AT 33 years old and with three Premier League clubs behind him, Alan Smith has been through enough pre-seasons to know what the priorities are.

And his words, prior to kick-off, proved to be bang on the money – much to Notts County's dismay at Arnold Town.

The one-time Leeds and Manchester United front man had dropped into midfield by the time he moved on to Newcastle and more recently MK Dons.

And he dropped even deeper, to a role in front of the back four, as he made his first public outing as a Notts player. in the picturesque surroundings of Eagle Valley.

This was an exercise in honing fitness and sharpness for Shaun Derry's side, while attempting to avoid picking up any injuries.

They achieved one of those goals, as they notched up a steady victory over the side who will also be their hosts this season, when it comes to training facilities at least.

But they did also suffer one blow, with striker Jimmy Spencer limping off with a painful looking Achilles injury in the first half.

"It is a pretty new team and the lads have been getting to know each other. But we are doing that and we are together.

"Friendlies are difficult, because you don't want to get injuries or knocks, but we will be more focussed when the first proper game comes and we have something proper to play for," said Smith prior to the game.

"We want to progress and prepare before we play Preston, on the first day of the season."

Notts will hope Spencer's chances of featuring in that game are not hampered by the injury, collected on an otherwise positive evening for the Magpies.

Smith showed a moment of quality in the third minute when he lifted a ball through to Ronan Murray to chase through but, while the front man delivered a composed finish, he was narrowly offside.

Murray was a lively figure throughout the first half and caused a problem when he broke down the left side, delivering a dangerous cross into the centre for Jeremy Balmy, only for Pace to make a vital challenge on the edge of the six yard box as the Notts man let fly with a shot.

Curtis Thompson was demonstrating impressive enthusiasm at right-back and was giving the Arnold defence plenty of headaches when he pushed forwards.

The right-back beat two men with a forceful run that owed as much to his determination as his guile, before cutting the ball back for Balmy, who saw his shot well held by keeper Cherry.

Balmy, signed from Le Havre as a free agent, was also looking keen to impress and was not afraid to have a shot when he had the chance.

But it was Spencer who was, in painful fashion, set to carve out Notts' first goal.

The striker found half a yard of space following a defensive mix-up, but found himself crudely hacked down from behind by Ryan Krause.

The referee was quick to point to the penalty spot, but there was a three-minute delay while the striker received treatment for an Achilles injury, which eventually forced him off, to be replaced by Tyrell Waite.

It was Murray who stepped up to take the spot kick, and kept his composure to fire a low shot to the keeper's right and into the corner of the net to give the Magpies a 20th minute advantage.

The young substitute, Waite, almost made an immediate impact with a driven shot, but Cherry made a good save, palming the ball high over the bar.

Thompson pressed forward again down the right, this time cutting back across the box and onto his left foot, with which he drove a dipping shot narrowly over.

Murray had another shot charged down as the first half ended with a flurry, with Cherry also saving again to deny the busy Balmy.

The interval saw some of the impressive 1,019 crowd retreat home to watch the World Cup semi-final – and also saw the Magpies make a host of changes.

Kyle Dixon, Taylor McKenzie, Brad McGowan and Cieron Keane were introduced, along with a handful of trialists, the identities of whom the club did not want to reveal.

Notts made it 2-0 with 11 minutes of the second half gone as Waite took the opportunity to drive home a shot from the periphery of the box.

Balmy, still on the pitch for the second half, tested Cherry's reactions with a low shot fired towards his near post, but the Arnold man was equal to it.

With five minutes to play, Waite added a second goal to his personal tally.

This time he attacked a low cross from the right to make it 3-0 with a slotted close-range finish.

The Magpies added an emphatic look to the score as one of the trial players bagged a fourth with a smart 20-yard finish.

Notts: Bialkowski, Thompson, Adams, Smith, Mullins, Hollis, Balmy, Wroe, Spencer, Murray, Tempest.

Attendance: 1,019.

A THIEF stole a moped from outside a block of flats in Clifton.

