Double on the cards

Last updated : 19 January 2009 By Dane Vincent

Notts County have the opportunity to record their first double of the season against Aldershot Town tomorrow night.

In front of a bumper crowd at Meadow Lane - due to the upsetting passing of the Magpies' greatest ever manager, Jimmy Sirrel - County were able to run away with their first set of three points in the September meeting.

Another draw was on the cards until Richard Butcher latched onto the end of a deep Jamie Clapham cross, adding to Michael Johnson's 56th minute leveller.

That win made it ten on the bounce against the Shots. It was 1969 when Aldershot FC last overcame Notts in a 2-0 triumph over Jack Wheeler's team.

Although the men in the black and white jerseys have prevailed more often than not - winning 24, losing 10 and drawing seven - totally different circumstances surround this fixture.















Gary Waddock's team have seamlessly made the step up into the football league and have established themselves as strong Play-Off contenders.

Losing just one at home, they have added 26 points to their overall tally of 35. Netting 23 times in the process, their terrible form on the road has been countered by a great belief on home turf.

The Recreation Ground has proven to be a horrid place to visit, especially on a cold winter night. Only Dagenham & Redbridge have managed to come away with victory.

This came inside the last three games, sandwiched between two draws, meaning that the fortress may be showing some signs of weakness.

















County have performed admirably on the road and find themselves in 12th position in the away standings.









Night matches, however, have been a thorn in County's side for too long now, and the last time they managed a league win in such a situation was at home to Stockport County on September 26, 2006.

On opposition territory you have to flick through your statistical almanacs all the way to a memorable 3-1 win over Yeovil Town on March 29, 2005. Depressing isn't it?

NCM verdict: The Shots' home form has been tremendous so far this term but has faltered in the last three games.

Ian McParland's side are showing signs that they may be turning the corner, producing fine performances in their previous two outings.

Although midweek games have been a problem for Notts for a sustained period now, there may be no better opportunity to break the run.

Prediction: Aldershot Town 0-1 Notts County