Report
by Dave Brown
Teenager Niall McNamara finished off a great break in the 73rd
minute to see the home side through. But Forest were fortunate
not to be taken to penalties, with County producing much of
the dangerous play. Keeper Barry Roche, who could be Dave Beasant's
under-study next season, made two outstanding saves to keep
his side in the game. The conditions were perfect for flowing
football and it was Forest who settled down the quickest under
the captaincy of veteran Ian Woan.
But
it was the departing Carlos Merino who looked the liveliest
in the opening forays with Darren Ward saving well off a long-range
effort after just six minutes. County striker Mark Stallard
had a claim for a penalty turned away just minutes later after
he was crowded out by Christian Edwards and Chris Doig. Striker
David Freeman had Forest's best chance of the half after quarter
of an hour following a Woan corner. Merino's goal-bound header
was cleared off the line by Gary Owers and the simple re-bound
by the 20-year-old was hit over the bar. Notts County should
have gone into the half time break 1-0 up when Mark Stallard
hit his lob over the cross bar. Keeper Roche had left his line
and was never going to reach the ball and, despite the efforts
of Edwards, the striker should have done better. This did not
deter the Magpies from producing more stirring football in the
second period and again it was poor finishing that let them
down.
The visitors' failed to capitalise on a number of goal-mouth
scrambles and the acrobatics of Roche kept them at bay. On 58
minutes Rapley was denied by the lanky Irishman and just a minute
later he turned a fantastic long-range effort by Richard Liburd
over the bar. The killer blow from Forest came just 15 minutes
later when Forest broke through Woan and Gareth Williams. The
midfielder played a through ball to Merino who in turn laid
the ball off to McNamara. The Irishman controlled the ball and
fired a low shot past Ward inside his near post. Maybe on another
day the Welsh international would have saved it and with County's
lack of firepower it was clear that the single score would be
enough. If you wanted to be negative, it would be possible to
refer to the previous five Notts County match reports and say
simply, same problems, same result.
The Magpies, in the second half in particular, dominated for
long periods. But, maintaining their consistency at least, they
failed to make the most of numerous chances. Though, if you
wanted to be positive, Gary Brazil's Magpies came out of the
game with a great deal of credit. Not only did they field every
fit professional they had on their books, but they approached
the game with a determined attitude. They did not look like
a side which had lost five matches in a row. And they certainly
did not deserve to be a side who would, this morning, be pondering
over their sixth consecutive defeat. Despite the searing spring
heat, the usual suspects — the likes of Gary Owers, Mark Warren,
Alex Dyer, Richard Liburd, Paul Bolland and Richard Holmes —
ran themselves ragged. The cynical among the meagre crowd may
believe Notts' extra efforts may merely have been inspired by
the thought of avoiding having to turn out for the semi-final
of the 1999/2000 competition to be played over the summer.
But in truth, judging by the players reaction following the
2-1 defeat at Chesterfield on Saturday, their motive was probably
more to do with ending their frustrating losing streak.
Chairman Derek Pavis may well be concerned at how this current
losing streak will be affecting season ticket sales over the
summer. But the truth is that, despite the result, Notts showed
themselves to be capable of what was basically, good entertaining
football. They may be left to ponder their sixth consecutive
defeat over breakfast this morning. But if they can approach
every game with the same vigour — and the same positive approach
— next season, there may yet be a light at the end of what is
currently a very dark tunnel.
