Super Spencer strikes but impressive Notts held

Last updated : 22 September 2007 By Paul Smith

The former Forest youngster was in great form throughout and could have scored a hat-trick but for a mixture of bad fortune and good defensive play from the hosts.

Weir-Daley... Deserved goal

After starting slowly and again going behind, albeit to a fantastic finish by Holmes, Notts took the game to the Millers and will be disappointed to have missed out on what would have been a deserved three points.

Only one change was made by manager Steve Thompson from the side that defeated Dagenham and Redbridge 1-0 last week. With Jay Smith injured goal hero Neil MacKenzie regained his starting berth as Notts again lined up in the 4-3-3 formation.

However MacKenzie's late heroics against Dagenham had obviously not given Notts any extra appetite as they started poor, failing to get out of the traps from the very off, and looking almost nervy attacking an away attendance of roughly 400 fans.

It was no surprise when Rotherham took an early lead as Holmes stuck on the seventh minute.

It came as Notts began a promising move only for Richard Butcher to misplace a pass straight into touch from which the Millers started a counter-attack which ended with Holmes in too much space on the left hand side.

Holmes... Fantastic strike
As Lee Canoville failed to close him down the former Luton winger took his chance and fired low past Kevin Pilkington from outside the area, a great finish but Notts could have prevented it.

Luckily, with Notts used to going behind having done so in six of the seven league games, five of which have ended 1-1, it acted as a wake up call and the Magpies' experience of such a deficit meant a comeback was always likely.

It was even more likely with the front three of Weir-Daley, Jason Lee and Lawrie Dudfield looking very impressive and troubling the Millers back four on every possible occasion.

While Notts did play more football than usual, Lee was still subject to many high balls, winning the majority very well and Weir-Daley and Dudfield worked hard alongside him, creating most of Notts' openings between them.

One came immediately after falling behind.

Weir-Daley latched onto a loose ball and turned his marker with ease only to fire straight at Andy Warrington in the Millers net.

Again Weir-Daley fired at goal after fashioning an opening through his own commitment and skill, but the finishing effort lacked power and was gathered comfortable by Warrington.

Canoville had to be on guard to block an effort that would have tested Pilkington from Stephen Brogan at the other end, with Rotherham looking to play on the counter-attack having already established a lead.

However, these attacks became rarer as the half progressed, Lee next to hit the target with an ambitious bicycle kick.

Lee... Won everything that came his way

Notts were even looking dangerous from corners, although lacking in a little fortune with the ball dropping to Rotherham players around the six yard box as opposed to a black and white shirt.

The back line was involved in a good passing move by Notts which led again to Weir-Daley striking at goal, this time a defender cleared from the line with Warrington well beaten.

The diminutive striker just kept on going, and his pace, trickery and directness had the Millers defence at sixes and sevens, particularly with Dudfield also sharp on the other side, winning many corners and getting some good balls into the box.

Former Hucknall Town star Andy Todd almost undeservedly doubled the hosts advantage as he capitalised on a Mayo slip to roam into the box and power at goal, but Pilkington brilliantly tipped away before claiming the resulting corner comfortably.

Soon after Notts got the breakthrough their attacking play deserved as the luck that had so far eluded them bounced their way.

A loose ball was picked up by Millers defender Dale Tonge but he slipped leaving both Dudfield and Weir-Daley unmarked and free in the box. Despite Dudfield having forced the error, it was Weir-Daley who got to the ball first and he coolly slid it past Warrington to his, and Notts' sheer delight.

Heavy handed stewarding almost spoilt the moment for some Magpies fans as Weir-Daley excitedly celebrated his goal in front of the travelling support.

Mayo... Another good game, but slip was nearly costly
Although a brief attack saw Mayo deny Holmes, the two former colleagues alongside Weir-Daley with Lincoln City last term, Notts remained in good form until the end of the half.

Dudfield eased past Marc Joseph and cut into the box on the by-line only for his pull back to be swept away with Weir-Daley lurking menacingly.

Weir-Daley was to have two more efforts before the half-time whistle, greeted by a standing ovation from the Notts support, as he flashed one over the bar and another, after turning Graham Coughlan, on target but it was saved by Warrington.

There was no doubting Notts had been the better side, playing a mixture of short and long passing, with MacKenzie in midfield playing some delightful balls, and Rotherham were their for the taking.

Unfortunately Notts seemed to take their foot off the gas in the second half, as the match petered out into a 1-1 draw, both sides seemingly content with that.

As much as Notts were more defensive, particularly so as two defenders in Austin McCann and Gary Silk were introduced for midfielders MacKenzie and Butcher late on, Rotherham themselves failed to push too far forward, aside from a few corners which Notts dealt with well - for a change.

There were still a few chances, Weir-Daley in the thick of it again, but the excitement couldn't match a pulsating first 45.

Pilkington... Efficient showing

Inexplicably Dudfield, after running himself into the ground and looking a constant threat, was withdrawn just ten minutes into the second half, Andy Parkinson replacing him after missing the Dagenham game through injury.

The experienced attacker should have given Notts a lead almost immediately as he turned his way into the box only to do too much when a shot was on and gaps in Warrington's goal.

Then came the chance of the game outside of the goals as home striker Derek Holmes raced clear of Canoville and Tann into the box only to poorly fire wide with just Pilkington to beat.

That let off wasn't the only heart-stopping moment for Notts as Somner twice cleared off the line and Pilkington made one good save, but the Magpies remained in touch themselves.

Parkinson and Butcher blazed over before Weir-Daley, ten minutes from time, fashioned a good opening for himself but off balance he couldn't hit the target to net himself, and Notts a deserved second.

A pleasing performance, now for taking it forward.