The pink-and-orange Gilera Stalker was parked outside Southchurch Court, off Farnborough Road, when it was taken between 5pm on Friday and 1pm on Saturday.

The thief cut through the lock, which had been used to chain the bike to a drainpipe.

Anyone with information should call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 and quote incident number 574-05072014.

STUART Pearce will bring a touch of Brian Clough's influence back to Nottingham Forest this season – by insisting his side go all out to win every competition they are in.

Reds legend Clough would famously insist his players gave 100 per cent in every single fixture they played, whether it was a European Cup final – or a friendly a few days before it.

And that attitude has clearly rubbed off on the latest man to take charge at the City Ground, with Pearce having come into his own as a player under Clough on Trentside.

Forest's priority this season will be to forge another push for promotion.

But Pearce insists he will expect to see the same will to win in every game the Reds play – and will pick his sides to reflect that.

"Every competition is paramount for me. I have been brought up to believe that, whatever game you play, you play to win," said Pearce.

"I won't belittle any competition, but that is just me.

"Winning is winning. That is the way we have to be. We might pick a side to win a certain game and another side to win a different type of game.

"But we will put teams out to win every game."

Pearce believes Forest's form at the City Ground will be particularly important.

When the Reds are playing with confidence, the stadium can be a daunting place for opposition sides.

And Pearce believes there is also a financial factor to take into account.

"During any successful season you have to make sure you get X amounts of clean sheets and score 87 goals or so; you have to get X amount of points," said Pearce.

"Where you get them is irrelevant to some degree. But your home form is key.

"If you are doing well at home then more fans come through the gate. If more fans come through the gate, then it helps you get better players (financially). It all adds up."

City

City centre: Popham Street and Maltmill Lane, off Canal Street, closed until December 31.

Daybrook: Valley Road closed east bound prior to Hucknall Road between 9.30am and 3.30pm today.

Mapperley Park: Inbound nearside lane closure outside St Andrew's Church, Mansfield Road, until Sunday.

Sneinton: Thoresby Avenue closed until August 4.

Rushcliffe

Cotgrave: Stragglethorpe Road closed at its junction with A52 Radcliffe Road from 9am until 4pm each day until tomorrow.

Keyworth: Fairway closed from Wolds Drive to Beech Avenue until mid-July.

Newark and Sherwood

Farndon: Fosse Road closed between Farndon and Syerston until August 1.

Rainworth: Kirklington Road closed from July 24 until August 27.

Ashfield

Annesley: A608 Mansfield Road and A611 Derby Road closed from July 14 until July 18, from 8.30pm until 6.30am each day.

Hucknall: Temporary lights and restrictions on Nottingham Road, Shoulder of Mutton Hill, A611 Annesley Road, Baker Street, High Street, Station Street and Linby Road until October 24.

Hucknall: Truman Drive closed from its junction with Orchard Street until Wednesday.

Jacksdale: Pye Hill Road closed from July 14 to 18.

Mansfield

Mansfield: Westfield Lane closed from its junction with Wood Street to its junction with Welbeck Street from 8am until 5pm each day until tomorrow.

Mansfield: Temporary one-way traffic in an eastbound direction on the A38 Sutton Road from its junction with Skegby Lane to its junction with Rosemary Street from July 27 until August 24.

Mansfield: White Hart Street closed from 7pm to 7am each night from July 14 to July 18.

Underwood: Palmerston Street closed for its whole length from 8.30am until 5pm each day until tomorrow.

A CYCLIST was attacked as he rode through the centre of South Normanton.

The incident happened between 6pm and 6.30pm on Friday, June 20, in Market Place.

The 18-year-old man was riding along the road when a small black car, possibly a Vauxhall Corsa, drove past with two men in the front and a woman in the back. The occupants are alleged to have shouted abuse at the cyclist.

The car then stopped and two men got out. One grabbed the teenager, kicked him and threw his bike into the road.

The youth suffered minor injuries and his bike was also damaged.

Anyone with information can call Derbyshire police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Arnold: M N Singh, 77 High Street, to 6.30pm; Sainsbury's Pharmacy, Nottingham Road, to 10pm; Asda Pharmacy, to 11pm.

