NOTTS COUNTY POST-MATCH REACTION

Put it here......

That was crap and a totally wasted chance to consolidate our position in second, which has now been taken by Udders. Zero shots on target tells its own story of mediocrity.

Well disappointing to lose 2 points at home but was a difficult game with Notts County in form and they had a clear game plan. Typical Ince was their style was all about breaking up the game slowing down the ball and falling over when the wind blew to get free kick to again take the pace out of the game. To their credit they did it well and up to us to break them down. If we had Lallana would have been a different picture but his injury is a real concern.

Only change from Oldham was Puncheon in for Lallana and played wide left. Very little between the teams in first half with few clear cut chances early on with County allowing few shots on goal. Guly was through and looked like a hand ball outside the box by county player ignored by ref who was useless. Got to players as were getting frustrated at whistling whenever we tackled but allowed County away with everything. Great example is Chamberlain taken out and just a talking to, Richardson with a similar tackle 3 minutes later gets booked. Guly had a good chance when he collected the ball in the box on left and shot across face of goal, went for a throw in!!

Lambert had a couple of long range chances, at least he was shooting and Puncheon had a good opportunity but blazed over. Jaidi had a great chance to score when from a corner he trailed off to back post and was unmarked but was slow off the ground and as a result headed high and wide when he should have done better. Would be better if Fonte was used in that role as he has better control with his heading.

Chamberlain then got through and seemed an acute angle when he tried to lob the goalie but ball drifted wide. Think there were other players better placed and he should have cut the ball back.

Gobern came on second half for Chaplow who I guess must have been injured as he had been okay always putting his foot in. That did concern me as Gobern is a bit lightweight and for me he didn't have a great half. So nearly took the lead with a Fonte header that was blocked on line and nearly bounced over. Saints claimed had crossed the line but we were right behind the goal and have to admit whole ball had not crossed the line. Never a chance though that this ref would make a mistake in our favour. Fonte then tried a shot from just outside the box which was so close to going in just going wrong side of post with goalie well and truly beaten. Plenty of possession for saints and lots of pressure but were not creating clear cut chances. Thought Puncheon had one of his typical games some good staff beating a couple of players then final poor poor. Chamberlain also had a poor game, didnt track back much and was up for race against defenders but shied away from a few 50/50. Looked like the speculation may be getting to him but need to remember only 17 so must have some impact.

Should have had a penalty when Chamberlain was clearly pushed in the box, lino looked like he was going to raise his flag looked at ref then bottled it. For me a blatant push and would have been given if outside box. Brought on Barnard for Puncheon but with only 12 minutes remaining. That really does hack me with off with NA when he refuses to change things earlier. Barnard is a proven goal scorer, gives you something different and immediately won free kicks in areas for Lambert. Also could have taken Puncheon or Chamberlain off earlier put Dickson on left side of midfield and bring on Harding at FB. These two work well together down left hand side and think should be our fall back if no Lallana.

While only a point disappointing could have been worse right at the end, another poor decision giving them a free kick, one on left hit with right foot curling in and Kelvin seemed nearly to misjudge when he managed to palm over the bar for a corner. From the corner free header which thankfully Richardson was perfectly placed to head off the line.

Positives another clean sheet, we did have chances if not as many as becoming use to and County did stick to their tactics so no easy push over, similar to Brentford game that we lost. Downside was to many players didn't have good games. Chamberlain, Puncheon and Lambert were all off their game, Lambert looked knackered second half. Injuries could be a worry if Lallana and Chaplow out with Hammond also struggling, just goes to show the size of squad you need. Gobern didn't look good today fell over a few times and was bit like headless chicken running around meaning we lost our shape, surprised Puncheon wasn't moved to middle where he did well against Blackpool.

Davis 7 had to be alert for a couple of decent saves in 2nd half, must get quicker distributing the ball
Richardson 7 again another good game for me, goal line clearance at the end, booking was harsh and meant he had to hold back rest of game
Jaidi 7 good in the air, bit iffy on the ground
Fonte 8 for me MOM. Mopped up at the back showed passion in getting forward and came closest to scoring twice.
Puncheon 6 out wide is his best position, good stuff then poor final ball. I'd sell for a million and get other more committed players in.
Schneiderlin 7 much better first half alongside Chaplow, went deeper 2nd half
Chamberlain 6 not one of his better games and at times seemed elsewhere.
Chaplow 7 Missed him in 2nd half
Guly 7 Certainly tried and held the ball up well just didn't come off for him today
Lambert 6 decent first half second half poor.

Subs
Gobern 6 poor for me and a good reason why we need at least one more midfield player regardless of Lallana injury
Barnard 6 simply don't understand why he wasn't brought on earlier. Should have replaced Lambert who was non effective 2nd half

Thanks for the comprehensive write up. I wish I could get to more games to see for myself but I am flat broke, temping doesn't pay well - although I am not sad about missing this one, by the sounds of it!
Draw a line under this one and move on. It's disappointing to drop two points at home, especially to mid table teams such as Notts Co, and lose our second place but I hope the team can get it together for the trip to Tranmere next game. We can't afford any more slip ups.

Thanks Matty for another comprehensive report.

No problems Pete just a shame I couldn't report on a win.

Hope the weather and flood situation improves in Australia, looks horrendous on the news.

Yeah Matty, the floods in southern and central Queensland have been particularly bad, and on the weekend there was further flooding in rural Victoria. Fortunately where I am it has been ok, although a bit wet. The last three days have however been far more summer-like with the temp at approx 30 C and sunny. It's been a really strange summer down here, with heaps of rain and hardly any heat.