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Ritchie Sutton wants Mansfield Town to aim for play-offs next season

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Mansfield Town's play-off push was all too brief this season. But it has made defender Ritchie Sutton all the more determined for next term.

The Stags bring the curtain down on their campaign at Bristol Rovers today, with a mid-table finish firmly on the cards.

In their first year back in League Two, it is still considered a success, according to Sutton, but now he wants more.

Four wins in a row took Paul Cox's team to within touching distance of the top seven, until a 1-1 draw at Accrington Stanley, followed by successive defeats saw their hopes dashed.

Ironing out those blips, and avoiding a repeat of their 13-game winless run back in the autumn, is now the aim.

"I think we've got to look at the play-offs as a minimum," said Sutton.

"It shows how the season turned when we conceded a last minute penalty against Accrington, then all of a sudden we started playing badly.

"If we'd won that game, who knows where we would have been now. But it wasn't to be.

"Next season, we've got to learn from this and get that consistency, I think that will be the key; then, minimum, play-offs.

"We set our standards high at the beginning, so when we had that dip when we went 13 games without a win (in the league) – if we could have just picked up a couple of points there, we would have been in good stead for the play-offs.

"I think we've got to learn from that and get that consistency next season, then we'll be right up there."

Sutton hopes consistency in his own performances will follow.

In his third season at the One Call Stadium, he has benefited from making regular appearances.

And the 28-year-old also believes the manager's preference for a 3-5-2 formation has also helped his cause.

"Even though I'd played in the league before, I had been in and out of the team with the odd game here and there," said the former Port Vale man.

"I think I've played nearly 40 games this season, so it's been good on a personal note for me. "It's given me confidence knowing I can do it in this league.

"I think it's done me a favour playing three at the back because I'm halfway in between an out-and-out centre-half and a full-back, so that right side of the three is perfect for me.

"Whether we continue to go with the three is to be seen, but I think I've played well there and have played well even when we've gone to a four."

And with a year's option on his current contract, Sutton wants to further his progress with Mansfield.

"I want to get something sorted ASAP," he added.

"The gaffer knows I'm happy here and it's where I want to play my football, so hopefully we can get something sorted."

In the meantime, there is a game to be won.

Rovers are three points above the relegation zone and a draw would secure safety. But their visitors make the trip in search of a win.

"It's going to be a very tough game for us, but the main thing is we need to finish our season on a high," said Sutton.

"We don't want to be going into the close season disappointed. We need to show we know we've got a good chance of pushing for play-offs and promotion next season.

"We're looking to get a result; whether it sends them down or not, we're going to be looking to win the game."

Ritchie Sutton wants Mansfield Town to aim for play-offs next season


Panthers coach Neilson excited by chance to play in Europe again

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Champions league ice hockey is coming to the city after Nottingham Panthers accepted a wildcard invitation to participate in the newly formed competition during its inaugural campaign.

The Panthers competed in the Continental Cup last season and reached the 'semi-final' stage, where they narrowly missed out on progressing further in Italy.

But now the club will compete alongside some of the top teams in Europe in the new Champions Hockey League in what will be the highest level of club competition ever staged in this country or competed in by the Panthers.

Elite League winners Belfast Giants were set to take the spot but decided to turn down the chance, giving Challenge Cup winners Panthers the opportunity to step into their place – this after the tournament organisers expanded the 2014-15 season from 40 to 44 teams.

And Corey Neilson's men have been included as one of four new teams alongside Briancon Diables Rouge of France, Danish outfit SønderjyskE Vojens and Vålerenga Oslo from Norway.

They join the top teams from Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, Finland, Austria and Czech Republic and will find out who they will face when the draw for the group stages is made on May 21.

Panthers will face three other teams home and away from August 21 to October 7, before the top 16 teams then qualify for the play-off stages in November, with the eventual final on February 3.

It has been confirmed Panthers will look to play their home games from August 21-24 and on September 23, pending what happens with the draw.

And coach Neilson told the club he is excited at the prospect of taking the Panthers into a new frontier.

"It'll be fun, it's definitely a new challenge for us. The Continental Cup experience, even thought it was taxing physically, we learned a lot from," he said.

"I'm excited to do it all again. I've sneakily started to spread the word around with some import players and they're excited about the possibility of joining us and being involved in such an event to showcase their talents.

"It's going to be a long summer but I'm excited about the task ahead.

"In the Continental Cup, I thought for a bounce here or there we could have progressed. But this is even more of a step up and playing against these type of teams should be pretty special.

"As long as we do our thing and we have identity as a hockey club then hopefully we can compete at a good level."

Panthers GM Gary Moran added: "Last season we had six games in the Continental Cup, winning four and losing two, each by a single goal.

"We are thrilled to be able to move on a level with this invitation. Our inclusion is great for the sport in the UK, it will be exciting for our fans and it is a great honour for our club to once again fly the flag."

Some of the existing founder clubs include Red Bull Salzburg, Sparta Prague, IFK Helsinki, Adler Mannheim, ZSC Lions Zurich and Frölunda Gothenburg.

Panthers coach Neilson excited by chance to play in Europe again

It's hats off to apprentices as they graduate university-style

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More than 40 apprentices will don caps and gowns at a graduation ceremony next week to mark the completion of their training.

The 10th annual graduation ceremony, organised by the Notts Training Network, will recognise the hard work of apprentices and celebrate their achievements.

This year's graduates come from a range of industries, including business and administration, customer service, hairdressing and health and social care, and have all completed their apprenticeships at an advanced or higher level.

James Huseyin, 28, of Hucknall, will be celebrating the completion of his advanced level apprenticeship in hospitality, supervision and leadership. James, who is the manager at the Broomhill Inn, in Hucknall, decided to do his Level 3 NVQ alongside work to boost his CV.

