Sour taste of defeat spurs Magpies on

MARTIN Paterson said the “sour taste” of defeat exists but does not stay for long as he prepares Notts County to respond again away against Walsall today (3pm).

- By SAM ALLEN

The Magpies were beaten in a close affair against Grimsby Town at Meadow Lane last Saturday and had a clear week to let it simmer.

They get back on the horse in League Two today to take on a sliding Walsall side.

Much like last season, the Saddlers looked the early favourites to conquer all; they were top when Notts welcomed them to Meadow Lane just before Christmas.

But only two League wins in 2026 have seen them drop to 11th, 16 points off the top spot they once held.

Their current streak of three straight home defeats is their worst in four years and they have not lost four on the bounce on their own patch since early 2021.

Today, the Magpies will arrive keen to increase Walsall’s misery.

“We don’t like losing, especially being the club we are at this level with expectations on us,’ said Magpies head coach Paterson.