What an evening! One I will never forget..
(6 Average)
Steven Mildenhall- 9, A series of world class saves to deny Chelsea, certainly better than the clown that they had in goal. Some of his saves defied belief and he really showed just what a good goalie he is.
Steve Jenkins- 8, His best game in a Notts shirt. I almost cried when I found out he was going to be facing Duff, but he certainly gave it his best shot. Put in quite a few last man tackles and his effort really was tremendous. Had the hardest job of all last night, but rose to the challenge.
Nicky Fenton- 9, Star man. Nicked my man of the match award for his tremendous work-rate and commitment. In truth, any number of players could have been star man but he knicks it, after he must have saved at least 3 certain goals by putting himself on the line. A real leader on the night.
Tony Barras- 8, Will go down into (Short-term atleast) folklore for his 27th minute equaliser. He was one of the main ones that I thought would struggle, but like Jenkins, with the ability he has he gave it his best shot. Solid in the air, and gave Stanic one hell of an elbow in the second half. Top man!
Ian Richardson- 7, Commited and loyal as ever. Understandably struggled to deal with the pace of Johnson and Gronkjaer, but will always show this club 100%, which is more than can be said for some players. Loyal servant that will always be loved by the fans.
Simon Baldry- 8, Followed up Saturday's display with another solid display down the right. Had a solid penalty appeal turned down and gave a first class, international full-back problems. A big threat down the right, just needs to work on his crossing a bit more and he'll be one of the best wingers of his kind in the Division. Fouled Duff quite brilliantly in the second half.
Darren Caskey- 9, Another brilliant display by Caskey. Showed no fear when faced with one of the most respected midfielders in Europe (Veron) and made him look quite a fool on more than one occasion. Deliveries at set-pieces was also better, witness the first goal. Came very close with a late free-kick and he would have deserved it.
Ian Baraclough- 7, Solid. Supported Caskey well and is playing a very underated part in his partner's return to form. Gave 110% the whole way through and set up the second goal.
Paul Riley- 7, A very good experience for him. Had a rough time of things when faced with Johnson, who at just 18 is already a star in the making. Never gave up though, and in a night when he could have hid, he stood up fighting.
Clive Platt- 9, Was pipped to man of the match for the second game running. Won the respect of the Chelsea fans and my usually non Notts watching friend said he was Notts' best player. Surely now the fans that made him scapegoat at the start of the season must admit they were wrong. So handy at set pieces.
Paul Heffernan- 7, Worked tirelessly but was one of the main ones that struggled against such quality. His effort alone pressured top defenders into mistakes though, and that should be taken into account. Like Riley, will be a learning curve that will benefit him in the long run. May be the unlucky man if Stallard returns on Saturday.
Subs
Mark Stallard (On 64- Heffernan)- 7, Struggled at first but got his reward by getting Notts back into the game. Deserved his half an hour and may well be restored to the starting Xl on Saturday.
Kevin Nicholson (On 80- Richardson)- 6, Did little wrong, will be worried that Riley's leap-frogged him in the pecking order.
Paul Bolland (On 86- Riley)- 6, Had very little chance to impress.
Brief other business
Thankyou for all the feedback on my last match ratings and there was a very much mixed response for my decision to award Darren Caskey M.O.M.
If you agree, disagree, or want to let me know your ratings for the Chelsea game, e-mail me at rob@nottscounty-mad.co.uk .