Notts County 0-3 Barrow (National League) 16.11.19

The wheel certainly fell off on Saturday as Notts County slipped up at Meadow Lane after being humiliated by Barrow with the visitors coming away with a three goal win to take all three points back to Cumbria as they go top of the table in the National League.

Underneath the miserable grey skies Notts were behind after just ten minutes when Kay cut back to Angus who finished well for the away team and within three minutes it got much worse for the home side as a bad start turned into a disastrous start for Neal Ardley’s men as Barrow suddenly found themselves 2-0 up when John Rooney capitalised on a defensive error.

The Magpies went on the attack to reduce the deficit, but it could have been worse on 18 when Rooney’s free kick was pushed over by Slocombe.

On 28 minutes Wootton and Thomas combined well to send Boldewijn on his way with the Dutchman cutting inside before his left footed shot was blocked and moments later Thomas was felled in the area only for the Referee to wave play on.

As the first half neared to a close, Boldewijn crossed low to no avail whilst Turner headed back a corner across goal with Dixon in between the Barrow sticks doing well to smother the danger.

Notts began the second half with intent putting plenty of deliveries into the opposition box and on 55 might have reduced the deficit when Thomas shot narrowly wide after good work from Rose. Barrow always dangerous on the break went close themselves when Rooney fired an effort that just missed the posts before Quigley raced through only to be given offside. Angus shot straight at Slocombe before a Booty free kick troubled Dixon in the Bluebirds goal but as time and ideas began to run out for Notts it was the away side that rounded things off with just three minutes remaining when Dyson pulled back for Hindle to finish things off.

A disappointing day for Notts and a first home defeat since August 10^th. Barrow deserving winners going top of the league whilst County slip down to 9^th.

Manager Neal Ardley stated after the game “Today we played against one of the top teams in the league and had an off day. We didn’t turn up and they were very good. We gave away bad goals and I’d probably count nine players who performed below expectations.”

“We have to take the defeat on the chin, bounce back and make sure we get positive comments next week.”

Notts travel to Aldershot who are currently 19^th in their next league match on Saturday.

Notts County: Slocombe, McCrory, Rawlinson, Turner, Brindley, Boldewijn (Dennis 70), Doyle, Rose, Booty, Thomas (Shields 70), Wootton.

Barrow: Dixon, Brown, Barry, Rooney, Platt, Brough, Kay, White (Dyson 72), Hardcastle, Angus (Harrison 76), Quigley (Hindle 83).

Venue: Meadow Lane (5,287)

*Main image @Official_NCFC humiliated at home as Notts suffer defeat.