By PON_News
Notts County head coach Stuart Maynard has emphasised the need for his side to be more clinical as they prepare to face AFC Wimbledon at Meadow Lane.
Maynard's team, currently sitting in third place and occupying an automatic promotion spot in League Two, will be aiming to build on their solid away form after a 2-2 draw against local rivals Chesterfield.
Speaking in a pre-match interview, Maynard highlighted that while his team has been creating plenty of goal-scoring opportunities, the lack of finishing in crucial moments has been a source of frustration.
"If you look at the chances that we've created, they're big, big chances," he explained. "If you give a player probably nine of them, they probably take seven or eight of them. They're not half chances."
Maynard acknowledged that Notts have shown plenty of attacking intent, but converting those chances into goals has been the missing link.
"In the Gillingham and Port Vale games, we've created big, big moments that should be goals," Maynard said. "We need to make sure that we're composed in the final third and take our big chances because they're moments that change games."
Despite the team's strong attacking displays, Notts County have struggled to score at home in recent matches, something Maynard isn't overly concerned about.
"We're a free-flowing team that scores goals if you look at the amount of goals we've scored this season," he pointed out.
"We never like to look at refereeing decisions, even though they played a major factor within some games. We've got to take those away and solely focus on ourselves."
When asked about whether a goal drought at home could weigh on the players, Maynard remained confident in his side's ability to bounce back.
"It's one of those games. We've created threes and fours [in terms of chances], so it's not like we're struggling. We just need that composure to take our chances."
Looking ahead to the match against AFC Wimbledon, Maynard knows his team will face a tough test.
The Dons have boasted one of the strongest defensive records in the division, but Maynard is optimistic that Notts' attacking approach can break them down.
"When we played Gillingham earlier in the season, they had only conceded two goals, and it was a similar conversation. I believe the structure we work in and the way we look at the opposition to try and open them up will create chances."
Maynard also praised his players' mentality when it comes to away fixtures, where they’ve performed particularly well.
"Every game we go into, we want to win, whether it's home or away," he stated. "We're not a team that goes away thinking a point is a good result. We've been very unfortunate at home, but we know how important our home form will be this season."
The coach gave a brief update on the squad’s fitness, with most players close to returning, though long-term injuries remain a frustration.
"Our long-term players are still out, but we're pretty much getting back to a full squad, which is good for us. It gives us a headache as a management team, but those are the headaches we want."
Finally, addressing concerns about Notts County conceding first in recent matches, Maynard was quick to downplay any worries.
"I believe we always come out on the front foot and create the first big moments in games. Chesterfield's goal last week was very lucky, but our intent to get that first goal is always there. If we get it, I believe we can go on and win games of football."
As Notts County prepares for the visit of AFC Wimbledon, the message from Maynard is clear: it’s all about taking chances and maintaining focus.
With both teams having something to prove, the Meadow Lane crowd will be hoping their side can get back to their winning ways at home.
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