Match Ratings - including Lawrie Dudfield...7

Last updated : 31 July 2007 By Paul Smith

Kevin Pilkington. Typically poor distribution and a mistake for the opening goal of the game when he dropped the ball at the feet of Luke Chambers. Pilkington will have fans worried once again. 5

Rob Austin. Very assured performance from the youngster showing he may have the potential to play a part this season. Strong in the tackle, unfazed and a willingness to get forward. 7

Canoville failed to impress in first Notts outing

Lee Canoville. Started poorly and allowed the pacey Forest frontline to get behind him too easily. Clear that he has only just joined and must get an understanding quickly, but showed he may be better as a full-back with a neat forward exchange at the end of the first half. 5

Stephen Hunt. Typically uncompromising, giving little away and looking the only defender to match Forest's number 9 for pace. Didn't do anything wrong. 7

Austin McCann. The Scotsman returned to the form of the early stages of last season by looking cool and composed, determined and better on the attack. Clear that the competition brought in over the summer may bring the best out of him. 8

Richard Butcher. Started brightly looking to spread the play and getting stuck into challenges but faded and often looked unsure of his role in the new midfield. Clear he may have potential for the club though. 6

Matt Somner. Virtually anonymous performance. With the likes of Jay Smith, Butcher and Neil MacKenzie competing for places, Somner will be vital but he didn't show his commanding best and allowed the Forest midfield to roam too easily. One tremendous tackle. 5

Mackenzie was in good form
Neil MacKenzie. STAR MAN.
MacKenzie looked the kind of player Notts fans have been crying out for in seemingly a lifetime. Assured on the ball, good delivery of set-pieces and always keen to get the ball moving forward. Seems to have made sure of his place in the starting eleven for the Grimsby game, perhaps the only midfielder to have done so up to now. Also topped off the performance with Notts' goal. As easy a finish as it was, MacKenzie bust his guts to get into the position sensing the danger created by Lawrie Dudfield. 8

Andy Parkinson. After some promising displays in the recent friendlies, Parkinson has shown signs of hitting his best form after a poor season last time around. However he was often on the periphery of the action and struggled to make an impact. Did hit the bar with one superb effort though. 6

Jason Lee. Although it is fair to say he is treated harshly at times by officials, Lee did himself no favours yesterday raising his elbows too frequently. Didn't look at his best with his link up play far from inspiring. 5

Lawrie Dudfield. Worked tirelessly and looked a threat on the ball. Got back to defend well and impressed the crowd with some good skill. Topped it off with great work to beat former Notts defender Kelvin Wilson with ease to tee up MacKenzie's goal. 7

Subs

Hector Sam (for Parkinson). Didn't force himself into action but got into some good positions only to have the ball fail to reach him. 6

Myles Weston (for Dudfield). Showed why fans are so excited about his addition with some trickery and direct running but showed also why he can't be expected to deliver everything too soon with a poor final delivery. 6

Mayo looked lively when introduced

Paul Mayo (for McCann). Looked assured and an able deputy to McCann - or a player who could challenge for the first team spot. One fantastic run lit up the second half. 7

Spencer Weir-Daley (for Lee). Wanted so much to score past his former employers but cut an isolated figure with the ball, alike with Sam, not reaching him. 6

Junior Mendes (for Weston). Made a late, late cameo appearance when Weston limped off but Notts' seventh choice striker didn't get a touch, highlighting perhaps what is to come for the rest of the season for the former Mansfield man. No rating