upthepies

It was an excellent team performance, with urgency and patience at the right time. Notts knew when to press and create chances, very unlucky not to have beaten Tranmere Rovers by at least 5 goals. Macaulay Langstaff, Dan Crowley’s blazing miss, David McGoldrick’s post-hitting effort. So many very good chances which Luke Williams should be delighted to see Notts produce. We still need to find a test like Gillingham or MK Dons, but the confidence is lifting by the game. A very good win for Notts.

Oh and, Talking about the players, their performances were sterling. Especially Palmer, his cross leading to Rawlinson's goal was indicative of his ability to create chances for his team. Bostock moved the ball with assurance, dictating the pace of the game, while Brindley's role was vital in keeping the defensive line tidy. But the true hero today was the collective spirit of the team. Let's carry this form into the next game against Accrington!

Absolutely stunning, @Chris! Your photos are a stellar blend of emotion, passion and excitement. As a fan who can't always make it to Meadow Lane, your pictures give me a genuine sense of being there in the heart of it all. Thank you for your fantastic work, and kudos for overcoming your anxiety to capture these moments for us.

Great job to the lads and the tactician, Luke Williams. This game showcased just how much progress we have made as a team. The tactical switch-ups were impressive. We displayed a compact defence, highly creative and accurate midfield, and a forward line that kept the Tranmere Rovers defence on their toes. The goalkeepers made stunning saves and the defence held firm in the face of opposition pressure.

I don’t know how Notts weren’t 3-0 up within the first half, they played extremely well and the chances that were created kept things exciting. David McGoldrick showed a lot of experience and class with his finish, it was satisfying to see his effort go in. As I say, the chances came and although they had that one effort which they blasted over the post, I thought Notts controlled the game very well! The win felt very rewarding, it looked like at one point Notts might be unlucky and end up drawing. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. 2-1 was about the right score, they didn’t trouble Notts much at all.

What a cracking game! As a County fan, there really isn't much more you could ask for. Solid defensive line and an aggressive attack are the cornerstones of our winning performance. And may I mention that Rawlinson’s goal was simply poetic! A thrilling finale to an adrenaline-filled match. Looking forward to more from Notts.

It feels like finally being at home is an advantage. We’ve been crying out for Meadow Lane to become a fortress for years. The atmosphere this season has been spot on, and I’m surprised no one has mentioned the PR system as part of the reason. It’s something for fans to get behind and be excited about. I hope to hear the KOP in full voice on Saturday.

I thought Richard Brindley was excellent for most of last season. He returned from injury strongly and seemed eager to progress with us. However, I don’t think we’ve seen him at his best yet. Nonetheless, he looks good between the other two centre-backs. If he’s playing as a CB, his best position is between two experienced players who are comfortable in the role. He also offers many options going forward. Once he settles and the squad starts performing well, I think he’ll be a contender for the most improved player.

I have no problem with Notts passing the ball around, as long as it doesn’t go back to the goalkeeper too often. This is counterproductive to playing attacking football. If space isn’t opening up in front or to the sides, then there isn’t enough movement. I would like to see Notts approach it like they did in the Doncaster Rovers game. Get a feel for the game, keep the ball and pass it in a way that creates chances without rushing or forcing the play.

Williams’ clever observation that mistakes don’t just happen, but are often a result of past actions, is impressive. It shows his logical approach to improving the team’s performance. Being committed to finding the cause of mistakes and taking action to fix them is key to improving a team’s performance. His focus on winning rather than style is a practical approach that should appeal to both fans and players.

Fantastic to see our supporters so joyful! Truly infectious energy. Well done, @Chris.

Reading about Langstaff's accomplishment brings a wave of happiness. His hard work, teamed with his admirable confidence and perseverance, has finally borne fruit with his first couple of FL goals. There is an inspiring learning element here for all young hopefuls - dedication, patience, belief in oneself, and consistent effort does indeed pay off.

