Nolan happy for Notts County to draw a line under Barnet defeat

Posted Wednesday, February 14, 2018 by PA

Kevin Nolan believes Notts County gave a true account of themselves in defeating Carlisle 2-1 following Saturday’s surprise defeat to Sky Bet League Two basement side Barnet.

Evergreen striker Jon Stead scored twice in the first half and County held on for the three points despite Carlisle causing a nervous end to the game when Jamie Devitt netted with 15 minutes remaining.

Magpies boss Nolan said: “I thought the lads were back to their usual selves.

“You knew Carlisle were going to throw everything at us in the second half, but I thought the way we went about it meant we ended up with a well-deserved victory.

“They looked back to being what we have been all about for much of the season.

“I am delighted, and I just thought we could have finished them off with the chances we created.

“Their goal came from a coming together and if Duffer (Richard Duffy) doesn’t scream for it, he probably gets the foul.

“But overall, I thought the lads were brilliant. They just got back to the basic stuff and when they had the chance to show their quality they did.”

Stead put County ahead in the 19th minute when he collected a smart pass from Lewis Alessandra and although his shot hit goalkeeper Jack Bonham it looped into the net.

And Stead then made it 2-0 after 35 minutes when he reacted quickest during a goalmouth scramble.

Keith Curle’s side had their moments and came close to pulling a goal back before the break when Hallam Hope cut in from the left and bent a shot inches wide of the post.

Hope then hit the post in the second half before substitute Mike Jones saw a deflected drive hit the top of the bar.

Devitt did eventually pull a goal back with a fierce strike from the edge of the box, but County held firm for a much-needed win.

And Carlisle manager Curle said: “We showed good character to come back into the game after going 2-0 down.

“It was a good reaction and if you get one back, then there is a nervousness about this place (Notts County) at the minute.

“We could have done better with the first goal because it was a scruffy ball out from the back which put the ball into an area where we lost possession.

“We were spread out as a back four because the ball didn’t go where it needed to go.

“But Jack (Bonham) was unlucky with the goal because although he got enough on the ball, it wasn’t enough to stop it from going forwards and looping into the net.”