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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Notts County player ratings as Magpies fail to deliver in front of record crowd

Notts County were forced to settle for a point against Yeovil Town as they failed to deliver in front of a record 16,511 crowd at Meadow Lane.

In a game that was dominated by the Magpies, they were forced to rue countless opportunities, with Mark Cooper returning to his former club and spoiling the celebrations.

The result sees Notts drop back to second in the National League following Wrexham's 2-0 win over Aldershot, with their next fixture coming in two weeks' time against Scunthorpe.

READ MORE: Notts County team news as two changes made for Yeovil fixture

Luke Williams made two changes to the side that beat Eastleigh a week ago, with Aden Baldwin and Cedwyn Scott coming in to replace Connell Rawlinson and Ed Francis.

And the hosts almost got off to the perfect start, with Tobi Adebayo-Rowling's deflected cross into the area evaded Ruben Rodrigues but found the feet of Macaulay Langstaff, however his effort was well saved by Grant Smith.

Notts continued to dominate the possession but were unable to break down Cooper's resolute Yeovil defence, with Kyle Cameron, Adam Chicksen and Rodrigues all testing the Glovers 'keeper from range.

But despite their dominance, it was almost the visitors who took a surprise lead early in the second half, with Alex Fisher neatly flicking Andrew Oluwabori's cross towards goal, only to be denied by a last-ditch block from Cameron.

On his return to the side, Baldwin almost found the back of the net from distance, with his effort whistling inches past the Yeovil post.

Frustration continued to grow around Meadow Lane as the fans cried out for a winner the attendance deserved, and they almost found that twice towards the end of the game.

Rodrigues' deep delivery found the head of Cameron at the back post, and as his effort sailed over Smith in the Yeovil net, the ball was somehow cleared off the line.

But the best opportunity came one minute into injury time, with Chicksen doing well to get in front of the Yeovil defence, only to head over the bar from three yards out to the amazement of those inside Meadow Lane.

Following the game, here is how we rated the Notts players.

Sam Slocombe - 6

Rarely troubled all afternoon, with Yeovil content with defending with as many players behind the ball. Will be happy to keep a ninth clean sheet of the campaign.

Kyle Cameron - 6

Produced a vital block in the second half to deny Fisher's flicked attempt. Keen to aid in attack and was comfortable defending when needed.

Aden Baldwin - 7

Keen to drive out from defence and picked out a number of brilliant passes from deep to set the Magpies on their way.

Richard Brindley - 6

Operated in a more advanced position than normal, looking to help Adebayo-Rowling when going forward. Looked comfortable all afternoon in possession.

Adam Chicksen - 7

Another brilliant performance from the Zimbabwean, almost grabbing another goal with a fine strike in the first 45. Missed a glorious opportunity right at the death, heading over from three yards out.

Tobi Adebayo-Rowling - 7

Continually looked to attack his immediate opponent, playing on the front foot and putting in some dangerous crosses all afternoon.

Matty Palmer - 6

Kept the game ticking in midfield and was often the catalyst for starting moves into the final third.

Sam Austin - 6

Looked lively on his first back-to-back starts for the club, picking up some dangerous positions throughout. The area he enjoys was well marshalled by Yeovil during the second half having an impact on his influence.

Ruben Rodrigues - 7

Picked out a number of incisive passes throughout the game which should have resulted in the opener. Looked to be the one player trying to make things happen but was guilty of overcomplicating the play as the game went on.

Cedwyn Scott - 6

Struggled in the first half, guilty of losing possession or producing a mis-placed touch in the final third. Worked hard in the second half but ultimately not his day.

Macaulay Langstaff - 6

Missed two glorious chances in the opening 45, ones normally seen rippling the back of the net. Was kept quiet during the second half and cut a frustrated figure.

SUBS:

Quevin Castro - 6

Almost made an instant impact off the bench, seeing his deflected effort sail wide. His influence on the game dwindled as the game went on.

Kairo Mitchell - 6

A late change for Cedwyn Scott and was rarely involved during his substitute appearance.

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