Notts Fall At Home

Notts were brutally outclassed in every department and played a shocking second half with lack of ideas and half the team not playing in their best positions.

Notts didn't actually start the that game badly, attacking the Family Stand first half for a change both Mark Stallard and Clive Platt were asking questions of Rushden's defence.

Notts came close to opening the scoring on eight minutes when tall striker Clive Platt scuffed a shot narrowly wide.

Stall bagged his first of the season tonight

Ex Notts man Duane Darby was testing his former club's back 4 and wacked a shot into Mildenhall's side netting, when he really should of hit the target.

Clive Platt was again close to scoring, when, with 23 minutes played, he hit a Stallard knock-down on the half volley, but again his shot was agonisingly wide.

Notts didn't have to wait too much longer to score though, when on 26 minutes Mark Stallard chested down Kevin Nicholson's long throw, only to turn and bicycle kick it in the bottom corner, to his clear delight.

After working so hard to get the lead, Notts then threw it away.

Darby's shot was well saved by Mildenhall but from the resulting corner Onandi Lowe rose highest to head home to equalise a minute after going behind.

Rushden then started to take control as the half drew to a close with Duane Darby and Rodney Jack both asking questions of Mildenhall.

Paul Bolland then had a golden chance to put Notts back in front when, off Stallard's pull back he volleyed the ball over when just 10 yards out from goal.

Steven Mildenhall then produced the moment of the match with a breath taking double save from Rushden scorer Onandi Lowe, right in first half injury time.

At Half Time Ex Notts man Michael Johnson came on the pitch to the ovation of the night after kindly pledging £500 to Notts' cause.

HALF TIME: NOTTS COUNTY 1-1 Rushden & Diamonds

Onandi Lowe- had a belter

At the start of the second half came the moment that effectively ended any interest Notts had in the game.

A Rushden corner was swung in from the left, when Tony Barras was adjudged to of pulled back Onandi Lowe.

There was no appeal from the Rushden players and none from the fans, but the ref felt it upon to award the away side a penalty, which David Bell then dispatched.

Despite a few brief glimpses, Notts were never in the game after that point, a Stallard chance which Billy Turley saved was as good as it got.

Mildenhall continued to foil man of the match, Lowe who along with Darby, plus wingers Hall & Jack, caused Notts no end of problems.

Duane Darby then had another penalty appeal turned down before Dearden finally made some substitutions, three infact on 78 minutes.

Baffling selections and subs from our Bill

However, they were all bizarely like for like, instead of actually going for it, another chance wasted.

Paul Riley replaced Kevin Nicholson, Michael Brough replaced Darren Caskey & Tony Hackworth replaced Clive Platt, who must wonder why he shows Notts any loyalty after the abuse he receives from the Notts fans.

Two minutes after Dearden's triple substition the game was over, Duane Darby smashing a shot low to Mildenhall's right to get the goal he deserved.

Notts fans were drifting out for the final 10 minutes, in which nothing happened apart from the usual shite we're used to from Notts.

FULL TIME: Notts County 1-3 Rushden & Diamonds

So, a very poor showing from Notts who were shambolic.
When 5 of the players are playing out of position it can't help though and once again, Baldry looked our only midfielder willing to do anything.

Despite the penalty being disputed there is no doubt Rushden deserve their victory and it's back to the drawing board as far as Notts are concerned.

Match Ratings to follow