IT IS 10 years since Notts County last appeared at Valley Parade.

Billy Knott scored the first-half winner in a post-Christmas win over a Magpies team that included a certain Gary Jones in midfield.

But it was another City figure who used to hog the headlines in the most recent meetings between the sides.

It was almost a gimme that Peter Thorne would score whenever Notts County lined up against them.

Dean Windass used to joke that the number 10 shirt was a big one to fill. But Thorne gave it a good go.

The experienced striker scored 32 goals in City colours at a ratio of almost one in two – it would surely have been a lot more without the injuries.

And just under a quarter of that tally went into Notts County’s net – no wonder their fans once voted him their “most hated opponent”.

JANUARY 12, 2008: City 3 Notts County 0

Thorne’s start to life at Valley Parade had been dogged by injuries.

But he was just hitting his stride when the Magpies came calling early in the new year.

And the visitors felt the full force of Thorne’s striking ability as he rattled in the seventh hat-trick of his career.

Two goals from Paul Evans’ corners were topped off by a last-minute first-time finish from Joe Colbeck’s cross.

FEBRUARY 23, 2008: Notts County 1 City 3

Stuart McCall’s Bantams fell behind to relegation-threatened County just before the hour but Thorne inspired a winning comeback.

He fired the equaliser as City finished strongly to claim a 3-1 away success.

AUGUST 9, 2008: City 2 Notts County 1

The season-opener will be remembered for the one and only overhead kick of Thorne’s career.

The veteran goal poacher had headed City in front at half-time before doubling the lead on the hour with a spectacular reaction to hook the ball in over his head from six yards out.

FEBRUARY 28, 2009: Notts County 3 City 1

City’s promotion hopes took a big dent as the Magpies rattled up a three-goal lead by half-time.

A comeback was never on the cards but Thorne still kept up his record with a late consolation – ending a personal goal drought spanning nearly four months.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Peter Thorne is buried under there somewhere after his hat-trickPeter Thorne is buried under there somewhere after his hat-trick (Image: Newsquest)

AUGUST 8, 2009: Notts County 5 City 0

The one blank on the scoresheet for Thorne as City were blitzed in the Sven-Goran Eriksson party.

The former England boss was unveiled for his short-lived stint as Notts County’s director of football and Lee Hughes led the demolition with a treble.

Thorne did have the bulk of City’s few efforts on the afternoon that a certain James Hanson came off the bench for the first time.

OCTOBER 6, 2009: City 2 Notts County 2 (City won 3-2 on pens)

Thorne, a sub midway through the second half, was not on the scoresheet in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie at Valley Parade.

But he still had a say in the shoot-out that followed a 2-2 draw. City were trailing 2-0 on spot-kicks after Michael Boulding’s initial kick was saved by Kasper Schmeichel.

Thorne then stepped up to get the Bantams on the board and they went on to win it 3-2 – with a sulking Schmeichel breaking the dressing room door in frustration.