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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Notts County player ratings as Magpies pegged back at Southend United

Notts County dropped points for the second consecutive National League game, being pegged back twice by Southend United in a 2-2 draw at Roots Hall.

The BT Sport cameras were in town and people around the country got to witness the Magpies' scoring sensation add to Notts tally, with Macaulay Langstaff giving Luke Williams' side the lead with the aid of a deflection in the first half.

But Ollie Kensdale levelled the scores with a looping header despite protests from those in lavender, but referee Daniel Middleton waved away those appeals.

READ MORE: Notts County team news confirmed as defender returns to the starting XI at Southend

However the Magpies restored their lead nine minutes into the second half, with Cedwyn Scott grabbing his eighth goal of the season with another smart finish.

But the points were shared in Essex, with Jack Bridge's cross finding the feet of Callum Powell to slot the ball beyond Sam Slocombe.

Ahead of the game at Roots Hall, Williams made one change to the side that drew with Bromley a week ago, with Richard Brindley coming into replace Connell Rawlinson in the back three.

After a confident start in the opening ten minutes, it was the Shrimpers who created the first opportunity, with Powell forcing a good save from Slocombe at his near post.

But the Magpies replied and missed two chances in quick succession, with Scott firing wide inside the area following Aaron Nemane's deflected cross, with Langstaff also firing the ball beyond Collin Adeng-Ndi's net.

However, the Notts number nine was not to be denied his customary National League goal, latching on to Matty Palmer's attempted shot to place the ball beyond the Southend 'keeper as he closes in on 20 league goals this campaign.

But just nine minutes into the second half, the Shrimpers levelled the scores, albeit controversially. Kensdale's looping header evaded the grasp of Slocombe in the Notts net, but a number of the Magpies were appealing for a push in the build-up, with Kyle Cameron leading the protests.

The Magpies responded almost immediately, with Scott, who had been kept quiet all evening, producing a trademark finish into the near post in front of the travelling 286 Notts fans.

But as the saying goes, you are at your most vulnerable when taking the lead and Southend equalised just five minutes after going behind. Nemane misjudged a ball over the top which allowed Jack Bridge the opportunity to cross, with Powell on hand to stab the ball beyond Slocombe.

The result sees the Magpies remain at the summit of the National League by two points, with Wrexham in action tomorrow against Scunthorpe, knowing a win will see them retain top spot.

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

Sam Slocombe - 6

Had a couple of nervy moments during the first half, misplacing a pass which almost resulted in Southend taking the lead. Did very well coming off his line to sweep the danger, albeit getting a sore one from Callum Powell.

Kyle Cameron - 6

Was keen to drive forward in possession of the ball but was guilty of losing possession on a number of occasions. Frustrated the home crowd with a number of professional dives when under pressure.

Aden Baldwin - 7

Brilliant all evening. Was confident when stepping out with the ball and was keen to break forward with the ball to push Notts up the pitch. His long-range passing also proved a creative avenue for the Magpies. Unlucky for Southend's second goal.

Richard Brindley - 6

Nothing spectacular about his performance but did the basics well throughout. Was keen to help Nemane with his defensive responsibilities all evening.

Adam Chicksen - 6

His usual threat going forward was completely nullified all game, with the Zimbabwean very rarely able to have an influence on the game all evening.

Aaron Nemane - 6

Picked up some excellent positions out on the right, but often played backwards rather than attacking his immediate opponent. Struggled in the second half against the pace of Callum Powell and Jack Bridge.

Matty Palmer - 6

Operated in a much more advanced position in midfield and was influential in the opening goal.

Geraldo Bajrami - 5

Far from his best performance in a Notts shirt. Was guilty of giving the ball away in midfield far too often. Hopefully an off night.

Ruben Rodrigues - 6

Produced another impressive midfield display during the first half, playing on the front foot and keeping the ball ticking in the final third, but his influence on the game dwindled in the second half.

Cedwyn Scott - 7

Was kept quiet during the opening 45 minutes but proved how deadly he can be when given half a chance, producing a trademark finish beyond the Southend 'keeper at his near post.

Macaulay Langstaff - 7

After missing a chance earlier on in the first half, he was never going to miss two in a row. Took his goal well albeit with the help of a deflection.

SUBS -

Sam Austin - 6

Failed to make an impact on the game during his appearance.

Tobi Adebayo-Rowling - 6

Was a much-needed change as Nemane looked like he was struggling in the second half. Provided energy down the right-hand side.

Quevin Castro - 6

Got the crowd on the edge of their seats with a long-range free-kick.

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