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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Leigh Curtis

Notts County fans asking the same question as they highlight 'nonsensical' promotion problem

Notts County extended their unbeaten run to three games as they fought back to take a point against promotion rivals Chesterfield.

The Magpies had fallen behind early on when Alex Whittle guided into the top corner after good work from Akwasi Asante.

But Notts fought back valiantly towards the end of the first half and eventually drew level when Ruben Rodrigues was fouled by Whittle inside the box on the stroke of half-time.

Kyle Wootton took responsibility for the spot-kick and made no mistake as he sent Scott Loach the wrong way to net his 15th league goal of the season.

After the break, Notts controlled possession for large spells but almost fell behind again when Calvin Miller's shot hit the foot of the post.

But it was Notts who wasted the best chance of the second half when Wootton headed against the bar from two yards after being picked out by Alex Lacey.

Both sides went in search of a winner, but in the end a point was shared in a game watched by more than 10,000 fans at Meadow Lane.

Here Leigh Curtis analyses all the big talking points from the weekend.

Wootton shouldn't beat himself up

Even when you watch the replays, you still think Kyle Wootton is going to secure a late winner for Notts especially when he was only two yards out.

But he somehow managed to hit the bar when it looked easier to score and even then fortune didn't favour him as the ball looped behind for a goal kick.

Notts fans were all asking the same question after the game as to how he missed, but maybe it was one of those chances when he got too good of a connection.

Had it scuffed off the side of his head, then he would be commanding the headline writers' attention as the matchwinner. As it was Notts had to settle for a point when it could have been easily all three in a game that was a fascinating spectacle for the neutral.

But the top scorer should not beat himself up too much about that miss. He had an excellent all-round game, and showed real composure from the penalty spot before half-time to draw Notts level.

Nobody should underestimate how valuable he is in defence too as he made some towering clearances from Chesterfield set-pieces. It was a fine all-round performance from the ex-Scunthorpe forward who looks a good bet to hit 20 goals this season.

Kelly-Evans repaying Burchnall

The full-back has to bide his time for his opportunity with either Joel Taylor or Adam Chicksen often preferred for a place at left-back.

Even though he is naturally right-footed, he has played on the opposite flank before during his time at Meadow Lane. And now he has been thrust into the team at a key stage of the season with Notts hunting a play-off spot.

He is certainly repaying Burchnall's faith having been impressive in his last two games in which his feistiness must worry those he is playing against.

Kelly-Evans may give up feet and inches to most players in the league, but he more than makes up for it in both his desire and aggression.

Not a game goes by when he doesn't rattle somebody's shinpads and at a time of the season when you need to battle, he possesses all the characteristics you could want.

But he has also shown he is capable of adding value to the attack and he was denied a goal here by a fine save from Scott Loach in the first half. You can see why the fans love him.

Arter makes a difference

He may not have had the season he had wanted having endured a frustrating time at Charlton while his career at Nottingham Forest has hit a standstill.

But he has certainly made an impact at Notts having arrived from the City Ground earlier this month. For as good as Notts have been this season, and they are blessed with some terrific young players, he has added some substance to the style.

There's bite in his challenges and in a lesson for all young players when he sees a pass, he plays it. There is never an extra touch too many or a desire to overcomplicate matters in congested areas of the pitch.

It is only a short-term deal until the end of the season, but his arrival could be something of a masterstroke. He has certainly added some much-needed nous to the centre of the pitch and we should remember he is not fully match-fit yet.

Not many players would drop from the Championship to the National League, but credit to him. He's slotted in seamlessly and appears to just be happy playing football again. It's a move that suits both parties.

National League needs extra promotion places

Saturday's gate at Meadow Lane was more than 10,000 and only one game in League Two could boast more in terms of attendance.

There are some big clubs in the National League this season with Chesterfield, Wrexham, Stockport, Grimsby and Notts leading the way.

Southend are also extremely well supported. It is therefore nonsensical that the National League only has one automatic promotion spot and a second decided by the play-offs.

The vast majority of teams in the National League could easily hold their own in the Football League as proven by Hartlepool and Sutton United this season.

There needs to be a rethink on that side and Notts fans have all asked the same question, but it all hinges on it being voted through by the Football League.

And therein lies the problem. Not many League Two clubs are going to be keen at adding an extra relegation place knowing that if you do go down, the National League is a very tough division to get out of.

It would be like asking turkeys to vote for Christmas, but you would like to think that the National League has shed the perception that it lacks quality.

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