Aspley: Queen's Pharmacy Centre, 403 Nuthall Road, to 11pm.

Beeston and Lenton Abbey: Grewal Chemist, Chilwell Road, to 7pm; Jardines Pharmacy, Sainsbury's Complex, Beeston, to 6.45pm; Manor Pharmacy, Chilwell Road, to 7pm.

Bestwood: Forest Pharmacy, Arnold Road, to 7pm.

Bilborough: Co-op Pharmacy, Bracebridge Drive, to 11pm.

Clifton: Day Night Pharmacy, Southchurch Drive, to midnight.

Cotgrave: The Co-operative Pharmacy, Candleby Lane, to 6.30pm.

Daybrook: Snowden- James Pharmacy, Daybrook Health Centre, to 6.30pm.

East Leake: Manor Pharmacy, Gotham Lane, to 6.30pm.]

Eastwood: The Co-operative Pharmacy, Church Walk, to 6.30pm.

Gamston: Morrisons, Lings Bar Road, to 10pm.

Heanor: W R Evans, Mansfield Road, to 6pm.

Hucknall: Health Centre Pharmacy, Curtis Street, to 7pm; Lloyds Pharmacy, Farleys Lane, to 6.45pm; Tesco Pharmacy, to 10.30pm.

Hyson Green: Asda, to 10pm.

Jacksdale: Acorn Pharmacy, Main Road, to 6.30pm.

Keyworth: Co-operative Pharmacy, The Square, to 6pm; Keyworth Pharmacy, The Square, 8.30am to 6.30pm.

Kimberley: Manor Pharmacy, Greens Lane, to 7pm.

Long Eaton: Boots, Long Eaton Health Centre, Midland Street, to midnight; Tesco Extra, Waverley Street, 6.30am to 10.30pm.

Mansfield: Sainsbury's, Nottingham Road, to 10pm.

Netherfield: Medina Chemist, 89 Victoria Road, 8am to 11pm.

New Basford/Forest Fields: Shally's Chemists, 37 Beech Avenue, to 6.30pm.

Nottingham central: Glasshouse Chemist, 42-44 Glasshouse Street, to 7pm; Canning, 2 Beastmarket Hill, Old Market Square, to 6.30pm; Boots, Riverside Retail Park, 9am-midnight; Boots, Long Row, 9am to 6pm; Castle Marina Sainsbury's, 7am-11pm.

Radcliffe-on-Trent: Radcliffe Day and Night Pharmacy, 1 Shelford Road, 7am-11pm.

Radford: Midnight Pharmacy, 194 Alfreton Road, 9am to midnight; Knights Pharmacy, 9 Bestwood Park Drive West, 9am-7pm; Medina Chemist, 85-89 Radford Road, 9am to 9pm.

Selston: Selston Pharmacy, 137 Nottingham Road, to 6.30pm.

Sherwood and Woodthorpe: Lloyds Chemist, 678 Mansfield Road, to 6.30pm; Jayplex Chemist, 724 Mansfield Road, Woodthorpe, to 6.30pm.

Sneinton and St Ann's: D Parmar, 298 Woodborough Road, 9am-12.30pm and 2-6.30pm; Phakeys Pharmacy, 149 Carlton Road, 9am-6.30pm.

Southwell: Lloyds Chemist, 2-4 King Street, 8.30am-6pm; Co-operative Pharmacy, The Ropewalk, 7am-11pm; Boots, 17-19 King Street, 8am-midnight.

Stapleford: Co-op Pharmacy, Stapleford Care Centre, Church Street, 7am- 11pm.

Strelley: Omega Chemist, 25 Flamsteed Road, 8.45am-5.15pm.

West Bridgford: Asda, 184 Loughborough Road, to 10pm; Manor Pharmacy, 97A Melton Road, to 7pm.

PEOPLE heading to the Test match between England and India at Trent Bridge can get two-for-one entry into Nottingham Castle.

The cricket started yesterday and thousands of people headed into the city for the game.

