Match Ratings…vs. Stockport County

Last updated : 19 December 2005 By Rob Bristol

Playing fluent, attractive football against an opposition who offered anything but, Notts only managed to grab a reward for their persistence five minutes before half-time, when a cross from the left was flicked on by Kelvin Wilson for Julien Baudet to head past James Spencer in the Stockport goal

Continuing with the constant pressure, the second half followed a similar pattern, with the highly-impressive Jake Sheridan causing problems galore with his willingness to take on the Stockport rearguard. It was from one of his mazy runs that earned Notts one of their nine corners, with Baudet narrowly avoiding doubling the advantage on the turn.

The show belonged to one man, however, with youngster Sheridan wreaking havoc at every turn, eventually leading to Stockport losing Ashley Williams as his frustration finally boiled over. Notts wrapped up the points when another youngster, Emmet Friars turned the ball in from close range following another Notts corner.

RATINGS (Average – 6)

Sheridan: POM's Pick of the Bunch
Kevin Pilkington 7 – Steady game and was rarely threatened. Although his afternoon was not totally uneventful, as he was put on alert late on when Stockport managed to get the ball into the box, and produced a good save from a close range header.

Emmet Friars 7 – Solid in defence and looked confident on the ball throughout. Going forward, he was in the right place at the right time to net Notts' all-important second goal, and his first for the club.

Julien Baudet 7 – Set Notts on their way with the first goal and, at the back, looked much better than of late, and generally worked well all afternoon.

Kelvin Wilson 7 – As with Baudet, looked more assertive than he has recently, providing the flick on for the opening goal.

Rob Ullathorne 6 – Worked hard, but really must do something about his distribution.

Mike Edwards 7 – Used his height well, won nearly every high ball that Stockport ‘hoofed’ into the Notts half.

Liam Needham 7 – Improving with every game, again providing an outlet in midfield. Strong distribution.

Stacy Long 6 – Put in a solid first half, but faded slightly in the second. Replaced by Matty Gill mid way through the second half.

David Pipe 7 – Worked hard, provided the overlap option, but lacked the final pass.

Jake Sheridan 9 – Star man. Outstanding, a constant menace throughout the game and certainly deserved a goal for his efforts.

Mark De Bolla 6 – Good running off of the ball, had two good chances but failed to find the target on each occasion. Replaced by Andy White on 76 minutes.

Substitutes

Matthew Gill (Long ’67) 6 – Forgotten man recently. Kept possesion well.

Andy White (De Bolla ’76) 6 – Provided another outlet with his height, but seems to fall over a lot when the ball is played to him.

Not Used: Marshall, Martin, Hurst.