Youngsters crash, as first team are punished for their crimes

Following the club’s first team crashing to Boston United under particularly disappointing circumstances on Friday, Gudjon Thordarson has been ruling with the iron fist this week, forcing his side to ‘slum it’ in the reserve fixture at Aston Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training complex.

Gudjon: Not a happy bunny

Notts, however, welcomed back veteran defender Mike Whitlow into action, as he returned for his first slice of action since signing player-coach forms at the club.

Although, believe it or not, going on recent showings, it was Notts who took the lead, with on-loan striker David McGoldrick netting his first for the club – albeit in non-competitive action – since returning to the ‘Lane after just a year away.

After almost a full deck of changes, however, Villa drew level following a number of inspired saves from goalkeeper Stuart Taylor at the other end.

Notts (from): Shaun Marshall, Brian O'Callaghan, Mike Whitlow, Daniel Martin, Kelvin Wilson, Stacy Long, Steve Scoffham, Mathew Gill, David McGoldrick, Matthew Williams, Glynn Hurst, Julien Baudet, Michael Edwards, Ruben Zadkovich, Tyrone Berry, Chris Palmer, David Pipe, Andy White, Gavin Gordon, Lewis McMahon.

Meanwhile, back at the 'Lane, the Magpies’ youth side stumbled in the second round of the Midlands Youth Cup, as Steve Spooner’s young side will count themselves unlucky to crash out of the competition, albeit on penalties, in a competition the club’s youth sides have excelled in of late.

A strong Chesterfield side – who currently lie top of the Youth Alliance North & Midlands Conference league – visited the Lane, only to be held by the young Magpies fledglings for much of the game, as an 80^th minute leveller from Shane Newton helped cancel out the Spireites’ early advantage.

The match – which ended 1-1 – went to penalties, where the Magpies were unproductive, as three of their five penalties were missed, thus paving the way for Chesterfield to claim victory.

Notts: Dryden, Thacker, Craven, M Austin, Wilson, Dudley, Frost, Rimington, Hewitt, Akers, Szondi.
Subs: Gibbons (Gk), Leslie, Molloy, Moran, Newton.