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Mark Stallard: Notts County Fans the Backbone of a Promising League Campaign

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By PON_News

In the aftermath of Notts County's dramatic League Cup exit at the hands of Shrewsbury Town, BBC Radio Nottingham correspondent Mark Stallard provided an insightful analysis of the match. The tie ended 3-3 after 90 minutes, with Shrewsbury narrowly clinching the victory 4-3 on penalties. Stallard's reflections, shared on after the live coverage, offer a balanced view of the performance, acknowledging both the positives and areas for improvement.

The match was a tale of two halves for Notts County, as Stallard highlighted. "It was seesaw," he began, succinctly capturing the fluctuating nature of the game. "We were by far the better team in the first half, but again put under the cosh in the second half, so you have to balance that out. It was good in the first half, really good, and not so good in the second half. But again, character at the end to get back in the game, so plenty of positives."

Stallard's analysis reflects the frustration of many supporters who watched their team dominate the first half, only to see Shrewsbury claw their way back into the contest. Yet, he remains steadfast in his belief that the performance overall was one to build on. "We're all disappointed," he acknowledged, referring to the penalty shoot-out loss that ultimately sent County crashing out of the Cup. "But the positives to take out of it, and it's not being rose-tinted glasses or let's just look at the positives, there's plenty to learn from it, of course, but we haven't lost a football match there. We've got beat on penalties. We've lost a penalty shoot-out. We've drawn with a higher-level team over 90 minutes."

Indeed, Stallard's comments underline a key takeaway from the match: the fact that Notts County held their own against a team from a higher division for the full 90 minutes is a significant achievement in itself. "There's a lot of negatives you could take out of it," he admitted, "but there's far more positives, and that's what Notts have got to do to build on for the league season."

One of the pivotal moments in the game was the series of substitutions made around the hour mark, with Notts County leading 2-0. Stallard defended the decision, recognising the tactical and physical demands that influenced the move. "The number of changes, the changes on the hour mark while the score was still 2-0, although we were, you know, under an avalanche of pressure, I think the changes were the right thing to do," he explained. "To get minutes into legs just disrupts the team a little bit as well, two goals in three minutes."

Stallard's comments suggest that, while the changes may have contributed to a temporary loss of momentum, they were necessary for the long-term benefit of the squad. His pragmatic approach is clear: the immediate disappointment of the result should not overshadow the broader picture of the team's development and the early stages of the season.

Looking ahead, Stallard expressed optimism about the upcoming league campaign, particularly the return to Meadow Lane for the first home league game of the season. "They've not been there all preseason, obviously, because of the work being done to the ground," he noted. "I know there was fantastic travel again today, coming here after Tranmere, 1,500 at Tranmere, a good few hundred here tonight and who knows how many more in the Nest watching back there at the ground."

With the first home league game fast approaching, Stallard is clearly looking forward to what promises to be a special occasion. "Can't wait to get back to Meadow Lane," he said, anticipating the atmosphere and the performance to come. "Looking forward to it being a special atmosphere there and a special Notts performance, hopefully building on that first half today."

In summary, while the result against Shrewsbury Town was undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow, Mark Stallard's analysis offers a measured and positive outlook for Notts County. His focus on the positives. Holding a higher-level team to a draw, the character shown in the face of adversity, and the promising signs for the league season, provides a reassuring perspective for fans eager to see their team bounce back. As Stallard rightly points out, a penalty shoot-out loss should not derail the season before it has even begun. Instead, it should serve as a learning experience and a stepping stone towards greater success in the league.

Join in with your pre-match comments as the Pride of Nottingham community start to discuss Sunday's League Two encounters against Fleetwood Town. Join in with our match discussion.

Take a moment to have a look at good content throughout the Pride of Nottingham that you might have missed. Have a look at what content members of our Notts County have produced.

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liampie

i think mark stallard is always the voice of reason, his comments are fair and i hope we can reset as a fan base ahead of the weekends game again fleetwood. our strongest squad should be much calmer and focused.

