By Chris
Notts County kept up the pressure on League Two leaders Luton Town with a 1-1 draw at Carlisle United on Saturday.
The Magpies struggled in the first half as Hallam Hope edged the Cumbrians ahead in the 24th minute at Brunton Park.
County failed to clear Nicky Adams's cross and Jamie Devitt's ball was bundled home by Hope from close range.
However, Kevin Nolan's side stepped it up a gear in the second half and got their just reward.
Terry Hawkridge played in Matt Tootle, whose cut-back was drilled into the net by Yates, and the visitors left with a share of the spoils come the final whistle.
Here is Chris's analysis of the game.
Was the result fair?
The final result was probably about right, both teams failed to maximise their chances but overall the point was good for both camps.
How did Notts play?
First half Notts failed to impress, whilst they struggled to take hold of the game and this really worked more in favour for Carlisle United who have earned a lot of praise from fans and the local media.
The second half was much improved with Notts showing at times that they’re a capable side, producing some good moves and eventually a well worked goal.
How did Carlisle play?
Very entertaining in spells. They passed the ball around the park very nicely and demonstrated exactly what I pointed out within my scouting report. First half they easily controlled the game and passed through Notts without any complications. Overall they did very well and stuck at making it difficult for Notts.
Did our tactics work out?
The majority of fans will highlight that first half failed simply due to the lack of movement and of course passing. The team really struggled to work with the tactics and it was clear after 20 minutes that something needed changing, thankfully this happened in the second half and Notts adjusted themselves well to the changes implemented.
How did the referee perform?
There’s little to say about the referee, so this would suggest he and his match officials had an alright game.
Who do we play next?
Newport County – in the league Notts face the Exiles but before that they face Mansfield Town in the EFL Trophy which will have some bearing on how the Magpies perform at Meadow Lane – a good performance would naturally help.
How should we play them?
I don’t pretend to be an ‘expert’, however a lot fans will always have an opinion and I am simply one of them.
Against Newport, Notts really must highlight what type of a team they are by sticking to passing the ball along the ground. It really does help settle down the play, whilst giving players a true feel for the game.
I think it’s important to try and make the Ameobi/Forte combination work. It simply doesn’t work to stick Forte up top alongside Alessandra – there’s no physical presence and nobody hold the ball.
Defensively we just need to be wary about shots from distance and make it hard for chances to arise from inside our own area – the perfect example would be how we allowed the game last season to escape us.
This is a perfect game for Notts to collect some points, whilst lifting the levels of morale around the camp after a few very disappointing performances.
So, if we approach the game wisely and build nicely during the game – I am confident that we will be able to keep the other County at bay. It will just be a case again of being clinical up front and stead in defence.
Carlisle fan views (from The Cumbrians)
Seesaw50: Not as entertaining somehow as Tuesday but we played well especially first half and didnt see them as a better side given their position in the league. Shame we couldn't find the second goal , but their goal was from the same frailty, poor defensive work.....it was like slow motion.
Seabird: First half was really good, problem was when County changed things and pressed us stopping the passing game from the back we had not the quality on the bench to be able to change things effectively ,bit sorry for Curle a no winner what ever he did. If only we had Whke or Yabo.
Crunchblue: We looked a good team first half, we just seem to be lacking someone to get in the right positions to finish chances. We played some really good football and if we'd had a Charlie Wyke or a Lee Miller leading the line, we'd have put the game to bed by half time.
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