SIMON Cox buried Nottingham Forest's first penalty in more than a year to help them claim a draw at Leicester City.

The Reds had not been awarded a spot kick since September 17, 2011, when Andy Reid had netted in the 2-1 defeat at the hands of Derby County.

But, this time, the penalty was enough to secure a point for the Reds against another of their East Midlands rivals, following an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Sean O'Driscoll's side twice had to come back from behind, as Adlene Guedioura netted in the 22nd minute to cancel out an early own goal from Elliott Ward.

A clever finish from David Nugent put Leicester 2-1 up in the 32nd minute, but Cox kept his head to finish from the spot to secure the point in the 67th minute.

Leicester made a bright start, putting the Forest defence under pressure in the first five minutes, but without carving out a clear opening. While, in contrast, Andy Reid sent a shot bouncing wide with Forest's first real foray into the opposition half.

The Foxes were to make the breakthrough in the sixth minute, as Forest suffered a moment of defensive misfortune. Leicester worked the ball out to the left where Lloyd Dyer had the space to cut in towards the edge of the box and deliver a powerful low cross that Elliott Ward deflected beyond Camp as he attempted to clear at the near post.

Dyer's effort did not look to be on target before Ward's touch, so the defender will be credited with an own goal.

Leicester might have had a second when Anthony Knockaert rampaged into space down the right flank, but his clever ball across the face of goal went unconverted.

Adlene Guedioura was caught lingering in possession by Dyer as he carried the ball out of defence, leading to Forest conceding a free kick as they tried to retrieve the ball. Fortunately knockaert's shot was always rising over Camp's bar.

Former Forest defender Wes Morgan had to make a vital clearance when Chris Cohen bent in an in-swinging cross from the right, with both Billy Sharp and Simon Cox poised to pounce on the edge of the six yard box.

Then, after Cohen had been fouled, Andy King came close to an own goal with a headed clearance from another Cohen delivery which flashed wide of the post.

Forest broke quickly with Reid feeding Cox with a superb ball, but makeshift full back Jeff Schlupp – normally a striker – did enough to halt the Forest man's progress.

A foul on Sharp gave Reid the chance to try his luck from 28 yards, but his driven effort was charged down by the defensive wall.

Reid then conceded a needless free kick with a clumsy challenge on Knockaert – and Leicester should have doubled their lead as a result.

Martyn Waghorn sent a teasing ball into the centre and an unmarked Morgan just failed to make contact a few yards out, with only Camp to beat.

Forest then drew level, following a fluid counter attack down their right flank. Cohen managed to stay onside before feeding a clever pass to send Cox into a dangerous position, from where he delivered a low pass into the centre for Adlene Guedioura to drive home a simple finish.

The goal, in the 22nd minute, seemed to spark an already eventful game into life even more, with Halford and Simon Gillett combining superbly to deny Knockaert an opportunity when the French midfielder threatened to dance through on goal.

At the other end, Cohen found himself with a half-chance inside the box following good work from Cox, but failed to properly connect with a shot that bobbled harmlessly wide.

Cox was unlucky not to be awarded a free kick after being bundled to the ground by a combination of both De Laet and Morgan in an aerial challenge.

Leicester took the lead for a second time when danger man Knockaert found his accuracy with another ball into the box, lifting a cross over the Forest defence for Nugent to flick home an instinctive finish over the head of Camp and inside the far post.

King then split the Forest defence with a superb pass, sending Dyer racing clear. Camp was quick to charge to the edge of the box and did just enough to put the winger off, with the Leicester man prodding the ball past him, but also out of play, wide of goal.

Forest suffered a further blow when Ward appeared to tweak a hamstring just before half time. The on loan Norwich man was clearly struggling but, with the interval approaching, Forest were clearly hoping he would respond to treatment during the break.

The defender did emerge for the second period, with Forest kicking off unchanged and Ward appearing to be moving freely.

A howler from Guedioura almost gave Leicester the gift of an early goal, after the Algerian fed a pass straight to Nugent on the edge of the box. He, in turn, found Waghorn unmarked 12 yards from goal but, while the striker beat Camp with a low shot, Ward was well placed to make a desperate clearance off the line.

