Match ratings v Barnet... Including Neil MacKenzie... 5

Last updated : 08 March 2008 By Paul Smith
Average - 6

Russell Hoult. Did nothing wrong and made one superb save to keep Notts level just before the break. His experience told as his positional sense brought calmness at the back for Notts, and he deserved his first Magpies clean sheet. That said, he didn't have too much to do. 7

Adam Tann.
Clearly not the best full-back given that he does very little going forward and looks poor when bombing on. But defensively he did his job, winning plenty of challenges and jumping into any challenge put in front
Johnson... Best of bad bunch
of him. His determination means he deserves credit. 6

Mike Edwards.
Still nowhere near back to his impeccable best, but he always snuffed out Barnet's rare threat. Looked nervy at times, and sliced many clearances, but the fact is no matter where the ball ended up it was away from trouble. That is all that matters from a defender at this level in the battle Notts are in. 6

Michael Johnson.
STAR MAN. Solid return to the Lane, Johnson fully played his part in a clean sheet that Notts needed consdidering the lack of chances created. One slip up saw him booked for a reckless challenge, but overall he was focused and a calming influence. It is no coincidence that while he has been on the pitch Notts haven't conceded. Wins almost everything that comes his way and organises efficiently at the back. Will be a major asset in the run in. 7

Paul Mayo.
Battled hard down the left-hand side, and got to grips well with possible danger man Albert Adomah, meaning he wasn't as dangerous as he could have been. But alike with Tann he also lacked class going forward, and over-ran one good Notts move that could have been promising. Good throws caused danger. 6

Jay Smith.
Worked hard and started the game particularly well, releasing Jarvis twice with intelligent throughballs from which the front man should have done better. Seemed to tire, but was one of Notts' better players. When he tired his influence waned which was unfortunate after a bright start. 6

Neil MacKenzie.
NCM backed his inclusion all week, but MacKenzie flattered to decieve and found the pitch difficult to maneouvre. Wasn't able therefore to stamp his authority and use his skils to be the matchwinner he can be.
Silk... Not man of the match
Seems like he may make way on Tuesday, and after today there may not be many complaints from him. But he will improve, for that there is no doubt. 5

Gary Silk.
Names sponsors' man of the match, but judging by the reaction in the stands, I'm not the only one who considers this a bad decision. Silk wasn't too bad, but he was nowhere near the star man, and gave the ball away far too many times. One good tackle showed he had the spirit, but he has nowhere near enough class for the central midfield berth he possessed. Put Notts in danger with his play, and showed nothing going forward. 5

Richard Butcher.
Still remains the greatest threat and the most likely scorer. Although his only effort on goal was a weak header from distance, Butcher forged well and put in a decent effort. Wasn't involved as heavily as he could be, but worked hard and was one of few to emerge with some credit. 6

Ryan Jarvis.
Should have scored and put Notts in pole position in the first ten minutes when he had two chances. The first he squandered, the second produced a good save. Worked hard and put himself about but didn't get hold of the ball enough and seemed affected by his misses. 6

Danny Crow.
A poor showing from the man expected to fire the goals to take Notts to safety. Looked disinterested at times, and may have been carrying the knock he went off with earlier than his substitution. One rasping
Weir-Daley... Buzzed about against Bees
effort showed his class but Harrison saved well. Other than that he was fairly anonymous. 5

Subs

Spencer Weir-Daley (for Smith, 64).
Buzzed about quite effectively during his spell and tried to use his pace to stretch the visitors, which he did a couple of times. The ball didn't fall kindly enough for him. Perhaps worth a start against former club Lincoln on Tuesday? 7

Jason Lee (for Crow, 72).
Won a couple of flick downs to create a bit of trouble, but he can't hold the ball up anymore and isn't worth a part in thr run in. 5