County aces back in the old routine

NOTTS County could hardly have wished for a better start to the season.

Top of League One after five matches and four wins, manager Keith Curle is seeing his Magpies start this season just as they finished the last one: bang on form.

Only an inferior goal difference to Stevenage stopped the Meadow Lane outfit from gaining a play-off spot in 2011-12. And menacingly, in view of their visit to Boundary Park on Saturday, even those apparently cast out by Curle are proving their worth to the cause.

Former Athletic striker Lee Hughes, for example, has two goals in as many appearances, including one in the 3-2 home victory over Shrewsbury last week.

Hughes is now 36, but from being surplus to Curle's requirements he is now an important member of the squad.






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