Win at Wolves boosts North Notts’ hopes of survival

Notts, without the injured Matt Kanalas and unavailable players Anthony Clay and talisman William Butler, drafted coach Alex Greer back into the first XI.

The game started with mixed results for Notts as they were the more experienced against the youthful Wolves, but this was not representative of their ability as they were first to open the scoring with a penalty corner on the five minute mark after a mix up in the Notts’ back line.

Notts looked to turn a corner and with a prompt but effective change in formation were able to exploit the legs of Singleton and Johnson to stretch the wings and drive the play forward to find Greer, Butler and Barton in the forward line.

As the game progressed Notts were able to break forward but were met by a scrappy but strong defensive line.

It wasn’t until just past the 25 minute mark when a ball was fired into the D and returning player Alex Greer was able to get a touch onto the ball and guide it into the back of the net to set Notts back level.

This was quickly followed up by a goal from Jason Barton, who crashed the ball into the roof of the net showing fantastic skill and a deft touch.

Notts, now leading the game, were not going to let this slip away and a typical wide angle shot from Allen Butler saw Notts push further in front at 3-1.

At the half-time break Notts were instructed by manager Faulkner to be patient and avoid a repeat of earlier in the season where a 4-1 lead was let slip, so possession was the key point for the second half.

Wolves made changes to their forward line to improve their striking power with the introduction of a more experienced forward, who was good company for centre back Mark Paulson.

Notts were now building the play and transferring the ball around the back from Adam Moss on the right wing round to Marc Johnson on the left via Matt Cooper and Fraser Jepson.

Wolves were still causing the Notts’ defensive line some problems, crashing the ball through the midfield to their high forward, but this caused no major problems for Notts following a few fantastic saves from keeper Unwin.

A fast break down the Notts’ left hand side saw Nathan Smith slip the ball to Marc Johnson looking for Allen Butler when a three-man tackle from Wolves saw a straight yellow card issued.

Notts rode the game out to the end to gain the three points in a less than glamorous performance, but it completed the job against a very youthful Wolverhampton, who will be a side to contend with in the next few years with a bit more experience.

Manager Faulkner said: “A vital three points today sees us well in the mix at the bottom half of the table.

“In a higher league this year we feel we have only been outclassed in games twice, so we must take the experience and learn fast if we are to move out of the relegation zone.

“The first half of the season will provide some real six-pointers for us and I’m confident we can move on and finish in the upper part of the table.”