Notts County have firepower, but must fix leaky defence, warns boss Keith Curle
NOTTS County have the firepower for promotion – but boss Keith Curle has warned they must plug their leaky defence.
They are the second-highest scorers in League One behind leaders Tranmere, with 26 goals in 14 games, but they have let in 15 goals, with only four clean-sheets.
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Notts County boss Keith Curle
Curle wants his side to make a big splash in the top-six this season, but it could all end in a damp squib if they don't tighten up at the back.
He was a top-class defender in his playing days at Manchester City and it is Curle's priority to make sure the Magpies become rock solid, having watched them throw away victory against Bournemouth at Meadow Lane on Tuesday night by conceding three goals in the second half to draw 3-3.
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"I've never had an issue with us creating chances and scoring goals," he said. "We are always an attacking threat, but we have to make sure we keep the back door shut.
"I don't think we were carved open by Bournemouth, but we didn't defend a ball from a goal kick and then a random ball into our box.
"There's an old saying that you are always at your most vulnerable after you've just scored; and after we scored our third, the next time we touched the ball was to kick off because they'd scored.
"To be successful you have to be ruthless, which means when you're leading 2-0, the second half should be 0-0 at worst. I want us to play entertaining, attacking football, but I also want to win so we have got to tidy up at the back.
"I think everyone saw the best of us in the first half, it was a complete performance, but if you switch off, you are vulnerable."
Notts are still fifth in the table ahead of facing sixth-placed Doncaster Rovers on home soil tomorrow.
They beat Tranmere in midweek and Curle added: "They have just got a fantastic result away so they will be coming here full of beans."
Comments
by Craigwigan
Saturday, October 27 2012, 10:37AM
“GOOD MORNING FELLOW PYES
DONNY WILL SCORE MAKE NO MISTEAE ABOUT THAT
IM GOING FOR A 2-2 DRAW
SEE YOU ALL IN THE NAV
APART FROM
SIR UNCLE COLINS SUBWOOFER ARM CHAIR ARMY
COME ON YOU PYES”
by ExBurtonJoyce
Friday, October 26 2012, 10:13PM
“Cmanddes ...
Julian Kelly has a hamstring injury from which he has not recovered yet, Joss Labadie is also out injured but it looks as though Alan Judge is fit and available. So I see what you are saying, but with these, and Smith's, injuries - plus several suspensions so far, KC has never had a full current squad to pick from yet.
Hopefully we can get the home form going again, I agree, but it's nice to have worries about promotion rather than relegation for once !”
by cmanddes
Friday, October 26 2012, 1:40PM
“If we can't beat these teams we shouldn't be talking about play offs or promotion. As we only suffered three home defeats ALL last season, and had an identical points tally and position at this stage last season, thanks KC for the away form.
Appreciate your plans are stifled because of the injuries to Manny Smith and Ju Kelly, and apart from your total neglect of Haydn Hollis can't argue with your team picks too much, so hope you find the solution. We don't usually do very well in October so lets see a dodgy period off with 3 points tomorrow.
And could someone include news of our injured absentees please, just what is the matter with Kelly and when will he be back. likewise wish Manny Smith well for a speedy recovery.”