I just find it really, really good to finally be able to do these ratings from what I actually saw from my seat rather than what the cameraman decided to show me on a live stream.
Here is my offering:
Slocombe 7 - only routine saves to make, but he did everything well.
Brindley 8 - excellent throughout, always composed and some great forward surges.
Ellis 7 - did what he does best and won most of his challenges, one dodgy back header.
Chicksen 8.5* - looks the perfect fit on the left side of a back 3. Sound defensively, but still managed to be a creative force. He barely put a foot wrong, where has he been all season?
Kelly-Evans 7 - gave us what we have come to expect, 100% commitment all over the pitch.
Doyle 7.5 - another who did what he's good at. Always composed on the ball and rarely wasted it.
Reeves 7 - energetic and offered something in defence and attack.
O'Brien 7 - looks rejuvenated lately, did his bit all over the pitch.
Miller 8 - our main attacking threat for much of the game, I love his pace and forward desire.
Rodrigues 7 - sometimes overplayed it a bit and maybe should have made a bit more of his opportunities, but the sort of player defenders are scared of.
Wootton 7.5 - more of the Wootton of old, led the line well and proved a real handful for their defenders.
Boldewijn 7.5 - instant impact, great finish for his goal, and must have loved the reception he got from the crowd. Enzio seems a bit of a confidence player, and today will have done him nothing but good.
Sam 6 - again what we have come to expect, a bit mixed.
Griffiths 6.5 - not much time to make an impact, but showed a flash of skill that suggests he might still have a part to play.
What an occasion! As a Notts fan I have learned to fear the worst when expectations are high, but not today. It delivered from all angles, and it was a privilege to be part of that crowd. We often pretend to play 3-5-2, but today we really did play 3-5-2. Brindley and Chicksen defended well, but also offered an attacking threat, and the 'Dad's Army' midfield trio all did what they are best at. The wing backs were more offensive than defensive, and it meant we created loads of chances. I wondered early on what Burchnall had to offer, but if this is the answer I can't wait to see more.