Super Stallard goal sees off Vale

Last updated : 05 March 2003 By

Notts have now not lost since their embarrassing defeat at Field Mill, back on February 8th. In that time they have picked up 10 points from a possible 12. But most importantly we have now established a five-point gap between the relegation zone and ourselves. Don’t get me wrong, our fight is far from over, but just to have that breathing space is a start. Lets just hope that we can carry this form on until the end of the season.

To be quite honest it was a pretty dull game last night with very few flashes of entertaining football in the game. In fact the Schoolgirls’ match at half time was probably better if it was excitement you were after.

Michael Brough was restored to the starting line-up in place of the injured Willis Francis.

Bridge-Wilkinson
I wouldn’t say Notts started brightly but they did have the majority of the play but did not create many clear-cut chances for themselves.

Stallard failed to trouble the Port Vale keeper as he met Nicholson’s cross with a weak header.

Bridge-Wilkinson had an off target shot for the Valiants before Stallard was close to turning Michael Brough’s shot into the net.

After half an hour, Darren Caskey had to be replaced by Simon Ramsden after being sandwiched in a tackle between two Vale players. It didn’t really change the game; the Magpies were still on top for the rest of the half.

Caskey - didn't last until half time


HALF TIME: 0-0


You always get the feeling that if Notts can get to half time at 0-0 then they are able to turn it on during the second half, hopefully picking up 3 valuable points on the way.


Heffernan went close to opening the scoring but Michael Walsh was able to get a saving tackle in before the Irishman could put the trigger.


Mark Stallard finally gave Notts the lead after 59 minutes in what turned out to be the highlight of the

Stallard runs off to celebrate his goal
entire match. He got hold of the ball on the edge of the area then turned past the defender before coolly slotting the ball home to claim his 19th goal of the season.


I never like having to hang on to a 1-0 lead because it only needs one slip and you are back on level terms.


Brough nearly extended the Magpie’s lead to two but his shot flew wide of the post.


Port Vale started to get back into the game a bit but the Notts back line defended very well under pressure, leaving Steve Mildenhall with little to do.

Michael Walsh’s shot could have been the equaliser for Vale bit it hit the outside of the post.


Bara - went off injured
Ian Baraclough had to leave the pitch in the later stages of the game after picking up an injury. Danny Stone came on as a substitute.


In the final few minutes Notts fans had their hearts in their mouths as Port Vale pushed for an equaliser with a barrage of balls being played into the box.


FULL TIME: 1-0

The special offer Notts had for this fixture of adults for £5 obviously worked, as there were 6,302 people at Meadow Lane. Incidentally, that is the highest attendance for a Tuesday night match since Notts faced Preston on March 21st 2000 when there were 6,410 in attendance (that is if my stats are correct!)