He said: "The apprenticeship has been hard and challenging but 100 per cent worth it. Apprenticeships are good because they are hands-on and you learn more skills because you are on site. They also look good on your CV and if I decided I wanted to set up my own business it would look good because I would have experience. I'd recommend them to anyone.

"HIT Training [his training provider] has been excellent and my employer, David Cash, has been great, letting me go on this course and backing me. He has also let assessors come into his establishment while I am working."

Next Thursday the graduates will be cheered on by their proud families as they collect their certificates on stage at the Albert Hall.

Melissa Lee, 20, of Carlton, has just completed her advanced hairdressing apprenticeship at Hedley & Co, in Netherfield. She worked at the salon five days a week and visited her training provider Nottingham Hairdressing Training Agency once a fortnight.

Melissa said: "I have loved my apprenticeship and have wanted to do hairdressing for as long as I can remember.

"I am really excited to graduate and would definitely recommend an apprenticeship. They are also great for building your confidence."

Hedley & Co owner Sarah Bates, who is also Melissa's NVQ assessor, said: "Melissa is fantastic. When she first came here she didn't have much confidence but she has excelled.

"She is the second girl to have graduated at the ceremony and it is something she should be proud of."

Karen Hodgson, chief executive of the Notts Training Network, said: "We are extremely proud to be hosting the 2014 graduation event, celebrating the amazing successes of our apprentices.

"The opportunities available to learners through apprenticeships is growing and we hope the event will inspire others to follow the same route and progress their careers with apprenticeships."

What do you think? Tell us at opinion@nottinghampost.com

It's hats off to apprentices as they graduate university-style

Jack Grealish: I had a dream Notts County would stay up

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Jack Grealish is hoping Notts County will win their fight against relegation after revealing: "I had a dream we'd stay up."

The Magpies head to Oldham this afternoon for a date with destiny as they aim to secure the point that will keep them in League One.

The only way Notts can be relegated is if they lose and Crewe and Tranmere win their games against Preston and Bradford respectively.

But Grealish (pictured) is convinced Notts have nothing to worry about if his snoozy premonition on Wednesday night is anything to go by.

"Believe it or not, I had a dream that we'd stay up and I hope it comes true," he said. "I didn't score the winner, but I wish I did.

"I'm not too sure who scored for us, but I dreamt Crewe were beaten and Bradford beat Tranmere. That meant we ended up staying up."

More than 3,500 Notts fans will travel to Boundary Park for the showdown, one of the club's biggest away followings in the league since they played Lincoln in 1998.

It is set for a special atmosphere in what has been a remarkable turnaround for the Magpies in recent months as they were largely written off after the 3-2 defeat against relegation rivals Tranmere in March.

But the belief of manager Shaun Derry has never wavered and his players have since been on a remarkable run of form to propel themselves out of the bottom four.

With safety now in their grasp, Grealish is hoping Notts can end the greatest of escapes with a flourish.

"Carlisle did us a favour in midweek by not winning at Crawley," he said.

"They cannot catch us now – it's just Tranmere and Crewe now.

"There's no way we can go there and just say we will sit back.

"The gaffer will tell us to keep doing what we've been doing over the last few weeks.

"If we do that then the result will come.

"We'll go there looking for three points."

Fans are reminded that spaces on the club's official travel have now sold out.

Coaches will depart from the boatyard which is situated on Meadow Lane.

Supporters will have access to the coaches from 10.15 with the departure time at 11am.

Fans can park their cars at the ground but spaces are on a first come first served basis.

Jack Grealish: I had a dream Notts County would stay up

RELIVE: Nottingham Forest v Brighton, Oldham v Notts County, Bristol Rovers v Mansfield Town

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WELCOME to live coverage of today's games featuring Nottingham Forest, Notts County and Mansfield Town. Forest kick-off at 12.15pm so join us from 11.15am for team news. Notts County face the final hurdle in their relegation battle at Oldham at 3pm, while Mansfield Towna are at Bristol Rovers, also 3pm.
 

RELIVE: Nottingham Forest v Brighton, Oldham v Notts County, Bristol Rovers v Mansfield Town

Drink-driver banned after lying to police

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A 45-YEAR-OLD man who failed a breathalyser test and told police his friend had been at the wheel has been banned from driving.

Stephen Skinner was arrested when his ex-wife called the police after he went to her home and banged on the door while shouting, Derby Crown Court heard.

When police caught up with him, he failed a breath test but said his friend had been driving his car. However, in court, he admitted driving with excess alcohol on November 26.

Skinner, 45, of Oxford Street, Long Eaton, was disqualified from driving for four years.

He was given a three-month jail sentence, suspended for a year, told to attend a education, training and employment programme and ordered to obey a three-month curfew between 9pm and 6am, which will be electronically monitored.

Skinner must pay an £80 victim surcharge.

Tragic soldier a 'top lad' who dreamed of becoming a dad

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The cousin of a soldier killed during a training exercise has said he was a "top lad" and will be missed by his family.

Private Cameron Laing, of Hucknall, died after being struck by an uncoupled trailer on his way back to Okehampton battle camp, in Devon, on Tuesday evening.

The 20-year-old, who served with 7 Theatre Logistic Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, suffered severe head and chest injuries and was pronounced dead at 9.45pm.

Private Laing and his partner were expecting a baby boy and had already decided to name him Cameron.

His cousin Josh Queeny, 22, also served in the Army between 2008 and 2011.

He said: "He was my little cousin, he was a top lad and he will be loved and missed by his family and his son. He was just looking forward to being a dad."

