We've got Rob Ullathorne...

Williams- in for Gordon

Meadow Lane has hosted Tommy Lawton’s bullet headers, Don Masson’s midfield scheming and Tommy Johnson’s magical finishing down the years.

So, when new players arrive, as they have done in the bucket load during the close season of the 2004/05 season, the County faithful question every signing with the same question, what will he bring to do the side?

So far this season, the Magpies following have been treated to some decent displays. However, as yet, the points tally in the league doesn’t make impressive reading. Nevertheless, the performances of certain new arrivals, such as towering Frenchman Julien Baudet, have pleasured many a fan.

Needless to say, certain players have not matched the expectations placed on them. Full back Rob Ullathorne, a free transfer coup from ‘League 2’ rivals Northampton Town, came with massive applause, after starring in Premiership campaigns with East Midlands rivals Leicester City and even playing for a spell in the top league in Spain, 'La Liga'.

Unfortunately, his displays so far haven’t lifted crowds’ bums from seats. Granted, he goes about his business in a consistent, dependable manner, but he hasn’t excelled his obvious talents. Until tonight at Valley Parade that is.

Sir Ian Richardson

This confidence was to be given a huge boost as early as the 6^th minute, when upon a challenge from Notts’ Welsh under 21 captain, David Pipe, Ben Muirhead was sent sprawling to the ground for an early Bradford penalty. Already the 3^rd conceded by Notts in the first 5 games of the season.

Veteran campaigner Dean Windass, surely one of the best players around at this level, stepped up to coolly convert past returning Irish stopper Saul Deeney.

Indeed, Bradford were looking great value for their early advantage, spraying the ball around the park with great aplomb, as Notts failed to stamp any authority on the early proceedings.

Backed by a vociferous crowd, Bradford continued to press, with former F*rest winger Nicky Summerbee looking a major threat.

Notts managed to weather the storm, and hit back strongly as the first half wore on. Irish winger Tony Scully, now looking completely devoid of injury, caused headaches for the hosts defence.

Rob: An Utter Thorne in the Bradford side

Indeed, when half time came, Notts could consider themselves slightly unfortunate to go into the dressing room a goal down. This left Notts’ following wondering whether the heat would be taken out of their team, and unsure as to weather Bradford would regain their early supremacy. They needn’t have worried at all.

Mills sent his troops out with a seemingly simple message, work hard and attack. That they did.

Scully continued to run at the defence, creating chance after chance, which once again Notts failed to convert.

The under threat strikeforce of Notts County were doing themselves little favours as both Hurst and Williams pushed chances wide of the target.

It seemed likely that if a goal were to come, it wouldn’t be scored by the strike duo. This theory proved true as, in the 64^th minute, Ian Richardson, the only survivor from the last time the teams met at Wembley in 1996, as Bradford won promotion from the old Second Division, popped up from defence to volley home a Scully cross after Williams had failed to convert another gilt-edged chance.

Justice! County had equalised the early set back, and rightly so as they had dominated almost ever since.

And they continued to do so.

More chances came and went even with ‘Man of the Match’ Scully being withdrawn following injury.

But Notts just couldn’t prise a further opening, largely thanks to some excellent goalkeeping from Bradfords goalkeeper Paul Henderson.

The worrying thing was, with two games in 2 days coming up at the weekend, would extra time ruin an already injury ravaged side?

Notts didn’t think like that, and deservedly got their winner at the end of the first period of Extra time of an enthralling contest, when captain of the night, Rob Ullathorne hit a bolt out of the blue from all of 40 yards sailing past hapless ‘keeper Henderson and into a bulging net to finally give Notts their first, and very much deserved, victory of the campaign, in the 105^th minute of the clash.

Although it was a brilliant team performance, special mentions MUST go to Matty Williams, who produced his best display in a County shirt, Matty Gill & Paul Bolland, who both worked tremendously in midfield, and Kelvin Wilson- who showed tremendous composure when he came on.

There was almost no time to reflect on what had been a heart-stopping, pulsating cup clash, when the draw was made for the next round.

All the expectation seemed to be shattered instantly as Notts, under the new seeding system, were drew away to face ‘Championship’ favourites West Ham, who had disposed of Southend 2-0 the previous night.

It seems that Notts avoid all luck when it comes to cup draws, as they anticipate their 5^th away encounter of the competition in the last 2 seasons.

West Ham will be tough, and Ullathorne will need his shooting boots on, plus an extra pair if Notts are to spring their second shock of this financially gaining Carling Cup.