Schumacher, Thompson (Carrington' 86), Bishop, Ajose (Fagan' 80)

Attendance: 5,795 (Including 297 away supporters)

NPower League One Positions:

Notts County: P: 23, W: 12, D: 12, L: 9, Pts = 48 (10th Position)
Bury: P: 23, W: 5, D: 12, L: 16, Pts = 27 (22nd Position)

Chris Kiwomya (Notts County Caretaker Manager) - “It was much better in the second half, as in the first half it was flat and disappointing again, but the boys reacted again so I can’t be too fussy. In the second half, we asked a lot more questions of them, had a lot more purpose and we played at a higher tempo. We played higher up the pitch and there weren’t too many square passes as well, so I was very pleased with the second half performance. (On his substitution of Francois Zoko for Yoann Arquin at the half time interval) - “It was a tactical decision on my behalf, Zoko had trained well all week and I thought he’d give something to us in the game. He did that and he was the difference in the second half. He uses his body very well and he’s a strong boy, so you know when he gets into those positions he can lean into people and manipulate the ball. That’s what he did in the second half and I thought he was excellent.”

Portsmouth 0-2 Notts County (29/1/13)

Portsmouth 0 - 2 Notts County

NPower League One

Tuesday 29th January

J.Hughes, (81)

F.Zoko, (88)

Fratton Park

Referee: Gavin Ward

Match Report:

Notts County, after seeing their remarkable 22 unbeaten away run end at Leyton Orient last weekend, managed to successfully bounce back from that shock defeat and get back to winning ways at a windy and rainy evening at Fratton Park against struggling outfit Portsmouth.

There were two changes made to the side by Notts manager Keith Curle, as an unfortunate concussion sustained at last weekends match with Leyton Orient kept number one Goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski out of the starting 11. His replacement was none other than the young and exciting prospect Fabian Speiss, who was handed his first ever start for the club by Keith Curle. The manager also decided handing a start to Ivorian striker Francois Zoko, who was making his return from a 3 match suspension. The versatile forward replaced Enoch Showumni in attack to partner Frenchman Yoann Arquin up front in a 3-4-1-2 formation.

During the first 45 minutes of the match, both sides saw very little in terms of "goalmouth" action, but there were some decent chances for either of the two sides to take the lead, with veteran striker David Connolly going close for Portsmouth, after seeing his goal bound effort cleared off the line by Notts defender Gary Liddle. The team from Fratton Park, who are struggling with the threat of closure and currently in administration, did start the game well, and looked dangerous down the right flank, with right back Yassin Moutaouakil, a recent signing from Npower Championship side Charlton Athletic, causing problems with his crosses into the box, which young German keeper Fabian Speiss did well to combat throughout the first half. Notts, after weathering the storm, did manage themselves to get a foothold in the game, with Alan Judge and Francois Zoko, both seeing vast amounts of the ball in the opposition half. Judge, like many times so far this season, has been the main Orchestrator for Notts County in their attacking play, and it was he who created the first opening for the "Magpies" in the eighth minute - An in-swinging corner that centreback Dean Leacock did well to get a head to, but his effort went over the crossbar. Moments later, County had the ball in the net, when Jamaican winger Jamal-Campbell Ryce, delivered a cross into the box, that saw Veteran Portuguese defender Ricardo Rocha head the ball over goalkeeper Simon Eastwood and into his own net. However, the goal was rightfully disallowed, due to a blatant push into the defender by Notts County's captain, Neal Bishop. Both sides frustrated each other greatly during the first half, but the match heated up as the half time whistle approached. Zoko and Bishop had decent attempts on goal blocked for the "Magpies" whilst "Pompey" forward James Keene saw a deflected shot bounce kindly into the arms of Speiss.

The 2nd half began with a much higher tempo, as Portsmouth pressed themselves higher up the pitch. They maybe should have taken an early lead, when wideman Jed Wallace, saw his shot skid off the greasy surface of the pitch and narrowly miss Ashley Harris' outstretched foot. At the other end, Alan Judge managed to get a shot away from distance but saw his effort go marginally wide of the left side of the post. Portsmouth, throughout the 2nd half, remained organised, resolute, & difficult to penetrate, but the hardworking team ethic installed by manager Keith Curle showed as Notts were able to throw in some good deliveries into the opposition box and cause numerous problems, with only the final touch / finish lacking. Alan Sheehan, on 66 minutes, delivered a good free kick into the penalty box, which saw Jeff Hughes force opposition keeper Simon Eastwood into a smart save on his line. Five minutes later, Jamal-Campbell Ryce, picked out Francois Zoko, who was able to produce a prodded effort but Eastwood did well to suss out the danger. Jamal kept causing many problems on the right flank during the latter stages of the second half, when he again, produced another dangerous lofted cross which Jeff Hughes did well to control and tee up Yoann Arquin who saw his goal-bound effort superbly blocked by the Portsmouth defence. On 81 minutes, however, Notts County finally made their pressure count and took a deserved lead, when Yoann Arquin on the byline, sent in a magnificent looking cross into the penalty box, and Jeff Hughes was well placed to prod the ball over the line and into the back of the net for his second goal in as many games. Not long after the goal was scored, Notts changed their formation to a traditional 4-4-2, as Alan Judge made way for right back Julian Kelly in order to help preserve and keep a hold of their one goal advantage. That didn't stop the "Magpies" from making it 2-0 on 88 minutes and putting the game to bed however, when Alan Sheehan swung in a deep corner that Jeff Hughes did well to put a head onto and divert it into the path of Francois Zoko, who from six yards out, placed the ball past Simon Eastwood and into the net. There was still time though for some controversy before the final whistle, as Notts County captain Neal Bishop, was shown a straight red card for an incident involving opposition captain Johnny Ertl. It was too late however to have any real effect on the outcome of the match itself, as Notts County bounced back from their shock defeat to Leyton Orient at the weekend with three vital points at Fratton Park. The result pushes the "Magpies" up to 9th in League One, and are now only five points adrift of 6th placed Sheffield United, who are situated in the last remaining play off position, as the race for promotion to the Npower Championship hots up.