Ashfield district councillor for Hucknall East, Dave Shaw, offered his condolences.

He said: "I was shocked and saddened when I heard of Cameron Laing's death.

"My son actually knew Cameron – they went to school together at Holgate so he's very upset by the news.

"My deepest sympathies go to his family at this time."

Mark Spencer, MP for Sherwood, also paid his respects to Pte Laing and the work of the Armed Forces. He said: "The tragic death of Pte Cameron Laing in Dartmoor on Tuesday morning is a solemn reminder of the risks and dangers taken by all our Armed Forces personal.

"The sacrifices they make to protect our freedom should always be in the forefront of our minds when these such incidents occur and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

Pte Laing joined the Army in 2011 and had been serving with 7 Theatre Logistic Regiment Royal Logistic Corps for just over a year.

A statement released by his family and partner, Jessica Morris, said: "Cameron was an amazing son, brother, boyfriend and expectant father.

"He was a loveable rogue, always playing practical jokes and the fun in any situation. He couldn't wait to be a father to his son, baby Cameron.

"He will be sorely missed by everyone whose life he touched."

Tragic soldier a  'top lad' who dreamed of becoming a dad

Tons of fun lined up for Bank Holiday weekend

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If you're running out of ideas about what to do with the children, why not stick them in the stocks or send them down the mines? These are just two of the events perfect for the whole family this bank holiday weekend! From Sunday to Monday, historical performers at Sherwood Forest will be presenting the Crime and Punishment Medieval May Fair, giving parents the chance to get their kids locked up – and vice versa. And at Bestwood Country Park's Mini Miner Saturday, under-fives can put on mining gear and head through a coal-filled tunnel, giving them an idea of what life was like in the pit. Chris Bruce – director of Plantagenet Events, which is organising the Sherwood Forest festival – and his team will be performing throughout the day as the king's law enforcers, hunting down troublemakers and crooks roaming the forest. As well as a wide selection of stalls including archery and medieval cookery, Mr Bruce said no-one would be safe from the wrath of the king. He said: "We'll be in the forest to show you how life was lived and we'll be keeping an eye out for all the law-breakers. "It's very much a free-form day out for the public to come out and watch. "But be warned, if you've not behaved, be it young or old, punishment will be metered out in due and proper fashion!" Adele Williams, heritage development officer at Bestwood Country Park, has organised the Mini Miners event over the past few years and said it was a great way for youngsters to get "hands-on" with mining. She said: "Children have great fun playing at miners and getting all filthy. "They get the chance to get into the traditional clothes and have to go crawling their way through these mini dark coal-filled tunnels, and pop out the other side covered in coal. "We'll also have winding-engine staff on hand to help out and show people round the winding house." It's not just the young ones who can take part in this weekend's fun. Brewhouse Yard will be holding a 1940s "knees-up", with vintage fun including swing dancing, retro treats and musical performances from 11am to 3.30pm on Monday. In addition, this weekend sees the launch of a new historic pub tour, featuring Nottingham amateur historian and performer Kathleen George – aka Madame Parboiled. Kathleen, who has presented guided tours in Nottingham for many years said it would be a jolly run-through of Nottingham's most recognised pubs. She said: "It'll work like a train – you can turn up at the beginning of the evening and come along or drop by whenever you want. "I don't think it's ever been done before, although I have been doing tour guides for a number of years. "It's all about helping to promote the city in the way I want, because it's such a beautiful, beautiful place." Send your fun-filled bank holiday photos to newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.

Tons of fun lined up for Bank Holiday weekend


Residents evacuated during blaze at block of flats in Newark

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FOUR fire crews were called to a flat fire at a three-storey apartment block in the early hours of this morning. Firefighters from Newark, Southwell and Collingham were called to the scene at 7 Victoria Street, Newark at around 0.40am. The fire alarm in the flat had failed to go off and neighbours alerted each other to the blaze. The entire building was evacuated while emergency services attended the incident. None of the residents were hurt or treated for injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation. The response time was unaffected by this weekend's planned fire strikes which are due to take place from 12pm-5pm yesterday, tonight from 2pm-2am and 10am-3pm on Sunday.

