Match Ratings vs. Cheltenham Town

Last updated : 14 November 2005 By Rob Davies
(6 Average)

Kevin Pilkington - 5, Probably his worst game since signing for the club. Produced a blinding save in the run-up to Cheltenham's equaliser, but otherwise lacked assurity, a point illustrated by an uncharacteristic mistake for the game's opener.

Adam Tann - 6, Reasonable enough home debut for the defender. One strong challenge in the centre circle during Notts' purple-patch summed-up what was a battling display, though more-imaginative distribution was often required.

Julien Baudet - 5, Largely shaky display at the heart of the back 3. A bad lack of concentration led to the Robins' opener, whilst he was often found struggling against the visitors' giant strikers. Good penalty, though.

Kelvin Wilson - 5, Is going through arguably his worst period of form since his meteoric rise through the first-team ranks. Never looked comfortable on the left of the back 3.

David Pipe - 6, Phenomenal work-rate, though his ability of getting into good positions was often spoilt by the lack of a decent final-ball. Will have better days, but his commitment to the cause can never be faulted, even in games such as these.

Stacy Long - 6, Star man. Nowhere near the standard of last week's display in Bristol, but Long's sheer persistence and ability to get into good shooting positions means he just shades the award for Notts' best player. Not that that's saying much, mind.

Mike Edwards - 5, The often-reliable Edwards endured easily his worst display of a very strong season. Rose brilliantly to head home Notts' second, but his constant inability to find a team-mate with a pass was the enduring image of a terrible first half. An off-day.

Lewis McMahon - 6, Like Long, the midfielder never stopped trying to create something for the home side, even if his team-mates weren't always on the same wavelength. Struggled to make an impact.

Rob Ullathorne - 6, Tireless running down the left-flank, though the question has to be raised as to whether he is attack-minded enough to play as a wing-back in this system.

Glynn Hurst - 5, Starved of any scraps to feed-off, this was not a day for Hurst, who was another who gave the ball away far too regularly.

Andy White - 4, After waiting so long for a start, White failed to deliver a performance of any note. Whilst big-men Odejayi and Spencer in the visitors' attack were causing the Magpies defence all sorts of problems, White was unable to win almost all of the headers he rose for, though the striker was denied by a good save in the second period. Must do better if he expects more starts to come his way.

Subs

Matthew Williams (Long, 81) - 6, Ran around a lot but was unable to make any real impression.

Matthew Gill (McMahon, 81) - 5, Failed to make any form of a forward pass during his time on the field. Far too negative-minded to come on at such a late stage.

Not Used: Marshall, O'Callaghan, Palmer.

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