Team news...Vs Grimsby Town

It may be a fairly meaningless end-of-season encounter - this is not how we thought it'd go - but spare a thought for Grimsby, who were lining up in the now Championship just two seasons ago.

Now, both times lie in low the lower mid-table reaches (and I'm being generous) of League Two to meet up for a match that shouldn't amount to a great deal.

Ullathorne: Injured

This is just as well, as Notts County manager Ian Richardson has his upteenth defensive crisis of the season to contend with. Confirmed today was the news that captain Mike Whitlow (knee) and 'the only recognised left back' himself Rob Ullathorne (groin) are out for the final four games of the season.

Coupled with that is the news that teenage prodigy Kelvin Wilson is laid low with a virus, and unlikely to recover in time for the game.

This leaves Frenchman Julien Baudet - not the most reliable at the best of times when it comes to fitness - as the club's only recognised central defender.

The fight is on to partner young Jules though, with teenager Emmet Friars the frontrunner. Richardson may though instead opt to move the ever-movable David Pipe back into the heart of the defence. You just never know.

Whitlow and Ullathorne now join former Mariner and part-time model Mike Edwards (cruciate), Richardson (knee) and Gavin Gordon (jaw) on the 'not to be touched until next season' pile.

If you thought The Magpies injury worries stopped there you'd be wrong. Matty Williams (thigh) is also a doubt for the fixture.

On a more positive note Stefan Oakes will be back from his one-match suspension and will line-up in the heart of midfield, no doubt hoping to re-create the wonderstrike he scored in the two sides' reverse fixture earlier in the season.

Sub goalkeeper Rob Elliot also returns from his injury to take his place on the bench. Chris Palmer - a winger by trade - is expected to fill Ullathorne's shoes at left back.

Due to so many ifs, buts and maybes it's hard to put a probable line-up so, instead, here's a banner made in honour of Mike Edwards' recent work. You're a credit to the club, Michael.

Enjoy the game.