Notts take a Ramming

Notts were at ther mercy of two set pieces tonight and the flairing run by the famous Ravenelli as the Battle of the County's took place. Derby, unfortunately emerged as victorious winners.

The game started off well with both sides fielding strong teams. As early as the 11th minute there was an incident to talk about. Derby County's O’Neil was pulled down as he made a dangerous late run into the box and referee Fraser Stretton had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

It was Garden V Danny Higgingbotham. And the Derby Defender put it under the Notts No.1 into the back of the net.

Notts should have levelled the scores soon after, but after getting in behind the Ram's backline, but Allsopp hit a tame shot into the arms of Poom after he made a hash of a clearance.

Minutes later Allsopp made no mistake in getting Notts level, netting with a cool left foot drive from 12 yards, following a brilliant through ball from Mark Stallard.

The Rams soon restored their lead, as Ravanelli burst through on goal after a good ball from Lee Morris. The Italian hit the far post with a left foot shot, which rebouned at his feet and with an open goal he just wasn't going to miss.

And just 2 minutes later, Notts were even further behind as The Rams scored from a set piece. This time Robert Lee's freekick was converted by Brain O'Neill, heading home from 6 yards after Garden failed to claim the ball.

Notts didn't really have a decent chance after that, although Marcel Cas should have done better with a half chance. Mart Poom came to catch a ball player over the top, which Cas attempted to head, when perhaps if he had used his right foot he could have chipped Poom.

HALF TIME: MAGPIES 1-3 RAMS

Notts started the 2nd half in a change of kit, wearing the Orange away kit from 2 seasons ago, most likely as Notts' kit clashed with Derby's away shirt.

Mark Stallard has Notts' 1st chance of the half, shooting wide after good play by Notts, when he really should have scored. And he again shot wide soon after following a neat pass by skipper Darren Caskey, who gave an excellent performance.

Notts were creating a number of chances, this time it was Cas who tested Poom. After picking up a ball from trialist Simon Ramsden, he kit a powerful right foot drive which Poom gathered at the 2nd attempt with Allsopp closing in.

Just before the Aussie was replaced, he picked up a pass from Paul Bolland, and shot over when he perhaps could have done better.

Caskey produced a sensational bit of skill soon after, as Notts continued to create chances. He picked up a ball from Bolland in space, and instead of hammering a shot at goal he produced a delicate chip which Poom did well to tip over the crossbar infront of the Rams fans.

Derby had a few chances in the 2nd half, but Notts certainly had the better of the 2nd half, after a slow start to the game.

Heffernan and Hackworth looked lively when they came on, and trialist Steve Foster gave a strong display.
Billy Dearden now must decide his side for next weekends game, and he will a fair idea of who will play, with a few decisions still to make.

Notts' 2nd half performance will have given himself and the players some heart, but during the last few matches Notts have conceeded sloppy goals, a problem Dearden will be looking to clear up before next Saturdays match.