Swindon are currently one of the leading teams if you go by results during the first quarter of the season. I think it was significant that Notts matched them in just about every department & were unfortunate not to beat them on the day.

I think the match demonstrates how Notts have improved over the last few matches. Roos is getting better, the defence is sound, the midfield is solid & Notts are scoring goals from different players, & not just relying on the two strikers.

The first eleven selection is getting much more consistent, but because the whole squad is improving, there is a healthy competition for places which is good, because it keeps the first eleven on their toes.

Notts still have to deal better with crosses into the box, which has been a long running problem for them, but my takeaway is the positives at the moment far outweigh any negatives.

@Robbie good observations. Yeah, Pato's established a good level of performance in all departments and we were a very good match for them.

The healthy level of competition is there for sure. It's great though that Pato's picks seem to tally with what you see with your own eyes on the pitch. We didn't always get that with Burchnall or Maynard

Talking of competition for places, as we didn't win maybe one more change could be in the offing for Saturday. Bennetts has done well whenever he's come on and did well starting in the cup game. I love Tsaroulla but he was our worst player at Swindon. Perhaps Bennetts has earned a shot, and maybe Jodi can surprise Cambridge from the other side.

I can see it being unchanged, but I'd get it if he gave Bennetts a run out.

One big takeaway is that everyone loves Paterson now! He was an unpopular pick, some fans said he was out of his depth, gone by Xmas, etc. He's got us fitter, is getting the best out of Rodders, Matty Palmer and Grant, has integrated Robbo into the team well, got Jatta smiling and scoring again, and been a good judge of the loan signings.

Notts' good form stretches quite a long way now. We've taken 20 points from the last 10 games, which is automatic promotion form. By taking 1 point from the first 3 games, we gave everyone else a head start, which we've partially clawed back.

Hoping that attendances start to pick up again as the coach and team deserve it.

One of the takeaways for me is that we’re beginning to see there is a very capable player in Conor Grant. If he can be more consistent and clinical in front of goal, he could be a big player for us. Credit to MP and his coaching team for helping him improve.