A promising performance from Notts County was unfortunate to not earn a victory against promotion predicted Shrewsbury Town
Taking the lead twice, the Magpies were left with heads in hands after two concessions, including a late goal from the visitors, denying them their first win of the season.
A continuation of this level of performance will no doubt ensure that Notts reap the rewards from their efforts sooner rather than later.
Kevin Pilkington 6 - Pilks found himself underworked by a side that, on paper, looked like they were going to offer far more going forward. He looked edgy once or twice and his kicking was suspect at times, but he claimed a couple of difficult crosses under pressure. Blame cannot be cast on him for either of the goals, for which he stood no chance at all.
Jason Beardsley 6 - Despite receiving the sponsor's man of the match award, it was not Beardsley's best display in a Notts shirt. He was solid going forward, and rarely gave the ball away, linking up well with Hamshaw on the right wing. However, the young full-back was caught out a couple of times in defence, particularly by Michael Symes for Shrewsbury's late equaliser. That said, he still tackled well and continued to prove to Ian McParland why his loan should be extended until the end of the season.
Michael Johnson 8 - Perhaps not his best start to the season, but kept the dangerous Grant Holt very, very quiet. He was first to balls in the air and on the ground, and by the second half Holt looked extremely frustrated with the lack of space and opportunities that Johnson was allowing him. He tackled well and was quick to clear any dangerous balls out of harm's way - certainly the kind of performance we have come to expect from Michael. -
Mike Edwards 8 - Like Johnson, Edwards put in the kind of shift that we hope can keep our defence as one of the best in the division. Found himself roughed up by Dave Hibbert, but was never phased by the physical threat posed by the striker, and also coped easily with Holt when required. Excellent in the air, but is perhaps a little too hasty in resorting to the long ball.
Paul Mayo 5- The much maligned left-back did not have a game to silence the doubters that is for sure. In possession he was wasteful and looked for Myles Weston to make a run far too often, rather than looking for other options inside. His positioning was also poor, particularly for Shrewsbury's late equaliser, where he failed to get tight to Chris Humphrey, who delivered the assist. A vast improvement is required if he is to keep his place when Stephen Hunt returns from injury.
Matt Hamshaw 7 - Hamshaw had an excellent first half, linking up well with Jason Beardsley and providing a big threat down the right wing. He nearly scored early on, forcing the Shrews' goalkeeper into a fine save. His set piece delivery was also a highlight, in particular his outstanding ball to set up
Michael Edwards' goal. The Shrews' defence was troubled throughout by his from corners and free-kicks; however he faded as the second half progressed and perhaps should have been taken off to help preserve the lead.
Richard Butcher 8 (STAR MAN) - A superb display in central midfield by Butcher, who is starting to silence those who believe he offers nothing more than simply goals. Today he was everywhere, covering every blade of grass on the pitch in both attack and defence, getting some important challenges in on Shrewsbury players in the process. His distribution was always good, and although he lost the ball at times, he was willing to pick it up and drive towards the visitors' box. This was topped off by a clinical finish from Delroy Facey's cut back, bringing his goal tally for the season to two.
Jay Smith 6 - Like Hamshaw, Smith's best work came in the first half, where he looked to unlock the Shrews' defence with some good passes and a couple of long range shots, as well as getting stuck in when required. He faded after the interval but has probably done enough to show McParland he is worth sticking with while Adam Nowland is on the treatment table.
Myles Weston 8 - The young winger continued his exciting start to the season with perhaps his best display yet, where he proved an absolute nightmare for Shrewsbury to defend against. From the start, he picked up the ball and looked to drive at the full-back, beating him a remarkable number of times. Time and time again his deliveries just needed a touch from someone to give them the finish they deserved. Again faded slightly towards the end - perhaps due to tiredness - but certainly provided Notts' best attacking threat and continues to look a thrilling prospect.
Jamie Forrester 7 - Worked extremely hard up front, running his socks off for the cause, but also showed he is more than that with a few superb touches. The striker was always looking to bring the ball down when it came forward to release one of his team-mates. He perhaps needs to show a little more in front of goal, but his intelligence brings a lot of positive aspects to the team.
Delroy Facey 7 - Again worked very hard for the cause, and won everything in the air. Rather than just flicking it on he was able to pick out Forrester and his other team-mates, allowing attacks to be built. Did well for the second goal, cutting back from a difficult angle for Butcher to score, and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet himself, having had a couple of decent chances to open his Notts account.