Notts will be hoping that there isn't a case of ‘After the Lord Mayor's show' when they entertain Bury on Saturday. Following the pulsating 2-0 Carling Cup win against Southampton on Tuesday, Meadow Lane will be highly expectant.
After seeing off Crystal Palace in the first round, Notts hosted Peterborough, and drew 0-0. Then, after shocking Middlesbrough in the second round, Notts again drew at home, 1-1 with Swindon.
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Against Bury on Saturday, three points is more important, with Notts looking to maintain the current seven point gap they find themselves above the position just outside the playoffs. Though there is of course the Glynn Hurst factor to contend with.
Manager Steve Thompson is set to make three changes from Tuesday's starting eleven. Kevin Pilkington, Dan Gleeson and Austin McCann are set to be recalled for Saul Deeney, Gary Silk and Stephen Hunt respectively. The latter three could feel slightly aggrieved, given their heroic displays against the Saints.
Bury, after a week off, will surely be the fresher of the two squads, and they also have the added head to head form advantage over Notts. Notts haven't beaten the Shakers in their last four visits to Meadow Lane, and last season's is perhaps the most memorable one. On the final day of last season, neither side were assured of League 2 safety, and with six other sides in the same boat, Bury raced into a two - nil lead. Notts needed to score twice in the last five minutes to ensure safety, and of course they did.
Bury are without Alan Fettis and Marc Goodfellow, whilst Notts' only absentee is Tom Curtis.
Key Clashes:
Mike Edwards v Glynn Hurst
Hurst returns to Meadow Lane having extended his loan at Gigg Lane from Shrewsbury. The striker is in sparkling form, with six goals in five matches, and he is sure to be up for this game. He endured a miserable spell at Notts, though his goalscoring record of 23 goals in 56 appearances doesn't highlight the troubles he actually had. He was in and out of form, involved in two awful campaigns, and fell out with two managers whilst at the club. With Bury he is rejuvenated, and he re-signed after receiving over 200 letters from Bury fans pleading with him to stay. Edwards is one of few Notts players who were here when Hurst was, and will know all about the South African. He will need to be on form to prevent a Hurst backlash.
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Matt Somner v Dwayne Mattis
Two players who are central to their teams ambitions. Mattis has been at Bury for a long time, despite considerable promise that he could play at a higher level. He is inconsistent, but when on song he can pass, dribble, battle and score. Somner has to counter this to allow Notts to stamp their authority on a game they should be able to win.
Junior Mendes v Dave Challinor
Long throw expert Challinor will be the key defender in Bury's armoury with his height and physical approach important if Bury are to stop the lively Mendes. Mendes is in good form, with goals in his previous two league games. He is pacey and skilful, and will give Notts their biggest goal threat.