It`s a little over eight years since Notts County were last at Preston, 12th August 2003 saw the two teams play out a 0-0 draw in the Carling Cup and then Notts went on to take the game 6-7 on penalties.
Those were the days of Mildenhall, Barras, Fenton, Baraclough, Richardson, Stallard and Heffernan to name but a few.
Now the two sides meet up as two league one sides but this time its points they will both be fighting for. Preston are now unbeaten in four and three of them have been wins, so this game is going to be far from easy for Martin Allen`s side.
Vital Quotes – Karl Hawley
‘It’s going to be another tough test for us. We’ve had a hard opening month.
‘There are a lot of big teams and the league is very competitive this season.
‘We’re a new team and have a lot of young players.
‘We’re all pushing in the same direction and I think we will get better as it goes. We’ll be going for it fully at Preston.’
Preston NE Team News:
Preston boss Phil Brown will be without rookie defender Daniel Devine.
Devine has been ruled out of action for up to four weeks after sustaining a broken jaw following an incident in Preston city centre last weekend.
The 18-year-old, who started in North End’s last four games, is currently back home with his family in Northern Ireland as he recovers from the injury sustained just hours after the 1-0 home win over Exeter.
Influential skipper Iain Hume missed the Exeter game with a thigh injury, while left-back Steven Smith was also absent due to a calf complaint.
Hume and Smith should be fit to face the Magpies and rookie defender Conor McLaughlin is also edging closer to full fitness.
The 20-year-old came on as a late substitute against Exeter for his first appearance since suffering a fracture and dislocation of his ankle in February.
Player to watch: Neil Mellor
More than capable of getting his name on the score sheet.
Notts County Team News:
Notts County have problems in central midfield ahead of the trip.
Captain Neal Bishop will be suspended at Deepdale after he was sent off for two bookable offences during the defeat at Sheffield Wednesday last weekend.
He joins Ricky Ravenhill, who is still suffering from concussion following the victory over Tranmere 10 days ago, on the sidelines.
However, manager Martin Allen has moved to plug the void by signing the experienced Gavin Mahon on a pay-as-you play deal until January. He could make his debut on Saturday.
Allen is also hoping to boost his squad further with the addition of a striker before the game.
Striker Karl Hawley is set to return to Preston for the first time since leaving Deepdale to join Notts two years ago.
Player to watch: Jeff Hughes
Three goals so far and two in two games
Last 4 at Deepdale
Carling Cup Tu 12Aug 2003 Preston 0 – 0 Notts Co
Football League Div 2 Fr 12Nov 1999 Preston 2 – 0 Notts Co
Football League Div 2 Sa 01May 1999 Preston 1 – 1 Notts Co
English FA Cup Sa 06Dec 1997 Preston 2 – 2 Notts Co
Match Prediction:
Think County should be able to get a point from this game. 2-2
Next Fixtures:
Football League One Sa 03Sep 2011 Notts Co v Bournemouth
Football League One Sa 10Sep 2011 Notts Co v Walsall
Football League One Tu 13Sep 2011 Exeter v Notts Co
