Stuart Maynard has admitted that Notts County weren’t good enough on Friday night in their 3-1 defeat at home to Salford City.
The Magpies’ hopes of earning automatic promotion to League One suffered a massive dent with just four games remaining in the regular campaign.
The League Two side are now four points adrift of the top three, while having played a game more than their rivals.
Salford took the lead right before half-time through a Matthew Platt own goal, with goals in the second 45 added by Kelly N’Mai and Luke Garbutt, with David McGoldrick supplying Notts County’s consolation.
Stuart Maynard makes Notts County admission
Maynard has claimed that his Notts County side just weren’t good enough as they suffered a crucial setback in their bid for a top three finish.
While he criticised the decision to award a throw-in to Salford City prior to the opening goal, he admitted that his players had to do better to prevent the opening goal, especially right before half-time.
“I don’t think we were good enough all night,” said Maynard, via the BBC.
“All over the pitch energy-wise, but really frustrating.
Notts have defended superbly over recent weeks, and it’s kept their dream of a League One return alive.
“Their first goal, I think, is 45 plus one. It’s like the worst time to concede just before half-time.
“It is our throw-in. If you watch it back, the linesman gives the throw to us, the ref gives it the other way, the ref can’t even see it and the ref gives it to them.
“But, from there, they just shouldn’t score.
| Notts County’s last five league results | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Opponent (Home or Away) | Result | ||
| Salford City (H) | 3-1 loss | ||
| Colchester United (A) | 1-0 loss | ||
| MK Dons (H) | 3-0 win | ||
| Newport County (A) | 2-0 win | ||
| Crewe Alexandra (H) | 0-0 | ||
“Turns, dribbles, crosses it, they get a little bit lucky.
“He shoots, and it deflects in, but they shouldn’t ever even get into that position.
“So, it’s a frustrating night because the goals we conceded this evening, they’re very unlike us, so it’s a very frustrating night tonight.”
Notts County have now suffered back-to-back defeats, and will play promotion rivals Bradford City away from home next on 17 April.
The Bradford game is huge for Notts County
If Notts County want to earn a top three finish, then a win away to the Bantams is an absolute must.
A third loss in a row and suddenly their concerns would have to shift to ensuring they even still finish in the play-offs.
The team have hit a rough patch of form at the worst time, and it’s likely going to cost them a place in League One automatically.
Maynard now has a few days to react with the team, which will be a big test for him as a coach in the business end of the campaign.
Discussion about this post