Notts v Chesterfield... FINAL match preview

Last updated : 02 May 2008 By Paul Smith
So it is just about over. Just 90 minutes separates us from a summer of boredom, with no Notts and not even England in Euro 2008 to worry us.

At least our stress levels will be given a break.

The greatest relief however comes in the fact that Nots go to Saltergate under absolutely no pressure, knowing that safety is assured for another season regardless of the outcome of the derby.
Saltergate... WIll the sun shine on Notts?


A bit of local pride, but ultimately pride full stop in their performance is what is required from the Notts players who need to send the fans off into the summer more optimistic than they currently are.

It could be the final time many individuals pull on the famous black and white shirts with manager Ian McParland due to announce his retained list early next week.

Send the fans home happy lads, it is the least you can do.

Johnson... Unlikely to play
Come on you Pies!


Team news

Notts
- Michael Johnson looks set to be denied a rapturous send off as he struggles with an ankle injury, while Stephen Hunt will not be risked. Lee Canoville, Gavin Strachan and Jay Smith are ruled out.

Chesterfield - Jack Lester will make a long awaited return to the starting eleven but strike partner Steven Fletcher is a doubt.

Form guide

Notts
- April heralded two wins and three defeats. The bad thing is the defeats came away from Meadow Lane, making Notts long overdue an away point. Indeed, Notts' winless away run stretches back seven games while the Magpies have won just twice away from home all season. Notts are 20th in League Two, and the higest possible finish is 18th, with the lowest possible being 22nd.

Chesterfield - The Spireites have saw their play-off hopes dashed by a run of three games without a win, meaning the top seven is out of reach for this year. At Saltergate, Chesterfield have lost just once in six while over the course of the season the record is nine wins, seven draws and six defeats. The Spireites are eighth in League Two and will remain there regardless of Saturday's scoreline.

Last time out

Notts County 1-0 Chesterfield, Meadow Lane, Saturday September 29, 2007.

A single goal scored by defender Stephen Hunt separated the sides, as Notts put in a sterling defensive display to earn a surprise three points.

The Spireites arrived in Nottingham in third place having lost just once, while Notts were 17th with only one win to their name.
Hunt... Winning goal in reverse


But the form book was turned upside down by Steve Thompson's men through Hunt's only goal of the season so far, a superb diving header.

Jack Lester and Hector Sam exchanged shots on their respective opponent's goals before Peter Leven's speculative effort nearly crept in for the visitors.

But Hunt popped up to stoop low and angle in a Neil MacKenzie free-kick in the 21st minute from 14 yards in front of nearly 6,000 fans.

MacKenzie himself went close soon after before Lester turned Hunt with ease but weakly shot at Kevin Pilkington.

Chesterfield started to up the ante however and Jamie Ward's excellent 25-yard drive deflected onto the post with Pilkington beaten before Jamie Lowry's follow up missed the target and Lester again went close only for Pilkington to tip over from short range.

After the break there were little chances with Chesterfield enjoying more possession but Notts having more attempts at goal with MacKenzie and Butcher (twice) firing off target before Andy Parkinson had the chance to wrap it up towards the end but he fluffed his lines.

Key men

Notts
- Myles Weston is in superb form at the moment, easily the best of
his Notts career to date, and he has the ability to win the game for the Magpies, as he did against Wycombe last week.

Weston brilliantly fashioned Richard Butcher's decisive strike with a jinking run, and his pace, power and trickery caused the Chairboys problems all afternoon.

The left winger will carry many Notts hopes and will be looked at to produce another flying display and get past the full back to whip in dangerous crosses.

If he is in the mood he can make life very difficult for his opposing number.

Chesterfield - Jack Lester is likely to make his return to the starting eleven and having been named in the official League Two team of the year
last week, he is clearly a huge threat.

The former Forest man was extremely dangerous at Meadow Lane earlier in the season and Notts will need to heed that warning to have any chance of yet another clean sheet.

Lester has been out injured for a while recently, a factor in Chesterfield's fall from play-off contention, so he could be rusty.

But having plundered a huge 26 goals in just 37 appearances this season, he needs only one invitation to notch another.

Big battle

With Stephen Hunt not being risked and Michael Johnson unlikely to figure,
the onus falls on Paul Mayo down Notts' left hand side.

The former Lincoln City man has enjoyed a steady first season at Meadow Lane, despite seemingly falling out of favour under Ian McParland when he joined Darlington on loan.

But he will come in at Saltergate and will be expected to deal with the threat of in-form frontman Jamie Ward.

The talented Irish under-21 star has hit five goals in his last six games and brings bags of potential onto the pitch.


He is expected to start on the right hand side of the attack, possibly a three-pronged attack, and will come up against Mayo when he runs at the backline, which he does so well.

Mayo will have to use all of his experience to deal with Ward and nullify a potential match winner.

Possible line-ups

Notts (4-4-2)
- Russell Hoult; Gary Silk, Adam Tann, Mike Edwards, Paul Mayo; Ryan Jarvis, Richard Butcher, Neil MacKenzie, Myles Weston; Danny Crow, Jason Lee.

Chesterfield (4-3-3) - Barry Roche; Jamie Lowry, Gregor Robertson, Colin Hawkins, Peter Hartley; Lloyd Kerry, Phil Picken, Derek Niven; Jack Lester, Jamie Ward, Graeme Owens.

Prediction

I'm going to go for goals, with both sides having nothing to play for there is hope it could open up into a bit of a blood and thunder derby in the Saltergate sunshine. 2-2.