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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Notts County player ratings vs Bromley as Macaulay Langstaff salvages late point

Macaulay Langstaff's 93rd-minute equaliser salvaged an important point for Notts County as they drew 1-1 with Bromley at Hayes Lane.

County were behind for the majority of the encounter following Adam Marriott's controversial spot-kick, having seen his earlier penalty saved by stand-in keeper Tiernan Brooks.

But after another dominant second-half display, the National League's top scorer was on hand to share the spoils in Kent - latching on to Ruben Rodrigues' incisive pass to finish beyond Reice Charles-Cook.

READ MORE: Notts County team news vs Bromley as enforced defensive changes revealed

Ahead of kick-off, Williams made four changes from the defeat at Dagenham and Redbridge - giving 20-year-old Brooks his first senior league start for Notts following an injury to Sam Slocombe in midweek, opting to go with a back four as Aden Baldwin served the first of his two-match suspension.

And the stand-in goalkeeper was called into action early on in after Geraldo Bajrami was caught on the wrong side of his man before hauling him down inside the area, but just eight minutes into his first senior league start for Notts, Brooks produced an unbelievable save with his legs to deny Marriott.

However, 10 minutes later Brooks was adjudged to have taken down the Bromley man inside the area despite getting a clear touch on the ball - with Marriott again stepping up but this time sending the Magpies keeper the wrong way to give the hosts a deserved lead.

It took Williams' men until the half-an-hour mark to fashion their first clear-cut opportunity, with Charles-Cook producing a wonderful one-handed save to deny Sam Austin's powerful drive after neat play by Jodi Jones.

What was turning out to be an action-packed league debut for Brooks was almost cut short eight minutes before the interval. After receiving a caution for the second spot-kick, he took too long on the ball and made a challenge on Ryan Stirk. As it was, a free-kick was given as a huge sigh of relief was breathed by the travelling Notts fans away to his right.

Despite lacking attacking fluidity, the visitors almost found a goal just before half-time, with Aaron Nemane doing brilliantly to hook a ball into the penalty area - with Langstaff unable to guide his effort beyond Charles-Cook.

The half-time interval saw Williams introduce the newest recruit Connor Lemonheigh-Evans into the action, with the Stockport loanee almost making an immediate impact as he headed over Austin's dinked ball to the back post, before sending Rodrigues in down the right to force another save from Charles-Cook.

Lemonheigh-Evans' introduction was seemingly the catalyst for the much-improved second-half display, and he almost opened his Magpies account ten minutes into the second half - steering Nemane's cross into the area agonisingly beyond the far post.

Notts continued to push for that all-important equalising goal, with Adam Chicksen seeing his shot deflected wide of the near post - but their persistent play was almost punished when substitute Louis Dennis found himself in behind Kyle Cameron to force a smart stop from Brooks.

And with the game seemingly running away from them, the man who has the habit of popping up in the big moments stepped up to fire home his 33rd goal of the season, latching on to Rodrigues' pinpoint pass in front of the travelling 645 Notts fans.

And in the final two minutes, the Magpies almost managed to snatch all three points as appeals were waved away following a challenge on Langstaff inside the area, meaning it ended all square on a difficult afternoon for Notts.

Following the game, here is how we rated the players at Hayes Lane.

Tiernan Brooks - 6

An action-packed debut for the 20-year-old. Produced a brilliant save to deny Marriott, unlucky with the second spot-kick - but very fortunate to not give away a third one later in the half.

Adam Chicksen - 6

Held back a little bit more with the formation changing, but put on a solid defensive display at left-back.

Kyle Cameron - 6

Competed well for the majority, driving forward from defence to aid attacks and pushing for the equaliser.

Connell Rawlinson - 6.5

An aerially dominant display from the experienced defender - competing well and looking to drive forward with the ball to build attacks.

Geraldo Bajrami - 5

Looks like a shadow of the player we saw earlier in the season. Seems to have lost all confidence and struggled against the lively Harry Forster.

Aaron Nemane - 7

His threat was nullified during the first half but influenced the game in his more usual position at right-wing back - extremely unlucky not to have an assist to his name this afternoon.

Matty Palmer - 7.5

Kept the game ticking nicely in midfield - moving into a slightly more advanced role towards the end of the game to try and force the equaliser.

Sam Austin - 6

Another hard-working display from the midfielder, but the final ball was poor on several occasions.

Ruben Rodrigues - 7

Took on the responsibility in the second half, driving from deep and providing that one moment of quality with his ball for Langstaff's equaliser.

Jodi Jones - 6.5

Looked like an increasing threat as the game went on, producing several inviting balls into the area.

Macaulay Langstaff - 7

Missed a glorious opportunity at the end of the first half - fed off scraps for the majority of the contest but struck when it mattered most to notch his 33rd goal of the season.

SUBS:

Connor Lemonheigh-Evans - 6.5

Made an instant impact, providing energy and directness - but should have done better with an opportunity in the area during the second half.

John Bostock - 6

A late change for Sam Austin.

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