Kevin Nolan: 'Notts County had an off day against Portsmouth'

Kevin Nolan has attributed Notts County's 3-1 home defeat to Portsmouth as an off day but insists that his side will learn from it.

The Magpies fell behind to Gareth Evans's goal from the spot against after a foul on Kai Naismith by Richard Duffy before Jorge Grant found the corner from Elliott Hewitt's pass.

Jamal Lowe's double made sure of the points for Pompey, and with Luton Town drawing at Mansfield Town, the results gave the South Coast side promotion from League Two and set off celebrations among the away contingent at Meadow Lane.

"I am delighted for (Paul Cook) and (assistant) Leam Richardson, who is a good mate of mine," Nolan told the Nottingham Post. "I am delighted they have achieved what they set out for this year and wish them all the best going forward.

"I was just a bit disappointed in the way we managed the game. We just didn't do it as well as we have done in the past. Maybe we got caught up in the occasion a bit. But these lads have been fantastic since I walked in the door in January.

"We are going to have off days and today was one of them. But it's a learning curve and we will learn from it.

"Portsmouth are at the top of the league for a reason and they have been there all season. I thought for the majority of the game we matched them in bits and bobs, just not as consistent as we have been over the last five games."

Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.