Darlington v Notts... BIG match preview

Last updated : 24 August 2007 By Paul Smith

The jury is back out on Notts boss Steve Thompson following an indifferent start to a campaign that it is said will ultimately be a successful one for the Magpies.

A recent NCM poll saw that 45% wish Thompson to be sacked, meaning the former Sheffield United boss now has an extra burden of pressure on him.

The Darlington Arena... Will Notts break winless streak?

A trip to Darlington then will not be something he relishes, with the northerners sitting proudly at the top of the table in League Two.

Yet another interesting Saturday is in store for the much maligned fans of Notts County as they make the long trip to the Darlington Arena.

Team News

Notts - Changes will be made by Thompson, both enforced and possibly some through choice. Captain Jason Lee has been handed a shock three match ban by the FA and he sits out the encounter while Myles Weston's hamstring trouble has flared up again putting him out of action for a month. Elsewhere a clean bill of health means further selection headaches for the manager.

Palmer... Should figure against Notts
Darlington - Midfielder Ricky Ravenhill is rated 50-50 for the encounter while Kevin McBride is likely to be in contention despite a recent knock. Neil Austin should return but long term absentee Martin Smith is nowhere near a first team recall. Patrick Collins faces three months out. Former Magpie Alan White should start, as should another in Chris Palmer.

Form guide

Notts - Two 1-1 league draws with a 3-0 Carling Cup exit sandwiched between means Notts are without a win so far this campaign. With three wins and three defeats in pre-season, confidence is hardly at its highest. Taking the back end of last term into account, the Magpies are without a competitive win in seven games.

Darlington - Top of the table after two wins from two, scoring five times and conceding none. Their early Carling Cup exit hasn't dampened spirits and the Quakers ended last season well also, defeating Notts in the penultimate game. However Dave Penney's side were hammered 5-0 by Stockport at home on the final day.

The view

Notts - "Everyone's looking forward to Darlington, where hopefully we can get a win and build on the two draws we've had so far. We are aiming for a successful season this year, and with a full weeks training this week we're confident we can iron out the errors we've had and caused ourselves." Defender Adam Tann told the Official Site.

Pilkington... Notts' key man
Darlington - "We have defended well and sitting on the bench I feel a lot more secure knowing we have strengthened and who we've got in defence. Last year I was not so comfortable." Penney told the BBC as his side chalked up their second successive clean sheet.

Key men

Notts - Darlington's firepower has seen them net five goals in two games meaning Notts goalkeeper Kevin Pilkington is likely to be in for a bust afternoon's work. The former Mansfield stopper has been a fine form so far and cannot be blamed for any of the goals shipped in all competitions so far. He was arguably man of the match at Coventry while he did nothing wrong at Grimsby or at home to Brentford. This must remain the case to keep the Quakers out. With the likes of Pawel Abbot and Tommy Wright (his old enemy from Walsall last season) in good striking form, Pilkington needs to show all his experience and shot stopping ability for Notts to stand a chance.

Darlington - Look no further than surprise addition Stephen Foster. The defender made a shock move to League Two despite earning the player of the season accolade in a Scunthorpe side that lifted the League One title. His form so far has been hugely impressive, highlighting why many believed he should have tried it out in the Championship with the Iron. With two clean sheets so far, Foster has been imperious, making tackles, headers and blocks with considerable ease.

Big battle

Alan White v Lawrie Dudfield.

Had Lee been available and Weston fit there may have been question marks over Dudfield's inclusion given his poor start to the season. However he should be given a reprieve now, and will be relishing the oppurtunity to put one over his former Boston and Notts skipper White. The pair remain big friends and will no doubt have the banter going already. However, personal pride aside, both have huge roles for their clubs. Dudfield will have to lead the goal-shy Notts forward line against a solid defensive unit in which White is a key player showing no signs of the poor form that forced him out of Notts last season. Dudfield's trickery, movement and work rate has to be better than White's strength, bravery and determination. If it is, Notts may have one foot in the door.

Likely line-ups

Notts - (4-3-3) Kevin Pilkington, Lee Canoville, Adam Tann, Stephen Hunt, Paul Mayo, Richard Butcher, Matt Somner, Neil MacKenzie, Lawrie Dudfield, Hector Sam, Andy Parkinson

Penney... Could be unchanged

Darlington - (4-4-2) David Stockdale, Neil Austin, Alan White, Stephen Foster, Tim Ryan, Ricky Ravenhill, Julian Joachim, Chris Palmer, Micky Cummins, Pawel Abbott, Tommy Wright

Drapes' prediction

Notts will find it a tough ask and will go down fighting. 2-1 Darlington.