It was Notts County’s first league fixture back at Meadow Lane as they faced Grimsby Town. County were looking for revenge after a heartbreaking end to the last outing between the two sides in what was a vital game. After falling behind twice, the Magpies managed to secure their first win of the campaign, defeating the Mariners 3-2 in a dramatic game.
Notts lined up with almost the same as they did in the 5-1 defeat against Sutton United with the exception of creative midfielder Dan Crowley replacing Jim O’Brien. Aidan Stone returned after serving his one game suspension in the League Cup with a back three of Rawlinson, Brindley and Cameron in front of him. John Bostock and Matty Palmer were in centre midfield with Jodi Jones and Aaron Nemane as wingbacks. Behind Langstaff as striker was David McGoldrick and Dan Crowley who looked to provide creativity to stretch the Grimsby back line.
It was a bright start by Notts as they were showcasing some fantastic play and fluid passing. Aaron Nemane particularly was effective, using his pace to draw fouls and an early yellow card for Driscoll-Glennon. However, the visitors were the first on the scoresheet after a loose pass from Rawlinson found lethal striker Danny Rose who saw his shot sneak into the near post. Notts continued to show a positive response to the early setback, getting into some promising positions but lacking the end product.
Suddenly, a fine move from the Magpies presented a chance for Macaulay Langstaff who had his header saved by Eastwood before John Bostock took the ball down from Nemane’s cross, unleashing a powerful finish into the back of the net to level up the scoreline. From this point Notts were in total control of the game and almost made it 2-1 with a low cross taking a subtle touch off of the defender which deceived Langstaff who fired over from close range. However, Grimsby launched a late attack which beat the offside trap and Harry Clifton fired home to give the Mariners the lead much against the run of play. The referee blew the whistle for the end of the first half meaning Grimsby went into the break leading 2-1. It was a promising start to the game by the Magpies, who needed to gain momentum in order to come back in the second half.
The half time team talk seemed to have had a positive effect on the players as they expressed themselves to attempt to get an equaliser. The ball fell to Jodi Jones who took his man on and struck a cross. The ball cannoned off defender Waterfall and looped over the goalkeeper to level the scoreline once again. Notts continued to play fluid, attacking football creating chances for McGoldrick who fired over and Langstaff, failing to take his chance.However, in the 61st minute, the ball came to Jodi Jones once again, who spectacularly nutmegged his defender and delivered a pinpoint cross to an unmarked Dan Crowley at the back post who made no mistake in front of the vociferous Kop Stand.
Notts were now in the lead but needed to control the game. However, players began to tire leading to head coach Luke Williams utilising the five substitutions he was able to make. Grimsby knew they had to get back into the game and began to push up the pitch, applying pressure on the vulnerable Notts defence. It was relief for the Notts faithful after Mullarkey skied his effort over the crossbar in the 89th minute. This was the start of a long 7 additional minutes of time. Grimsby continued to deliver balls into the Notts area, attempting to find the target of Luke Waterfall but Notts managed to keep the opposition from having any clear-cut chances. The referee sounded his whistle for the final time meaning Notts came away with three vital points to lift themselves to 15th in the league table.
It was a better performance from Notts, who showed a positive reaction from the disastrous game away to Sutton United. Although 2 defensive mistakes led to the two goals they conceded, the Magpies were able to use the creativity of Dan Crowley, Jodi Jones and the pace of Aaron Nemane to get themselves back into the game. They controlled the majority of the game and were able to withstand the heavy amount of pressure from the Mariners. Overall, an impressive display and deservedly Notts take the three points at the expense of Grimsby.
Starting 11: 26 Stone (yellow card) - 2 Brindley, 4 Cameron, 5 Rawlinson (82’) - 7 Crowley (81’), 16 Bostock (70’), 18 Palmer (yellow card) - 9 Langstaff, 10 Jones (82’), 11 Nemane (yellow card)
Substitutions: 1 Slocombe, 6 O’Brien (70’), 8 Austin (73’), 19 Scott (81’), 21 Adebayo-Rowling (82’) (yellow card), 23 Chicksen (82’), 27 Morias
Attendance: 12,950 (2818 away)