Guedioura was taken off shortly afterwards and replaced by Jermaine Jenas, who had overcome an ankle injury to take a place among the substitutes.

Forest were struggling to force their way into the Leicester half in the opening ten minutes of the half, although, when they did, Sharp sent a dipping shot over the bar from 25 yards.

Camp had to produce an outstanding save to keep Leicester's lead down to a single goal when Waghorn attacked a De Laet cross, with the keeper doing well to push the striker's header away, before Ward cleared the danger.

Nugent, who had landed awkwardly and hurt his shoulder and neck after being tackled by Brendan Moloney, had to be replaced with just less than an hour gone, with Jesse Lingard coming on.

Cox let fly with an ambitious effort that was always flying wide, receiving a rebuke from Sharp for failing to feed him in as a result.

Camp had to save again, this time from Dyer, after the winger had flashed a low shot towards the far corner of the net. While Collins had to get across to clear decisively when it seemed as though Waghorn was about to ghost through on goal.

Forest drew level for a second time as a superb turn from Sharp and some slightly generous refereeing earned them a penalty. Zak Whitbread seemed to have got a foot to the ball when he slid in at the striker's feet, but referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot.

In front of the Leicester fans, Cox kept his head to slot the penalty to Schmeichel's left, as the keeper plunged to his right to level the scores in the 67th minute.

Reid had to clear off the line when a Dyer shot deflected off Gillett – with the Leicester players angrily claiming that Gilllett had been guilty of a handball. The ball had seemed to strike the midfielder on the arm, but it was hard to judge whether there was intent, as his hands had been down by his side.

Forest made a second change, bringing on Henri Lansbury for Reid, who had worked hard down the left side.

Moloney had to time his challenge perfectly as Schlupp pushed down the Leicester left into the box and, from the resulting corner, Waghorn should have scored when presented with a free header at the near post, but his effort was well wide.

Jenas then chased back a long way to make a potential goal saving clearance as Drinkwater waited to prod the ball home at the far post.

Sharp lifted a shot high over the bar after Leicester's defence had failed to clear the ball as it rebounded around the penalty area.

But neither side could make the breakthrough before the final whistle, leaving Forest to return home with a hard fought point.

Leicester: Schmeichel, De Laet, Drinkwater, Morgan, Whitbread, King, Dyer, Waghorn, Schlupp, Knockaert (Marshall 77), Nugent (Lingard 59). Subs: Danns, Logan, James, Moore, Futacs.

Forest: Camp, Moloney, Ward, Collins, Halford, Gillett (Blackstock 87), Cohen, Guedioura (Jenas 54), Reid (Lansbury 80), Cox, Sharp. Subs: Darlow, McGugan, Tudgay, Coppinger.

NOTTS County were held to a 1-1 draw by their League One promotion rivals Crawley Town at Meadow Lane today.

Captain Neal Bishop fired the Magpies 1-0 ahead early in the first half with his fifth goal of the season.

But Jonathan Forte, who has enjoyed three great loan spells at Meadow Lane in his career, came back to haunt Notts with the equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

After two good away wins at Portsmouth in the FA Cup and Colchester United in the league, the Magpies were entirely unchanged to face Crawley.

Defender Alan Sheehan returned to the squad from injury, but he was named on the subs' bench as Jeff Hughes once again started at left-back, alongside Gary Liddle, Dean Leacock and Damion Stewart in defence, in front of No.1 goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski.

Bishop and Andre Boucaud were paired together in central midfield and in front of those two were the attacking trio of Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Francois Zoko and Alan Judge, while leading-scorer Yoann Arquin led their attack.

Notts were first to threaten on ten minutes.

Liddle sent Campbell-Ryce racing down the right and he swung a dangerous cross into the penalty area that Arquin headed over the bar from close range.

The Magpies then scored to take a 1-0 lead on 12 minutes.

It was a great goal too, as Campbell-Ryce swept forward and slipped a pass through into the box for Bishop.

