Defensive work helps Magpies get back on track in race for promotion

NOTTS County hope to continue their strong defensive record when they travel to face Colchester United today (3pm).

- By SAM ALLEN

The Magpies' return to winning ways in the last two games have been powered by strong defensive performances, with Stuart Maynard's side not allowing a shot on target, let alone a goal, in the last three matches.

The 3-0 win over MK Dons at Meadow Lane on Wednesday night lifted Notts back up to fourth in League Two, only two points off Port Vale and Bradford City and four off table-toppers Walsall with six to play.

When first-choice goalkeeper Alex Bass went down with an injury early against Grimsby Town five games ago, there might have been fears over how the team would fare in terms of keeping teams out. But they have kept four clean sheets since.