Magpies Defeat Stoke In The Bass Vase

Last updated : 26 July 2003 By
Simon Baldry Got Notts Level Just Before The Break
Notts Team:
Bacherini, Wilson, Commons, McFaul, Bostock, Friars (C), Baldry, Francis, Harrad, Nurse, Carney

Notts Subs: Barrow, Rhodes, Sherlock, MacGoldrick, Hannigan, McIntyre, Smith (GK)

The Magpies fell behind early on from a set piece, when Stoke skipper Cartright flicked an inswinging freekick past Notts keeper Ali Bacherini, who had no chance.

Notts took time to get into their stride, and their first chance fell at the feet of Simon Baldry, but his fierce right foot shot was tipped around the post by the Stoke keeper for a corner.

Bacherini had to be at his best to deny The Potters, making a good save on his line from a corner following a scramble, that nearly went under his body.

Just before half time Notts were awarded a penalty after Willis Francis was brought down in the penalty area, and Simon Baldry converted at the second attempt after the Stoke keeper palmed his penalty back into his path.

Notts had time to create another chance before the break, with Baldry again going close with a low right foot shot which the keeper saved.

Half Time: 1-1

The Magpies started the second half much brighter, and Shaun Harrad nearly gave Notts the lead with a neat right foot effort which the keeper got down to, to turn around the post.

David Carney got Notts' winner just before the hour, finishing a fine move with a low left foot drive following a cross from Baldry.

Notts continued to attack with Kris Nurse giving a superb performance, chasing plenty of lost causes and winning his fair share of headers while he also held the ball up well and brought others into the game.

Baldry should have added to Notts' lead when he found himself unmarked 12 yards out, but he couldn't get his effort on target and the ball whistled just past the far post.

Stoke threw on promising forward Jermaine Palmer, son of former Notts defender Charlie, in a bid to get back into the game, and he had Stoke's best chance with just minutes remaining when he turned well in the box and found space to fire a shot at goal, but Bacherini pulled off a superb stop to turn the ball away for a corner.

Notts did have to withstand some late pressure from Stoke, but held out for a deserved victory, much needed following their 3-1 loss to West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday in the Bass Charity Vase.

Full Time: 2-1