Kevin Pilkington admitted it was good to be back between the sticks at the weekend - but was disappointed not to keep a clean sheet upon his return.
The 34-year-old started in goal in place of the injured Russell Hoult for the first time since August after Hoult was ruled out for two months with a shoulder injury earlier in the week.
The Magpies slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Lincoln City and Pilkington admitted he should have punched the cross leading up to Adrian Patulea's goal which settled matters.
Instead he came to claim the ball and after seemingly being fouled by Daniel Hone he wasn't able to keep hold of the ball and Patulea pounced.
He said: "The lads were saying in the dressing room it was a foul.
"If I had come to punch it there wouldn't have been questions then - it is disappointing."
Pilkington has had to wait patiently for his opportunity to start once again between the posts, but is set for an extended run with Hoult out until the end of February.
He has played little football since his last start back in the summer and is confident his match sharpness will return quickly.
"It has been a long time out the team, too long for me," said last season's Players' Player & Fans' Player of the Season.
"It was nice to be out there playing again and I enjoyed it despite the fact we lost.
"You can do all the training you like, but nothing prepares you for a matchday which I've not had for a while.
"Since my last first-team game I've only played three games in friendly games so my sharpness isn't quite there, but that will come."
With festive fixtures against Grimsby at Blundell Park on Boxing Day and Rotherham at Meadow Lane 48 hours later the Magpies have a good opportunity to get points on the board.
And Pilkington believes Notts must get back into a winning habit.
"I just want to go out there and do my best for the lads, I enjoy playing but it is all about winning and we need to get into that habit again," he said.
"The lads' effort was different class out there against Lincoln and no-one could question the commitment, but like I said we need to get in that winning habit and we have two quick opportunities to do that over the festive period."
Festive Footy At A Reduced Price
Notts County Vs Rotherham United, Sunday 28th December 2008
Tickets in the Victoria Centre Kop Stand, Haydn Green Family Stand & Derek Pavis Stand are just £5 for all categories and UNDER 12s GET IN FREE! Get down to Meadow Lane and see 2008 out in style!
