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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Leigh Curtis

Notts County v Grimsby player ratings as front pair struggle in defeat

Michee Efete inflicted back to back defeats on Notts County as his late strike earned Grimsby Town a 2-1 win at Meadow Lane.

Callum Roberts had opened the scoring for the Magpies with a brillant solo effort as Ian Burchnall's side started brightly.

Notts created further chances, but were unable to capitalise with Roberts wasting a glorious chance as he shot wide of the far post.

But Grimsby clawed their way back into the game and missed a chance to equalise when Kyle Cameron was penalised for a foul in the area only for Ryan Taylor to hit the post from the spot.

Harry Clifton then rattled the woodwork before half-time as the Mariners continued to apply pressure after the break.

But despite having plenty of possession they could not break down the Magpies' defence with John McAtee blazing wide on two occasions.

Taylor made amends for his penalty miss when he blasted in from close range before Efete sealed the win when he pounced from close range.

Here Leigh Curtis rates the players.

Vitezslaz Jaros: A steady debut from the on-loan Liverpool goalkeeper who looked calm and assured in everything he did. Looked to have got the faintest of touches on the penalty too. 6

Jayden Richardson: The on-loan Nottingham Forest defender charged up and down the flank in the opening 45 minutes and linked up 5well with Callum Roberts, but influence waned after the break. 5

Richard Brindley: One square pass across the face of his own goal aside in the first half blotted his copybook. Was backs against the wall stuff in the second half. 5

Kyle Cameron: Harshly penalised for a foul which gave Grimsby a penalty but justice was done when Ryan Taylor missed from 12 yards. Will be annoyed with Grimsby's late winner. 5

Alex Lacey: Strong in the air and on the deck but got a lucky escape late on when he brought down Tristan Abrahams when he looked to be heading through on goal. 5

Joel Taylor: Showed real intent going forwards and enjoyed plenty of freedom as the Mariners failed to deal with the wingbacks in the first half. Final ball needs work. 5

Matt Palmer: Such a good player in terms of his ability and started really well, but struggled to halt Grimsby's dominance after the break. 5

Zak Brunt: Busy in the first half and had a shot that cleared the bar but was sacrificed in the second half as Grimsby turned the screw. 5

Callum Roberts: Grimsby fans may complain about the defending for his goal, but when he is running at you at pace, there's not much you can do. Brilliant goal and performance. 7

Ruben Rodrigues: Was inches away from scoring in the first half but looks to be struggling for form at the minute. Not the player we the fans know and love right now. 5

Kyle Wootton: Some of his link-up play was a joy, but at other times a lack of tidiness let him down and needs to be sharper. Struggled for clear-cut chances. 5

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