Morecambe 0-0 Notts County (EFL League Two) 15.08.23

The trip to Lancashire for Luke Williams’ side was prefaced by an impressive, resolute victory over Grimsby at the weekend, so it should come as no surprise that supporters were looking forward to the journey North, in the hope that the Magpies could build up some form of momentum following their first win of the EFL season.

Head Coach Williams made changes to the team that were victorious over the weekend, most notably Richard Brindley being dropped altogether from the matchday squad after impressing in a new role which he adapted to expertly. Other changes saw Notts veteran Jim O’Brien take the place of midfield maestro John Bostock, in what was a precautionary change for the midfielder who sustained a light knock in the previous game. Notts started the game well, controlling the possession and being patient when they had the ball in a match which was cagey from minute one. The most clear-cut chance of the half fell the way of County’s David McGoldrick who could only scuff his shot wide from around 10 yards out after a good cut back from wing-back Aaron Nemane found the frontman, following a sumptuous, defence-splitting pass from Aden Baldwin. In a half of very limited chances, the home side barely tested the Magpies, the closest effort coming from forward Michael Mellon who curled the ball just wide from slightly outside the box but Notts ‘keeper Stone, had it covered.

As the second half kicked off, it was clear that the message from Williams to his players was to attack more, as immediately they hit the front-foot and took the game by the scruff of the neck. Notts utilised wing-backs Aaron Nemane and Jodi Jones effectively throughout the match, with most dangerous attacks coming from them but it would be Jones would come closest to breaking the deadlock. The wing-back fired a shot onto the underside of the crossbar, following a good cross into the area, which he could not quite divert into the back of the Morecambe net. Notts would continue to push for a winner for much of the rest of the match, but to no avail. In a game in which they had nearly 80% possession, the result was a frustrating night for the fans.

Luke Williams’ men now must travel north again at the weekend, to the EcoPower Stadium where they will face-off against Grant McCann’s Doncaster side, one of only three teams left in League 2 who are yet to register a victory this season. The Magpies will have to be at the top of their game however, as despite their results, the Rovers do have a side filled with talent, with the likes of Joe Ironside, Jamie Sterry and Luke Molyneux posing various threats to the Notts defence. The magpies will be backed by nearly 2,500 fans who will make the journey up the M1 to get behind their team once again. Looking for a positive result to take into the visit of Tranmere Rovers on the forthcoming Bank Holiday weekend.

Magpies: Stone, Cameron, O’Brien (Austin 60), Chicksen (Adebayo-Rowling 70), Baldwin, Nemane (Scott 85), Palmer, Jones (Bostock 85), Crowley, Langstaff, McGoldrick.

*Article provided by Will Sey (Notts County Correspondent).

*Main image @Official_NCFC Macaulay Langstaff is yet to score in League Two.