He timed a forward burst brilliantly to beat the offside trap and coolly stroked the ball past Crawley goalkeeper Paul Jones.

Campbell-Ryce then forced Jones into a good save with a powerful strike from inside the penalty area two minutes later and Jeff Hughes prodded an effort just wide from a corner on 15 minutes.

Notts were well on top and Arquin should have doubled their lead on 19 minutes, but headed Campbell-Ryce's right-wing cross over the bar from inside the six-yard box.

Crawley hit back through Nicky Adams as the midfielder hit a soaring shot just over the bar on 21 minutes and then forced Bialkowski into a good save with another good strike from the edge of the penalty area three minutes later.

The Magpies were quickly back on the attack though, and Bishop almost connected with Judge's left-wing cross into the box and 29 minutes and Liddle drove a low shot narrowly wide of Jones' right-hand post a minute later.

Bialkowski then made a good save to deny Crawley striker Billy Clarke on 44 minutes, parrying away his close-range header, but the visitors still equalised moments later, Adams beating Zoko and driving a low cross across the face of goal for Forte to tap in.

Having been pegged back, Notts strove for a second goal at the start of the second half and Liddle released Campbell-Ryce on 53 minutes and he raced into the box, but was stopped by Crawley captain Claude Davis.

Arquin then fired a low shot at goal from the edge of the box on 63 minutes that Jones held.

The Magpies threw on Lee Hughes for Zoko on 73 minutes and he had a glorious chance to score with his first touch just three minutes later, but headed Jeff Hughes' left-wing cross into the box wide from close range.

Notts were then denied by a great save from Jones on 78 minutes.

Lee Hughes hit a shot inside the penalty area that was blocked and the ball rebounded to Arquin, who swept it at goal, but Jones parried it away.

The Magpies continued to lay siege to the visitors' goal and Arquin smashed a shot at goal on 90 minutes, but it was blocked.

NOTTS: Bialkowski, Liddle, Leacock, D Stewart, J Hughes, Bishop, Boucaud, Campbell-Ryce (Showunmi, 88), Zoko (L Hughes, 73), Judge, Arquin. Subs: Mitchell, Williams, Sheehan, Mahon, Labadie.

CRAWLEY: P Jones, Byrne, McFadzean, Davis, Sadler, Adams, Simpson, Bulman, M Jones, Clarke (Torres, 90), Forte (Alexander, 85). Subs: Kuipers, Connolly, Walsh, Hunt, Ajose.

ATTENDANCE: 5,685 (308 away).

Notts County were left to rue missed chances as Crawley escaped from Meadow Lane with a 1-1 draw.

Stunning play by winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce had led to County opening the scoring in the 12th minute as he jinked past three challenges before dinking a perfectly-timed through ball over the top for Neal Bishop, who slotted the ball under Crawley goalkeeper Paul Jones.

The home side played some sublime football during the first half and had chances to extend their lead, but were pegged back when Crawley midfielder Nicky Adams' cross was turned in by former County loanee Jonathan Forte in the 45th minute to send the teams in level at half-time.

County missed a golden chance to go ahead in the 76th minute when substitute Lee Hughes somehow headed wide from six yards out from Jeff Hughes's pin-point cross.

Yoann Arquin looked like he was going to win it for County two minutes later when he was was played in by Lee Hughes, but Jones saved at his feet and the points were shared.

BEN Hutchinson's early strike was enough to seal all three points for Mansfield Town as they saw off Southport 1-0 today.

The former Celtic forward fired home from close range after just two minutes, following a flowing move that started when Lindon Meikle made a superb tackle deep in his own half.

And while Stags failed to add to their tally, they stayed solid to keep a clean sheet and earn the win at the One Call Stadium.

Although their away form has been poor, they have not lost at home since the opening day of the campaign – winning six and drawing two of their nine home matches.

