⚽ Match Thread vs. Chesterfield FC 20.08.22 [NL]

[MAD_MAGPIE]

Today was a perfect example of why Notts are the most stressful team to support.

I thought as others have said that for the first 15 min before Cheaterfurlough scored we had a few half chances and got the ball into dangerous areas more than they did. We had most of the possession as well but like other games we got no reward for it. The opening goal was somewhat frustrating as we had closed the opposition down and had them outnumbered but they still managed to get the ball through the gap.

Confidence must be fragile in this squad or something because after that goal we really did go into ourselves and it just was not happening. It was frustrating at times because some players were not positive in going forward or showed any urgency. At times it was slow, laborious, we backed off, we were not winning second balls, there was no physical blocking or tackling going off as would be expected in a local derby or from a team that want's it more. Likewise passes were going astray in the final third. Energy was lacking as well. Sloppy is about the best it could be described as. At the other end it was uncomfortable watching us mess around with it at the back as we were being pressed and pressured. It was enough to make the calmest of people nervous and blood pressure rise as it just seemed that we would have the ball taken off us from the high press or someone was going to make a mistake at the back at any moment.

Langstaff was completely isolated and Rodrigues impact was minimal in the first half because we could not get the ball to them. The big physical Chesterfield centre back their No.5 was a head on a stick and kicked the ball out of the box.

For us it just wasn't there from an attacking perspective and it wasn't working. The frustration could be felt in the stands at the lack of energy and intensity to go and get the equaliser and was demonstrated with a number of boos at half time.

After half time and again the lack of blocks and bodies on the line in the box prevailed and once the second Chesterfield goal went in that really was a pivotal moment even at this early stage in the season. It needed a reaction and thankfully it went the right way and the substitutions changed the game instantly. Once we scored the first goal it was like we went from gear one to 4th gear. The confidence lifted and the intensity, hunger and desire was there. Then to get the second goal and it must have left Chesterfield shell shocked. That was our chance and opportunity to take the game to Chesterfield and we did and we could have got a third. It was a complete turnaround compared to the first half and we were more direct and showed character. We could have even snatched a win near the end.

In the end we got the point and from being 2-0 down on the hour it felt like a win. However we can't be going back to conceding two goals a game as in past seasons as it's going to make it difficult to win football matches and we are going draw games we should win.

The positives are the Langstaff and Scott partnership is going to be one of our biggest strengths this season. When you add in Sam Austin and with Ruben Rodrigues to the mix it offers so much and lifts the entire team as we saw. That's got to be the key going forward to get all them starting and playing together.

In terms of the defence perhaps as others have said we need to change to four to strengthen it up? We've got to be more solid and assured and tough to break down at the back that's for sure. Plus not let opposition players run from midfield to the edge of our box without a tackle or challenge and stop back peddling.

We've got to beat Halifax away next Saturday if we want to keep in touch with the 2 points per game and the early pace setters like Barnet and Wealdstone. That's why we needed and should have beaten one of Gateshead or Boreham Wood. Yes we maybe unbeaten but draws ultimately are not enough unless you back them up with wins.