The program notes of manager Steve Thompson spoke yesterday of the club's target of securing eight wins from the remaining 14 matches to secure a play-off berth come May 5.
In ordinary circumstances, the visit of Rochdale would make that target every bit possible.
Thompson's men though fell hopelessly at their first hurdle, surrendering a second-half lead to take sweet nothing from a game that, with all due respect to a spirited Rochdale outfit, was there for the taking.
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The game was not a pretty one, and the official line of Steve Thompson will no doubt read: 'Rome wasn't built in a day.'
This may be so, Steve, but in the meantime there's no stopping NCM from bringing you our comprehensive break-down of yesterday's defeat:
Pilkington - Epitomised the Magpies this term; produced one moment of brilliance, sprawling to keep out Glenn Murray's best efforts, but ultimately lost the game to complete the ultimate Jekyll and Hyde act late in the game. 6
McCann - Has suffered an almighty fall from grace since early in the season, yesterday looking reluctant right from the off, appearing especially slow in closing down his marker. The 'O-Zee' did look slightly improved for the second-half in offering his support going forward, but still not quite at the races, for me. 5.5
Hunt (Martin '82) - Didn't stand out, but then again no central defender should have to. Looks a promising youngster though, and the moves made to keep him here beyond his current term are looking ever-more shrewd. 6
Edwards - Despite being caught the wrong side of Murray in the first-half, Edwards offered his usual steadying influence at the back. Thompson's tactics, though, called for Edwards to be shifted around the pitch to accommodate the introduction of White, something that simply cannot be justified. 6
Silk - Not quite reading off the same hymn book as his last home game, but, like McCann, offered his services going forward. All to no avail, though, as the Magpies fell without a trace as the game went on. 6
Parkinson (Mendes '85) - In a typically scrappy League Two encounter, Parkinson - as he has done so many times before - looked awfully lightweight. Despite this, his work rate never dropped right until being replaced by Junior Mendes in another tactical shake-up. 6
Smith - Like many of his team-mates, the club's latest coup performed slightly off the pace of his performances of recent weeks. Oozed with energy throughout, and if nothing else, offered his usual midfield hustle and bustle. 6.6
Somner - Despite weighing in with a few robust, first-half tackles, the burly midfielder faded before being replaced. Still too quiet a figure in the engine room, especially considering we're led to believe he's a full-bodied, gorilla of a midfielder. 6
Pipe - Looked a cut above in places, but without playing the ball on the floor, County are unlikely to see the best of Pipe with their hoofs bypassing the midfield to anything but flatter our most saleable asset. 6.5
Dudfield - Appeared preoccupied with the Rochdale defences physical approach, arguably providing his best work in defence, heading off the line in the first-half to prevent the visitors from taking a deserved lead. Pound for pound looks the perfect foil for the evergreen Jason Lee. 6.5
Lee - Edged ever-nearer to that elusive 15-card milestone with his 14th of the season, later equalling his cards tally with the game's opener. Lucky not to be sent off, but his methods are painfully efficient, so no complaints here. 7
Substitutes:
White (Somner '56) - Still, for me, a token introduction when brought on. My philosophy of substitutions read: never change your back line where possible, especially not your centre-halves - then again, I'm not the Notts manager, so more power to Thompson. The captain did earn some leeway with his post-match comments, however, offering an entirely accurate breakdown of the Magpies' shortcomings. 6
Martin (Hunt '82) - Looked far removed from the same Dan Martin who starred late last season. Anonymous, and generally aloof from what little action was on offer in his short time on the pitch. Could do with sorting his barnet too. 6
Mendes (Parkinson '85) - Not enough time to impress. 6
Brown's Man of the Match: Jason Lee