Match Ratings V Brentford... Including Lawrie Dudfield... 4

Last updated : 25 August 2007 By Paul Smith

Kevin Pilkington. Had very little to do in the way of goal bound efforts, and could hardly keep out the three yard tap in that was Brentford's goal. He commanded his area very well and his handling was much better. 7

Canoville... Better

Lee Canoville. Better than his previous two displays, and it is clearer that he is a more adept full-back than centre-back. Got forward very well and created a couple of decent opportunities but needs to be tighter in defence. 7

Adam Tann. Can tell he was easily short of fitness. Did his best work chasing back long Brentford balls to clear danger, but he wasn't at all commanding, and needs to up his fitness and his game considerably. 5

Stephen Hunt. Clearly a defensive talent, again showing no signs of being flustered, and again clearing his lines with considerable ease. However his distribution was diabolical today, far too many long balls that went precisely nowhere. 6

Paul Mayo. Another solid display from NCM's man of the match at Grimsby. He was particularly impressive in the first half, defending well apart from one moment, and getting forward effectively. His good crossing in the game however wasn't matched from set-pieces. Less impressive after the break and was beaten for their goal, but still looks a good acquisition. 7

Somner... NCM's man of the match
Matt Somner. STAR MAN.
Readers may question this division as many fail to see the importance of Somner in Notts' ranks. Although he was hauled off on the hour mark the standing ovation said a lot as Somner put in a tireless showing, more prepared than any Notts man to dig in and he won nearly all his tackles. Very destructive in midfield, leaving his foot in and doing his best to earnt Notts the midfield territory. Nearly scored with a good effort too and can be proud to have outshone his more gifted team-mates. 8

Richard Butcher. Although he scored with a fantastic finish, Butcher could have had a brace after missing an even easier chance moments before the goal. Started well, winning tackles and working hard, but became less effective as the game wore on and was far too quiet. 6

Neil MacKenzie. Looked the part early on with some neat flicks, and an ability to get the ball on the deck not showed by any other player. However, in the second half he was fairly poor and cut a frustrated figure as the game foolishly bypassed him. Poor set-pieces. 6

Andy Parkinson. Worked hard and ran his socks off but to no avail. Got no favours from the referee who failed to spot the countless times he was fouled by over physical defenders, but hardly inspired with his own ball play. 6

Jason Lee. Again Notts' game-plan centred around the 35-year-old player coach and captain. Lee missed the target on three occasions, granted one was a superb long range effort, but he should have done better. didn't link play as he usually does. 6

Lee... Play directed at him

Lawrie Dudfield. The NCM favourite was sadly and badly off the pace. Looked nothing like the player who performed so excitingly during the second half of the last campaign and was certainly no goal threat. 4

Subs

Myles Weston (for Dudfield, 45) Didn't produce from some promising positions on the left. Unfair to put too much hope on him as he has a lot of potential, but not so effective today and that hamstring trouble flared up once more. 6

Jay Smith (for Somner, 56) Why didn't he start? Clearly the best box-to-box player at the club, Smith almost scored a screamer straight away and was the most creative presence when he was in action. Must start at Darlington. 7

Hector Sam (for Parkinson, 65) First piece of action was to run into Smith when the latter was well placed to cross. Sam looked short of fitness and confidence. 5