Match Ratings

Last updated : 12 October 2003 By Rob Davies
In the first half Notts were Ok, although they got worse as the half went on, and the second half was spoilt the moment Dearden sent on Bolland for Riley, thus moving the dangerous Baldry to the left.

(6 Average)

Steven Mildenhall- 6, Made a couple of good saves, one in each half, particularly one in the second from Elliot. Flapped at the cross for the goal, and made no contact at all, leaving his goal unguarded. Still needs to work on kicking.

Steve Jenkins- 5, Was very poor, especially in the second half. Did OK getting forward and put a couple of solid tackles in, but gave the ball away far too easily and looks nothing like the player we were promised when Dearden signed him in the summer.

Nicky Fenton- 6, Nowhere near as good as recent weeks, although was probably still our best defender. Struggled with Fletcher's power. Was one of a number of players who was elbowed in the head, although the ref didn't feel it necessary to penalise any of them.

Tony Barras- 5, Form has dropped drastically in the last month. Nearly scored a cracking goal, but his shot was saved wonderfully. Defensivelly though, he was poor, especially in the second. Arguably could of prevented the goal, but so could 4 others.

Ian Richardson- 5, By far his worst game of the season. Second half has to rank as one of the worst of his career. Missed tackles, and only did one thing when he got the ball, whacked it upfield, not knowing where it was going. I won't be too harsh on him though, he has been good all season, so let's hope it's a one-off.

Simon Baldry- 6, Was a major threat first half, so naturally was moved to the left, where he's already proved ineffective. Still managed to create one chance from the left, but Stallard was ruled offside. Must wonder what he's let himself in for, constantly being one of our best performers, constantly being moved to accomadate an average central midfielder.

Darren Caskey- 8, Star Man. His second good game in succession and had a brilliant first half. All our play went through him and he is slowly getting back to somewhere near what he can do. Desperately unlucky when his late free-kick went narrowly wide. Needs to shoot more when around the box. Booked for dissent (again).

Ian Baraclough- 5, Ineffective. Should have been moved to the left when Baldry was, but Billy clearly thinks that him and Caskey are the best pairing since Zidane and Viera. Has started every game this season, a very lucky man indeed.

Paul Riley- 7, Withdrawn at half time with a suspected pulled hamstring. Did well again, certainly kept Elliot quiet, whereas when withdrawn, Elliot ran riot. If fit, should keep his place without doubt. It also should be pointed out, if Dearden knew he was an injury doubt then either Francis or Nicholson should have been on the bench.

Mark Stallard- 5, An off day from Stall. Was apparently carrying a knock and it showed, hopefully he'll be back to his best next week.

Paul Heffernan- 8, Along with Caskey, our best player. Carried the fight upfront and ran himself into the ground. Riffled a shot which came back off the post and was a constant threat. Should keep his place with ease.

Subs

Paul Bolland (On 45- Riley)- 5, Poor. Did nothing to suggest he should be in the team. Is not a winger, take note Billy.

Tony Hackworth (On 84- Richardson)- 6, Was put on too late. If Dearden has no faith to put him on earlier, Harrad should be on the bench.


Brief Summary
It must be said that even though Notts played poorly, they still deserved something from this game.

They were denied two genuine penalty appeals and Heffernan and Barras were denied by the post and a fantastic save respectively.

Despite the fact I think most of the players were below par, I'd probably play mainly the same team, but give Shane McFaul a try.

Oh, and Billy's substitutions were poor. And far from barking orders at the team, him and Parkin looked like they were sat in their frontroom in the second half.

rob@nottscounty-mad.co.uk