Shot-shy Magpies unable to see-off Oxford

Despite facing the worst side to visit Meadow Lane all season - a startling statement considering the dross that League Two has produced this campaign - Gudjon Thordarson's men were unable to deliver the craft and finishing ability to give them the three points.

Notts were left to regret missed chances from Chris Palmer and Andy White while a 'goal' from Julien Baudet was ruled-out for a foul. Elsewhere, the home side were unable to test visiting stopper Billy Turley in a match that painfully seemed to sum-up the Magpies season.

Despite repeated claims that he doesn't have a squad capable of competing at the higher level of the League Two table, Thordarson was able to leave-out Noe Sissoko, Liam Needham, Lewis McMahon and Eugene Dadi out of the 16 as he made just one change to the squad that beat Bristol Rovers the week before.

Steve Scoffham was rewarded for his late winner the week before with a place in the starting Xl, with Andy White dropping to the bench.

Notts were in the ascendency in the early stages, forcing a number of corners in the opening 15 minutes alone but were unable to force a worthwhile save from Turley.

Scoff: Starting spot

Mike Edwards was denied by a fine block, while Brian O'Callaghan's mis-control from a David Pipe pass cost him an excellent chance at the opposition goal. Pipe was in fine form on the right-hand side of the Magpies midfield, providing Notts' biggest attacking threat.

Chris Palmer had also been enjoying an excellent start on the other flank but blotted his copybook with a reckless 15th minute challenge that earned him a deserved booking.

Notts failed to build on their high-tempo start and Baudet's 33rd minute disallowed strike was the only real action to take place before the interval.

The defender's soaring effort was ruled-out for a push by Daniel Chillingworth, but Thordarson commented on his dis-satisfaction at the decision after the final whistle.

Shortly before the break, Notts were forced into a change when on-loan Nathan Doyle was forced off the field with injury to be replaced by Jake Sheridan.

Doyle had been enterprising in midfield and his departure also meant moving the lively Pipe inside in order to accomodate substitute Sheridan.

Half time: Notts County 0-0 Oxford Utd

Notts starting the second half in a similar vein to the first, with the quick tempo startling the struggling visitors who should have already been trailing.

Palmer was presented with the best chance of the match after a lay-off from Scoffham, but his powerful left-footed drive was well-saved by Turley.

Palmer: Dangerous

Scoffham was denied shortly after by the former Rushden stopper as he glanced Palmer's cross at the near post.

Unfortunately for the home support, Notts were again unable to maintain their good start and allowed Oxford back into the game to the extent that it looked like the visitors may snatch an unlikely victory.

Lee Mansell wasted a golden opportunity when clean-through on goal, firing tamely at Kevin Pilkington, who also denied Barry Quinn shortly after.

White was thrown on as a third striker by Thordarson with 20 minutes to go in an attempt to galvanise the home side into a late victory, but this meant moving Palmer - Notts' best player - back into a full-back position in order to accomodate White alongside the struggling pairing of Chillingworth and Scoffham.

The substitute began promisingly but squandered a great chance shortly after his arrival, firing an unchallenged 12-yard volley straight at Turley.

Full time: Notts County 0-0 Oxford Utd

Match Ratings to follow.