NOTTS County have been reluctant bridesmaids for the past 15 months, thrust into an uncomfortable spotlight.

As Wrexham’s rivals for the National League title last season, the historic English club are now a name known around the world, thanks to THAT Disney + documentary.

But Luke Williams’ side have not been knocked off their stride by that surprise attention.

Deservedly winning the play-off final last season after just missing out on automatic promotion to their Welsh rivals, they have made a fine start to life in League Two.

Winning six of their eight home games has helped them to fifth in the table, and with 33 goals in 17 games, they are among the top scorers in the division.

There are signs of a little wobble occurring down at Meadow Lane though, with the side having lost three of their last five games in the fourth tier.

They would be going into tomorrow’s home game against the Bantams (12:30pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports) inside the automatic promotion spots had they won at Crewe last Saturday.

Instead, chaotic scenes followed their concession of a penalty deep into added-time, as the away support reacted angrily to the decision to penalise Jodi Jones for a handball in his own box.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Notts County's Aden Baldwin speaks to a policeman after play was halted late on last weekend.Notts County's Aden Baldwin speaks to a policeman after play was halted late on last weekend. (Image: PA.)

After an 11-minute delay to quell the disorder, Alex’s Courtney Baker-Richardson scored from the spot to condemn County to a 1-0 defeat.

The Bantams have largely done well against the “high-flyers” in the division this season, drawing with all of the top three and defeating Crewe, so they will fancy maintaining that unbeaten record against the top five tomorrow lunchtime.

A lot could depend on how Notts handle this first real test since their return to the Football League.

Not only have they lost three of their last five, but manager Williams, whose stock has soared in this role, has been heavily linked with the vacant hotseat at League One Oxford United.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Courtney Baker-Richardson's penalty for Crewe last Saturday ensured Notts' shaky spell went on.Courtney Baker-Richardson's penalty for Crewe last Saturday ensured Notts' shaky spell went on. (Image: PA.)

He insisted at County’s pre-match presser on Wednesday that while he was flattered by the speculation, he is happy at “a wonderful club” at present.

That should put the supporters’ minds at ease, as will the continued goals of Macaulay Langstaff.

City’s defence will be keeping a particular eye on the 26-year-old marksman, who scored an incredible 41 times in the National League last season, and has netted 11 in 17 League Two games so far.

Stop him, and the Bantams may well stop County.