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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Notts County player ratings as Dorking Wanderers end the Magpies' unbeaten run

Two late goals from James McShane ensured Dorking Wanderers ended Notts County's unbeaten start to the National League season, coming away 3-1 winners at Meadowbank Park.

The Magpies went a goal down early on, with McShane capitalising on a mistake by Sam Slocombe, who waywardly passed the ball into midfield, with the Wanderers number 11 lifting the ball into the empty net.

Despite going a goal down, Luke Williams side controlled the game and had a number of chances to get level, and did so five minutes into the second half, with Cedwyn Scott firing the ball beyond Dan Lincoln.

READ MORE: Notts County team news as defender misses out against Dorking Wanderers

And in Notts' search for a winner, they were left short at the back, conceding two goals in quick succession, with McShane completing his hat-trick following some questionable goalkeeping from Slocombe.

As has been a feature of the Magpies' way of playing out from the back, this time they were caught out as Sam Slocombe's misplaced pass in midfield was picked off by McShane, who had the easy job to lift the ball beyond the Notts 'keeper and into the empty net.

And the frustrating start continued to show, with the Dorking players insistent on producing a number of sinical fouls on the likes of Ruben Rodrigues and Scott, with the home side picking up three yellow cards in the opening half an hour.

However, Notts continued to press for the equaliser and had a number of glorious opportunities to do so. Wanderers 'keeper Dan Lincoln was in inspired form, producing a plethora of important saves to deny the visitors, including a brilliant one on one with Geraldo Bajrami and a fingertip save from Jim O'Brien.

But Notts' best chance fell to Macaulay Langstaff. A fantastic switch of play from O'Brien found Chicksen in behind the Dorking defence with the Zimbabwean beating Lincoln to the ball with Langstaff lurking in the area. Unfortunately for the Magpies, the ball would not drop for their top scorer with Daniel Gallagher on hand to produce and excellent piece of defending.

And for all of their pressure in the first half, it took the visitors just five minutes to level the score. Brilliant work between Chicksen and Scott saw the latter delay his route to goal before bursting into life, firing a low effort in at the near post to wrong foot the Dorking 'keeper.

That sustained pressure continued, with the introduction of Quevin Castro just after the hour-mark allowed the Magpies to turn the screw even more, with his first involvement causing confusion in the penalty area, with Langstaff getting the final touch on the ball.

But with Notts in search of the winning goal, Dorking took advantage and scored two goals in injury time. McShane was at the double, capitalising on his initial swirling effort which caught out Slocombe, before being first to react in the box to secure all three points for Marc White's side.

Following the game, here is how we rated the Notts players.

Sam Slocombe - 5

Really poor for the opening goal, producing a sloppy pass into midfield which Dorking capitalised on. Poor judgement for the second goal to not anticipate the deflected effort, giving McShane a tap in.

Connell Rawlinson - 6

Was solid on his first start for Notts this season, with his experience allowing him to get the better of the Dorking attackers.

Geraldo Bajrami - 7

Another strong performance from Bajrami. He defended admirably against a real handful in Harry Ottoway, but handled him very well. Also, unlucky not to get on the scoresheet after being put through by Scott.

Kyle Cameron - 6

Like the rest of the defence, was solid and crisp with his passing, whilst being dominant in all of his aerial duels and pushing Notts up the field with his runs from defence.

Aaron Nemane - 7

Always looked a threat down the right-hand side and was keen to attack and play forward. Should have done better with his effort at the start of the second half.

Adam Chicksen - 6

His influence on the game grew in the second half, providing more of a threat going forward and creating some good opportunities for the attacking players.

Jim O'Brien - 6

Had another good display in midfield, working tirelessly and being the instigator of Notts' press. His substitution was needed to inject that energy in midfield for the final half an hour.

Matty Palmer - 5

Not at his best this afternoon, often taking too long on the ball and producing a number of loose passes which is very uncharacteristic of him.

Ruben Rodrigues - 7

Was brilliant all afternoon in getting Notts up the pitch and winning a number of fouls in dangerous positions.

Cedwyn Scott - 7

Took his goal extremely well, taking his time before firing an accurate finish into the bottom corner. His build-up play is continually improving, and he looked comfortable dropping deep to link up the play.

Macaulay Langstaff - 6

Rarely had a chance to influence the game, but had a number of good opportunities to add to his tally. Showed some neat touches and was tireless in his pressing.

SUBS:

Quevin Castro - 6

Made an impact when coming on, looking to drive at the Dorking defence at every opportunity.

Kairo Mitchell - 6

Rarely had a kick but was useful in the air to bring in attackers and allow Notts to maintain their pressure.

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