There are signs that the run is coming to an end - yesterday's display was an improvement on the last two home showings - but another sequence, the fact that the Magpies' have scored just once in their last seven encounters. is now taking on further concern.
On countless occasions for Gudjon Thordarson's side, the final ball would be lacking. Excellent approach-play would be ruined by the final cross, or the final attempt on goal.
There was only this - and perhaps a shocking refereeing decision, after Steve Scoffham was clattered when clean-through on goal - that stopped the Magpies from ending their winless streak yesterday.
A bit more composure, and Thordarson's team could finally get the monkey off their backs at Bury next week.
Ratings (6 Average)
Kevin Pilkington - 6, A quiet afternoon from Pilkington, who continues to breath assurity between the sticks. Dealt with crosses well, whilst his use of the ball was often intelligent. Was never really called-upon to make a save of note.
Kelvin Wilson - 6, Sat on the right-side of a back three, Wilson showed improvement on his recent run of bad form. Steady in possession, he was rarely tested defensively, though always seemed composed.
Julien Baudet - 6, Like Wilson, Baudet's performance hopefully signalled an end to his own run of poor displays. The captain was a threat at attacking set-pieces and was also able to marshall his two young colleagues into line more often than not.
Emmet Friars - 7, A surprise starter, Friars was playing in the Unibond League a week ago. However, the Northern Irishman showed no sign of nerves in his first appearence of the season, providing balance and assurity on the left-side of the back three. If Thordarson persists with this formation, the youngster could feature heavilly.
Jake Sheridan - 6, Always bursting with energy, Sheridan was one of the chief culprits with the lack of a threatening final ball. The 19-year-old has surprised many by how quickly he has handled the giant step-up from the Central Midlands League, but the local boy didn't enjoy one of his better games yesterday.
Stacy Long - 6, Provided a couple of excellent runs in the first period, but was unable to get into the game in any capacity during the second.
Mike Edwards - 7, Continues to adapt to his new role as a holding midfielder well, often sitting deep whilst his two young team-mates alongside him looked to cause damage at the other end of the pitch. Won the bulk of both headers and tackles that came his way. Has become one of the key players in the team.
Lewis McMahon - 7, A fantastic first half showing saw McMahon run the show - producing easily his best display since becoming a Notts County player. The midfielder produced a fine array of passes - with either foot - and was also unlucky not to open the scoring with a fire-cracker of a shot. Faded somewhat in the second period and squandered an excellent 90th minute chance to win the tie, dragging his shot wide of the target when clean-through on goal.
Rob Ullathorne - 7, Star man. Just edges McMahon out of the award for Notts' best player due to his consistency throughout the fixture. Strong both in defence and going forward, the club captain continues to play with the energy of a man 10 years his junior. Only blemish, like Sheridan on the other side, was poor delivery of the final ball - but an otherwise top drawer display.
Steve Scoffham - 5, Poor first half before being withdrawn through injury at the interval. Touch was often lacking for the feisty forward, though he would have undoubtedly broken the deadlock had he not been felled by the onrushing Carlisle goalkeeper.
Glynn Hurst - 7, Tireless display from the Notts top scorer. Harried defenders throughout, winning balls in both the air and on the ground. Came close with a left-footed strike in the first half after a clever run, but was otherwise often starved of decent service, with much of his joy coming through his own hard-work.
Subs
David McGoldrick (Scoffham, 46) - 5, Last game in his second spell at Meadow Lane and few tears will be shed if, as expected, he returns to Southampton this week, following this display. Played a lovely through-ball to McMahon in the final minute and...er, that's it.
Matthew Gill (Sheridan, 64) - 5, A curious choice to come-on as a right wing-back, Gill's only real contribution was to engage in a spot of hand-bags with a visiting defender over seemingly nothing. Otherwise struggled, especially after the introduction of the lighting-quick Alan O'Brien in direct opposition.
Not Used: Marshall, O'Callaghan, Berry.