Match Ratings...vs Rushden & Diamonds

Last updated : 25 September 2005 By Rob Davies
Make no mistake, yesterday's game was the worst game at Meadow Lane this season by a mile. Though Notts had their chances, it was only the introduction of the two young loanees that gave the home crowd any sort of belief that their team could score a goal.

When players like Chris O'Grady - who was distinctly mediocre throughout his loan spell here last season - prove to be one of the best players on the pitch, it's definetly likely that you've just seen a bad game.

In fact, O'Grady could well have won an injury-time penalty, though the referee was kind enough to wave away the visiting appeals, the Rushden hoodoo over Notts continues. It's now five games without victory over our distant neighbours.

Here's the ratings.

(6 Average)

Kevin Pilkington - 6, Fairly reduntant. Dealt well with a low Drewe Broughton shot but otherwise may have taken the afternoon off.

Brian O'Callaghan - 5, A poor showing. Simply didn't look comfortable against a winger who is O'Callaghan's worst nightmare - nippy, quick and skillful. Struggled.

Mike Edwards - 7, Captain for the first time and responded with a top display that was marred only by one panicked clearence that looped dangerously above Pilkington and behind. A threat from offensive set-pieces and a rock at the back, has already established himself as a key player in Thordarson's team.

Kelvin Wilson - 6, Not his best game, but managed to deal with the almighty physical threat of Broughton reasonably well for the most part. Came close to netting with a powerful volley that was deflected wide.

Rob Ullathorne - 5, As one of his biggest fans, I didn't believe Ullathorne was capable of having a bad game - but I'm afraid I was proved wrong against Rushden. Wasteful with his passing, the veteran was also lucky to get away with the late O'Grady penalty incident. Suffered a recurrence of his groin injury late-on and is likely to miss Tuesday night's trip to Grimsby.

David Pipe - 6, A typical workmanlike display from the Welshman, though he was often deeper than he may have liked due to helping out O'Callaghan in his defensive woes. Pipe did deliver one telling ball, though, that Gordon headed wide. Also unlucky to see a late penalty appeal turned-down when his pull-back appeared to hit a defensive hand.

Lewis McMahon - 5, Easily his worst display since coming here. McMahon has already showed he has enough ability not to get involved in the head tennis games going on yesterday, but unfortunately the 20-year-old was one of the chief culprits. An off day.

Matty Gill - 6, A fairly anonymous showing. A day on from the game, and it's hard to remember a contribution of any note from Gill. Just another midfielder lost in a dreadful game.

Jake Sheriden - 8, Star man. Here was one midfield-man who certainly didn't get lost. Sheriden excelled in his first EVER professional start, providing the spark that Notts needed. Showed no sign of nerves, a willingness to beat his man and the ability to cross the ball with either foot. A full debut to be proud of.

Gavin Gordon - 5, Whilst his effort on the day could not be faulted, Gordon's technique was sadly often lacking for what is required of even a League Two targetman. The striker's miserable afternoon was summed-up when he badly scuffed a header wide from Pipe's cross.

Glynn Hurst - 6, No scraps for Hurst to feed off on this occasion. A quiet outing before being somewhat surprisingly withdrawn in the 61st minute.

Subs

David McGoldrick (Gordon, 53) - 7, As expected, McGoldrick showed that he has clearly developed since he first appeared in the Notts first-team as a precarious 16-year-old. Now a Southampton player, the striker proved effective both in the air and on the ground and can count himself unlucky if he doesn't start on Tuesday night.

Tyrone Berry (Hurst, 61) - 6, Somewhat over-shadowed by his fellow loanee, but Berry's pace was a constant threat to the visiting defence. Also had a good chance to break the deadlock, but scuffed his shot wide. A promising debut, especially when you consider he was playing out of position.

Stacy Long (Gill, 79) - 6, Struggled to really impose himself on proceedings, much like the other two County central midfielders.

Not Used: Marshall, Martin.