Notts 2-0 Royal Antwerp

Last updated : 03 August 2003 By Rob Davies
The match couldn't exactly be described as a thriller but I'm sure most Notts fans will be pleasantly surprised at the 2-0 win against a side that regurlarly hold their own in Belgium's top league.

No-one quite knows if the side Antwerp put out was their strongest(if you do please tell us) but Notts can only beat whats put in front of them.

The 2 goals scored were worth the addmission fee alone.

Michael Brough got Notts off to a good start
The first, a left foot cracker from Michael Brough, which lodged in between the angle of post and bar. If placed by hand, it could not have been more accurate.

The second, a stunning individual goal by Paul Heffernan, beating three players down the left touchline before riffling a 25 yard shot past the Antwerp keeper.

Match Ratings are below(6 being average):
Mildenhall: 6, Made one terrific save but had little to do apart from that.

Jenkins: 7, Very impressive. Adds steel to the defence, the hardman of the back 4.Star Man.
Fenton: 6, Assured as ever. Moved to right back at the end, despite blatantly not being able to play there to his full capabilities.
Barras: 6, Appears to be forming a useful partnership with Fenton. Booked for a late tackle.
Nicholson: 7, Looked much better. Tackling was stronger and also added some of his 'pretty touches' at times.

Baldry: 5, Has already divided the supporters and I'm still to be convinced. Willing to give him the benefit of the doubt but I'd pick Francis over him currently.
Brough: 7, Scored undoubtedly the best goal he's ever scored. Played a good game too.
Richardson: 6, I still prefer him in defence, espechilly when playing with another ball winner like Brough.
Baraclough: 7, Got forward more and put in some useful crosses.

Platt: 7, Real menace in there and his movement off the ball was also good, gives us a badly needed arial presence upfront.
Stallard: 7, Skillful as ever. Appeared to be singled out by Antwerp defenders.
Missed one chance that he created himself.

Subs

Hackworth(On HT for Stallard): 6, Work rate was good and hit the bar with an impressive volley.
Garden(On HT for Mildenhall): 6, I could've kept a clean sheet in the second half, there was really no threat.
Heffernan(On 51 for Stallard): 7, Was brilliant. Fantastic individual strike and there has to be a place for him in the starting 11.
Caskey(On 73 for Brough): 6, Passing was good, workrate could've been better. Has the loudest voice in football.
Riley(On 85 for Baraclough): 6, Had little chance to impress.
Francis(On 85 for Baldry): 6, Looked lively.
Sisson(On 85 for Richardson): 7, Tackled well & looked impressive.

Note: A full match report by Dominic O'Halloran should be on the site shortly.