Match ratings…vs. Mansfield Town

Last updated : 30 August 2005 By Richard Brown

Claiming only their first away victory in seven attempts, the Magpies stretched their lead – albeit under somewhat fortunate circumstances – at the top of League Two to three points, courtesy of a brace from Glynn Hurst, and a single effort from Mike Edwards.

Where Notts heads, after having been behind twice in the game, would have dropped under previous supervision, Gudjon has instilled a strong work ethic and an equally dominant sense of sense belief in the side.

No matter how much Carlton Palmer bemoans the Notts’ technique, the fact remains; we beat the Stags.

Average Rating: 6

Kevin Pilkington – 6 – Enjoyed a relatively steady return to his old haunt, bar completely flapping at a Mansfield throw that lead to the Stags’ second goal. Despite perhaps having been the most public of the Iraqi-esque lootings, he will take heart – and a quiet chuckle – from the Notts’ chorus of ‘Pilko, what’s the score?’ as the game faded out.

Rob Ullathorne – 7 – Calm, brassy and professional as ever, Ullathorne continues to look very much the part at the left of the Magpies rearguard, with his wealth of experience continuing to blossom, let alone bring on young Dan Martin as a player.

McMahon: ''Commanding''
Julien Baudet
– 7 – Another captain’s performance from the big Frenchmen helped sure up the Magpies defence, despite having conceded as many goals in one afternoon as they had prior to the short trip up the A60. Was perhaps the most enthusiastic of the jubilant

Kelvin Wilson – 7 – Looked composed and calm at the heart of defence. Was rarely rattled, and continues to compliment the towering presence of Julien Baudet at the heart of defence.

Brian O’Callaghan – 7 – Fully de-panted Richie Parker at one stage, and continues to look a stable addition to the side. Another sound, if unspectacular display from Brian. This man is no snail.

Chrissy Palmer – 6 – On his day, looks as tricky as a barrel full of snakes. Unfortunately, however, this was not to be Palmer’s day and his usually damaging pace was wasted. However, if anyone can turn a man’s fortunes around, it has to be Gudjon. A work in progress, for sure.

Lewis McMahon – 8 – Star man. At just 20 years of age, Gudjon has completed one of the most anonymous, yet shrewd signings of the season in this Sheffield Wednesday ‘reject’. Bossed the midfield, and indeed theirs too, and delivered another deadly set piece to help secure victory for the Magpies – is beginning to mature beautifully for the good of the side.

Mike Edwards – 7 – A massively unsung hero for Notts right now, and his goal will only instil yet more confidence into the former Grimsby man. Another important cog in Gudjon’s side of late, and a real unlikely hero with his equaliser.

Stacey Long – 6 – Like Palmer on the opposite flank, Long’s approach just didn’t cut ‘it’ at Field Mill, as his efforts usually ran blindly up a blind alley, or ‘shit creek’, if you will. On this occasion, Stacey Long most certainly did not have it going on.

Glynn Hurst – 8 – When his luck’s down, you just know it. But his Bambi-esque leaps and bounds just never get boring when he’s clinching braces like it’s nobody’s business. Was just pipped to the Man of the Match, in my eyes, only by McMahon, whose contributions was truly inspiring at the heart of the midfield. Two goals, raw passion and a bite to his game fitting of any local derby, the striker is back to his best. Also bagged his 100th and 101st league goals.

Steve Scoffham – 7 – Despite wearing away towards the end of the contest, Scoffham’s contributions were telling throughout the game, with his constant harassment of the Stags never tired on the 1,700 strong Notts faithful. Missed two sitters, however, that – on another day – could prove the difference between defeat and victory. Today though, it mattered for little. Perfection is our goal; excellence will be tolerated, however.

Substitutes:

Dan Martin (’45 – Chrissy Palmer) – 7 – Despite playing out of position, Martin looks to have real promise for the future when Rob Ullathorne passes his use-by date. Unfortunate to have to play second-fiddle, the Welsh under-21 cap looks – like many – to be blossoming under Gudjon’s guidance. There is room still for improvement yet, though.

Jake Sheridan (’65 – Stacey Long) – 7 – Changed the game for the better following his introduction. Looked nippy, skilful and fiesty in equal proportions, as was evident by his booking late in the second half. Yet another shrewd signing, it seems, and a definite ‘one for the future’.

Andy White – 6/7 – Had little time to impress, but enough to, like Sheridan, create a new dimension for the Notts attacking force. Was unlucky not to be accredited with the goal, but his contribution at Field Mill was greatly received by the Notts faithful.

Subs not used: Shaun Marshall & Ruben Zadkovich.