Match Ratings V Walsall

Last updated : 14 April 2007 By Paul and Phil Smith

Kevin Pilkington. Unable to add to his four successive clean sheets, but neither goal was his fault. In fairness, at least in terms of shots, he had little to do. Did command his area well when needed. 7

David Pipe. Showed a few poor touches early on and his crossing and passing wasn't always up to scratch. Never really got going but his commitment was always there. 6

McCann... Recovered from nervy start to perform well

Mike Edwards. Some important challenges and he marshalled the defence well leading by example. Good last ditch save following a heart in mouth goal line scramble. 8

Stephen Hunt. Battled well and enjoyed a good tussle with the physically imposing Trevor Benjamin. Didn't come off second best but was affected after picking up an injury in the second half. 7

Austin McCann. A nervy start for the Scotsman resulted in some misplaced passing. However, he grew as the game progressed and sent in a couple of good corners. Decent in both attack and defence. 7

Gary Silk. Superb battling from the youngster in his less natural midfield position. Protected the back four well and provided the goal with a good bit of skill and cross. Unluckily injured. 8

Matt Somner. Not too heavily involved, though he did, as ever, put himself about off the ball and made some good challenges. Distribution continues to be poor. 6

Jay Smith. Not as effective as in recent home games, Smith wasn't frightened to have a go, particularly when the ball fell to him outside the area. Too many of his shots were wasteful, and his trademark through balls were missing. He showed a good touch. 6

Silk... A typical battling performance
Lawrie Dudfield.
Although quieter after the break, Dudfield was a constant menace and took his goal beautifully. Notts' most creative player, Dudfield showed some clever touches and made several intelligent runs. 8

Jason Lee. With Walsall doubling up on him a lot, Lee did well to resist a booking and to win a lot of flick-ons. An experienced showing, though Lee will be upset he didn't get a chance on goal. 7

James Walker. The first chance for many Notts fans to see him in action from the start, Walker didn't disappoint. He made some good bursts and was unlucky to see one effort cannon back off the post. Final ball and decision making sometimes let him down. 7

Subs.

Ian Ross (for Silk '59) Gave the ball away too easily and looked lightweight once again. Scared to tackle, Ross also crossed poorly as Notts

Lawrie Dudfield
hunted a goal. 5

Andy Parkinson (for Walker '66) Looked to involve himself from the off, but he missed two good opportunities. Wanted the ball and tried to make things happen, Parkinson will feel he deserved a penalty/free-kick when blatantly pulled down. 6

Myles Weston (for Somner '74) Brought on as an outlet on the counter-attack, Weston wasn't fed the ball and as such had little oppurtunity to showcase his obvious potential. 6

Drapes' Man of the Match: Lawrie Dudfield