Notts Woes Continue

Aldershot Town 2-1 Notts County (National League) 23.11.19

It’s been a frustrating few weeks for Notts County and Manager Neal Ardley after getting back in contention and within the playoff zone of the National League they have since slid away with some disappointing results of late, the most recent of which on Saturday verses Aldershot.

The Shots were beaten 6-1 last week at Dagenham & Redbridge but Notts felt the brunt of their reaction to that at the Recreation Ground as they were beaten 2-1 suffering their second league game in a row with the Magpies now only taking one point from their last three and perhaps even more worrying have conceded nine goals in their last four matches.

After some early exchanges with McCrory in particular looking a threat for the away side it was the home team that took the lead on 27 when Bettamer headed home a cross from Powell after Slocombe saved to deny Shields.

Notts however were quick to respond when ten minutes later Wootton finished instinctively to level things up after deflecting Doyle’s drilled effort past Walker in goal but the scores weren’t tied for long as Whittingham robbed Doyle on 43 to run through and calmly slot past Slocombe.

The Magpies were behind at half time for a third successive league match and might have got back on terms minutes in to the second half when Rawlinson forced a fine save by Walker.

As Notts pressed Booty sent McCroy through who crossed to Wes Thomas who could only blaze over on 53. A minute later Thomas capitalized on some sloppy defensive play to charge forward and shoot towards goal as Walker palmed away Wootton snatched on to the rebound and shot from a tight angle with the ball rebounding to Doyle in the six yard box who couldn’t turn in.

The home side went close themselves when Chislett shot wide and on 75 Bettamer might have had another one beating Slocombe to a cross to head towards goal only for it to be cleared by Rawlinson before it looped in.

Notts pushed late on but couldn’t get the breakthrough they needed to take something from the game and the home team clung on to a massive three points easing their relegation worries as the Magpies losing back to back matches for the first time this season slip to 11th in the table.

Manager Neal Ardley after the game said “The one thing that bothers me more than anything is it looked like the opposition wanted it more – and that was the case last week, too.” Obviously frustrated he highlighted the lack of intensity stating “The mistakes are costing us but that’s not the bit that really gets to me. The rest of the game wasn’t intense enough and it’s got to change.”

“Our levels have dropped. We’ve not had the spice and intensity we had earlier in the season, we haven’t won 50/50s and we’ve not done the nitty-gritty well enough in the last few matches.”

Ardley who’s role is increasingly under pressure suggested “There’s a challenge on our hands. We’re a good team that is capable of getting in the play-offs but not unless we bring the side of the game that earns results when you don’t play well.”

Notts next face League Two Northampton in the second round of the FA Cup next weekend.

Aldershot Town: Walker, Tinkler (Lyons-Foster 66), Kinsella, Finney, Shields (Berkeley-Agyepong 87), Rance, Whittingham, Bettamer (Mullings 90), Chislett, Hunt, Powell.

Notts County: Slocombe, Turner, Rawlinson, Brindley, McCrory, Rose (Dennis 76), Doyle, Booty, Boldewijn (Shields 76), Thomas (Tyson 84), Wootton.

Venue: Recreation Ground (2,211)

*Main image @OfficialShots Aldershot celebrate their goal against Notts County.

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