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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Five things learned from Notts County's 1-1 draw with Barnet

As the saying goes, 'it's not over until the fat lady sings'. And while many believe she'll be warming up her vocal cords, Notts County will be keen to silence her in their remaining seven National League fixtures.

The Magpies were out of tune in their second half showing against Barnet, giving up more ground to leaders Wrexham as we approach the business end of the campaign.

But there are still 21 points to play for, a lot of football to be played, and plenty of twists and turns to come between now and the end of the season.

READ MORE: Kyle Cameron yet to concede Notts County title hopes as first half showing analysed

Here is a look at the key talking points from the draw in north London.

Title race over?

A sense of mind games from Luke Williams following full-time, or does he truly believe that his side will have to settle for the play-offs to end their four-year stay in the National League?

While claiming a point at a play-off rival in recent seasons would have been considered a good point to take back to Meadow Lane, this relentless title chase has shown that draws feel like defeats, and this certainly felt like on of those yesterday.

Perversely, the Notts boss' comments could have the desired effect on his players, perhaps taking the pressure off slightly and helping his side regain confidence following their latest setback - but the message to his players behind closed doors could be completely different to the one conveyed in recent weeks, only he will know.

But the way in which the results played out yesterday is sure to have huge significance when April 29 comes around, but whatever the outcome, there is no taking away the monumental effort achieved by this exceptional group of players and staff.

To put it into context, a win yesterday would have cemented Notts' place in the top two following Chesterfield's win over Woking with seven games and 21 points still left to play for. If two went up from the league automatically, the promotion party planning would have started months ago.

This team has scored over 100 goals in all competitions this season, boasting the best offensive record in the division, best away form in the league, while also embarking on a 25-game unbeaten run that broke a 93-year club record.

As we have seen in recent weeks, the title race continues to surprise and will go down to the wire. While it may seem difficult now, belief and encouragement to get behind this group of players for the final seven games is paramount, and who knows what may follow.

Moment of quality

For all of Notts' possession and quality in the opening 45 minutes, that attacking precision was lacking in the final third as Williams' men squandered a number of opportunities to put the game out of reach for the home side.

A fine save from Laurie Walker to deny Langstaff just shy of the 20-minute mark was the first clear-cut chance of the afternoon, with Aaron Nemane going close minutes later as his cross-come-shot crashed against the post with the aid of a touch from the Bees number one.

But as the visitors continued to knock on the door, they eventually kicked it down with an exquisite and incisive bit of play, with Ruben Rodrigues instrumental in the opening goal.

The Magpies were continuously finding joy down the left-hand side, and they were rewarded with their persistence with the ball at the feet of their midfield maestro - picking out a pass we have seen so often this season with relative ease in behind the Barnet defence, with Nemane attracting the interest of several players before calmly pulling the ball back to the National League's top scorer to add to his growing goal tally.

Vital interceptions

While taking a point from a promotion rival may feel like a defeat on the balance of Notts' first half showing, a third defeat of the campaign could have materialised if it wasn't for one Magpies player.

Tiernan Brooks repeatedly goes from strength to strength as with every passing minute as he is relishing the opportunity of being the main man in Sam Slocombe's absence.

Despite not seeing a lot of action at his goalmouth during the first half, the 20-year-old remained alert and held a good, high starting position to combat Barnet's long ball approach to which the hosts were restricted to during the opening 45 minutes.

And Brooks was on hand to make two important saves at crucial moments in the encounter - first to deny Idris Kanu a second of the afternoon after Connell Rawlinson was caught in possession, before standing tall four minutes from time, saving well with his legs to deny Harry Pritchard as he closed in on goal.

While his team-mates at the other end of the pitch were unable to affect the outcome of the result, the Notts keeper more than did his bit in preserving a point to take back to Meadow Lane.

Huge moment

The attacking intent was clear from the Notts boss on the hour-mark, introducing both Jodi Jones and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans to inject that directness and pace that was absent in Notts' second half display.

Their involvement certainly quickened the play in the final third, with a golden opportunity in the dying embers of the contest falling to the on-loan Stockport County man still yet to open his account in the black and white of Notts County.

After missing a golden opportunity away to Bromley two weeks ago, a ball into the area from Rodrigues was kept alive by Adam Chicksen at the back post, and what felt like an eternity for the ball to drop, Lemonheigh-Evans had his first Magpies goal in his sights, stooping to head the ball goal-bound from six yards out but unable to hit the target.

With the visitors creating very little in the second half, the taking of that opportunity was so important in the outcome of the result, but unfortunately was not meant to be.

While Lemonheigh-Evans is still getting up to speed and learning what is required of him from Williams and the rest of his squad, the striker has not managed to find the back of the net since his hat-trick for Torquay against Notts last season.

Scunthorpe worry

With a week to prepare for their National League fixture with Scunthorpe, many are worried about the options available for the Notts boss with injuries and international duties amongst his squad.

In defence, Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, Richard Brindley, and Aden Baldwin remain side-lined with their respective setbacks, with Cedwyn Scott also out of action having picked up another injury upon his imminent return to the side.

It is a race against time to see whether Sam Slocombe can overcome a hamstring issue picked up in the week before the draw with Bromley, and with stand-in keeper Tiernan Brooks selected for the Republic of Ireland's under-21's side, Norwich City loanee Archie Mair could make his league debut at Meadow Lane.

Jodi Jones will also be unavailable as he received a call-up for Malta's Euro 2024 qualifiers with Italy and North Macedonia, while newest recruit Junior Morias continues his return to action after arriving at Meadow Lane with a minor injury after signing from Dagenham and Redbridge at the start of the week.

It provides the Magpies chief with a selection headache with his depleted Notts side, and against an Iron side buoyed by their 4-1 win over Wealdstone on Saturday and the chance of survival on the line, next Saturday could prove to be a more difficult task than first anticipated.

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