Mansfield defeat might be perfect wake-up call for Notts

Local derbies are nothing unfamiliar for me. As a kid growing up I saw Notts County take on Mansfield countless times when we were in the old Division 2 and in League 2.

My most vivid memory comes from November 2002 at Meadow Lane. In those days we were watching names such as Mark Stallard, Paul Heffernan, Darren Caskey and Kevin Nicholson take to the Meadow Lane pitch in the hope that bragging rights would be theirs.

For anyone who was there on that cold November night, watching Darren Caskey curl a free-kick into the corner of the family stand net has to be one of the greatest moments Meadow Lane has ever witnessed – it’s certainly one I cherish. As a young lad of 12, it was the stuff dreams were made of when you practiced free-kicks on the school playground. These players shaped my love for the club with their drive and ambition. There wasn’t an abundance of glamour or style in our performances; it was doggid - with plenty of graft, passion and the occasional moment of magic.

So in 2015 on a decidedly warmer August evening, I returned to Meadow Lane with my Dad for yet another derby with Mansfield. My expectations for this one differed – partly because I’m older, without the same childish optimism or unrealistic expectations and also, because the team taking to the field under Ricardo Moniz is of a different breed and style to the one from 2002.

It’s apparent to all Notts fans that Moniz is trying to eradicate the days of long ball football and I for one am delighted with that. This new Notts team have been easier on the eye in their opening games against Stevenage and Huddersfield and have ability in abundance. One player who has caught my eye has to be Stanley Aborah, simply because he has confidence on the ball and the ability to change a game in seconds with flair and a killer pass.

So, would the current crop deliver against Mansfield this time around?

The simple answer was no. The feeling around Meadow Lane before kick-off was excitement and optimism and I have to credit every supporter who turned up on the night – the atmosphere was electric and Meadow Lane was bouncing. Sadly, the performance from the Notts players didn’t live up to the hype and expectation. Mansfield controlled the game from start to finish with Notts looking nervy and rusty throughout. Chances were at a premium, with tiny glimmers from Jenner and Burke but nothing to trouble Mansfield.

I have to congratulate Mansfield on their approach to the match. They were sharper, quicker and in my opinion, hungrier for the three points. Every time there was a 50/50 ball, you always felt Mansfield would win it. Their goals were nothing special however and were avoidable from a Notts perspective – undone by an Chris Clements strike and a soft headed goal from a set piece late on by Tafazolli. Sadly from the stands it was the same old problems – sloppy goals conceded and not enough potency up-front – something that Moniz is only too aware of. Also, it was another poor performance at home – all too familiar from last season. One criticism I have of Moniz is his apparent reliance on 4-3-3 – it simply doesn’t work in League 2 against physical sides like Mansfield.

We were outnumbered in midfield countless times which resorted to us playing long balls from back to front and surrendering possession. Had we played a simpler 4-4-2, I feel we could have competed far better than we did.

I am however, confident that we have a great squad on which to build and we only need one or two more names to make it stronger. Easier said than done, but we need that 20 goal a season striker Moniz is searching for, and we need another commanding centre back. All I can hope for is that the return leg at Field Mill sees a turn in fortunes and we return to winning ways against Oxford on Tuesday.

Onwards and upwards!