Mansfield: Redmond, Sutton, Dempster, Geohaghon, Beevers, Howell, Briscoe, Meikle, Clements (Murray, 72), Hutchinson, Wright (Speight, 66). Subs: Thompson, Green, Rhead

Southport: McMillan, Smith, Lever, Parry, Grand, Whalley, Ledsham (Stephenson, 79), Benjamin (Almond, 65), Moogan (Chalmers, 88), Lynch, Tames. Subs: Hibbert, Willis

Referee: Declan Ford (Lincoln)

Attendance: 1,918 (83 visitors)

NOTTINGHAM Forest got lucky for the first time this season at Leicester, admitted manager Sean O'Driscoll.

The Reds boss conceded that his side had benefitted from a dubious penalty as they secured a 2-2 draw at Leicester City on an afternoon when they failed to produce their best.

Simon Cox converted from the spot following what looked to be a fair challenge from Zak Whitbread on Billy Sharp, to help Forest level for a second time after Adlene Guedioura had earlier made it 1-1.

"We were definitely fortunate. You try to be honest with your opinions, whether you win, lose or draw – and we got out of jail, we were lucky," said O'Driscoll.

"It is just my opinion. If it was given against my team I would tell you the same thing – I did not think it was a penalty.

"I can see why the referee gave it. And in the last live TV game we had, we had Dexter sent off and I did not think that was a sending off, but I could see why the referee gave it. This was exactly the same.

"I am not going to run on the pitch and tell Simon to blast the ball over the bar, because we all live by the same rules. Everyone in this division will moan about decisions not going their way.

"Most people keep quiet when they do go in their favour. In the context of the game, it was fortunate for us.

"We gave the ball away so many times. You can talk about tactics, structure, organisation and anything else – but if you give the ball away as frequently as we did, then that all goes out the window. We will blame the early start!"

O'Driscoll was encouraged by his players' attitude, if nothing else.

"On a positive side, we gave ourselves a chance because we defended, we never gave anything up. We had players who followed up on balls they had no right to get," he said.

"We got a fortunate penalty at the other end, however. That is the first time we have come off the pitch this season where I have felt that we did not deserve anything. But we have got a point.

"We will try to react with a better performance. We want to play as well as we did against Middlesbrough when we play Sheffield Wednesday next weekend.

"Before the game, if you had offered me the point, I would have taken it. But, if you had told me we would play like this, I would say 'no, no, no, no'. The performance was not up to scratch. There were fewer positives to come out of this game than there were the three defeats we have had.

Police are investigating after a man was found injured in the city centre during the early hours of this morning.

The 21-year-old was found in Long Row at roughly 1.45am and it is believed that he had been violently assaulted. 

The victim remains in a critical condition at the Queens Medical Centre.

Police have closed Long Row, from its junction with High Street to where it meets the Council House, while specialist searches and forensic examinations are carried out.

The area would have been very busy at the time and police are appealing for witnesses. 

Witnesses, or anyone with information, are asked to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

IT could take years to get unemployment in the East Midlands back down to its pre-recession level, it is claimed.

The study by the TUC, which analysed a recent slight fall in the jobless figures, says that, even if current trends continue, it will take three years and nine months for Britain's jobless total to fall to pre-crash levels.

In the East Midlands, unemployment shot up from 5.6 per cent to 8.2 per cent between January 2008 and January 2012 and has only fallen by just over a third (0.4) of a percentage between January and July this year.

THREE new staff could be taken on by Notts County Council to develop the economy and tourism at a cost of £137,327.

A decision will be made at a committee meeting at County Hall on Wednesday morning.

The posts include a heritage officer and two economic development officers.

SHOPPERS in Nottingham have expressed their shock after a 21-year-old man was seriously injured in a stabbing.

Those arriving in the city centre yesterday were met with the sight of a police cordon next to the Council House, in Long Row.

The injured man was found on the street at around 1.45am yesterday and remains "gravely ill" in hospital.

Crowds of shoppers gathered to see what was going on as forensics officers scoured the area.

Some including Primark and Warehouse were able to open but could not let customers in their front doors, while others such as Ann Summers, had to remain closed completely until the cordon was lifted at around 2pm.

Nicola Fletcher, assistant manager at Ann Summers, said: "We phoned our area manager and they said a 21-year-old man had been stabbed. Nothing quite like this has happened before on this road, but some sort of trouble goes on every week.

