Match ratings v Bradford... Including Gavin Strachan... 6

Marker:
1- Absolutely abysmal
2- Disastrous
3- Shocking
4- Poor
5- Below par
6- Average
7- Good
8- Excellent
9- Superb
10- Outstanding

Kevin Pilkington. STAR MAN. Unlucky to ship three goals, were it not for

Pilkington... By far Notts' best player

the experienced stopper Notts would have took an even heavier beating. Pilkington made four outstanding saves and kept goal very well. Produced a top stop when Barry Conlon went through one-on-one and did his best to keep Notts in the game. Should be very angry with the outfield players who failed to mark up from set pieces. Emerged from the game with a lot of credit. 8

Lee Canoville. To be fair he didn't do that bad a job against a very lively winger. However, every single one of the defenders has to look at themselves as to how three goals were conceded. Made one crucial tackle with the scores level and looked fairly steady overall. 6

Adam Tann. Hit and miss. He is never afraid to get stuck in and involve himself in the battle, but every now and then he is liable to an error. Took his eyes off the ball to miscontrol a simple pass under no pressure, something which was typical of Notts' afternoon. Tries hard but plays too many long balls and didn't command the penalty box. 5

Krystian Pearce. Back to Birmingham City after they refused to extend his loan deal and what a loss to Notts that will be. Pearce has been a great buy, but leaves having seen his marker Peter Thorne hit an hat-trick. Pearce performed okay, and tried to take the fight to Bradford including one dazzling run forward, but as with each defender questions have to be asked. 6

Stephen Hunt. A fair performance from Hunt who stood up to the challenge of Bradford's attack minded midfield well. Overall it was 50:50 as to who got the better of the tussle with the right winger, and Hunt worked hard for the cause. Seemed not to be marking anyone however when Bradford's first went in. 6

Gibb... Not a great start

Ali Gibb. Unspectacular debut from Notts' latest signing. Gibb slotted straight in on the right and started well looking to get at Bradford's defence but faded. He was asked to defend more than attack and recieved little good possession. Must do better if he is to prove a hit with the fans, but he looks neat and tidy. 5

Gavin Strachan. Another who hardly excelled on his debut. Looked fit and sharp and tried to influence the play but failed to create any openings and spent most of the time on the backfoot. Worked hard, but it is fair to say he isn't going to be the most creative player on the pitch. Industrious, but not particularly effective. 6

Richard Butcher. Still looks the only likely scorer for Notts. Butcher was quiet but still managed plenty of attempts on goal, particularly in the very closing stages where he forced Bradford's underworked defence into action with a couple of efforts. Overall the game passed him by too easily and he didn't have a bearing on the play. 5

Felix Bastians. Another decent display from the Nottingham Forest loanee who did his best to whip up some enthusiasm for the troubled travelling support. Bastians was quiet in the first half but sprang to life after the break and was Notts' biggest threat by some way. Couple of good crosses but his free-kicks were poor. 7

Lawrie Dudfield. Hardly had a sniff and spent most of the game chasing lost

Sam... Taxi please

causes for which he will always be commended. Could have done better with Nots' one true first half chance just before the opening goal. Came into it towards the end with a couple of flicks but the damage was already done. 5

Hector Sam. He doesn't deserve to ever pull on that shirt again. His performances are getting worse - if that was possible. Tried another inexplicable dive which was embarassing and contributed nil. 2

Subs

Spencer Weir-Daley (for Sam, 64). Looked sharp and eager to defy the Bradford boo-boys who targeted their former loanee for turning down a move there in the summer. Should start next week and he tried his best to create something with little success. 6

Not used: Tim Sandercombe, Austin McCann, Neil MacKenzie and Andy Parkinson.