Notts County Football Club

A goal in each half gave Notts County development squad a hard-fought victory over Bradford City under-21s. Tyrell Waite struck first ahead of the break, before Kyle Dixon found the bottom corner with a neat finish in the second period. 

In difficult conditions, the Magpies coped the better of the two sides, as they created a host of chances against a strong wind. Jeremy Balmy, Ronan Murray, Malcolm Melvin and Dixon all could have delivered the first blow with decent attempts. 

The eventual opening goal-scorer, Waite, should have done so earlier, after being upended inside the area by the home goalkeeper. The frontman’s placed spot-kick into the bottom-right corner was well scouted by the stopper, who then made another save with his legs to deny Balmy on the rebound.

Waite soon made amends with a goal 15 minutes before the break. His initial shot, made possible by Andy Haworth, cannoned back off the post, but he made no mistake with his follow-up attempt and slotted inside the right-hand upright. 

With the wind behind them in the second 45, County were able to control the play and should have gone on to put the game out of site. Murray, Melvin, Balmy and, off the bench, a trialist winger and Lavelle-Moore all provided good efforts.

The only goal of the second half was netted by Dixon, whose forward run was met by Haworth’s defence-splitting through-ball. The former youth team captain carried the ball into the box and confidently sent the goalkeeper the wrong way with a left-footed finish. 

Although a number of key players were missing, it was another encouraging display by the development squad, particularly in a defensive capacity. The backline was rarely troubled, ensuring that goalkeeper coach Kevin Pilkington experienced a relatively quiet afternoon between the sticks. 

Look out for reaction from development squad coach Steve Hodge and extended highlights on Magpie Player.