I also sensed a return of the long ball game creeping in, let's hope it doesn't stay that way.
Ratings- (6 Average)
Steven Mildenhall- 5, Extremely shaky to say the least. Couldn't be faulted on the first but should have at least attempted to come for the cross on the second. Came out for countless other crosses that he missed. Unsure of his place now.
David Pipe- 8, Star Man. What a player! Won't be here beyond his loan spell I should think, but surely is one of the best right full-backs in this division. Won tackles he had no right to win, great pace in getting forward and has a decent cross. Looked more gutted to lose then some of the players on contracts here.
Nicky Fenton- 5, What's happened to him? So often our best centre back last season, seems to have gone off the rails this, and he couldn't even blame the fact he was out of position this time. Incredibly shaky, while Mooney had a field day up against him. Terrible distribution too.
Ian Baraclough- 6, Did ok considering he was out of position. Maybe should have cleared the ball away properly on their first goal. Shouldn't think he'll play there again.
Paul Boertien- 6, A steady, if not spectacular debut. Left-side looked much stronger with him in the team, but his crossing was poor. Solid in defence though and will be a good acquisition.
Paul Bolland- 8, Solid display. Gave absoloutly everything, cannot fault him for that. Still scuffed a shot, and mucked up his passing a few times, but can't slag off a player who gave his all for the cause, as he did on this occasion.
Darren Caskey- 7, Captain Caskey for the day. Started brilliantly, was running the show, but faded badly towards the end. Set-piece deliveries could be improved on, to say the least. Ran around a lot more than usual, put the odd tackle in, looked a different player.
Frazer McHugh- 6, Don't think he'll add much. Was extremely quiet, didn't seem to win the ball much, and forced Caskey to play deeper. Not convinced on him just yet.
Andy Parkinson- 7, Nothing like his heroics of last week, but a good display nevertheless. Wasn't allowed to use his pace much, purely because of the long ball tactics, but looked a decent player when given the chance. Left Boertien two on one for the first goal.
Paul Heffernan- 7, Good to see him back. Was our biggest threat, but received little or no service. Good close control and had a great first touch. Won the penalty and took it well. Must be hoping for a different strike partner next week.
Tony Hackworth- 4, Now had four starts, which surely is enough. Not even had an attempt on goal, never mind a goal in any of these games. Doesn't add anything to the team, surely Jephcott/Harrad/McGoldrick/Me would be better in his position.
Subs
Shaun Harrad (On 66- Hackworth)- 6, Ran around a lot but added little. Still looks extremely raw.
David McGoldrick (On 86- McHugh)- 6, A moment he'll never forget. Had no time to make an impact.
Agree? Disagree? Was Pipe the man of the match, or should it have been someone else? Let me know your views via rob@nottscounty-mad.co.uk