I think we lost 3-0 because...
Notts County wanted the victory more than us, quite simple really.
They were well organised, disciplined and hardworking, whilst we were wasteful, below average and looked like a team void of confidence and tactical awareness.
The shoulder of the blame must be directed at Dario, Notts County had eleven players who all had second division experience, not the most talented of teams, but all were willing to give it their all and frustrate us, which they did with maximum reward. Whilst Dario watched us fold without change.
We failed to break them down, and on the few occasions we did, we failed to take the opportunity to score. Once when Hulsey ran their right back scared, cut inside and crossed, only for a weak shot to be passed to the keeper, and secondly when Hulsey's misjudged shot found its way to Ben Rix who somehow failed to score from three yards out.
Notts County had far less possession than us, yet scored three times, this proving that if Dario's desire for possessional domination has no reward at the end of 20 passes, the ball doesn't end up in the net, or at best, in a shot on goal, then it is pointless, we may as well play route one.
A point which hasn't been raised is the inability of Clayton Ince to marshal the back four. On a number of occasions, before they scored, he fumbled at crosses, lacked communication with Sodje and eventually, we paid dearly. Foz should have dealt with the aimless through ball, but he was unaware of Clayton's position, yet Ince made no attempt to inform the backline of Allsopp's presence, simply Sunday league mistakes. Yet even when the Notts forward found himself through on goal, Ince left himself in no-mans land, neither attempting to foil the on rushing striker, or spreading himself. He simply stood rooted to the spot, the strike was not powerful or well directed, simply angled away from Ince, again, an example of Ince's slow reactions. (See Sheff Utd at home). The second goal was even worse. The failure of Ince to leave his goaline was much like the antics of Kearton, except when the ball fell at Stallard's feet, Ince failed to make an attempt to dive at him, or even move. The blame was layed at Sodje's feet, yet Ince could and should have prevented the ball reaching Stallard.
The second half was better, but only just. The boys came out and attempted to put the Notts rearguard under some pressure, yet again though, possessional dominance with no reward, the endless passing moves which resulted in us gaining a throw-in were unbelievable, no killer touch, no result.
The attitude of Deano much change, whether it be dropping him to the bench to state to him that he is not indispensable or changing the formation. He made little effort last night, never looked like scoring in the whole game (how many times could you say that about the Deano of old?) and the crowd began to get on his back. Justifiable or not, a fact and Dario must prevent the lads undoubted talent going down Tierney road!
A change has to be made Saturday, whether it be the starting X1 or the tactics, or both. But we cannot expect to not win our home games, and make a promotion push.