My Man Of The Match: Francois Zoko. Great performance on his return from suspension. Took his goal well, and looked tidy and composed on the ball. Brilliant positioning throughout the match.

Portsmouth: Eastwood, Moutaouakil, Gyepes, Ertl. Rocha, Butler, Cooper (Reed, 84), Wallace, Connolly, Keene, Harris (Walker, 78)

Notts County: Speiss, Sheehan, Leacock, Liddle, Campbell-Ryce, Bishop, Boucaud (Mahon, 90), Hughes, Judge (Kelly, 82), Zoko (Labadie, 90), Arquin

Attendance: 10,276 (Including 135 away supporters)

Npower League One Positions:

Portsmouth: P: 28, W: 5, D: 6, L: 17, Points = 21 (23rd position)

Notts County: P: 28, W: 11, D: 10, L: 7, Points = 43 (9th position)

Keith Curle (Notts County Manager): "In the first half I thought that we were comfortable in the game but without that cutting edge up front. We didn’t up the tempo of our play when entering the final third. That was what I asked for in the second half but I thought we started the first five minutes a little bit slow. After that, we moved the ball quickly into wider areas and in and around the advanced position of the two centre forwards I think we showed more cutting edge. (On Captain Neal Bishops Red Card) Bish is disappointed, he’s raised his hand to give Johnny Ertl a little tap to say ‘you’ve caught me there with a tackle – you were late. Its not as if he’s turned around and given him a right-hander but the amount of money he’s going to donate the fund, he might as well have.” 

Final Thought: Overall, im pleased we've managed to come away with the three points after seeing our unbelievable away run end at the weekend. After watching the match  highlights on Magpie Player, I must say this: To all the other teams in League One, You must not underestimate Portsmouth FC! They may look like a squad in peril, but they are a team and club united under unfortunate difficult circumstances. I legitimately hope they don't get relegated this season. Regardless, im happy we've won. It was nice to see Francois Zoko score on his return from suspension. We have 3 good strikers in Arquin, Showumni and Zoko, but I hope Keith Curle can still generate the funds to go and buy / loan a decent, middle aged striker who will provide more competition for places and give the other 3 something to think about. I still think that we can reach the top six again, and with some luck, patience and continued good coaching by the staff, I truly believe that 6th spot and above is a realistic possibility.

Notts County v Milton Keynes Dons (1/1/13)

Notts County 1 - 2 Milton Keynes Dons

NPower League One

Monday 1st January 2013

J, Campbell-Ryce, 56' (Pen).                                                                                   D,Potter, 6'

                                                                                                                                 D.Powell, 13'

Meadow Lane

Referee: Graham Salisbury

Match Report:

Notts County got 2013 off to the worst possible start they could have wished for, as Milton Keynes Dons recovered from their last two home defeats to Walsall and Coventry respectively, to pick up the 3 points at Meadow Lane and cement their position in the top six in League One.

There was only one change to the starting 11 that went away to Shrewsbury Town on Boxing Day, as "Magpies" manager Keith Curle was forced to replace Jeff Hughes at left back due to the player picking up five bookings and resulting in a one match suspension. Jeff was replaced at left back by the returning Jordan Stewart, who had just recovered from a Hamstring injury, in what was an otherwise unchanged starting line up and formation (4-4-2)

The "Pies" almost got off to the best possible start, when right back Julian Kelly picked out on loan Watford striker Chris Iwelumo with an accurate diagonal pass out of defence. The experienced Scotsman headed the ball down to skipper Neal Bishop who then laid it off to Alan Judge but his resulting effort went over the bar.

Milton Keynes then took the lead on 6 minutes with a rather soft goal to concede it has to be said. A free kick on the left wing from on loan Brighton midfielder Ryan Harley was not dealt with properly by the home defence with nobody marking Darren Potter in the penalty area, who was allowed too much space to head the ball past Bartosz Bialkowski and make it 1-0 to the visitors. Terrible defending it has to be said!

The "Dons" then doubled their advantage on 13 minutes, with again, more lacklustre marking and defending it has to be said. Daniel Powell, was given too much time and space in midfield, and he was allowed to skip past centre-back Gary Liddle into the box and then prod the ball past Bialkowski into the bottom left corner of the goal to make it 2-0, and give the "Magpies" an unwanted and unnecessary mountain to climb in this early stage of the game.