Residents evacuated during blaze at block of flats in Newark

From Paul Smith to Primark: the labels turned into art

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CLOTHES labels – fashionistas love designer ones while those with sensitive skin are irritated by scratchy little blighters. But Joy Pitts isn't fussy. She has a unique use for the tags in tops, skirts, trousers and coats. From Primark to Dolce & Gabbana, she has spent hours turning tens of thousands of them into remarkable pieces of artwork, including a recent commission from none other than Nottingham's famous fashion designer Paul Smith. Joy created a rabbit – one of Sir Paul's favourite animals – made completely from his labels. Joy, 49, says: "I wrote to him asking if he could give me any labels to use and he said he'd like me to do a commission. He sent me a palette of labels to choose from and I went for ones that were vibrant colours." She used around 2,000 red, purple and black labels for the 60 x 83cm picture. "I had a card thanking me very much saying how amazing it was," says Joy who lives in Ilkeston and works from a small studio at her home. In another coup for Joy, three of her designs were snapped up by exclusive London department store Liberty's managing director Ed Burstell. He commissioned her on the spot for three pictures of bees in red, yellow and purple. "I had gone to the Best of British Show at Liberty with some of my prints – I just went to show my work, so I went with one intention and came away with another. It was a nice accident," she says. Joy's collection features three cattle and a swan, made from a total of 20,000 labels, with some of the larger pieces taking two to three years to complete. Rochester, a long horn bull cow that she met in on a farm in Leicester, is a created from black, white, orange and blue labels from brands including Maine and Polo. The Red Cow was more of a challenge with fewer red labels around. Beef Cuts with a Head of Horse, a colourful assortment showing sirloin in green, shin in light blue and rump in black, was an idea that came to Joy during last year's horse meat scandal. Joy's friends and family save labels for her. The rest she finds in charity shops. Then comes the arduous task unpicking them and sorting into size and colour before deciding on an image. Explaining the process, she says: "A cow for instance, I would do a series of visits to a farm or Newark cattle market to take lots of photographs. "Back in the studio I choose one to work with and scale it up on canvas. I pin the labels on using ordinary dress-making pins. "The background is the care label normally and then the subject is the name label which gives the contrast." Her interest in this unique hobby goes back 15 years and is a more sophisticated version of a brainwave she had as mature art student at a college in Stapleford. "At college you experiment with lots of materials and I collected labels and glued them to a plastic carrier bag," she says. She entered the bag into the Slug and Lettuce's Bar Culture competition in Nottingham to showcase student art and it went on to win the national final in London. Joy, who by this time was studying a Fine Art degree at Nottingham Trent University, created a spectacular 3D bishop's medieval robe out of 10,000 labels for her final project. Described as 'an extravagant rescue of fashionable waste' the three-metre robe won the sculpture prize Nottingham Castle's open art exhibition in 2004. "My pieces kept winning prizes – I thought there was obviously something in this," says Joy, who works for the Inland Revenue in Nottingham. It was only later in life that Joy rediscovered her love of art. "It was the only thing I was good at at school. I wanted to follow the art path when I left but I was encouraged to get a job with something at the end of it so I went into the civil service at that point." When her two children were older, she began a part-time art course in acrylic painting and textiles, which eventual led to an MA. Using some of the commission money from Paul Smith, Joy has designed her own labels with parts of the face – eyes, nose, lips, cheeks and brows – and is using those for her a portrait of a farmer and her calf. Most of her designs are available as limited edition prints and ten per cent from the £140 Paul Smith rabbit prints will be donated to Maggie's cancer caring centre in Nottingham – where the interior was designed by Sir Paul. "I have sold four so far and one has been sent to South Korea," says Joy. Her artwork will be on display at her first solo exhibition at the King George Gallery at Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy from September 4 to October 10. For details, visit http://www.joypitts.co.uk/

From Paul Smith to Primark: the labels turned into art

Better pay and working conditions at centre of May Day march in Nottingham

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Campaigners called for better pay and conditions for workers in a march and rally in the city centre today. The May Day march saw about 150 people walk from the Forest Recreation Ground to the Brian Clough statue near Old Market Square. Some held banners, including one large one saying "defending workers' rights". A Samba band played as they walked down Mansfield Road. Teacher Liam Conway was among the organisers of the event. The National Union of Teachers member said that although numbers had been lower than in previous years, he was still pleased with the turn out. "With everything else that happens on a Bank Holiday weekend, it is not a bad show," said Mr Conway, who teaches at Kirkby College in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. "This is all about pay, not just for teachers but for the average worker out there who is experiencing a pay cut or a pay freeze. "We are told by the Government that things are getting better. But there is an awful lot of people out there who do not see that, people in low-paid jobs who struggle to make ends meet. "That is what we are calling for today. A much fairer deal." The march left Forest Recreation Ground at 11am. They headed down Mansfield Road, leaving long queues of traffic in their wake, before turning into Upper Parliament Street and then down King Street, where they arrived at just before noon. Mary Pope, from the Nottingham branch of the Public and Commercial Services Union, said: "A lot of our members are facing a pay cut. "They face a quota of appraisals where some must be graded unsatisfactory, meaning they do not get a pay rise. This is not fair. We are fighting against this." Stalls were set out by several organisations, including the Green Party and a pro-NHS organisation. Ross Longhurst, 72, of New Basford, who was jailed earlier this year for non-payment of council tax, was also there. He said: "The emphasis is on better pay for people in Nottingham, both in the public and private sector. "The march is the right thing to do. People need to be able to make themselves heard." Some people complained that the march had led to long queues of traffic and delays in public transport, with one saying "it won't make a difference". Steve Grice, 38, of Carlton, was a little more sympathetic. He said: "It is a bit annoying that it is causing delay but they have got every right to stand up for themselves." What do you think? E-mail opinion@nottinghampost.com

