Cotter's Goal, Alternative Angle.

Jatta's Goal. Alternative Angle.

Any idea on who the trialist was?

6 minutes ago, piedestrian said:

Any idea on who the trialist was?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keanan_Bennetts

@ARLukomski

Cardiff City played really well going forward and were direct at the beginning. They made it difficult for Notts to get into, and I wish more people would understand that good teams do make it hard for clubs that might not be up to their level to play. There was a lot of frustration heard about how we couldn't attack, but I think the credit must go to Cardiff for pressing and making it difficult. The referee was quite easy with fouls, quite irritating at the beginning because a lot of the early "fouls" were nothing compared to the shirt pulling or tackles our players faced.

Notts would have had to take control of the ball and force Cardiff back, and I didn't think they would maintain their aggressive start. It's a demanding tempo to retain for 90 minutes, but to expect us to be able to play the way we grew into the game from the start is very naive thinking.

Confidence played a big part in the positives today; the passing at times was a joy to see, but we lacked the movement that was visible later on. As we grew in confidence, Cardiff struggled to maintain the tempo and control. I thought Conor Grant was class; he would be my man of the match. Jodi Jones, playing as the attacking midfielder with the ability to go to the flanks, could work if we persist.

His creativity could be missed from the wider area, but we have a lot of quality in the wing-back positions. Jodi could be braver in this role without the worry of being crunched down so much.

Defenders don't like flying on attacking midfielders who play a central role, as it doesn't protect their goal. For some reason, in football it's perfectly acceptable on the flanks. Yes, Jodi is brilliant in the wide space, but there's no reason why he can't be the replacement for David McGoldrick.

I don't blame Matt Palmer for Cardiff's second goal; I wish people wouldn't target players who people constantly call out. It was a silly pass from Harry Griffiths; it went straight into danger, and most of our players would have been hard-pressed not to lose the ball. You play it that quickly to an area where the opposition are waiting like lions; you can't expect a player to cope well in that situation.

Comments about squad depth should be eased a little, as I do think we had plenty of options, and although I still would hope for one or two players. Yet, the signs are quite promising, and I loved watching Martin Paterson.

Though Jodi might like Martin picking him up, the passion and constant instructions set a high standard.

I left happy from the Notts perspective; I don't think I would have if I supported Cardiff. They wasted so much attacking space by trying to get behind our last defender, but again, I think defensively we were superb at times.

Unfortunately couldn't get to today's match. But hopeful to be at the Salford Game. Reading the Report (Cheers Robbie) and remarks from other Members it seems Notts still have things to sort out, but what is nice to see/read was the fact this was just a friendly, the Magpies kept fighting to the end and ended up snatching a Draw a never say die attitude, will stand Notts in good stead for the forth coming season.

Cotter’s goal was a beauty. Hit it with real confidence, could watch that all day.

Think there’s a lot to be positive about after that showing. First half we looked like we were still finding our rhythm, but second half we looked much more like a team ready to start the season. Barry Cotter took his goal brilliantly, you could tell as soon as he shaped up to shoot that it was going in. Really hope he gets a good run whilst on loan with us because he offers something different.

Also thought Conor Grant looked really sharp again. He keeps things ticking and always finds space. The link-up between him and Alassana Jatta for the second goal was quality. Jatta really showed his physicality and calmness there, did all the hard work, then slotted it calmly. Defensively we’ve still got bits to tidy up, but it’s night and day compared to previous pre-seasons.

Thought it was a very even game overall. Cardiff were a bit more clinical early on and their first goal was well worked, but we came out second half and showed proper belief. Cotter’s goal was pure class, not just the finish but the way he made the space for himself.

The way we bounced back from their second shows great character. You can tell there's a stronger mentality in the squad now. Jatta made an instant impact off the bench. Loved the physical battle in midfield as well, Grant and Palmer both put a shift in. Some rust still there defensively, but much more solid than a few weeks ago. If we tidy up the errors, we’ll be in good shape.

Barry's work of art.

The difference between both halves was pretty stark, but it shows we’ve got the ability to change things when needed. First 45 we were too passive, letting Cardiff play between the lines too easily. But after the break, we pressed higher, moved the ball quicker and created better chances.

Barry Cotter’s goal came from that shift in tempo. Really composed finish. I liked what I saw from the bench too, Jatta was lively, and Rod McDonald brought some calm to the back. Still a few mistakes to iron out, especially the giveaway for their second, but that’s what pre-season is for. Overall, I’d say we’re a much fitter and better organised side than this time last year.

Highlights from Cardiff’s website:

https://tv.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/videos/fb13e428-ed84-449f-87e7-fec56fe5de24

Looked a good competitive match and a good way for us to finish pre-season.

Given he scored 2 in the behind closed doors friendly and another today I really think we need to keep Jatta this season. And I’ve seen lots of good things about the trialist, Bennetts, seems to have caught the attention of everyone in his short cameo.

The only little issue I have is with some of our poor challenges, it’s been a bit of a theme this pre-season. Even though Norburn is lacking match fitness, you can see it was a bad challenge. Jatta in the play-offs was our only red last season, feels like we’ll see a few more this season at this rate…

Encouraging signs going into the season. Still a few sloppy moments but much better shape overall.

Yes, good game, I thought it was the most entertaining home performance i have seen since at least January if not longer.

Good pressure, less going backwards, more attacking minded and more aggressive in fighting for the ball and a corker of a goal from Cotter!

As others have said , I feel better about going into the season following that game, if we can play like that against teams in our own division, we should be OK.

Grant looked sharp again. Jatta's tidy finish and brave tackle summed up his commitment. Cardiff started strong, but we settled and matched them after the break. Good test.

Encouraged by that. 2nd half much better than the 1st. Pressing, physical and aggressive in and out of possession.

Iorpenda very impressive in the press, the tackle and his ball carrying. Going to be a very key player for us. I was very pleased with Cotter's attacking output. Always looking to take his man on and giving us some much needed pace, which we lacked last season. More encouraged by Dennis as well. Strong and quick but needed more service.

Got caught out with the ball over the top for the first goal, but I think the trio of Aljofree-Platt-Bedeau is good enough and the back-ups we have are good enough cover.

Still need some quality further forward. A CAM and a striker I would say. A striker, regardless of the Jatta situation. A CAM of quality to help Jones and Grant, as I feel Jarvis is a natural winger and I wouldn't put him there at the moment.

https://tv.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/videos/fb13e428-ed84-449f-87e7-fec56fe5de24