It should, have been 3-0 on the 25 minute mark, when in form "Dons" striker Ryan Lowe, was found unmarked in the box after a good flick on, but his placed effort was well turned away by Bialkowski, before Dean Bowditich followed up with a shot of his own but it went well wide of the mark.

As half time approached, Notts did manage to start breaking down their visitors to Meadow Lane, as Lee Hughes centred the ball for Chris Iwelumo who headed it wide from outside the six-yard box, whilst fellow loanee Andre Boucaud produced a long ranged shot that skidded past the left hand side of the post.

Jamal-Campbell Ryce, playing on the left wing, was also growing increasingly into the game in the first half, as he delivered cross after cross into the box, and he was unfortunate not to see one of them converted in, especially in added injury time, when captain Neal Bishops header looped over onto the roof of the net.

Changes were needed to be enforced by the manager Keith Curle at half time, and he didn't fail to surprise, as he took off forward Chris Iwelumo, who was playing the final game of his loan spell from Watford, and replaced him with joint top scorer Yoann Arquin.

The first effort of the second half came from Milton Keynes Dons, as centre-back Shaun Williams lead out a breakaway move from the heart of defence and following an exchange with full back Adam Chicksen, Williams fired inches wide of the bottom left-hand corner from the edge of the box.

On the 56 minute mark, the "Magpies" had the perfect opportunity to put themselves back into the game, when Antony Kay, sent Alan Judge tumbling inside the area. Graham Salisbury immediately pointed to the spot, and up stepped Jamal Campbell-Ryce to slot the ball past opposition keeper David Martin to make it 2-1 and give the "Pies" a chance to get something out of the game.

Second half substitute Yoann Arquin wasted a golden opportunity to make it 2-2, when Lee Hughes produced a smart pass to send the Frenchman through on the right channel. Arquin then broke into the penalty area after getting past Antony Kay, but his placed shot was saved and turned away by Dean Martin, who reacted well to sharply save down his right hand side.

Notts continued to dominate the proceedings in the second half, as the "Dons" were camped inside of their own half, and it seemed as if an equaliser would soon be on the cards for the home side. The Notts faithful thought that came to fruition when Julian Kelly surged past Adam Chicksen on the right wing, and delivered a low cross which Lee Hughes was unlucky to see his effort come back off the crossbar.

There was another substitute for the "Pies" on 78 minutes when Jamal Campbell-Ryce made way for Ivorian Francois Zoko, and the former Carlisle frontman almost made an immediate impact, when he ran from the left flank and crossed the ball into the box which found Julian Kelly, who was then able to feed Alan Judge, but the Irishman's firm effort went agonisingly over the goal.  

Four minutes of added time were introduced by the Fourth Official, as Manager Keith Curle brought on former Leeds United striker Enoch Showumni for Julian Kelly, as Notts County went to four up in attack with Lee Hughes, Francois Zoko, Yoann Arquin and Showumni to try and grab the equaliser. There were a few chances in this added period as Notts threw bodies forward, with Arquin going close with a headed effort, Zoko forcing a save out of Dean Martin, and Centre-back Manny Smith firing wide from close range, but it was not to be, as the "Magpies" fell victim to the Dons at Meadow Lane and saw themselves slip further down the NPower League One table to a mid table 13th position; 6 points adrift of the play offs. However, the "Pies" do have two games in hand, so there is all still to play for as we go through 2013.

My Man Of The Match: Alan Judge: Was involved in the majority of our play once again. Ran tirelessly down the wings, created chances and was unlucky not to put himself on the scoresheet.

Notts County: Bialkowski, Kelly (Showumni - 90), Liddle, Smith, J.Stewart, Campbell-Ryce (Zoko - 78), Bishop, Boucaud, Judge, L.Hughes, Iwelumo (Arquin - 46)

Milton Keynes Dons: Martin, Lewington, Chicksen, Kay, Williams, Potter, Powell, Harley, Bowditch (Smith - 45), Lowe (MacKenzie - 90), Balanta (Doumbe - 65)

Attendance: 5,325 (Including 311 away supporters)

NPower League One Positions:

Notts County: P: 24, W: 9, D: 9, L: 6, Points = 36 (13th Position)

Milton Keynes Dons: P: 25, W: 12, D: 6, L: 7, Points = 42 (6th Position)

Keith Curle (Notts County Manager): “We gifted them two goals and, home or away, if you gift teams goals you’re going to find it difficult. We created some good opportunities and should have got something out of the game. The performance in the second half showed what we’re about and we’ve got to start games at Meadow Lane like that. I’m as frustrated as anyone and I know that the owners are very frustrated because it does affect us. We just needed that little bit of luck, that little break that you need in the box, but the ball just wasn’t quite falling right for us – but, it will do.”

Final Word: Im rather annoyed at that performance by the team. The two goals we conceded are really soft and could have been so easily avoided had we marked the opposition better and stuck ourselves in more with "meaty" tackles. Win the ball back! & keep the ball on the ground instead of hoofing it in the air! Theres no point in long balls unless we know its going to reach the desired destination. Chris Iwelumo, will be going back to Watford today and even though he has been good in regards to heading the ball down and bringing others into play, I cant see him coming back to the club. I really hope we utilise Enoch Showumni at some point soon! He's a decent striker, who can run, control the ball and head it down, as well as bring others into play. If he can recapture the form he had for both Leeds United and Tranmere Rovers, then we will have a fine player on our hands, so Keith? Please start him at some point along side Yoann Arquin up front.

