It was great to be back at Meadow Lane and it looked like it had a bit of clean up with new signs dotted around the ground. A small crowd of 2,425 was there to watch the Magpies first defeat of pre-season.
It was my first chance to see this years squad in action and Notts started brightly with wingers Myles Weston and Matty Hamshaw looking sharpe and quite tricky , with Beardsley looking quite solid at right back. The wingers linked up well with experienced striker Jamie Forrester who looked a handful.
However Stoke's first real chance of the game saw them take the Premiership team take the lead. Mamady Sidibe headed in easily after the Notts defence pushed up looking for an offside decision which never came. Minutes later the Mali striker made it two after Pilko dropped the ball at his feet following a long throw.
Notts should have got a well earnt goal when Johno climbed to head at the back post but his effort was saved from close range. The central defender later limped off the pitch - which will mean he doesn't look likely to feature against Forest on Saturday.
The second half was a non event. Both sides kept possesion quite well , with Parkin for Stoke looking a handful for Tann and Edwards. Weir-Daley should have scored for Notts but shot straight at the 'keeper.
All in all it was okay display for Notts , but they desperately lack a target man. Trialist Fairclough , Forrester and Weir-Daley are all far too small.
Other point of interest was that the tannoy played the new County "anthem" - Two Pies on a Shirt at least four times. A rather cheesy rip of Badiel & Skinner Euro 96 classic. But if Notts manage to sell a few of them in the club shop then fair play !
MOM: Jason Beardsley (right back)
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