By PON_News
New summer signing Jacob Bedeau made an impressive start to his Notts County career in a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park.
The former Morecambe defender, who joined the Magpies ahead of the 2024-25 League Two campaign, played a crucial role in ensuring his side kept a clean sheet on the opening day.
Reflecting on the match, Bedeau emphasised the importance of securing a point away from home, particularly in a challenging venue like Prenton Park. "I think it's a positive point," he said. "Obviously, the clean sheet is really good to get away from home. Places like this are tough to come, so we're happy with a point. On another day, we might have snatched it at the end, but yeah, I think it was a good performance and one to build on."
Bedeau, who was initially deployed in the centre of defence alongside Matty Platt and Lewis Macari, found himself shifting to the left after Adam Chicksen was substituted for Robbie Cundy in the 69th minute.
Despite the change in position, Bedeau remained composed and continued to contribute effectively to the team's defensive solidity. He credited the team's philosophy of patient build-up play for helping them settle into the game early on. "It's our philosophy, our way of playing is keeping the ball and being patient," he explained. "Tranmere worked really hard off the ball to shut passing lanes off, especially in that first half. We just settled into the game quite nicely, I think."
As a new recruit, Bedeau was acutely aware of the defensive issues that plagued Notts County last season, with the club conceding a significant number of goals. However, he expressed confidence in the current defensive setup and the team's ability to turn things around this year. "Obviously, it's one of those things where sometimes things just don't go your way," Bedeau acknowledged. "But we're looking to build a really strong defence today, and I think that showed. I thought Lou [Lewis Macari] and Platty [Matt Platt] were outstanding, as was the whole team defensively."
In a tight and competitive match, Bedeau noted the importance of playing both sides of the game—maintaining possession when possible, but also clearing danger when necessary. "At this level and in league football, it's the points at the end of the day, not pretty football at times," he remarked. "When the ball does have to go over the stand or into the crowd, it has to be done. I think today showed we can play both sides of the game."
As the match progressed, Notts County grew into the contest, particularly after a tactical switch midway through the second half. Manager Stuart Maynard' decision to make changes and adjust the team's shape allowed them to apply more pressure on Tranmere. "The gaffer made some changes halfway through the second half, and we changed shape. I think that helped us to get up the pitch and get Jody and K on the ball a bit higher," Bedeau explained. "I think that's when we kind of came into the ascendancy."
Bedeau also found himself involved in an attacking move late in the game, getting into an advanced position that nearly led to a goal. Reflecting on the opportunity, he said with a smile, "I did have a little nosebleed coming on. I saw Jodi [Jodi Jones] back post, and obviously, Jatta [Alessandra Jatta] made a great run as well. It came off his kneecap. On another day, he doesn't get there, and we go one-nil up. But it just wasn't to be today."
Looking ahead, Bedeau is optimistic about the season and eager to continue contributing to the team's success. "I'm really enjoying it here," he said. "It's a club going places, and when I got the opportunity to come here, I was so excited, and I still am."
With a solid debut under his belt, Bedeau has already made a positive impression on the Notts County faithful. His strong defensive display and calm presence at the back will be key assets as the Magpies aim for success in League Two this season.
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