Magpies Start Pre-Season With Welcome Win

Last updated : 19 July 2003 By Rob Davies
Super Stall Got The Ball Rolling On Six Minutes
Notts County put in an impressive display today in their opening friendly against Ilkeston Town, beating the home side 3-1.

In a good opening spell, Notts took a deserved lead on 6 minutes through the ever reliable, Mark Stallard. Paul Bolland showed good strength to get past his marker then put in a good low cross which Stallard cooly tucked away.

Notts then continued to dominate, but had to wait another 8 minutes before their next chance which Darren Caskey squandered, curling his shot way over the bar.

Mark Stallard then broke clean through but the Ilkeston goalkeeper, Andy Love, saved with an unorthodox header. Paul Bolland then scuffed the rebound wide when it appeared he had the goal at his mercy.

Ilkeston had to wait 19 minutes for their first attempt on goal, but Chris Thompson shot wide when well placed.

Notts then really should have gone 2-0 up. Caskey played in Baraclough, who's shot beat the keeper but struck the underside of the bar.

6 minutes later and Notts hit the bar again. Tony Barras, one of four debutants on show, rose highest to head a Caskey corner, but could only steer his header onto the underside of the bar.
Mark Stallard then appeared to have scored from the rebound, but his shot was well blocked on the line by an Ilkeston defender as County fans behind the goal appealed for handball.

Stallard then tried to make amends, four minutes later with an excellent run, but his attempted chip was well stopped by Love.

Bolland then tried to get his name on the score sheet once more but shot Caskey's short free kick narrowly wide.

Notts then made a surprise change on 36 minutes, trialist Barras was removed for Fenton. It was unclear as to whether the change was planned or Barras was carrying an injury.

Impressive Debutant Clive Platt was the next Notts player to come close to scoring. Capitalising on a poor back header, Platt couldn't quite gather the ball cleanly and Love ended up gathering after diving at the Notts' mans feet.

Ilkeston then gave Notts a scare right on half time when Ossie Mintus rose highest and headed onto Stuart Garden's right hand post.

Half Time- Ilkeston 0-1 Notts County

The second half began with the expected influx of changes.
Only Caskey, Richardson, Riley, Bolland and Fenton remained from the side that ended the first half.
This move was surprising as trialists Platt and Jenkins looked deserving of a longer chance to shine.

The 2nd half began slowly with tiredness appearing to kick in for the remaining Notts players. A Paul Heffernan shot the only notable action in the first twenty minutes.

Hackworth Rounded Things Off Late On With A Good Strike
Heffernan broke through however on 65 minutes but instead of shooting himself, attempted to square the ball to Hackworth who was well tackled.
The referee then somewhat, bizarrely gave a goal kick.

Ilkeston then got a somewhat shock equalizer on 69 minutes. Barry Wooley rose highest to head home a corner that was poorly defended by Notts.

It took Notts just 3 minutes to respond. Darren Caskey floated a beautiful ball over the Ilkeston defence, Paul Heffernan then headed past the onrushing goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the empty net.

Willis Francis, back on for the injured Paul Riley, had a golden opportunity to extend Notts lead and open his Notts account but rather disappointedly side- footed his shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Notts then put the game beyond any doubt on 81 minutes through the most unlikeliest of sources- Tony Hackworth!
Hackworth broke free on the left hand side and struck a powerful shot inside the keepers' near post.
The fans and players alike seemed especially pleased for Tony getting on the scoresheet.

Hackworth then came close to adding a second twice, before the games end.
First he was denied by a good save by Love and then disappointingly shooting wide after good work down the right side by Simon Baldry.

A patchy start from Notts, but much to be optimistic about. Match ratings are below.

Stuart Garden- 5, Very little to do.
Steve Jenkins- 6, Supported Francis well and looked promising.
Tony Barras- 7, Hit the bar and looked good. Substituted on 36 mins.
Ian Richardson- 6, Rock solid, dependable as ever.
Paul Riley- 7, Looked good going forward, went off injured.
Willis Francis- 8, Star Man. Great footwork and Movement. Always improving.
Paul Bolland- 8, Excellent, espechilly first half. Always a threat.
Darren Caskey- 7, Patchy. Some excellent passing but poor work rate.
Ian Baraclough- 7, Hit the bar and generally had an ok game.
Mark Stallard- 7, Could've had a hat-rick but will settle for the one.
Clive Platt- 8, Held the ball up well & looks a good target man.

Subs:

Nick Fenton- 6, Solid, little to do.
Kevin Nicholson- 6, Looked shaky defensively but got forward well.
Michael Brough- 7, Tackled strongly & distribution looked better.
Simon Baldry- 7, Looked quick and intelligent with the ball at his feet.
Tony Hackworth- 8, Much better, took goal well & linked up well with midfield.
Saul Deeney-5, No chance with goal. Little to do.

Match Report and Ratings by Rob Davies. (rob@nottscounty-mad.co.uk)