[Devongone]

I was watching us playing Notts County and suddenly wondered if that was the smallest side Chesterfield had fielded during my lifetime (1952 on). Jatta, their centre forward towered over our back four - no wonder he scored with a header, especially as our young keeper didn't seem keen to exercise his giant hands on coming for crosses. We didn't start Banks so Metcalfe looked our most physically capable midfielder and Berry, whose skill I like very much, looked our most robust forward threat. Madden looked tiny up against their defenders, Markanday doesn't look much for head tennis, and even Dobra, cocky as ever, looked to be getting a crick in his neck from looking upwards.

Amazingly, statistics show we won more aerial challenges than our opponents. Even more amazingly I found myself fantasising about bringing Grimes on.

At times I thought we played some nice stuff and showed good skills, but there were also periods when we looked like Year 1 taking on the post-pubescent 4th Form. And the penalty we conceded was a first for me too (yes since 1952). I've never before seen three players all handle the ball, whether accidentally or deliberately. If it hadn't resulted in a penalty it would have looked ridiculous. It looked like a dramatisation of the point at which rugby was invented.

County's permanent gangly deathwish of trying to pass out from the back whatever the situation baffled me almost as much as the all-subbuteo team we fielded.

I'm not sure about our young keeper either. If you are fourth choice at Newcastle and you stay rooted to your line when a corner curls across your six-yard area which is manned by vertically-challenged defenders up against a 6'5" centre forward I can't help questioning your future ..........

Still a point's a point, however tall.

[Dancingwilldoit]

Loved Dobras runs into the box causing panic. At least he managed to stay on his feet most of the game.
Joking aside Berry often looks off it when he starts yet looks a world beater when he comes on as a sub. Colclough showed how it should be done when he eventually came on. Mandeville is wasted at RB.
Dobra looked brilliant against higher league opponents the last 2 seasons but seems to struggle at this level. Refs have his name in their little red book of divers. Maybe he should come out wearing flippers and a snorkel. You never know even though he'd look a bit of a prick the flippers might might help keep him upright.
Grimes should have started. At least he can jump.

[Devongone]

White men can't jump so the saying goes ...... but a New Zealander won the Olympic High Jump didn't he? Dunkley being injured is the only reason to revert to Grimes, but yeah I'd do it.

I thought Dobra played quite well ..... but was far too sane and didn't cut inside or lose the ball at all ........ but he had too little support from behind him. He should be playing HIS game, risking bookings and making trouble. Luckily Notts County seemed concerned to make their own trouble at times as Markanday wasn't on a going day either.

Mandeville isn't only wasted at right back, he is also a liability - Kellan Gordon kept taking him with the same simple move to which Mandeville only dangled a limp foot. He needs to play further forward and we need to bench Oldaker. Signifcantly both Hobson and Drummond played well as they cup-tied themselves.

Colclough looked dangerous when he got on, but I always feel confident he's going to miss ...... whereas Berry gives you the impression he thinks he'll score.

I like Araujo and I've liked what I've seen of Tanton. Unfortunately they play for Fulham.

Madden wasn't bad but he's a problem. You need very perceptive midfield players to find him at the centre of your attack.

AND OUR GOAL WOULD HAVE BEEN OFFSIDE WITH VAR.