Repeatedly vulnerable to high balls into the box, it's ironic that first choice Russell Hoult may have fared better with the goal this afternoon when, in recent weeks, Pilkington may have been able to have prevent some of the long-range efforts sneaking low past Hoult.
Mitchell Hansen - 6, Competent stuff from the young on-loan Derby full-back, who produced the cross of the match late-on onto the head of Michael Johnson. Should offer more going forward as he gains more confidence.
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Michael Johnson - 6, Exactly a year ago this week, Johnson formed part of a valiant Derby rearguard narrowly unable to contain Gerrard, Torres and co as the Rams were defeated 2-1 in a closely-fought Premiership tie. It is a measure of the man's loyalty to this club - and not how far he has fallen - that he is now battling at this level of football and we shouldn't forget that.
Jamie Clapham - 6, A strange choice for the Sponsors' Man of the Match award as Clapham often struggled to contain inexperienced visiting winger Sam Mullarkey. Looked far more comfortable going forward and came close with a well-struck free kick in the first half.
Matt Hamshaw - 5, Looked bright in a good first 20 minutes but was unable to offer much late-on against an out-of-position left back. Was unable to connect well with Notts' best chance of the first half when he volleyed Weston's cross wide. Faded so badly that it must be asked why McParland opted to ignore the pace of young Ben Fairclough late-on.
John Thompson - 7, Star man. The on-loan Irishman has been one of the few bright lights since joining the club a couple of months ago. Playing his first game in midfield for the club, Thompson did an excellent job of screening the defence whilst also looking capable in possession throughout.
Gavin Strachan - 5, It remains a huge mystery to supporters how Jay Smith - arguably the club's best performer in recent weeks - was omitted from the line-up. Asked to play in a more advanced role in Smith's absence, Strachan toiled before being replaced, belatedly, not by Smith but by Adam Nowland, another holding midfielder.
Remains one of the best passers of the ball at the club and a useful player, but was used out of position here.
Myles Weston - 6, A key influence during Notts' strong opening to the game, Weston managed to get behind the Lincoln back-line on more than one occasion and, pleasingly, produced a better end product, notably when setting-up Hamshaw.
Struggled after that as the Imps realised his importance to Notts' cause. Remains the only attacking outlet with any form of pace and needs more support from the opposite flank.
Sean Canham - 6, A better all-round showing from Canham, who is steadilly adapting to League football. Looked by far the most likely player from the front six to find the net, which made the decision to withdraw him with 15 minutes still on the clock even more perplexing.
Delroy Facey - 6, Good hold-up play and distribution shown in the first half, when Facey spread the ball quickly to the flanks where possible. Showed signs of bullying the lightweight Danny Hone but cut something of a disconsolate figure late-on in the game.
Subs
Spencer Weir-Daley (Canham, 75) - 5, His introduction was booed by a crowd who are never more happy when they are able to scapegoat a single player. Was only able to provide the 'support' with more ammunition though, being caught offside frequently.
Ironic then, that it was one occasion when Canham ran through too early that prompted his introduction. Lacks match sharpness and, like others, has suffered at the lack of a regular reserve team.
Adam Nowland (Strachan, 80) - 5, Clearly the wrong man to bring-on when chasing the game, the point was emphasised when Nowland chipped successive aimless chips towards the head of Facey. Like Strachan, played out of position.
Not Used: Mayo, Smith, Fairclough.
Further analysis and reaction of the weekend's defeat to follow on NCM.