Chris

I thought it took us a little time to really get the flow going, that's perfectly normal, and I felt impressed with how we played around the 7th to 10 minute mark. That speed, is how we needed to keep it. We weren't too slow or rushing the play. Things just happened naturally, and it left Accrington chasing the game. Taking the lead, Notts had so much pressure on them that a second looked quite promising. However, I felt we slowed the game down too much, which led to a nervous spell and we became somewhat sloppy. Accrington swiftly regained their footing and appeared to be a formidable team. Their equaliser, it really annoyed me how we failed to keep with the movement, but I hold no blame on Aidan Stone. It seemed a difficult angle and, David McGoldrick tried to prevent it, but it was in. Accrington got away with a bit of the dark arts, the referee didn't help either. Josh Andrews looked a lively threat, shooting wide and using his size as an advantage. Few of their players stood out as being very good players, but they did perform well as a team. This was the first real test for Notts, as they were in good form and would always give us a game. I think Notts were superb, how we tailed off before the end of the first half, I could see it coming, and I think these moments are when Luke Williams needs to shout out instructions. Second half, very bright start and the build-up to chances became very swift. Quick passes into space, then Macaulay Langstaff gets through on goal. This is precisely what I had in mind earlier when I suggested ways to involve Langstaff in games, even before he began scoring. McGoldrick masterfully delivered passes to create scoring opportunities. It might sound harsh, but I don't think Accrington deserved their goal, I find myself feeling Aidan Stone deserved a clean sheet. It was a sloppy play from us, which led to them taking control. Thankfully in the final 45 minutes, despite it being end to end. Langstaff scored two truly exceptional goals that silenced them completely. He could have had 5 goals today, two of his efforts catching well-timed deflections. It was a superb team performance by us; Accington should be happy with the defeat as they did show amazing spirit and effort.

I think when you feel critical of what's happening, it can impact the enjoyment. It's hard for me to pick at faults and keep doing so, because I am not that critical of things because I feel that usually the better things that happen out weigh the negatives. We all have the potential to lose the enjoyment of a game by overthinking things, that's just football within itself and human nature. As I say, I try to be very positive and rather look on the bright side. I wished I could make a difference by printing this discussion off and giving it to some of the new annoying fans that sit near to me. When Dan Crowley missed, f-bombs and he's f****** useless cried out. The moment Connell Rawlinson scored, one of the mentioned fans shouted "how long to score a second, these are easy." I won't go any further, as the comments shouted to Cedwyn Scott did anger me. I didn't say anything this time, but I found myself stirring and being told off by @super_pie. With the encouragement of "just ignore him, dad." muttered to me.

I would say very near the logo in the corner @Fan of Big Tone. 5 or so rows up.

They're a good team; they have a decent midfield with two very good creative outlets that work well for them in Shaun Whalley and Sean McConville. Whilst they might not have the true quality that others may process (like us), they have a real grit and strong understanding of what makes them work. I would highly recommend fans give this a read, at least the bottom part mentioning who we have next - @TheSkipper has written about them superbly. I think it's all about how the game starts, if we are confident and play as we did against Tranmere Rovers, I think Accrington Stanley will struggle. Yet either way the game may go, I believe they'll be the best opposition that we have faced at Meadow Lane. Defensively, we need to be calm and composed, with the players thinking about how each ball they play needs to be the perfect decision. Accington are a team that could pounce on our mistakes. Whilst some would say they are an underdog of this league, with the team spirit of fighters. Notts will know exactly what is needed, we need to match them with our intensity and control the game just by making neat passes. We'll get space, as will they. Notts just needs to make sure Aidan Stone is well protected and that we take any chances which fall our way. It should be a very entertaining game.

It really is a similar comparison to not choosing a backup keeper on your bench, it's one of those things which you can't predict. The moment Cedwyn Scott went down, I knew he wasn't going to be able to play. I think it was @menzinho who compared Scott's to Baj's, Scott hobbled but managed to walk, so hopefully it's not as serious. He will be back stronger, as that's his attitude and I wish him a speedy recovery. I do wonder what caused the injury.