Altrincham 1-1 Notts County (National League) 01.05.21

The question for many disgruntled Magpies fans, is a point on the road neither here or there for Notts as they continue to fluff their lines under new Head Coach Ian Burchnall with stuttering performances of late.

A 24th minute goal for the home side came when Alistair Smith netted before County responded on the brink of half time through Ruben Rodrigues who got his first league start under his boss.

Neither side could edge in front in the second half and following the point, Notts stay tenth but are at least now two points outside the playoffs with a game in hand after both Chesterfield and Eastleigh lost.

More worryingly than the distance from the top seven, is the form of County which is the third worst in the division over the last six games with two points and four defeats, the club still have plenty of action ahead to turn things around with seven matches still to go, but an upturn in fortunes will be required if they are to get back in the playoff hunt.

Burchnall said after “In the last two games against Eastleigh and Torquay, I came out and said that I thought we played well and deserved to win the games.

“People can agree or disagree with that, but here, if I am honest, we didn’t deserve any more than what we’ve got.

“It wasn’t a good enough performance. I’ve praised the team when we’ve played well and not won, but I have to stand here and say I was not happy.”

Notts will next face second placed Sutton United on Tuesday at Meadow Lane.

Altrincham: Thompson, Bell (Peers 57), Colclough, Kirby, Mooney (Hancock 78), Moult, Mullarkay, Ogle, Senior, Smith, Sutton.

Notts County: Steele, Brindley, Ellis, Rawlinson, Turner, Barnett, Doyle, Reeves, Rodrigues (Knowles 75), Boldewijn, Wootton.

Venue: Moss Lane

*Main image @Official_NCFC Rodrigues scores to earn Notts a point.