"I'm dreading the late night shifts towards Christmas as we finish at about 10pm."

Yvonne Crampton, assistant manager at Arden News, which overlooks Long Row, said: "I came in at 7.30am and it was cordoned off.

"It's not too bad for our business but for the shops down there it must be terrible, especially on a busy day like this."

Shoppers said they were shocked to see the police activity.

Karen Quickfall of Lucknow Road, Mapperley, said: "I don't come out much at night, the crime rate is terrible.

"I fear for the future of the city and the trouble all seems alcohol related."

The 54-year-old added: "It's awful, this is somebody's son or boyfriend.

"My daughter walks through town at night and that scares me."

Dave Blackwood, 43, of Corby Road, Mapperley, said: "You have to look out for yourself at night.

"I only go out sometimes. I just hope the guy is alright."

Edward Nurcombe, 44, of Musters Road, West Bridgford was also shopping in the city.

He said: "I hope they catch them.

"With the amount of police down here, it must be something serious."

Anyone with information should contact Notts Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Do you know the victim? Call our newsdesk on 0115 905 1967 or email newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk

A PIECE of choral music commissioned in memory of a scientist from the University of Nottingham was given its first airing yesterday.

The music, in memory of Dr David Ray, was performed by St Peter's Church Choir at the University of Nottingham Medical School.

Dr Ray, associate professor of neurotoxicology, died on Remembrance Day 2010 after a long fight against lung cancer. He was Special Professor at the Medical School.

Dr Ray was also a member of the choir of St Peter's Church in the city centre which collaborated with the medical school and his widow, Reverend Joanna Ray, to commission a piece of music by British composer Howard Skempton.

Reverend Ray said: "I feel deeply moved and extremely proud that David should be honoured in such a wonderful way.

"He had a great love for choral church music and for listening to Proms concerts.

"It was a great comfort and inspiration to him during the traumatic last days of his lung cancer.

"Music strengthened his courage and resolve, to keep cheerful and positive right until the end."

Invited guests, friends and family of Dr Ray attended the first performance of the piece yesterday.

NOTTINGHAM has been revealed as one of the top ten most popular driver destinations by AA route planner online.

The service is celebrating its centenary year with its 1.5 billionth online route. The route that marked the service's 1.5 billionth request was to Gatwick airport, the overall most popular destination.

Nottingham came ninth in the top ten list of requested destinations, above Cardiff and below places such as Alton Towers, Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5, Bristol, Manchester, Southampton, York and Leeds.

A COMMUNITY film telling the story of teenagers and young people in St Ann's was premiered in the city this weekend.

The Chase features around 40 young people from Nottingham and aims to raise awareness of the struggles they face.

The film was shot across the city, with scenes in Sneinton Mapperley and St Ann's.

It was shown for the first time at Cineworld, in the Cornerhouse in Nottingham, on Saturday.

Susie Gray is the project manager for the Nottingham Children, Young People and Families Project, the charity which organised the film.

She said: "The purpose of the film is to show experiences that occur with young people. It is not meant to glorify or make excuses – we wanted to give young people a platform."

The story follows four main characters growing up in St Ann's and tackles issues of gangs, drugs, domestic violence and friendship.

Ms Gray added: "We wanted to give kids the experience of working on a professional film set and build their skills.

"They're really creative."

The charity is now in discussions about where to show the film next.

Curtis Scott, of Cauncon Avenue in St Ann's, plays Luther, one of the main characters.

He said: We want to get across what it is like living in inner-city Nottingham.

"Some people don't understand how kids get dragged into things."

The 19-year-old added: "It's been amazing. I've never been on a proper set and to be a part of that was great."

Ethan Davey, 7, of Gedling village, also appeared in the film.

He said: "It feels good to be involved. I've just been acting a lot and I've enjoyed it. I would like to be famous and be an actor."

Most of the young people involved had no previous acting experience and are residents who auditioned for parts.

Faolan Jones works for Rewired TV, a Nottingham-based not-for-profit organisation formed to make the film.

Mr Jones, who co-directed the film, said: "Hopefully the movie will open up a dialogue.