Overall, we did pick ourselves up in the 2nd half and played a little bit better but I just felt we weren't good enough that afternoon and we deserved to be defeated. After looking at the League table, 13th and 6 points from the play offs in 6th, its not ideal, but we can get back into the top six, especially with our two games in hand, so it is throughly achievable!

I really hope we sign a new striker to replace Chris Iwelumo, as well as sign up Andre Boucaud on a permanent deal from Luton Town, Also, I hope Keith Curle will attempt to sign some young, new defenders in January, but I can dream cant I?

Finally, I hope we do all we can to keep a hold of Alan Judge in the January transfer window. If a Championship club comes in offering some ridiculous amount, then fair enough, cash in on him and buy a suitable replacement, but we cant afford to lose him, especially in January and the rest of the season to go, so I prey that the board do all they can to keep Judgey at the club, and whilst they're at it, offer him a new contract! Cheers..

Well, thats it from me this week. I'll be back next weekend with some more reaction from our away League game to Portsmouth.

Keep the faith! & Come On You Pies!

Big T - (Thomas Hewitt)

• 
  

NPower League One Round Up (29/12/12)

On the last weekend of Football in 2012 for NPower League One, there were 12 matches that were to be played throughout the Country. However, two of the fixtures were postponed due to Waterlogged pitches. These games are the following:

Colchester v Swindon
Stevenage v Notts County

NOTE: In this NPower League One Round Up, I shall be focusing on the teams and their fixtures that pose a strong threat to my own team, Notts County, that are situated around the top ten of League One.

Bournemouth 3-0 Crawley Town
In a contest between two play off chasing rivals in the League, it was Bournemouth who managed to get the better of the "Red Devils" and come out on top with the 3 points, as they continued their remarkable run of form under Manager Eddie Howe, to stretch their impressive run of form to 15 matches with a comprehensive home win at Dean Court. "The Cherries" took the lead after 16 minutes when Crawley defender and Captain Gary Alexander headed the ball into his own net, after a good cross by midfielder Steve Cook. Bournemouth then doubled their advantage on 40 minutes when a quick free was taken and striker Brett Pitman, cooly rolled the ball home. Crawley did have their chances to get back into the game, when substitute Billy Clarke tested veteran keeper David James, who did well to pull off the save, but it was not to be, as "Cherries" midfielder Eunan' O'Kane made sure of the points on 84 minutes with a low shot from close range that beat opposition keeper Paul Jones. Bournemouth, are now situated in 5th position on 41 points, whilst Crawley, despite this defeat, are 8th and only a point behind 6th placed Swindon Town, in what is proving to be, the toughest and tightest League One we've seen in years, as we arrive at the half way stage of the 2012.2013 Season.

Milton Keynes Dons 2-3 Coventry City
In a match that was played between two exciting and attacking teams that like to play passing Football, it was Coventry City who came from behind to claim all 3 points in a pulsating clash with fellow promotion rivals MK Dons at the National Hockey Stadium. The "Dons" took the lead in the first half on 15 minutes when midfielder Daniel Powell went on a dazzling run and finished it off with a fine strike to give the home side the lead, but "Sky Blues" midfielder Franck Moussa levelled matters on 27 minutes, with another scintillating run from the half way line and producing a piledriver which gave the home keeper David Martin no chance. The "Dons" however, re-took the lead on 38 minutes, when in form striker Ryan Lowe scored his fifth goal in as many games with a neat finish after getting himself into a good goal scoring position. Coventry City, however, would hit back and score two quickfire goals, on 49 and 51 minutes respectively, when Stephen Eilliot, who was replacing the prolific David McGoldrick after his loan spell from NPower Championship outfit Nottingham Forest ended, scored with a close ranger header on 49 minutes and then with a good finish on 51, to extend Mark Robins's Coventry unbeaten run to 10 games, and continue their rise up the League to 10th Position. MK Dons, however, suffered their third defeat in four League matches and remain in 7th position, but only behind 6th placed Swindon Town on an inferior goal difference.

Preston North End 0-3 Doncaster Rovers
Another close contest was anticipated in Lancashire between two former Championship teams, with the most recent being Doncaster Rovers, who were relegated to the NPower League One last season. However, this was not to be the case, as the "Rovers" swept aside Preston to continue their impressive rise up the League under manager Dean Saunders, and cosign the "Lilywhites" to a dismal and disappointing home defeat and leave them with six games without a win. Doncaster got off to the perfect start when they took the lead in under a minute. Left winger David Syers' shot cannoned off the underside of the bar and into the back of the net after a great low corner from midfielder David Cotterill. "Rovers" then doubled their advantage on 30 minutes when Cotterill turned from provider to goalscorer when he curled in a beautiful free kick into the top right hand corner of the goal from out wide on the left. The points were then made safe on 76 minutes, when "Lilywhites" forward Will Hayhurst brought down "Donny" striker Kyle Bennett in the Penalty area, and fellow forward Billy Paynter made no mistake from the spot; sending opposing German keeper Thorsten Stuckmann the wrong way. Doncaster, after this away win, now lie in 3rd Position in the League on 46 points, but they are only 3rd on an inferior goal difference to 2nd placed Sheffield United. The side from South Yorkshire do have a game in hand on their automatic promotion rivals, so there are still many precious and vital points to play for in this stage of the season. Preston, after this defeat, drop down to 15th position in the table, and are, as mentioned earlier, now six games without a win in all competitions.

