Ahead of the youth team's first home game of the season against Grimsby Town tomorrow morning, we caught up with Head of Academy Coaching Mick Halsall for an early-season update.
Doncaster Youth 1-0 Notts Youth:
"We conceded a goal in the first five minutes from a set-piece. It was a game we should have probably won but we were lacking a bit of firepower as one of the players from the new intake had to go off through injury. He was our main focus in trying to go forward.
"It was disappointing as we improved in the second half and could have come away from the game with something."
Burton Youth 2-0 Notts Youth:
"It was a similar game - the first half was tight but we could have gone in 2-0 up. We had two one-on-ones, forcing the goalkeeper into a good save from one and the other was put past the post.
"We put in some good deliveries from set-pieces in the first half. Maybe, with a bit more determination, we could have got on the end of them to hopefully get a finish.
"The second half ebbed and flowed. A chance came where one player could have slipped a team-mate in but turned it down, we lost the ball and Burton went up the other end and scored. They scored again a minute later, which was disappointing because we felt that we could have got ourselves into the game if it had stayed at 1-0.
"It was a little fragmented in those games because we've only played well in one half in either game."
York Youth 0-1 Notts Youth:
"It was pleasing to get a win to get off the mark and to keep a clean sheet. We had to work really hard for it, particularly in the first half. We were a bit disjointed and didn't play at a high tempo.
"We put more thought and desire into the way we played in the second half but had to deal with going down to 10 men as one of the players was sent off for picking up two yellow cards.
"We went 1-0 up through a penalty five minutes later with Jack McMillan scoring. I was particularly pleased with the approach and understanding of getting into the 4-4-1 shape and working hard in the last 10 minutes to nullify York and ensure we won the game. Hopefully we can take that on to the games we have coming up.
Players adapting to life as a Notts County scholar:
"The players have done really well so far. It has been difficult because we have to put so many things in place at the start of the season.
"I don't think people outside the club realise what has to be done as a youth department with the scholars, such as their education, setting objectives and doing appraisals. A lot of that work comes from the players themselves. We put them through the coaching, which we felt was a good introduction for them.
"We have to put things like that in place because of the League Football Education programme. With all of that going on, I think the youth players have done really well.
"The second years have been a really good example to the first years and the assistance received from the staff has been first class.
"The players started college yesterday so we're into the proper stuff now and it will be interesting to see how things progress from here.
"It has taken a bit of time for the first years to settle in and become accustomed to what is expected of them as a scholar. It is very hard and demanding at times but they seem to be a tight group and I hope they can show it in their performances on the pitch.
Grimsby tomorrow:
"We want to carry on from the York game and hopefully we will get 90 minutes to show what we are capable of both in and out of possession. We need to improve on the positives from last week.
"Hopefully one or two players will come back into the frame but we want some continuity and success because that helps when you come in on a Monday morning. A win at the weekend sees you come in with a spring in your step and has you looking forward to the days ahead."
Come and support the youth team:
"There was a good turnout at youth games last season. Arnold is local and provides a good structure for us. It would be interesting to see what people think if they come along to the games. It's pleasing to see the supporters come down and watch players who will hopefully be involved with the first-team one day."