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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Leigh Curtis

'Nightmares' - Notts County player ratings vs Chesterfield as Kyle Wootton salvages point

Kyle Wootton's penalty salvaged a point for Notts County against promotion rivals Chesterfield in a thrilling National League clash at Meadow Lane.

The Magpies had started brightly but fell behind when Alex Whittle steered into the top corner following good work from Akwasi Asante and Tom Whelan.

But head coach Ian Burchnall's side continued to look a threat with Ruben Rodrigues seeing penalty appeals turned down having fell under a challenge when surging into the area.

At the other end, Sam Slocombe had to be alert to keep out a Whittle free-kick, but Notts finally restored parity when Rodrigues was fouled by Whittle on the stroke of half-time.

Wootton took responsibility for the spot-kick and sent Scott Loach the wrong way in what was his 15th league goal of the season.

Notts attempted to find a winner after the break but were given a let-off when ex-Magpie Calvin Miller hit the foot of the post.

But Notts wasted the best chance of the game when a cross from Frank Vincent to the back post was headed back across goal by Alex Lacey.

It seemingly left Wootton with a tap-in but from two yards out his header hit the bar and looped behind for a goal kick.

Here's how the players rated.

Sam Slocombe: Couldn't do much about the goal as it was a good finish from Alex Whittle. Made a good save from a free-kick from the same player later on in the half. 6

Jayden Richardson: One of the standout performers for Notts as his pace caused numerous problems for the Chesterfield defence. Final ball can be improved mind. 8

Connell Rawlinson: Won the majority of his aerial battles and showed good pace on occasions too. Defended smartly throughout in what was a solid display. 7

Alex Lacey: There was clearly some game plan involving the defender in a bid to try to find Kyle Wootton, but the execution of the passes was very hit and miss. Very strong defensively. 7

Adam Chicksen: Sometimes broke forward from his position at centre-back to support the attack and was intelligent in the way he marshalled the Chesterfield attack. 7

Dion Kelly-Evans: Came close to a goal after Scott Loach clawed his deflected effort behind. Full of running and industry. Full of blood and thunder. 7

Harry Arter: Showed some glimpses of quality which showed why he has graced the Premier League but some of his set-pieces were a bit hit and miss. 6

Frank Vincent: Started well and one thing you can never fault is his commitment to the cause. Never stops trying and had a decent second half. 6

Matt Palmer: Just a quality operator and showed some real touches of class in the middle of the pitch. A player who could easily grace the Football League. 7

Ruben Rodrigues: Had a penalty shout turned down in the first half but was finally awarded on right on the stroke of half-time. So inventive. 7

Kyle Wootton: Took his penalty with real composure at such a key time of the game. Led the line really well against some imposing centre-backs. Missed a sitter. Will be having nightmares over that. 7

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