Notts County have hit poor form at precisely the wrong moment in League Two.
They’re currently in sixth position and still in contention for a play-off place, but now stand with three losses from their past four games.
It’s an alarming drop-off with two games still to play, and the likes of Colchester United only three points behind.
We asked Sky Sports pundit and former EFL striker Don Goodman whether he fears the Magpies could slip out of the race at the last moment.
Play-off spot is still in Notts County’s hands
Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman said: “Yeah, Notts County have just lost form at the wrong time.
“But I think the really lucky thing from their perspective is that so many of those around them and certainly below them have lost form as well.
“So, whilst it’s not ideal, they still have it in their own hands.
“We know they’ve got good players. We know they’re capable, but there’s always that fear. It’s a little bit like Walsall, isn’t it? On the most horrific run since they lost Nathan Lowe and can’t seem to buy a win.
“And it kind of feels like that’s happening a little bit to several of the teams at the top.
“So it’s about setting a reset button for Notts County and just finding wins any way that you can, and they’re more than capable of doing that.”
Luther Wildin has excelled for Stevenage, recently earning a new deal. Notts will regret how his career has played out – they released him in 2017.
Notts County have two games to save their season
Currently three points behind the Magpies, Colchester look the most likely bet to take County’s place in the play-offs.
Next up for Stuart Maynard’s side is Harrogate Town away; a team, in theory, who have nothing to play for, sitting eight points clear of relegation and a long way from the play-offs.
However, similar was true in their last game against Cheltenham Town, a match that once again ended in defeat for the Magpies.
Notts County’s last five in League Two
Opponent
Venue
Result
Score
Cheltenham Town
H
Loss
1-2
Bradford City
A
Draw
1-1
Salford City
H
Loss
1-3
Colchester United
A
Loss
1-0
MK Dons
H
Win
3-0
The U’s face fellow late play-off chasers Salford City away, not an easy task, but those two results going the wrong way for Notts would put everything on the final day.
Although they’d start level on points, the Magpies’ superior goal difference means all they would likely need to do is equal Colchester on the final day, but they’re facing current league toppers Doncaster Rovers, while United face mid-table Barrow.
As Goodman says, it is still very much in County’s hands, but their current run of results won’t give supporters much hope that they have the mentality to hold onto their lead.
Whatever happens, it will be a season of progress for Notts, who are fighting it out in the play-off places following a mid-table finish last term.
But having been looking nailed on for a place in the play-offs for so long now, it certainly won’t feel like that to those around the club if they miss out.
Once in the play-offs, everyone knows it’s a lottery and promotion is never guaranteed, but the Magpies must ensure they’re at least in the race.
The next two games for Notts could be the most important matches they’ve played in a long time; they need to put their current run of form as far back in their minds as possible.
Discussion about this post