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We all know Notts faced a tough trio of games following the away at Dagenham a week ago and Tuesday afternoon was a reminder of that.
The Pies played some of their best stuff of the season to date and matched Paul Ince's powerful Dons in almost every department.
But a battling and apprecaited perfromance was not enough to earn Notts reward.
It's Rotherham and Hereford up next for the black and whites - two games which could leave County empty handed.
Performances are nice against a side in full flow this term like the MK Dons but tomorrow is all about getting a result.
Whether it be just one or even all three it is imperative the Magpies take soemthing from the game considerign they lie precariously just six points above the drop zone.
With the positives taken from a spirited Boxing Day display, Notts will need to dig deep and salvage some reward.
Team News
Notts - Krystian Pearce is welcomed back to the County ranks. The young central defender missed out against the Dons serving a one match ban following dismissal at Dagenham.
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Rotherham - The Millers look to remain unchanged from the side that hammered Wrexham 3-0 on Tuesday. Danny Harrison has recovered from a bruised foot picked up in midweek while Chris O'Grady and Marc Newsham should again lead the line up top.
Form Guide
Notts - Patchy form has marred the Magpies from climbing away from League Two trouble in recent weeks. More worrying is that County have won just once in the last seven league outings. And with five defeats at home already this season the Millers may fancy their chances.
Rotherham - United have been the form team in League Two of late. Mark Robins' side have suffered just a single defeat in the last 14 league clashes including eight wins from the last ten. Rotherham have dealt a healthy boost to their promotion challenge in the last two months.
Last Time Out
Rotherham 1 - 1 Notts (September 22 2007)
The Millers made a cracking start taking the lead inside the opening four
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Notts then went on to play some of their most creative football of the season so far opening up the hosts on numerous occassions.
The Magpies finally made the break through shortly before the break as Spencer Weir-Daley beat the offside trap before tapping in his first goal for the club.
The second half saw the game come down a couple of gears as both teams seemed content on a point apiece.
It was at the final whistle when the biggest stir was caused though. Former County boss Steve Thompson confronted a small group of Notts fans who were holding a 'Thommo out' banner before trudging back down the tunnel. It was to be a vital step in his fall.
Key Men
Notts - Richard Butcher has been inspiring formf or the Magpies over the Christmas period and his industrious midfield display keep help to orchestrate a
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Rotherham - Graham Coughlan has been an instrumental player for Rotherham away from this season. The tough tackling centre-back snuffs out all aerial threats and has been as solid as a rock. The 33-year-old has enjoyed an impressive first season at the club since joining from Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday this summer and his commanding displays has helped the Millers to the second best away defensive record in the division. United have conceded a mere seven goals away from Millmoor this term and Coughlan's contribution should not be under estimated.
Big Battle
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The fornmer Leicester City man suffered a dip in form but his first goal in seven games against fellow promotion hopefuls Darlington should fill him with confidence.
The 21-year-old is tricky customer as he showed in the second half of the teams previous meetings.
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He is a quick player with good close control who can cause all kinds of trouble inside the penalty area. He is always looking to create his own chances and has a good awareness of what is going on around him.
Tann has been in terrific form of late especially since the arrival of Ian McParland. His recent displays suggest he will be up to the mark in NCM's big battle.
Likely Lineups
Notts - (4-4-2)
Kevin Pilkington; Lee Canoville, Adam Tann, Krystian Pearce, Stephen Hunt; Andy Parkinson, Richard Butcher, Neil MacKenzie, Myles Weston; Lawrie Dudfield, Jason Lee
Rotherham - (4-4-2)
Andy Warrington; Pablo Mills, Graham Coughlan, Ian Sharps, Steve Brogan; Ian Ross, Marc Jospeh, Danny Harrison, Derek Holmes; Chris O'Grady, Marc Newsham
Prediction
Notts will have it difficult here as Rotherham are renowned for travelling well. The Millers may under estimate County after grabbing a point at Darlington on Tuesday. Draw!