Fans aim fury at manager Fullarton
NOTTS County manager Jamie Fullarton vowed to fight on after disgruntled Magpies fans staged a demonstration outside the main stand following just his third defeat in charge.
The 41-year-old, who moved across the Trent from Forest’s coaching staff less than six weeks ago, was subjected to astonishing abuse after Shaun Brisley hooked in Leyton Orient’s winner in the 76th minute.
The biggest cheer of a miserable afternoon for Notts supporters was reserved for Fullarton slipping over near his dugout trying to get the ball back into play.
As fans then continued to protest after the final whistle, Fullarton said: “I felt their frustration myself and I understand that frustration.
“There is expectation of us playing in front of a large home crowd and both I and the players expected more from us.
“All I would ask for is objectiveness.We will work tirelessly to get things right. I felt the preparation was right and it has been a good week for us. I picked my strongest team – not just for 50 or 60 minutes but to win the game.”
Fullarton’s task was made harder as defender Gary MacKenzie was violently sick just before kick off and was pulled out of the squad, but he denied rumours that Stanley Aborah, who was wrongly named on the bench on the team sheet, has been training elsewhere.
A dire first 45 minutes was followed by flashes of what Notts are capable of as Liam Noble brought the best out of goalkeeper Alex Cisak after 50 minutes.
But, after defender Mathieu Baudry had appealed in vain that his header crossed the line, Brisley grabbed a deserved winner for the visitors from eight yards.
Notts were unable to create openings for strikers Jon Stead and Izale McLeod, but the scale of the vitriol aimed at the manager was amazing considering he had just guided Notts to three wins in his first four away games.
In contrast, it was another happy away day for new Orient player boss Kevin Nolan, who led his side to a third successive victory on the road.
Nolan said:“The skipper’s header was over the line – I saw that with my own eyes – and that would have settled us down a little earlier. There’s no such thing as a scrappy goal and Jobi McAnuff caused problems with his set pieces.
“I was also delighted with my options as all three substitutes contributed. Ollie Palmer’s display was a big statement. Every win is a big win from now on and we need to go on an unbeaten run. My first priority is to ensure we keep our back door closed when we play at home.”