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Match Report: Controversial Offside Decision Costs Notts County in Narrow Defeat


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Notts County fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Gillingham in a match that was overshadowed by questionable officiating and missed opportunities.

Despite dominating possession with an impressive 70.5% of the ball, the Magpies were left frustrated as they struggled to convert their control into a tangible result, while Gillingham, with just 29.5% possession, capitalised on a controversial goal to secure all three points.

The game's only goal came in the 38th minute, with Gillingham’s Elliott Nevitt slotting home after latching onto a through ball from Remeao Hutton.

The timing of Nevitt’s run was contentious, with many in the stadium believing he was in an offside position, but the officials waved play on, and Gillingham took the lead. 

Whether timed to perfection or a missed offside call, the goal stood, and it ultimately decided the contest.

Notts County, for all their possession, found it difficult to break down a resolute Gillingham defence. Their best chance came in the first half when Nick Tsaroulla rattled the post with a left-footed strike from the centre of the box, leaving the home fans gasping in disbelief.

Jodi Jones, who looked lively down the right flank, also came close with a shot saved by Gillingham’s Glenn Morris. Unfortunately for Notts, Jones’ day was cut short as he was forced off with an injury in the 90th minute, adding to the Magpies' woes.

The second half saw Notts push for an equaliser, with Sam Austin seeing a goal disallowed in the 86th minute. Deemed offside by the slimmest of margins by a late call by the assistant referee, much to the dismay of the Meadow Lane faithful.

This decision, coupled with several other questionable calls throughout the match, only added to the frustrations of the Notts County players and supporters.

Gillingham, while content to sit back and absorb pressure, was dangerous on the counterattack. 

The Gills managed five shots on target to Notts' three, highlighting their efficiency in front of goal. The visitors also benefitted from some resolute defending, particularly in the closing stages, as they withstood a barrage of corners and late pressure from Notts.

Despite their limited time on the ball, Gillingham made the most of their chances and were well-drilled defensively, with Max Ehmer and Shadrach Ogie particularly impressive.

The officiating was a key talking point after the match, with both sets of fans and players left bemused by several decisions. Notts County were shown three yellow cards, while Gillingham picked up four. 

The physical nature of the contest was reflected in the 21 fouls committed between the two sides, but it was the inconsistency of the refereeing that left a sour taste.

Ultimately, it was a game of missed chances and misfortune for Notts County. Their 70.5% possession and six corners yielded no reward, and their inability to find the back of the net proved costly. 

Gillingham, on the other hand, will be pleased with their defensive display and the vital three points.

For Notts, the focus now turns to regrouping, with the extent of Jodi Jones' injury a major concern ahead of their next fixture.

Despite the loss, the Magpies can take heart from their overall performance, but they’ll know that results need to follow to maintain their push at the top end of League Two.

Join the Pride of Nottingham match discussion and share your thoughts on the performance. What stood out to you?

The lads still put in a solid shift despite the result, so take a moment to vote for your Pride of Nottingham Player of the Match and show your support!



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gillingham played okay, but i thought we did enough to get something from the game and the decision to rule out sam austins goal just seems like daylight robbery! we had many poor decisions which went against us, but i thought we gave a good account. two fairly even sides, but i did think notts dominated for the most part.

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Notts could easily have won this match with more luck. Notts weren't at their best today, but I give a lot of credit to Gillingham for doing their homework on us & largely nullifying the threat from Crowley & Jones today.

Notts had their chances in that first half & late in the second half & on other day those chances would have gone in. Tsaroulla hit a post, & Abbott could have done better in the first half 

Notts could be agreieved that they weren't awarded a penalty in the second half, & had a goal disallowed near the end.

The Notts defence were solid once again, a positive they can take from the match.

Notts did miss the threat that Jatta can give to defences. He gives an outlet to Notts & is a good finisher in the penalty area.

Notts will learn lessons from this match. Notts go on to play Morecambe in their next league match, so there's a good chance for Notts to get back to winning ways next week.

The only concern is the growing injury list with Jones limping off late on.

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Putting aside the result, Notts had the chances to win, but unfortunately, it wasn’t our day. I thought the officiating was poor, but we had several chances to make something of the game, and sometimes that’s how it ends. I am encouraged, considering we only just fell short. I thought Sam Austin’s goal should have stood.

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The game was a display of two evenly matched teams, both of which have good defences. I thought the Gillingham keeper made two very good saves, but the open goal miss should have been taken, and the offside, I do think, is the incorrect call. There’s talk of Jevani Brown being offside, but he looks on to me when I watch it.

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On another day, Notts would have won, and I think it shows good character from our players. It’s a shame that Jodi Jones had to go off; that could prove to be costly, but we will have to wait and see. I thought the officials were terrible. I hope we can return to winning ways soon and just focus on making this season the best that we can.

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Their goal was clearly offside. There was no way it was onside. It was as clear as daylight. On the other hand, Sam Austin’s goal was not offside.

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It was a poor decision to rule out Sam Austin’s goal. It looked perfectly fine from what I saw and in the highlights. Jevani Brown was onside, but it’s easy to side with teams who complain and have the rub of the green. Gillingham keeping 11 men on the pitch is a victory alone for them.

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It was a frustrating game because of the officials, but I credit Gillingham for getting the result despite all our pressure and efforts. I hope they can see how unfortunate we were and how well we played. Yes, Gillingham are decent defensively, but it was their goal and their keeper who saved them many times. I thought Notts were the better team for the most part. The stats show we were good on the ball but perhaps not our best when it came to being clinical. It's the officials who frustrate me, not Gillingham. They came well-supported and must have left happy.

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There’s not much I can say that I haven’t already mentioned in the article about Stuart Maynard’s thoughts. I think the positives are that we played well against a good side, created good chances, and still looked like the better team.

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It was a nightmare at times, the chances Notts had that just wouldn’t find the back of the net. Then Gillingham scored and the game started to fall apart. Notts played well. Sam Austin’s goal furthered the horrible dream-like feeling as I noticed nothing wrong and to see it disallowed is just crazy.

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