Ratings- 6 Average
Steven Mildenhall- 5, Sorry to kick a man while he's down-but he had a nightmare yesterday. Flapped at everything, which nearly gifted them two goals from harmless set-pieces. Did make one great save from Stallard and his injury is unfortunate, but I wouldn't mind betting that Garden/Deeney would have started next week had he been fit.
Paul Bolland- 7, Taken off on 28 minutes due to sickness, which upset the whole shape of the team. Made a goal-saving tackle and linked up well with Pipe down the right-hand-side. A man re-born under Mills.
Nicky Fenton- 5, Was again, poor. Slightly better distribution, but was ran ragged by Nardiello, who had a field day. Surely will be the man to make way should Barras & Richo ever be available at the same time.
Ian Richardson- 8, Star man. Get's my M.O.M despite his late red card, because he didn't put a foot wrong up to that point. Didn't give Stallard a sniff, made countless interceptions at crucial times, and generally gave everyone a lift. Admitted afterwards he had to go, and will be sorely missed when he serves his suspension.
Paul Boertien- 8, A classy full-back who looked a cut above. Got forward well, while also doing his defensive work efficiently. If only we could get a player of his quality on a long-term basis.
David Pipe- 8, Another great display from him. His best work came when he was playing as a right winger, where he was absoloutly electric. Unfortunately, had to move back to right back when Bolland went off, but he dealt with the threat of Betsy well. Will be sorely missed when he returns to Coventry.
Darren Caskey- 6, A rather quiet game. Seems to be playing a deeper role these days, but this means the game can often pass him by. Passing was top notch, but drifted in and out of the game. Set pieces were ,again, dire.
Frazer McHugh- 6, Doesn't appear much of an improvement on Brough. Had a decent first half, where he supplied a great pass to set up the goal, but faded badly in the second. Inexplicably failed to play in Heffernan at the end when Notts were two on one.
Ian Baraclough- 6, Quietly effective on the left. Didn't really have much effect on the game. Dependable enough.
Paul Heffernan- 7, Had a poor game by his standards. Desperately in need of an experienced strike partner to take some of the weight off his young shoulders. Great first touch.
Andy Parkinson- 7, A decent first half, but his game slipped when he was moved back to right midfield. Electric pace, but he didn't use as much as he perhaps could have up against such slow moving defenders. Scored a great goal.
Subs
Shaun Harrad (On 28- Bolland)- 7, Big chance for him and he didn't dissapoint. Looked lively and wasn't afraid to run at the defence. Perhaps not quite ready for a sustained run in the team.
Stuart Garden (On 73- Mildenhall)- 7, Made a couple of saves that he'd expect to make. Couldn't be blamed for the penalty and will get his chance next week.
Tony Barras (On 87- Harrad)- 6, On due to Richardson's sending off. Wasn't 100% fit.
Best Opposition Player: Daniel Nardiello- Just shaded it ahead of Betsy.
Feel free to let me know your thoughts, just e-mail me via rob@nottscounty-mad.co.uk .