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Oppositions View- v Hereford United

Last updated : 03 October 2007 By Gary Moss

The Magpies welcome third placed Hereford United to Meadow Lane on Wednesday night.

After the second win of the season over neighbours Chesterfield, confidence should be high in the County camp.

Eleventh in the table with just one defeat in the first right games, things are looking up for SteveThompson and his side.

Fans will be hoping to make it six points from six in four days at the Lane, but face a tough test from the strong travelling Bulls.

Hereford have won three of their opening four games away from home and after defeat to Grimsby at the weekend, will be keen to bounce straight back.

We spoke to Richard Prime (RP), sports writer for the Hereford Times in preparation for this weeks crunch game.

How do you assess your sides recent form?

Up until Saturday, it had been very promising but at Grimsby the side did not play anything like their best. Up until then, they had won three out of three away from home. Third place, however, is rather better than most fans had anticipated at the start of the season.

Ainsworth... Pacey with England honours

Who should we look out for as your danger men?

RP: Lionel Ainsworth, a pacey right-sided midfielder who came from Derby County in the summer, is one to look out for. He has really caught the eye in the early games. Up front, Theo Robinson, on a long-term loan from Watford, is a pacey striker with a good eye for goal.

What is the first thing you think of when you think of Notts County?

RP: Although I have lived in Herefordshire almost all my life, I was actually born in Nottingham, so the city's two sides are among the results I keep an eye-out for. I am still surprised that a club with as distinguished a history as County is down with the rest of us in League 2.

Lee... Often singled out by opposition as the danger
Who do you see as the Notts danger men?

RP: Jason Lee was a big threat to us last year while we shall be keeping an eye on Neil Mackenzie, who was a YTS with Hereford and spent a spell on loan with us last year.

NCM: Matt Somner has been in great form over the last two games. His willingness to get stuck in and pick up the pieces in midfield has been vital to the Magpies recent form. Always first tio the second ball, he has kept Notts ticking.

How do you rate Notts boss Steve Thompson?

RP: He seems to be doing a good job in returning some stability to the club.

Where do you think you will finish this season?

RP: We will hope to be in contention for a play-off place.

NCM: Despite a strong start to the season, NCM fully expect Notts to finish above the Bulls come May. Hereford boss Graham Turner has made some great additions to his squad over the summer that will see them finish higher than they did last year, but Notts will come good.

Where do you think Notts will finish this season?

Benjamin... Certain starter


RP: I would certainly expect a club of County's size, with the resources available to them, to secure a minimum of a play-off spot.

What is your starting line-up likely to be?

RP: Brown; McClenahan, Beckwith, Broadhurst, Taylor; Ainsworth, Smith, Diagouraga, Easton; Benjamin, Robinson.

What sort of encounter are you expecting?

RP: I would expect a tight affair with not many goals in it.

Prediction?

RP: Hereford to win 2-1!

NCM: 1-0 Notts- another solid defensive display


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