Another tough test facing Magpies in battle for promotion

THE big games keep coming for Notts County as they take on another promotion contender in Crewe Alexandra at Meadow Lane today (12.30pm).

- By SAM ALLEN

Crewe are looking to return to the League Two play-off places after being overtaken by Danny Cowley’s red-hot Colchester United side last weekend, while the Magpies are looking to get back into the top three.

Only two wins in the last eight have meant that Notts’ place within the top seven altogether remains unsecure with nine games to go but they have been fortunate enough to see most of the teams around them also struggle with inconsistency at this time.

Magpies head coach Stuart Maynard expects a stern challenge this weekend, with his side hoping to avenge their derby day loss to Chesterfield last time out at home.

"It will be a really tough game," said Maynard.

"They beat us 2-0 in the reverse fixture; they came out strong in the first half and were better than us but they scored with a counter and a penalty that never should have been given.