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Stuart Maynard: "We Keep Going to the End" as Notts County Fight Back for Draw


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Notts County battled to a 2-2 draw against Chesterfield at the SMH Group Stadium, in a thrilling encounter that saw the visitors twice come from behind.

The match, played on October 12, 2024, was a display of determination and grit from the Magpies, as they extended their unbeaten away record in League Two.

Chesterfield made a flying start, opening the scoring in just the 6th minute. A deflected ball fell kindly to Paddy Madden, who made no mistake from close range, leaving Notts County goalkeeper, Alex Bass, with no chance.

Reflecting on the early setback, Notts County head coach Stuart Maynard commented: "If you look at their first goal, it comes out of nothing. The first 10 minutes of the game, I thought we showed real control on measuring silence to the crowd, which was the game plan."

Despite the early blow, Notts County responded quickly, and in the 14th minute, Alassana Jatta levelled the score, converting a cross from George Abbott.

Maynard praised Abbott’s versatility, saying, "George was excellent. When we brought him in, we knew he could play a number of positions, and today at right wing-back, his level of performance was outstanding."

The game continued to ebb and flow, with both sides creating chances. However, it was Chesterfield who regained the lead in the 74th minute when Will Grigg headed in from a corner, punishing Notts County's defence from a set-piece.

Maynard admitted his frustration at conceding from a dead-ball situation: "It's disappointing for us to concede from a set piece because I think we defend our box very well now."

Notts County, though, refused to give up. With time running out, they earned a penalty deep into stoppage time after a Chesterfield defender handled the ball inside the area.

David McGoldrick stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his initial effort was saved. However, McGoldrick quickly redeemed himself, scoring on the rebound to secure a point for his side.

Maynard was full of praise for McGoldrick's composure under pressure. "Look, Didzy to have the minerals to step up in at that late stage of the game, knowing that really is kind of the last kick of the game, that's what Didzy can do."

McGoldrick's impact was felt throughout, with Maynard adding, "You've just seen the impact he's had when he comes on the pitch."

The draw was a testament to Notts County's resilience, particularly on the road, where they have proven difficult to beat.

Maynard acknowledged this strength: "Unbeaten in any record in this league is very tough, especially on the road, and it's something that we said this season we want to make sure, especially on the road, that we're very tough to beat."

Notts County's travelling fans, who turned up in numbers, played a significant role in pushing the team forward.

"I thought the fans were incredible again. Even though they've sold out today, you can hear our fans from minute 1 all the way through," Maynard said, appreciating the support.

As the match concluded, Maynard reflected on the importance of keeping the momentum going. Despite not starting both McGoldrick and Jatta together, their link-up play late in the game was a positive takeaway for the head coach.

"Of course, they can play together; they're top players. It’s about picking the right games and the right tactics," he concluded.

The 2-2 draw leaves Notts County looking to build on their strong start to the season, as they continue to push for promotion in what promises to be a fiercely competitive League Two campaign.

With performances like this, showcasing both resilience and skill, they remain a formidable force in the division.

George Abbott has been named our Man of the Match from yesterday's 2-2 draw against Chesterfield. Wish the young midfielder well and share your thoughts on his performance.

Read George Abbott's thoughts on yesterday's 2-2 draw and his first East Midlands derby, and don't forget to comment with your views.



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i thought stuart maynard did quite well, i think we as fans can see how good didzy and jatta work together, the issue is the limited options we have up top. i know we have brown, but he does not seem to be favoured to start or complete a full game. other than that, i think it does make sense, as myanrd says we need to keep mcgoldrick sharp as that is when he plays his best football. its good to have both of them back for this game, no doubt mcgoldrick would be a key figure for it.

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Stuart Maynard must be pleased that his team is continuing to show character determination and the will to fight back when they concede goals.

Stuart should also be pleased that his team selection worked out quite well for him too 

George Abbott played so well at right wing back, a position he hadn't played for Notts before, but you wouldn't have thought that was the case, he was so comfortable there.

Stuart's substitutions worked out well too, Didzy came on and scored a goal after his penalty was saved by their goalie.

Notts's unbeaten away run goes on & long may it continue. All they have to do is win at home in their next match against Wimbledon.

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I thought the match showed real character, especially coming from behind twice. Conceding from the set-piece was frustrating, but we bounced back, which is the main thing. You can see the mentality Maynard has instilled in the team this season. McGoldrick’s composure after missing the initial penalty and then scoring was top drawer. And Abbott has been a revelation, his versatility helping shore up the defence and push us forward. The fact we’ve maintained our unbeaten away record speaks volumes about how hard we are to beat, even in tough places like Chesterfield.

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I’m so glad to see David McGoldrick back and making a difference. That man brings experience, skill, and leadership all in one package. You could see the confidence boost as soon as he came on the pitch. His penalty might not have gone in at first, but credit to him for staying calm and getting the rebound. The fact that we’ve stayed unbeaten away is massive. Places like Chesterfield aren’t easy, and we held our ground.

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To come away from Chesterfield with a point after being down twice is no small feat. The early goal was unlucky, but we kept our composure and fought back. The resilience in this squad is something we’ve not seen in a while, and it’s down to Maynard’s tactics and belief in the players. When McGoldrick came on, you could feel the momentum shift. He’s such a clever player, and his experience shows in moments like that. Very good game from Abbott, he was outstanding! We’re unpredictable this season, which is great because it keeps opponents on their toes.

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What I’m loving about this season is the fight and resilience. We don’t let setbacks define us, whether it’s conceding an early goal or being down late in the game. Stuart Maynard has really got the team believing they can get something out of any match. Today, Chesterfield were dangerous, but we held our own, and David McGoldrick stepping up like that, even after missing the penalty, was massive. That kind of mentality is what’s going to push us up the table. Plus, George Abbott’s performance at wing-back was outstanding. His ability to adapt to different positions gives us so much tactical flexibility. It’s clear the lads are buying into Maynard’s vision, and that’s exciting for the rest of the season.

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