Picked up pretty much where last week’s 2-2 bore draw – bar two fabulous strikes from one Stef Oakes – had left off.
A typically drab encounter for the Magpies, and it must be said that it is becoming as tedious writing this as it is for those reading this.
Different author for ratings today; same deal. Player ratings given out of ten, six being average.
Saul Deeney – 6 – Rarely troubled by a side who’ve notched up more goals than anyone in the bottom third of League Two. Horribly misjudged his decision to charge to clear all of 25-odd yards from goal out and was lucky not to be punished for it. Not one of the more vintage a Deeney performance but was rarely called upon.
Emmet Friars – 7 – As mentioned upon numerous occasions in the report, by far the most impressive among the Magpies’ back four. Headed confidently , and wasn’t bullied by some the more bulky opponents amongst the Shrewsbury line-up. So very nearly opened his account for the club with a long-range effort – unfortunately, however, he failed. All in all, Friars put in a very good account for himself indeed. Just edges out Baudet for the MOTM vote, in my view - purely for shock factor.
Julien Baudet – 7 – Another composed performance from the Frenchman. One of the better players this season and his influence upon the side cannot be measured more than yesterday when – in a defence with two teenagers – he steadied ship with consummate ease. Again strong, again quick thinking and again quick to head clear, Baudet continues to prove just why he is so highly thought of amongst the fans.
Kelvin Wilson – 6 – A quiet, yet subtly impressive performance from the rookie. Perhaps overshadowed by, ironically, the man he progressed through the club’s youth team with. All in all, not such a bad day at the office for Wilson.
David Pipe – 7 – Reverted back to his perhaps more less-favoured right-back role yesterday, Pipe still succeeded in turning in one of his better performances in recent weeks. Continued to work laboriously for the team’s cause, whilst still succeeding to get forward – by far our most effective option at wing-back.
Chris Palmer – 5/6 – Hardly noticed the presence of Palmer going forward, but did a decent job of protecting the rookie Friars at left-back. Very quiet performance for Palmer, but no complaints considering the overall weakened line-up that was put out there.
Matthew Gill – 5/6 – Didn’t produce the spectacular today, but, in fairness, that’s not what he’s in the side for in. A game perfectly suited for Gill, with a lot of gusto and scrap where the beautiful game was in absence.
Stef Oakes – 5/6 – Looked for the same, far-fetched passes on each occasion; miserably failing upon each attempt. Went in search of another signature Oakes goal only for his effort to go comically over the terrace into the car park. That effort, if NASA reports are anything to go by, is still in orbit.
Shaun Harrad (Scully ‘76) – 7 – Very workmanlike performance from a player you’d think anything but of. Badgered and harassed the opponent to the nth degree, and was rewarded for his efforts with his first goal in League football. Unlucky to be replaced, but did well considering he ‘did an Allsopp’ in being moved out-wide to accommodate the team’s other front-men.
Steve Scoffham – 6 – Showed all the signs of a striker low on confidence. Didn’t put himself about quite as he might have done in his first start since returning from injury. Missed an absoulute sitter, definitely a day he’d sooner forget. One of the only players yet to receive an offer of a contract, perhaps it’s time for Scoff to move onto pastures new.
Mark Stallard – 7 – With Scoffham nothing short of immobile at times, Stallard was effectively the lone front-man…and what a job he did of it too. Again a constant menace for the opposition and, for a man of his stature, won a fair share of ball in the air. Would personally, as doubtful as it seems, wish to keep the Notts legend at the ‘Lane beyond the 2004/05 campaign. Put himself about well, and never let the opposition forget he was about.
Subs:
Tony Scully (Harrad ’76) – 5/6 – Another disappointing performance from the peroxide-clad winger. First major contribution was to hack down Aiston unceremoniously, and was effectively his last. Another who, perhaps, should be moved along. Notts County – just another name on the C.V.
For more action and reaction, be sure to check back to Notts County MAD over the next day or two.