Finally Notts could play a game in 2008. Three games before this had been called off so Notts were well out of match practice. The momentum achieved in the 4-0 defeat of Premium was lost because it was so long ago. Notts needed to build with another good result.
Notts started patiently and demonstrated some good passing football. Chances came from set pieces and open play but none were converted. The opening goal came when a loose bouncing ball in the area was poked in by Andy Johnson. No less that than Notts deserved. Johnson added to his tally when he ghosted in the box to slide home a cross. Notts were well worth their two goal lead. Shortly after each of the goals Trident threatened but their response after the second Notts goal lead to their first. Confusion between the centre backs left the ball to trickle past and into the goal.
The second half was very different. Notts failed to begin the second half in the way they’d started the first. Unfortunately Trident built on their goal and looked more dangerous as the game went on. They equalised after a spell of pressure.
Things got worse for Notts. An easy save for Pownall slipped through his hands and trickled in to the goal to put Notts behind for the first time in the game. Notts enjoyed some good passing spells but couldn’t get their own equaliser. Until, a penalty was awarded for handball. Rose nervously stepped up and shot into the corner, the ball was saved but Rose dispatched the rebound. However the referee saw encroachment in the area and ordered the spot kick to be retaken. Rose’s next attempt was poor but it slipped under the keeper to put the teams on level terms.
Pownall saw his luck get even worse when he scuffed a clearance kick four yards into the path of a Trident striker who finished tidily.
Yet again Notts had to search for an equaliser and found it with 10 minutes to go. Rose had space at the back post and rifled the ball into the roof of the net (the second time he got Pownall out of trouble!).
Notts nearly nicked a win when Dickinson’s cross/shot (?) went just over the bar. Notts will rue the missed chances and 2 freak goals but can take pride in coming back twice in the game and scoring 4 against a good side. Should have won, but a point will do.
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