I didn't get round to posting, but I thought a gritty, ugly 1-0 win would have done us a world of good, so I'm delighted with the result. It was just important to get back to winning ways and just get the basic things right again. Looking forward to seeing the highlights of this one!

Seeing out games is something I think the squad will get better at, what with players returning. Provided we keep a strong defence, I think the worries should be over. I am glad Notts managed to get the 2-0 win.

By all means it could've been more goals for Notts, but the job was done which is all that matters.

Notts has to build on the clean sheet, there is goals in the squad but keeping the opposition out leads to more confidence going forward IMO.

Good result against Yeovil.

I thought Notts had a lot of luck to take the lead, Halifax created more chances that could've resulted in goals but seemed to struggle to get the clear cut to take them. At 2-0, Notts needs to learn to close the game off and just kill time, without making stupid mistakes. To allow a game to go from 0-2, to 3-2, especially after the result results its just neglectful and naïve.

Something has to be put in place in the training to improve this, otherwise the season will soon be over.

21 hours ago, menzinho said:

I don’t quite know how we got ourselves into the situation of being overran like that. Where was the midfield for that goal? Why was it just Sam there? But yeah I totally agree he doesn’t do enough to stop the initial run, he's got to at least try and tackle him.

Me neither. However there's no point in Sam tracking back if he is gonna float around like that. Close them down! It's the last minute of the game, you're fresh off the bench and trying to prove a point, where's the intensity, passion, desire? Just gives a half-arsed attempt and walks back to the half-way line. Muppet. 

Typical Notts with feeling like things might be improving, to slump but I do think winning ways will return soon. Its disappointing that we lead 2-0, in a game it sounds like a lot of luck came our way. I don't think unlucky comes into losing, it was just poor.

1 hour ago, Dripsey3 said:

The injuries we have had have disrupted us. No denying that. My worry is the lack of physicality in midfield. It's not really something we can address unless we dip into the loan market for a tough tackling midfielder who can win the ball back and be a presence on the pitch. I don't see it improving any time soon and it pains me to say that. Halifax will beat us on Tuesday. Sigh. 

We need Mussa from Weymouth... 

I thought we started the game well and deservingly went in 1-0 up. Their disallowed goal was a sign of what they are all about but we desperately needed to get a 2nd goal and then once Woking scored we just fell apart… 4-1 flattered them but I agree we’ve only got ourselves to blame for the loss.

They were massive and their game is all about physicality, but for 70 minutes we pretty much dealt with it. Once the second goal goes in we just lost all thought and composure though. Our approach is admirable but you need a balance and for me yesterday in the end we got bullied. Woking is one of those games where you want (need) Cameron and Rawlinson.

And to top off the bad result, it sounds like Knight is injured again.

@menzinho looked like his hamstring, but I don't know if you noticed, he was the player running laps after the game whilst Ian Burchnall was giving his post match thoughts.

That's a positive sign, although we'll have to wait to find out just how serious it actually is.

However, to go from struggling to walk, to running laps isn't something you would do if it was a major issue.

15 hours ago, Elite_pie said:

Last season when we were playing twice a week we had a large enough squad to rotate players frequently, whereas some of our rivals didn't even have enough players to put 5 subs on the bench.

The key word is rotation, Ruben Rodrigues for me, needs to be dropped to the bench for at least one game.

If he's carrying a knock, unfit due to pre-season or just finding it difficult - he hasn't been the same recently at all. I'm not looking for excuses, but putting across my own opinion that some aren't quite playing at their usual standard. It quite possibly could be form, but I think some are struggling due to the reasons I have outlined.

Ian Burchnall has done incredibly well to settle the squad, yet he only makes changes when he's forced.

Just like Gareth Southgate, he won't move from his usual starting 11 - this has its positives and negatives. Regardless if its tiredness, full on fatigue or poor form, sometimes it's wise to rotate the players struggle.

We rely heavily on our more creative players, so it well may be a mix of things.

Also, I haven't said its everyone but the point to disagree seems to be including the whole squad? We have a big enough squad to make changes.

Burchnall himself said he doesn't want to drop Francis yet for Vincent, who is supposedly ready to return. So, if we continue to play players who are either poor in form or tired, and in need of a little rest - what will be achieved by constantly playing them?

As I say, it's good IB isn't dropping people for the sake of it but the odd rotation changes the mix.

I personally think Jim O'Brien should be given a start, whilst Cal Roberts suspension means we should see Aaron Nemane. This might be enough to force changes and hopefully a stronger reaction to the recent defeat. I'm also, not suggesting by my fatigue comment that its anything serious.

Unlike those that bang on about 'semi pros' as if footballers are shoe horned into a standard just because of their contracts, footballers are footballers at the end of the day- they win, lose and draw regardless of their natural talent or overall ability [this comment is aimed at some on social media.].

There does appear to be something with Ruben Rodrugues , I agree with that.

It could be mostly a lack of form, but he does seem to pant a lot and avoid running at least in the last two home games. His attacking play has slowed down to almost walking with a slight burst of pace. Whatever is going on, Ian Burchnall eyes and staff will need to identify it.

1 hour ago, Chris said:

The key word is rotation, Ruben Rodrigues for me, needs to be dropped to the bench for at least one game.

If he's carrying a knock, unfit due to pre-season or just finding it difficult - he hasn't been the same recently at all.

I would agree with that, Ruben has reverted to the inconsistent player he was under Ardley last season rather than the exciting player we saw later on under Burchnall.  Whether it is down to a reaction from him catching Covid, who knows?  He's looked a bit lost and indecisive in recent games, and I'm not sure the deeper role he seems to be playing suits him.  Hopefully he'll play further forward against Woking with Roberts suspended, and we'll see an improvement.