Notts County v Morecambe match ratings

Last updated : 07 December 2008 By Dane Vincent

Russell Hoult 7 - Made everything look simple today, clutching onto several efforts placed either side of him. He did look a little shaky at times when the ball was delivered in between the six-yard box and the penalty spot. His quick distribution to the full-backs was very effective.

Mitchell Hanson - It was a steady game for the young Derby County lad, who appears to have a bright future ahead of him. A couple of errors could have cost Notts the win, however, with a short back pass in the first half nearly intercepted, as well as poor marking from an offensive free kick after the break.

Michael Edwards 6 - His distribution was a bit shaky to begin with but that improved as the game progressed. Overall, it was a solid display from the

Superb: Clapham was only just shaded for the Star Man award.
skipper, who got himself in the way of several attempts. Another strong aerial display that was void of any nonsense.

John Thompson 7 - Fully committed to ensuring the Magpies picked up their second home win of the season with some brave blocks at crucial moments. When Michael Johnson and Stephen Hunt regain match fitness, it would be interesting to see him operate as a holding midfielder because his calmness on the ball and distribution were very commendable.

Jamie Clapham 8 - Despite some indifferent set-pieces, his deliveries in open play were fantastic. Some great work down the left, where he wrong footed the full-back and produced an exquisite centre, helped to create the winning goal.

Myles Weston 7 - It was great to see glimpses of his early-season terrorising return. He appeared uncomfortable on the right but once he was switched onto his natural wing there was no looking back. You had to feel sorry for Jim Bentley at right-back, because there was just no stopping Weston constantly skipping past him with ease. Hopefully he can continue this form against Kettering on Wednesday.

Jay Smith 8 *STAR MAN* - Absolutely ran the show from beginning to end. Going forward he was almost impeccable, frequently lifting the ball over the back line to utilise the pace of Weston and Forte. Coupled with some tenacious harrying of the Morecambe midfield, Smith showed that he is worthy of a start even when there's a full squad to choose from.

Nathaniel Wedderburn 6 - Started the game well, battling hard and

Awesome: Smith put in arguably the best performance from a central-midfielder this season.
spreading play well. As the game progressed, he appeared to tire, before being stretchered off with a worrying head injury. He looks to be very assured for his age and with any luck, we'll see further from him.

Jonathan Forte 5 - Seemed to go missing for large chunks when he was out on the flank and failed to exploit his marker as often as he should have. He linked up well with Clapham in the build-up to the goal, plus had a decent effort well blocked when he moved up top. More can be expected of the Scunthorpe United loanee.

Delroy Facey 6 - Rose well to set up Canham for the decisive goal but failed to attack a number of teasing crosses fired in his direction. A bloke of his stature would be expected to impose a greater presence in these areas. He did latch onto two low balls either side of the break though, with the latter cannoning back off the bar.

Sean Canham 7 - Although his distribution was incoherent at times, there are signs that his all-round game is developing. The former Team Bath hotshot took his goal well, showing that he has the striker's instinct that County need so much at the moment. Ran his socks off for the cause and must keep his starting place.

Subs:

Spencer Weir-Daley 5 - Was not on the pitch long enough to make any significant impact. Despite playing out of position, he looked hungry for the ball and worked hard.

Gavin Strachan N/A -Did not feature sufficiently to be judged.