For Notts to win by 3 goals was a great injustice, but we've recently lost games we deserved to win so luck evens out.
A well-deserved first home win for Gary Mills, but as he rightly points out, consistency is the key and Notts have to build on this win to get out of the mess they find themselves in.
Ratings (6 Average)
Stuart Garden- 8, Certainly played his part in this victory. Made a series of crucial saves when we were under the cosh in the first half. Twice the striker was in on goal and twice he was foiled by the bald-headed wonder.
Paul Boertien- 8, Playing his last game at Notts out of position at right back but had another blinder. One word sums up the way this man plays: Quality. Mills led him over to receive a deserved ovation from the Notts faithful after the game, and let's hope it's not the last we see of him.
Nicky Fenton- 6, I was in no doubt that Notts' two centre-backs were the weakest links yesterday. Allowed Stockport to have a series of first half chances, mainly free headers, that better teams would surely have taken.
Tony Barras- 6, Similar to Fenton, he didn't give the ball away too much, but didn't win it much either. Dominant in the air, again. Surely Mills has to look at moving Richo back inside or bringing in a centre half.
Ian Richardson- 7, Another solid display from the skipper. Won a great tackle to set up the second goal and totally snuffed his winger out of the game.
David Pipe- 9, An outstanding first half. Set up the first goal and his cross won the penalty, while he was unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet as he came close twice. Surely one of the best loan buys the clubs had in years.
Darren Caskey- 6, As patchy as his highlights. Delivered a delightful chipped through ball for Heffernan's second, but was totally outshone by his midfield partner. Taken off shortly into the second half.
Stefan Oakes- 9, An outstanding debut. Just shaded out of man-of-the-match by four goal Heffernan. Possesses a superb left foot and came close with a blistering free-kick. Got stuck in and his passing belonged at a higher level. Seems to be an excellent signing.
Paul Bolland- 7, Gave a solid 45 minutes. Playing on the left wing, gave his usual 110%. Was withdrawn at half time after picking up a number of knocks.
Mikael Antoine-Curier- 7, The French striker improved as the game wore on. Played a delightful through ball for Heffernan's fourth and the Irishman has already said the former F*rest striker played a key part in his four goals. The ref penalised him and awful lot, but never gave up and had a decent debut.
Paul Heffernan- 9.5, Star Man. What can you say about a man who scores four goals? As widely reported, around 20 scouts upped and left as he was withdrawn to an ovation at the end, and they'd have gone back to their clubs raving about Heff. Took all of his goals superbly and continued to get in the positions to score even more. An absoloute gem.
Subs
Frazer McHugh (Bolland 45)- 5, Not convinced about him. Can't really see what he adds to the team.
Tony Scully (Caskey 58)- 6, Added some much needed width, but lost the ball frequently. Showed promising signs, though.
Steve Scoffham (Heffernan 87)- 6, Seemed willing to get stuck-in.
Not Used: Deeney, McGoldrick.
Best Opposition Player: Andy Welsh
Referee: 11 Out of 10.