Skipper John Thompson was left frustrated as another bad start cost the team their place in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Two early goals from James O'Connor condemned Notts to a cup exit, despite Ben Davies pulling one back before the break.

This followed three goals inside 28 minutes at the weekend against AFC Bournemouth.

Thompson explained that the team has to keep it tight at the back from the first whistle if they are to start climbing the League 1 table.

"We talked about it before the game and we said that we wanted to start right but they went two goals ahead of us," he told Magpie Player.

"We're playing catch up after that but to be fair to the lads, they put in a great shift after that and nearly pulled it back.

"We were definitely the better team in the second half and we had a couple of chances.

"On another day we could've got back into it but the disappointing thing for us is how we're starting games at the moment."

Notts County take on Yeovil at Meadow Lane at the weekend, celebrating 100 Years at Meadow Lane.