Flash Gordon leaves Pilgrims without a prayer

Was it really just seven days ago when Notts County served up that never to be forgotten horror show away at Mansfield Town? Indeed it is, and it just goes to show that old cliché ‘a week in football is a very long time’ is actually very true.

Notts County have since come of age. For a long time on-the-field issues were overtook by off-the-field finances at this club, but now, how that has reversed. That dramatic change has mirrored the change in Notts’ on the field fortunes during this latest week.

Gordon: Shot the Magpies ahead

Many Notts followers were calling for manager Gary Mills’ head after the local derby disaster which left the Notts faithful feeling totally humiliated. Now, for the time being atleast, most would be happy for him to continue in the hotseat, following two highly impressive home displays in the last five days.

On Tuesday, when Notts entertained Darlington, the performance merited more than the 1-1 draw Notts achieved. The Magpies played flowing football for the first time at Meadow Lane since the very early days of this ‘League 2’ campaign.

Add to that the new-found passion and enthusiasm of certain individuals, and you had a recipe for the first home win of the campaign. Eventually this didn’t materialise, but the players could hold their heads high, aided by deserved applause, rather than booing, from the home crowd for the first time in weeks.

Today, the home following was once again vociferous, completely behind their heroes, as Notts battled to their first home league victory of the campaign here against neighbouring Boston United.

At times Notts produced some extremely clever football, with Stefan Oakes once again the main catalyst in this. With Tony Scully and Chris Palmer also looking lively on the wings, you could be sure Notts would carve out plenty of opportunities. That they did, from the very start.

Whitlow: Outstanding

Notts were unchanged from Tuesday night, a rare commodity for Mills these days, as he continues his battle with injuries.

This meant that Gavin Gordon was once again given the nod to help top goalscorer Glynn Hurst up front, meaning he simply had to help start weighing in with his share of the goals.

It was Gordon himself who got this highly entertaining clash up and running with a fine strike in the 15th minute of the proceedings. It came after some clever interchanging between Scully and Paul Bolland, before Hurst flicked the ball over the top for Gordon to burst through one-on-one.

The hitman decided to take the shot early, fooling the ‘keeper and giving Notts the confidence booster they desperately needed. There was a suspicion of offside, but this was to be leveled out a few moments later, when Gordon- looking very sharp- again pounced to strike home, only to be this time harshly ruled offside.

The visitors, backed by a strong following of just under 1,000 fans, began pressing more as the half drew to a close. Fortunately for the Magpies, they could find no way through as winger Courtney Pitt was well marshalled by Kelvin Wilson, and former Nottingham Forest misfit, Jason Lee- receiving immense stick from the home support- also played out of the game by both Mike Whitlow and Julien Baudet.

He's got a pineapple...

To be fair to Whitlow, who passed a late fitness check, he has responded resolutely to the news that he, along with Matty Gill and Dave Pipe, had been placed on the transfer list by Mills.

As the half-time entertainment trotted off the pitch, Notts County set about their second half task in exactly the right manner. They attacked forcefully at the Boston goal, Gordon again going close. By this time the big striker was wearing a heavy bandage on his head, following ten stitches to a first half wound.

He battled on, and- despite Chris Palmer's first goal in league football just before the hour following a delightful piece of skill on the edge of the box, and a drilled left-foot strike- the rest of the team had to aswell.

Bravely the Notts defence scuppered the Boston onslaught. The Pilgrims did, though, get a goal back on 67 minutes. Pitt put an excellent cross in from the left and defender Paul Ellender was left unmarked and able to find the back of the net from close range.

Notts were denied a third, though, moments later when Hurst netted, only to be denied by an incorrect linesman's flag, much to the fury of the home support and the Notts County bench.

Fortunately, despite moments of extreme tension for the home faithful and an outstanding save from on-form stopper Saul Deeney, Notts were able to see the victory out, with some determined defensive performances, reminiscent of the play in the early stages of the campaign.

Palmer: First for the club

Eventually Gordon was forced off as the head wound opened up once again, replaced by Chris O’Grady. O’Grady entered the fray in a spirited mood, twice setting the bubbly Hurst off on goal, unfortunately to no end product.

As the visitors continued to press, Scully scampered forward and into the penalty area to be abruptly hacked down, cue penalty claims. Waved away by the woeful referee Peter Melin.

Melin, reffing in difficulty circumstances due to an incredibly high charged atmosphere, seemed intimidated by the antics of Boston manager Steve Evans.

Evans was furious with several of Melins first half decisions, one which should have brought Rob Ullathorne a red card. Could this have had a bearing on this decision?

In the end it didn’t matter, as Notts managed to see out the win for their first home victory of the campaign, against a spirited Boston outfit.

It just goes to prove what a difference a week makes, as Notts now find themselves just five points adrift of The Stags who, ironically, occupy the final playoff spot.

All it takes is two more victories and Notts could find themselves looking at the possibility of promotion, the dark days of Field Mill forgotten, and on-the-field focus well and truly restored.