Great analysis, @Chris! It's clear that Notts County were completely on top of this match. Langstaff was instrumental and it's a joy to see his efforts paying off. The match against Tranmere Rovers should be an interesting one.

What an exhilarating match! Watching this vlog brought back all the emotions and excitement. The sight of Langstaff scoring and Jones threading that ball into the net was simply breathtaking. Can't wait for the next match.

Patience is crucial; Notts won't always overpower teams. We may have to accept defeat or settle for a draw in some matches. However, in my opinion, Notts maintained control during today's game, even when it wasn't particularly attractive. Doncaster didn't leave much space to exploit, so Langstaff's first goal was significant. It allowed the game to open up and gave Notts the confidence to push forward. The second and third goals were excellent, and Jones put the ball away superbly. I didn't see the disallowed goal because too many fans were standing in front of me, blocking my view. Nonetheless, it was a great result, and Luke Williams must be pleased.

Reading this narrative has brought a genuine sense of warmth to my heart. It shows how a shared love for a football team can create not only loving relationships but lasting family traditions. The loyalty of three generations, from Julie's parents to her young grandson, is a testament to the deep-seated spirit of unity that sport can foster. Thank you Julie and @Chris, for sharing this. It makes one realise the bigger picture, that football, especially when it comes to Notts, is about much more than just the game.

Doncaster is a fantastic ground to visit, and it’s always an excellent away day. I’m hoping for a good game, and if Notts play to their potential, there’s no reason why they can’t come away with a win. It might take a few more games before we start winning away from home on a consistent basis, but the possession stats show that things are moving in the right direction. Not conceding against Morecambe is also a blessing, and I hope we can protect our undefeated run of two games. With hard work and determination, anything is possible!

This analysis hits the bullseye. Williams' tactical strength was evident, though finding ways to convert our possession into scoring opportunities should be of utmost priority. Hope we see a more potent County in the next game

I don't want to underestimate Morecambe. At this stage, every team is capable of defeating anyone, and each club is striving to find their form. The positive aspect for us is entering this match with a strong showing at Meadow Lane, and the players are aware that we support them throughout their time on the pitch. Although Morecambe experienced a loss against Mansfield, they are playing at home and will be determined to avoid a repeat of that outcome.

Guarding against overconfidence will be key for Notts today. Despite Morecambe's recent loss, we shouldn’t underestimate them. Football is a game of surprises, and humility in approach should be our motto. All the best, lads!

I completely agree that it's anybody's game currently. Notts definitely have the potential to bounce back and this match could provide the perfect opportunity for them to do so. It's quintessential, however, that they take their lessons from the opening defeat and incorporate the necessary changes. If they can maintain strong defensive play but be more aggressive in their offence, we just might see a revival tonight.

The table looks much better with those three points. I have to say, I never really doubted that Notts could win. It was good to hear Gary Lund’s comments at half-time, although I don’t think he was as convinced about the final outcome as I was. Dan Crowley looks like an excellent addition to the squad; his goal gave him the confidence to up his game. Jodi Jones played consistently and deserved his man of the match award.

It's great to hear captain Kyle Cameron’s high hopes for the season. His words reflect both ambition and pressure, two key ingredients for success. The top three could indeed be a reality if we maintain consistent performances and avoid complacency. With that said, in football, anything can happen. So while aiming high, it's important we remain grounded and don't let the pressure of high expectations overwhelm the squad. Beating ourselves up over a few poor results won't do any good. What matters is how we regroup, learn from our mistakes and march on.

It’s great to see that Notts is taking their preparation for the upcoming season in League Two seriously. Captain Kyle Cameron’s comments about the team’s training regime and focus on both physical and mental preparation are very encouraging.

Yes, I agree. Luke Williams has used the friendlies to gain a better understanding of where his squad stands. It’s positive to see how he has managed the games. Notts did well in parts against Shrewsbury, but I believe they will improve from here. The squad has a lot of depth and plenty of options. I would also like to see more of Junior Morias and Will Randall.