It is amazing what one win, a new manager and one new signing can do to football fans - suddenly everything has gone from all doom and gloom to all rosey.
|
Fans need to me more cautious than that though. Sure, it is great to see optimism and smiling faces for a change, but it was just one win - against a poor Wrexham side - and new boss Charlie McParland needs to make sure it hasn't just papered over the cracks left by former boss Steve Thompson.
Everybody is looking forward to seeing new teenage striker Craig Lindfield in action for the first time at the Fraser Eagle Stadium, and he could start in a game Notts could do with winning.
With Barnet away on Tuesday, it is a massive - and testing - four days for the club. Coming out with four points would be a huge return.
Team news
|
Accrington - Ian Craney will be available for selection after discussions with his club Swansea to extend this loan deal after it seemed he'd be heading back to Wales. Shaun Whalley and Phil Edwards are available again but Romauld Boco and Kenny Arthur are out.
Form guide
Notts - The Magpies halted a run of four straight defeats with a timely 2-1 win over Wrexham last week. Away from home it is only Notts and Mansfield who have yet to register a win on their travels in League Two so far this season.
Accrington - Stanley come into the game with two wins and a draw to their name in their last three outings. Sitting comfortably in tenth, they have won three and lost three of their home games.
The view
Notts - Boss McParland on Accrington: "This is a very tough game, they are
|
Accrington - Midfielder Craney was set to join another League Two side who had an offer accepted before coming back to Stanley when negotiations broke down said: "I'd been looking forward to the Notts County game all week and then this happened. It was an up and down time and I was just wondering what was going on. I just can't wait to play now. I had my injury then it was good to get my first goal last week. Slowly but surely I'm getting back to my best."
Key men
|
Accrington - Paul Mullin. It may be Roscoe D'Sane who is in the best scoring form at present, but strike partner Mullin is a bigger threat. His muscular frame and all-round presence make him a nuisance to any defence. Add to that he has scored six goals in thirteen league games and that shows he is a man to watch. Particularly good in the air, he will need to be closely marked from set-plays in particular.
Big battle
|
|
Weston impressed on his first Notts start last week, getting down the wing impressively. He didn't always have his own way with Wrexham full-back Simon Spender enjoying a good tussle, but Weston proved how he can be effective with his direct running and ability to beat a man and get to the by-line. He will be a big threat that Cavanagh will be hoping to stop. The Stanley captain is a wily customer and sticks to his guns well. A battler, he will be doing his utmost to stop Weston which could in turn halt Notts.
Possible line-ups
Notts - (4-4-2): Kevin Pilikington; Lee Canoville, Adam Tann, Stephen Hunt,
|
Accrington - (4-4-2): Ian Dunbavin; Peter Cavanagh, Robbie Williams, Mark Roberts, Lea Richardson; Andrew Proctor, John Miles, Graham Branch, Ian Craney; Paul Mullin, Roscoe D'Sane
Prediction: Notts to get over their away day hoodoo with a 2-0 win. Lindfield to score from the bench.