The Notts County youth team travelled to play Mansfield at a very blustery and cold Clipstone  FC yesterday evening knowing that a victory would put them level on points with league leaders Hull City.  There was a rare outing for striker Alex Kenlock, recently out on loan at Rainworth MW FC.

 

An accident to the original keeper early on meant that the Stags' very young looking substitute keeper should have been in for a very busy time, especially as Notts had the advantage of the strong wind in the first half.

 

Notts seemed reticent to shoot despite having the strong wind at their backs.  Notts did the right thing, keeping the ball on the floor and passing well amongst themselves but eventually the ball was played wide and crossing in the strong wind proved very difficult with most crosses usually ending up behind the goal.

 

Notts were the better side and continued to try and play good football but the wind made it so difficult and at half time the score was 0-0.

 

Early in the second half the Stags' keeper, using the wind, kicked the ball the length of the field with the bounce completely beating the Notts custodian and sailing into the net.

 

Trying to get back into the game against the strong wind was always going to be difficult but Notts stuck to their task of still trying to play football but rarely looked like scoring.  With about ten minutes left Mansfield scored a second goal when a free-kick was headed wide of the Notts keeper.

 

A disappointing result in a game made very difficult for both teams by the weather.  Notts have now failed to score in their last two games against teams in the bottom half of the table and they seem to be missing top scorer Colby Bishop who was there in the crowd to support his team-mates. 

 

 

Firstly... well done to the lads and coaching staff, getting them used to playing the game on the floor can only benefit them going forward.

Secondly... Well done Colby, turning up in poor conditions to watch his old team mates, grounded and not being the "big I am" now he is a first team squad member.

I noticed several tweets yesterday during the break of the panto I was at, it did seem our youngsters was missing Colby Bishop. You did a great job keeping fans updated in the game shep as I appreciate seeing your thoughts here.

They'll keep making progress, despite the recent defeats.

@shepshedpie @Northants Pie - Is Alex Kenlock any good?

He's a tall lad and looks like a striker, one time I drive up and stay up at notts I will have to watch them. Thanks!

disappointing run for the youth team, i hear that paul hart is doing a good job tho.

thanks for updating us.