AND so the stage is set. With two games to go, Notts know a first County Championship title since 2005 is their's for the taking.

Despite last week's defeat at Durham after a final day batting collapse, the green and golds still go into the penultimate round of four-day fixtures with a healthy 22-point lead at the top over second-placed Somerset.

Yorkshire, who take on Notts at Trent Bridge today, are a further three points back in what is realistically a three-way chase for the title.

But Mick Newell's men currently hold all the cards.

A result in their favour this week will put them on the cusp of winning the trophy that, each year, the director of cricket states is his 'number one priority'.

"It was disappointing to lose three points and not draw the game at Durham when poor batting in the middle session of the final day cost us," said Newell.

"It would have been better if we were 25 points clear of Somerset rather than 22, but it wasn't a disaster.

"We have given the players some time off since then, so they should have cleared that game out of their heads now and I don't see it having any long-running effects.

"We know the importance of this game and that is what we are focusing on."

Notts should be confident when you look at their home record.

Victories have been secured over Kent, Somerset, Durham, Warwickshire and Hampshire.

They have only finished on the back foot in a rain-affected draw to Essex and a narrow two-wicket defeat to Hampshire.

Newell said: "We have won five of our seven games here and lost only one, which has been on the back of a terrific effort from our bowlers.

"The batters have also made enough runs here to keep us on tops. We have a method of playing that seems to work.

"We want to win the game because if we do then we know we will only need a handful of bonus points in our last game at Old Trafford to win the title.

"If we win, we know we also have a chance of winning the title after this round of matches."

Notts were denied victory when the sides met at Headingley in August by bad weather on the final day.

They needed to take just two more wickets and then knock off the smallest of targets to get home when rain intervened.

"The way we performed up there should give us confidence," said Newell. "We need to see a similar level of performance this time from our batsmen to counter their pace bowlers.

"We don't have Huss (David Hussey, who scored 251 not out), but Samit (Patel, who scored 96) played pretty well and if the batsmen can do the job then I have every confidence in our quick bowlers."

Notts are hoping to have opening bowler Darren Pattinson back after he damaged his ankle at Durham, especially as Ryan Sidebottom is on duty with England's limited overs squad.

If he doesn't make it, then young seamer Jake Ball and opening batsman Neil Edwards will come in.

Newell said: "Patto did his ankle up at Durham when he went over in a foothold that had not been filled in properly.

"He had a net yesterday morning and we will make a final decision on him this morning, but we are optimistic.

"It would be ideal if he is fit because he is an experienced four-day campaigner.

"Ryan's form at the back end of the season has been terrific, so it's obviously a loss. But both teams are suffering from international call-ups and it's something you have to deal with."

Notts squad: Hales, Patel, Wagh, Voges, Brown, Mullaney, Read, Franks, Adams, Fletcher, Pattinson. Ball, Edwards.