Magpies fall to Challinor masterclass
I THINK, and I’ve given it some thought dear reader, that Notts County have been the best team we’ve seen at EP so far this season, apart from us of course.
They dominated the early season and sat top of the division for quite a while but, of late, they appear to have dropped away.
Alarmingly, a recent 3-1 loss to Harrogate would testify to that but on Friday evening they contributed to a great game of football that ultimately went our way because of their lack of ability in front of goal and our staunch defence.
You could argue that it was a Challinor tactical master class; every player contributed and put in a real shift.
In the end it was a 2-1 victory but it could have been 6-6 with the number of chances both sides created.
We started the brighter and the early pressure paid rich dividends when in the seventh minute Kyle Wootton slid in a crafty corner kick to score against his old club.
We were comfortable with the ball and continued to press, we were thwarted by some last gasp defending and it has to be said, some outrageous refereeing decisions by Mr Sebastian Stockbridge. As an aside, I’d like it to go on public record that, in my opinion, Mr
Stockbridge is the worst referee I’ve ever seen. His take on the laws of the game are completely at odds with almost everyone else’s.
A case in point, Jayden Richardson is fouled by the last man, twice, a red card to you and me but not Mr Stockbridge. A free kick, a penalty, yes but the laws of the game state a red card.
The last few minutes would have been so different if the laws had been adhered to and he’s been getting away with it for years.
The second half was a nervous affair, the home support was quieter than usual, the atmosphere was tense. Notts pushed and pushed but Langstaff and McGoldrick were well marshalled by Pye, Horsfall and Byrne.
We were relying on a quick break, first Woots and Tanto, then later Richardson who no doubt terrorised the Notts defence, he was fouled so many times and in the 88th minute he was brought down in the box. Even the ref couldn’t deny it and up stepped Paddy to double our lead, game over surely? No, McGoldrick scrambled a goal back and the nerves got a whole lot worse.
Luckily we were deep into added on time and we controlled the last few minutes to claim the win and top spot. It’s been a remarkable year and next year could be even better.