Sheffield United 2-3 Hartlepool
This match, in many peoples eyes, was deemed to be a straight formality for Title contenders Sheffield United, who were top of the League prior to this contest, and were facing a side that were rooted to the bottom of the table, and looked destined for relegation to League Two after only picking up a dismal 9 points from 23 games, so it was a major surprise to see Hartlepool pull off only their second win of the season against the "Blades" who have made Bramall Lane such a fortress so far in this stage of the season. Veteran striker Steve Howard, gave the visitors a shock lead on 7 minutes when he headed home midfielder Evan Horwood's cross. Sheffield United did however equalise on 30 minutes when Steve Flinders allowed a Michael Doyle shot to slip through him and into the back of the net. The away side again showed resilience and eventually re-took the lead in the second half on 54 minutes when Evan Horwood again produced a delightful cross into the box, and Ritchie Humphreys converted to put Hartlepool back in front to give the away side hope of pulling off a shock win, and it was made certain on 72 minutes when Steven Howard scored his 2nd goal of the game with another header from a cross, this time from a ball by James Poole. "Blades" forward Harry Maguire did score a late consolation on the 90th minute with a good finish into the top left hand corner, but Hartlepool were not to be denied only their 2nd win of the season, although they remain rooted to the bottom of League One on 12 points, and 11 points behind Colchester who are situated in 20th position in the table. This shocking defeat for Sheffield United knocks them off the top of the table and into 2nd place. The "Blades" have been replaced at the top by Tranmere Rovers, who defeated Scunthorpe at the weekend (See Last Result)

Shrewsbury Town 0-0 Brentford
Shrewsbury, after an impressive draw with Notts County in their last encounter on Boxing Day, managed to hold and end the four match winning run of Uwe Rosler's Brentford. Both sides had their chances to claim all 3 points, with "Shrews" midfielder Jon Taylor having a shot cleared off the line by "Bees" defender Harlee Dean, whilst Marcello Trotta and Adam Forshaw forced some good saves from former Leicester City and now Shrewsbury goalkeeper Chris Weale. Overall, in a tightly fought contest with not many chances created by both sides, a draw and a point a piece, was the fair result. Brentford, even though their four match winning streak was ended after this draw, are now five matches unbeaten in the League, and are situated in 4th position on 46 points, and only a point behind 2nd placed Sheffield United. Shrewsbury, are now also five matches unbeaten, with three of those games ending in 2-2 draws. They are currently 19th in the League, and 4 points above Portsmouth, who are occupying the last remaining relegation place in 21st position.

Tranmere Rovers 1-0 Scunthorpe United
Im another match that was between two teams in contrasting positions in the table, with Tranmere 2nd in the League and Scunthorpe occupying 23rd and a relegation spot, The "Superwhites" were able to defeat their opponents from North Lincolnshire and regain top spot in the League, thanks to a solitary goal from second half substitute Cole Stockton on 59 minutes after the forward reacted quickest to a rebound from a header by Ash Taylor, which was well saved by opposition keeper Steve Mildenhall. The "Irons' did have their chances to steal a point from their hosts during the game, but midfielder Andy Barcham wasted the away sides' best opportunity when he failed to capitalise on an Owain Fon Williams goalkeeping error. The result sends Tranmere Rovers back to the top of League One on 47 points, a point ahead of Sheffield United, who dropped to 2nd after a shock 3-2 loss at home versus Hartlepool (See Above). Scunthorpe, after this 3rd straight defeat, are still in deep trouble at the half way stage of the season; They are situated in 23rd position in the table and are 3 points behind 20th placed Colchester United who are just outside of the relegation zone.

Thats it from yours truly this week! Please feel free to view my own personal blog:
www.THewitt44.blogspot.com

Also, feel free to follow me on Twitter - @OriginalT44

Thanks again for taking to read this, and I will be back for a match report on the Notts County v Milton Keynes Dons match on New Years Day

I wish you all a safe and prosperous Happy New Year for 2013!

Come On You Pies!!

Big T - (Thomas Hewitt)  

Shrewsbury v Notts County (26/12/12)

Shrewsbury 2 - 2 Notts County

NPower League One

Wednesday 26th December 2012

 L.Rodgers (19)                                                                                                                  L.Hughes (24)
B.Bialkowski (81, o.g)                                                                                          J.Campbell-Ryce (45)

Greenhous Meadow Stadium

Referee: Stephen Martin

Match Report:

A share of the points was the final outcome between these two teams, as Shrewsbury and Notts County drew 2-2 in a very entertaining and pulsating Boxing Day encounter at the Greenhous Meadow Stadium in Shropshire.

