Match ratings v Aldershot Town

Last updated : 28 September 2008 By Dane Vincent

Russel Hoult 8 - Made a string of quality saves throughout and must have had glue on his gloves to when making a superb stop in the second half, finely plucking it out of the air. Commanded his area like he did at his best last season and could not be faulted for the goal. His kicking was poor at times but his distribution from throws set Notts on the attack several times.

Jason Beardsley 6 - Played a couple of hospital balls that nearly cost Notts, but once again worked well behind Hamshaw - always willing to bomb on to overlap the winger. He dealt with Aldershot's threats down the left competently without really looking too stretched.

Star man: Johnson showed the passion that Jimmy Sirrel always demanded of his players...
Michael Johnson 8 *Star man* - Wearing his heart on his sleeve, Johnson demonstrated a passion that was fitting to the occasion. Clearly upset when losing his marker to allow the visitors to go ahead, he picked himself up to level the game with a guided header. Threw himself in front of everything goal bound and coped admirably with the visitors' two large strikers.

Michael Edwards 7 -Once again he got on the end of everything and - just like Johnson - made some important blocks and challenges. Many of the strikers' attempts to hold up the ball were averted by a simple prod of the ball.

Jamie Clapham 6 - Set up the winner with a fantastic lofted ball to the back post, topping off a steady home debut. He managed well on the left side, especially when Notts were short of defensive numbers in that area. His experience could prove invaluable, especially to the younger players such as Myles Weston, as he gave them much needed encouragement when things were going against them.

Matthew Hamshaw 7 - Delivered an absolutely superb in-swinging cross from the left wing to set up Johnson for the equaliser. He once again showed great calmness when in possession and brought his team mates into the game. Defensively he struggled a bit when not supported by Beardsley.

Richard Butcher 7 - Dived into tackles on a number of occasions but worked tirelessly when closing down attacks. Once again he popped up at the right moment, showing a cool head to loop a header over the outstretched goalkeeper in the 94th minute - winning the game.

Gavin Strachan 6 - Just like Butcher, Strachan lunged in needlessly on a few occasions, which was perhaps down to a lack of match practice. Played the simple ball very well and demonstrated great vision, but unfortunately the more extravagant passes failed to pay off more often than not. Give him a few games and he will be back to his best.

Myles Weston 5 - Early on it looked as though the young winger was going to give the full-back a rough ride, skinning him with ease. This, however, was a rarity as Weston failed to challenge his marker enough, but when he did, his deliveries were often lashed at. Saying that, he did tee up Butcher for a header early on with a pin point cross. Defensively he worked hard, getting back to break up play on a few occasions, using his pace effectively.

Delroy Facey 6 - A strong presence in attack, the sturdy front man won most of his aerial challenges and put himself about well. Although he brought others into the game with the simple pass, he offered little in front of goal. It

Struggle: Canham failed to make an impact when he came off the bench...
would be nice to see him attempting to latch onto wide balls more frequently.

Jamie Forrester 7 - Unlucky not to get off the mark with a fine lob from outside the box, which was controversially ruled offside. For a small man, he held up play extremely well, fending off the visitors' bulky centre-backs with some great positional sense. Some of his passing would make a midfielder jealous.

Subs:

Jay Smith 6 - Slotted in well to replace the tiring Strachan in the middle and made a crucial pass in the build up to Notts' winner. He was tidy in possession and held the midfield well.

Sean Canham 5 - Looked a little out of his depth up front and never really looked a threat. The former Team Bath man worked hard, chasing down defenders - always looked interested. Canham struggled to cope with aerial battles and looked limited in possession.

Spencer Weir-Daley 5 - Was not on the pitch long enough to make a huge impact but did look a little too lightweight. He can be tricky with the ball at his feet, shown when he was upended as he skipped past a Shots' defender.