Give these a try after a win for a change. For me, taking into account the circumstances going into the game and the strength of the opposition (who in fairness also played a decent game), this was comfortably our best performance of the season.
The main thing of course was the sheer effort and desire on display - particularly after the red - when a lot of the squad had been accused of downing tools. Even those with lower ratings below gave absolutely everything.
Slocombe - 7 - Can’t underestimate how important it is to have him back. One brilliant stop at 1-1, and composed in his handling and distribution throughout. Probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves due to his consistency, but must be up there for POTS.
Rawlinson - 5.5 - Gives everything and commitment can never be questioned, but just can’t play that wide CB role, where lack of pace/ball-playing ability are brutally exposed.
Ellis - 7.5 - Playing in the position Rawlinson would be better suited, but earning his place. Dominant in both boxes and again provided an attacking threat when it mattered, winning the penalty.
Chicksen - 7 - Composed on the ball and solid defensively. Has been comfortably the biggest winner of the managerial change, it’d actually be a surprise if he didn’t get a new contract now.
Kelly-Evans - 5 - Up against one of the best opposition players we’ve faced all season, it was a harsh lesson. Like Rawlinson, gave everything in the face of this but just couldn’t get to grips with him and should’ve been subbed long before his red card, which was a long time coming.
Reeves - 6 - Another who gave his all, and non-stop running was a big factor after we were reduced to 10, but was again wasteful in possession and a typically short pass led to the DKE red.
Doyle - 6.5 - Error led to their first goal and occasionally gave it away in dangerous areas, but also switched play well and was dominant after we went a man down.
Miller - 8 - The big surprise. Dominated his flank. Strong defensively and a box of tricks going forward, getting into positions to deliver dangerous crosses into the box. Understandable move to sub him when on a yellow but surely has done enough to start the next one.
Rodrigues - 9 - Arguably the best individual performance from any Notts County player this season. Had it all, an excellent goal, consistently creating chances, tireless running, tracking back defensively, and of course immense bottle to take the coolest of penalties with the last kick of the game. A travesty how he’s been used this season - time to build around him now.
Knowles - 5 - Couldn’t get involved. One ridiculous shot from 40 yards the only memorable contribution. Understandable decision to sub him at the break.
Wootton - 7.5 - Noticeably a different player after his long-awaited goal. Showed what a handful he can be after that, repeatedly pinning defenders and winning free kicks. Long may it continue.
Sam - 6.5 - Put himself about and added height/physical presence definitely freed up Wootton. Scored a goal which was wrongly chalked off.
Brindley - 7 - Shored things up down that side and also provided a regular attacking outlet.
Burchnall - 8 - What a start it’s been for him. Morale-zapping semi-final loss in his first game. Best player comes back and immediately gets injured. Not getting the points performances deserve (as illustrated by xG). And now his assistant has gone and got himself sacked.
Loses a point for not subbing DKE when the red was clearly coming, but all credit to him after that for staying positive with two upfront and Reeves and Rodrigues pushing on from midfield. Approach merited the win, and he more than anyone deserved that bit of luck that came with the late penalty. Was nice to see him smiling after - hope we can go under a run now.