Chris

Those Frankfurters/Hot dogs look the bomb. @super_pie look at these. I don't eat at football grounds if I can help it, I especially do not at Meadow Lane. I was put off when a server tried giving Jake a hot dog that they had dropped on the floor. We always eat before approaching the ground now. This food does look interesting, minus the source and funny cowpat looking thing.

It’s a bit of a depressing time right now with the Coronavirus pandemic restricting day-to-day in so many ways, yet it’s essential that we protect each other and, stay connected in the digital world. The National League season seems to have gone by quite fast, for Notts there were some dips and natural moments where it seemed like stability would be the main thing to take from it; however, the club managed to persist moving forward. Before the suspension, I felt like the magpies’ form at home had become unstoppable. I have mentioned at various times on social media; just how much I have enjoyed the season – with all due respect, we are a Non-League club for a reason. But, Neal Ardley has created something that on paper seems to be unique, and from the evidence, I have seen it’s more promising long term – as we have a youngish squad that has experience within those core areas that make a huge difference. I thought the National League would be somewhat dull, yet in hindsight, it’s been anything but that. Notts County fans have been incredible on the road, others like Barrow, Stockport County and Wrexham might mock us on social media – however, I suspect that they wished their teams could have adapted better to this challenge within their first season of Non-League football. After such a disappointing relegation from League Two, I admire the togetherness and way in which we have bounced back. Under the new ownership of the Reedtz brothers, Christoffer and Alexander the club has been very forward-thinking, and Notts County doesn’t feel like the biggest joke within football. Some fans who are reading my blog may take offence to that, and it’s not my point. The circus around Notts County has always been tinted due to issues presented with previous owners; I won’t mention names because we all know the story – if you’re an outside fan reading this (save yourself time and don’t bother looking up the turmoil). It’s been very well documented and, for any new football owners looking to buy a club researching the events might show you how not to run a football club. Unity! That’s a difference for starters. The sensible approach from our current custodians has brought fans together with the hope that they can and will move the club forward. I don’t miss the headlines or stories coming out. The uncertainty of if staff are going to be paid or, even if we will have a club. It’s been a massive underlining issue for Notts County, with debts piling and owners either pointing the finger or burying their heads in the sand. With Christoffer and Alexander Reedtz it’s not like that, they must have the patience of a saint or quite possible more understanding that a club has to look at the long term gains – rather than the shorter-term growth. I didn’t feel like this season would reset the club, fighting for promotion has been enjoyable, and whatever happens now with how things are, I would be confident of this squad and manager to move us forward further. I think every fan of football can appreciate how important that feeling can be, so I do hope whatever outcome occurs – as a much as we care about our clubs, deep down we can understand that life moves on. Until football resumes, I will try to enjoy the break and avoid the social distancing online as this tends to be what usually happens (with the best of interest). If you know me, please be sure to say hello and let me know your thoughts. Lastly, thank you for the wonderful supporting during the 2019/2020 season. All the banter laughs, jokes and conversations – it’s been incredible. If you're able, would you please consider contributing to the PON donation drive?

I went to the Arsenal friendly, I attended about 7-9 games this season with my grandfather. I remember a rainy Tuesday night match, when my Grandfather told me the title would be won by Notts. The squad was quite small from my memories. I also believe we played players out of position, although some fans have recently clarified that it wasn't solely due to injuries. More the fact Notts needed a good target man and someone who could run at people. I believe Matt Redmile played out of position a lot.

@DonnyNotts Neal Ardley does deserve some form of credit, yet the win came from the red card. There was limited chances before, the incident gave Notts a surge and we made the most of them being a man down. Of course, Ardley did well for mixing the squad up. I fully expected him to stick with what he believes to be the strongest squad, yet he didn't. I also feel he wanted Notts to sit on the first half without conceding, so that some of our big hitters could impact the game which did happen. Yet it was only a small amount, as I say the biggest change was Barrow being foolish to get a man sent off. It would have been a different game completely had that not happen, so I don't think all this credit giving to Ardley is right. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy because he's had a silly amount of negative attention thrown his way but this win doesn't make up for that. It's a good win, decent second half team performance but I do feel whatever squad we put out, Notts should be pushing to win regardless.

Credit to Barrow first and foremost, they did incredibly well to make it very difficult especially in the first half. I think some of the changes in the second half made some difference, but I think it could have been a vastly different story if we changed some things. If the penalty that Rooney missed had gone in, I'm not sure Notts would have found a way back into the game. Likewise, the sending off ended up being a massive decision which change the game more than Neal Ardley's tactics did. I'm not sure why some are going on about the lineup having won the match, the fact we had more space and Barrow ended up tiring seemed to make the difference. As did the loss of a key player upfront which ultimately would have changed their tactics. I mean, I take nothing away from the victory - it's a good win on the road. I'm buzzing that we are looking good and, in contention for finishing quite high again. 3rd is very possible and, quite likely the highest the club could finish realistically. It would take a miracle for us to win the league, this isn't in my mind - I'll take each game as they come. I tweeted this after the first goal, due to Charlie Slater and Leigh Curtis banging on about how Neal Ardley changed the game with his lineup and tactical changes. Before the sending off, Barrow sounded quite happy to defend all day long. This seems to have rubbed off onto our fan base and, has gone to some people's heads in my mind. All six changes are a result of the fixture backlog, it's more a case of resting players ahead of the weekend. A brave decision, but did it win Notts the game? No. Like I say, Barrow had their chances and should have led comfortably before the second half had even kicked off. So, I think there's a level of fortune and luck involved. It's great Tom Crawford stepped up, a player some keep writing off and it goes to show that if he's playing well - goals will come. The team takes credit for the win, with small falling towards Ardley and of course the support.

