Talking Tactics: Wycombe Wanderers vs. Notts County

After taking the lead twice against Wycombe Wanderers, Notts were pegged back twice following the departure of Liam Noble after allegedly using an elbow on a Wycombe player.

Adam Campbell put the Magpies ahead inside eight minutes, after Aaron Pierre tripped the pacey player inside the opposition penalty box. Referee Nicholas Kinseley instantly pointed to the penalty spot, which Notts striker Jon Stead comfortably converted.

As the game started to get going for the Magpies, the visitors were then reduced to 10 men shortly before the break. Liam Noble clashed with Luke O’Nien, with the Notts midfielder allegedly using an elbow in the process.

The Chairboys took advantage minutes before half time as a winger and PON’s key player from the Build-Up article put the home side level, after carefully heading beyond the Notts keeper Roy Carroll. After the restart, the Magpies once again took the lead when a low cross found Campbell who placed the ball tidily past the Wycombe Wanderers keeper.

However, Wycombe levelled on the hour mark with Sam Wood’s cross found Aaron Amandi-Holloway, whose header looped past Roy Carroll and into the net to deny the Magpies their first away win since Stevenage at the start of the season.

Was the result fair?

In my opinion Notts easily deserved something from the game and for once, I think we can say we were unlucky as a side not to come away with all three points – however, a draw is a fair result considering.

How did Notts play?

Notts played with spirit, which in time will start seeing away wins picked up, after going into the lead – they looked to counter and create chances, rather than sitting back, which only invites play. After losing Noble, Notts reorganized and came back much stronger after the half time whistle had blown. Overall Notts fought well to take the lead twice, putting on a decent away performance.

How did Wycombe play?

I think the home side seemed surprised by how quickly Notts took control of the game, obviously conceding a penalty wouldn’t help but before the sending off – they didn’t seem to create many clear cut chances. They played as I expected, with determination to make use of their team’s ability and once Notts were down to 10 men – this was ever more present within their display.

Did our tactics work out?

I think Ricardo Moniz actually started the game with the right tactics, formation, and even the right players within those positions. The inclusion of Robert Milsom allowed Notts to be direct and he gave us something, which we have been missing for quite a while.

How did the referee perform?

I obviously cannot comment much on the performance of the referee, however a few fans have said he seemed to give the home side ‘advantage’ after the penalty and on reflection it does seem he was a little persuaded not to issue Wycombe players yellow cards. Overall, I do think he called the game fairly okay.

Who do we play next?

Notts now face Liam Noble’s former club Carlisle, on Saturday 19^th December. The Magpies will have to come away with more than a point here, it’s a game whereby Notts could claim a push towards the play-off places.

How should we play them?

The direct approach will be key against Carlisle, however the absence provided by the red card to Noble within the Wycombe game will probably leave a void for Notts to fill. Yet with the potential return of Stanley Aborah, Notts should play with a similar setup as to yesterday’s game. Using the flanks will give Notts good width within the game, which in turn could free up our holding midfielders – This game will be about who leads by example within midfield.

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