Match Ratings V Mansfield Town

Seeing as though Notts were shocking in the first half, but quite inspired in the second, it made sense to do my match ratings per half, then tie them together!

Here are the individual ratings for the Notts players following the 2-2 draw at Field Mill.

1^st Half

Kevin Pilkington. On his return to Field Mill, Pilkington looked shaky in the first half, failing to command his area and allowing himself to be fazed by the boo-boy treatment from the Mansfield fans. Should have dealt with the second goal earlier. 5

Gary Silk. Put in several tough challenges to mark his return to the side. However, he gave far too much room to Sheehan to allow his cross for Mansfield's opener, and found himself wanting positionally. 5

Austin McCann. Didn't feature too heavily, and wasn't at fault for the sloppy first half defending. Hamshaw skinned him on a couple of occasions however, but McCann was nowhere near the worst first half performer. 6

Alan White. Was at sixes and sevens for the two goals, and didn't handle Barker at all well. 4

Mike Edwards. Allowed Barker a head start to nod down for Reet's opener, and he found Reet's pace too hot too handle for the first forty-five. 5

David Pipe. Never got into the game, and though he worked hard, he wasn't on hand to help his full-back, Silk, when Jelleyman and Sheehan dominated the left side. 5

Ross...One of many to change his game

Ian Ross. Went close with good free-kick, but was overrun as midfield partner Somner lost his battle. 6

Matt Somner. A game where Somner's battling qualities would normally shine through, it happened to be his worst display for the club. He didn't win a tackle, and consistently gave the ball away. 3

Andy Parkinson. One fantastic run saw him gift Mendes a good opportunity, but that was all from the diminutive winger who continued to frustrate and lose possession. 4

Junior Mendes. Hoping to score on his return to Field Mill, Mendes worked hard to no avail, wasting the one chance he had. In fairness, he had little service. 6

Lawrie Dudfield. Looked likely even in the first half, after one good shot, and another good run and chip. However he was often isolated, and didn't hold up the ball well enough. 6

2^nd Half

Pilkington. Had near enough nothing to do, so at least Mansfield wouldn't score. 6

Silk. Didn't see a lot of the action, such was Notts' dominance. Appeared reluctant to get forward at times. 6

McCann. Absolutely brilliant. With Hamshaw dismissed, he had the freedom of Field Mill, and dominated from left back, creating many opportunities, and looking top class. 9

White. Held firm with the Stags resorting to long balls, he dealt with all well. 7

Stephen Hunt (for Somner). Made a difference in attack and defence, the youngster is looking one of Gudjon Thordarson's few success stories. Set up Dudfield's equaliser, and helped keep Mansfield at bay. 8

Pipe. Came right into the game, showing good battling qualities, and an excellent will to win. Penetrated well down the right to win a succession of corners. 8

Edwards. Moved into midfield, he helped Notts get a grip on the game, and is goal was vital. Popped up all over the place, he's having an immense season. 8

Parkinson. Moved more centrally at times in the second half, his influence grew. Perhaps his most productive 45 minutes of the season, he caused a few moments of indecision for Mansfield, and involved himself more heavily. 7

Ross. When Notts got on top, Ross did, spraying the ball with ease. He consistently fed McCann to start a series of attacks. Once again his corner resulted in a Notts goal. 8

Dudfield. Scored the crucial goal and battled well throughout, plus he caused Hjelde and Baptiste problems with his clever movement and sharpness in the box. 8

Tcham N'Toya (for Mendes). Made a big difference as a half-time sub, his directness posing the Mansfield defence with a few headaches. He used good trickery, and held the ball up better than Mendes. 7

Third Substitute.

Dan Martin (for Silk). Slotted into midfield at 2-1, he helped push Notts on to get the equaliser, going close himself with a header. 6

Overall:

Pilkington: 11/20

Silk: 11/20

McCann:15/20

McCann... Man of the Match (again)

White: 11/20

Edwards: 13/20

Pipe: 13/20

Ross: 14/20

Parkinson: 11/20

Dudfield: 14/20

Somner: 3/10

Mendes: 6/10

Hunt: 8/10

N'Toya: 7/10

Martin: 6/10

Drapes' Man of the Match: Austin McCann.