There were 2 major surprises in the starting 11 for the Magpies, as manager Keith Curle recalled talisman forward Lee Hughes, who was originally ruled out until the New Year due to a virus but recovered earlier than expected to partner Scottish veteran Chris Iwelumo in attack, and former Walsall centre back Manny Smith, who made his first appearance in a Notts shirt after fully recovering from his unfortunate knee injury during the Capital One Cup defeat to Bradford City back in August. There was also a surprise to the formation that Keith Curle opted to employ, as he choose to utilise a traditional 4-4-2 instead of the 4-5-1 formation that Curle had used in every game he's managed during 2012.

Notts started the game well and seemed like they would adjust to the new formation with relative ease, with Jamaican winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce and the "Irish Messi" Alan Judge causing problems down both flanks and putting in some dangerous crosses, but it was Shrewsbury who took the lead against the run of play on 19 minutes, when the Magpie defence failed to deal with a Darren Jones free kick that was put into the box, and Shrews striker Marvin Morgan was able to knock the ball down into the path of former Notts County striker Luke Rodgers, who made no mistake to lift the ball over Bartosz Bialkowski and into the back of the net.

Their lead, however, only lasted five minutes, as Magpie favourite Lee Hughes marked his return from illness with a typical poachers goal on 24 minutes after a good corner from Alan Judge.

The game began to open up after Hughes' equaliser and both sides had their chances to go ahead in the first half, with Judgey going close with a 25 yard strike that Shrewsbury goalkeeper Chris Weale, did well to save, and at the opposing end, Andrew Wildig headed wide after a good cross by midfielder Paul Parry.

It was Notts County who would take the lead on the stroke of half time, as Alan Judge went on a mesmerising run inside his own half, all the way into the Shrewsbury penalty box after good work by Jeff Hughes to regain position. The "Irish Messi" hit a low shot that was impressively saved by opposing keeper Chris Weale, but Jamal-Campbell Ryce was there to tap home the rebound and score his fifth goal of the season, to send the Magpies 2-1 up at half time.

  The game was still very much end to end in the second half, much like in the first, with both teams having great opportunities to score. Jamal Campbell Ryce, narrowly went wide with a low drive from outside the penalty area, and Shrewsbury defender Neil Taylor, almost forcing an own goal after racing onto a long ball, but Bialkowski did well to punch the ball clear. Alan Judge again forced former Leicester City goalkeeper Chris Weale into making an exceptional save to keep out his goal bound free kick that was destined for the top left hand corner.

Shrewsbury pushed further forward in the closing stages of the match, and they were rewarded with a flukey equaliser on 81, when Neil Taylor's cross took an unfortunate deflection off of Jeff Hughes and the ball looped off Bartosz Bialkowski and into the far corner of the net to make it 2-2.

Notts had a strong penalty shout dismissed during the four added minutes of stoppage time, but it was not to be, as the Magpies bounced back from two straight disappointing home defeats to earn a hard earned point in Shropshire and extend the amazing undefeated streak away from Meadow Lane to 22 games.

The Magpies will now have that away run severely tested when they travel to the Lamex Stadium to face promotion rivals Stevenage on Saturday 29th of December. Notts will be looking for revenge after the 2-1 loss at Meadow Lane, earlier in October

My Man of the Match: Alan Judge - Tireless running yet again by the tricky midfielder. Caused problems for the Shrewsbury defence, created numerous chances throughout the match, and was unlucky not to score.

Shrewsbury: Weale, Grandison, Jones, Goldson, Gayle, Richards, Taylor, Parry (Purdig - 68), Wildig (Hall - 68), Morgan Rodgers (Bradshaw - 72)
Subs: Anyon, Jacobson, Purdle, Hall, Woods, Gwilliams, Bradshaw

Notts County: Bialkowski, Kelly, Liddle, Smith, J.Hughes, Bishop, Judge, Campbell-Ryce (Labadie - 90), Boucaud, L.Hughes (Showumni - 71), Iwelumo (Arquin - 71)
Subs: Speiss, Mahon, Labadie, Bencherif, Showumni, Zoko, Arquin

Attendance: 6,474 (603 Notts County fans)

NPower League One Positions:

Shrewsbury: 19th; P: 24, W: 5, D: 9, L: 10 - 24 points
Notts County: 10th; P: 23, W: 9, D: 9, L: 5 - 36 points

Keith Curle (Notts County Manager): “We went back to basics and tried to make it as simple as possible for the players. The players needed to be brave and they needed to make decisions, and I thought the performance levels were excellent. You get that bit of luck but I’m a believer that at the right time we will get the luck that we deserve.”

Final Word: "Disappointed that we've dropped two points. With all due respect to Shrewsbury, we should be beating teams of that calibre if were serious about promotion this season! Surprised about Curle employing the 4-4-2 formation. It did seem to work but I hope Curle reverts back to his usual favourite 4-5-1. Great to see Hughesy back up front, and scoring goals! He needs to stay in January in my opinion because we need the added competition in attack. Also, welcome back Manny Smith. I thought he put in a solid performance in the heart of defence along side "Mr Consistent" Gary Liddle, though I felt we missed Dean Leacock, Manny did well. Pleased were now 22 games undefeated away from home, but we need to start turning the draws into wins so we can keep up with the top six. Bring on Stevenage! Revenge, number 23 unbeaten away and 3 points would be huge and very satisfying, especially with forthcoming fixtures against play off rivals MK Dons & Portsmouth coming in the New Year, these points are so vital at this stage!

