⚽ 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.

[Elite_Pie]

“We were playing one of the best teams in the NL- and we dreww 2-2 - what the heck do you want?”

If like me you want promotion, I'd have hoped we would look the better side.

We didn't.

[maddogslater]

Obviously what he wants and is justified is to have a better team, squad than Chesterfield, for a club of our size, standing.

[Elite_Pie]

The positives are the Langstaff and Scott partnership is going to be one of our biggest strengths this season.

Only guessing here, and ncfcog might prove me wrong, but I think when Langstaff and Scott have been on the pitch together they average 6 goals per game. OK, it's really only 2 in 30 minutes, but it does give some hope.

[Magpies1959]

I think it was the people booing that were the drama queens, not me. It must be beyond disappointing as a new manager at a club, to hear supposed supporters booing after less than four games. Maybe at the next home game they could all stamp their feet, and throw their dummies on the pitch, for added petulance.
I think the booing comes from the style of play, which was in evidence last season when IB was in charge, who showed his displeasure to the booing at the Dover game. I would imagine until these people force the manager/owners/club to abandon this style of play we can expect to hear more boos, unless we win every game.
I could understand people getting annoyed if we were consistently giving away goals and losing matched due to this way of playing, but after three and a bit games unbeaten, nah.

[Elite_Pie]

I think it was the people booing that were the drama queens, not me.

Possibly, but I took issue with you calling them "the vast majority" which definitely wasn't the case.

[MAD_MAGPIE]

I think it was the people booing that were the drama queens, not me. It must be beyond disappointing as a new manager at a club, to hear supposed supporters booing after less than four games. Maybe at the next home game they could all stamp their feet, and throw their dummies on the pitch, for added petulance.
I think the booing comes from the style of play, which was in evidence last season when IB was in charge, who showed his displeasure to the booing at the Dover game. I would imagine until these people force the manager/owners/club to abandon this style of play we can expect to hear more boos, unless we win every game.
I could understand people getting annoyed if we were consistently giving away goals and losing matched due to this way of playing, but after three and a bit games unbeaten, nah.

As I mentioned on another thread I think some of the booing is boiling over from the past three seasons of being at this level and the three failed playoff campaigns. So if we are not looking convincing or not showing the aggressive intensity to get back into a game especially a local Derby, then when you add that into the pot a perfect storm is created. Also there is the effect it has that begins to lead fans to believe it’s going to be another season of playoffs at best from what conclusions are drawn from what is seen on the pitch. It’s about being brave and courageous as a footballer to go and make an impact, try something, don’t play it safe all the time or give someone else the responsibility to make something happen. That last 30 min of the first half was a case of new season same issues that hampered us last season hence the frustration.

The worse thing about it all is that those that brought us to this level are long gone and so unfortunately it’s those here now that have to shoulder that responsibility of restoring our league status.

I don’t think people were booing the manager. Like some others have said I feel sorry for him. He needs a bit of time and patience to make his mark on the squad and to get his ideas across along with getting a settled best eleven and formation.

If we have that side out that played for the last half an hour today and play with the hunger, desire and intensity we did then we will be a match for anyone at this level. That was more like the team we saw in pre season against Forest. We’ve got to be confident and produce that kind of last 30 min performance for the entire 90 mins. That will be the key to how successful we will be this season.

[jackal2]

I think the booing comes from the style of play, which was in evidence last season when IB was in charge, who showed his displeasure to the booing at the Dover game. I would imagine until these people force the manager/owners/club to abandon this style of play we can expect to hear more boos, unless we win every game.

I think there is a growing undercurrent of dissatisfaction with excessive amount of time we spend on the ball in the defensive third of the field and I must say I can understand why. It's a stressful and unpleasant thing to watch, because we look like we could make an error at any moment and sometimes do. We were lucky not to let at least two more goals in today from overplaying and losing the ball in ridiculous areas, and there's only so much kamikaze play fans can watch before they vocalise their exasperation.

You're right that this sentiment was building under Ian Burchnall last season and Luke Williams is a tad unlucky to have arrived when that frustration is really boiling over, but it could be a blessing in disguise if he realises early on that something needs to change. I genuinely don't think Notts fans are averse to seeing their team play good passing football, but they want to see it in the opponent's half of the field, not our own.

There was a former manager of ours present today whose style epitomised what it takes to win games and promotion at this level and in the Football League. His teams were built on solid, no nonsense defending and players imposing themselves physically on their opponents, but Warnock's teams also played some very entertaining football in the right areas of the park, and it was done with the purpose of getting the ball into the box as often as possible in the space of 90 minutes.

If Luke Williams can get this group of players playing something like that - and the beauty was in its simplicity - then we should be able to stop conceding so many silly goals and get a tremendous return from strikers like Langstaff and Scott, who will thrive on that quantity of service. These players can results if we start playing to their strengths instead of exposing their weaknesses.

[jackal2]

As I mentioned on another thread I think some of the booing is boiling over from the past three seasons of being at this level and the three failed playoff campaigns.

Quite. The bottom line is that Notts County Football Club is arguably operating two divisions below its 'natural' league and after three seasons watching us drop silly points and then fail in the play-offs, fans don't want it to happen again. Yes, it will be tough to finish ahead of moneybags Wrexham, but I think there's a sense that a little too much emphasis is being put on the club developing a particular footballing identity, when right now we just want the results that are going to get us out of this league, and that requires a more pragmatic style. To quote the late owner of the Oakland Raiders: 'Just win, baby!'

[Notts78]

Obviously what he wants and is justified is to have a better team, squad than Chesterfield, for a club of our size, standing.

Chesterfield can probably afford a better squad than us after saving money through furlough.
My gut is that we are being ran to a budget whilst Chesterfield and Wrexham throw money at it.
Yesterday and to a large degree the season to date, we have under performed. Yet we remain unbeaten. The squad we have can’t play the system being implemented IMO. We don’t have wing backs, yet play a full back and a winger in what is a specialist position. I put in another thread about the system, and with the current squad the system that IMO would suit us more (4-3-3). How we have a player like Ruben and we can’t him on the ball enough is beyond me.