Assistant Manager Dave Kevan has laid down the gauntlet to the Notts County squad to maintain the level of performance which saw Notts start 2008 on a positive note.

The Magpies began the year with a goalless draw at Hereford United, and against the side sat second-placed in League Two going into the New Year Notts had the better chances and on another afternoon could have walked away with all three points.

And now Kevan wants to see that sort of performance again tomorrow when Notts play host to Stockport County tomorrow afternoon.

"It was an improved performance at Hereford and it has given us new hope and new belief in the players to reach a level which is acceptable, not only to us as staff, but to serve the football club also," said Kevan.

"The key now is to maintain it, and maintain that level of performance to turn those draws into victories.

"Even when we've been losing games it has been by the odd goal, and it shows it really is a thin line for us at the moment between winning and losing games."

After two straight home defeats over Christmas, there's no doubt that the home form must improve at Meadow Lane.

Kevan believes Notts must be more purposeful on home turf, and need to be stronger minded in order to gain results.

"We need to be more purposeful at home, and improve the form," he said.

"As far as we're concerned we certainly need to be stronger minded at home and more determined to go out and perform.

"I don't think there is a problem for the players playing at Meadow Lane, although the results would suggest otherwise. I don't think there's a mental problem either."

The Magpies fans were quite right to vent their frustrations at the players a week ago according to Kevan as a disappointing display saw Notts fall to a 1-0 defeat against Rotherham.

He said: "The supporters have been fantastic with the players and very patient, and against Rotherham they were quite right to vent their frustrations afterwards. We understand that and most certainly vented ours afterwards.

"But, we would like to see an improvement starting on Saturday against Stockport."

Stockport sit mid-table in League Two but are building up momentum to launch a charge towards the playoffs similar to last season, and Kevan feels if Notts can get the first goal it will put them in a great position to push on and try to win the game.

"Stockport are a good team with some good players, and they're coming here off the back of a good win against Morecambe," said Kevan.

"I'm sure given our home form they will be coming here in confident mood.

"But, like I said earlier we're looking to turn the home form around and we want to put a performance on that the fans can be proud of and hopefully get three points.

"If we can get the first goal, it would be a big help to us."

To hear Dave speaking in full ahead of the visit of Stockport to Meadow Lane on Saturday afternoon, simply log onto Magpie World right now - where along with his comments you can also hear from Magpies duo Andy Parkinson and Stephen Hunt going into the game.