There was also lots of on-street entertainment for them to enjoy, including jazz and steel bands, stilt walkers and Bollywood dancing around the city.

Dave Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure and culture at Nottingham City Council said: "The arrival of an international Test Match brings huge economic benefits for the city as well as providing an exciting sporting event.

"It also gives local people a great experience and lets us showcase our wonderful city to the world with an expected 500 million television viewers worldwide."

A former Nottingham teacher is due to go on trial in September after denying five sex charges relating to three teenage girls.

Martyn Berry had turned around The River Leen School in Nottingham, which is now known as The Bulwell Academy, and more recently was brought in as a "superhead" to turn Holbrook High School, Suffolk, around.

His work in Nottingham was credited with leading pupils to improved exam results and getting the school on an even financial keel after it recovered from a half-a-million pound deficit.

Last month Berry pleaded not guilty to three offences of sexual activity with a child under 16 and two offences of sexual assault.

Berry, of Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, entered his pleas to the charges via a video link from Teeside.

The 61-year-old's trial is due to take place at Ipswich Crown Court on September 1.

He is currently on bail. 

Berry was reported for summons to court in December last year.

He made his first appearance before South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court in Ipswich via a video link from Newton Aycliffe in County Durham. At the hearing the charges were formally laid against him.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates said that the matter would have to be sent to a higher court, before committing
the case to the Ipswich Crown Court.

Berry was parachuted in to take over Holbrook High School from its previous headteacher after the school was placed in special measures.

It followed an announcement which was made stating an external headteacher would be appointed at the school after a damning Ofsted inspection three months earlier.

After the report was completed, Berry acted as an advisor to the school until he was formally chosen to take over its running.

Over the years Berry had gained a reputation for delivering marked and rapid improvement at a number of schools around the country and was strongly recommended by the Department of Education.

Previously Berry had turned around The River Leen School in Nottingham, which is now known as The Bulwell Academy.

It is also understood that Berry had been a headteacher in Middlesbrough before that.

Here's a round-up of some of the great family events happening this Saturday and Sunday, July 12 & 13.

West Hallam Well Dressings, West Hallam near Ilkeston, on Saturday from 1.30pm:

Traditional floral displays throughout the village, plus street entertainment, food at The Punch Bowl pub and dedication in School Square. Don't miss the popular scarecrow trail throughout the village. The flower displays will remain in-situ all week. Free. Details at www.westhallamwells.org.uk.

RSPB at Sherwood, Sherwood Forest Country Park, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-3pm:

Get lots of fascinating information on local and garden wildlife, as well as advice on volunteering. With kids activities and more. Parking £3.

Behind the Scenes of the Museum, Lakeside Arts Centre, Saturday, 11am-4pm:

Tour including the store room and the collections resource centre. Free but book in advance on 0115 846 7777.

Papplewick Pumping Station in Steam, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-5pm:

Rare chance to see this magnificent historical monument in all its working glory. Adults £6, kids £3, family £16. Details at www.papplewickpumpingstation.org.uk.

Outdoor Theatre "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," Wollaton Park, Saturday, 6pm:

Atmospheric tale based on the work of Arthur Conan Doyle. Adults £14, kids £10, family of four £40. Box office 0115 989 5555.

Notts County Council Performing Arts, Rufford Abbey Country Park, Sunday, 11am-5pm:

Youngsters aged from seven to 19 years perform music, drama and dance routines. Free.

Long Eaton Silver Prize Band, Nottingham Arboretum, Sunday, from 2pm:

Traditional summer entertainment in the (hopefully) sunshine. Free.

Family Fun Day, Southwell Race Course, Sunday, from 11.30am:

With kids' entertainment, including an appearance by Mike the Knight, bouncy castle, laser quest, gladiator duel, obstacle course, games, plus racing for the adults. Tickets from £14, kids free. Details on 01636 814481.

IT'S been the scene of many battles over the centuries, but a different kind of battle saw Nottingham Castle shut on Thursday.

A dispute between trade unions and the Government saw thousands of local Government workers and teachers stage industrial action.

