Late Goal Returns To Haunt Dearden

Dearden must have felt that Notts had got over their hodoo of conceeding late goals after the team hard worked hard enough to earn the 3 points.

Notts had good news to report with Marcel Cas and Craig Ireland overcoming injury doubts to start, and both gave strong performances in the game.

Cas it was who created Notts' 1st chance of the day, a farpost cross from Cas found Ian Baraclough but his header was straight at Martin Taylor.

Wycombe managed to get a corner soon afterwards, although it could have been much worse for Notts. A right wing cross took a deflection off Stone which guided the ball on target, but the alert Stuart Garden pushed the ball over the bar.

After a try spell of creating nothing, Danny Allsopp almost netted with a neat volley on the half hour. Kevin Nicholson, who got down the wing on a number of occasions in the game, delivered a cross which Allsopp streched to connect with the ball and Taylor made a good stop to deny him.

No other chances during the 1st half, and the scores remained level at half time.

HALF TIME 0-0

Straight into the 2nd half Notts should have had a penalty, after Allsopp was wrestled to the ground by a Wycombe defender. However, the referee adjudged it to be a foul, but by Allsopp! In my eyes, a shocking decision

Wycombe came close to taking the lead soon after, but winger Curries effort was just tipped around the post by Garden, whos handling was 2nd to none all game.

Then, the moment nearly all of the 6,012 fans had been waiting for, Notts took the lead. Stallard released Cas with a glorious through ball, and the Dutchman raced through on goal and cooly slotted Notts ahead sparking off jubilant celebrations.

Almost straight away, Notts could have had another. More good play on the left led to the ball falling at the feet of Paul Bolland whos shot went through a mele of players but was saved by Taylor.

Notts came forward in waves, and headers from Allsopp and Baraclough were both over the bar. The latter should have done much better when well placed.

Notts began to sit too deep, and Wycombe advanced forward more and Stuart Garden made a fantastic stop to deny Sean Devine. He somehow blocked the former Barnet mans shot from 2 yards, and also claimed the following corner.

On the counter, Cas raced forwards but Taylor made a brave stop diving at the feet of the Dutchman just as he was going to lift the ball over the former Derby man. This was the moment that changed the game, as seconds later Wycombe got level.

Curries far post cross was coverted with a downward header from debutant Craig Faulconbridge, with Garden helpless and Wycombe fans in obvious delight.

All in all, Notts can be pleased with an impressive and entertaining performance, but the lapse in concentration just before the end will concern Billy Dearden. However, there are a number of positives to take out of the game, which Notts can take into Tuesdays game at Crewe.