February...by trickypies

Last updated : 28 February 2008 By Trickypies spoke to Gary Moss

"I thought Notts began the month in good shape, playing well in the home game against Grimsby Town.

It marked the beginning of a run of games where our defence looked worthy of a promotion pushing side.

Butcher (right)... Does battle with Darlington's Julian Joachim in February tussle


We defended extremely well in spells against the Mariners but after Richard Butcher gave us the lead, our inability to hold on cost us again. With Grimsby in fine form at the time, I think the lads could take heart from their efforts.

Then at Stockport, I think we produced both a very good performance and result. In the first half in particular I thought Notts played well and can count themselves unfortunate not to have gone in ahead at the interval.

Mike Edwards put us infront and slack defending may have cost Notts but that looked like the only time in the game we were going to concede. Stockport didn't have much of a sniff of goal in the second half and once again we defended very well to come away with a deserved point.

Despite the negative reaction to the Darlington game, I thought Notts played pretty well in this game.

We were probably better against Grimsby and Stockport but if it hadn't been for the referee, I think we would have came away with something from this game. In my mind it was a blatant handball for their goal but when you are at the

Crow... "Superb" addition says Trickypies
bottom luck tends to go against you. Darlington are a very solid side and a point here would have been respectable. Defeat left everyone deflated - it was important we bounced back with three points.

A major milestone of the month was the re-signing of Danny Crow - Superb!

When I heard the news that he had signed, I was absolutely buzzing. For him to pick up an injury just 60 minutes into his first spell was frustrating. But it is great news to have such a good goalscorer back with the club. Hopefully he can keep us up with his quality in front of goal.

Ryan Jarvis and Crow seem to have built up a good partnership in the two games they have played together and long may it continue.

In the Chester game we needed a win and that was what we got. I thought Crow took his goal brilliantly from an excellent cross by Ali Gibb. It was nice to see him open his account so early on for the Magpies.

People got excited when we completed the double over the Blues but we must remember it was only against a poor side on the day.

Nevertheless, it was three valuable points and that was something we were certainly lacking. We needed the victory to be a turning point for our season.

Pilkington... Trickypies' player of the season
Unfortunately we could not build on that against Bradford.

We have to find a run from somewhere if we stand any chance of maintaining our status in this division. Maybe we missed a great chance to do this.

Just when I thought we could be turning the corner, Notts were hit with the announcement of an injury to player of the month Kevin Pilkington. I was absolutely devastated.

Pilks in my mind has been our best player this season by a long way. Without a whole host of top quality displays from the former Manchester United man, the Magpies may well be sitting in the League Two relegation zone.

His world class save at home to Chester sums up how important he has been to us this season. But injuries are all part of the game and we must accept it.

With the arrival of Russell Hoult, I think Ian McParland has found a very able successor. With Pilko expected to be out for around six weeks now, I think it was important that we brought someone in with adequate experience. Maybe, Hoult could have done better on his debut against Bradford but once he settles into life at Meadow Lane, I am sure he can fill Pilkington's void.

The visit of Bradford City did mark Jarvis' first goal for the club and hopefully it will be first of many for him. He has looked very lively and impressive. He could prove a worthwhile signing if he can add to his goal tally between now and May.

McParland... Massive month ahead
He has expressed his hope of staying with the club on a permanent basis and that is the kind of attitude we need if we are to steer clear of trouble. The players must be up for the fight. Looking ahead, with Jarvis and Crow up front next season, we would probably have the best strike force in League Two.

We end February on the back of an extremely disappointing afternoon against the Bantams. Again, County took the lead but ended up on the wrong end of a 3-1 defeat. We cannot afford to keep doing this or we may pay the ultimate price - life outside of the Football League.

March promises to be a crucial month for the whole of the club and although it will be tight, I think we will secure our safety.

I believe that Wrexham and Mansfield are doomed to relegation but we must focus on our own results, starting with the trip to fellow strugglers Macclesfield tomorrow.

Come on you Pies!!!"

If you would like to be NCM's fan reviewer for the month of March, email garymoss1987@hotmail.com.