Saturday:
Notts came back from a 2-0 half-time deficit to draw 2-2 in the local derby at Mansfield Town. A Danny Reet brace deservedly had the hosts ahead, and it should have been more. Notts changed it around after the break, and aided by Matt Hamshaw's sending off for the Stags, they got back into the tie with Mike Edwards and Lawrie Dudfield grabbing the goals. Notts: Pilkington, Silk (Martin), McCann, White, Edwards, Pipe, Parkinson, Somner (Hunt), Ross, Mendes (N'Toya), Dudfield.
England could only manage a bore draw at home to Macedonia in the European Championships 2008 Qualifier. It finished 0-0.
Sunday:
The NCM Messageboard was overrun with supporters commenting on the previous days events. From the baffling antics of Mansfield stewards, to the poor first half showing and the brilliant second half. A great day was had. Here are some of the comments made.
POM: Without taking anything away from Mansfield, both their goals today were due to Notts' Keystone Kops defending. This is an area that needs attention.
Kraziekev: I think Notts showed true grit to come from 2-0 down, every team has off days, I think it was a big occasion, with the form book going out of the window. Well done to Notts for their share persistence.
Pies4u: I have to say, that was the worst display of Policing and Stewarding I have seen since Barnsley in the 1990's!
Monday:
Reaction to the dramatic derby day events was taking place all around Meadow Lane. Speaking to the Notts County Official Site, Steve Thompson and Lawrie Dudfield had this to say:
Thompson: (on the first half) They were running us ragged. We were second to the ball, not competing like we should have been, and we were too flat. We had to get tighter, and we did that. On or two things had to be changed, and in the second half we came out and had a right go.
Dudfield: It wasn't a case of one or two of us being off colour, it was a case of all ten outfield players being off the pace and not playing well at all. It was a massive test for us and I'm so pleased we got a draw. I think the sending off helped us, but you can only have a go and try and beat what is in front of you.
Tuesday:
A youthful looking “Reserve” team beat Derby County 2-0. Jake Sheridan and Bobby Wilson hit the goals at the Ram's training ground. Professionals such as Saul Deeney, Tom Curtis and Stef Frost also got a run out. Mike Whitlow too k charge, and told the Official Site of his delight at the performance, “The attitude, application and commitment was spot on and exactly the same as the First Team boys and that is what I want to see right through the Club.”
Wednesday:
I ventured to meet Notts manager Steve Thompson for an exclusive NCM interview. Thommo gave a fascinating insight into the Club, including the news that he plans to open contract talks with several players soon, including full-backs Austin McCann and Dan Gleeson.
Season Ticket holders were reminded that if they want to get their same seat for the Southampton Carling Cup clash, they had until October the 14th to claim it.
England slumped even lower, with defeat at Croatia. Steve McClaren's men were inept and lost 2-0. Paul Robinson let in a comical goal after a Gary Neville backpass looped over his foot, via a divot, and into the net.
Thursday:
Andy Parkinson, under-fire from certain supporters for inept displays, came out fighting for the team's cause. He said, “We have belief in our ability as a team to score goals, especially from set-pieces.”
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Friday:
Midfielder Tom Curtis was diagnosed with a broken foot which rules him out for between four and six weeks. Curtis injured it in the 2-0 behind-closed-doors win at Derby, and it is a major setback for the lifelong Notts fan.
The club geared up for Saturday's game at home to Bristol Rovers. Alan White announced that “team's fear coming to Meadow Lane, whilst Steve Thompson told how he is delighted with the competition for places in his squad.