It also would have been fitting if Hackworth would have scored his late chance, because then all the players that the crowd have slated at some stage or another (sometimes correctly) would have netted.
Ratings (6 Average)..... 3-5-2
Steven Mildenhall- 6, Had a couple of nervy moments but was generally solid. Had no chance with either goal and dealt with some high testing crosses well.
Nicky Fenton- 7, Wasn't even expected to make the game but completed 90 minutes. Still put in some crucial tackles and was strong in the air. Hardly put a foot wrong.
Tony Barras- 5, Struggled immensly when faced with pace and like last week, missed a tackle in the run up to a goal (first). Strong in the air and, er, that's it.
Danny Livesey- 8, Certainly the pick of the defenders. His class showed as he can tackle, head and bring the ball out of defence, not a combination usually in Division Two. Made countless saving tackles, especially in the first half.
Steve Jenkins- 6, Four games in a row for Jenkins now, but he left his party hat off until after the game. His best game for a while, but still didn't set the world on fire, cleared one off the line in the second half. Can't really cross so probably won't play as a wing-back too often.
Ian Baraclough- 6, Like Jenkins, was Ok without doing anything major. For me, these two were picked instead of Baldry and Nicholson because Dearden was playing for a draw. Missed a free header in the second half and really should have hit the target.
Paul Bolland- 7, Did his job well. Ran up and down and allowed Caskey room to do what he does best.
Michael Brough- 6, Tackled solidly, but was late for the odd one and was then predictably booked. Didn't feature as much after that but gave a typically work-man like performance.
Darren Caskey- 9, Star Man. Even if he is playing for a contract, he's playing well so I don't care. Passing was brilliant and ran the game most of the time. Scored his first of the season and very nearly had a second. Passing was breath taking at times, system was built around him and he delivered. Always involved.
Clive Platt- 8, His best game yet. Deserved his goal, which was quite brilliant. The Platt bashers should take a breather after watching this performance, shows what he can do if balls aren't pelted up at him all the time. Stallard will struggle to get back in if he continues like this.
Paul Heffernan- 8, Another special display by Heff. Linked up well with Platt. Stockport defence had to continually watch him, his quick feet were causing no end of problems. Should have scored when clean through, but it was an excellent stop from the 'keeper to be fair. Was understandably upset when he came off, though that could cost him his place for next week.
Sub
Tony Hackworth- 6, Flick on for Platt's goal but it was a basic flick. Missed a good chance at the end, and to be honest you had no faith he'd score.
Not Used: Garden, McFaul, Baldry, Nicholson.
Further note
Billy's decision to drop Baldry was almost as bizarre as that to take off our most dangerous player (Heffernan) off.
Apart from that, Notts played for a draw and they got one, but they really should have won this game, missed chances could prove costly and on this occasion they did.
It has to be said Notts played a decent game though and if they can keep this sort of performance up they should be safe come May.