BURCHNALL’S TOOTHLESS MAGPIES OUT OF PLAY-OFF PLACES
HOME SIDE LACK CUTTING EDGE AS HOUSE GOAL IS ENOUGH FOR EASTLEIGH
County slipped out of the National League play-off positions for the first time since January as they were beaten 1-0 at home by Eastleigh.
Ben House’s goal just before halftime sealed all three points for Ben Strevens’ side as they took advantage of a flat Notts performance.
Notts toiled away in the final third but lacked imagination and creativity, leading to a comfortable afternoon for ex-magpies stopper Joe Mcdonnell.
The result meant Notts dropped to eighth in the National League table ahead of a huge game against Torquay United next week.
These were the big talking points from the game.
■■Poor recruitment always catches up with you
Elisha Sam and Ruben Rodrigues were used sparingly by Neal Ardley in the weeks leading up to his dismissal amid concern as to whether they possessed the characteristics required for the National League.
The duo must have hoped that a change in manager would have given them a fresh start but head coach Ian Burchnall left them out of the squad altogether at the weekend.
That’s now two managers who are yet to be convinced they are up to the standard required after they were identified by the club’s recruitment model in the belief they could have a major impact this season.
In fairness, Sam and Rodrigues are not the only players who have been signed on the back of using statistics and video footage but it has raised question marks over the quality of the club’s recruitment once again.
The harsh truth is there have not been many transfer success stories this season and key players who left the club have simply not been replaced by like for like quality.
Instead, there has been a gradual shift by the club to sign young players who are considered “projects”, players such as Lewis Knight, Jordan Barnett and Jimmy Knowles, but they have proved to be raw and unpredictable.
That has been reflected by the inconsistency of their performances, which has undoubtedly been one of Notts’ biggest problems throughout the campaign.
One would hope that Richard Montague, the analyst and director who oversees the recruitment, will learn where the club have gone wrong this season, given he plays such a key role.
Nobody can dispute the owners’ financial commitment to Notts but for all the money invested in the squad since last summer, they have had little bang for their buck.
■■The alarms bells are ringing
Judging by the increasing amount of dissent on social media over Notts’ form, it is just as well that games are still being played behind closed doors.
There is mounting concern in the fanbase as to where this season is heading after defeat against Eastleigh meant Notts tumbled out of the play-off places for the first time since January.
It was also the first time they have lost three successive games in the National League since their relegation from League Two.
And after what was a pretty toothless display, the alarm bells are ringing loud and clear across Meadow Lane.
There are still more than enough games left to salvage a place in the play-offs but there needs to be a drastic improvement in terms of CRENOTTS
ativity and quality in the final third.
Invention and cutting edge have been a problem throughout campaign but, of the players available, it is hard to see who can or will step up to the plate.
Kyle Wootton is going through a barren spell, Knowles was excellent against Woking but has failed to produce that level of quality consistently, while Knight looks very raw.
Callum Roberts is now out for the season, Sam did not even make the squad and Enzio Boldewijn started on the substitutes’ bench.
So where are the goals going to come from? Answers on a postcard, please.
■■Michael Doyle's importance
cannot be underestimated
The influential captain was back on the substitutes’ bench after recovering from a calf problem but was not risked to give him a further week to get ready for Torquay United.
But it’s become abundantly clear that while he has been missing from the side, Notts have missed his qualities on and off the ball.
Doyle’s importance was underlined by a stat shared on social media recently which showed the former Coventry City captain is the leading player in the National League when it comes to passes into the final third.
Notts sorely missed him at the weekend given the midfield duo of
Jake Reeves and Regan Griffiths were too safe when there was an opportunity to put the ball into some good areas.
After three successive defeats in the league, Doyle’s absence has been acutely felt given he is comfortably Notts’ best player when it comes to possession.
Combine that with his leadership qualities in the heart of midfield and he could be the spark Notts desperately need at such a crucial time of the season.
Thankfully, his return is just around the corner.
■■Be like Dion
There were a swathe of bad performances at the weekend but there was some light among the gloom in Dion Kelly-evans.’
The full-back may give up considerable inches to most players in this league in terms of height, but he has such a big heart.
A crunching challenge in the second half epitomised the attitude he has and he plays every game like it is going to be his last.
That’s the type of mentality you need in the National League.
It is a ruthless division in terms of its physicality.
But Kelly-evans has been a delight to watch this season, a player who loves a tackle.
And if there was one positive to take from a disappointing afternoon, Kelly-evans was certainly it.