⚽ Match Thread vs. Southend Utd. 21.02.23 [NL]

[the_anticlough]

The buzz on this thread is great.

So many positives...don't know where to start.

I'll go with Bostock's performance, further forward this time - absolute class, playing like that he elevates our level even higher.

But most of our superb form comes back to the main man, LW. As Notts fans,I think we became used to seeing intractable problems that go on and on and are never really solved

- wing-backs that did Jack under iB
- Ardley playing Doyle and Reeves side by side for ages when it was clear it didn't work
- players picked all of the time that were never really up to it
- players allowed to make gaffe after gaffe, or just coast, without any real consequences


Under LW though, none of those things are tolerated. As soon as a problem emerges, he solves it. On the evidence so far, have we had a more impressive manager, since Wilko's time even?

[SwalePie]

[slack_pie]

Good post.
I think Wrexham are more likely to crack than we are. They've got injuries, fatigue and us to worry about. The pressure is really building on them as we enter the home straight. I think they deserve to be promoted but not ahead of us. I have a feeling the game at The Racecourse Ground (shortly to be renamed the Mickey Mouse Stadium?) on April 10th might not turn out to be as pivotal as people are thinking.

I agree that there's more pressure on them than us. They are clear favourites, and for a reason - they've spent the most money. The whole Disney/Hollywood/Netflix thing must be a blessing when things are going well and a curse when they aren't. The fear of slipping up could potentially be greater for them than us.

But they have an experienced manager and a wily group of players. Not only is Mullin an expert at conning refs in the box, he's also one of the best strikers to play at this level. I wouldn't be surprise if they continue to win at any cost, whether they're playing well or not.

Last night made me realise that if we don't win the league, we have a better chance than ever to win the playoffs - assuming we can overcome the psychological blow of missing out on automatic. Last night made me realise that we don't need to fear anyone. When we play well, we're the best team in this division. So we just need to focus on our game, not Wrexham's. They'll keep doing what they do.

The game at the Racecourse could be pivotal, and it could go either way. Depending on how the teams perform on the day, either side could hammer the other.

[BCnotts18]

Apologies that I don't know how to embed videos in advance��


[Sorted! SwalePie]

[KintoreMagpie]

Why would the EFL teams in division 2 vote for that? I agree it would be good this season but if you take us and Wrexham out of this league the rest are an average bunch who would struggle in a league above imo.

I agree that I don’t think the EFL clubs would vote for that, which is why I said I don’t think it will happen. When I first followed football there used to be re-election which was a closed shop with league clubs looking after each others’ interests and only rarely was a non league club able to enter the league at the expense of an existing member. Thankfully what we have now is a better system and offers opportunities to non league clubs to progress as well as getting rid of some of the deadwood from the football league.

Regarding the concern that in seasons where all the NL clubs outside the two automatic spots are poor then I would argue that the team who finished 3rd from bottom of Division 2 would then have little to fear from competing in the play offs, unless of course they were even worse!

[Proactive not Reactive]

Having looked at it one or two times I think Chicksen did foul the guy in the box at 1.0, possibly unintentionally but was still a foul - thoughts ?

[ncfcog]

Stats report now up and a closer look at the xG data which looked a little odd for this game . . .

https://www.nottscountystats.com/pos...thend-united-h

[OchPie]

Stats report now up and a closer look at the xG data which looked a little odd for this game . . .

https://www.nottscountystats.com/pos...thend-united-h

I must admit I hadn't considered that a top, in-form striker like Macca and team like Notts might be burying chances most players and teams wouldn't, and hence be scoring well above xG. But it makes a lot of sense.

Would definitely like to see a better angle on the Chickson incident though (was going to say "get a better view of his tackle in the box" but there's only so much my heart can take).

Also even if nobody else cares that we're already guaranteed a top half finish - and guaranteed to finish above both Moors and Oldham - I'm still marvelling at it.