Blackpool missed 3 sitters in the opening five minutes, had one of those gone in, the scoreline may have been completely different. However, luck was with Notts for once and the boys managed to come away with the vital 3 points and a impressive scoreline to boot.
Ratings (6 Average)
Stuart Garden- 8, Produced one of the saves of the season early-on to deny Blackpool the lead. As important as anyone, therefore, to the victory.
David Pipe- 7, Solid as ever. Interesting that if anyone else would've produced this display they'd be earning rave reviews. With Pipe, however, we've come to expect such excelence.
Nicky Fenton- 6, Had very little to do, but Blackpool somehow managed to carve out a few decent openings, so some blame has to be attatched to his door.
Tony Barras- 6, See above.
Ian Richardson- 8, Once again Notts' best defender. Did his job well, but I'd still prefer to see him shore things up in the centre of defence. Coped well against a tricky winger.
Simon Baldry- 6, Extremely quiet for the majority, and was completely anonomous in the second half. Won a good few flick-ons though, but place must be heavilly under threat from the flying Parkinson.
Frazer McHugh- 9, Star man. What can you say about good old Frazer?! I've been one of his fearest critics, but he was outstanding yesterday, delivering the complete midfield performance. Passing was excellent, he got stuck-in well and was always running. By far his best performance in a Notts shirt.
Stefan Oakes- 8, Equally brilliant alongside McHugh. An unlikely new midfield pairing perhaps? Has one of the hardest shots seen on a Notts player for a long time and his passing, at times, was true class. Another gem from Mills.
Tony Scully- 9, Far and away the best player in the First half but was marked out of it in the second. Scored the best goal I've seen at Meadow Lane, a mazy dribble from his own area, capped with a 25-yard curling finish. Superb.
Steve Scoffham- 8, Worked his socks off up front and fired in his second goal for Notts in only his second start. A surprise starter, but, like McHugh, proved Mills right yesterday.
Paul Heffernan- 9, People questioning his loyalty should be ashamed of themselves. He may well move on at the end of the season, but, until then, he's still our most dangerous player and how he reminded us with another two quality finishes yesterday.
Subs
Andy Parkinson (Scoffham 61)- 8, A surprise omission from the line-up but shook a previously lifeless game up when he came on. Made the fourth and came close to scoring twice himself.
Paul Riley (Scully 82)- 6, He's alive! The left sider hasn't been in a first team squad of any sort for the past two month's or so, so it's good to see him back. Probably trying desperately to earn himself a new contract.
Jonathan Bewers (Oakes 89)- 6, Given his debut but had no real time to impress.
Not Used: Deeney, Williams.
Best Opposition Player: Martin Bullock- The Nottingham born winger was a constant menace from an otherwise poor team.
Other Thoughts
1.) The officials were again pretty pathetic. The referee consistently tried to ruin the game with his pedantic decisions. Prat.
2.) Blackpool brought the smallest away following I've ever seen. C'mon guys, are we that mean?!
3.) Good to see Pegguy Arphexad out of the picture now. I assume he's on his way- if not already- back to Coventry?
4.) Strange that Notts fans can vocally back their side when 4-0 down, but not when 3-0 up.
5.) I believe the next two games will determine our fate. Blackpool were easy-pickings largely because they have nothing to play for. Our next two opponents, Colchester & Sheffield Wednesday, also fall into this category so these really are games we need to win if we want to stay-up.
Agree? Disagree? Let me know via rob@nottscounty-mad.co.uk .