Chris

I think the first half both teams could have gotten something from the match and, it made a nice change to see Notts do one better by firstly saving a penalty - then scoring themselves. Second half, Notts showed a different class and, I’m over the moon for Enzio. His performance wasn’t brilliant, but his goal meant so much to him. I’m hoping it gives him that lift, so he can grown in confidence. Cal Roberts looked a great player, quick feet and a good turn of pace. He’s very direct which makes a change. I don’t feel any player played badly today, they all worked hard and looked solid as a team. It was like watching a team in promotion form. It shows we can rely on the whole squad but more importantly this team can react well to disappointing results - if everyone is on the same page.

I can see it easily ending up 2-2. Notts to open things up with Kristian Dennis scoring an heart, only for Chesterfield to get back on level terms and then peg us a goal behind. Wes Thomas will grab the equaliser. Hobestly, it can go a mixture of ways but a draw seems most likely in my mind.

Key to a good result against Chesterfield is to fluster their defence, whilst we are well organised at the back. I don't think they can be dismissed due to their position. On their day, they can cause teams trouble and they'll be wanting to win the local derby. I would be a bit annoyed if Notts didn't give good service to the forward line, we seem to be making the likes of Kyle Wootton work harder. This will be my first glimpse of Callum Roberts, I am hoping he will cause some issues. Enzio Boldewijn grabbing a stunning goal, it would ease the pressure on him and, just give the whole place a boost. I think he's due a goal, he just needs to try to keep the ball down and aim for a good place.

2-0 Dagenham & Redbridge take all 3 points. It's a setback which has raised a few concerns, but nothing major. If Notts react well to this, playoffs can still be achieved. I think realistically, it's difficult to expect players to come into games when they haven't had much game time for awhile. Zoumana Bakayogo sounded like he struggled quite a lot, constant comments from Charlie Slater and, Mark Stallard about his poor contributions. Michael Doyle is the hard hitting midfielder that some fans have wanted for awhile, I think he's earned some form of redemption and his red card shouldn't be something that is easily thrown at him. Bakayogo should have been smarter, as Doyle had two options, allow them throw or take the hit. No matter what he did, most likely it would have resulted in a red card. Some people bang on about escape goats, Enzio Boldewijn makes it hard to see how the club can win with him starting. Sam Osborne and Cal Roberts could inject the energy and speed required to respond well, both have a good level of pace and sound much more direct. Perhaps Kristian Dennis faded after some time - it might have been better to start Wes Thomas. It's not a disaster, it could be if we allow it but I think we just need to get on with it. Keep the faith! COYP!!

Half Time: 0-0 Kristian Dennis with a few chances, along with Cal Roberts. Dagenham have had a few chances, nothing really close but one effort could have punished us - had their player made a proper connection. Ross can laugh as much as he likes, had it gone in - I'm sure nobody would be. Better second half needed from Notts.

Today's squad.... Thoughts?

Only changes I would make right now, are to Rose and Enzio. I think the starting lineup only really needs to tweaked here and there, it's a fair point that we did better with a few changes. The fixtures really forced that, however, Ardley should try to solve some of the issues about game time. He's done right by shipping some out on loan but if we are to improve further, you can't play tired bodies, you can't persist out-of-form players are good enough to start ahead of hard workers.

No, I think it will be a good chance for Notts. We've already played them in the cup, so if Neal Ardley learns from that and throws a few surprises I think the game should be better. I think the midfield is always the key, now with the signing of Callum Roberts, it means we can have natural wide players which in turn should give a level of freedom to whoever is in the middle - i.e Michael Doyle and Mitch Rose.

I managed to make the opening game against Eastleigh, it was a good experience. The staff was great, very friendly and the ground itself had a nice charm about it. The pitch looked very good too, I could see a lot of Notts fans were up for the game. It certainly ended up being a wake up call. This reminds me I need to get back on the road. Thank you for writing this @Alexlevy0908,