"It would be nice if policy-makers could see it.

"Everyone involved can be proud – the acting talent is brilliant."

The project was funded through a series of grants, including the National lottery's Awards For All and money from One Nottingham and Lloyds Bank.

Have you seen The Chase? Let us know your views at newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk

POLICE in Bulwell have agreed that their priority for this month is to tackle antisocial behaviour in and around the Merchant Street area.

There have been problems with groups of children running in and out of empty properties, trying to start fires in them and reports of loud music causing a disturbance on the street.

Neighbourhood policing teams in the area say they will step up patrols in the area and work with other organisations to try to improve the look of the area.

They will feed results back to resident on a monthly basis through the police website and neighbourhood alert system, which can be found at www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/local/nottingham_city/bulwell/bulwell

A 27-YEAR-OLD man is fighting for his life in hospital after being stabbed near Primark in the city centre.

The man was found seriously injured in Long Row at about 1.45am yesterday.

Police say he is "critical but stable and have warned his attacker or attackers they will be found.

Detective Inspector Leigh Sanders, who is leading the investigation, said: "The area would have been busy at the time of the incident, as people would have been leaving pubs and clubs.

"There are people out there who know who did this and it is only a matter of time before we find out. We suggest they come forward now, before we come knocking."

The street was cordoned off until 2pm yesterday while forensics officers searched bins and combed the area for evidence.

Police say they are also scouring CCTV from the city centre in a bid to catch the attacker. DI Sanders urged anyone with information to come forward.

He said: "We believe an altercation took place near to where, and not long before, the victim was found. It is also possible that there were a number of people involved.

"If you saw the attack, or know of someone who is behaving suspiciously since last night, please contact us. Your call will be treated in the strictest confidence."

HUNDREDS of people fell silent across Notts yesterday to pay their respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting for their country.See all the photos from Nottingham's ceremony here

Crowds slowly made their way along Victoria Embankment towards the war memorial where a ceremony was conducted by the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler.

Following the solitary blast of the Last Post, people bowed their heads and paused for thought for two minutes to remember the war dead.

The Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Leon Unczur, was among those laying wreaths and the Lord Lieutenant of Notts, Sir John Peace, took the salute at the march past.

Among those in the crowds pausing for reflection was 22-year-old Simon Barnes from Clifton.

He said: "It's important that people realise the sacrifice the Armed Forces have made for this country.

"A couple of my friends from school are in the Army now and you just hope they come back safe and well.

"Not a lot of people would have the courage to do what they are doing.

"Days like this aren't just about world wars in the past. They are also about what's happening now."

His dad, 57-year-old Peter, said: "We remember them because things would be a lot different if it wasn't for their bravery.

"It's good to see so many people coming out to pay their respects – I've come down every year since I was small and it's the busiest I have seen it for a long time."

And nine-year-old Jon Taylor, of Musters Road, West Bridgford, said: "I've learnt about the war at school and it's important to remember what the soldiers did."

Similar scenes of respect took place elsewhere, with the silence held at war memorials in Beeston, Kirkby-in-Ashfield and many other towns and villages. Meanwhile, in the city, a gunshot fired by members of the 307 Battery South Notts Hussars marked the start of the two-minute silence in Old Market Square.

Tears marked many cheeks as people paused to remember.

Following the reflection, came the recognition.

The city's dignitaries came to the Council House to watch the parade of the Armed Forces and cheers and applause greeted soldiers and musicians as they marched by.

Val Lami, of Hartness Road, Clifton, said: "I just think its so important to remember those that gave their lives for us."

The 54-year-old said: "They made the ultimate sacrifice. I feel very strongly that we should take time to remember that.

"I've had no family in the forces but still feel it is very important.

"It worries me that younger people don't wear poppies – we should be remembering forever.

"We do remembrance well here in Nottingham.

"I usually go to church but I wanted to do something different this year."

And John Hamson, of Coppice Croft, Mansfield, said: "I'm here to support the cause – people seem to forget about it.

The 25-year old added: "It feels like it's a tradition rather than true understanding.

