NOTTS County are eyeing a much-needed change of fortunes after ending their losing streak.

A point at Accrington on Saturday stopped the rot following five straight defeats.

The home side scored a late penalty to deny Stuart Maynard’s Magpies only their second win in 12 attempts this year.

But something was better than nothing for Notts and Maynard feels spirits will be lifted for their rearranged visit to Valley Parade tonight.

“There has been a lot of frustration,” admitted the head coach. “You could see the anxiety creeping in towards the end of the game (on Saturday).

“We haven’t seen that in recent games. The lads have been really brave, wanting the ball and wanting to dominate with it.

“I feel we haven’t had the rub of green but if you keep working hard in life then you’ll keep getting the luck. This could be the turning point for the lads.

“It’s been tough with the results but I do think it’s a very fine line. There are fine margins that decide games in this division and they have all been tight.

“Hopefully we can pick up as many points between now and the end of the season as possible and see where it takes us.”

It’s been an underwhelming return to the EFL for Notts following four years out and former Wealdstone boss Maynard is struggling to win over fans after Luke Williams left Meadow Lane for Swansea in January.

Maynard’s only win in charge was at Newport in mid-February and Notts are yet to keep a clean sheet under his command.

They must also do without centre half Aden Baldwin against City after he picked up a 10th booking. On-loan Norwich defender Jaden Warner could step in.

Former Bantams left back Adam Chicksen missed Saturday with a hamstring issue and is not expected to recover in time.

Influential midfielder Chris Robertson does return from suspension for what Maynard expects will be a "tricky" evening at Valley Parade.

He expects a strong response from the hosts after what happened at the weekend.

Maynard said: “I think Mansfield can do that to anyone. They come out the traps and get after anyone and if they are clinical in those first phases of play, they can punish you.

“That’s how it was against Bradford. It wasn’t probably how the scoreline reflected when you watch the game back.

“It’s going to be a tough test. We know what the pitch is like as well.

“We want to play with the ball on the ground but we know it’s going to be a difficult pitch.

“We’ve got to be ready for that as well and make sure we have a different game plan within the game. It’s a really tricky fixture.”