Stallard Strike Stretches Unbeaten Run To Six.

Last updated : 15 March 2003 By

Willis Francis and Darren Caskey both made the bench for this local derby even thought they had been labelled as doubtful before kick-off. The Magpie’s starting eleven remained unchanged from the one that took part in last weekend’s week over Cardiff City.

Confidence was high among the Notts fans after last week’s heroic week at Cardiff City but Notts never seem to have very good luck again the Derbyshire side, having not beaten them since October 19th 1999. That record remained unchanged even after today’s match.

Folan puts the Spirites ahead
When you play Chesterfield you never get a match full of pretty, flowing football. Instead it’s the usual boot up the pitch with the ball ending up with the two 6 foot odd forwards!

All the confidence that had accumulated in the Notts faithful following that heroic win over Cardiff City last month had all but disappeared after a very slow start by the home side.

Chesterfield got an early opener through Caleb Folan. Notts managed to lose the ball in midfield through some sloppy passing and the ball found its way to Folan who got in front of Fenton and Richardson with his pace and sent Steve Mildenhall the wrong way as he rolled the ball into the far corner.

Neither side really passed the ball around but it was very annoying to see Notts constantly hoof the ball up the pitch only to see the

Kevin Nicholson in action
Spirite’s defenders head it straight back again. Steve Batherwick must have had a field day just keep heading the ball forwards for the majority of the game.

For once the Notts defenders had a go at goal but we were soon shown why they are defenders and not forwards. Although, I give credit to Ian Richardson who had three shots on goal in a short space of time of which one or maybe two were worthy of a goal. The first was from 25 yards, and then a dipping shot which the Chesterfield keeper had to tip over the bar. The third was a tame shot which didn’t cause Ben Williams in the visitor’s goal any problems. Before that Craig Ireland hit a shot past the upright.

Liburd nearly equalised for Notts close to half time but an excellent save from Ben Williams prevented the ball from ending up in the top corner.

Stallard pressures Chesterfield
HALF TIME: 0-1

Chesterfield were having most of the luck as every 50/50 ball or mistake seemed to go their way, even if one of their own players made the error.

Notts continued to pressure Chesterfield after the break Michael Brough went close for the home side before Folan nearly made it 2-0, with a lob after beating Nick Fenton but it finished wide of the goal.

Stallard gets his shot away.
Had Chesterfield got a second I don’t think Notts would have come back from it, but as things stood they still had a chance of getting something from the game.

By 60 minutes I had just about given up hope that things would just go our way for 1 minute so we could equalise… but I didn’t count on Mark Stallard, who almost never disappoints, to score his one and only real chance of the game. Stallard got his 21st goal of the season when he latched on to a ball from Kevin Nicholson before placing it in the bottom corner of the net.

Before the goal Richard Liburd was taken off and replaced by Darren Caskey, who is still recovering from his ankle injury.

Bolly - Excellent
Paul Bolland was also brought off after giving an excellent performance in midfield and Willis Francis came on and got involved in the action.

Chesterfield rallied right to the end and Notts had to rely on Mildenhall to make 3 good saves right at the death to earn a share of the points.

FULL TIME: 1-1

Notts are now unbeaten in 6 games and could, in theory, seal their survival in the next few games if results go their way which would be a massive

Stall runs off to celebrate his goal
relief to all concerned.