Better pay and working conditions at centre of May Day march in Nottingham

Nottingham Forest 1, Brighton 2 - match report

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NOTTINGHAM Forest ended their Championship season with a plucky performance but also another defeat at the City Ground. A late, late goal from Leonardo Ulloa instead carried Brighton to a 2-1 win – and saw them secure a play-off place in dramatic fashion. The Seagulls edged out Reading, as the City Ground again witnessed a day of drama on the final day. Last season it was Leicester who snatched a play-off place at the last moment, this time it was Brighton – although it looked for long periods as though Oscar Garcia's side would not get the win they craved. Forest had taken the lead through Matt Derbyshire in the first half, as he forced home a diving header. But Brighton's comeback began early in the second half, as Stephen Ward drove home through a melee of players, before Ulloa sent the travelling fans into raptures with his decisive late goal. Forest might have been eyeing the summer with a sense of relief, with Gary Brazil robbed of the services of 16 players, as he looked to pick his final starting XI as caretaker boss. Brighton should have taken the lead in the sixth minute, when Ulloa skipped clear of the Forest defence, but the Argentine striker could not make the most of the opportunity. Dorus de Vries was very quick off his line, to close the angle on the Brighton man, who subsequently rolled his shot narrowly wide of the post. The best Forest could offer in response was a typically driving run from Mackie but, having carved out a half-chance for himself in admirable fashion, the former QPR man sent a shot spinning badly wide. A flowing, fluid passing move from the home side then carved out a chance for Marcus Tudgay who was frustrated to see Tomasz Kuszczak make himself big to block – although a late offside flag would have ruled out his effort anyway. Forest were building a spell of pressure, forcing a flurry of corners and pinning the visitors back in their own half. And it was no more than they deserved when, in the 22nd minute, they forced their way into the lead. The catalyst was a fizzing, bending cross from Harding, which picked out Derbyshire in the centre. The striker made a firm connection with his diving header, which Kuszczak failed to keep out, despite seeming to get his body behind it. Ben Osborn almost made it 2-0 immediately, as he sent a powerful low shot only a foot or so wide of the post from 20 yards. Brighton thought they had levelled when Ulloa forced home the ball from close range, in the 27th minute, but his celebrations were cut short by an offside flag. Good work from Harding and Derbyshire set up a shooting chance for Stephen McLaughlin on the edge of the box, but the Irishman was left frustrated after lifting a volley over the bar. Gordon Greer might have done better for Brighton when presented with a free header from a corner, but the big defender planted his effort well wide of the near post. Danny Collins produced an outstanding challenge to deny Will Buckley, when it seemed the forward was set to stride clear on goal, with the Forest skipper stretching out a leg to prod the ball back to keeper Dorus de Vries. Brighton emerged with a fresh sense of urgency after the interval – and it took them only eight minutes to claw themselves level. The chance seem to have gone for them when Ulloa completely failed to make contact with a shot from close range, following a corner, but the ball rebounded kindly for Ward, who made no such mistake, driving a low shot through a melee of players and into the net. A truly brilliant volley from McLaughlin brought the best out of Kuszczak, who plunged low to his left to push the midfielder's crisply struck volley around the foot of the post. Substitute Simon Cox found himself with a half chance just moments after coming off the bench, but saw his shot charged down, while Collins sent a diving header over the angle of post and bar, before pounding the turf in frustration. Good work from Mackie then sent Majewski surging into the box from the right and Kuszczak made an alert save to thwart him at the near post, as the little Pole attempted to squeeze the ball home. Forest handed a debut to teenager Josh Rees, with the attacking midfielder replacing Majewski with 14 minutes to play. The important moment looked as though it might have come and gone in the 90th minute when de Vries made a spectacular one-handed stop to deny Inigo Calderon, when he sent a shot curling towards the top corner. But there was still more drama to come, in the 92nd minute, as Brighton sub Craig Mackail-Smith fired in a left wing cross and Ulloa dived to send a header across goal and inside the far post. Forest: de Vries, Mackie, Peltier, Collins, Harding, Vaughan (Greening 87), McLaughlin, Majewski (Rees 76), Osborn, Derbyshire, Tudgay (Cox 69). Subs: Evtimov, Henderson, Fox, Blake. Brighton: Kuszczak, Calderon, Greer, Upson, Andrews, Orlandi (March 66), Lingard (LuaLua 59), Ulloa, Buckley, Forster-Caskey, Ward. Subs: Ankergren, Mackail-Smith, Dunk, Chicksen, Ince. Referee: Keith Stroud Attendance: 22,209 (1,959 away)

Nottingham Forest 1, Brighton 2 - match report

Oldham 1 Notts County 1: Match report: Magpies stay up

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NOTTS County completed one of the greatest escapes in their history this afternoon as they secured the point they needed to remain in League One. In an afternoon of high drama at Boundary Park, Oldham had taken the lead in the 68th minute when Adam Lockwood headed home Gary Harkins' free-kick. With scores going against them, Notts had a foot in League Two, but just seven minutes later they were level when Alan Sheehan scored from the spot after Lockwood had handled. The home side were reduced to 10 men moments later when Lockwood picked up a second yellow for wrestling Jimmy Spencer to the ground. As news filtered through of Bradford equalising at Tranmere and then taking the lead, the away end burst into a chorus of "we are staying up". And once the final whistle went, boss Shaun Derry whose side were 10 points adrift at the bottom at one stage, looked skywards after securing the club's League One status with Tranmere relegated. Knowing they needed just the solitary point, Derry stuck to his 4-4-2 formation but was forced into one change with Hayden Mullins, who had returned to Birmingham, being replaced by Josh Vela. Backed by around 3,500 fans, Notts fans were a wall of noise as kick-off approached, the players were given a huge roar of appreciation. Derry had urged them to embrace the occasion but given it was Notts' survival at stake you could forgive some anxiety. The tension increased when Danny Philliskirk tested Bartosz Bialkowski from outside the box which the keeper had to punch away. And when Adam Lockwood missed a free header from a corner, it only served to heighten the worries of what could lie in store. Gradually, Notts began to force themselves back into the contest. A great knockdown from Jimmy Spencer teed up Ronan Murray but he dragged his shot wide. Back came the Latics and the dangerous David Worrall skipped round a dangling leg of Haydn Hollis, but his shot was tame and Bialkowski saved easily. Murray was getting increased joy at feeding off Spencer and when he saw a looping effort deflected over, Notts' spirits were raised. But Oldham began to show why they have been in such good form of late as Jonson Clarke-Harris forced another fantastic stop from Bialkowski. Notts knew they needed to work Rachubka more in the second half and they did just that when Murray burst through. He left Lockwood in his wake, but drilled his shot straight at the Oldham goalkeeper. Notts had started positively, but in the 68th minute Oldham struck a decisive blow. A free-kick into the box from Gary Harkins was met by Lockwood whose header sailed over Bialkowski. Derry's response was to haul off Dumbuya and send on Callum McGregor knowing Notts needed an equaliser. And in the 75th minute Notts hauled themselves level. Great work by Campbell-Ryce saw him skip down the right and his cross was handled by Lockwood. Sheehan took responsibility for the kick and he lashed it into the roof of the net before celebrating wildly with the fans. The away end erupted, but there was more drama to come when Lockwood was given a red card for hauling Spencer to the ground. It gave Notts a numerical advantage and they began to make it count. Murray forced an unbelievable save from Rachubka before he clawed a McGregor shot out of the air. As news filtered through to the away end that Bradford had levelled and then taken the lead against Tranmere to put Rovers in the relegation zone, celebrations broke out in a packed away end. And once the final whistle went, fans streamed onto the pitch to celebrate a remarkable escape. Oldham (4-3-3): Rachubka 6, Smith 6, Wilson 6, Lockwood 6, Brown 6, Wilson 6, Worrall 6 (Dayton 69 6), Harkins 6, Philliskirk 6 (Byrom 69 6), Clarke-Brown 6 (Macdonald 79), Wesolowski 8 Subs: Coleman, McDonald, Winchester, Dayton, Kissock, Millar,. Notts (4-4-2): Bialkowski 6, Dumbuya 6 (McGregor 73, 6) Liddle 6, Hollis 6, Sheehan 6, Campbell-Ryce 6, Thomspon 6, Vela 6, Grealish 6 Murray 6 Spencer 6, Subs: Spiess, Waite, Boucaud, Roberts, Dixon, Tyson

