BradtheMiller

Rotherham United had no game this weekend due to internationals (don't laugh) so I was looking forward to visiting the magnificent Meadow Lane stadium and two in form clubs, namely Notts County and Grimsby Town. Unfortunately due to my internet being down during the day and me making a snap decision to go, I couldn't meet up with Joe, my site buddy (not ignoring you, honest). With more Millers connections than a lego set (Adam Collin, Scott Loach, Rob Milsom, Michael O'Connor and Jonathan Forte for Notts; Mariners boss Paul Hurst (record RUFC appearances as a player) and ex keeper Andy Warrington on the Grimsby bench) it was a game that I couldn't not go to. The first half belonged to the Mariners - their striker Shaun Tuton had already missed a sitter before they deservedly took the lead through centre-back Shaun Pearson, who headed home unmarked from a set piece and, apart from a couple of Notts half chances which were regulation saves for Mariners keeper James McKeown, held the lead comfortably going into the break. Notts looked more comfortable in the first part of the second half, going close on a couple of occasions, when disaster struck through a woefully short Stanley Aborah backpass which was seized upon by Omar Bogle, the Mariners striker... they were now two goals up. Game over? Err... no!! Notts boss John Sheridan had seen enough and made all three subs immediately. Off came the ineffective Jon Stead, Aborah and Adam Campbell, and in their place came Thierry Audel and recent signings Vadaine Oliver and Aaron Collins. After a relatively quiet 10 minutes Forte reduced the arrears in a goalmouth scramble, then a minute later, the referee spotted a push in the area and there was a chance for Notts to equalise but unfortunately for them, O'Connor could only hit the post with the spot kick. Notts continued to knock at the door and deservedly levelled with a fine finish from debutant Collins and could even have won the game as Oliver had a goalbound header saved but, in my opinion, the draw was about the right result in a pulsating game played in heavy rain for the most part. Great atmosphere in a good League Two crowd of over 6800 with 2300 away fans... Here are some pics... Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.