Ian McParland admitted that the 2-0 defeat at Chester City today capped off a 'horrible few days' for the Magpies.

After the FA Cup Second Round replay defeat at Kettering in midweek McParland was looking for an instant reaction from his players.

A goal in each half condemned Notts to defeat at the Deva Stadium today, and despite enjoying the majority of the play he conceded there was something missing from his side which was of a massive concern.

"It has been a horrible few days for us, no doubt about it," said the Notts boss.

"I will have to look at the DVD for their goals because there was a suspicion of offside with them, but these things happen."

He admitted he was baffled his side were unable to register a shot on target despite putting in a number of crosses during the game.

He said: "I would like to see the stats for how many crosses we put in the box, yet we didn't force their goalkeeper into a save and that isn't good enough.

"We had a lot of the play, but there was something missing and we have to get it sorted out.

"We didn't have a shot on target and I said to the players I can't understand that from the crosses Matt Hamshaw and Myles Weston got in.

"If we don't do that then we won't win football matches and that is worrying."

The Manager admitted that his side are going through a sticky patch in terms of form, and has pledged to keep on fighting to push his team up the table.

"We're going through a sticky patch and I know it's a results orientated business," he said.

"If you don't win games people will call for your head, but people will know from my time as a player I am a fighter and as long as I am at Notts County I'll continue to be that."