More than 150 schools in the city and county were shut or partially closed, and other council services – such as Nottingham Castle– shut for the day.

Student Worapat Iemswasdikul, 21, was visiting Nottingham with his family from Bangkok, Thailand, and was disappointed that one of the city's main attractions was shut.

He said: "This is our last day in Nottingham and we wanted to see the castle – it's famous and in all the guide books.

"It's a big shame. We liked Nottingham but we will have to leave without seeing the castle up close."

And Qi Shang, 42, of West Bridgford, wanted to show off the castle to his sister-in-law who was visiting from China.

He said: "It's very disappointing – we were looking for something to do and so we came to the castle but it's shut.

"There are other things to do in Nottingham, but the castle is really nice on a day like today."

But problems with the castle opening weren't limited to tourists.

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Aqeel Khan, 32, was looking after his three children who were off from Berridge Primary School in Forest Fields.

The security guard said: "I was looking for something to do with the children and thought to come to the castle but it's shut. It's not too bad for me because I haven't taken time off work to look after my children but there are lots that have. For the castle to be closed though is bad."

Meanwhile, hundreds of union members met at the Forest Recreation Ground for a rally that saw them walk down Mansfield Road to the Old Market Square.

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Among them was Pete Dudgeon, a Key Stage 2 teacher at West Bridgford School.

He said: "Our industry has seen a sustained attack from the Government and Michael Gove in particular seems to be on a mission to destroy everything.

"Those in the Government say the strikes damage education because pupils are missing school, but we are not doing this lightly and I'd say the free school agenda and other things put forward by the Government damage education more."

Meanwhile, firefighters also staged a strike between 10am and 7pm – the 15th of their long-running dispute over pensions.

They will also be striking for eight consecutive days from Monday.

What do you think of the action? E-mail opinion@nottinghampost.com

Plans for a 325-acre opencast mine look set to go ahead – despite strong opposition from residents and Broxtowe MP Anna Soubry.

UK Coal applied for permission to extract 1.275 million tonnes of coal and 250,000 tonnes of fireclay at Shortwood Farm, near Trowell, and this was granted in December.

But the plans were put on hold by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles who had the power to overturn this.

Mr Pickles has now decided not to 'call-in' the application, so the plans can proceed. Jean Smith, of Nottingham Road, Trowell, said she was "gutted" with the decision. She said: "I thought politicians were supposed to represent local opinions and we've got a petition with more than 1,000 signatures so it's clear what people here think.

"I'm gutted. The mine will cause problems on the roads and a lot of people are worried about the impact on health."

Ms Soubry previously said talks between her and Mr Pickles on Shortwood Farm had been "constructive".

But following the announcement, she said the fight to see off the plans was not over. She added: "It seems Notts County Council still have the final say and I will be seeking an urgent meeting with them to make sure the application complies with environmental regulations.

"We also need cast-iron guarantees that UK Coal, which is in severe financial difficulty, will be able to make good the site after they have extracted the coal and fire clay.

"Eric took a long time to come to his decision and in the end had to bow to a decision made at a local level.

"It was always going to be tough to see off the application but we will keep fighting it and I hope Notts County Council will support the local people who are so opposed to opencast mining."

Nuthall councillor Philip Owen previously told the Post: "There will be a considerable amount of dust even if mitigation measures are put in.

"Why in this day and age would we want to pollute the air by putting in dust particles jthat are proposed just to provide Radcliffe Power Station with coal for 16 weeks? It is ludicrous and I think my residents deserve better than this."

A spokeswoman for UK Coal said: "UK Coal invested a lot of time and resources into Shortwood and we are pleased that the Secretary of State has agreed with the county council's professional officers who concluded that the development could be operated in an environmentally sensitive manner.

"The scheme will recover nearly 1.3 million tonnes of good-quality coal for use at local power stations, whilst also supporting the local economy.

"The scheme will also create up to 56 jobs, including four apprenticeships, and provide significant community benefits which will leave a positive legacy for years to come."

What do you think of the plans? E-mail opinion@nottinghampost.com