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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Leigh Curtis

Notts County vs Torquay United player ratings as Kelly-Evans shines, subs struggle

Notts County surrendered a two-goal lead as Torquay United came from behind to snatch a point at Plainmoor.

Dion Kelly-Evans had given the visitors a deserved lead in the first half after Jimmy Knowles had hit the bar with a header.

Mark Ellis then doubled the lead for Ian Burchnall's side after the break as Notts looked set to clinch a vital win.

But Connor Lemonheigh-Evans pulled one back for the hosts following some slack marking at the back post.

Gulls substitute Josh Umerah was then sent off for two bookable offences, but Ben Wynter scored in stoppage time when his shot crossed the line despite Notts' protests that not all of the ball was over.

Here Leigh Curtis gives his ratings from the National League clash.

Luke Steele: Had to kick into the wind in the first half, but reflexes were not tested in that period as Notts defended superbly. Will be wondering how they didn't claim all three points. 6

Dion Kelly-Evans: Took his first goal for the club brilliantly and deserved it given his whole-hearted approach to the game. Seldom let's you down. Superb. 8

Alex Lacey: Ice cool, good on the ball and is a Football League defender playing in non-league. Reads the game so well and this was an excellent performance until half-time when he had to be replaced. 7

Mark Ellis: Won countless headers and used his experience brilliantly to restrict Torquay’s attack in the first half. Carried that on after the break and scored. 7

Connell Rawlinson: Played on the left-hand side of a three even though it’s not his naturally favoured position in the first half. Will be frustrated at how Notts surrendered the lead when they looked so comfortable. 7

Adam Chicksen: Had to come into the centre of defence in the second half due to an injury to Alex Lacey which showed his versatility. Did so well for 70 minutes. 6

Michael Doyle: Makes such a difference to the team given his ability to spot danger and then his ability on the ball is unquestioned. A welcome return. 7

Jake Reeves: Full of running and drew a save from the goalkeeper just before half-time. Dovetailed well with Doyle and Jim O’Brien. Put in a real shift. 7

Jim O’Brien: Played an integral role for the goal as he chased a lost cause, won a tackle and it ended with Kelly-Evans’ goal. Brilliant from the Scotsman. Afternoon was ruined by injury. 7

Jimmy Knowles: Hit the bar with a header and pressed from the front which caused Torquay a few problems. Full of selfless running alongside Wootton. 6

Kyle Wootton: Should have scored when Knowles’ header came back off the bar and also headed a corner into the side-netting. The goals will come. 6

Calvin Miller (Lacey 45): Came on to help Notts try to see out all three points, but struggled to have an impact. 5

Lewis Knight (Knowles 57): Looked bright for a minute or two when he came on, but after that influence waned. 5

Regan Griffiths (O’Brien 68): Came on and tried to carry on the good work of the man he replaced. Had a shot blocked. 5

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