Salop make the short trip to Nottingham tonight to take on Notts County. 

With both teams looking to get their first three points of the season, let’s take a more detailed look at this evening's opponents.  

Key Players 

Notts County’s star player over the last few seasons has been Malta international Jodi Jones. Jones joined the club in the 22/23 season, playing a pivotal role in helping them secure a return to the Football League. He would then break the League Two assists record in his first season before having an injury-hit campaign last year. Jones has scored once so far this season, hitting the net away at Newport on the opening day.  

Notts have plenty of experience in their side. Midfielder Matt Palmer has been an integral part of the club’s success over the last five seasons, while 33-year-old defender Rod McDonald has helped strengthen the backline since signing in January.  

Matthew Dennis is likely to start up front at Meadow Lane. The former MK Dons and Southend striker scored six in 14 games for Carlisle last season and he opened his account for Notts away at Barrow this past weekend.

The Head Coach 

After parting ways with Stuart Maynard at the end of last season, Notts County appointed former Huddersfield Town assistant Martin Paterson as their head coach in June. Retiring as a player in 2018, Paterson began his managerial career as an assistant at three US-based clubs, including Inter Miami. He then moved back across the pond and was assistant to Michael Duff at Barnsley and Swansea. He managed 20 games for Burton Albion at the end of the 23/24 season.

Form  

Notts County have struggled to get going this season, losing two and drawing one of their opening three matches. While they have hit the net in each match, they have been unable to see out or earn a win. Their first home game of the season ended in a 2-1 defeat to Salford two weeks ago.  

Head-to-Head Record  

Our first clash with Notts County dates back to 1961: a 4-0 demolition at the Gay Meadow. Since then, we have played each other a further 45 times. We have 17 of our encounters, with Notts winning 14 and 15 games ending in a draw.