A disappointing and frustrating afternoon if you're a Notts fan. I, like many left the ground feeling extremely flat, and that after a late equalizer salvaged Notts a point in a game that would definitely be seen as two points dropped.
That said it could have been so different. Three early chances went begging with Wootton unable to turn home from close range after a save from Sam's header saw Chicksen's follow up shot flick off the heels of Wootton drawing a decent save from Smith in the Yeovil goal.
Shortly after that some great work again from Roberts saw him find Rodrigues with another delightful cross only for Rodrigues, unchallenged and just 4 yards out, to put his header wide of the Yeovil goal when it looked like it might be easier to score.
It's likely we would have seen a very different game had either of those chances been converted but as is normally the case in football an error led to a loose ball falling nicely for Bradley who calmly stroked the ball home from 25 yards early in the second half to give the visitors the lead.
This completely changed the whole dynamic of the game and It seemed it wasn't just the gale force winds that huffed and puffed as Notts spent most of the second half struggling to clear their lines or find the ability to play beyond the Yeovil press.
Ultimately it was a set piece that saved the day as Lacey managed to get on the end of Palmers free kick and head past the Yeovil keeper to save the Magpies blushes.
Key match stats.
Interestingly it appeared to me during the game that Notts would record yet another set of dismal stats but actually out score Yeovil in all areas, except the actual score. This might suggest that as bad as it looked from the stats maybe Notts did deserve to just sneak the win?
Points needed and as it stands with new targets introduced after the Chesterfield game Notts are currently just shy of what may be needed to finish in the top 7.
Click on the legend tags at the top to filter options.
Progress updated and Notts just about clinging on to 7th place.
National League results tracker updated.
Goal segment chart:
Six game segments updated and 11 points from this 6 game segment.
Player stats updated:
As usual this is the new table that is also available to view on the player stats page of the website here. There will also be separate tables for the two cup competitions.
Goals and assists chart.
Goal scatter charts updated.
You can hover on the dots (tap if on a touch screen) to view details for each goal.
Expected goals and again, despite how it looked and felt from the stands Notts did enough to win the game quite comfortably. Early missed chances proving to be the difference.
We can't ignore the fact though that Yeovil had 5 'chances' in the game, just not as high value as Notts' missed chances.
Match xG stats:
Player xG Stats:
Ten different players with attempts on goal, maybe one or two should have done better.
National League goal scorers includes cup games, penalties and own goals. Including last night's games there have been 1054 goals scored by National League players in all competitions so far this season, 61 penalties and 18 own goals.
Ian Burchnall's record updated after 56 games:
The challenging games continue with an away trip to Solihull Moors on Tuesday night in a game where victory for Notts would see them leapfrog their opponents in the league.
Neal Ardley will be familiar with the threats Notts have at their disposal but will also know how best to nullify them.
The likelihood of a couple of players out with injury means a change of set up and shape might be required which in my view wouldn't be a bad idea. Notts need to do something about their soft underbelly in the middle of the park and, if he's now fit as suggested, Jim O'Brien would be a welcome addition to the squad as would a start for Dion Kelly-Evans.
Anyway, fingers crossed Notts' front men find their mojo again asap!
As always thanks for reading.
COYP!
Richard