Match Ratings V Darlington... Including Matt Somner...7

Kevin Pilkington. Had a lot to deal with in the opening period, before a quieter second half, and got through a lot of work. Dealt with two goalmouth scrambles rather poorly but made two or three good stops in the game to keep Notts in it. Organisation of his defence could be better. 7

Canoville... gets better with every game

Lee Canoville. Arguably his best Notts showing yet, and is clearly a better right-back than centre-back. As he gets fitter he is showing more of his talent, but still he wastes too much possession looking long. Nipped the threat of Chris Palmer in the bud despite Palmer's good start. 7

Adam Tann. Much more assured than last week, but still doesn't look 100% right, and again took a knock. Poor concentration and judgement led to him hitting his own crossbar but he got to grips with Abbott and Wright more as the game went on. 6

Stephen Hunt. As NCM predicted the youngster was named captain in the absence of Jason Lee and Mike Edwards, and he led by example despite being given a tough test against a good Darlington strike force. Left flat footed at times, especially for the second goal, but won a lot of balls for the cause. 6

Austin McCann. Surprise return to the side after missing the opening two league games as Paul Mayo pushed to left wing in the revised 4-4-2 formation. McCann let nobody down and put it a steely performance preventing the dangerous Julian Joachim from having much of an impact. 6

Jay Smith. Rightfully brought back into the starting eleven, Smith was asked to do a job on the wing - not his usual position. However, he stuck to his task manfully and grew as the game wore on. Positionally he left Canoville exposed too much, but on the ball he was a treat and involved in Richard Butcher's first goal. A class act. 8

Butcher... Clearly star man

Richard Butcher. STAR MAN. Who else after his two goals gave Notts a deserved point, and made it three in three for the midfielder. Clearly has the knack of arriving on time in the box from deep, and boy can he finish. Nearly gave Notts an early lead too, and other than that put himself about the pitch superbly. Involved in most Notts attacks, he looks like the goalscoring midfielder Notts have lacked for seasons. Still said to be unhappy with his performance, wait until he is happy, Notts may have a star. 8

Neil MacKenzie. Fairly anonymous first half showing from Notts' gifted playmaker, but he got better in the second half. Still wasn't his influential best, but did produce one or two neat moments. Notts must get the ball to him more If they are to progress further this season. 6

Paul Mayo. Despite a sterling start to his Magpies career as an uncompromising full-back, Mayo was asked to perform as a winger and worked hard on the left, putting in his best work defensively. Clearly more at home as a full-back, but he deserves credit for his commitment. Nearly got Notts an injury time equaliser even before Butcher did. 6

Spencer Weir-Daley. His first start for the club was meant to herald a dream story, but it wasn't to be as Weir-Daley was deployed of the necessary service. Started very well flashing a shot wide and beating Alan White for pace. However, as the game wore on the youngster saw less of the ball and will be frustrated by his lack of action. 6

Lawrie Dudfield. Looked like he was continuing his poor start to the season with an ineffective lightweight showing, until the second half sparked him into life. He began performing nearer to his best, running at the defence, battling hard and creating openings. 7

Subs

Andy Parkinson (for Weir-Daley, 59). Changed the game. Up to then

Parkinson... Changed the game - finally!

Notts had showed no creativity but Parkinson set about the Quakers backline, brilliantly setting up the first equaliser and worrying the hosts everytime he got the ball. Much better. 8

Gary Silk (for Canoville, 77). With Canoville tiring Silk added extra muscle and legs to the backline but couldn't prevent Notts going back behind. 6

Matt Somner (for Neil MacKenzie, 82). Brought on to maintain a point, Somner had to do just that after Notts fell behind, and helped out considerably battling hard for the 84^th minute leveller to fall to Butcher. 7