Shrewsbury 2-2 Notts County

A share of the points was the final outcome between these two teams, as Shrewsbury and Notts County drew 2-2 in a very entertaining and pulsating Boxing Day encounter at the Greenhous Meadow Stadium in Shropshire. Goals scored by L.Rodgers (19min - Shrewsbury), L.Hughes (24min - Notts Co), J.Campbell-Ryce (45min - Notts Co) and B.Bialkowski (81min, o.g - Shrewsbury). The Match Official Referee: Stephen Martin.

There were 2 major surprises in the starting 11 for the Magpies, as manager Keith Curle recalled talisman forward Lee Hughes, who was originally ruled out until the New Year due to a virus but recovered earlier than expected to partner Scottish veteran Chris Iwelumo in attack, and former Walsall centre back Manny Smith, who made his first appearance in a Notts shirt after fully recovering from his unfortunate knee injury during the Capital One Cup defeat to Bradford City back in August. There was also a surprise to the formation that Keith Curle opted to employ, as he choose to utilise a traditional 4-4-2 instead of the 4-5-1 formation that Curle had used in every game he's managed during 2012.

Notts started the game well and seemed like they would adjust to the new formation with relative ease, with Jamaican winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce and the "Irish Messi" Alan Judge causing problems down both flanks and putting in some dangerous crosses, but it was Shrewsbury who took the lead against the run of play on 19 minutes, when the Magpie defence failed to deal with a Darren Jones free kick that was put into the box, and Shrews striker Marvin Morgan was able to knock the ball down into the path of former Notts County striker Luke Rodgers, who made no mistake to lift the ball over Bartosz Bialkowski and into the back of the net.

Their lead, however, only lasted five minutes, as Magpie favourite Lee Hughes marked his return from illness with a typical poachers goal on 24 minutes after a good corner from Alan Judge.

The game began to open up after Hughes' equaliser and both sides had their chances to go ahead in the first half, with Judgey going close with a 25 yard strike that Shrewsbury goalkeeper Chris Weale, did well to save, and at the opposing end, Andrew Wildig headed wide after a good cross by midfielder Paul Parry.

It was Notts County who would take the lead on the stroke of half time, as Alan Judge went on a mesmerising run inside his own half, all the way into the Shrewsbury penalty box after good work by Jeff Hughes to regain position. The "Irish Messi" hit a low shot that was impressively saved by opposing keeper Chris Weale, but Jamal-Campbell Ryce was there to tap home the rebound and score his fifth goal of the season, to send the Magpies 2-1 up at half time.

The game was still very much end to end in the second half, much like in the first, with both teams having great opportunities to score. Jamal Campbell Ryce, narrowly went wide with a low drive from outside the penalty area, and Shrewsbury defender Neil Taylor, almost forcing an own goal after racing onto a long ball, but Bialkowski did well to punch the ball clear. Alan Judge again forced former Leicester City goalkeeper Chris Weale into making an exceptional save to keep out his goal bound free kick that was destined for the top left hand corner.

Shrewsbury pushed further forward in the closing stages of the match, and they were rewarded with a flukey equaliser on 81, when Neil Taylor's cross took an unfortunate deflection off of Jeff Hughes and the ball looped off Bartosz Bialkowski and into the far corner of the net to make it 2-2.

Notts had a strong penalty shout dismissed during the four added minutes of stoppage time, but it was not to be, as the Magpies bounced back from two straight disappointing home defeats to earn a hard earned point in Shropshire and extend the amazing undefeated streak away from Meadow Lane to 22 games.

The Magpies will now have that away run severely tested when they travel to the Lamex Stadium to face promotion rivals Stevenage on Saturday 29th of December. Notts will be looking for revenge after the 2-1 loss at Meadow Lane, earlier in October

My Man of the Match: Alan Judge - Tireless running yet again by the tricky midfielder. Caused problems for the Shrewsbury defence, created numerous chances throughout the match, and was unlucky not to score.

Shrewsbury: Weale, Grandison, Jones, Goldson, Gayle, Richards, Taylor, Parry (Purdig - 68), Wildig (Hall - 68), Morgan Rodgers (Bradshaw - 72)

Subs: Anyon, Jacobson, Purdle, Hall, Woods, Gwilliams, Bradshaw

Notts County: Bialkowski, Kelly, Liddle, Smith, J.Hughes, Bishop, Judge, Campbell-Ryce (Labadie - 90), Boucaud, L.Hughes (Showumni - 71), Iwelumo (Arquin - 71)

Subs: Speiss, Mahon, Labadie, Bencherif, Showumni, Zoko, Arquin

Attendance: 6,474 (603 Notts County fans)

NPower League One Positions:

Shrewsbury: 19th; P: 24, W: 5, D: 9, L: 10 - 24 points
Notts County: 10th; P: 23, W: 9, D: 9, L: 5 - 36 points

Keith Curle (Notts County Manager): “We went back to basics and tried to make it as simple as possible for the players. The players needed to be brave and they needed to make decisions, and I thought the performance levels were excellent. You get that bit of luck but I’m a believer that at the right time we will get the luck that we deserve.”

Final Word: "Disappointed that we've dropped two points. With all due respect to Shrewsbury, we should be beating teams of that calibre if were serious about promotion this season! Surprised about Curle employing the 4-4-2 formation. It did seem to work but I hope Curle reverts back to his usual favourite 4-5-1. Great to see Hughesy back up front, and scoring goals! He needs to stay in January in my opinion because we need the added competition in attack. Also, welcome back Manny Smith. I thought he put in a solid performance in the heart of defence along side "Mr Consistent" Gary Liddle, though I felt we missed Dean Leacock, Manny did well. Pleased were now 22 games undefeated away from home, but we need to start turning the draws into wins so we can keep up with the top six. Bring on Stevenage! Revenge, number 23 unbeaten away and 3 points would be huge and very satisfying, especially with forthcoming fixtures against play off rivals MK Dons & Portsmouth coming in the New Year, these points are so vital at this stage!

"Come On You Pies!!"
Thomas Hewitt