⚽ Match Thread vs. Southend Utd. 21.02.23 [NL]

[Maggie's Farm]

On to the game and result and it's clear to see that this team are amazing and all the ingredients are there for this to go down as a special season if we can go on and finish the job and get promoted. The challenge is as tough as it's been and will continue to be from now until the end but we have to keep going and going hard taking each game one at a time. Seven wins in a row and it's starting to have all the signs of the Cotteril run that we had in 09/10 at the business end of the season.

Our goal difference is moving ahead of Wrexham and that's a positive as that really could be a worth an extra point. So while we have scored four goals in the past three games it is still only +5 over Wrexham and this shows how stiff the competition is. We just have to hope that if we drop points they do, and if they drop points we don't.

I can't think of a season like it and I doubt we will ever see a season like it again. One automatic promotion place, two teams relentless going at it. 1 defeat in 34 games, 25 games unbeaten.

Let's hope the psychology of Wrexham being 2nd no matter what they do remains as long as possible especially while they still have games in hand. Wexham's first game in hand to be played is next Tuesday at home to Chesterfield. So we need to win on Saturday and maintain at least a five point cushion.

Nearly 50 years a Notts fan and this season (so far) is such a treat. Apart from being non-league, on and off the pitch, we're almost the ideal of what Notts could be.

Then I look at Wrexham, think of play-offs past, and hear a quiet but insistent echoey canticle: "I had a wheelbarra, the wheel fell off..."

[OchPie]

Sadly couldn't watch thanks to being in Japan, but it sounds immense. I'll try to watch back when I can.

Ran the max points league table. We're now not only officially mathematically safe from relegation, but actually guaranteed a top half finish. Half the bloody league can't catch us now even if they win every game. And by my calculations, we're currently 9 or fewer points from a guaranteed playoff spot. Jings.

This team, this manager, what a ride.

[OchPie]

Also I keep seeing we've had no long term injuries this season (mostly on the Wrexham board) but does everyone forget Rawlo and JOB? Both are expected on the team sheet when fit and I think Rawlo is generally a starter, but JOB was out for weeks from the Wrexham game in October, and Rawlo had a run of seven games out, twice.

[Lullapie]

Also I keep seeing we've had no long term injuries this season (mostly on the Wrexham board) but does everyone forget Rawlo and JOB? Both are expected on the team sheet when fit and I think Rawlo is generally a starter, but JOB was out for weeks from the Wrexham game in October, and Rawlo had a run of seven games out, twice.

Some of the Wrexham comments on their board are a bit childish. There are a few knobs on there - unlike here (LOL), but most of them are quite realistic.

I still feel that Wrexham are the favourites, because Notts have to go there and Wrexham are virtually unbeatable on their own pitch. It certainly isn't suited to any passing game.

However, they do rely on Mullins and I think they have to keep him going whatever. He may burn out soon and the pressure on him must be phenomenal.

I'm certain all of us would have taken the position we are in now at the start of the season. Fingers crossed, Notts keep on going and Wrexham fall away a bit.

[OchPie]

It doesn't, of course, work like this - but we're five points ahead and Wrexham's games in hand are worth 4.88 points at their current ppg.

The margins are ridiculously close.

I think we can beat them at the Racecourse but it might depend on how well set up they are in midfield by then. Kinda wish we were playing them next week.

[queenslandpie]

Does anyone know how far away Scott is? Just so I can calm my nerves about what may happen if Langstaff gets injured.

[nottsfan81]

LW said he's back training and very close

[i961pie]

This was my first game since November having spent 3 months in NZ and what a performance. My first look at Jones and Bostock and was very impressed. Did you see Rawlo during a break in play? One of their players ran over to the coach for some instructions and Rawlo went an stood on his shoulder listening, they weren't amused but it was funny.
Just hope we get a very strong ref when we go to Wrexham to stop Mullinpen from diving.

[PedroTheFisherman66]

It seems we are in trouble as we have peaked to soon !

Re: Carry On Regardless: Wrexham 2 Scunny 0
Patchy that, but plenty of positives - need replacement for TOC is how I see it, if he really is out for 6 weeks, key position for the way we play. Anyone feel Notts are peaking too early ? We have lots of room for improvement with returning players etc….

[Jampie]

Does anyone know how far away Scott is? Just so I can calm my nerves about what may happen if Langstaff gets injured.

LW said he's expected back imminently in his last interview