Kevin Pilkington. Notts' in-form custodian could do nothing with Baker's goal and he again performed well, keeping his consistency by safeguarding the goal comfortably. In truth, he had little to do in the way of shots, but his commanding of the area was impressive, and he made one top save early on. 7
Adam Tann. Continues with the captain's armband even with Jason Lee and
|
Mike Edwards. Great to see last season's player of the year back at the heart of the defence and it was no surprise to see him perform steadily. The reliable defender got through 90 minutes with ease, and won several headers. Could have scored with one when Notts led 1-0 but a consistent showing at the back. 7
Stephen Hunt. Looked happy to be back in tandem with Edwards and performed well. Wasn't fazed by the in-form Matt Blinkhorn and dealt with that threat solidly. Wasn't as outstanding as in recent weeks, and will - alike with the whole back four - be unhappy with the concession. That said, he won plenty of aerial ball and held his line well. 7
Austin McCann. Had a comfortable first half, but the second was a different matter. The introduction of Garry Thompson on the right for Morecambe gave
|
Richard Butcher. STAR MAN Another goal from the midfield man who moves clear as Notts' leading scorer now with nine. Amazingly, any game he has scored in hasn't heralded a Notts win. A top class and instinctive finish and his best of the campaign yet. Worked hard and stuck to his task again out of position on the wing. Tried to create openings but had little joy in fashioning clear cut chances. However, he deserves singling out for always looking lively and his set-piece delivery continues to create chances - one which Edwards might have done better with. 8
Gavin Strachan. A tidy job from the holding midfielder, who sat in and worked hard for the cause. Kept things simple and Notts look a better passing side with him in the equation. At times they kept possession better than on a lot of occassions this term, and Strachan was key to that. He goes about his job rather quietly and with minimal fuss, but it is effective. Very steady. 7
Gary Silk. Tried to impose himself in the midfield, but you always feel that with the likes of Jay Smith and Neil MacKenzie waiting in the wings, Silk must be living on borrowed time. It is hard to see what he brings other than a lot of energy and genuine fitness. Put one good header in that snuffed danger at a crucial time, but little else to report. 6
Felix Bastians. A quiet game from the German who wasn't involved as
|
Lawrie Dudfield. Rather anonymous showing from the hard working frontman. Rarely involved and didn't get the opportunity to get a much needed goal. Dudfield had one or two neat flicks, but little else and he was given no service from the midfield. 5
Jason Lee. Had a good tussle with both Jim Bentley and Dave Artell at different stages of the game. Alike with Dudfield, Lee was given hardly any decent service - other than the obligatory long ball. But he put himself about and won his fair share of headers. 6
Subs
Myles Weston (for Bastians, 75). Came on and did his best to inject a bit of energy and put Notts back onto the front foot following Baker's equaliser. A couple of decent runs, but no end product. 6