THE loss of top scorer Mark Stallard could prove costly for a struggling Notts County side.

The Magpies hitman starts a three-match suspension tomorrow after a bizarre sending off in a 2-2 draw with Wigan.

The former Derby, Bradford and Wycombe man was given his marching orders after a tussle with the Wigan keeper, following a late County equaliser.

Stallard is the club's leading scorer with 11. The second leading marksman, Craig Ramage, has mustered only two.

Promotion hopes were high in the summer with the arrival of manager Jocky Scott who had enjoyed success with unfashionable Dundee in the Scottish Premier League.

He was tempted south to tackle the vacant post at Meadow Lane, but those promotion hopes have failed to materialise as the Magpies find themselves in the lower reaches of Division Two.

A dismal end to the 1999/2000 campaign saw County fail to win any of their last eight games, ruining any hopes of promotion.

The hangover from last season has continued. Although victories have been secured, it is a case of inconsistency being the major problem.

A Worthington Cup win at Watford, which eventually ended in defeat on away goals, has been mixed in with defeats at the likes of Peterborough and a 5-1 thrashing at high-flying Walsall.

A wretched home record has not helped Jocky Scott's campaign. A 1-0 win over Bury prevented the Magpies equalling their worst home start to a season since the war, having failed to win any of their first six home games.

In contrast, early away form was superb. The Magpies recorded wins at Luton, Stoke and Oldham.

A midweek victory at Bournemouth provided a much-needed boost, with Stallard netting the game's only goal from the penalty spot.

Stallard is not the only player who is likely to be absent for the clash with Town tomorrow.

Central defenders Ian Richardson and Alex Dyer are struggling, with back and hamstring injuries respectively.

French striker David Joseph, on loan from Montpellier for a year, may lead the attack with former Fulham and Peterborough front man Sean Farrell.

As well as Joseph, the Meadow Lane playing staff also boasts former West Brom full-back Andy McDermott.

Central defender Anders Jacobsen, who had a trial with Town in pre-season, has arrived from Stoke City, while fellow central defender Nick Fenton is currently on loan from Manchester City. Jacobsen failed to impress then-boss Todd.

With County's miserable home record coming up against Town's less than enviable away record, something must give at Meadow Lane tomorrow afternoon.