Match Report: Clinical Walsall Edge Out Notts County in Thrilling 3-2 Encounter

I think that we have to bear in mind that Notts are missing 6 of their best first team players & missing those players is starting to have it's affect.

Notts have done so well to keep up with the league leaders despite the number of injuries.

The team that Stuart is fielding are trying their level best, & it was no different tonight. 

There were some good performances. Jack Hinchy had his best game for Notts, David McGoldrick played very well again, & Lucas Ness played well too. 

Notts just need to hang in there and hope that results will improve once the six players return. 

I'm optimistic that the fortunes of the team will turn for the better in the new year.

Tough loss tonight. We were clearly in control for much of the match, but clinical finishing from Walsall cost us. Need to bounce back at the weekend.

It was a good game for the neutral fan, Notts had 77% possession in the first half but only one shot at goal from Jatta, the second half was much better, we deserved a goal early on but as usual we didn’t take our chances and Walsall did and went 2-0 up, the penalty gave us hope but that was soon dashed when they went 3-1 up but once again Notts fought back to 3-2 but too little too late, we nearly got an equaliser from Tsaroulla  but it wasn’t to be. Unlucky maybe but we were the architects of our own downfall.

We are missing the injured players without a doubt.

Heartbreaking end, but a bit of a reality check for the squad. We've got to be more clinical in front of goal to make our dominance count.

6 minutes ago, Fan of Big Tone said:

It was a good game for the neutral fan, Notts had 77% possession in the first half but only one shot at goal from Jatta, the second half was much better, we deserved a goal early on but as usual we didn’t take our chances and Walsall did and went 2-0 up, the penalty gave us hope but that was soon dashed when they went 3-1 up but once again Notts fought back to 3-2 but too little too late, we nearly got an equaliser from Tsaroulla  but it wasn’t to be. Unlucky maybe but we were the architects of our own downfall.

We are missing the injured players without a doubt.

Google, and Notts have it closer to 76%. So, I kept it rounded up.

3-2 doesn’t tell the whole story, we deserved at least a point based on possession, but we weren’t ruthless enough in both boxes.

It’s disappointing when you have 76% of the ball but still end up losing. We created plenty, but didn’t take our chances. Walsall’s finishing was clinical, and that’s what won them the game. Still, plenty to build on. Let's look ahead to Colchester.

I feel like we were in control for most of the match, but it just wasn’t to be. We had the possession and the chances, but when you let in three goals, it’s always going to be tough. McGoldrick did well with his penalty, and Hinchy’s goal was a bright spot, but it wasn’t enough in the end. A lot of work to do defensively.

Only bright spot was Cisse's smart pass to McGoldrick, who then stumbled.

Disappointed as I thought we were worthy of a point. Yes, Walsall far more clinical in front of goal

10 hours ago, Chris said:

Google, and Notts have it closer to 76%. So, I kept it rounded up.

I was quoting the stats I saw while watching the game on the telly for the first half they said Notts had 77% possession.

i think the game shows how we need more cutting edge up front, some of this will come with time from the players we have and parts will needed to be added to with signings. the game was not bad, just going down by 2-0 goals in the second half made it difficult to salvage a point. when we did score, we allowed them to retake a 2 goal lead. so late into a game, you are not going to have much luck turning that around.

On further reflection, Walsall seemed to find space because our players didn't close them down quickly enough. 

16 hours ago, Piethagoram said:

On further reflection, Walsall seemed to find space because our players didn't close them down quickly enough. 

I agree. Your point is constructive and not just a moaning comment. What I don't get is why we can't have a serious discussion with fans about the defending. Yet, people can rant, throw their toys out of the pram, and complain for what seems like the sake of it.

It’s hard not to feel frustrated after a performance like that. We had the ball, we had the shots, but we didn’t convert. Walsall were clinical with their finishing, and that’s what ultimately cost us. The penalty gave us a glimmer of hope, but the third goal so late on really took the wind out of our sails. The fact we got a goal back late on from Jack Hinchy was a small positive, but we need to manage the injuries we have. We need to take our chances, particularly when we dominate possession like that.

Notts were the better side for long stretches of this game. Possession-wise, we dominated, and I thought we were creating more in terms of attacking play. However, when you have so many chances but can’t finish, it makes it hard to win matches. Walsall took their chances really well, and that made the difference. Looking forward to the weekend's match against Colchester, and I hope we come back stronger.