Oldham 1 Notts County 1: Match report: Magpies stay up

Bristol Rovers 0 Mansfield Town 1: Match report

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COLIN Daniel's first-half strike ensured Mansfield's season came to a satisfying end as a final day victory condemned opponents Bristol Rovers to non-league football. The game's only goal came on 36 minutes with Daniel slotting home a well-taken volley, while a stunning Lewis Price save after the break kept Rovers out and saw them relegated with results elsewhere not going in their favour. The hosts, who needed a point to guarantee League Two safety, might have drawn pre-match encouragement from the fact Mansfield had forgotten their shirts and had to borrow a set. The Pirates began brightly - John-Joe O'Toole had a long-range volley blocked and Chris Beardsley fired over from a David Clarkson pass. Mansfield struggled to make any impact early on and might have fallen behind on 21 minutes when Matt Harrold screwed his shot wide from another Clarkson through ball. Beardsley then volleyed wide from close range as the home side, backed by a sell-out crowd, did their best to get the goal that would ease the tension in the stands. Mansfield then sprang to life when a curling shot from the left by Sam Clucas was saved at the second attempt by Steve Mildenhall. Then came the goal that doubled anxiety among home supporters. Anthony Howell crossed from the left and Daniel was allowed space to hook a volley in off the post from 12 yards. With Wycombe and Northampton winning at that point, Rovers' search for a goal became even more desperate but Mansfield were now looking the more confident side. The Stags could have doubled their lead just before the break but Ollie Palmer shot over from a good position after a good run through the middle by Howell. Rovers came out for the second half with renewed determination and Tom Parkes headed wide from a Beardsley corner. It then took a superb save from Price, with an outstretched right arm, to keep out a Clarkson shot bound for the top corner after a strong run. O'Toole was wide with a well-struck shot from distance as pressure began to build on the Stags' goal. There was a moment of controversy on 65 minutes when Mansfield defender Martin Riley brought down Kaid Mohamed as he threatened to break clear down the middle. But referee Oliver Langford ruled that there was a covering defender and issued only a yellow card. Rovers' players were left holding their heads moments later as a Clarkson header clipped the crossbar from a Fabian Broghammer corner. Substitute Broghammer then had a low shot saved, while Clarkson was inches wide with a free-kick from 20 yards. Mansfield sent on Ross Dyer for Palmer on 74 minutes but Rovers were irrepressible and O'Toole's glancing header from an Alfie Santos cross was inches wide. The home side's luck was out again four minutes from time when defender Mark McCrystal volleyed against the post from inside the box. Even five minutes of stoppage time wasn't enough to save Rovers as Mansfield's 700 travelling fans celebrated.

Reels of talent at new short film festival

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Hooligan hairdressers, robot babies and the city's much-loved Cockle Man were among the weird, wacky and wonderful stars of Gedling's first film festival. Directors, actors and cameramen – some as young as 10 years old - gathered at the Bonnington Theatre, in Arnold, on Saturday May 3, to watch their cinematic offerings on the big screen. Twenty-four short films, including black-comedies, horrors and documentaries, were showcased at second day of the weekend-long event, which was organised by the HotHouse Theatre team – a community film and theatre charity. Chief organiser Guy Jones had been overwhelmed by the number of entries the team had received ahead of the festival and hoped the event would ignite an interest in local film making. He said: "Around 50 films were submitted. Most were from Nottingham-based filmmakers but some had come from further afield including one from Spain and one from Israel. "A panel of judges then whittled them down, over a weekend in April, to a list of 24 finalists – they were all of a really high standard and all completely different. The response from the audience has been really good so far, so we hope it can become an annual festival." The short films were divided into seven categories - animations, artistic, factual, fictional, young person's film, trailer or advert and foreign film – before being put to the public vote. The winning picture of each group will be presented with a specially designed award on Sunday evening. As well as organising the festival, HotHouse Theatre had also been working with a group of budding young filmmakers to produce their own offering for the silver screen, entitled Revenge of Baby Robo Gangster Doll. Ten-year-old Connor Francis, who attends Porchester Junior School, made his film debut in the picture and was over the moon to see it on the big screen. He said: "It was amazing seeing the film in the cinema, I really liked it. Making the film was lots of fun too. It took about a month and at times it was a bit scary because it is a horror film and the dolls we used were quite realistic – but it was lots of fun." Film studies student, Alissa Peutrill, 15, from Holgate Academy, starred as lovelorn school girl Erin in her school's festival entry – Offside. She said: "All my family have come to watch and I was a bit nervous beforehand but it was great to see it on the big screen. "It was my first time acting in a film and I now think it is definitely something I want to do more of." Alissa's teacher, James Morgan, told the Post he was incredibly proud of the class' work which has been nominated for a gong at the Young Creative Awards, due to be held at the Royal Concert Hall on Monday May 19. He said: "It was the kids' first introduction to filmmaking, the first time they had picked up a camera or been in front of one. All 23 students had an individual role, including three writers and four camera crew, and we made the film exactly as you would in a studio. I'm very proud of them all." Alongside the short film screenings will be a series of main features – chosen in advance by public vote – which included Toy Story, The Life of Pi, Vertigo and Dirty Dancing. Are you a member of a theatre group or film club? Get in touch: Newsdesk@nottinghampost.comFor more film news, click here