"It's important to remember where you came from and the sacrifices made for us.

"I hope today's going to be reflective. It's my first time. I've got a friend in the Territorial Army so I came to support. It's a good atmosphere."

Richard Poyle, of Northdown Road, Beechdale, said: "It's the first time I have been down.

The 44-year-old said: "I had a grandfather who fought in both world wars and a nephew in the forces now – it's important because of family connections.

"I don't think we are forgetting it at all – it is so important.

"It is personal to me and you will never have to go far to find someone affected."

JONATHAN Forte has issued a come-and-get-me plea to Notts County.

The 26-year-old striker scored against the Magpies for Crawley Town in a 1-1 draw at Meadow Lane and then said: "I'd love to come back."

Forte has already enjoyed three prolific loan spells at Notts in his career, scoring 13 goals in 28 games for the club.

The last of those loans was at the end of last season when he scored five goals in ten games to fire the Magpies up the League One table and into contention for the play-offs before suffering a bad injury and returning to parent club Southampton.

He is still under contract with the Saints until 2014, but does not look to have a future with them following their promotion into the Premier League.

His loan at Crawley ends on Saturday and he says he would love to speak to Notts boss Keith Curle about linking up with the Magpies for a fourth time – but the only stumbling block could be wages because he is on big money with Southampton.

"I've been here three times and really enjoyed myself," he said. It is not far from home so would be brilliant to come back, but it's not up to me or Keith.

"I don't know what my future at Southampton is. I have another year and a half on my contract and I don't know what waits for me, it's up in the air."

The Magpies' fans love Forte and clapped him off the pitch when he was subbed in the second half, even though his goal denied Notts a first home league win since September.

On the Barbadian striker, Curle added: "Jonathan has been on our list for a while now. We know all about him."

MORE than 500 first-time buyers in Notts could be helped to buy their homes thanks to a £15 million scheme.

Notts County Council has set the money aside to help people who want to get on the property ladder.

Under the scheme it will loan people money for their deposits – if they can stump up the first 5% of it.

It is capped at houses priced at £150,000 or less and people must pay back the money within five years.

The money comes from the council's reserve funds.

The loans are being arranged in conjunction with Lloyds TSB and it is not yet known what interest rate they would attract.

The scheme has been welcomed by estate agents and prospective first-time buyers.

Brian Maguire, 26, rents a property in Musters Road, West Bridgford, with his wife Claire, 25.

"Getting the money together for a deposit on a house is getting harder and harder," he said.

"Both me and Claire work, but a lot of our money goes on rent, food and bills so this scheme would be helpful."

Kirsty Keeton, manager at Richard Watkinson and Partners Estate Agents, which has office across Notts, said: "Many first-time buyers simply don't have 20-25 per cent deposits in the current climate and unless they can access alternative funding, such as family help, they stand little chance of ever being able to save the sums required."

Councillor Reg Adair, chairman of the council's finance and property committee is due to announce details of the scheme today.

He said: "This is a fantastic scheme that the county council can deliver at no cost.

"As well as putting a home within reach of around 500 first time buyers for the first time, the positive effects of getting the housing market moving will be of huge benefit to the wider Nottinghamshire economy."

However, the leader of the opposition has questioned the Tory-run council's priorities when frontline services are being "decimated." Labour leader Alan Rhodes said: "It is vital that we stimulate economic growth and we fully understand the difficulties and challenges first time buyers face.

"However, we strongly believe that the Government should be putting pressure on the banks to offer affordable mortgages, especially those banks that are publicly owned and continue to announce enormous profits."

Martin Sleath, joint branch secretary for Notts Unison: "This could be construed as something of a political bribe, given that we are only six months from the election.

"Even though the council will see the money coming back in five years time, it is needed now to protect frontline services and jobs."

Robert Oxley from the Taxpayers' Alliance said: "Councils shouldn't gamble taxpayers' money trying to prop up the housing market."

The scheme is expected to be launched early next year.

Do you think the county council is right to set aside the money to help first-time homeowners? Call 0115 9051962, e-mail alexander.britton@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk or tweet @adbritton.