Match Ratings...vs Wrexham AFC

Last updated : 10 August 2005 By Rob Davies
Last night's game was undoubtedly a strange one. The Magpies were out-played for long periods by the visitors, though Dennis Smith's men never even forced Kevin Pilkington into a save of any note.

The match was dull and uneventful for long periods, and yet for individual performances it's hard to pick fault with any Notts County player. The influence of Gudjon Thordarson is already growing, with each and every member of his team working tremendously hard for long periods of a very tough game.

Interesting stuff, indeed, and it makes for a set of ratings that could make exiled supporters believe that, as a team, Notts were actually better than they were.

(6 Average)

Kevin Pilkington - 6, A solid keeper to have at this level. Claimed a number of difficult crosses with confidence. Wasn't required to make any out-of-the-ordinary saves, though a possible weakness comes in the form of his tendancy to roll the ball out as opposed to kicking. At times, it sparked a counter-attack, but on other occasions, it put the Magpies back under pressure. Two games, two clean-sheets.

Brian O'Callaghan - 6, The OC gave a solid display at right back. One of the 'old school' full-backs where defending is the first priority, he won a great deal in the air, though occasionally struggled for pace on the ground. His reading of the game was also excellent.

Julien Baudet - 7, A captain's performance from Baudet, who once again led the back-line superbly. His partnership with Wilson is developing nicely, and neither of Wrexham's forwards got near the goal all night because of it.

Kelvin: Mr Cool
Kelvin Wilson
- 8, The boy is sheer class. His composure on the ball belongs at a much higher level, whilst his actual defending has improved immeasurably in the past 6 months. At 19, he's become arguably County's most important player.

Rob Ullathorne - 9, Star man. A near-perfect display at left back from the re-called Ullathorne. Young Dan Martin may look an excellent prospect, but Ullathorne's still the Daddy at left back - and he proved it last night. Fully commited in the tackle, supportive in attack and full of running. A true leader.

David Pipe - 8, The Sponsor's Man of the Match gave a typical Pipe display, full of running and tireless energy. Up and down the right flank all evening, his sheer work rate is breath-taking. Another key man.

Lewis McMahon - 8, A magnificent home debut. Looked more of a battler in pre-season, but showed he has far more to his game last night with an excellent variety of passing and a notable willingness to shoot at every oppurtunity. Twice unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, also showed the ability to use either foot. At 20, he looks a real find.

Mike Edwards - 6, A fairly anonymous showing from Steady Eddy, who does the simple things well. Gave the ball away a lot in the first half, but redeemed himself by supplying a sublime throughball for Long's late winner.

Chris Palmer - 6, Struggled to get into the game, and was often isolated for long periods on the left. What was impressive though, was the way he was prepared to get back and fight for the cause.

Steve Scoffham - 8, Arguably his best performance in a County shirt. Written-off by many, but looks a different player after a full pre-season and is clearly key to Thor's plans. Battled tremendously hard upfront, winning a number of free-kicks and not giving the travelling defence a moments peace.

Andy White - 7, A good full debut from the targetman. Despite his height, we were warned that he wasn't the greatest in the air - but he won his fair share of headers against the even bigger Dennis Lawrence. Provided a great bit of footwork in the first half when supplying a throughball for McMahon, and can be pleased with his hard-working display.

Subs

Stacy Long (Palmer, 73) - 7, The match-winner in his first ever competitive game, it's the stuff that dreams are made of. Showed tremendous composure to round the goalkeeper and net the winner and it was just reward after getting into a number of good positions after coming off the bench. May start on Saturday.

Glynn Hurst (Scoffham, 80) - 6, Wasn't given much of a chance but had a big hand in the winner, showing a tremendous touch with his back to goal. Recovered well from a late mauling from a Wrexham thug.

Matt Gill (White, 87) - 6, Little time to impress.

Not Used: Deeney, Martin.

Agree? Disagree? Feel free to comment on these ratings - or even post your own - on the NCM Messageboard.