Notts eye happy homecoming
NOTTS COUNTY recreated their feel good feeling at home ahead of what now looks almost certain to be a Meadow Lane Play-Off Eliminator.
Head coach Ian Burchnall – clearly shaken by the booing from some supporters in Monday’s dour affair with Dover – saw his side turn on the style and receive warm applause as they performed a post-match lap of appreciation.
Second-half goals from top marksmen Callum Roberts, Kyle Wootton and Ruben Rodrigues highlighted the threat the Magpies will pose in the end-of-season shootout as well as highlighting the gap Alty will seek to bridge now they have announced they will be going full-time.
Burchnall hailed “brilliant fans” for pushing his side forward even during a first half in which they were twice denied by the woodwork.
He said: “We had total control against a decent side who came here to play.
“We’ve scored in every home game this season and have been good value at Meadow Lane. The fans were excellent and showed their appreciation.”
Only a Notts defeat in their final game at Maidenhead plus a seven-goal swing in Grimsby’s favour will deny the fans another chance to see their side at home – with Grimsby, ironically, their most likely opponents.
The excellent way they finished the game was apt after a distinct feeling of anti-climax early on.
Notts were dominant with Jordan Richardson and Wootton both denied by the bar and Tony Thompson making unconvincing saves from Jim O’Brien and Matt Palmer.
Alty produced some good passing football with Dan Mooney always prepared to have a go. Their best chance, however, fell to Isaac Marriott who stabbed disappointingly wide from 15 yards.
The willingness of Roberts to take on defenders was rewarded when he stumbled in the box just after the break. The Notts favourite calmly netted his 15th goal of the campaign from the spot.
The rest of the game highlighted the X-factor that Notts will need to beat the best National League sides.
Highlight of the afternoon was another tricky run and perfect clipped cross from Roberts with top scorer Wootton volleying home in style.
And that was all but matched by the impressive Richardson whose blistering run laid on the chance for Rodrigues to nod a third.
Alty boss Phil Parkinson highlighted the similarities in the playing approaches of both clubs – but also the gulf.
“They want to play much the same way but do so at a higher level,” he said. “It was always going to be difficult coming here, particularly with a depleted side. But three goals flattered them.
“Going full-time, we will look to bridge the gap you saw today.”
STAR MAN: Callum Roberts (Notts Co)
ATT: 6,581
ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★
REFEREE: Greg Rollason