Reels of talent at new short film festival


Free compost bins to be handed out this week

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ONE hundred free compost bins will be given away to encourage more residents to go green.

NottsCounty Council's waste contractors Veolia have organised the giveaway to celebrate International Compost Awareness Week this week.

To be in with a chance of winning a bin, which will be delivered to your door, householders must call in at one of the composting roadshows being held across Notts and take part in the free prize draw.

The first Get Composting event is on Thursday at Retford Market, followed by one at

Mansfield Market on Friday and then at the Notts County Show, in Newark, on Saturday and Sunday.

There will be to further chances at events on Tuesday, May 13, at Arnold Market, and on Wednesday, May 14, at Hucknall Market.

International Compost Awareness Week aims to encourage more people start using peat-free composts containing recycled material.

Composting helps to improve soil structure, maintain moisture levels and grow better plants and vegetables. It adds nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and helps buffer very acidic or alkaline soils.

Manhunt is on for absconded prisoner

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POLICE are hunting an absconded prisoner whose last known address was in Bulwell.

John Harty left Sudbury open prison on Wednesday. he has not been seen since. The 26-year-old was nine months into a four-year jail term for burglary and assault offences.

He is white, 26-years-old, 6ft 1in, and of proportionate build. He has short dark brown wavy hair, a beard, blue eyes and has an Irish accent.

Manhunt is on for absconded prisoner

Who has been appearing at court in Notts?

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ROBERT Wass, 21, of Vicars Court, Clipstone Village, pleaded guilty to producing cannabis in Clipstone on February 14. JPs in Mansfield handed him a community order with a drug rehabilitation, to be reviewed every five weeks for six months. His first review is on May 22 at 11.30am. He was ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

JAMES Barratt, 23, of Loughborough Road, West Bridgford, pleaded guilty to driving a Vauxhall Corsa when he was using a mobile phone. He was fined £55 by magistrates in Mansfield. He was ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs. Three penalty points will be added to his licence.

DARREN Cotterill, 45, of Covert Close, Hucknall, pleaded guilty to driving without a seatbelt in Nottingham on July 6 last year. Magistrates in Mansfield fined him £80 and ordered he pay a £20 victim surcharge and costs of £85.

CARLA Murden, 27, of Lodge Lane, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, pleaded guilty to drink-driving. She was over the limit in Kirkby-in-Ashfield on February 13. She had 172 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over the limit of 35, magistrates in Mansfield heard. They fined her £100 and ordered she pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs. She was banned from driving for 18 months.

STUART Anderson, 40, Honeywood Drive, Carlton, pleaded guilty to using an uninsured Audi in Wilford Lane, Wilford, on April 5 last year. Magistrates in Mansfield fined him £180 and ordered he pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs. He was disqualified from driving for six months.

ADRIAN Askham, 40, of Hervey Green, Clifton, was fined £600 at Mansfield Magistrates' Court. He was found guilty of failing to provide police with information about the identity of the driver of a BMW. The driver allegedly committed a road traffic offence in Arnold last August. JPs ordered Askham pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs. Six penalty points will be endorsed on his licence.

GINTARAS Deryba, 21, of Cross Street, Newark, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and driving whilst disqualified in the town on March 15. Tests showed he had 79 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over the limit of 35. He admitted he was driving an uninsured Rover 25. At Nottingham Magistrates' Court, he was given an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and banned from driving for three years. He was given a 12-week curfew, between 9pm and 4.30am, and tagging. He was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80 and £85 costs.

BEVERLEY Dennis, 65, of Coleby Road, Broxtowe Estate, denied not wearing a seatbelt in a Ford Galaxy in Coleby Road, Broxtowe, on May 22 last year. Her case has been listed for trial at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on June 18 at 10am.

ANTONY Chadwick, 25, of Portland Road, Carlton, was fined £275 for drink-driving. He admitted driving an uninsured Vauxhall Corsa over the limit in Foxwood Lane, Woodborough, on August 29 last year. When tested, he had 51 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over the limit of 35. JPs in Nottingham banned him from driving for 12 months and ordered he pay a £27 victim surcharge and £85 costs. He must pay £350 compensation for having no insurance.

DARREN Dorman, 35, of Horsham Drive, Top Valley, pleaded guilty to drink-driving. He was caught in a Vauxhall Zafira in Beechdale Road, Beechdale, when he was over the limit on April 2. When breathalysed, he had 79 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over the limit of 35. Magistrates in Nottingham remanded him in custody until July 25 at 2pm.

KEIRON Lang, 22, of Mackinley Avenue, Stapleford, denies inflicting grievous bodily harm to a male in the Sports Pavilion pub, Bramcote, on July 27 last year. He has been bailed to attend a plea and case management hearing at Nottingham Crown Court on August 28.

