Saul Deeney- 6, Handed his first start of the season and was relatively calm and assured throughout, but his quick throw-out was intercepted which led to the second goal. Enough promise there, though.
David Pipe- 7, Gave maximum effort at all times and frequently chased-down lost causes. Must be wondering what he's let himself in for by signing that 2 year deal recently.
Nicky Fenton- 4, Absoloutly shocking. Was at fault for BOTH of Vale's goals because of his seemingly lack of willingness to make a tackle. Was decent enough in the air, that's the best thing I can say about him. After 2 good seasons, has had an absoloute shocker this time and seems destined for the exit.
Tony Barras- 4, Just as bad as Fenton, but he's been pretty terrible for the past couple of months now. Shouldn't start next week. 'Marking' was absoloutly no existent and Vale could easily have had 5 or 6.
Ian Richardson- 7, Star man. His best display in the last couple of weeks and was basically carrying the defence in the second half. Should be moved back inside. Led by example and was one of the few who can say he did his all to try and keep us up.
Simon Baldry- 5, Withdrawn at half time and deserved to be. Has gone completely downhill as the season's gone on, especially since he came off his month-to-month deal. Carries no threat going forward, and currently adds nothing to the team.
Frazer McHugh- 4, Don't get me started. Was subbed off at half-time, but I don't think anyone noticed he was on the pitch anyway. Another one who should be let go.
Stefan Oakes- 7, Was the best Notts player by a mile in the first half but faded badly in the second. Needs a real enforcer alongside him next year to allow him to show off the full range of his passing. Set pieces were pretty poor.
Matty Williams- 5, Playing out of position on the left wing and it showed. Flew into one challenge a bit recklessly and doesn't appear to have settled into League football just yet. Next year will be the test for him.
Steve Scoffham- 6, Had a bit of a nightmare in front of goal but gets an average mark for his all-round work rate. Could have had a hat-trick on another day.
Paul Heffernan- 7, Shrugged off some of the abuse from the stands to score his 20th League Goal of the season. Was again a dangerman and worked harder than he has in recent weeks. Could well have been his last game for Notts at Meadow Lane before he goes on to bigger and better things.
Subs
Andy Parkinson (Baldry 45)- 7, Seems to look more lively coming off the bench and wriggled free a couple times to create decent oppurtunities.
Ian Baraclough (Williams 45)- 5, Thought he'd played his last game for the club. Well, he certainly should've done now.
Paul Bolland (McHugh 45)- 6, Worked hard without ever really having much impact. He's now officially blonde and has denied ever having ginger hair.
Not Used: Barcherini, Wilson.
rob@nottscounty-mad.co.uk