Stephen Hunt feels the clean sheet recorded against Hereford has given the Magpies squad a tremendous lift going into Saturday's game with Stockport County.

The clean sheet in the goalless draw at Edgar Street was Notts' first shut-out in nine League Two outings, with the last coming in a 2-0 win at Accrington Stanley in November.

Hunt, who has been Notts' regular left-back for the last month, admits confidence has grown as a defensive unit as a result.

"We were overdue a clean sheet and Pilks had been moaning so it was good to get one," admitted Hunt.

"It has given the whole team confidence; especially the back four and the goalkeeper."

The result itself has also lifted the squad after a tricky festive period against the top three sides in the League, and Hunt felt a change in tactics by Ian McParland did the trick.

"We have taken a lot of confidence from the Hereford result," he said.

"We played a little differently to how we have been recently when we went down there, playing the ball into their half quickly rather than building from the back - and it worked.

"It put the pressure on them rather than us."

From four festive games, Notts took two points from what was a very difficult set of games - perhaps the most difficult for any side in League Two over Christmas.

Hunt feels more points should have been accumulated by Notts over the Christmas period, and also wants to put on a good performance against Stockport tomorrow and give the Magpies supporters something to cheer about.

"We know we should have had more points over Christmas, no doubt," said the former Colchester man.

"We should have won games when we drew, and drawn when we lost.

"Ahead of Saturday, to get a point at Hereford has lifted us and now we want to get a win against Stockport.

"We don't think about the home form as much as people think, but we need to perform and give the fans something to shout about."

To hear Hunty speaking ahead of tomorrow's big game, log onto Magpie World right now where you will also be able to hear from winger Andy Parkinson and also Assistant Manager Dave Kevan.