"Come On You Pies!!"

Big T - (Thomas Hewitt)

Notts County vs Leyton Orient (22/12/12)

("Notts County's NPower League One clash with Leyton Orient has been postponed on the grounds of health and safety.

Although both teams were eager to go ahead, the match officials decided that the pitch was not fit for action") - www.nottscountyfc.co.uk

After seeing the tweets from the Official Notts County Twitter page on Saturday morning, I must admit, it didn't surprise me that the Meadow Lane pitch was due for an inspection that morning. Looking outside of my bedroom window, all I could see was blistering rain, pounding and bouncing off the pavements. I thought to myself, "Theres no way the referee is going to let the game play in this! Just unplayable conditions! Madness!" I'll admit, I never bothered or even thought about the effort the groundsmen would have made to try and get the pitch playable at that point in time. I thought the weather was just going to take its toll on the pitch, and confined it to the ever growing list of other fixtures that were being cancelled across the country due to the battering rain. As I walked to work dreading the thought of endless queues and pushing trolleys in the soaking rain for five and a half hours, I just kept assuming to myself that the match with Leyton Orient would not take place, and I was deemed correct, as a customer (Who was a fellow Notts County supporter) came to my till during the afternoon and he informed me of the unfortunate news. Again, I wasn't that surprised as I was expecting that outcome, but I was still deeply disappointed. Not only because I couldn't go due to work commitments, but because of the fact that this game against Leyton Orient was the perfect opportunity to help address our home form and to start to erase the minor "blip" were under at the moment which is two defeats at home in a row. One to Brentford and the other to League Two side Rotherham which put us out of the FA Cup at the second round stage, but I wont dwell on those two results.. less said about them the better!

Anyhow, I got home, relieved to be away from the mad house that is my workplace, and as I tucked into my Pepperoni Pizza and Chips my parents ordered in for me for when I got home, I began to do some research on the Internet and look for some opinions from any associated with Notts County based on the earlier postponement. What I read on the Official Notts County website did make me open my eyes a lot more to the hard work the Ground staff, Greg Smith and Trevor Hutchison put into, to make Meadow Lane as firm and steady as it possibly can be. It also showed me, that we really need to raise the issue on under heating for Meadow Lane. Now I know that people are going to jump on me and say that were a tight budgeted club who cant afford many luxuries, but what if we actually do go up this season? What if we do reach the promised land that is the NPower Championship? We cant expect to just have the same leniency that we get now as a League One club. We need to start thinking as a collective unit about under heating, and we need to do it now, because sooner rather than later, the issue is going to be raised again. Especially around the Winter. Im not taking anything away from Greg and Trevor because those two men work their socks off to get Meadow Lane up to scratch. Their job is made even harder due to the fact that Nottingham Rugby also share Meadow Lane with Notts County Football Club as well, I'm just saying that their jobs, as well as money, which is so important nowadays in todays climate, especially in Football, can be saved a lot of unnecessary hassle by re-developing Meadow Lane and acquiring under heating. Will we ever get it? Sooner rather than later in my eyes, but only time will tell if the board decide to do this or not. If they want to improve Meadow Lane, avoid any ludicrous and "astonishing" (In the words of Chief Executive Jim Rodwell) referee decisions about why the game should be postponed, then get under heating to melt the frost, and get more grass for the pitch to help soak the rain water up quicker. It'll work.. I'm sure!

Looking at some of the Meadow Lane pictures that were taken by the Official Notts County website, I am actually surprised that the game got postponed itself. Yes, I know I sound like I'm contradicting myself but let me get straight to the point. The ball bounced when the referee dropped the ball in the middle of the pitch to test how soaked the grass was. It bounced, so therefore, the pitch is playable. The referee then called the game off due to the safety of the players. Now, I'm no doctor or physiotherapist when it comes to injuries, but seriously, I have absolutely no idea what the referee was thinking when he made that call! I mean, the players trained on the pitch whilst the referee was there! He could see them playing on the pitch and not once did it look like a player was going to take a tumble or develop an injury! Was he looking at the weather report for during the match itself? I don't know, but what I do know is that the match should not have been postponed, and that by the game being cancelled, it has cost Notts County several thousands of pounds in money (According to Chief Executive Jim Rodwell) which could have spent on funding for players in January but will now make Keith Curles budget for new players less in the January Transfer Window. Not to mention the long journey back to London for the away Leyton Orient supporters! I feel for them. All the way just to be told the game is off.. Embarrassing!

Frustrated, disappointed & confused are the words id use right now at this moment in time

Our next home game is now on New Years Day against high flying and promotion rivals Milton Keynes Dons, which, if the game is still on for (Tongue in cheek!), im sure it'll promise to be a very entertaining match up, pitting two teams who like to pass the ball around on the pitch.

But for now, i'll leave you with some interesting quotes from Manager Keith Curle and Chief Executive Jim Rodwell after the announcement of our home match against Leyton Orient being postponed from the official Notts County website

Bring on Shrewsbury away on Boxing Day!! Lets make it 22 unbeaten away!

