Notts County's difficult start to the League One season continued with a 2-0 defeat away to Reading. Jack Marriott's two second-half headers secured the points for the Royals at the SCL Stadium on Saturday, leaving the Magpies mired in the relegation zone.
The result sees Notts County drop to 20th place, having taken just seven points from their opening seven matches. They have now lost two of their last three league games, with their only victory this campaign coming against Burton Albion in late August.
A game of two halves
Martin Paterson's side had their moments in a low-key first half, creating several opportunities but failing to test the Reading goalkeeper. The game turned decisively after the interval. Just four minutes into the second half, Haydon Roberts delivered a cross that Marriott met with a firm header to break the deadlock.
Notts County struggled to regain their footing, and Marriott struck again in the 72nd minute, this time connecting with a Kyreece Joshua Lisbie delivery to double the lead. Reading manager Leam Richardson was critical of his own team's slow start but delighted with the response. "I’m really pleased," Richardson said. "If I’m honest, I didn’t think we started the game very well. I was a bit disappointed."
He added, "We were a little bit bitter with how we started the game because it’s not us." The Royals' manager reserved special praise for his match-winner, describing Marriott as "lethal" when given service in the box.
Paterson points to fatigue
For Notts County head coach Martin Paterson, the story was one of fading after the break. He noted his team "looked tired" in the second period and admitted they needed to work the opposition goalkeeper more often. The defeat compounds a worrying run; the 1-0 home loss to Bradford City the previous weekend was followed by this comprehensive reverse on the road.
The Magpies' defensive frailties were again exposed, taking their goals conceded tally to nine for the season. With only seven goals scored, their negative goal difference is a clear concern. The team must now regroup quickly ahead of a key home fixture.
Notts County return to Meadow Lane next Saturday, September 26, to face Blackpool, who currently sit 15th. It represents a vital opportunity to stop the slide and add to their solitary win.
First reported at The Tilehurst End
