Experienced duo's seasons meet early end

Both of the experienced pair have struggled with injuries in recent weeks in particular, though left back Ullathorne was able to play-on with his long standing groin problem up until the 1-0 win over Lincoln two weeks ago.

Whitlow (pictured left) worsened his knee injury during February's 1-1 draw at home to Rushden & Diamonds and, though he did manage to play in the 4-0 drubbing at Boston, the Magpies' captain has been unable to fully recover since.

Whilst both of the solutions to their problems may be different, the outcomes are the same.

37-year-old Whitlow has undergone minor surgery to the troublesome knee to cure the problem.

Ullathorne, meanwhile, has simply been told to rest in order to resolve the problem. The consistent left back had being playing with the injury for the almost the entirity of the second half of the season, making the problem worse.

"Robbie has been told to rest completely. He is out for the rest of the season," manager Ian Richardson told the NEP. "He has made his problem worse, by playing on.

"He doesn't need an operation, but he has been told to do nothing but rest. Mike won't play again either this season. He has had his knee cleaned out and will be sidelined for four to six weeks."

Both of the crocked defenders have been key men for The Magpies this season. Despite a barrage of various injuries, Whitlow has made 30 appearences this season.

The much-travelled veteran signed from Sheffield United in the summer and endured a tough start to his Notts career, eventually being transfer listed by then-manager Gary Mills. However, the appointment of Richardson in November coincided with an upturn in Whitlow's fortunes.

The defender enjoyed a resurgence in form and, arguably, was the Magpies most influential player up until injury brought a cruel halt to his season. The 37-year-old has another years option on his contract this summer and both manager and player admit he is likely to remain at the club next season.

Ullathorne (pictured above right), meanwhile, has been far more of a mainstay in the Magpies line-up this campaign though his groin troubles have dogged his first season as a Notts County player.

Despite this, the full-back has been one of the few players to turn in consistently good displays throughout the season and could perhaps consider himself unlucky if he doesn't pick up this season's player of the season trophy.

He will be half-way through a two-year deal this summer.

Full team news ahead of tomorrow's clash to still to come here on NCM.