I'd like Notts just to focus on reaching as high as possible, yet I wouldn't add the pressure of chasing the top play. I honestly feel it's something unnecessary and, very unlikely to happen. Right now we need to build a gap to protect our playoff space, so a win would help massively. I expect Barrow to be a lot more relaxed at home. They pushed and forced play a lot at Meadow Lane, I don't expect them to keep that persistent attitude. I think they'll look to counter and stretch Notts at the back, obviously they are aware that the aerial aspect of our game isn't the best. It should be quite open, I feel more confident about getting something from the game.

Full Time: AFC Fylde 1 Notts County 2 Not the most prettiest games for Notts, but a magnificent 3 points. I think we robbed them considering how poorly we played in the first half, yet Jim O'Brien added some grit when he came on. Michael Doyle has been at his best, without his defending we could have be caught 2-1 ourselves. Vital win! How crucial is this win for you? Great battling win in my eyes. Thoughts?

1-1.... Enzio slotted Notts into the lead and, a bit later they pegged us back to level terms. They've had 2/3 chances already where Charlie Slater felt they should have scored, by his reaction it seemed almost destined to go on but didn't.

If the game goes ahead, I can see them winning and all hell being let loose. I hope I am wrong and, that Notts can defend bravely - whilst we attack them as a solid unit. If you look at the passing we can pull off, it's exciting but it's all about how we work them and what space we can open up. Take what changes come and, I do feel Notts can win. I just have this feeling it will be scrappy, irritating and one of those where the opposition gets the better of us.

Good result, pleased how things went - isn’t it great see how warm both sides have been. It’s not something you see often!

No, not that difficult at all. Some will say that it happens and, it does but it's costing our fans a lot of money. I know there's talk from some to boycott the next time. They should really factor in people who travel, not just ours but their own. I know it's the officials that can it, but it would make more sense just to have it over and done with. Keeping people dangling doesn't help.

It will either be tough, or one of those games where Notts turns on the performance. I'm wishing them well myself @liampie, the better team on the day will win.

Absolute joke that the game has been postponed yet again, It's awful for those who have gone. A lot I know have attempted to make it twice, so I am in agreement with those who feel the club needs to find some ground and make it up to those - as it shouldn't keep happening. Only image I have seen where some water has collected, it looks like it wasn't spread out at all. Our groundsman do well to distribute collected water.

I'm really not one to gloat, but the writing was on the wall. Notts needs to learn how to gain ground and stop being pushed back, it sounded like our tactics were weak and played into their hands. I'm not surprised we didn't win, I do feel the performance could have been better though.

Defensively, we should try to exploit them at the back because they can struggle if pressured. Allow their midfield time on the ball, they'll work hard and create chances. If we write them off, they'll teach Notts a lesson. I highly rate some of their players, they build around young talent and can do well. I remember Notts being 2-0 up, seeing fans say how poor they're and I warned that they can break down teams/fight back. I think it ended up a draw. Wootton will be useful, pace is required and our midfield needs to have a top performance to get something.

I thought he was a good manager, especially during games. He knew how to get a side attacking, perhaps defensively it could have been improved but the brand of football always entertained. I actually don't recall why he was sacked, well the "reason" for it. I always felt Shaun Derry should have remained at Notts, but the memories of Moniz are there. The opening game against Stevenage will always be remembered fondly by me. I left thinking we were on the verge of something special, perhaps if he had more time to influence Notts he might have got us back into League One.

I think everyone will want the game to go ahead, Notts doesn't need a postponement right now. The teams in good form and, has put two good displays together. Woking I think should play through the centre of the park, they've got a few tall players that hold the ball well and we just need to be prepared for that. Hopefully the game goes ahead, Notts should do well.

Notts are progressing nicely so far, it's a cup and winning games helps. I feel the main benefit is to the squad rotation, as it gives them game time. I know we tend to field quite a strong squad, but there has been fringe players included. Beating Yeovil might help the players believe we can push on. I'm not sure about the score prediction as of yet, but I think it could be quite open.

I think the first half both teams could have gotten something from the match and, it made a nice change to see Notts do one better by firstly saving a penalty - then scoring themselves. Second half, Notts showed a different class and, I’m over the moon for Enzio. His performance wasn’t brilliant, but his goal meant so much to him. I’m hoping it gives him that lift, so he can grown in confidence. Cal Roberts looked a great player, quick feet and a good turn of pace. He’s very direct which makes a change. I don’t feel any player played badly today, they all worked hard and looked solid as a team. It was like watching a team in promotion form. It shows we can rely on the whole squad but more importantly this team can react well to disappointing results - if everyone is on the same page.

I can see it easily ending up 2-2. Notts to open things up with Kristian Dennis scoring an heart, only for Chesterfield to get back on level terms and then peg us a goal behind. Wes Thomas will grab the equaliser. Hobestly, it can go a mixture of ways but a draw seems most likely in my mind.

Key to a good result against Chesterfield is to fluster their defence, whilst we are well organised at the back. I don't think they can be dismissed due to their position. On their day, they can cause teams trouble and they'll be wanting to win the local derby. I would be a bit annoyed if Notts didn't give good service to the forward line, we seem to be making the likes of Kyle Wootton work harder. This will be my first glimpse of Callum Roberts, I am hoping he will cause some issues. Enzio Boldewijn grabbing a stunning goal, it would ease the pressure on him and, just give the whole place a boost. I think he's due a goal, he just needs to try to keep the ball down and aim for a good place.