Goalkeeper & Defence Review - August
Games Played: 5
Goals Conceded: 3
Russell Hoult – 3 (2*)
Kasper Schmeichel – 2 (1)
The Goalkeepers had a reasonably quiet August with neither starters making any mistakes of note. Hoult must have considered himself a very unfortunate man to be dropped after conceding two goals (both penalties) in 3 matches – keeping two clean sheets. Schmeichel came in and kept a clean sheet himself on his debut making an outstanding save from Dagenham striker Paul Benson. Schmeichel’s youthful age, quicker agility and more accurate kicking and generally better goalkeeping skills makes him a much more attractive option than the more than adequate Hoult.
Brendan Maloney – 5
John Thompson – 5
Graeme Lee – 2
Mike Edwards – 2 (1**)
Stephen Hunt – 5
Jamie Clapham – 0 (3)
The Notts defence had an unexpectedly easy afternoon on the opening day of the season against Boulding and Thorne – the latter who always seems to score against Notts. This however was nothing compared to the day off they had over Macclesfield. Perhaps it was the easy start they had which made them so unprepared for the barrage of shots and attacks which Chesterfield presented us with. Lee (substituted for Edwards) and Thompson coped well with the pressure up until later in the second half when Thompson succumbed to Lester’s trickery and hacked him down inside the box. The second penalty; conceded by Stephen Hunt – was a bit more debatable. Another clean sheet was to follow against Dagenham at home before a late goal was conceded against Barnet after some questionable defending by Thompson and Hunt (culprits of the penalty concessions at Chesterfield). Hunt missed a clearance which allowed a cross and in turn Thompson failed to make good enough contact with the ball to clear it properly which allowed Hyde to score a winner.
In each of the first 3 games of the season a different defender chipped in with a goal. On the opening day a magnificent energetic run from his own half saw Maloney pick up an inch perfect pass from Rodgers just outside the box before Brendan jinked his way past two Bradford defenders and shot past the keeper brilliantly. This was the pick of the three goals. Hunt was the next to get himself on the scoresheet during the 4-0 demolition of Macclesfield. A Ben Davies corner was floated in and Hunt rose highest to power the header past the Silkmen ‘keeper. Edwards was the next defender to get in on the act with a late consolation goal against Chesterfield after he scored amidst a mini scramble and slid in from close range.
Defender of the Month: Brendan Maloney – his enthusiasm and boundless energy make him every bit a player as David Pipe was for Notts, added to the fact that Maloney can pass, dribble, cross and, as the evidence against Bradford would suggest, shoot, make him Notts’ best full back that I can remember. He has built up a good partnership with Ben Davies on Notts’ right-hand side where most of Notts’goals so far this season have come from.
Overall review: The goalkeepers could not have been blamed for any of the goals, so instead we have to look at John Thompson who it has to be said seems to be partnering a different player every other game at the back and Stephen Hunt who many people think has not the ability to be a left back in a promotion chasing side. I’d be inclined to agree and would put Jamie Clapham in until we get a replacement as neither are going to benefit Notts in the long term. A solid month bar a few errors and already halfway to last season's total of 6 clean sheets.
* - Clean Sheets
** - Substitute Appearances