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upthepies

Mark Stallard's analysis perfectly captures the essence of the Notts County vs. Shrewsbury Town match. It was, indeed, a tale of two halves. The first half saw us dominating, which was a thrill to watch.

The second half, however, tested our resilience. Despite the frustrating nature of conceding goals and losing on penalties, Stall's encouragement to focus on the positives is vital. Holding our own against a higher division team for 90 minutes is commendable. The substitutions might have disrupted the momentum, but they were necessary.

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NiftyNick

Stall's optimism for the league campaign is reassuring. With the first home league game on the horizon, there’s excitement in the air for what’s to come. COYP!

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JustLikeJuve

I think Stallard's analysis of the match against Shrewsbury Town is spot on. It’s disappointing to be knocked out on penalties, but there are so many positives to take from it. I was particularly impressed by our first-half performance; we played with such confidence and control. The second half was tough, but it's part of the game. Stallard’s comments about the substitutions make sense too; they were necessary for the long-term benefits of the squad.

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Sirrels County

It was a heartbreaker to lose to Shrewsbury Town on penalties, but Stallard’s analysis provides much-needed perspective. Our first-half performance was exceptional, and even though we faltered in the second half, the overall display was promising. Holding a higher-division team to a draw in regular time is no small feat. The tactical decisions, including the substitutions, were made with the bigger picture in mind. Stallard’s optimism for the upcoming league campaign is what we need. The support from the fans, especially with the first home league game approaching, will be crucial. I have faith in our lads and believe they’re on the right path to success this season.

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Robbie

I have always loved to hear Mark's analysis when he is co-commentating on the Notts matches.

He is so knowledgeable and knows Notts like the back of his hand. I believe his post match analysis was spot on too.

I also believe that there are more positives to take from the Shrewsbury match than negatives.

The first half was absolutely outstanding, and when under the cosh in the second half the Notts team showed lots of character to get back on terms.

As Stallard rightly pointed out, we shouldn't dwell to much on the penalty shootout result. The match against League 1 opposition was commendable when you look at it on hindsight.

I do share Stallard's hopes for the season ahead, and I think that Notts will be a force to be reckoned with Stuart's new team this season in League 2.

The first game of the season at a rocking meadow lane is going to be a special occasion, with a big crowd and plenty of noise. Can't wait 

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TheSkipper

I think Stall’s comments make a lot of sense. He always knows how to put things into perspective, and I agree with him. There’s no need to worry, shake off the disappointment and focus on the league again.

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OoooooTommy

Stall makes some excellent points about the match against Shrewsbury. Although it was disappointing to lose on penalties, there were a lot of positives to take away. Our team showed great character and resilience, especially in holding their own against a higher-division side for the full 90 minutes. The first half performance was particularly impressive, and while the second half had its challenges, it’s clear there’s a lot to build on. Stallard’s analysis of the tactical decisions, particularly the substitutions, provides valuable insight.

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CliftonMagpie

I think Stallard is spot on. We’re all disappointed, some more than others, but we need to focus on what really matters now, and that’s the league. I’m over the defeat, and I reckon most people are too. Our focus should be on promotion, just as Mark Stallard said. I’m glad we have a BBC correspondent who talks sense.

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Fan of Big Tone

I’ve got a lot of time for Mark Stallard he always tells it like it is and his analysis of the Shrewsbury match is no different, he’s quite right in being positive about the result we took a league one team to 90 minutes and we’re a match for them, the first half was brilliant, we need to take that positivity into Sundays match in front of a bumper crowd at the Lane.

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allardyces tash

Stall will have experienced it first-hand from his playing days. I give the current squad some slack because I can see they are a good bunch and they care. Drawing against Shrewsbury wasn’t a bad result, and we can’t always expect to stay on top of a game. While the errors were disappointing, we took them to penalties. I feel sorry for the players who missed; it’s not like they did it on purpose.

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