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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Tom Leach

Striker Jon Stead believes Notts County are a better side now they have realised their own strengths

Notts County striker Jon Stead believes the Magpies are finally figuring out their strengths as their fight to preserve their Football League status enters its final six games.

Opportunities to rejoice have been few and far between this season, with Neal Ardley's side only tasting victory on eight ocassions.

Following their win away at Forest Green Rovers in February, Stead joked his teammates looked like they had forgotten how to celebrate.

Since then Notts have won on three occasions and showed a newfound maturity last time out against Stevenage, preserving their clean sheet after romping to a three-goal lead before half-time.

As one of the more experienced heads in the dressing room, it would have been Stead's responsibility to ensure his younger teammates didn't take their foot off the gas during the second period, with the win seemingly in the bag.

Neal Ardley provides injury update on Notts County's Elliott Hewitt 

"It didn't feel like a win a half-time," he said. "We have been up in games just like that and been pegged back.

"There was an air of confidence because of the performance, sure, and we knew that we could do enough to finish the game but there were no celebrations at all.

"I think slowly we are really figuring out what kind of team we are and, especially on our good days, what we are good at.

"I think we are figuring that out a little bit more now and we are being effective and efficient in what we are doing.

Notts County striker Jon Stead (Dan Westwell)

"Rather than just playing games, we are actually hurting teams and we are creating chances.

"Sticking them away has been an issue, particularly at home but one that we are looking to address."

Notts' goalscoring record at home has left plenty to be desired as of late.

Ardley's side have scored just three goals this year at Meadow Lane, with only one of those helping them towards a win.

Neal Ardley hoping his Notts County players prove their mettle against bullying Northampton Town 

Stead's teammate Enzio Boldewijn revealed that during a meeting between Notts' forward players last week they have together decided that from now on they will get into the box more, get more shots away and take more risks.

And Stead has also pinpointed the importance of starting with attacking intent, just like they did against Stevenage.

"We have been asking for a lot of patience from the fans, I am sure they're all out of patience," he said.

"We have to start the game brightly and lively and get the crowd with us.

Jon Stead celebrates wildly after giving Notts County a first minute lead against Lincoln City (Ritchie Sumpter)

"When we put in good performances, predominantly away from home recently, we have been really aggressive. We have been on the front foot, we've been putting the ball in and behind when we have to, filling the pitch up and really making it hard for teams to come and attack us.

"Teams aren't getting many chances against us and I think that is because of the way we are going forward and attacking."

"It has been so different for us, and putting your finger on that is difficult," he said with a laugh. "That'll probably be your next question.

Jon Stead is ready for his most 'mentally draining' season to end but is adamant Notts County have what it takes to survive 

"We are working on it and we are planning this week to do exactly what we did last week and recreate the same performance that we put in away from home here at the Lane."

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