Why Notts survived?

Last updated : 05 May 2008 By Paul Smith
1-0 W v Dagenham & Redbridge, Meadow Lane. September 15, 2007.

What happened?

Notts' first win of the season courtesy of a late strike from subsititute Neil MacKenzie.

The game was deadlocked until MacKenzie popped up in the 83rd minute, latching on to a loose ball in the box to half volley home.

The win lifted Notts into 15th position, at that point just a win away from the play-offs!

The effect on Notts' season?

In the grand scheme of things, massive. Considering the Daggers finished the season just a point above Notts but as fellow relegation candidates illustrates the importance of the win over eventual rivals.
Crow... Difference in crucial away win at Chester


Had MacKenzie not struck, it would have left the Daggers out of contention for the drop much earlier leaving a team less to fight it out with, no doubt then increasing nerves and tension in the run in.

It was also the first win of the season, and so it got Notts up and running on that front, not that many followed.

1-0 W v Chester City, Deva Stadium. February 16, 2008.

What happened?

Loan star Danny Crow scored on his second debut for the club after returning from Peterborough following just 60 minutes of Notts action last time.

Crow's header, from a perfect Ali Gibb cross, arrived on 69 minutes, and Notts comfortably saw out the remainder of the match.

The effect on Notts' season?

This win was only the second away maximum of the season, and as it turned out the last, and was the only win in an eleven game spell.

That highlights its significance, as Notts struggled for success elsewhere.

It also completed the double over hapless Chester, who were sucked into the battle as a result, meaning Notts had dragged somebody else into the equation, strengthening their own position.

1-0 W v Rochdale, Meadow Lane. March 22, 2008.

What happened?

Returning legend Michael Johnson popped up with his very first goal for the club, and put in a superb defensive performance to guide Notts to a much needed victory.

The 35-year old tapped home a Ryan Jarvis flick after great work from Wayne Corden after 28 minutes, before clearing one off the line in the second half.

Gary Silk also hacked off the line as play-off chasing Dale laid siege to Notts' goal, but County stood firm.

The effect on Notts' season?

Again the defence can take so much credit for this win. And the confidence the backline must have gained from keeping out the side with such a good away record, and one full of goals, cannot be underestimated.

It was the Magpies' first win in six, and temporarily moved them six points clear of the relegation zone.

That it was a three points nobody expected, heightened the pleasure, and in
Battlers... Notts shocked Posh with fighting spirit
the end proved a bonus on the points tally.


0-0 D v Peterborough United, London Road. March 15, 2008.

What happened?

Notts' backline again performed heroics to shut out the then league leaders.

Following a pathetic midweek loss to a poor Lincoln City side, Notts proved more resilient to bag a shock point, with goalkeeper Russell Hoult in exceptional form.

The effect on Notts' season.

Another of the bonus points that perhaps proved the difference with Notts finishing six points from safety.

Again it was a superb backline showing that enabled a draw, as big-spending Posh were denied a record ninth straight win.

It showed that Notts had the stomach for the battle, and they were prepared to throw their bodies on the line for the cause, something they again did in forthcoming weeks, as the battle to avoid the drop was won...

1-0 W v Accrington Stanley, Meadow Lane. April 12, 2008.

What happened?


Cheered on by the home fans in the Kop stand for the first time since the early 1990s, Notts picked up a vital three points on a tense afternoon.

Loanee Ryan Jarvis put in a top performance, and crowned it with the winning goal after 37 minutes, after a Neil MacKenzie corner found its way to him, and on the second attempt, he cooly drilled home.

The defence were immaculate again with yet another clean sheet.

The effect on Notts' season?

It moved Notts five points above safety with just three games left to play, meaning it was more than in Ian McParland's mens hands.

The three points came at a time when the Magpies had won just once in the ten games previously, and on the back of a 4-2 midweek hammering at Rochdale, with the Notts support then at their lowest ebb.

Although it didn't have the galvanising effect on the next fixture, a defeat at
Vital... Jarvis' Stanley winner sneaks into bottom corner
bottom side Wrexham, the success of the performance in front of the Kop allowed Notts to have it again for the next crucial fixture...

1-0 W v Wycombe Wanderers, Meadow Lane. April 26, 2008.

What happened?

Top scorer Richard Butcher hit a second half winner to make sure that Notts remained in the Football League for another season.

In front of 7,327, including many Notts fans once again in the Kop, the midfielder latched onto Jason Lee's through ball after a stunning Myles Weston run to poke home.

The scenes of jubilation that followed were as much relief as celebration, with Notts not needing to get anything from their final game of the season.

The effect on Notts' season?

It was the result which confirmed, mathematically, that Notts were safe from the drop into Football League.

It ended it all, and put all associated with the club into a sense of relief and happiness.

It rendered the difficult looking trip to Chesterfield unimportant, and meant that despite the awfulness of the season, the job had been done, finally.