“It’s understandable when it’s dangerous conditions or freak of nature weather conditions, but the pitch was in fantastic condition,” - Keith Curle

“I am astonished at the decision of today’s match referee to call the game off. In all my years in football I have never been more surprised at a decision, it quite simply beggars belief that a professional match official could come to this conclusion." - Jim Rodwell

NPower League One Round Up (22/12/12)

Due to the unfortunate weather conditions that hit the Country over the weekend, this weeks League One round up will be rather shorter than normal.

The staggering six out of ten ties that were postponed this weekend, were all due to Waterlogged pitches, as the Stadiums across the League succumbed to the disastrous  and terrible weather conditions that swept and flooded throughout the United Kingdom. This, however, did not stop all of the matches from being played. There were four that managed to pass referee inspections and were allowed to play on the Saturday afternoon. These were: 

Coventry City v Preston North End

Crawley Town v Sheffield United

Walsall v Colchester United

Yeovil v Oldham Athletic

Coventry City 1 - 1 Preston North End

A close contest was always inevitable between the two inform mid-table teams at the Ricoh Arena, and a deserved share of the points was indeed, the final outcome in the Midlands. The "Sky Blues" of Coventry City went ahead after 17 minutes, when midfielder James Bailey, neatly side footed the ball past opposition keeper Thorsten Stuckmann. Preston did press afterwards and continued throughout the majority of the contest to push for an equaliser, and eventually, their pressure came to fruition, and deservedly so on 77 minutes, as left winger Lee Holmes ran clear and slotted the ball past Joe Murphy with a "Cool as you like" tucked finish into the bottom corner, to ensure that a point was taken back up north to Deepdale. The result keeps both teams in and around mid table of League One, with Coventry in 13th place, a point and two places above Preston who are in 15th, thanks to their recent good form of four wins in seven matches.

2) Crawley Town 0 - 2 Sheffield United

A match that was deemed to be another close encounter between two teams that are chasing promotion to the Championship was nothing of the sort. This was the game of Free Kicks, as "Blades" defender Tony McMahon scored two Free Kicks, with the first being on 29 minutes after "Red Devils" defender Joe Walsh had fouled Shaun Miller. The 2nd Free Kick that came on 72 minutes in the 2nd half was a thing of beauty! 30 yards out, and gave the Crawley keeper Paul Jones no chance! Terrific strike! Crawley, who have now won only one match in nine games, are situated in 10th place, four points behind Milton Kenyes Dons in 6th, who now have a game in hand after their match away at Doncaster Rovers was postponed this weekend. Sheffield United however, are the new leaders of NPower League One on 43 points after this away win, a point ahead of 2nd placed Tranmere Rovers at the half way stage of the season.

3) Walsall 1 - 0 Colchester United

Moving lower down to the bottom half of the League, was a contest between a side that hadn't won a match since they defeated AFC Bournemouth 2-1 on the 29th of September, and a team that had not won in four League matches. This game spelt out a drab, tense affair between two that were looking to propel themselves away from the League One relegation zone, and it proved to be the case, as former Manchester United striker Febian Brandy, scored the only goal of the the game on 61 minutes, rounding and slotting past opposition keeper Mark Cousins, to give the "Saddlers" their first win in 17 games, and move them up to 17th in the table on 23 points. Colchester, who did create some chances but were guilty of some poor finishing it must be said, are now five games without a win in the League, and are languishing in 20th position, only two points above Portsmouth in the relegation zone. 

4) Yeovil 4 - 1 Oldham Athletic

In a game that didn't exactly pose the advertisement for a high scoring encounter, proved to be complete opposite, as Yeovil scored four past an Oldham side that looked to recover from the previous weekend loss at home to promotion chasing Swindon Town. Jose Baxter, headed the visitors into an early lead on 3 minutes with a firm header, but the home side levelled later on in the first half on 39 minutes, when "Latics" defender Jean Yves Mvoto fouled Ed Upson inside the box and Gavin Williams tapped in the equaliser from the spot. Williams scored again in the first half on 44 minutes to put the home side in front before half time, with a dazzling run from the half way line which culminated in an absolutely fantastic 30 yard strike that gave opposition keeper Dean Bouzanis no chance whatsoever into the top corner. The "Latics"  began to unravel in the 2nd half and it showed in more goals for the home side, as James Hayter extended Yeovil's advantage on 77 minutes, with a cooly slotted finish past Bouzanis. The game was well and truly over as a contest after 81 minutes as Oldham were reduced to ten men, when substitute Robbie Simpson got a straight red card after a reckless challenge on Yeovil keeper Marek Stech, which resulted in an early shower for the "Latics" forward. Yeovil, exploiting the man advantage, rubbed more salt to the wounds, as striker Paul Madden, on loan from rival NPower League One side Carlisle, made it 4-1 after capitalising on a Goalkeeping error by Dean Bouzanis to slot the ball home on the edge of the penalty area. Yeovil, took full advantage of the matches being postponed over the weekend, by jumping from 14th to 11th in the table after this impressive home win, whilst Oldham remain 18th, 5 points clear of Portsmouth, who are in the last remaining relegation place in 21st.

Well thats it from me this weekend from League One.. A short one!

Please don't forget to visit my personal blog (www.THewitt44.Blogspot.com)

You can also find me on Twitter (@OriginalT44)

Thanks again & see you all on the 27th of December.. Happy Christmas!!

You Pies!!!

Big T (Thomas Hewitt)