NCM picks versus Hereford United

Formation: Usually NCM are all for the traditional 4-4-2 formation, but with a lack of goals from any of the strikers, it may be time to shove an extra midfielder into the mix given that they are the only ones capable of scoring of late. With a clean sheet a tad more likely than Notts scoring at the moment, a defensive minded 4-5-1 system may be the order of the day. With Hereford being a real attacking threat, this may also aid the defence in their hope of a shut out.










Goalkeeper: Kevin Pilkington earned rave reviews for his performance against Rotherham and by virtue should keep his place. However, surely it cannot be long before young Tim Sandercombe is at least given a chance given that Notts have kept only four clean sheets all season.










Defence: With Guy Branston or Mike Edwards not yet available McParland has to work with what he has got once again. NCM would still like to see Adam Tann moved to right back given the torrid time Lee Canoville and Gary Silk are currently having there. That would mean a pacey and strong centre-half pairing of Krystian Pearce and Stephen Hunt. At left back Austin McCann is more consistent than Paul Mayo who seems to be on his way out of the club already.










Midfield: The right hand side of midfield has been a real problem position for Notts all season and the latest occupier in Andy Parkinson has done nothing to suggest he is the long term answer there despite creating Notts' goal against MK Dons. With Stef Frost out on loan, NCM would like to see striker Lawrie Dudfield back there owing to his work rate, commitment and ability to beat defenders. Although he isn't scoring, he is Notts' most in-form striker in terms of overall play, so it is with some disappointment to have to drop him back. In the centre Neil MacKenzie and Richard Butcher have to start and NCM would like to see Matt Somner recalled. He is the sort of player who may shore up the defence. He is certainly a better holding player than Silk and having been dropped recently he will be determined to stake a claim. On his day he can break up any midfield at this level. On the left Myles Weston has to start. He may have been poor against Rotherham, but he has showed decent attacking form before that.










Striker: It would be Dudfield who illustrated he could play as a lone striker to good effect against MK Dons, but he is needed on the wing for this one. Jason Lee is not good enough at all any more, and Spencer Weir-Daley isn't suited to this role, or in the best form by any means. Hector Sam therefore deserves a crack. He is hardly a world beater and has scored just once, but that came against the Bulls which may give him a touch more confidence and he is good at holding the ball up. Besides, everything else has been tried.