An all guns blazing approach is the way to go. Notts County must fight fire with fire this season if they are to be serious about dominating the National League and getting back to where they belong in their rightful home after two years absence outside the Football League.

Notts County yesterday evening produced a dominant display in front of the BT Cameras at Meadow Lane as they easily disposed of recently promoted Altrincham with the likes of Jake Reeves, Kyle Wootton and of course Callum Roberts impressing to catch the eye of those watching on TV.

On Saturday their season got off to a stuttering start at Dover, the Magpies almost happy to settle for a point late on as Ransom headed in a ninetieth minute winner for the home side ensuring it would be a long coach drive back up from the Kent coast without any points for Ardley and co.

Business as usual on Wednesday night, the Notts Manager would ask his players to be ‘better without the ball’ working harder to press their opponents and to not take the opposition lightly. And from the moment of the off, Notts produced a dominant display that their lacklustre pre-season had mostly been missing, back was Kyle Wootton in the goals, back was Wes Thomas working hard and back was Cal Roberts teasing and tormenting defences.

Notts made just one change from what was a dismal performance under tricky circumstances at Dover. Dion Kelly-Evans a young full back offering more dynamism in getting forward replacing Adam Chicksen who by all means wasn’t the worse player on Saturday.

A short scroll through the County’s official website earlier today and you notice that the club now has actually more designated goalkeepers than midfielders… Surely a mistake? But no. In Jim O’Brien, Jake Reeves and Michael Doyle who needs more?

Following the incoming-outgoing of the seemingly temperamental ex-Danish international Casper Sloth, Notts have been left a little short in the area of midfield but the three they do have will certainly allow freedom for those in front of them to play without fear, to allow those at full back to get forward whilst casually filling in to cover any defensive voids.

I actually feel this midfield three is what will catalyst County from forerunners to dominant leaders, a blend of experience, quality, efficiency and ingenuity with work-rate and physical presence built for survival in the league they are in. The biggest issue is keeping all three fit, in being able to manage the time they play effectively, because without all three, Notts suddenly look slender and slight in midfield.

The front three speaks for itself right now, Wootton, Thomas & Roberts deserve to have the hot seat offering pace, power, ability, aggression and goals, but Notts can go from three to two should they wish to bring in the mercurial Enzio on days where 4-4-2 can be used? Jimmy Knowles is a player that excites me too but perhaps more as an instinct substitution to predatory hunt down tiring defences late on? Elisha Sam and Ruben Rodrigues perhaps need more time to be judged.

Defensively Notts have proved to be solid at centre half whichever it be two of Rawlinson, Lacey or Turner, the full backs offer an attacking outlay from deep and the gelling of 4-3-3 in almost the Liverpool way is one that really excites me going forward.

For it to work though Notts need to back themselves, they need to press high and work hard off the ball, to force mistakes from opponents and stretch the pitch to make it as big as possible, because given space, given time, Notts have the players that have what it takes to take them to the top.

Should Notts play to full capacity and why shouldn’t they do most weeks? Then 20 goals for Wootton is a gimmie, 20 goals for Roberts is a possibility, 20 goals for Thomas on top would see them promoted no question as others would undoubtedly chip in too.

Still lots of if’s, but’s and maybe’s ahead, it’s a long old season remember in the National League and not made easier with the questions hanging when fans will be allowed back, but playing without fear, with an XI that deep down everybody knows is the best in the league, is to stay clear of injury is to enjoy doing what they do to the best of their ability, to the best that Neal Ardley can expect, because I believe like many should Notts play to full capacity then Notts have what it takes, as long as the players do their upmost on the pitch I see no problem in this season being a very enjoyable ride.

5/1 second favourites behind Stockport as I read today… For any Notts fans that’s a gamble I would take on backing my team and my players to get this famous old club back in blighty.

*Article provided by Daniel Peacock (Editor).

*Main image @Official_NCFC the Magpies were fabulous last night to record their first win.