Ian McParland has his longest unbeaten run in place since taking over at Meadow Lane in October following today's 1-1 draw at Stockport - but he still cut a frustrated figure afterwards.

The reason was simple as to why; as McParland was frustrated for the second week running his side weren't able to hold onto a lead and had to settle for a point.

Mike Edwards' ninth minute goal was cancelled out by Tommy Rowe for the Hatters, and McParland felt that if his side had defended better they could have claimed an important and impressive win.

Edwards' goal was his first of the campaign, and that goal was the perfect start for the Magpies.

"It was an encouraging start with Mike's goal, and to be honest we should have scored earlier on from another set-piece," said McParland afterwards.

"We looked dangerous from them and we should be scoring more goals off them in general.

"I couldn't tell if Mike's effort crossed the line, but the Linesman gave it and that's all that matters.

"But, I am just disappointed we didn't hold onto the lead. If we had defended the way we did in the second half after we had scored I don't believe we could have conceded.

"It was just twelve minutes and everything was too easy for them."

McParland felt overall his side were fully worth the point they gained against an in-form and impressive Stockport side, and with a little more composure McParland felt Notts could have headed home with three important points.

"Stockport are a good team and we worked hard to get something," he said.

"They played some good football, and we could have nicked it but we lacked that little bit of composure.

"It was a tough game; but we could have won and I believed that. We had to adjust our system a bit because they played 4-3-3, and the lads worked so hard for the point.

"Ryan Jarvis was superb today, he worked hard and deserved a goal but it wasn't to be."

High-flying Darlington visit Meadow Lane on Tuesday evening as the games come thick and fast, and McParland feels a game coming so quickly is a good thing as his side look to build on their five-match unbeaten run against the Quakers.

"We have a run going and it is nice we have a game on Tuesday," he said.

"Darlington are up there and it would be nice to get a win on the board and turn those draws into wins."