Wing-men are the key to scoring

Last updated : 15 August 2008 By Dane Vincent

Just two games into the new campaign, we are seeing a totally different manner of play to last year's kick and rush football.


For the first time in years, Notts appear to be trying to keep the ball on the ground with the hope of delivering a greater attacking threat and an attractive style that will no doubt bring back the stay-away fans.


On fire: Weston has started the season in great form...
Key to this play are the wingers, who will play a crucial part in deciding whether Ian McParland's side prevail or fall short.


With service to feet, the wide men will be able to have run at full-backs, rather than compete with them aerially.

Myles Weston appears to be thriving from this service so far, earning all the plaudits in the opening two games.


Using his electric pace, he has already demonstrated the massive impact that he can inflict on a game, coming off the bench to not only terrify the Doncaster Rovers' defence, but also score the winning goal.


He gave the full-back against
Bradford a torrid time as well and is already establishing himself as an integral member of the starting line-up.


Getting a full pre-season under his belt appears to have worked wonders for his form, which was quite patchy last season.


If he can steer clear of his injury problems which plagued him in the previous campaign, there is no reason why he should not continue to improve.


Opponents will already be taking notes of the youngster, meaning the next few weeks could determine how much of a handful he really is.


With Weston deservedly grabbing all of the headlines, many will have forgotten about his team-mate on the opposite side of the pitch, Matthew Hamshaw.


Performing well since joining, the right-sided player has the potential - like Weston - to be one of those figures that make the difference between winning and losing.


Blessed with an undoubted quality, the former
Mansfield winger just needs to find some consistency - something that has been his downfall throughout his career.


Sports writer for the Mansfield Chad, John Lomas re-iterated this, talking

Consistency: Hamshaw failed to deliver on a regular basis at Mansfield...
about Hamshaw's time with the Stags. He said: "Matty Hamshaw is a highly talented player who seems to have spent his career struggling to find consistency which would almost certainly have seen him play at a much higher level throughout.


"At
Mansfield we saw glimpses of his talents and he had some storming games but not enough to make a big enough difference.

"When he arrived he took all the dead ball stuff in pre-season and we thought we had a bit of a Beckham.


"But over a period of time his corners and free kicks just were not good enough.


"His crossing ability is very good and with the right strikers waiting, he will provide them chances to score.


"If he could get himself a place in a decent team who play to his strengths I am sure you would see more from him than Stags got where he was playing in a very poor team."


With a lack of depth in this area, Notts may struggle should one of these two pick up an injury or suspension.


Keeping them in the side and providing them with effective service, however, will no doubt see them create endless chances for the strikers.