JARED Wilson, 35, of Fairbank Crescent, Sherwood, pleaded guilty to drink-driving in Mapperley Road, Mapperley, on December 14 last year. When tested, his reading was 163 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine, over the limit of 107. At Nottingham Magistrates' Court, he was fined £320 and banned from driving for 12 months. He was ordered to pay a £32 victim surcharge.

DAVID Wharmby, 39, of Minerva Grove, Hucknall, is accused of a benefit offence. He allegedly falsely represented the extent of his physical capabilities with a view to getting Disability Living Allowance on April 16, 2010. He is on bail to attend Nottingham Magistrates' Court on May 9 at 2pm.

MARCUS Massey, 23, of Mill Lane, Kirkby Woodhouse, has been bailed for allegedly assaulting a male and using threatening behaviour in Nottingham in February. He is on bail to attend his trial at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on July 28 at 10am.

Who has been appearing at court in Notts?

How Post saved my life, by inspirational grandad

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FOR more than 20 years Alan Smith has lived under the black cloud of reoccurring bouts of depression.

He calls the condition a "monstrous illness" which has caused him a "profound sense of hopelessness" – that at times has been so bad, he says he has, on three separate occasions, tried to take his own life.

In the most recent episode, which happened while he was working up to 80 hours a week as a sheet metal worker, Mr Smith, 61, said he felt mentally exhausted and unable to cope.

However, he hid this "overwhelming crushing feeling" from colleagues and loved ones – choosing instead to put on a brave face which often lead to hours of uncontrollable sobbing behind closed doors.

His lifeline was an article – about Muted, a new charity for men with depression, in the Post on December 3 – which made him realise that he was not alone in his plight.

Five months later and Mr Smith, who lives with Linda – his wife of 41 years, in Hempshill Vale, Bulwell – is now volunteering at the charity and feeling a lot more positive.

He said: "Depression makes you feel very isolated but when I read the article in the Post I realised I was not alone. I bought a smartphone and tracked Muted down. It was the lifeline I needed. It saved my life.

"I think a lot of the guys at Muted look up to me as a father figure. When they listen to someone like me who has been through it all and come out the other side I think it empowers them and gives them hope."

A dad to two grown-up children and grandad to nine-year-old Pearce, Mr Smith said he felt an intense pressure to provide a comfortable standard of living for his family which lead to him returning to work on several occasions despite feeling unfit to do so.

He finally left his job on November 27 and now works six hours a week as a cleaner.

"You realise that all these possessions and things that you think you need, you don't. Being happy and spending time with your family is the most important thing," he said.

Following a mental breakdown in 1993, Mr Smith was diagnosed with mental burnout and was put under the care of the psychiatric ward at the Queen's Medical Centre for six months as a day patient.

He has since been diagnosed with dysthymia – sometimes known as chronic or neurotic depression.

As well as attending self-help groups and taking daily antidepressants, Mr Smith also combats stress and dark moods by taking his rescue dog Bella for long walks and going on regular breaks with his wife to their caravan in Matlock.

Muted founder Ian Hastings, 42, of Arnold, said Mr Smith was an inspiration to the charity, which also wants to help families and friends of sufferers.

"The horrible thing about the illness is that you feel on your own. It can be triggered through your job, like Alan, or relationships, it can be day-to-day life – it is not just one cause it can be many."

The group has organised a charity firewalk at the Wolds pub and restaurant, in Loughborough Road, West Bridgford on Saturday.

Anyone who would like to help should email: info@muted.org.uk.

Have you been affected by depression? Get in touch: newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

How Post saved my life, by inspirational grandad

Heart attack shock was just the wake-up call Graham, 66, needed

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SURVIVING a massive heart attack was the wake-up call a 66-year-old grandad needed to embark on a healthy new lifestyle.

Graham Baxter was at his home in Buckingham Avenue, Hucknall, with his wife Jeanette, 68, when he felt an ache in his back.

Less than three weeks later the retired textiles dyer was recovering from a lifesaving triple bypass operation.

He said: "I started experiencing chest pains in July. I told my GP and was sent to King's Mill Hospital where they told me that I had angina.

"Then, on September 2, I got this terrible pain. I had been out for the day and had just got home.

"I felt an ache in my back which came round the front – it felt different to how it did before."

An ambulance was called and Mr Baxter, who at the time weighed 17 stone, was rushed to King's Mill Hospital, in Sutton-in-Ashfield, where he spent the night before being taken to the Trent Cardiac Centre at City Hospital.

"I was told in the morning of September 3 that I would be having the triple bypass – it was amazing how efficient and quick everything happened. All the staff were wonderful, too.

"From the moment the paramedic came to me going home the treatment I received was brilliant. Throughout my stay at both King's Mill and the Trent Cardiac Centre the treatment I received was excellent and I would like to say a big thank you to all concerned," he said.

"I'm told the operation lasted four hours but to be honest I have no idea – I was completely out of it. I lost two days.

"I was out in six days and I am feeling fine now. They do a rehabilitation course after the operation to encourage exercise and a change of lifestyle. It was a bit of a wake-up call."

Mr Baxter, who has two grown-up sons and two grandchildren, Luke, 7, and Georgie, 2, now goes to the gym every week and has lost two stone.

Jeanette said: "Graham has been really good and followed all the advice about medication, exercise and diet. He used to do a lot of sport but had a knee operation last year which meant it was more difficult to go for walks and things so it's really good he's lost two stone. It was a frightening experience at the time but we are now trying to look forward."

Have you been inspired to change your lifestyle? Get in touch at newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

Heart attack shock was just the wake-up call Graham, 66, needed

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