Notts County’s dominant performance rewarded with victory over Boston United

Notts County emerged victorious in their pre-season friendly against Boston United, with a final score of 1-0. Cedwyn Scott, the forward, netted the winning goal by converting a cross from Jim O’Brien in the second half. This dominant performance was rewarded with a win.

The first half of the match was relatively subdued, with the audience of 1,042 spectators waiting until the 23rd minute for the first significant chance. Cameron Gregory thwarted Aaron Nemane's initial attempt, denying him at the near post.

As the match continued, Luke Williams made several substitutions to provide playing time to as many players as possible. Macaulay Langstaff was among those introduced and had an opportunity to score a second goal when he was expertly assisted by Aidan Stone. However, he failed to get past Gregory and the final chance of the game slipped away. 

After the match, Luke Williams spoke to Dave Bracegirdle of BBC Radio Nottingham about the game and how it was a good workout for both teams. "Nonetheless, yeah, it was a good workout for us, and I’m sure for them as well. And everything kind of went according to plan, so it was a good day in our preparation," he said.

Williams also discussed the rotation of players during the game, saying that it was important to give everyone the correct minutes to ensure that the whole group is at the same level. "No because I think at this stage we have to try to rotate the players around in a logical way to give them the correct minutes so that we have the whole group at the same level. And so not too much to read into that. But I was happy with every player, really," he said.

When asked about the opposition's defensive discipline, Williams praised their display and said that Notts County faced similar challenges last season. "No, and I think when the opposition are going to be so defensively disciplined, and I thought it was a very good display, and we did face that once or twice last season. The outcome has to be in a worst-case scenario has to be nil-nil when the opposition are nowhere near the goal. So if you make a break for a breakthrough, sorry when you’re playing against such a tough defence then you have to not concede," he said.

Williams also talked about how the opposition will have a plan to try and frustrate Notts County and force them into making errors. "Of course and this is something that we talk about inside the group that the opposition will have a plan to try to frustrate us and to try to force us into making an error so that they can capitalise on our frustration or lack of concentration. And that’s a tough thing to tough style to play against very tough. And we done everything correct today and that’s why I’m really pleased because it was obviously a physical workout because at this time of year we have to have that. But also it became very taxing mentally to keep doing the same things over and over and not get frustrated or fall into a trap," he said.

Despite facing a tough defence, Notts County kept knocking on the door throughout the game. Williams praised his strikers for their ability to put the ball in the back of the net when given the opportunity. "Yeah and as you said we were knocking on the door pretty much the entire game, and you have to keep being in the right position. You have to keep trying to make the right actions to deliver the ball across the box. And then of course we’re lucky because we have great strikers at the club that if they do make the correct action they put the ball in the back of net, and you know that’s the most valuable thing they can do for him," he said.

Looking ahead, Williams is glad that there is still time for his team to work and prepare for the upcoming season. "No I’m glad we’ve still got some time, and we can still work, and we can make sure that players have been pushed as hard as they possibly can be pushed without breaking. And that way they should be in perfect condition for season," he said.

It was a successful day for Notts County as they continue their preparations for the upcoming season. With a solid performance and a win under their belt, the team can look forward to their next challenge with confidence.

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